RE-OPENING Kenyon Junction would benefit local people, a public inquiry in Leigh has been told.

According to GMPTE, a park-and-ride site and station at Kenyon, accompanying the proposed Xanadu complex, would greatly enhance travel opportunities for local people.

Giving evidence at the inquiry, Mr Bill Tyson, on behalf of GMPTE, told how the proposed railway station and park and ride site would serve three roles.

He said it would integrate all modes of transport - including the car - with all the initial capital costs being funded by the Xanadu developers.

"First, it will be a strategic park and ride site for people driving to Greater Manchester who would have the choice of parking their car at Kenyon and taking a train for the rest of their journey," said Mr Tyson.

"Second, in combination with a frequent feeder bus service, it would provide a rail station for Leigh, which is one of the largest towns in the country without a direct rail service. "Third, the station would also benefit from a feeder bus service which provides a link between the proposed new rail station and the Xanadu development."

Mr Tyson also stated that Horwich railway station, which opened last year and shares a number of similarities with Kenyon Junction, had successfully reduced car travel.

He added that Kenyon Junction has the potential to do the same.

Mr Tyson said the development of the two facilities would be consistent with national transport policy, which seeks to reduce car use by increasing the availability of high quality public transport as an alternative to the car.

This would thereby reduce the associated problems of congestion, environmental damage and accidents.

Furthermore, he stated the rail link would allow access to the new leisure complex for all people in Greater Manchester and beyond, regardless of whether they own a car, thus reducing social exclusion.

The inquiry is expected to close this week.

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