A SECOND phase of improvement and refurbishment works at Bury Interchange is to get underway at a cost of £350,000.

Transport bosses have given the go-ahead for the project. The first phase, costing £565,000, has already been successfully completed.

The initial works included the upgrading of bus waiting areas, walkways and crossing points in parts of the Interchange, as well as refurbishment of the Travelshop and the relocation of the supervisor's office.

The further funding to extend the improvements has been approved by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's (GMPTA) policy committee.

It will allow work to start on the upgrading of waiting areas, walkways and crossing points across the remainder of the Interchange. There will also be some refurbishment of facilities for bus drivers and other staff.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the policy committee, said: "The provision of high quality waiting facilities at bus stations and Interchanges is vital in encouraging more people to use public transport.

"The Authority is always looking for ways to provide better Interchange facilities, so I am delighted that we are able to fund these necessary improvements at Bury. The works already undertaken at Bury have been well received and I'm sure that passengers will appreciate the upgrade of facilities right across the Interchange."

Coun Winston Ramsey, the Authority's Bury spokesman, commented: "I'm pleased to see this new funding being directed to important refurbishment works at Bury Interchange. If we want to get people out of their cars and on to public transport, then we need to provide the best facilities we possibly can.

"The parts of the Interchange already refurbished are much more welcoming and the improved crossing points will help people use the facilities safely."

It is anticipated tenders for the improvements will be sought later this year with work starting on site early next year.