Significant heavy rainfall has fallen in the North West since Monday evening – with a number of flood warnings in place across Greater Manchester – and is expected to continue through the rest of the week.
An amber weather warning for rain is currently in place for Greater Manchester.
The Flood Information Service has put warnings in place for 12 locals areas so far.
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This includes the River Roch at Littleborough, River Roch in Rochdale, the River Mersey at Cheadle Wood and Ford Lane, and Walsden Water.
The River Mersey has been highlighted as the main area of current concern.
This relates to Didsbury, Northenden, Sale, and potentially leading into parts of Stretford and Flixton.
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Greater Manchester Police has also declared a ‘major incident’, warning residents that flooding is now expected in several parts, and stating that: “The safety of the public is our number one priority and we’re continuing to work alongside partner agencies across the region.
“Whilst we appreciate that everyone has been told to stay home due to the coronavirus pandemic, we want to make it clear that should members of the public need to evacuate to protect themselves due to flooding then that is the priority and you should follow your local authority’s advice regarding evacuation.”
At the Mayor Andy Burnham’s press conference this afternoon, Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey – Chair of the GM Strategic Coordination Group for Storm Christoph – gave an additional update on the latest information across the region.
He said the main risk in the Greater Manchester area is around the River Mersey relating to Didsbury, Northenden, Sale, and potentially leading into parts of Stretford and Flixton.
“As we speak, residents across those areas are being contacted by the Environment Agency and local authorities to advise them. Alerts have already been put out [and] people there are being advised to consider evacuation procedures should that happen.
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“We are going to start to see the overflow contingency provisions at around 5pm.
“That will reach a peak at around 11pm this evening where we will see flooding of those areas.”
He continued: “In its worst-case scenario, estimated by Environment Agency, that could impact on up to 3,000 properties across all the areas
“This is a significant incident in terms of disruption to population.”
ACC Nick Bailey said those 3,000 properties may not have to evacuate, and local authorities would work “right up to the last minute” to prevent it.
A flood warning means you need to act as flooding is expected, and you should:
Move vehicles to higher ground, if it’s safe to do so.
Move family and pets to safety.
Move important items upstairs or to a safe place in your property, starting with cherished items and valuables, then furniture and furnishings.
Turn off gas, electricity and water supplies if it’s safe to do so; never touch an electrical switch if you’re standing in water.
If you have property protection products such as flood barriers, or air brick covers, use them now keep track of the latest situation.
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You can find further details regarding the flood warnings issued across the region on the gov.uk website, and more information can also be found via the Met Office.
News
Opening date finally confirmed for new Uniqlo store at the Trafford Centre
Emily Sergeant
Uniqlo is preparing to open its second store in Greater Manchester, and the official launch date has finally been confirmed.
The popular Japanese high street fashion retailer currently operates 24 stores in the UK, with its first British store having opened its doors all the way back in 2001, and its first European flagship store opening on Oxford Street in London in 2007 – but it was revealed earlier this year in April that Manchester was set to get a second helping.
Uniqlo announced that it would be opening its second Greater Manchester inside the Trafford Centre this autumn, following the huge success of its city centre store opening on Market Street in 2019.
The Trafford Centre store is set to make Manchester the first location outside of London to have two Uniqlo stores.
When news broke that the hoardings had officially gone up inside the shopping centre, elated shoppers raced to the comments to say things like: “No way! I’ve been waiting years for this.”
Uniqlo is preparing to open second its Manchester store inside the Trafford Centre next month / Credit: | The Manc Group
“Uniqlo in Trafford Centre would be a dream come true,” another person said on Instagram, while a third added: “I will never have to step foot on Market Street again,” and plenty others chimed in with comments like ‘finally’ and ‘can’t wait’.
And now, we officially have an opening date to share with you.
Uniqlo will open in the Trafford Centre for the first time on Thursday 15 October, with plenty of events happening across its extended opening weekend.
Traditional Japanese Taiko drumming performances will be happening throughout the day on Thursday 15 and Saturday 17 October, while the first 300 customers to spend over £69.90 in store on the Thursday (15 October) will get a special Uniqlo Manchester goody bag.
Uniqlo’s arrival at the Trafford Centre follows the opening of several other high-profile stores in recent months, like Urban Outfitters, White Company, Stradivarius, and many more.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
News
‘Do not let Britain’s independent businesses disappear on your watch’ – Manchester bakery makes heartbreaking plea to Andy Burnham
Clementine Hall
A beloved Manchester bakery has issued an open letter to Andy Burnham ahead of the Budget begging him for help.
Barbakan Deli in Chorlton is basically an institution at this point.
The legendary bakery and delicatessen has been serving the community for 62 years, famed for its freshly-baked loaves of bread, its handmade sandwiches, and its pastries and cakes inspired by bakes from across Europe.
Posting on Instagram last night on Thursday 18 September, Frankie Dyer the director of Barbakan, issued an open letter addressed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Images: The Manc Group
It read: “Dear Mr Burnham, As an independent business owner in the hospitality sector, I am begging you to please read this.
“Really read it. And seriously consider what businesses like mine are telling you before the upcoming Budget.”
It continued: “In just the last two years, we have self-funded new bakery machinery, new catering kitchens, essential repairs and renovations and opened a second retail site, creating another six local jobs. We have won more than ten national awards for the quality of what we do.
“We have invested. We have grown. We have employed more people. We have worked harder than ever. In short, Prime Minister, we are doing everything you keep asking British businesses to do.
“And our bank balance is finished. That is the reality.”
The letter finished by Dyer inviting Andy Burnham to come visit the bakery and pleading for a ‘fighting chance’ to save the business: “We need action. We need meaningful reductions in the tax burden placed on employers.
“We need Employer National Insurance looked at urgently. We need a business-rates system which allows independent high-street businesses to survive. We need VAT reform for hospitality. We need Corporation Tax to reward businesses which reinvest, employ and grow.
“And we need proper grants and incentives that help established independent businesses invest and expand — not schemes with endless criteria which most ordinary businesses can never access. We need you to do something.
“And we need more than one token gesture in the Budget. A band-aid for a bullet wound. So I am asking you, Prime Minister, to come back to Manchester and see it for yourself. Pop an apron on and stand behind our counter.
Images: The Manc Group
“Come into our bakery in the middle of the night and meet the people making Manchester’s bread while most of the city is asleep. Look at our payroll, our energy bills, our rates, our supplier increases.
“Look at what leaves our bank account every single week simply for the privilege of keeping 50 people employed and our doors open. You said you wanted a government that understood the regions. You now have an opportunity to prove it.
“Independent businesses across this country are not asking for a handout. We are asking for a fighting chance. I sincerely hope your next Budget gives us one”.
The Manc -
20th January 2021 
