News

London to move into Tier 3 restrictions from Wednesday

Health Secretary Matt Hancock will make a statement to MPs in the House of Commons at 3:30pm.

The Manc The Manc - 14th December 2020
Mark Thomas / Rex Features

It is being heard that London is expected to be moved into Tier 3 restrictions from Wednesday.

A number of major media outlets are reporting this afternoon that they understand the capital – along with parts of Essex and Hertfordshire – will move into the highest tier of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions from as early as Wednesday this week.

It is believed that Health Secretary Matt Hancock has made MPs aware just a few moments ago.

It comes after cases have continued to surge in the capital over recent weeks, with local leaders and health officials said to be “deeply concerned” about a sharp rise.

Some areas in and around London have recorded large increases in confirmed coronavirus cases over the past week alone.

According to the latest data, Epping Forest – which straddles London and Essex – has recorded a 71% increase in cases during the most recent seven-day period, and Havering in East London has seen a 48.5% rise, with a rolling rate of 470.8 confirmed COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock is due to make a statement to MPs in the House of Commons this afternoon from 3:30pm, where he is expected to confirm the capital’s move.

More information is expected in due course.

This is a BREAKING NEWS story – More to follow.

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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.

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News

Inside the new Pull & Bear as shoppers say new Trafford Centre megastores are ‘literally a maze’

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson

The trio of new fashion arrivals at the Trafford Centre is now complete, with a brand-new supersized Zara, Bershka, and Pull & Bear now open for business.

The huge new-look Pull & Bear promises an ‘interactive and visionary’ shopping experience, with modern concrete interiors and metallic finishes.

It’s a similar minimalist design to the new Zara and Bershka that opened a few weeks ago, and signals a new design movement for parent company Inditex.

Pull & Bear now spans 805.40 square metres, showcasing accessories, footwear, and clothing.

It’s an impressive space, but shoppers have started joking that the new stores are so futuristic and modern, they’re getting a little overwhelmed.

One person wrote: “I went today and had to leave it made me feel ill it was like walking in a maze.”

One shopper said it feels like stepping into ‘Kim K’s wardrobe’ and more than a few people have compared the stores to a ‘space ship’.

A viral video on TikTok showed one girl managing to lose her friend inside the maze-like retail space.

She said: “Forgive me for being dramatic but I lost my mate 10 minutes ago in the new Zara in the Trafford Centre and I genuinely can’t find her.

Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre
Pull & Bear Trafford Centre

“Like I’ve just been walking round in circles trying to find an outfit for a party, but I’ve lost her instead, so we’re playing a game of hide and seek in the Trafford Centre. 

“Oh my god I’ve got a spinny head I’m giving myself whiplash.”

Have you been to the new Zara / Berskha / Pull & Bear yet? What do you think?

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Featured image: The Manc Group

News

A long-standing Italian restaurant in Trafford has sadly announced its imminent closure

Danny Jones Danny Jones Little Italy Timperley closing permanently

Another day, another bit of unfortunate hospitality news, as long-standing Greater Manchester restaurant, Little Italy in Timperley, has announced it is closing permanently very soon.

The Trafford favourite, which has been serving locals for nearly 20 years, has informed regular diners that it will sadly be closing its doors for good, with Little Italy’s final service set for later this month.

Having earned plenty of praise in its time, including being one of the few spots in and around the Altrincham area to have won a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in 2015, before the borough saw its foodie boom begin.

But fast forward a decade, and the Timperley institution is yet another culinary casualty to be confirmed of late, with Little Italy sharing a tear-jerking statement online.

Sharing the tragic news on social media this Friday (5 Sep), the restaurant wrote: “To all our lovely customers, it is with a heavy heart that we share some news with you all. After over 18 years of serving you all in Timperley, we will be closing our doors later this month.

“This has not been an easy decision. Unfortunately, rising costs and a significant increase in rental [costs] have made it impossible to continue in a sustainable way. As much as we love what we do, the reality is that it has become too difficult to maintain under these circumstances.

“Over the coming weeks, we will continue to cook with love and serve with the same passion as always. We would love to see you all and share one more meal, and raise a glass together.”

Safe to say that the post has been met with an outpouring of condolences and support from natives nearby and those who have travelled to enjoy their food.

Little Italy went on to add that they will detail more about their final week of business as soon as possible.

They can’t be accused of not keeping up with times and not trying to promote via social media either, as they small family-run team – headed up by Sam Cauchi, who bought the site back in 2008 – have always given things a go besides the day-to-day operation of the restaurant.

Being one of many saddened customers to respond underneath the announcement, we couldn’t possibly sum up things better than local Vanessa Nice, who said: “Look at all these amazing comments – you certainly made your mark as a home from home for the residents of Timperley.

“The end of an era will always be sad, but sometimes life and families have to move on.”

As for Cauchi and co., they signed off by simply adding: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support, kindness and friendship over the years. Timperley has been our home, and you have all been our family.

“Love from all the team at Little Italy.”

It goes without saying that we’re gutted for the gang and our thoughts are with everyone involved at this difficult time. For now, we can only say thank you to the countless Greater Manchester locations that continue to fall foul in the face of the rising pressures industry-wide. Case and point…

Award-winning chippy in Prestwich announces heartbreaking restaurant closure

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Featured Images — Little Italy Timperley (via Facebook)

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