Andy Burnham tweets latest R rate data showing North West at 1.1
New data published by the Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases was shared on Twitter by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who said this "underlines the need for caution and to follow the guidance."
The R number in North West England is now predicted to be higher than 1, according to the latest figures.
New data published by the Centre for Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases was shared on Twitter by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, who said this “underlines the need for caution and to follow the guidance.”
The table, which shows the latest estimates as of 18 July, revealed the R number in North West England sits at around 1.1.
Wales is also estimated to have a 1.1 R rate, with London, the South East and West Midlands all at 1.
The North East had the lowest predicted R number at 0.8.
New restrictions were introduced on meeting people indoors last week, but Manchester City Council (MCC) has told residents “not to be alarmed” by the latest announcement.
The proclamation of a ‘major incident’ means that added resources will now be distributed to, and made available for, the hard-hit area – enabling Greater Manchester to better deal with growing numbers of cases.
“Although the Council and partner organisations have been working closely to tackle the impacts of the pandemic since early this year, declaring a major incident means we can ramp this up further,” said Sir Richard Leese, MCC leader.
News
Man, 28, arrested following reported rape in popular Stockport park
Emily Sergeant
A man has been arrested following the reported rape of a woman in a popular Stockport park earlier this week.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that it received reports that a woman had been raped in Heaton Mersey Park in Stockport at approximately 9:30pm last night on Tuesday 9 September, and officers attended the scene to speak to the victim immediately.
The 28-year-old man from Manchester was arrested just an hour after the report came into police, and he has remained in custody since.
During the victim’s initial account, she described that a man had approached her and forced her to come with him, whilst holding what she believed could be a firearm, and it was once they arrived at the park that he proceeded to rape her.
Thankfully, the victim was able to get free and run to safety a short time after the horrific incident occurred, and the suspect then fled.
But this was not for long, as he was subsequently arrested ‘swiftly’ by police.
#ARREST | We've arrested a 28-year-old man from Manchester, following a reported rape in Heaton Mersey Park last night (9 September).
The victim is being supported by specialist officers and the suspect remains in custody.
“Fortunately in Greater Manchester, stranger rape is extremely uncommon,” explained Superintendent Dave Henthorne said, “but when instances do occur, it’s right that we work quickly and robustly to mitigate any further harm.
“What this victim has been through is nothing short of terrifying, and we have specialist officers in place to support her, which is our focus. She has been incredibly brave in coming forward, and I hope that this swift arrest reassures the community that there is not thought to be any wider risk.”
Local officers are currently in the Stockport conducting enquiries and are also there to provide reassurance, as GMP says it knows the incident will be ‘shocking’ for the local community.
The firearm described by the victim is also being assessed to determine whether it is viable.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact GMP immediately on 0161 856 9932, quoting log 3668 of 9 September 2025.
Featured Image – Google Maps
News
The incredible plans to build floating walkways over Manchester’s waterways
Daisy Jackson
A major project that will deliver a 100-mile-plus network connecting Manchester’s parks, squares and waterways has been unveiled – and it includes impressive floating walkways.
The first steps for the CyanLines mega project have been unveiled today, including the first four routes which will link the likes of Mayfield Park, New Islington Marina, Castlefield Viaduct and Kampus.
The ambitious plans will also link lesser-known pocket parks, canal tow paths, and pedestrianised walkways, and will incorporate new planned outdoor spaces such as the Science Museum courtyard and the former Central Retail Park.
One particularly eye-catching proposal will be a new floating walkway across the middle of the River Irwell, complete with a canoe dock and storage area.
The plans will adapt to Manchester’s ever-expanding cityscape and will link up new and existing developments, providing green walking and cycling routes around town.
Manchester and Salford City Councils have already worked together and secured funding from the National Trust, Natural England, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Nature Towns and Cities programme.
There are four CyanLines pilot routes – the first being a 5km ‘Irk Valley Explorer’ that will link Chethams Library and the Glade of Light memorial, Angel Meadows, the under-development City River Park, and the Barney’s Steps made famous by LS Lowry, ending with a view of the city skyline.
Then there’s the Mayfield, New Islington and Ancoats Loop, which will connect together Mayfield Park, the Ashton Canal, the Central Retail Park which is being transformed into a campus for the UK Government, New Islington Marina, Ancoats Green, and all the way down to leafy Kampus.
How the River Irwell could look with the CyanLines routes in placeHow the River Irwell looks currently
CL3, otherwise known as the ‘Walking the knowledge corridor’, incorporates significant landmarks like the Emmeline Pankhurst statue, our historic canal network, the Palace Theatre, Symphony Gardens, the universities, Manchester Museum, and Whitworth Art Gallery.
And the final of the four pilot routes is the CL4, focused around the almighty Castlefield Viaduct but also joining the Bridgewater Canal into Salford and the Irwell River Park, as well as the gardens around Chapel Street, Greengate Park, and the River Irwell itself.
Councillor Bev Craig, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester is on a mission to make our city greener, investing in new parks and green spaces including the likes of Mayfield, Ancoats Green and the Castlefield Viaduct, in addition to our work to celebrate and open up our rivers and canals. We are a city with exciting, and transformational plans for the future. .
“But there’s more that we can do together. CyanLines is a bold new initiative over the next decade to imagine and create over 100 miles of connected parks, green spaces and waterfronts.
“This is just the start of CyanLines and I urge residents, business owners, community groups and leaders to join us on this very exciting journey to truly transform our city.”
Tom Bloxham MBE CBE, CyanLines project co-founder and chair, Urban Splash and founding Chair Manchester International Festival (MIF) and Factory International said that the same ambition that grew MIF will be applied to CyanLines.
More before-and-after images of the CyanLines pilot plans
He said: “We want to bring the whole city along with us, to help us plan, fund and deliver CyanLines. No idea is too big, too ambitious, too audacious or too small or too straightforward.
“Everyone wants more green space. Everyone wants to be able to walk to the end of Castlefield Viaduct. Everyone wants to be healthier and happier.
“Imagine more species and drifts of plants and wildflowers and allotments in the city centre and being able to walk one or 100 miles of continuous paths linking all our amazing spaces. Together we can make it happen!”
Pete Swift, CyanLines project co-founder and CEO of Planit said: “The first four CyanLines provide so much more than walkable and wheelable connections linking the existing and planned excellent green and blue spaces across the city, to bring us all closer to nature and nature closer to us.
“The routes will be the starting point, or spring board, for a whole plethora of CyanLines projects which will bring new opportunities for nature to thrive and to be enjoyed.
“The ambition for CyanLines does not stop at Manchester and Salford city centres. It will ultimately link up all Greater Manchester’s boroughs to bring our citizens and communities closer to nature and help drive a greener, healthier, and inclusive future. From Dunham Massey in the south, to Northern Roots in Oldham; from Leigh via RHS Bridgewater, Media City on to the foot of the Pennines.”
Mike Innerdale, regional director North of England, National Trust said: “National Trust are firm supporters of CyanLines, not least because its core aim mirrors our own of ensuring more people have access to nature particularly in our towns and cities, and to bring nature to people’s doorsteps wherever they live.
“We recently announced we have secured the majority of the £3 million of funding for the Castlefield Viaduct which will allow us to bring Phase 2 of this iconic sky park project to life, enabling us to create a through route at the heart of the city. We look forward to working with the CyanLines team and other partners as both our projects advance, connecting Castlefield viaduct with the other wonderful spaces in Manchester and Salford city centres.”
The Manc -
3rd August 2020 
