RESIDENTS living alongside the guided busway are being given a say in the types of trees and shrubs they want to see planted along the new route.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has been working closely with residents since October to shape the landscaping designs that it hopes will see the busway become a recreational area as well as a transport link for Leigh, Tyldesley and Ellenbrook.

TfGM is now writing to residents along the route to let them know the landscaping plans in their area.

Irene Lummis, whose Tyldesley house overlooks the busway route, said: “I was concerned when the trees were removed at the beginning of construction as my late husband was so fond of them and I wanted to honour his memory.

“TfGM have consulted me on the stages of the project and I’m pleased that I have been kept informed of the landscaping proposals that will take place near my property.

“I like the fact that they actually listened to me and my wishes.

“When replacement trees were suggested in front of my house, I asked them not to as I have been enjoying the views across Lancashire, Cheshire and even as far the Derbyshire hills.”

Balfour Beatty, the contractor building the busway, will be planting a selection of different native species including trees, hedgerows, woodland, screen planting and wildflower meadows to create different effects appropriate to the surroundings.

Peter Boulton, TfGM’s head of programme management services, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response from residents keen to work with us on the landscaping for the project and we’ve been able to provide the majority of residents with exactly what they’d asked for.”

There will also be a native hedge along the majority of the route to separate the recreation route from the busway safely.