A VITAL bus route which has not been in operation is set to get back up and running.

The Jim Stones Coaches 595 service stopped going along Westleigh Lane in Leigh around six months ago.

In response, Atherleigh councillors lobbied Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).

After it was announced the founders of Jim Stones would be retiring, TfGM tendered for an operator to run a service from Leigh bus station to Hindley Green.

And Vision Bus has been selected to provide the route.

But Atherleigh councillors noted that the Trees estates was not included on the new route.

After contacting TfGM it was agreed that the journey will cover the old 595 route including stops along Maple Crescent and Westbourne Avenue on the estate.

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Atherleigh councillor John Harding said: “Ensuring our residents receive a bus service has been a long and hard struggle including us meeting with Steven Riley, Wigan Council’s Principal Transport Planner who was very supportive, and then visiting TfGM staff in Manchester to make our case, accompanied by one of our local residents.

"I am very pleased that we have swayed TfGM to get the new bus provider to deliver a route that also includes the Trees estate."

Fellow Atherleigh councillor Wailes said: “The loss of a bus service at the top of Westleigh Lane was devastating for the community.

"I am delighted our residents will again have access to vital public transport links."