New bins have appeared across Manchester today – and they act as a ballot box for some hot topics.
Mancs will be able to vote with their litter on subjects like who the best Gallagher brother is, what you call those round breads, and which film is better out of Barbie and Oppenheimer.
It’s similar to the cigarette butt bins that popped up in Ancoats earlier this year, but on a much larger scale.
When you place any rubbish in your chosen half of the bin, it adds another vote to the counter.
For example, when we chucked a bottle away earlier, we helped ‘Barm’ edge into the lead on the never-ending ‘Barm vs Muffin’ debate.
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It’s hoped that the scheme will encourage people to reduce their litter while also weighing in on popular debates.
Manchester City Council have worked with environmental charity Hubbub and in collaboration with KFC on the Big Ballot Bins, as part of the #PickYourSideMCR campaign.
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The bins are the first of their kind and have been placed on commuter routes to and from Piccadilly station.
They use sensors to detect and count which option the public vote for as they throw away their rubbish, with digital screens keeping track of the score.
New ‘ballot bins’ have appeared in Manchester city centreNew ‘ballot bins’ have appeared in Manchester city centre
It comes as new figures show that the UK is spending £1 billion each year to clear 30 million tonnes of litter.
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Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, Manchester City Council’s Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “I am pleased that we’re teaming up with Hubbub to launch this new scheme in the city centre. This initiative is one of the many innovative ways that the Council are trying to reduce littering in the city and encourage people to put their rubbish in the bin.
“By getting people voting we hope that residents will be encouraged to vote on funny topics, and throw their rubbish in the bins, keeping our streets clean. “
Gavin Ellis, Director and Co-Founder at Hubbub, commented: “Since we created the Ballot Bin voting ashtray back in 2016 and saw it successfully nudging smokers to bin their butts, Hubbub has wanted to test the same approach with litter bins.
“We’re always looking for creative ways to reduce littering and we hope the new Big Ballot Bins, which are built based on proven behaviour change principles, will do just that. We’ll be tracking the impact they have through independent, scientific measurement.”
Jenny Packwood, Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer and Interim CMO, KFC UK & Ireland, said: “Litter is an eyesore and is bad for the environment. We all hate to see it, and we take our responsibility to reduce the impact of litter in our communities very seriously.
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“That’s why this pilot scheme using behavioural insights to test new approaches to tackling litter is an exciting next step for us. We want to play our part to find real solutions that work for the people of Manchester.”
The impact of the project will be measured by environmental tech company Ellipsis Earth who will use artificial intelligence to identify and scientifically measure changes to litter levels around the bins. This data, combined with results from a parallel project being run in Southampton, will help determine the impact of the bins and whether using voting bins could help other city centres tackle litter too.
Featured image: The Manc Group
Manchester
10 beautiful summer walks you can do within an hour of Manchester
Lydia Mastrolonardo
As much as we all love Manchester city centre, it’s fair to say we all need a little break from the busyness of the city from time to time – and what better timing for us to explore than during this glorious July weather.
I am all too aware of the temperatures that we endured during the Great Hellish Heatwave of June 2026, but now that it has slightly cooled to a more manageable climate – it’s about time we start exploring our local area and make the most of this sunshine, before it’s gone.
With that said, these are amazing walks no matter the weather so if it is still a little too hot for you, stay safe and just wait until a cooler day.
Now for those interested, freeze those water bottles, grab the suncream and a packed lunch, and let me walk you through your options.
Prewarning – it may be wise to download the All Trails app for some of these to avoid getting lost.
Chee Dale Stepping Stones and Monsal Trail – Buxton
Chee Dale stepping stones. Credit: Geograph, Andrew HillCycling the Monsal Trail. Credit: The Manc Group
This one is a little further afield, at about an hour from Manchester city centre, but is well worth the trip.
The Chee Dale Stepping Stones and Monsal Trail takes you along the River Wye, through some disused railway tunnels, old lime kilns and over – you guessed it – lots of stepping stones.
