Andy Burnham to attend government meeting this morning to finalise Greater Manchester rules
Burnham is set for a meeting with the government later this morning (15 October) to learn the fate of Greater Manchester - which could be moved to Tier 3.
Mayor Andy Burnham will attend a government meeting this morning to learn the fate of Greater Manchester – which could be moved up to the highest local COVID alert risk category.
The region’s leaders and hospitality members fiercely campaigned against the region being placed into Tier 3 – essentially a local lockdown – when the new tier system was announced on Monday (12 October).
And they appeared to have won.
Later that afternoon, in the House of Commons, Boris Johnson confirmed that only Liverpool City Region would be ranked within the ‘very high’ risk category – with Greater Manchester instead placed in Tier 2.
But within hours, discussions were already taking place as to whether Greater Manchester (along with Lancashire, our Tier 2 and geographical neighbours) should in fact be reclassified.
A move to Tier 3 would mean the closure of pubs and bars (that do not serve food), gyms and bookmakers, as well as a complete ban on all household mixing.
But local leaders have pledged to fight the restrictions all over again – even threatening legal action.
“Since one meeting on Friday, the Government has not discussed these matters with us,” Mayor Andy Bunrham stated.
“Instead, the pressure is being piled on via media briefings. Later today I will set out why the current Tier 3 proposal is fundamentally flawed and why we won’t accept it.”
Despite saying he would make no comment until Thursday’s meeting, Burnham said he “felt compelled to do so” after hearing the news.
“At no point during tonight’s briefing was this news communicated to us,” he tweeted.
“Media told first once again. Our position has not changed.”
Said I wasn’t going to comment but now feel compelled to do so on the back of this Government briefing.
At no point during tonight’s briefing was this news communicated to us. Media told first once again. Our position has not changed. pic.twitter.com/A9V3Tbdisv
Burnham is set for a meeting with the government later this morning (15 October) to learn the fate of Greater Manchester.
Manchester MPs will be talking to the Minister of State Helen Whatley at 10.45am.
This could be the second time the government has rapidly changed measures for Greater Manchester just hours after making them law.
Back in September, ministers announced they would lift restrictions in Bolton and Trafford – which included a ban on households mixing indoors – only to reimpose these rules on the same day both boroughs were due to be released.
Following the meetings with local MPs this morning, Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to provide an official update in the House of Commons.
News
Urgent appeal after woman, 70, dies after being found unconscious with ‘serious injuries’ on a Tameside road
Emily Sergeant
An urgent appeal has been issued after a woman was found unconscious with ‘serious injuries’ on a road on the Tameside / Oldham border.
Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for information after the woman, aged 70, was taken to hospital upon being discovered on Waggon Road in Park Bridge, which is an area on the border of Tameside and Oldham, at around 2:30pm this past Sunday afternoon (10 August).
Police say their investigation is centred on trying to find out how the woman came to be on the road, and ultimately, uncover more about the incident as a whole.
This is why officers are now appealing to the Greater Manchester public.
#APPEAL | Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for information after a woman died after being found unconscious on a road on the Oldham/Tameside border yesterday (10/08/25). pic.twitter.com/lzjANgh8Tg
Anyone who saw the incident, or who may have dashcam footage, is urged to call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 1858 of 10/08/25.
You can also call 101, or talk to GMP via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
Any reports or concerns about the incident can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Google Maps
News
Manchester Youth Zone reopens following impressive £1.6m transformation
Emily Sergeant
Manchester Youth Zone has officially relaunched following a significant £1.6 million investment and months of transformation.
Designed hand-in-hand with the young people of Harpurhey, where the centre – which is proudly a member of the OnSide Youth Zones – is based, the revitalised space represents a bold new chapter for Manchester Youth Zone (MYZ) and the new state-of-the-art facilites offer an exciting range of opportunities and experiences for young people to enjoy.
MYZ is open all year round to provide a ‘safe space’ for young people across North Manchester aged eight to 19, or up to 25 with additional needs.
Football, basketball, podcasting, music, cooking, boxing, dance, and dedicated wellbeing spaces are just some of the activities on offer for young people now that the refurbishment is complete.
The refurbishment is a major milestone for MYZ and its renewed mission to help young people discover their ‘purpose, passion, and pathway’ in life.
Manchester Youth Zone has reopened following an impressive £1.6m transformation / Credit: Supplied
This means that the newly-refurbished centre also offers space and facilities for meaningful support – with one-to-one navigators and youth workers working closely with the children and families to help ‘break down barriers’ and ‘unlock potential’.
MYZ is one of 140 youth centres in England to benefit from a Youth Investment Fund grant, announced by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
The Youth Investment Fund was granted to MYZ as part of the Government’s National Youth Guarantee to ‘transform and level up’ opportunities for young people in England.
“We’re delighted to unveil our newly transformed Manchester Youth Zone,” commented Heather Etheridge, who CEO of Manchester Youth Zone.
“It’s a significant milestone for MYZ and we’re extremely proud of the new space and what it has to offer the young people of Harpurhey.
“From its state-of-the-art facilities to dedicated wellbeing spaces we are a shining example of how investment, vision, and youth-led design can create lasting impact, and how truly transformational spaces can change lives.
The Manc -
15th October 2020 
