I AM writing in response to Andrew Mac's letter, published in the Bolton Evening News on February 26, about the future intentions of First buses in Bolton. Put very simply, Bolton is a vital part of our network which we intend to grow, not shrink.

We have submitted plans to Bolton Council for operating from Weston Street, but will only move to that site if and when we are ready to do so. In the meantime, we are contesting planning proposals by other parties which might put at risk access to our current Crook Street site.

Over recent years we have expanded operations in Bolton, and are pleased to report that passenger numbers, year on year, are growing. Half of our services from Crook Street are now either GoldService or QualityService, featuring Super Low Floor vehicles for easy access (which receive both a nightly and a midday vehicle interior clean), and they are operated by drivers trained in customer care. It is our intention to roll out more routes to this standard in the future.

We are actively involved in transport partnerships: such as the Leigh Bolton Quality Bus Corridor (including GoldService route 582), and the Bolton perfect Journey Partnership, involving Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton Institute of Higher Education and Bolton Council (focusing on GoldService route 501). Since November 2001 we have also introduced night services on Friday and Saturday for GoldService route 8, between Bolton and Manchester.

In addition, The Bolton Evening News, in its editorial comment, widely welcomed the introduction of our High Frequency route network in July 2001.

We hope this gives Mr Mac confidence in the forward-looking business which is First in Bolton. We know there is much to do in order to get people out of their cars and on to other modes of transport, but with our partners we have already started making a difference. Mr Mac, and any other concerned readers, are most welcome to attend the Bolton Local Transport Group meeting in the Town Hall at 1.15pm on Friday, March 22.

Simon Bennett

Managing Director, Manchester West

First

Melverley Street

Wigan