Barbara has blasted Transport for Greater Manchester for even considering introducing further bus lanes around Walkden. The MP feels that it is just another sign that transport bosses have no idea how much impact the current Busway works are having on the lives of local residents.

There has already been many months of travel chaos for residents, businesses and commuters driving or travelling by bus on the East Lancs Road and adjoining roads in Boothstown, Ellenbrook, Walkden and Worsley. Drivers have been enduring significantly longer journey times in the area since the beginning of the construction of the Leigh Guided Busway in April 2014.

Barbara has been working with local residents for many months to put pressure on Transport for Greater Manchester and Urban Vision to reduce the impacts that the project has been having on local people.

Barbara said:

“I have never supported the Leigh Guided Busway which I see as a waste of public money. After so many months of chaos and delays on our roads, it is entirely wrong for Transport for Greater Manchester to talk about any proposals which would involve more roadworks or bus lanes.

“Transport bosses have tried to limit knowledge of their proposals by not releasing them to me as the local MP and not releasing them to the public. It is wrong for them to do that and it will also serve to make people angry at the lack of consideration or understanding of the current chaos on our roads.

I am calling now for urgent action to limit the busway chaos and also that these ideas should be dropped before they cause even more anger and frustration to local commuters, residents and businesses”