Following a judicial review brought by bus operators Stagecoach and and Rotala, a judge has ruled in favour of Manchester’s buses being brought back under public control.
The plan, first put forward by Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham last year, was briefly thrown into jeopardy after operators tried to stop it – but now it’s been successfully defended, meaning that cheaper buses are likely coming to the city in the near future.
Today, the courts found that the decision to implement a bus franchising scheme across Greater Manchester to bring buses back under public control was lawfully carried out, which means the plans can now move forward.
Sharing his joy at the decision, Andy Burnham tweeted that he was ‘pleased to say we have successfully defended the decision I took to put GM buses under public control’ and that he had won on ‘all points’ – adding “we can finally put people before profits after 36 years of the opposite”.
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Joining in his enthusiasm, Manchester night tsar Sacha Lord added that the deicision was ‘huge news’ not just for Greater Manchester but for the rest of the UK, too.
Pleased to say we have successfully defended the decision I took to put GM buses under public control.
We won on ALL points.
The way is now clear for the North to retake control of its public transport.
We can finally put people before profits after 36 years of the opposite.👇🏻 https://t.co/hmmfTz9TLO
In an official statement released following the court judgement, Andy Burnahm said: “Following the strong mandate from the Greater Manchester public, who wanted buses bringing back under public control, it is frustrating that the two companies concerned pursued this action and I am pleased that the court has dismissed all of their arguments.
“I now ask them to accept the clear ruling and allow us to crack on and give the people of Greater Manchester what they want – an integrated, accessible and affordable ‘London-style’ transport system joining together buses, trams, cycling and walking; the Bee Network.
“I want to work with the operators and the government to create the bus network that GM needs over the next few years and I will give a more detailed update on how and when we will implement franchising on Monday.
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“However, in order to deliver a London-style transport system, we need the right funding to do so for our buses and for our Metrolink system so that people have access to the kind of reliable, affordable services that makes public transport an attractive alternative to the car.
“Access to reliable affordable public transport is central to the government’s commitment to levelling up and to our net zero ambitions. We want Government to join us in a partnership that uses Greater Manchester as a pilot to allow it to become the first London-style public transport system outside of London, as the Government promised in its Levelling Up White Paper, providing a package of both post-Covid and longer-term funding.
“We know that this result is important not just for Greater Manchester, but for other city-regions too; such as Liverpool City Region and South Yorkshire who have both announced that they are taking steps to introduce a franchised bus network. We hope that this judgement today will pave the way for them to progress with their ambitions to bring buses under public control. This ruling is a green light for the North to retake control of its bus and public transport system.”
Feature image – Commons Wikimedia
Boroughs
10 hot properties for sale in Greater Manchester | November 2024
Emily Sergeant
Every month, we show you some of the hottest properties currently on the market in Greater Manchester.
It’s safe to say that Mancunians love a good nosey around other peoples’ houses, and after all, Greater Manchester is a brilliant place to live.
But what can your money currently get you in the area?
In our monthly Hot Property series, we scour the internet to find 10 more of the most diverse, jaw-dropping, accessible, and beautifully-presented homes currently on the market in Greater Manchester for you to take a look at.
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Millgate
Egerton, Bolton, Greater Manchester, BL7
Claves
Millgate / Credit: Claves
Detached | x4 Bedrooms | x2 Bathrooms
Situated at the end of a quiet residential street in the popular Bolton village of Egerton, which is highly-regarded for its local schools, and access to nearby amenities and transport links across Greater Manchester and beyond, is this four-bedroom detached family home that’s being offered to the market in immaculate condition.
Ready for growing families of all sizes to move straight into, the property has been renovated by the current owners to a very high standard, and now boasts flexible living spaces that are bright, modern, and open-plan.
Externally, the property has garden areas to the rear, and comes with off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
Millgate / Credit: Claves
The property is currently on the market Bolton-based independent estate agents, Claves, for £575,000 (Offers Over).
How would you like to own your very-own piece of Manchester history? Well now you can. That’s because there’s a well-presented two-bedroom maisonette is currently on the market on Ancoats’ iconic Anita Street, and it’s merely a stone’s throw away from all the convenient amenities on offer in the city centre, as well as being close to public transport links taking you across the region.
