Manchester’s first new city centre park to be created in 100 years has been given a prestigious Green Flag Award.
It may be on your radar that, for several years running now, green spaces in Greater Manchester have deservingly been recipients of the prestigious Green Flag Award – which is an internationally-recognised honour given annually to the parks, green spaces, and cemeteries that have “attained a high standard of green space”.
Green Flag Awards are granted by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy each year to recognise accessible green spaces that set “an international benchmark for management”.
— Keep Britain Tidy (@KeepBritainTidy) July 16, 2024
And it looks like 2024 has proven to be a stand-out year for our region too, as Manchester‘s newest urban park, Mayfield Park – otherwise known as the city centre‘s first new park in 100 years – has been handed the coveted honour this year.
Judges said that they had “never seen such an outstanding urban park” in more than 20 years of judging the award.
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Manchester’s first new city centre park in 100 years has been given the prestigious Green Flag Award / Credit: Richard Bloom (via Mayfield MCR on Instagram)
“The original design and specification standards are exceptional, the facilities are of the highest standard, and the site security and cleansing is excellent,” Green Flag Award judges said of Mayfield Park as they gave it the honour for 2024.
“The play facilities are inspired and exciting, the horticultural and arboricultural standards are brilliant, and the biodiversity of the site is cared-for and blooming.
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“It was a real pleasure and privilege to be the first to judge this world-class park.”
Judges said that they had “never seen such an outstanding urban park” / Credit: Richard Bloom (via Mayfield MCR on Instagram)
While it may be one of the most well-known nationally, and certainly one of the most prestigious, the Green Flag Award isn’t the only honour Mayfield Park has been bestowed since it first opened to be public back in 2022.
Just this year alone, it has already scooped up eight accolades for things like excellence in landscape design, place regeneration, and the natural environment.
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Laura Percy, who is the Senior Development Director at Landsec U+I on behalf of the Mayfield Partnership, said that the park’s creators and managers are “thrilled” to win the prestigious award, adding that: “This is recognition to all those who helped to create and deliver this incredible green space, and to the management team who ensure every day that it is a vibrant, welcoming and safe space for everyone to enjoy.
Bolton personal trainer charged with sexual offences relating to multiple women
Emily Sergeant
A personal trainer from Bolton has been charged with sexual offences relating to multiple women.
Following an extensive investigation into alleged crimes in the Bolton area, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that Payam Postchi, of Greenway Close in Bury, has been charged with one count of sexual assault by penetration, and two counts of sexual assault by touching.
The charges relate to three women, according to GMP.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples, from GMP’s Bolton district, explained: “Following an initial investigation by officers, we have secured three charges in relation to alleged sex offences committed at a business in the Bolton area.
“We understand that the nature of this kind of investigation may cause anxiety, but I want to stress that all appropriate work is being completed, with the women involved being supported throughout the process.”
Postchi, who is a British national of Iranian origin, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates court yesterday (30 September 2026).
Detectives are now urging the public to ‘avoid speculation’ during active criminal proceedings, but are still appealing for any relevant information.
DCI Sharples concluded: “If anyone thinks they have any information or otherwise has concerns in relation to the case, I would urge them to come forward.
“Additionally, I would remind people that criminal proceedings are now active and to avoid speculation which could impact the ongoing work.”
Featured Image – Danielle Cerullo (via Unpslash)
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Travel warning issued as tens of thousands to descend for Manchester Half Marathon
Daisy Jackson
A travel warning has been issued ahead of the Manchester Half Marathon this weekend, with tens of thousands of runners and spectators expected to arrive in the city.
People are being urged to plan their journeys ahead of time, with significant road closures in place from the city centre as far out as Sale.
Road closures – and subsequent bus diversions – will also affect parts of Stretford, Chorlton, Trafford, and surrounding areas.
Around 32,000 people are expected to take part in the Manchester Half Marathon this Sunday, with thousands more coming out to cheer the runners on.
Transport for Greater Manchester is advising people that the Bee Network trams will be the best way to get around over the weekend.
Extra trams will be operating to provide as much capacity as possible.
Road closures and bus diversions will start on Saturday 3 October and continue until the actual race day on Sunday 4 October, lifting fully by 8.30pm.
Tens of thousands of runners and spectators will descend on Manchester for the half marathon
Earlier this year, the Manchester Marathon led to a record-breaking day for Metrolink trams, with the highest number of passengers ever recorded on a single day in the network’s history.
Whether running or cheering, people are advised to use the Bee Network app to plan their journeys and are strongly encouraged not to drive within the affected areas.
Steve Gilholme, Head of Events at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “The Manchester Half Marathon is another one of those special occasions where the people of Greater Manchester and beyond come together, with thousands of people taking on the challenge and raising money for good causes, while many more will line the route to cheer them on.
“This does mean the city centre and especially trams will be incredibly busy so please plan ahead and give yourself extra time to make journeys.
“The Bee Network app and website will be the best places to get the latest travel information and tap and go contactless payments are the quickest and easiest way to pay.”
You can see all the road closures for the Manchester Half Marathon HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
16th July 2024 
