Work has begun to deliver the first scheme as part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network - a plan for the UK’s largest cycling and walking network launched in 2018 by Cycling and Walking Commissioner Chris Boardman.

Funded jointly by the Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund, The Bridgewater Canal Company and Wigan Council, the £212,000 project will deliver the much-needed one mile stretch of surface improvements, as well as better access and signage, plugging a vital gap in the Bridgewater Way.

The works will allow people to cycle on the canal path all the way from Wigan Pier, through Leigh and across the Salford boundary to Monton and Patricroft.

Latest figures have revealed that over three million passenger journeys have been made on services using the Leigh to Ellenbrook Guided Busway over the past year.