Being offered to the market in the enviable position of having no onward chain, this means the property is ready to move straight into.
The property also comes with designated parking.
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Anita Street / Credit: Goodwin Fish
The property is currently on the market with Manchester-based independent estate agents, Goodwin Fish, for £310,000 (Offers Over).
Occupying a commanding position on an attractive residential road in the Swinley area of Wigan, which is close to a wide range of amenities, good local schooling options, and transport links across Greater Manchester, is this stunning five-bedroom Victorian semi-detached family home that estate agents say is “brimming with character and charm” throughout.
Having been mostly restored by the current owners, this property is now ideally-suited to someone looking for a truly impressive home that they are still able to put their own stamp on.
The property backs directly on to Whitley Reservoir from the rear garden, and also comes with ample off-road driveway parking.
Spencer Road / Credit: Morgan H Lewis
The property is currently on the market with Wigan-based independent estate agents, Morgan H Lewis, for £485,950 (Offers in the Region of).
If you’re looking for an immaculately-presented apartment within a beautiful historic building, then this property could be just what you’re looking for.
Situated in the Grade II-listed Stableford Hall in the heart of Monton – a highly sought-after location renowned for its charm and vibrant community, as well as being conveniently close to Salford’s many amenities, local schooling options, and transport links – is this three-bedroom apartment that estate agents describe as being “expertly crafted”.
The property has been tastefully-modernised, while still retaining original features like beams and vaulted ceilings, and it comes with securely-gated parking for residents.
Stableford Hall / Credit: Thornley Groves
The property is currently on the market with the Monton branch of independent estate agents, Thornley Groves, for £375,000.
Said to be “steeped in historical significance”, and therefore a rare addition to the Greater Manchester housing market, is this magnificent three-bedroom semi-detached family home located just a short stroll from the vibrant Heaton Moor village, as well as all the amenities, good local schools, and convenient transport links that make it such a highly-regarded area to live.
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Estate agents say this home represents a truly “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for prospective buyers, as it’s full of beautiful period features, and extensive renovations, as well as its enviable location.
The property boasts a vast front courtyard with ample off-road parking to the front, and a breathtaking garden to the rear.
Didsbury Road / Credit: Philip James Kennedy
The property is currently on the market with the Heaton Moor branch of independent estate agents, Philip James Kennedy, for £1.1 million.
Situated on a highly sought-after development in Bury, but described by estate agents as “standing apart from others in the area” due to its modern external look, is this absolutely stunning three-bedroom detached bungalow that has undergone a major remodelling and refurbishment by the current owners a couple of years back.
No expense has been spared with the renovations, with some of the key updates to the property including a new roof, rewiring, re-plastering, a new kitchen with integrated appliances, a fitted ensuite, and new flooring throughout.
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Externally, the property has an integrated garage and off-road driveway parking for several vehicles.
Newington Drive / Credit: Miller Metcalfe
The property is currently on the market with the Bury branch of local estate agency chain, Miller Metcalfe, for £425,000.
Occupying an enviable position in the sought-after Tameside village of Mottram, which is known and loved for its rural feel while still being conveniently-close to all the local amenities, good schools, and transport links needed for daily life, is this attractive stone-built family home boasting five spacious bedrooms and lots of flexible living spaces.
Estate agents say the property is “deceptively spacious” and offers growing families, or those who value open-plan living, a unique blend of modern living and period charm.
Externally, the property offers an inviting extension of the home, and is perfect for relaxation and entertaining.
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Church Brow / Credit: EweMove
The property is currently on the market with the North West branch of estate agency chain, EweMove, for £495,000 (Offers in Excess of).
Occupying a prime position in the heart of Diggle, which is one of Oldham’s most sought-after villages, and backing onto picturesque hills with far-reaching panoramic views, is this three-bedroom detached family home that that has been tastefully-modernised throughout and is now being offered to the market in immaculate condition.
A true credit to the current owners, some of the stunning property’s stand-out features include a modern open-plan kitchen and dining space, which opens to the sitting room/snug, and four double bedrooms, two with en-suites.
