DIGITAL information boards which will let people know exactly when a bus will arrive are to be installed on a major commuter route in north Bolton.

The Real Time Information systems will be put in place along Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge and Sharples.

Information indicating the number of minutes before a bus is due will be displayed to people queueing at stops.

Radars will be installed in all buses, paid for by the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE), and the system will take into account if the bus is stuck in a traffic jam.

The busy commuter route is expected to be among the first places in Greater Manchester to get the new system.

A spokesman for GMPTE confirmed that the equipment would be installed along Blackburn Road, but could not confirm when.

The organisation said the new systems will be equipped with alarms to deter vandals.

Astley Bridge Cllr Hilary Fairclough said: "I do worry whether these stops are going to be as vandal-proof as some people think they will be but we'll just have to wait and see.

"I think the new information will be very helpful, because if you're not used to public transport, the timetables can be difficult to read.

"We have also had problems in this area with people waiting for buses and not knowing when they will arrive."

The first buses to use the system will be operated by the Lancashire United bus company, which runs services between Blackburn, Bolton and Clitheroe.

Lancashire United commercial director Duncan Allan said eight of its buses were being fitted with equipment and should be operating in a few months.

A Blue Bus spokesman said the company welcomed the move, but intended to wait before deciding whether to invest in it.