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.”
News
Public urged to call the police if they see this wanted man
Daisy Jackson
Cheshire Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man with links to Macclesfield and Alsager.
Joshua Wyatt, 34, is wanted on recall to prison, and officers are urging anyone who has seen him or knows of his whereabouts to come forward.
Wyatt is described as being 183cm (6ft) tall and of medium build, with a bald head and blue eyes.
Police believe he has links to both Macclesfield and Alsager.
Anyone who sees Wyatt or has information about where he may be is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or report information via the force’s website.
Information should be provided quoting reference number 26000809013.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has announced a shuttle bus scheme to help Manchester United fans get to Old Trafford this week, amid major tram disruption.
Fans won’t be able to use trams to get to the ground as usual, due to huge improvement works which are in place until Monday 2 November.
There’ll be no trams at all on the Altrincham, Trafford Park, and Eccles lines, with Airport and East Didsbury trams only going as far as Firswood.
That means that fans heading to Manchester United’s home game against Bournemouth would have been a little stuck without this newly-announced shuttle bus service.
Frequent dedicated shuttle buses will run running Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham Interchange and the Trafford Centre, taking fans directly to Old Trafford before the game.
Frequencies range from five to 20 minutes depending on the route and time, with details available online. Return services will be in place after the final whistle.
TfGM staff will be at key stops and interchanges throughout the day to help fans get to the match and provide travel advice.
Huge shuttle bus effort laid on to get Manchester United fans to Old Trafford amid tram disruption. Credit: TfGM
Ian Davies, TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, said: “There is no good time to disrupt passengers to carry out these works, and this is the first time in over a decade that trams won’t serve Old Trafford on a match day, but these works are essential and will enable us to provide a better service in future. I am very sorry to fans who face disruption.
“We’ve put a range of alternative travel options in place, including dedicated shuttle buses, bolstered Bee Network bus services, rail options and ticket acceptance arrangements will help fans get to and from the game.
“Journey options will be different from usual, so we would encourage supporters to plan ahead, check their route and our website before they travel and leave plenty of time to get to and from the stadium.”
TfGM is advising supporters to leave around an hour earlier to help make sure they arrive in time for kick-off.
The Manc -
5th January 2021 
