BUS route protesters are stepping-up their campaign with an attempt to halt land transfer deals.

The Busway Noway group is trying to prevent the building of the proposed direct busway from Leigh to Manchester by stopping the transfer of land from Salford and Wigan councils to Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

The group has circulated notices announcing delays to the proposed schedule for the Leigh Guided Busway -- which it says should go to a public inquiry next spring -- while land held by Salford and Wigan councils along the proposed route is transferred to GMPTE.

The letters to people living within the vicinity of the guided busway route states.

Council officers have indicated local residents should not worry about the land transfer and save all objections until the public inquiry.

Busway Noway disagrees, saying this land transfer would mean large amounts of open space, especially in Tyldesley alongside the old railway line, would be used for car parking and other forms of development connected to the project.

Now the group is inviting objectors to put their concerns about loss of public space in letter which should reach Wigan Council before September 3.

Busway Noway is fund-raising to back its fight by manning stalls at car boot fairs for which unwanted salable items are needed, (items can be collected by calling 0161 959 0999).

Also, a sponsored walk is being staged on September 9 along the proposed route (foot and mouth permitting), which will allow people to join at the most convenient point to them. The full walk is 12 miles, sections are six miles and three miles.

Call Chris on 0161 959 0999.