BURY'S busy Interchange is to undergo a facelift with the first phase costing nearly half a million pounds.

Transport bosses have agreed to the initial work which will benefit passenger facilities at the combined bus-Metrolink terminus.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority's policy committee is releasing £475,000 for the first phase of the revamp.

The money will be used to improve waiting areas and walkways, increase lighting levels, make safer carriageway crossing points and to upgrade entrances.

The work will also involve the provision of new signs and information displays, the refurbishment of the Travelshop and relocation of the bus station supervisor's office to a new, more central and prominent position.

Councillor Andrew Fender, chairman of the policy committee, said: "High quality waiting environments and interchange facilities are an essential part of any public transport journey.

"The Authority's aim is to provide a fully integrated, accessible, comfortable public transport system that will provide a viable alternative to the private car."

He added: "It is important that we address every aspect of the journey and that is why these improvements have been designed to incorporate matters such as comfort, safety, security, passenger information, signage and the appearance of the Interchange, both inside and out."

Councillor Winston Ramsey, the Authority's Bury spokesman, said: "These improvements are going to be a real benefit to public transport users.

"Passenger safety is a prime concern of the Authority and I am pleased to see that it has been given due consideration in the designs."

He continued: "Better lighting and safer crossing points, as well as a more prominent place for the supervisor's office will, no doubt, make Bury Interchange a more desirable and comfortable place to be."

The total package will cost £535,000, £60,000 of which was released by the Authority last summer to begin preparatory works.

The re-vamp's first phase will be concentrated on the facilities on the side of the Interchange that features the Metrolink entrance, the Travelshop and the supervisor's office.

It is anticipated that the remaining areas of the Interchange will be refurbished in future phases.