News
Heaton Park announces the death of another one of its beloved resident donkeys
R.I.P Lenny.
Another one of Heaton Park’s beloved resident donkeys has sadly passed away, the park has announced this week.
Back in May of this year, Heaton Park shared the devastating news that one of its well-known resident donkeys called Lenny had been diagnosed with an endocrine disease, and would therefore have to start undergoing specialist medical treatment moving forward.
The treatment Lenny would be receiving was to support his health during his retirement, as not long prior to his diagnosis, he had reached approximately 30 years of age.
Considering that The Donkey Sanctuary says the average life expectancy for a donkey is just over 30, reaching this age was said to be a ‘significant achievement’ for Lenny and everyone who cared for him.
Sadly though, as the months went on, things started taking a turn for the worse.
Heaton Park‘s Estates Team requested an onsite vet visit after identifying some changes with Lenny’s health, and these changes were subsequently linked to a condition called hyperlipaemia.
It’s with ‘great sadness’ that the park had to announce to the public that Lenny passed away later that same day.
“Lenny was a staple in Heaton Park and was a significant star in the memories of both staff and our visitors, he will be deeply missed by us all,” the Estates Team said in a touching tribute shared on the park’s social media.
Lenny’s passing unfortunately comes not long after the death of one of Heaton Park’s post well-known resident donkeys, Ralph, who died in early June of this year at the grand old age of 40 years old – with many tributes being paid to him.
Following both Lenny and Ralph’s deaths, the Estates Team has assured visitors that the remaining two resident donkeys, Bonnie and Josh, are ‘doing well’ and are being ‘monitored closely’
Bonnie and Josh are being monitored closely for ‘any changes in behaviour which could indicate stress’ as a result of Lenny’s unexpected passing, as the Estates Team says that visitors may notice them on ‘a few extra walks’ around the park over the coming weeks.
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Visitors are asked to ‘say hello’ to Bonnie and Josh if they see them on a walk around the park over the next couple of weeks.
Many tributes to Lenny have been flooding in on Facebook.
Featured Image – Heaton Park & Hall (via Facebook)
News
Police provide update after stabbing of 14-year-old boy at Manchester Arndale carpark
Emily Sergeant
Police have provided an update following the stabbing of a young boy in Manchester city centre over the weekend.
At around 3:15pm this past Saturday afternoon (17 October 2026), officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a stabbing on the ninth floor of the Arndale carpark in Manchester city centre.
Emergency services attended the scene, and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with injuries consistent with a stab wound.
Thankfully, the victim’s injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life changing, but an investigation and enquiries are ongoing.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP’s City of Manchester District CID, said this will ‘understandably’ cause concern, but has assured the public that police believe this to be an ‘isolated incident.
“Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with Crime Scene Investigators,” explained DI Jones in an update statement issued.
“The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice.
“Detectives and Officers will be in the area today to speak with local businesses and members of the public to provide reassurance. This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public.
“Greater Manchester Police are committed to diligently investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries.”
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Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of 17/10/2026, or via the LiveChat function. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons
News
TfGM issues statement as ‘essential’ work begins on three major Metrolink lines across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Passengers are being urged to plan ahead as no trams will be running on three major Greater Manchester lines for the next two weeks.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has now issued a statement on the ‘essential’ works being carried out.
If you need bringing up to speed a little, as part of the ongoing £150m investment into Greater Manchester’s tram network, essential improvement work is being carried out on three major Metrolink lines across the region in a bid to make the network ‘safer’ and ‘more resilient and reliable for passengers’ for years to come.
This means that from today (Monday 19 October) through to Sunday 1 November, tram improvement works will take place at Deansgate-Castlefield, and Trafford Bar.
Additional works will also take place in the city centre during this time, allowing TfGM to keep closures of the tram network to a minimum.
During the dates above, no trams will run on the Altrincham, Trafford Centre, and Eccles lines.
A number of shuttle bus services will the running over the course of the two-week closure, however – with services arriving every 10 or 15 minutes, depending on the line, and you can find a full list of these here.
But despite the alternative services, widespread disruption is still expected for hundreds of people.
TfGM has issued a statement on the works being carried out, and offered support to anyone who may need it: “This is essential work that will help keep our tram network safe, reliable and fit for the future. We’re sorry for the disruption and we’ll be doing everything we can to make sure people can still get around while it’s taking place.
“We’ve listened carefully to feedback from customers during previous closures and have introduced more direct shuttle buses between key locations and extra buses on local Bee Network routes.
“If you use any of the affected lines, now is the time to check your travel plans.
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“We’d encourage everyone to visit the Bee Network website or app before travelling so they can see the options available to them and allow extra time where necessary.”
Services will resume on these lines from start of service on Monday 2 November.
However there will be some minor route changes through the city centre in place from Monday 2 to Wednesday 4 November, so it’s important to check your journey before you travel.
Featured Image – TfGM
Emily Sergeant -
1st October 2025 
