THE CONTROVERSIAL Leigh Guided Busway scheme moved another step closer this week when Government chiefs announced the scheme was eligible for funding.

Bosses at Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority confirmed the Government has provisionally accepted the value for money appraisal for the innovative public transport scheme linking Leigh, Salford and Manchester City Centre.

Work will not begin on the busway for at least another year as a public inquiry must still be held. But the approval for the scheme's value for money appraisal, which all major projects must go through, shows funding would be available.

The green light from John Prescot's department of transport, environment and the regions means the busway's backers of GMPTA, Wigan Council and Salford Council can apply for powers to build the £26 million project under the Transport and Works Act before the secretary of state gives the final go-ahead for the project.

Chairman of the GMPTA Cllr Roger Jones said: "I am delighted the Government has provisionally accepted the financial case for the Leigh Guided Busway and that it recognises the important contribution the corridor can make to the public transport network."

But environmental campaigner Chris Maile is demanding a rail link with Leigh -- severed more than 30 years ago. He said: "We are not saying that we don't want the busway but the majority of people would prefer a rail link. It is a viable option and it will give people what they want without destroying seven miles of countryside."

Mr Maile, who claims that busway would increase traffic problems in some areas because of roadway narrowing to allow the bus route, has set up a protest group of local residents opposed to the scheme. The proposed busway from Leigh would run through Salford to the centre of Manchester and would include the conversion of a length of disused railway into a bus guideway, bus priority lanes and other designated bus priority measures along the A580 and improved information, comfort and security at bus stops.