The 10pm pub curfew will be ‘reviewed in November’, says Sacha Lord
Whilst there has been no official road map released considering when Greater Manchester might exit Tier 3, Lord has said the government will perform a review of the 10pm pub curfew next month.
The government will conduct a review of the 10pm curfew imposed on pubs and bars next month, according to Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser.
Current laws dictate that all venues in the hospitality sector must shut their doors no later than 10pm – remaining open only for takeaway service.
But Sacha Lord – an avid supporter of the #CancelTheCurfew movement – along with fellow industry members, has been campaigning for the government to reconsider the ruling since it came into effect on September 24.
Lord has even launched legal action against the government for closing down large portions of the local sector in line with Tier 3 regulations, and the Parklife founder filed a pre-action letter last week, claiming there was no scientific justification to limit the operating hours of pubs and bars.
Whilst there has been no official road map released discussing when Greater Manchester might exit Tier 3, Lord has said the government will perform a review of the 10pm pub curfew as early as November.
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Writing on Twitter, Lord stated: “In November, the Government are reviewing the UK 10pm curfew.
“It doesn’t work for the public or operators. Overloaded transport, crowded takeaways, supermarkets etc.
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“It’s doing far more harm than good.
“Operators are running safe and secure COVID19 venues.
“Cancel the Curfew.”
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After launching his judicial review this month, Lord received a response from the government which he called insufficient”, and pledged to take further legal action.
“Our pubs should not be shut without scientific evidence,” he stated.
“Legal proceedings will now commence. The fight goes on.”
Lord also signed to the OneGM campaign this week – a group aiming to provide help which “goes beyond” the government’s support.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and fellow local leaders dedicated a fortnight to battling against the region’s move to Tier 3 without adequate financial backing.
At the end of a drawn-out affair, Greater Manchester was bundled into the ‘very high’ risk category without the desired £95 million package, and OneGM will serve to fill the void – offering supplemental local support to prevent more companies capsizing during the second wave.
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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.