TWO bus companies which operate services through Bury have had their knuckles rapped by transport chiefs.

Stagecoach and Rossendale Transport are among six companies warned to clean up their act or face the consequences from the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Concern has been raised by the GMPTE and bus passengers that a number of services have not run for various reasons. Others were running early and some were running late.

The operators met Traffic Commissioner Administrative Director Mr Bill Buckley, who reminded them of their obligation to run their local bus services in accordance with the registered timetables.

Operators who repeatedly do not run services to schedule could face having the right to run services withdrawn in part or completely.

A GMPTE spokesman, Mr Clive Naish, said: "This is very much a warning at the moment, a reminder to operators that standards must be maintained or action will be taken."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.