A union has called the proposed two-week rent reduction for University of Manchester (UoM) students a “slap in the face”.
Students representing UoM Rent Strike, Students Before Profit and 9K4WHAT have been holed up in the otherwise empty Tower in Owens Park since last week – demanding that the university cuts rent prices.
The building WiFi was shut off during the early part of the protests, with UoM insisting the students “shouldn’t be there.”
But following negotiations Sunday, the university said that all students would receive a discount of two weeks’ rent.
The University and College Union (UCU) said the offer isn’t good enough.
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General Secretary Jo Grady said: “After student protesters asked for a rent reduction of at least 40%, a reduction of two weeks must feel like a slap in the face. We completely support students’ protests against how they’ve been treated.”
She added: “UCU is very worried the university’s actions this term will lead to students speaking with their feet and choosing not to study at Manchester which could lead to job losses for our members.
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“The university must now step back from the brink, limit any further damage to its reputation and meaningfully engage with the students protesting.”
Protesting students had been asking for UoM Vice-Chancellor Nancy Rothwell to engage with them on a number of issues – including the installation of “prison-like” fencing overnight on Fallowfield campus.
Following widespread uproar, the fences were torn down by the students themselves on Bonfire Night.
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UoM said they met with student representatives over the weekend and are working to “progress a number of areas.”
This hasn’t been the year that any of us would have planned and we know we haven’t got everything right. But we're making this five-point pledge to all students in our accommodation: https://t.co/vaJv9CVlSqpic.twitter.com/MCAiJ4m47B
The university admitted they “haven’t got everything right” this term and published a “five-point pledge” to improve living standards for students – announcing rent reductions, flexible accommodation agreements, better maintenance support, tackling antisocial behaviour, and better study spaces.
However, students insist the offer doesn’t meet their demands.
UoM Rent Strike wrote on Twitter: “Students & staff have seen this pitiful pledge for what it is.
“Within 1 day hundreds have signed up to make January the biggest rent strike yet.”
Protests and negotiations continue.
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
19th November 2020 