There is a double driveway for off-road parking to the front of the property, and large landscaped gardens to the rear.
Littlemoor Lane / Credit: Kirkham Property
The property is currently on the market with the Uppermill branch of independent estate agents, Kirkham Property, for £600,000.
Arguably one of the most impressive properties currently on the market within one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after residential villages is this immaculate seven-bedroom detached family home nestled in a secluded and exclusive cul-de-sac in Hale Barns, offering prospective buyers both privacy and elegance in equal measure.
Presented across three expansive floors, the property features four reception rooms, a fully equipped open-plan kitchen ideal for modern living, seven spacious double bedrooms, and five luxurious bath/shower rooms.
The home is accessed through a gated entrance which leads to a large gravel driveway, attached garage, and beautifully-landscaped gardens that surround the side and rear of the property.
Elmsway / Credit: Jackson-Stops
The property is currently on the market with Hale branch of independent estate agents, Jackson Stops, for a Guide Price of £2.75 million.
This two-bedroom detached true bungalow is located within the desirable Rochdale district of Thornham – which is ideally placed for amenities, good local schools, and access to public transport links – and offers prospective buyers a unique opportunity to live on one of the area’s most sought-after residential roads.
The property has been completely modernised by the current owners over the last year, and estate agents says “no expense has been spared” with the renovations undertaken.
As well as the light and spacious accommodations on offer inside the property, externally, this home sits on a good-sized plot with a garden to the front, and a paved driveway that leads to the attached garage.
Ferndale Avenue / Credit: Ryder & Dutton
The property is currently on the market with the Royton branch of local estate agents, Ryder & Dutton, for £475,000.
The best things to do in Greater Manchester this week | 18 – 24 November 2024
Emily Sergeant
Who’s ready for another week filled with festivities?
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching, so as you can imagine, there’s absolutely no shortage of Christmas-themed activities for the whole family to be getting up to across Greater Manchester throughout this week.
Finding it a bit tricky to pick what to do though?
We’ve chosen a few of the best bits for another edition of our ‘what’s on‘ guide, so here’s some of our recommendations.
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Manchester Christmas Markets 2024
Manchester City Centre
Monday 18 November – Sunday 22 December
Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 / Credit: Manchester City Council | Flickr
Manchester Christmas Markets are now back open for 2024.
The iconic annual event is an absolute staple in Manchester’s festive events calendar, and always draws in thousands of visitors from all across the globe – with hundreds of stalls across several sites all lining the streets of our city centre.
Visitors are able to tuck into a wide range of festive foods and drinks, and shop for Christmas gifts from countless independent traders.
Find out everything you need to know about Manchester Christmas Markets 2024 here.
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Skate Manchester 2024
Cathedral Gardens
Monday 18 November – onwards
Skate Manchester 2024 / Credit: Matt Eachus (via Supplied)
What’s a festive season in the city without Skate Manchester?
Back once again for 2024, Skate Manchester is festive staple, and this year, skaters can glide across a gleaming ice path and spin around a dazzling seven-metre Christmas tree taking centre stage in the middle of the rink.
Families, friends, and festive fun seekers will be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas whatever the weather has in store for our city this year too, as although the rink will be outdoors in the heart of Cathedral Gardens, the ice is fully covered.
Bar Hütte’s legendary karaoke cabins are back in Manchester once again.
Bringing Alpine vibes, cosy furnishings, twinkling lights, live music sessions, and flowing drinks to two city centre locations from this Thursday onwards, dozens of cosy private hüttes neatly-positioned under twinkling lights are now open down at both Kampus and Great Northern Square.
There’s also a handful of other events on the lineup throughout the festive season, including live music and DJs, wreath making workshops, and movie nights.
A brand-new festive light trail has arrived in Greater Manchester for the winter, transforming the hidden Wilderspool Woods at the Trafford Centre into a twinkling wonderland.
The 4.5-acre event running until early 2025 has brought dozens of jaw-dropping light and interactive illuminations to the woods, filling paths and treetops with festive magic, from giant overhead shooting stars to huge illuminated presents.
