YOUNGSTERS have had their say on the guided busway.

Children from St Thomas’s Primary School in Leigh were asked to write persuasive arguments ‘for’ and ‘against’ the project following a presentation from Transport for Greater Manchester.

Pupil Jessica Blakeley, aged nine, was awarded a £10 book voucher for her part in the debate after six pupils were shortlisted and their arguments – some for and some against – were sent to the TfGM project team for anonymous judging.

TfGM project manager David Eve, who was on the judging panel, said: “All of the pupils wrote impressive arguments but Jessica succinctly argued that the project will have a positive environmental impact with the planting of an increased number of trees to replace those felled.”