THE Government was urged today to resurrect the shelved M6-M61 link road from Wigan to Bolton.

Transport minister Dr Gavin Strang is in Wigan today to address a conference on the Government's long term transport policies.

And councillors took the opportunity to press for a rethink on the shelved road scheme - even though the Labour government has pledged to plough cash into "green" transport policies, with the accent on public transport.

During his visit Dr Strang was being given a briefing from Wigan Council chiefs on local transport issues, including the need for the M6-M61 link road that was shelved by the Tory government.

He was also discussing long term plans to link Wigan's Wallgate and North Western stations.

The link road, named the A5225, would have created a by-pass for Westhoughton, Hindley and Wigan and was aimed at easing traffic misery in the three town centres.

The minister is the fourth to visit the borough in as many weeks, following in the footsteps of Environment Minister Richard Caborn, Local Government Minister Hilary Armstrong and Employment Minister Andrew Smith.

Council Leader, Peter Smith, said: "Although it is just a short visit we are glad to have the chance to welcome Dr Strang to Wigan and talk to him about the key transport issues which concern the council.

"We need to get a better integrated system to ensure access to public transport.

"We regard it as a compliment that already a number of ministers have taken the chance to talk to the council and see at first hand some of the initiatives we have developed in Wigan.

"It is a chance to open a constructive dialogue with the Government that can only be to the borough's long-term benefit."

The seminar, at Wigan Investment Centre, is one of a number being organised in the region by the Government Office (North West).

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