IN response to a letter published by Bolton Evening News on Wednesday, May 21, from Cllr Walter Hall who represents Bradshaw on Bolton Council.

The saga of the 506/507 bus routes has been ongoing since the end of February, when First Manchester altered the 506 route and increased the number of buses serving the area.

Cllr Hall is correct in his statement about Bolton Council's responsibility for public transport, but he has forgotten to mention that all Bolton Council Tax payers contribute to funding used by GMPTA, which is controlled by elected politicians from each of the 10 authorities in Greater Manchester.

Anyone who has read the latest timetable for these routes, issued by GMPTA, will have noticed that funding from GMPTA to support certain services provided by First Manchester was withdrawn in February.

In my opinion this means that Council Tax payers do have the right to question funding and service provisions.

First Manchester is a private bus company which has to make profits to enable it to provide services and it has decided to create a high frequency service on Tonge Moor Road, where there are several bus operators, all competing for passengers.

To achieve their goals Fist Manchester has decided to use the circular 506/507 services. Many people in Harwood do not want buses on South Drive or Hough Fold Way, while others want the 506 service returned to its old route. The new 545 service, provided by Blue Bus, is only a daytime hourly shoppers service which creates more competition on these routes.

Cllr Hall would like to see a half-hourly bus service on South Drive/ Hough Fold Way, but has totally forgotten the people of Top o'th' Brow. And there is no mention of the residents of Appledore Drive and the Newby Road area, who have lost the 506 services.

He also states that First Manchester has no plans to alter the service running times. Much more thought needs to given to these problems.

A public meeting will be held at Longsight School on Thursday, June 5, at 7pm where representatives from GMPTE, First Manchester and Bolton Council will be in attendance to hear what the people of Harwood/ Bradshaw would like to see. I hope that residents will attend and make their voices heard.

E W Holden

Eskdale Avenue

Breightmet, Bolton