Manchester is getting itself a £2m highways maintenance ‘blitz’ to fix up the roads across the region ready for winter.
Manchester City Council has confirmed that the maintenance work is due to take place throughout this month to ensure Manchester roads are ‘future-proofed’ for the next decade and more – and this will, crucially, include things like resurfacing.
It comes after the Council spoke to Mancs earlier this year, and residents declared that they wanted roads and pavements ‘up to standard’ and for them to stay that way, so as part of the Council’s commitment to this, a large-scale £2m resurfacing programme is set to run throughout September, with 53 roads due to be improved.
Ahead of winter, and the inevitable wet and cold weather it brings – which is the cause of a large number of issues to the road network – these upcoming works are to put a protective barrier in place ahead of time to nip potential future issues in the bud.
The work being carried out will take place in two stages – first will be the surface dressing stage, before the sealing stage, also known as the ‘Kiely Lock’ process, finishes it off.
ADVERTISEMENT
Manchester is getting a £2m highways maintenance ‘blitz’ to fix the roads ready for winter / Credit: MJ Richardson (via Geograph)
“We know that the cold and wet of winter puts additional stress on our roads, add in freezing temperatures and we have a recipe that can make short work of the road surface,” commented Councillor Tracey Rawlins, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment, and Transport at Manchester City Council.
“This is why we’re mobilising now to ensure that we can protect as many roads as possible, which not only saves the taxpayer money in the long term, but also makes our journeys quicker and safer.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Over the past year we have invested heavily in improvements to our highways network as we know from our residents’ feedback it’s one of the issues most important to them.
“We are confident that this programme of works will be a net positive for our residents and I’d like to thank them ahead of time for their patience as we futureproof our roads for the coming decade.”
The planned improvements will start on Tuesday 16 September, and will continue though until Saturday 27 September, and some disruption is to be expected, so do plan ahead.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can find the full list of roads being resurfaced here.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
Salford Red Devils have officially gone bust after more than 152 years
Danny Jones
After more than a century and a half as one of the biggest and most well-supported rugby league teams in the country, Salford Red Devils have unfortunately been liquidated.
It’s a very, very sad day for the Super League and UK rugby at large.
Salford Red Devils had been flirting with insolvency and complete collapse for far too long, and even with the promise of investment following what has now proved to be a fruitless takeover back in February, the local sporting institution has now been folded.
Issuing an update to the fans on Wednesday, 3 December, what remains of the organisation shared an official statement online confirming the news, along with a picture of the crest blacked out.
They wrote the following: “We regret to inform stakeholders, supporters and partners that Salford Red Devils and its operating company, Salford City Reds (2013) Limited, have been subject to a winding-up petition filed by HMRC, and liquidation proceedings have now commenced.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the uncertainty this creates for everyone connected with the club. For the original club staff who remained up until this point, this is an incredibly emotional moment.
“Whilst there is sadness in seeing things come to this point, there is also a sense of relief that an extremely challenging period for the club has finally come to an end. We want to express our heartfelt thanks to all the fans who have stood by us through everything.
“Your passion and loyalty have meant the world to us. More than anything, we hope that the club’s proud name and history can live on and continue to represent the people of Salford.”
Reacting to the dreaded but not unexpected news on social media, vocal fan group The 1873 – who have been both outspoken, militant and dedicated in their protesting of the ownership group – added: “You tried to destroy something that was not yours to destroy – but today you have been defeated.
“Salford Rugby League will rise again, and the rebirth will be beautiful. The 1873.” While they chose to lean towards optimism where possible and belief in a fresh start, many more are undoubtedly still busy mourning the 152-year-old family as they know it.
Salford Red Devils were liquidated today after 152 years. The original Red Devils. Beyond heartbroken. If the club is reborn I'll throw my heart and soul into it. pic.twitter.com/6IvUNklNWJ
The local outfit where given a reprieve regarding their winding-up petition over unpaid debt, not once but four different times, over the past few months.
Financial worries had been lingering plenty before this, of course, with concerns being raised well over a year ago, with bridging loans and players ultimately having to be borrowed from other teams in the division, before various members of staff eventually were let go and/or walked out.
Having been officially relegated from the premier British rugby league competition in October (which also accompanied their IMG grading being dropped), to some, it felt like only a matter of time before this outcome would eventually arrive.