The magnificent grounds of Tatton Park have been transformed into a ‘glittering winter adventure’ for the festive season.
Families will be whisked away into a world of folklore, enchantment, and enthralling performances as they enter the gardens of the stunning Tatton Park in Cheshire for an immersive, festival-like experience known as Yuletide.
Organisers say the captivating event promises to be a “truly magical experience” where folklore stories come to life through storytelling and live music.
The Oast House’s legendary Christmas has returned to Spinningfields for the festive season.
Bound to be popular spot for locals and those who’ve finished a hard day at work during the colder months, The Teepee officially reopened last week and is made up of three tents joined together with a huge open hub, complete with two roaring fires, twinkling fairy lights, faux fur throws.
After proving to be a huge success in 2023, the magical Land of Lights has returned to Gulliver’s World once again, and this year features all-new lanterns inspired by the wonders of nature, leading visitors around a twinkling wonderland filled with light and colour.
With a WonderWild theme, the breathtaking spectacle over in Warrington has a unique blend of “animal-inspired artistry with a fantastical twist”.
The Grotto at the Trafford Centre / Credit: Supplied
The main man is making our northern city his new home at one of Greater Manchester’s biggest shopping centres this winter time.
Starting in this Saturday and running all the way up until Christmas Eve, Santa is swapping the cold air of the North Pole for the cloudy skies of Manchester, as he starts his annual journey around the world by making a visit to our region.
Not only is Santa travelling with his grotto, he’s also giving visitors the chance to experience the world of the North Pole as he brings the chilly destination to the Trafford Centre.
A brand-new festive hub has arrived in Spinningfields, and you’ll be able to visit a new ice rink, drink cocktails in a snow globe-like rooftop dome, and get merry in a yurt.
Winter Assembly at Courts Club is home to the city’s newest, fully-independent ice rink, On Ice, as well as lots of different food traders serving up winter gyros from Lucky Gyros, festive grilled cheeses, boozy hot chocolate, German BBQ specials, and so much more.
Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake / Credit: Lowry | New Adventures
Matthew Bourne’s rule-breaking reinvention of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, Swan Lake, is back on stage in Greater Manchester this week.
This world-renowned production – which is known for replacing the female corps-de-ballet with a menacing male ensemble – first premiered almost 30 years ago, but it will take flight once more in a major new revival for the next generation, with The Lowry being one of the stops on its major UK tour.
Described as being “thrilling, bold, witty, and emotive”, it’s time to turn tradition on its head, and this is not one to miss.
Rochdale town centre is hosting its very own festive-themed Fire Festival this weekend, and it’s completely free to visit.
Taking place from this Friday leading up to the Christmas lights switch-on on Sunday, Ignite will be transforming the gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall into a flamed-fuelled spectacular, with three free night-time shows delivering a magical trail of fire, lights, and entertainment for all the family.
There will also be hot food, mulled wine, and other seasonal drinks available to buy.
Christmas Screenings at King Street Townhouse / Credit: KSTH
Elf, Love Actually, and Home Alone are just some of the classic Christmas films hitting the big screen at a hidden cinema in Manchester.
Film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun are being invited to get themselves down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, in the run-up to the big day itself, as it’s very-own exclusive cinema will be screening a jam-packed lineup of fan-favourite festive films over the next couple of weeks.
East Lancashire Railway’s beloved Santa steam train rides are back for more festive fun this Christmas.
Running right through until Christmas Eve, ELR’s ‘Santa Specials’ are your chance to hop on board an old-school steam train and travel through the magical Irwell Valley to make “enchanted memories” that last a lifetime.
The famous festive steam trains have become an essential part of Christmas for many families in the North West, and there’s still some tickets left available.
Music of the Movies / Credit: The Bridgewater Hall | Kazuo Ota (via Unsplash)
Call yourself a cinephile? This is your chance to experience the epic and inspirational music from the worlds of TV, film, and fantasy brought to life by a full symphony orchestra and stunning choir at The Bridgewater Hall.
This unmissable concert features some of the greatest movie music of all time, including The Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Avatar, and loads more.
Georgina Pellant -
9th March 2022 
