Leaders in Greater Manchester are calling for “an urgent rethink” of the government’s plans to bring HS2 to Manchester.
They are warning that the wrong solution could “damage the north for generations”.
Following an address to the public given by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, and leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig yesterday, local authorities are set submit formal petitions to the government that raise the key changes they believe are vital for HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) to be a success for the north.
Leaders say they are “determined to get the best” from the high-speed network for future generations, and have called for several changes – including an underground station at Manchester Piccadilly, rather than the government’s proposed overground solution.
They say this is because Manchester Piccadilly is central to both HS2 and NPR, and as modelling suggests that an overground station would be at full capacity from day one, with no option to accommodate extra services.
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This “second-class option” would effectively hamper the future of rail infrastructure for the whole of the north for generations to come, according to leaders.
🗣️ "A second-class choice for HS2 at Manchester Piccadilly station will be a hammer blow to any prospects of really Levelling Up our country.”
Greater Manchester Leaders are today calling for an urgent rethink of plans to bring HS2 to Manchester
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) August 4, 2022
And given that the wrong solution at Manchester Piccadilly could rule out the right rail solution for the whole of the north of England, Mr Burnham has subsequently called for the “precise issue of the station’s design” to be brought to a vote of all MPs on the floor of the House of Commons.
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“We cannot continue to repeat the mistakes of the past,” Andy Burnham said.
“Failing to invest in central Manchester’s rail links has led to rail chaos across the north time and again, [so] this is a huge moment and the decisions that are made now will affect the prospects for people here in the North for hundreds of years to come.
“If we get the wrong solution at Manchester Piccadilly, it will limit economic growth, limit opportunities for local people and businesses, and limit the right rail solution for the whole of the north.”
Today the Council has submitted a formal petition to Government urging for changes to the proposed HS2 plans to ensure they are right for Manchester and the North. https://t.co/rztZ51pdxepic.twitter.com/XH4HrwnGHE
— Manchester City Council (@ManCityCouncil) August 4, 2022
Also speaking on ahead of the submitting of the proposals, Councillor Bev Craig added: “Connecting Greater Manchester into the future high speed rail network has been a priority of the city-region for many years.
“We have consistently been in favour of bringing HS2 and NPR in full to our city-region, with the benefits it can bring to support regeneration, growth and increase capacity on our already clogged network.
“But we need to ensure that this is delivered in the best way to benefit all our communities.”
Featured Image – HS2
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Major incident declared in response to Greater Manchester wildfires ‘stood down’
Emily Sergeant
The major incident that was declared in response to several wildfires across Greater Manchester has now officially been ‘stood down’.
Nearly a month on from the first blaze breaking out near the popular beauty spot of Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham on 11 July, which then unfortunately went on to merge with a fire at Tintwistle and Swineshaw, prompting a major multi-agency response, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The fire service says it has made the decision to ‘stand down’ the major incident that was declared in response to the fires.
It comes after firefighters worked hard in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Greater Manchester moorland fires are still burning after more than two weeks / Credit: GMFRS
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies were also deployed over the past month as operations continued across multiple sectors.
While the major incident has been stood down, however, GMFRS says it wants to be clear that the fire is ‘not over’ yet.
Issuing a formal statement on the current situation as it stands, GMFRS said: “Reflecting the significant progress that has been made over recent weeks, the fire is now largely contained and the risk of further significant spread reduced substantially.
“This milestone has only been possible because of the outstanding efforts of firefighters, landowners, and partner agencies and organisations, who have shown incredible professionalism, commitment and resilience throughout a challenging and prolonged incident.
“Whilst standing down the major incident is an important step forward, the incident is not over.
“Fire is still present beneath the surface so firefighters will remain at the scene to monitor and contain any fire spread, while working alongside our partners to support ongoing recovery efforts.”
Featured Image – Emma Renly (via Unsplash)
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New Mayor Bev Craig announces FREE bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Thousands of high school children across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from free bus travel next year.
That’s because Greater Manchester’s newly-elected Mayor, Bev Craig, set out plans on her first official day in office yesterday (3 August) to help families with the rising cost of living by extending the already-popular ‘Our Pass’ scheme to give 11 to 16-year-olds free bus travel on the Bee Network from January 2027 onwards.
The move is expected to benefit nearly 200,000 young people across Greater Manchester – saving families up to £500 per child every year.
Applications will open later this year, so families can apply for their pass in advance.
Bev Craig has announced free bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM
Greater Manchester’s successful ‘Our Pass’ scheme was introduced in 2019 and already gives 16-18-year-olds free bus travel to make getting to education, training, and opportunities easier.
But this new extension means that, for the first time, all children between 11 and 18-years-old will be able to travel for free on the region’s buses.
On top of this, in further support for families, Bev has also confirmed that previously-agreed plans to give free bus travel for children in temporary accommodation will be implemented from this September – with this extra support set to be administered by councils and be in place for the new school term.
First day as Mayor of Greater Manchester. I promise to work for everyone, in every town, village and city.
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) August 3, 2026
“During my campaign, I promised that I would apply a simple test to every decision I take as Mayor – will it make life better for the people of Greater Manchester? That’s why on day one I’m announcing the extension of Our Pass to give free bus travel to 11 to 16-year-olds,” commented Bev Craig as the move was announced this week.
“This is exactly the kind of decision that passes our test.
“It will put more money in the pockets of thousands of hard-working families, and gives those young people a ticket to all the brilliant opportunities our city region offers.
“Families across Greater Manchester are struggling with the cost of living and I’m using my first day as Mayor to do something practical to make life a bit easier. By launching in January, young people will be boarding the Bee Network for free as they head back to school.”
Emily Sergeant -
4th August 2022 