Nevertheless, some are still holding out hope that phoenix – or devil, rather – can rise from the embers and that Salford Red Devils will return in some form under a new regime. One can only hope.
Salfordians – what do you think needs to change if the club comes back?
Glossop Market Hall – Incredible new food hall and market space opens on the edge of the Peak District
Daisy Jackson
Glossop Market Hall has officially reopened its doors, and it’s a shining example of how to breathe life back into heritage marketplaces like this.
The market hall has undergone a major regeneration project to restore this landmark in the town, and is now home to a modern food hall as well as independent retail spaces.
It’s hoped that this impressive new space will once again act after the ‘heartbeat of the town’.
While the landmark building has a fresh design, the plan is to keep it proudly local, filled with local and regional traders from the beer taps to the burgers to the book vending machine (you heard – a book vending machine).
The regeneration of Glossop Market Hall has created more than 60 new jobs for the area and boasts an impressive array of food, drink, and retail across three different indoor zones and the outdoor market.
The bar inside has independent local breweries on tap, while gin comes from the Glossop Distillery (from the team behind Forest Gin).
As for the food offering, you’ll find wagyu burgers from Wagyu Lookin At?, double-dunked fried chicken from Pattersons, and hand-stretched pizzas from Pizza Dealers, as well as artisan gelato from Baci Di Gelato and Greek street food from Kefi Social.
Familiar names from Manchester have moved into Glossop Market Hall too – look out for Bold Street Coffee and Hello Oriental inside.
As for the retail spaces, there’s a bottle shop, a florists, an Asian grocery store, vintage clothing, a dog general store, and a delicatessen.
And as a unique addition, Derbyshire’s first public book vending machine has moved in, with 16 rotating titles chosen by the historic Dark Peak Books & Gifts.
There’s a dedicated children’s area that honours the work of illustrator and author John Vernon Lord, plus a huge new events and wedding space available for hire.
Some of the food on offer in Glossop Market Hall
Food traders inside Glossop Market Hall include Hello Oriental
Bold Street Coffee
Richard Walker, managing director of The Hospitality Collective, said: “We know the local community has been patiently waiting for this moment, and we have been truly overwhelmed by the incredible engagement from such exciting local brands who wanted to be involved in the hall.
“It is a moment of immense pride for us to be able to finally launch the Market Hall, and we are so excited for the future of this venue as a destination the whole town can be proud of.”
Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to be opening the doors on this High Peak Borough Council‑delivered, multi‑million pound transformation of Glossop’s Market Hall, Arcade and Town Hall.
“This is the biggest regeneration project in decades, a true passion project that breathes new life into the very heart of our town. What’s most exciting is that we can now share it with the community – a space that celebrates our heritage, supports local entrepreneurs and creates a destination Glossop can be proud of for generations to come.
The incredible space at Glossop Market Hall
“From the outset, our vision has been to give local businesses and independent makers the platform they deserve, while building a vibrant hub that showcases the very best in food, drink and retail curated by our operator, The Hospitality Collective. Glossop Market Hall is set to thrive once again – a real gift to the town and the perfect way to kick off the festive season.”
The Food Hall at Glossop Market Hall
Wagyu Lookin’ At?: Legendary wagyu burgers and loaded fries .
Pattersons: Famous for their brined, seasoned, and double-dunked fried chicken .
Bold Street Coffee: The Liverpool and Manchester institution pouring award-winning coffee .
Pizza Dealers: Hand-stretched, slow-fermented dough without pretence .
Kefi Social: Greek street food featuring fresh gyros and souvlaki .
Hello Oriental: Authentic East Asian street food .
Baci Di Gelato: Delicious artisanal gelato .
The Arcade at Glossop Food Hall
The Bottle Store: Curated small-batch spirits and liqueurs .
Norris Master Florists: Award-winning floristry and seasonal wreaths .
Hello Oriental Grocery Store: A one-stop shop for Asian ingredients and bubble tea .
Moda Vintage: Sustainable vintage sportswear from the 80s, 90s, and 00s .
B&V Doggo General Store: Serving the community’s dogs with a curated range of goods.
Gypset and the Rainbow: Vintage eclectic items and small-batch productions.