A Cruz 101 employee who posted a racist meme has been removed from the business.
The nightclub posted a statement this afternoon confirming that the staff member in question ‘no longer works’ for the company.
The gay nightclub on Princess Street launched an investigation when one of its team members posted an offensive meme on Instagram.
Cruz 101 says that it has a zero tolerance policy to abuse and will ‘encourage the calling out of hate’.
They said that the former employee ‘made a serious error of judgement’.
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The full statement from the club said: “Earlier this week a member of our staff made a serious error of judgement and shared a racist post on Instagram. Following an investigation, that member of staff no longer works for our company.
“Whilst this former employee made this post in their own time & on their own personal page, it has raised a very important conversation around how people of colour feel in all LGBTO+ spaces.
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“We commit to continue our work as a diverse & inclusive club at the heart of the LGBTO+ community in Manchester, and whilst we’re discussing many ideas currently that we hope to let you all know about soon, we have some things we can implement immediately.
“Our zero-tolerance policy to any abuse will be strengthened.
“Our managers will be available all night, at any time, to report incidents of abuse to. Be that racism, transphobia, homophobia or anything else. They will take immediate action to resolve this. As a customer simply ask to see the manager at reception.
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“All our staff will receive training and have a clear process to follow should they see or hear any form of abuse.
“With these commitments we will solidify a culture which encourages the calling out of hate. We will not tolerate it.”
People have praised the club for its swift action, with one person responding: “Fair play! Hats off to you for doing the right thing. We should love everyone regardless.”
Another said: “Well done @Cruz101Official for treating this issue with the seriousness that it deserves, and for your commitment to make the venue a safer place for LGBTQ+ people of colour. Racism has no place in LGBTQ+ spaces or in our communities.”
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Someone else commented: “Its such a rare moment of relief that a company I spend my money on has shown solidarity in seeing/listening to QPOC and advocating for our comfort and safety. I was honestly expecting them to keep him on.”
Featured image: Google Maps
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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.