A petition to keep gyms and fitness centres open under Tier 3 rules could be put up for debate in the House of Commons after receiving huge support.
Currently, health facilities must close if they are in a ‘very high risk’ area.
But thousands have rushed to back a new campaign which asks for “gyms to not be put in the same group as pubs in terms of risk or importance” and therefore remain operational – even in Tier 3 regions.
According to the government, petitions which reach 100,000 signatures “are almost always debated.”
Despite only going live this week, the ‘keep gyms open’ campaign has nearly accrued the six-figure support required to be put in front of parliament.
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A new tier system has come into effect from today (14 October) – separating regions in England by their risk level (‘medium’, ‘high’, and ‘very high’).
So far, only the Liverpool City Region has been placed into the highest risk category of Tier 3 – which has led to the closure of hospitality and leisure in Liverpool, Knowsley, Wirral, St Helens, Sefton and Halton.
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There has also been a total ban on household mixing in these areas.
Gyms have also been told to shut down whilst the region remains under Tier 3 restrictions.
But many members of the sector are backing the campaign to overturn the ruling – including Pure Gym who have claimed the “facts indicate that gyms are safe with no evidence of Covid-19 transmission.”
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According to the Liverpool Echo, the fitness company are even considering taking legal action.
Directly elected Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson has distanced himself from the decision to shut fitness facilities – calling it a “Government decision”.
The Mayor also claimed he told Number 10 that “gyms are safer than supermarkets” during tier discussions, but the government were committed to closing hospitality and leisure.
Greater Manchester was originally placed into Tier 2 – or ‘high’ risk – category, leaving many businesses to operate as normal.
However, a Gold Command meeting is set to be held later this afternoon to reconsider whether the region should be reclassified as Tier 3.
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This would mean that workout centres must close across all ten boroughs.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said that the city will “not accept” any attempts by the government to bump up the alert level in the region.
“Since one meeting on Friday, the Government has not discussed these matters with us,” said the Mayor.
“Instead, the pressure is being piled on via media briefings.
“Later today I will set out why the current Tier 3 proposal is fundamentally flawed and why we won’t accept it.”
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Council calls on public to suggest names for new public square in Stretford
Emily Sergeant
The Greater Manchester public is being called on to help name a brand-new public square in the heart of Stretford.
Could we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands? As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant.
But now, it’s Greater Manchester‘s turn to give it a go and get creative with their naming suggestions, as Trafford Council inviting the local community to name a brand-new public square that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year.
Connecting the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane, Trafford Council says the new public square will play “a key part in the transformation of the area” and be a “focal point” for the area – with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.
Residents are being encouraged to “put their imprint on the Square” by putting forward their suggestions for its name.
All the entries will be condensed into a shortlist and the public will then vote on their favourite.
With the naming competition fully underway, Trafford residents now have the opportunity to talk to the Stretford town centre team, get creative, and post entries into the voting box that’ll be in place in Stretford Mall up until Sunday 19 May, as well as submit their ideas via the Stretford town centre website.
To come up with their names suggestions, the Council wants residents to take inspiration from these three themes:
Heritage – celebrating the fascinating history embedded into Stretford’s identity
Culture – showcasing the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the essence of the town and its residents
Community – reflecting the strong sense of unity among Stretford’s residents, making the town a welcoming place to live, work, and socialise.
After submissions are closed, the Stretford town centre forum will then decide on three entries that “best represent the area” and have made best use of the inspiration topics to go to the public vote for the final decision.
A town centre polling station will be open for residents to cast their votes in person, or they can do so online via both a Google form or a range of social media polls.
The public vote will officially close on Sunday 16 June, and the unveiling ceremony will take place at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July, where the winner and name of the new public square will be announced.
Fancy shooting a suggestion then? Find out more on the Stretford Town Centre website here.
Featured Image – STC / Bruntwood
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Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.