BUSWAY objectors have aired their views as the public inquiry into the proposed Leigh-Manchester dedicated bus route nears its conclusion.

At the Tyldesley Top Chapel inquiry on Tuesday Mike Norris, owner of Frank's Cafe in Tyldesley town centre, focused on the current unreliability of local buses and traffic problems on the main route into Manchester. He also claimed that if a busway was created it would greatly hamper Tyldesley's chances of ever getting a railway link.

Chester Road resident Christine Salt, keen to preserve what she claimed to be the "increasingly popular country walk" running in front of her house, highlighted how the proposed busway route would drive right through that oasis.

Concerned

Mr Mair, of P Wilson and Co, spoke on behalf of 12 residents of Southcourt, Leigh -- which backs onto part of the proposed track. They were particularly concerned with the amount of warning they would be given before work began and the clarity of the compensation system GMPTE would be implementing for any damage caused to their properties during the construction process. They also submitted a petition signed by others living along the proposed track, including residents from Rosebury Avenue, Elmridge and Holden Road in Leigh.

Mr Mair also represented three individual land owners -- Mark Lancaster, of Lodge Farm in Hindsford, John and Mark Stafford, of Walmsley House Farm in Green Lane, Leigh, and David and Margaret Morgan, of Clough House Farm, Leigh.

Their main issue was whether they would be able to continue using their current access routes. GMPTE, Clive Newberry QC agreed that if they could demonstrate that they have had access, they would be accommodated.

The Stafford expressed concern about the necessity of certain parts of their land being included in the plans, which GMPTE said they would look into.

The inquiry is due to conclude next week with all parties summing up their arguments. Inspector, David Woodrow will then carry out site visits before making his final recommendation about the Leigh to Manchester busway to the Secretary of State, John Prescott.