This route expertly combines history with an exciting alternative to walking on a regular path – just make sure you wear some grippy shoes to avoid slipping in and your mates laughing at you.
The walk is just over 5k and should take around 90 minutes. After all of that walking, why not reward yourself with a crisp post-walk pint at one of the lovely pubs nearby, we suggest The Castle or The Anglers Rest.
This has got to be one of our favourites, it really does have a bit of everything, from ruins and viaducts, to llamas and canals – what more could you ask for?
Hop off the train at New Mills Central to find this 3.2k route which can take between 30 minutes to an hour. There are many variations of this walk on All Trails so you can cater for whatever length and difficulty you desire.
One thing is for certain – you must stop for an obligatory pint at the Torr Vale Tap, an 18th century cotton mill overlooking the Millennium Walkway, and have a browse at the cheese, beers and wines at The Cheese Wheel shop.
Visit Todmorden’s ‘secret beach’ only a 25 minute train from Manchester Victoria.
Follow the trail to Gaddings Dam where you will find a sandy shoreline, sheltered from the wind, making it a perfect sun trap to relax. The water is freezing though so we don’t recommend swimming, especially if you’re on your own.
Todmorden is known for its cute cafes and pubs but the Shepherds Rest Inn, serving hearty homemade food, would have to be our recommendation.
If you’re up for a bit of a longer varied walk, head over to Bolton for this 9km route.
It has great views, a peaceful wooded area and lots of animals to spot along the way, including beautiful horses and some sheep.
Not to mention this route takes you through the Rivington Terraced Gardens which feature hidden paths and restored Japanese and Italian lakes with historical architecture designed by legendary garden designer, Thomas H. Mawson.
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It is such an interesting walk and not one to miss.
The Trinnacle Trail Walk from Dovestone Reservoir – Oldham
The Trinnacle above Dove Stone Reservoir. Credit: Instagram @joe.dambra
This is a little more of a challenging route through Saddleworth Moor, consisting of incline walking and a scramble up a waterfall but the views from the top, where you can spot Manchester’s beautiful skyline, make it worth the effort. Alternatively you can do a shorter circular walk around the reservoir itself.
Whichever route you pick, be sure to treat yourself to a post-walk ice cream from the van that can often be found in Dovestones Reservoir car park during the summer months.
Be warned – the parking can fill quickly to be sure to get down early and park considerately. If you are taking public transport, get the train to Greenfield Station and then either a short bus, taxi or a 40 minute walk to get to your starting point.
Deer resting on the lawn at Dunham Massey. Credit: Arnhel de Serra
This historic National Trust offers 200-acres of flat land, perfect for a family friendly, leisurely stroll and the chance to spot some fallow deer. Not to mention the iconic rose garden in summer
Simply hop on the Metrolink to Altrincham from the city centre, followed by a short 10-minute bus ride to arrive at this idyllic wildlife filled spot.
With it being a National Trust you do have to pay entry but with family packages from £16.50, we think it’s well worth it. If you want to do a deeper dive into the history of Dunham Massey you can pay that bit extra for a visit inside of the 18th century house filled with treasures.
Hollingworth Lake Circular – Littleborough
Another super relaxing accessible option, with the whole circumference of the lake being paved so that it’s wheelchair and pram friendly. It is around 4km long and so should take between 45-90 minutes to complete, with a cafe halfway round for some waterside dining. This is a great spot for some wildlife spotting and occasionally there are some watersports taking place on the lake too.
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This walk is only 20 minutes on the train from Manchester Victoria station to Smithy Bridge.
While you’re there, why not head over to the Wine Press pub which has an amazing food menu, lakeside views and beer garden – it would be rude not to.
This is another one for you history-lovers, less than 30 minutes away from Manchester Piccadilly is where you can find the Chinley Churn and Cracken Edge route.
