Mancs are being told to brace themselves for Metrolink disruption while “essential engineering works” are carried out on several lines.
Maintenance will be taking place over a number of weekends in late October and early November, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed – with works to renew points, and replace tracks and concrete kicking off this Sunday (22 October) at Cornbrook.
The works being carried out at Cornbrook are expected to have a knock-on affect, and impact services across the network.
Following that, track repair work will then also take place on the Bury and Rochdale lines over the weekend of Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November, and during this time, TfGM has confirmed there will be no tram service between Bury and Whitefield, or Freehold and Rochdale Town Centre.
Replacement bus services will be laid on at all affected stops to ensure people are still able to make their journeys as usual on these dates.
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⚠️ Work at Cornbrook tram stop on Sunday [22 October] will result in service changes across the network.
Your tram tickets and passes will be accepted on replacement buses. Make sure you touch in or buy a ticket before boarding.
TfGM has apologised for “any inconvenience” that may be caused to travellers.
Speaking ahead of the essential engineering works beginning this weekend, Danny Vaughan, who is the Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “We are very sorry for any inconvenience these essential works may cause people to people travelling on these dates, however, it’s important we maintain and improve the network so it continues to provide a reliable and safe service to all our customers.
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“We have a comprehensive replacement bus service across all affected dates, so people can still get to and from their intended destinations.
“I’d encourage passengers to monitor our website and social media channels for the latest information and advice.”
Metrolink disruption is expected this weekend due to ‘essential engineering works’ / Credit: Matthew Cassidy (via Unsplash)
Mr Vaughn insists these engineering works have been scheduled to “minimise disruption during the week”, and adds that TfGM will be doing “everything we can” to make journeys as easy as possible for passengers.
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These essential engineering works over the next couple of weekends are parter of what TfGM has called a “comprehensive” programme of renewals and enhancements in order to “maintain and improve” the tram network heading into festive season – which is, of course, always one of the busiest times of the year for travel.
For all the full details of Metrolink works and bus replacement services, you’ll want to head on over to the TfGM website here.
Featured Image – Mangopear Creative (via Unsplash)
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Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
20th October 2023 
