RE the story "Councillor gains train link bonus" I must congratulate Councillor Chadwick's success in persuading the train bosses to arrange the bus replacement rail service between the two local Westhoughton and Daisy Hill, Stations, during the forthcoming work on the Farnworth Tunnel, when all the lines between Salford Crescent via Bolton will be closed.

This is ok if you live in Westhoughton. Perhaps Cllr Chadwick, Bolton's representative on the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Committee, could help the residents of Great Lever and Farnworth to persuade TfGM to reinstate and re-position the bus stops, especially the one at the Interchange, where many bus passengers are faced with a long walk from Great Moor Street or the Newport Street shopping precinct to get a bus.

I have tried to raise the matter only to be passed around to different officers, who I find are not possibly local bus users and would much prefer the interest of car owners as I am told "I am the only one complaining."

I am involved as a unpaid volunteer with many transport groups, where passengers bring their concerns to our attention.

Our planners at TfGM who seem to be out of touch with local passenger needs. I am sure many bus users would welcome the ideal situation to reinstate the use of the two temporary bus stops, currently not in use, lower down Newport Street, nearer to the town centre, but still keep the interchange stop. This would help both shoppers and rail passengers, but please before the bus operators claim the extra time needed to put an additional timing point in place, can I further suggest they reduce the level of fares charged for short journeys, perhaps this would help to increase passenger loads and get people out of their cars.

If passengers wishing to add their support to the above issue, I they contact Transport for Greater Manchester, 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester M1 3BG or email Customerrrelations@tfgm.com, the more passengers complaining we may see some action and be listened too.

Preva Crossley

Bolton's Representative Greater Manchester Transport Campaign

Bolton