Avanti West Coast has confirmed it will add extra services to its timetable each day so that mourners from Manchester can travel to London to pay their respects to HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The rail company – which has been responsible for operating the West Coast Main Line route from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston since December 2019 – has been met with widespread backlash and criticism from the public and local leaders alike as of late after confirming that it had taken the decision to slash its timetable “until further notice” and had temporarily suspended ticket sales.
The train operator said it would continue with with “a reduced service”.
Train frequencies between the capital and Manchester have been reduced to as few as one per hour, rather than the usual three.
Since the reduced timetable from Manchester to London came into operation, some passengers travelling on Avanti West Coast trains have been reporting scenes of chaos – including instances of “fights” over seat reservations.
Avanti West Coast adds extra services to London so mourners can pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II / Credit: Network Rail
Avanti has since apologised for the “enormous frustration and inconvenience”.
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And now, the rail operator has decided to add four extra services between 09:35 and 17:55 BST to the capital from Manchester, with four more then travelling in the opposite direction between 12:40 and 20:40, so that people can pay their respects to HM Queen Elizabeth II – who passed away at aged 96 on 8 September 2022.
We are saddened to have learned of the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and share the nation’s sorrow.
Extra train services will be running throughout the country, with a limited night service on some routes.
Avanti said there will be three extra trains each way on Friday between the same times, and it claimed the extra services will add 16,000 seats.
HM Queen Elizabeth II died aged 96 on 8 September 2022 / Credit: Adrian Harlen (via Crown Copywright)
Speaking on the decision to increase services, a spokesperson from Avanti West Coast said: “We want to ensure that everyone who wants to travel on our trains to pay their respects can do so, and have been working hard to see where we can put on additional services for the period of mourning.”
The company has still said that passengers should expect some delays from a reduced timetable as it is currently experiencing staff shortages.
Avanti West Coast is also yet to make a decision about extra services to London at the weekend or Monday when the State Funeral will take place, but said it was “examining closely what opportunities there are for additional services”.
Featured Image – Avanti West Coast
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Emily Sergeant -
14th September 2022 
