A NEW £1 million park and ride site is on the way for the Whitefield Metrolink station.

When it opens in the late summer, the site will have 133 car parking spaces, including eight for disabled car users, eight motorcycle stands, three cycle stands and five cycle lockers.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) has released funding for the scheme. The site has already been cleared and utility service diversions are on track for completion by late spring, paving the way for construction work to start in the early summer.

Bus facilities will also be improved as Whitefield bus station is replaced by a new bus turning area at the park and ride, with two modern passenger waiting shelters. A covered walkway will link the bus waiting area and tram stop platform.

Councillor Mike Connolly, Bury spokesman for the GMPTA, said: "This is a major investment which underlines our commitment to improving facilities for Metrolink passengers. Whitefield is a popular stop and we know that demand exists for more parking.

As well as drivers, the park and ride will improve facilities for bus users and cyclists and I am sure it will be well used when it opens later this year.

Work is also drawing to a close on a number of smaller schemes to improve parking facilities at other stops on the Bury line.

When work is completed the Crumpsall stop will have 43 car parking spaces, three disabled user car parking spaces, four cycle stands and two cycle lockers, while the Besses o' th' Barn stop will have six new disabled user car parking spaces along with two cycle stands.