PLANS for a new minibus interchange in Leyland are in the pipeline in a bid to encourage more people to use public transport.

Lancashire County Council is looking at sites in Hough Lane, at the town's railway station, off Golden Hill Lane, and at Tesco, Southern Towngate, for possible development, with the latter tipped to be the preferred option.

It will be one of a number of interchanges being built across Lancashire as part of the local transport plan, funded by central government, including sites planned for Nelson, Rawtenstall and Accrington, in East Lancashire.

The new interchange will involve upgrading an existing bus stop at one of the sites and could include: electronic information screens displaying bus times and train times, if the railway site is chosen; improved waiting facilities a taxi rank

County council chiefs are planning to contact South Ribble Borough Council, Fishwick and Stagecoach buses, Network Rail and Tesco, to determine the feasibility of each site.

Despite being in the early stages it is hoped work will start on the site next year.

Andy Whitlam, chief assistant for infrastructure in transport, said: "It won't be as major a development as Chorley but will provide improved information, improved waiting facilities and make it easier to travel.

"The Tesco site, because it's the centre of a lot of the town's trade, is the favourite at the moment.

"A lot of people decide to use their cars these days instead of using buses and trains but hopefully by upgrading and creating better services people will think twice before jumping in their cars."

Councillor Tony Pimblett, portfolio holder for highways and transportation, thinks it's a good idea. He said: "Anything that gives information out to the public is great and even better if it encourages them to leave their cars at home."