Expect panoramic views of the Peak District and relics from the Cracken Edge Quarry which historically mined slate during the 1800s.
It’s important to note this one isn’t as accessible with a few steep areas, loose rocky patches and depending on the weather it can be muddy – make sure you have some sturdy walking shoes.
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Another cracking post-walk pub is The Old Hall Inn. It has sensational pub grub and the perfect pub garden for this weather.
Hardcastle crags and Heptonstall – Hebden Bridge
A walk around Hardcastle Crags in Autumn. Credit: The Manc GroupA walk around Hardcastle Crags in Autumn. Credit: The Manc Group
Another great walk only 30 minutes away by train, from Manchester Victoria, is this 12k circular route starting in a lovely market town, Hebden Bridge.
This trail follows the river with some waterfalls and stepping stones, through a shady woodland area, perfect for a break from the sun.
At the half way point there is also a cafe and bookshop at the historic Gibson Mill to pause, grab a drink or some snacks to re-energise before carrying on along the trail.
On your way back, you follow a path along the canal which is lined with quaint pubs and cafes for you to treat yourself – you deserve it.
The swan boats at Heaton ParkHeaton Park in Manchester
Lastly, head on over to Prestwich for a peaceful loop around Heaton Park.
This historic green space has something for everyone, from play areas and animal centre, to the boating lake, bowls pavilion, and iconic 18th-century Heaton Hall.
It is relatively flat making it accessible for all fitness levels and makes the perfect day out for the whole family. Go on get it on your list.
There you are, I’ve done the hard work for you – now get outside and touch some grass.
Local music student issues appeal over stolen saxophones just months after graduation
Danny Jones
A local music student has issued a heartbreaking appeal after two of his saxophones, one of which possessed a deep sentimental attachment, were stolen in Manchester not long after graduating from his degree.
Conor Parker-Delves, who only recently finished his undergrad degree at the Royal Northern College of Music, has dreams of performing professionally, but a sad twist of fate now means that he’s currently without the key tool he needs to make a living.
Having worked so hard up to this point in completing his studies, the 22-year-old was left gutted when the pair of extremely valuable instruments were stolen from his car after parking it in the Longsight area.
The still green graduate believes the items were originally kept at an address just south of Whitworth Park, along with some of his other stolen belongings, which he says were nearly resold on the high street in Moss Side.
Credit: Handouts (via Conor Parker-Delves)
What’s more is that one of these saxes belonged to his late granddad on his mother’s side, who sadly died when he was very young, and he’s been proudly playing it throughout his childhood. A gut-wrenching loss not just for him but for his family.
Speaking to The Manc, he said: “I have played on that sax ever since his passing and have kept the legacy alive. Losing this sax means losing him, and I am going to fight against this as hard as I can for as long as I can.”
A worn silver Selmer Mark VI alto saxophone (serial number: 240580) and a tenor sax of the same brand (SN: 91928) are estimated to be worth a combined £12,000 – funds a fresh graduate like Conor simply doesn’t have.
Given the connection to his grandad, it’s safe to say that he’s not ready to give up and say goodbye to the priceless heirloom, and being stuck without any means of playing is just cruel.
Unfortunately, Greater Manchester Police have already closed the case despite a “promising lead” that looks to have been exhausted, and now he’s been left with no other option than to issue a renewed appeal to the public.
It may only be a slim chance, but the London-born aspiring musician is hoping that the woodwind duo can be recovered, acknowledging that it is “much easier for the saxes to be handed in if they are come across” rather than be replaced.
Things are hard enough for artists these days as it is, especially those who have already spent their time and money uprooting their lives and moving to a big new city like Manchester.
We encourage anyone with any potentially useful information to get in touch and/or report to GMP online, via the non-emergency 101 number, or get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously.
Fingers crossed we can get the tools of Conor’s craft and his grandfather’s before him back safe and sound – can you help?
Daisy Jackson -
19th July 2023 
