Eccles tram line is set to close a number of times this year to allow for essential maintenance work to be carried out.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed this week that after 22 years of operation, the Metrolink Eccles line – which was originally opened in 1999, and has supported millions of journeys since – is set to close “on several occasions” this year for essential maintenance of the tracks.
A full closure of the line will take place for eight days over the February half term, between the 19 and 27 February, and further partial closures of the line are planned for the Easter and summer school holidays.
TfGM says all closure times have been chosen in order to “minimise disruption to passengers”.
Passengers will be able to visit a dedicated travel advice page to find information on alternative travel options to help plan their journey in advance, and Metrolink staff will also be around at key locations at busier times assist people in any way needed.
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Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.
From 19 Feb to 27 Feb, the Eccles line will be closed due to essential maintenance work.
Staff will be in key locations to help passengers out, and alternative transport options will be in place.
Speaking ahead of the line closures this year, Danny Vaughan – Head of Metrolink at TfGM – said: “In the past 10 years alone, the Eccles line has supported 40 million journeys, providing a real alternative to using the car, helping people get around the region, reducing congestion and helping to cut air pollution.
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“The Eccles Line, and the MediaCity spur, which was opened in 2010, have supported the local economy and been instrumental in the regeneration of the Quays area [so] it’s therefore very important that we do these works now in order to help the area continue to grow and prosper.
“We know it’s going to cause some inconvenience for passengers so we are limiting the work to less busy times.
“Many passengers will be able to catch trams on the Trafford Park Line, and we will provide good alternatives to those who can’t.”
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More details are available on the TfGM website here.
Appeal for information after serious bus-cyclist collision on Deansgate
Daisy Jackson
Police have launched an appeal for information following a serious road traffic collision on Deansgate, which has left a cyclist in critical condition.
Yesterday afternoon reports were made of a crash between a cyclist and a bus on the busy street in Manchester city centre.
The cyclist, who is a man in his 80s, has suffered life-threatening injuries in the crash, and remains in hospital in critical condition.
The crash took place on the junction of Bridge Street and Deansgate at around 12.30pm on Monday 2 November.
A large cordon was in place and Deansgate closed for several hours yesterday.
Police officers are now appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the moments leading up to this incident, or may have mobile phone or dashcam footage, to come forward.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting the log number 1510 of 02.11.26. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Greater Manchester emergency services issue urgent safety warning ahead of Bonfire Night
Emily Sergeant
An urgent safety warning has been issued by emergency services ahead of Bonfire Night this week.
With Bonfire Night only a few days away now, and fireworks already starting to be let off across the region, Greater Manchester’s emergency services have, once again, come together to launch a campaign urging communities to be safe, and warn against attacking emergency service workers or taking part in anti-social behaviour.
Led by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), in partnership with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), and the region’s 10 local Councils, the Bang Out Of Order campaign highlights the consequences of anti-social behaviour.
Last year, incidents of anti-social behaviour relating to nuisance from fireworks rose by 2% – with 1,020 cases recorded, while attacks on firefighters also sadly increased.
An urgent safety warning has been issued by emergency services ahead of Bonfire Night / Credit: DESIGNECOLOGIST (via Unsplash)
935 fires were also started deliberately between 1 September and 10 November last year, while 767 hoax calls were made to the police and fire service within the same time period.
GMFRS has now issued an urgent safety warning.
Matt Hamer, Director for Community Safety and Training, said: “The Bonfire Night period is one of the busiest times of the year for our emergency services, and we want everyone to enjoy the celebrations safely and responsibly.
“We strongly encourage people to attend organised firework displays and bonfire events wherever possible. If you are planning your own celebrations, it is essential that you follow the Firework Code and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and those around you.
“Deliberately setting fires, misusing fireworks or attacking emergency service workers is completely unacceptable and can have serious consequences. Our firefighters are there to protect communities and should never face abuse, violence or intimidation while carrying out their duties.
Emily Sergeant -
11th February 2022 
