WORK has been completed on the 4.5-mile path which runs alongside the guided busway, giving walkers, cyclists and horse riders something new to enjoy.

The pathway, which Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) hopes in time will become a linear park, runs between East Bond Street in Leigh and Newearth Road in Ellenbrook.

TfGM has replaced trees and hedgerows along the guided busway. Grass and wildflower meadows have also been created, resulting in open spaces along the busway and a diversity of habitats for wildlife to return to.

There are wayfinding signs along the pathway to areas of interest such as Lilford Park and the newly created community woodland at Higher Folds, and there will soon be benches to sit and enjoy the views.

Anthony Murden, programme manager for the Busway at TfGM, said: “The benefits of the busway are not just about getting people from A to B more reliably and more quickly, there is also an environmental reward.

“The pathway along the busway it something that from the start of the project we wanted to include so everyone in the community can benefit, not just those who need to make a journey on the busway.

“It’s something that we hope people will enjoy now and for many years to come.”

For keener cyclists – or those using the path to make longer journeys to work – the route along the guided busway also links in to National Route 55 at Ellenbrook.