News

Eccles tram line to close on ‘several occasions’ this year for essential maintenance

TfGM says all closure times have been chosen in order to "minimise disruption to passengers".

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 11th February 2022

Eccles tram line is set to close a number of times this year to allow for essential maintenance work to be carried out.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed this week that after 22 years of operation, the Metrolink Eccles line – which was originally opened in 1999, and has supported millions of journeys since – is set to close “on several occasions” this year for essential maintenance of the tracks.

A full closure of the line will take place for eight days over the February half term, between the 19 and 27 February, and further partial closures of the line are planned for the Easter and summer school holidays.

TfGM says all closure times have been chosen in order to “minimise disruption to passengers”.

Passengers will be able to visit a dedicated travel advice page to find information on alternative travel options to help plan their journey in advance, and Metrolink staff will also be around at key locations at busier times assist people in any way needed.

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Passengers are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys.

Speaking ahead of the line closures this year, Danny Vaughan – Head of Metrolink at TfGM – said: “In the past 10 years alone, the Eccles line has supported 40 million journeys, providing a real alternative to using the car, helping people get around the region, reducing congestion and helping to cut air pollution.

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“The Eccles Line, and the MediaCity spur, which was opened in 2010, have supported the local economy and been instrumental in the regeneration of the Quays area [so] it’s therefore very important that we do these works now in order to help the area continue to grow and prosper.

“We know it’s going to cause some inconvenience for passengers so we are limiting the work to less busy times.

“Many passengers will be able to catch trams on the Trafford Park Line, and we will provide good alternatives to those who can’t.”

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More details are available on the TfGM website here.

Featured Image – TfGM

News

A Salford student has made history as BBC Radio 1’s newest presenter

Danny Jones Danny Jones Young University of Salford student becomes new BBC Radio 1 presenter

A University of Salford student has made history after becoming the latest radio presenter for mainstream national station BBC Radio 1.

And he’s only 20 years old.

Matt Hallsworth from Harleston in Norfolk has become the first ever Salford student to sign a contract with the station whilst still studying, and is now set to join fellow alumni such as Vicky Hawkesworth and Katie Thistleton in working for the BBC’s biggest radio station.

If that isn’t hitting the ground running in your career, then we don’t know what is.

Set to host the spin-off online stream ‘Radio 1 Anthems’ – available via BBC’s digital Sounds platform, which hosts live and pre-recorded broadcasts, podcasts, music playlists and more – Hallsworth will be taking charge of several shows in the coming weeks.

The BA Television and Radio Production student, who is currently Head of Radio at the University’s in-house station Shock Radio, has already won a number of awards in his fledgling broadcast career and is now set to present a total of 16 shows through next month, starting from 8am on Tuesday, 2 April.

Matt has already had a glimpse of life at the BBC, having joined in as one of their Christmas Presenters back in December; he won the coveted slot after being crowned winner of ‘Best Presenter’ at last year’s Student Radio Awards (SRAs) and was the youngest out of a total 27 guest hosts that got the chance.

In addition to that accolade, he also collected the Gold Award for ‘Best Chart Show’ at the 2024 SRAs, with his on-air partner and fellow student Issy Brand also joining him in earning the title of ‘Best On-Air Team’ for the second year in a row in the International Student Broadcasting Championship.

Since then, he’s already enjoyed experience as a freelance presenter for nearby Hits Radio, working and is now the lead host officer for The Student Radio Association’s annual conference over in Salford.

You can listen HERE. (Credit: BBC)

Speaking on the unbelievable opportunity, the rising radio star said: “I am so excited to be joining the BBC Radio 1 Anthems family across April! Since the stream’s launch in October, it’s been evident the BBC is using it as a platform to nurture new presenters, and I feel thrilled to be able to join that.

“I was working on some university assignment work in January when I got the text and call from Aled [Hayden Jones, Head of Station at BBC Radio 1], with feedback from my Christmas show and offering the opportunity.

“The shows have the best playlists, full of songs that I grew up with, forgot about, and play anyway. I can’t wait for people to hear them.”

As for UoS‘s Programme Leader for BA TV and Radio Production, Louise Ready-Syrat, she says: “I’m hugely proud and pleased for Matt, he is such a lovely person and a huge talent that will be amazing in every capacity.

“Watching his development over his time with us on the BA Television and Radio Production course has been a privilege and a real inspiration to his fellow students.

“Always quick to help out on our Open Days, award shows and as Head of Shock Radio, he has proven himself to be a true professional and a genuinely great guy! Super pleased for him, he will smash this!”

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Lyndon Saunders, Senior Lecturer and Subject Group Head for Broadcast Media, went on to add: “As soon as we heard Matt take to the student airwaves at Salford, we knew he would be snapped up by somebody big before too long. It’s just amazing to discover that he’s going national on BBC Radio 1.

“He’s so hard working, so determined, but so humble about his on air talent. I’ve worked with Matt in a producer capacity as well and he has an incredible work ethic – a gift for the journalism and storytelling side of radio too. In short, radio is in his veins, and we’re thrilled he’s making his dream a reality.”

You’ve done your department, Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole proud, Matt – we look forward to hearing you on the airwaves for years to come!

As far as universities go, UoS continues to be a brilliant proving ground for up-and-coming media talent.

MediaCity launches brand new state-of-the-art creative content space
We can’t guarantee every Salford student will go on to be a BBC Radio 1 presenter, but they’ll certainly stand you in good stead.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — University of Salford (Supplied)

News

Boy, 14, dies after e-scooter crash in Manchester

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Police are appealing for information after a 14-year-old boy died after an e-scooter crash in Manchester. Credit: Google Maps

A teenage boy has died a week after a horror crash involving an e-scooter in Manchester.

An electric scooter with two 14-year-old riders was travelling through Wythenshawe when it collided with a car, coming to rest on a third vehicle.

Tragically, a week after the crash, one of the teenage boys has died from his injuries.

The other rider didn’t receive any serious or life-threatening injuries.

The collision occurred at a junction in the direction of Southmoor Road on 19 March at around 4pm.

Police are now investigating the incident and appealing for any witness to come forward.

Detective Constable Steven Pennington, from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “A young boy has tragically lost his life following this collision and our condolences are with his family and friends.

“Our work into the circumstances of the collision is still ongoing and we continue to ask anyone with relevant information to please get in touch with us as we continue our work.”

The boy’s family are being supported by specialist officers as enquiries continue, and have asked for privacy as they continue to grieve their loss.

No arrests have been made.

GMP’s statement says: “Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage is asked to get in touch with officers.

“This can be done by contacting police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2263 of 19/03/25.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

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Featured image: Google Maps

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