Local views sought on transport

Local people are being given the opportunity to have their say on transport issues as a part of a major new initiative to introduce a Quality Bus Corridor in the Darn Hill area, linking Heywood to Heap Bridge. Thousands of leaflets are now being distributed to residents and businesses, aimed at finding out the type of problems faced by people who live, work and travel in these areas.

Feedback will play an important role in developing a scheme to improve conditions for bus users, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.Proposals will be on display from Monday 7 March to Friday 11 March at Darn Hill and Heywood Libraries during normal opening hours. Members of the project team will be on hand to discuss the scheme at a staffed exhibition on Monday 7 March at Morrisons, Heywood, from 11am to 7pm.

Councillor Allen Brett, Deputy Chair and Rochdale spokesperson for Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, said: "This scheme is aimed at improving transport for local communities. People who live and work along the route are best placed to tell us the types of problems they face when moving around the area - whether that be problems with buses, congestion, or crossing busy roads.

"This kind of feedback will help us develop proposals that will benefit everyone - not just bus users. Cyclists, pedestrians and car users all stand to gain from this scheme and I urge people to make their views known at this early stage. It's as simple as taking a few moments to make a phone call, submit comments on the GMPTE website, or filling in the response slip attached to the consultation leaflet."

Quality Bus Corridors aim to reduce congestion by making travel by bus more attractive. This includes measures to improve service reliability and journey times, enhancing the bus stop environment, improving the quality of passenger information and providing better pedestrian access to bus stops. Better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists are also considered, and local businesses often benefit from better parking and servicing facilities for their customers and delivery.

For further information people can call a free information line on 0800 652 8646, or log onto www.gmpte.com. This first phase of consultation runs through to 21 March, following which all feedback will be analysed and information posted at www.jettsqbc.com. There will be further opportunities to comment on proposals as they are developed. The scheme is being taken forward through a partnership between GMPTE, local councils and Government Office North West, in consultation with local bus operators.