PUBLIC transport in Warrington is one of the priorities of a new watchdog.

Travelwatch NorthWest was set up this month to champion an integrated and seamless quality public transport network for north west England.

It wants to make sure buses, trains and other forms of transport are accessible, affordable, inclusive and attractive.

And it wants to give people a platform to express the concerns about the development of the industry.

Travelwatch NorthWest has taken over from the old Rail Passengers Council.

It continues to act as an independent organisation, albeit initially with limited funding.

Practices and procedures are in place and a wide range of public transport industry stakeholders engage regularly with Travelwatch NorthWest.

Its membership is drawn from public transport user

groups, county, district and metropolitan councils, regional airport authorities, Government agencies, chambers of commerce, and private sector bodies representing industry.

It meets three times a year to debate issues of interest and concern to passengers of all modes of public transport.

And it initiates projects and studies to bring matters to the attention of decision makers and monitors subsequent action.