Motorists are being told to expected disruption until next spring as work gears up to begin on Manchester’s next CYCLOPS junction from next week.
As part of an ongoing mission to improve walking and cycling across the city-region, work will begin on Monday 22 August to make the busy Brooks Bar junction in south Manchester safer and more accessible for cyclists and pedestrians by installing a CYCLOPS junction.
The new CYCLOPS junction will join several others that have already been successfully installed as part of the Manchester to Chorlton Cycleway.
It is to be installed where Chorlton Road, Moss Lane West, Withington Road, Upper Chorlton Road, and Shrewsbury Street all intersect, and according to Manchester City Council, it will allow pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles to move about all while remaining “entirely segregated”.
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) June 8, 2022
“Crossing busy junctions on foot or by bike can be a complicated and scary experience and is often a huge barrier for people travelling by foot or bike, and having to navigate a number of these can make them opt for the car,” Mr Boardman explained.
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“This junction design will make journeys easier and smoother for those doing their bit by cycling or walking, without impacting negatively on any other modes.”
As part of the design of the new CYCLOPS junction, changes are also to be made to road access to make sure that traffic can flow smoothly through the junction and to minimise any future congestion.
This means that Shrewsbury Street at Upper Chorlton Road will be closed, and a ban on turning left will be implemented at Chorlton Road into Moss Lane West, and the Council is advising people to plan their journey ahead of time through the duration of these works.
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CYCLOPS junctions allow pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles to move about, all while remaining “entirely segregated” / Credit: Manchester City Council / Walk Ride GM
With work expected to continue right through until spring 2023, planning journeys ahead of time will make sure motorists don’t encounter delays too significant.
Manchester City Council does however admit that the junction is usually very busy all year round, and now, with the addition of construction work on top of that, it is warning that delays “will be even longer than usual”.
You can find more information on the junction and delays expected here.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2022 
