A GUIDED busway decision is another step nearer.

Now Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority will seek councils and Highways Agency views before deciding whether the Leigh-Manchester Quality Bus Route should go ahead.

They have considered GMPTE route and public survey reports and suggested an alternative park and ride site.

Authority chairman Cllr Joe Clarke said: "The public consultation has been a constructive process. A number of modifications have been made to the proposals as a result of comments from interest groups and members of the public.

"We are pleased with the report which demonstrates most people are in favour of the bus priority corridor from Leigh to Manchester. "This area of Greater Manchester has suffered from poor public transport links and this scheme will improve the quality and reliability of public transport.

"This scheme is designed to provide a high quality public transport system which will attract people from their cars and on to the bus and also assist in the economic regeneration of Leigh, Tyldesley and Salford."

They now need agreement from Wigan and Salford councils and the Highways Agency before deciding to proceed.

Consultation material went to 40,000 homes and seven public meetings and a series of exhibitions were held to highlight proposals.

A public opinion survey involving 502 people found 65% thought it a very good idea.

But a Journal reader survey conducted in 60,000 households resulted in an emphatic "NO" vote.

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