Non-essential shops, outside hospitality, barbers, gyms and pub beer gardens reopen to the public today as lockdown restrictions in England ease for the third time since the pandemic began.
As you walk through Manchester city centre this morning, it’s evident to see that life is slowly returning to normal.
Thousands of people have been lining the streets from the early hours, waiting for shops to open, including Manchester Arndale, which didn’t have an entrance without hundreds stood outside it at 8am.
It’s not just shops, pubs and beauty businesses that can reopen today though, as the leisure industry has also been given the green light to begin operating again, and this is exactly what is happening at zoos, theme parks and drive-in cinemas across the country.
It’s Step Two of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown, which somehow, we’ve managed to stick to since Boris Johnson announced it some weeks ago.
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During Step Two there are still restrictions on social contact, with indoor venues only allowing access to those with members of one household, while the rule of six still applies outdoors.
However, for those who have been stuck inside for most of the year, it’s a welcome return to SOME sort of normality – and as the sun shines down on most of the country today, the cold weather doesn’t seem to be stopping those people from taking advantage of it.
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We’ve outlined everything you need to know about Step Two and all the lockdown restrictions that have been lifted here, if you’d like to refresh your memory before venturing out.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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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.
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.