WORK on the guided busway in Tyldesley Market Square has been postponed until after Remembrance Sunday.

Concerns had been raised about whether the annual service that takes place at the war memorial in the square would be impacted by work on the busway.

Although the square would be open for the service, Wigan Council have decided to postpone the work after residents raised concerns that the capacity of the square would be reduced by fencing that had been erected and about the safety of those taking part.

Terry Dunn, director of environment at the council, said: “Market Square was always going to be accessible for the Remembrance Sunday service despite construction work taking place in part of the area for the bus priority project. The British Legion were satisfied with the arrangements.

"However, local councillors and residents have expressed concerns about capacity in the square as there is expected to be a large turnout at the service this year as it is the centenary of the start of First World War.

"Therefore, we have taken the decision to delay the works until Monday, November 10. The barriers in Market Square will be removed today, Wednesday, creating more space.

Watch: Resident Gavin Clements urges people to attends Saturday's public meeting

“The Remembrance Sunday service is an important event locally and we want everyone who wants to attend to be able to do so. Hopefully, these steps will reassure residents that the service will go ahead unaffected by construction work.”

Work began on Monday on the plans to run the busway up Stanley Street, through the Market Square and then against the one-way system on Elliott Street before turning onto Astley Street.

Residents who are opposed to the plan and the busway met in Tyldesley on Monday night in order to create a list of questions and concerns about the work on the square and the traffic problems caused by it to put to busway bosses and Leigh MP Andy Burnham at a public meeting on Saturday.

Many residents have also signed a petition calling for a judicial review into the consultation process of the busway with more than 400 people signing during an information event in the square on Saturday.

Ian Williams, a Tyldesley business owner, told the residents at the meeting: “The chances of stopping the busway now are very, very limited.

“But the original plans did not include the busway going through the Market Square in Tyldesley.

“That we feel we can still put pressure on them and get that stopped.”

The meeting on Saturday is being held to give residents their say on traffic management for work on Astley Street in Tyldesley – due to start once Hough Lane has reopened in December - followed by a question and answer session.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is working with Mr Burnham and Wigan Council to host the meeting, which will take place from 12pm in the main hall of Fred Longworth High School.

The fully accessible meeting venue, which can seat up to 400 people, is open to all with no need to pre-register.