PUBLIC transport chiefs have earmarked £250,000 to further their busway plans.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority has initially allocated the cash in pursuit of permission for its Leigh-Tyldesley-Manchester guided busway scheme.

Members decided to make the money available which would allow GMPTE to submit a Transport and Works Act application to the government for the scheme and complete a public inquiry.

The Executive aims to make the application by October to obtain the powers necessary to construct and operate its proposed ex-rail route busway between Leigh and Ellenbrook.

Feasibility studies relating to park and ride sites beside the East Lancashire Road and off the M61 are under way with highways controllers.

GMPTA chairman Cllr Joe Clarke from Atherton, said: "The route is an important part of Greater Manchester's Quality Bus Routes network.

"It will mean a real choice of quality public transport for local people as well as improved links between communities." A MULTI-million pound transport transformation is planned in Wigan.

It would include £100 million rail, bus and highway investment with state of the art interchange in the town.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority is backing proposals tabled by developers Marston Assets Limited and Wigan Council which will greatly enhance public transport facilities.

It would combine the town's two rail stations in a single interchange including a remote check-in facility and rail link to Manchester Airport plus strategic park and ride sites.

GMPTA chairman Cllr Joe Clarke welcomed the idea: "These proposals offer high quality, modern public transport facilities. They go hand-in-hand with the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan, the county's Transport Strategy and emerging fixed track schemes."