PUBLIC transport in Birchwood and the problems caused by "travellers" in the area were among issues raised by members of Birchwood Forum during a visit by Warrington North MP, Helen Jones.

Helen visited the Forum on a fact finding trip and met representatives of businesses in the Forum, including Bechtel, AEA Technology and Taylor Woodrow.

Peter Crompton of Business Environments, an executive member of the Forum, said the issue of transport had been raised in view of the Government's push for more public transport.

A survey on transport trends is being conducted among employees of companies within the Forum.

Helen told the GUARDIAN that she would support more public transport for Birchwood and would talk with police and the borough council about the travellers.

Birchwood Forum was set up to enhance and sustain the social and economic well-being of the country's biggest science and business park and the surrounding community, into the next century.

It brings together the public and private sectors and includes Birchwood Science and Business Park, the leading one in the North West.

The Forum is led by a core group of developers, tenants and public organisations, in partnership with Warrington Borough Council and under the umbrella of Warrington 2000 Plus. It has a budget of £30,000 a year over three years dedicated to improving Birchwood.

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