New Mayor Bev Craig announces FREE bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Thousands of high school children across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from free bus travel next year.

That’s because Greater Manchester’s newly-elected Mayor, Bev Craig, set out plans on her first official day in office yesterday (3 August) to help families with the rising cost of living by extending the already-popular ‘Our Pass’ scheme to give 11 to 16-year-olds free bus travel on the Bee Network from January 2027 onwards.

The move is expected to benefit nearly 200,000 young people across Greater Manchester – saving families up to £500 per child every year.

Applications will open later this year, so families can apply for their pass in advance.

Bev Craig has announced free bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM

Greater Manchester’s successful ‘Our Pass’ scheme was introduced in 2019 and already gives 16-18-year-olds free bus travel to make getting to education, training, and opportunities easier.

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But this new extension means that, for the first time, all children between 11 and 18-years-old will be able to travel for free on the region’s buses.

On top of this, in further support for families, Bev has also confirmed that previously-agreed plans to give free bus travel for children in temporary accommodation will be implemented from this September – with this extra support set to be administered by councils and be in place for the new school term.

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“During my campaign, I promised that I would apply a simple test to every decision I take as Mayor – will it make life better for the people of Greater Manchester? That’s why on day one I’m announcing the extension of Our Pass to give free bus travel to 11 to 16-year-olds,” commented Bev Craig as the move was announced this week.

“This is exactly the kind of decision that passes our test.

“It will put more money in the pockets of thousands of hard-working families, and gives those young people a ticket to all the brilliant opportunities our city region offers.

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“Families across Greater Manchester are struggling with the cost of living and I’m using my first day as Mayor to do something practical to make life a bit easier. By launching in January, young people will be boarding the Bee Network for free as they head back to school.”

Featured Image – TfGM

The unassuming £2.5m Chorlton semi packed with period features AND a ‘spectacular’ indoor swimming pool

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Fancy a look inside a somewhat unassuming semi in Chorlton that’s packed with period features and even has an indoor swimming pool?

The only thing is, you’ll just need the small matter of £2.5 million before you can call it yours.

Of course, it goes without saying that the vast majority of people reading this article won’t have £2.5 million just sitting in their bank accounts right now, but if like us, you love looking at houses you can’t afford in places you’ll probably never live, then allow us to introduce you to this absolute beauty.

Take a look behind the front door of what is, by far, one of the finest properties the Greater Manchester housing market has to offer at the moment, even it if doesn’t appear that way from the front.

This unassuming £2.5m Chorlton semi is packed with period features / Credit: Gascoigne Halman

Described as being ‘incredibly impressive’ by estate agents, this five-bedroom period semi on High Lane in the ever-popular Manchester suburb of Chorlton – loved for its eclectic mix of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops, as well as good local schooling options and connections to the city centre – boasts 5,000 sq ft of immaculately presented living space, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury.

The property has retained ‘superb’ period features throughout, with everything from stained-glass windows and featured fireplaces worth shouting about.

While character and charm is a huge part of what makes this property so special, the current owners have also done a brilliant job in making sure the home is perfect for modern-day living too – with an open-plan dining kitchen installed with high-specification appliances, an entertainment/cinema room, office space, and even a steam room.

The accommodations are immaculately presented throughout / Credit: Gascoigne Halman

Upstairs, there are five good-sized bedrooms, each having been thoughtfully decorated, and two stylish bathroom suites finished to an ‘exceptional’ standard.

One of the bedrooms on the first floor features a contemporary three piece shower, utility room, and an impressive balcony that overlooks the rear garden.

But, one of the property’s standout features, by far, is the spectacular indoor swimming pool that comes complete with a shower and W/C.

Stepping outside you’ll find the property is just as impressive as it is inside / Credit: Gascoigne Halman

Once you take a step outside, you’ll find the property is just as impressive as it is inside.

The generous landscaped garden is beautifully maintained, with two separate patio areas and a high degree of privacy, and there’s also a secure gated driveway that provides ample off-road parking space for multiple vehicles, as well as a garage at the rear.

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Like what you see then? The property is currently on the market with the Disbury branch of local independent estate agents, Gascoigne Halman, for £2.5 million and if you fancy taking a closer look, then you can contact the property company to arrange a viewing.

Or you could just take the cheaper route instead and have a nosy on Rightmove here.

Featured Image – Gascoigne Halman

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