Stretford town centre is set to be ‘transformed’ in the coming months due to Trafford Council receiving £17.6 million in regeneration funding.
Stretford was one of four areas in the North West of England to enjoy a full allocation from the government’s £830m Future High Streets Fund.
Stockport has also been handed £14.5 million to refurbish Mersey Square and repurpose empty retail units.
Wigan and Oldham also received smaller pots of development funding.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the money had been distributed to help areas to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and “transform underused town centres into vibrant places to live, work, visit and shop.”
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Trafford Council have called the announcement “exciting” and a “major boost” for the local area.
The funding now means that the much-anticipated Streford Masterplan can proceed – which will include a new, expanded high street with better landscaping and transport links.
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The council will also make improvements to public spaces, pedestrian/cycle movements, Stretford Mall and Lacy Street, whilst securing a long-term solution for the Essoldo cinema.
Bridgewater Canal may also be opened up for new homes and businesses.
Find out more about the incredible news that Stretford will receive over £17m to regenerate the town centre following a successful application to the Future High Streets Fund 👇https://t.co/nHcX9Ty2Skpic.twitter.com/9DVAuqzira
Cllr Andrew Western, Leader of Trafford Council said it was “absolutely amazing news for Stretford”.
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“We have already made massive improvements to Stretford and this will enable us to totally transform the area for residents and business alike,” he stated.
“Trafford Council has made it a major priority to revitalise all our town centres and Stretford is no exception. We have incredible plans for the area.”
Minister for High Streets Kelly Tolhurst said 2021 would be a “big one for high streets in the North West”.
She added: “Towns across the North West have a proud history of industry and commerce, and we are supporting them to preserve this heritage for future generations.”
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Manchester’s tiny new tiramisu hatch Layr speaks out after receiving influx of ‘hostile’ hate messages
Emily Sergeant
Manchester’s tiny new tiramisu hatch has spoken out after receiving a recent influx of ‘hostile’ hate messages and reviews.
Having only opened its doors – or should we say, shutters – at the end of last month (29 January) over in Acoats, Layr is one of Manchester’s newest independent businesses that is selling purely tiramisu, with a menu of three different flavours, each served in individually portioned pots.
Here you can expect classic tiramisu where sponge is soaked in espresso, then layered with vanilla marscapone and cocoa dust.
These freshly-made, alcohol-free and Halal desserts have gone down an absolute treat with residents and visitors to the city alike since opening, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been completely smooth sailing for founder Moona who has admitted over the weekend that they have been receiving a number of ‘hostile’ hate comments and reviews that don’t reflect the service they are providing.
The statement comes after the business teamed up with The Couture Club and influencer Farron Clark for a Valentine’s collaboration over the weekend.
Layr said in its Instagram statement: “As a small independent business, we can’t stay silent when things aren’t right. It’s hard to share, but it has to be said.
“With a heavy heart, we need to address something that’s been happening behind the scenes. Over the past few days, we’ve noticed a pattern that’s been difficult to process. Hostile hate-messages, comments, and reviews. A number of one-star reviews have appeared that don’t feel reflective of real customer experiences… with some of our genuine customer photos have been screenshotted and reposted elsewhere.
Layr has spoken out after receiving an influx of ‘hostile’ hate messages / Credit: The Manc Group
“As a small, new independent business, we take all feedback on board. However instances that appear not to be genuine are disheartening to see.”
They then shared a couple of screenshot images of reviews and comments they were referring to, before adding that: “The industry is already a challenge without these instances. We all need each other’s support and I hope we all succeed in what we set out to achieve.”
The statement concluded: “Let’s spread love… not hate.”
Layr’s post has seen hundreds of likes and comments from customers and other local businesses sharing their support.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Government announces social media crackdown with potential ban for under 16s
Emily Sergeant
The Government has announced a social media crackdown in a bid to keep children safe amid rapid technology changes.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer wants to take ‘immediate action’ to make the online world safer for children.
The new measures announced today include a crackdown on ‘vile’ illegal content created by AI, including fast action to shut a legal loophole and force all AI chatbot providers to abide by illegal content duties in the Online Safety Act or face the consequences of breaking the law.
The Government says it’s also taking new legal powers to lay the groundwork for immediate action following its consultation on children’s wellbeing online carried out earlier this year.
No social media platform should get a free pass when it comes to protecting our kids.
These new powers introduced this week will mean Government ministers can act fast on the findings of the consultation within months, rather than waiting years for new primary legislation every time technology evolves, and this means, crucially, being able to prohibit measures like setting a minimum age limit for social media – which Australia famously became the first country to do so last year – and restricting features like infinite scrolling that are also harmful.
It’s also likely that there will be restrictions introduced on children’s use of AI chatbots, as well as options to age-restrict or limit children’s VPN, and changing the age of digital consent.
The Prime Minister has insisted ‘no platform gets a free pass’.
The Government has announced a social media crackdown with a potential ban for under 16s / Credit: Julian Christ (via Unsplash)
“As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and the worries that parents face making sure their kids are safe online,” Mr Starmer said.
“Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up. With my Government, Britain will be a leader not a follower when it comes to online safety. The action we took on Grok sent a clear message that no platform gets a free pass.
“Today we are closing loopholes that put children at risk, and laying the groundwork for further action. We are acting to protect children’s wellbeing and help parents to navigate the minefield of social media.”
The Manc -
5th January 2021 
