In what could be a game-changing move for Manchester’s dog owners, Metrolink has said it is looking to run a trial later this year allowing dogs to ride its trams.
The trial will allow dogs to take journeys on the tram with their owners, unconditionally, for the first time since the network was launched in 1992.
Trialling dogs on the tram was one of Andy Burnham’s pledges as Metro Mayor, now TFGM has confirmed it is working with the mayor to try and make it happen soon.
Whilst the exact details of the scheme are yet to be revealed, a spokesperson for TGFM has said that the network is looking at the possibility of running a pilot later this year.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “A pilot scheme allowing non-assistance dogs on Metrolink was a manifesto commitment made by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, and we are currently working with the mayor’s office to explore the possibility of running a pilot scheme on the tram network later this year.
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Image: The Manc Group
“The details of the pilot, such as when it will take place and for how long, have yet to be confirmed, but further information will be released when these details have been finalised.”
Good boys and girls are currently allowed to travel on buses and trains in Manchester, but not on the Metrolink – with the exception of assistance dogs and pets being taken to/from the PDSA charity in Old Trafford.
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Justifications for retaining the ban today include concerns regarding passenger safety, fouling, damage to trams, animals’ behaviour, delays and people with allergies.
For the majority of Manchester’s dog owners (and dog lovers), the whole thing seems rather silly.
There’s been a number of campaigns over the years to lift the ban, but we think that now – following a series of lockdowns where more people than ever have gone and got themselves a furry friend – is the time to make it happen.
Seemingly, Metrolink is now getting on board too – with a little push from Andy Burnham.
Firefighters continue to tackle moorland fire at Dovestones Reservoir amid ‘strong’ winds
Emily Sergeant
Firefighters are continuing to tackle a large moorland fire near Dovestones Reservoir.
After the blaze broke out on Saturday evening at the popular beauty spot in Oldham, prompting a major multi-agency response that has now entered its second day, fire crews from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) have been working around the clock in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies have also been deployed as operations continue across multiple sectors of the incident.
To make matters worse, ‘strong’ winds yesterday carried smoke across parts of Greater Manchester – with reports of haze and the smell of burning being received from areas well beyond the immediate vicinity of the fire.
Firefighters are currently tackling a moorland fire near Dovestones Reservoir.
Crews from across Greater Manchester, supported by specialist wildfire resources, are working to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further.
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) July 11, 2026
Residents affected by smoke are advised to keep windows and doors closed where possible.
GMFRS say firefighters ‘remain focused’ on limiting the spread of the blaze while protecting the surrounding landscape and supporting ongoing operations in ‘difficult’ terrain.
“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area where possible to allow emergency services and partner agencies to carry out their work safely,” GMFRS said in a statement as firefighters remained at the scene overnight.
As operations continue, the fire service has issued another safety warning, urging people not to use disposable barbecues, light campfires or set off fireworks on or near moorland.
“In the current dry conditions, even a small spark can quickly develop into a significant fire,” their plea concluded.
Featured Image – GMFRS
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Urgent open water safety appeal issued after teen tragically dies in Dovestone Reservoir
Emily Sergeant
A new open water safety appeal has been issued after the body of a teenager was recovered from Dovestone Reservoir.
At around 7pm last Friday evening (10 July 2026), emergency services responded to an incident at popular beauty spot Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham, and upon arrival, they located a man, confirmed to be 18 years of age, unresponsive in the water.
The body was recovered from the water, but despite the best efforts of medical professionals, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Speaking on the tragic situation, Detective Inspector Steven Horton, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “We have tragically recovered the body of an 18-year-old man from the water and are conducting extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances.
“Our thoughts remain with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is also urging parents and guardians to remind their children about the dangers of swimming and jumping into open water during the hot weather and summer months.
Looks like it will stay warm a bit longer, so why not have a chat with your kids, or other young people you know, about the dangers of open water? It could save their life ❤️
Important messages to discuss with your child: • Jumping into open water can be fatal. It can be much… pic.twitter.com/vo5tHSHkyi
— Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) July 10, 2026
One of the most common dangers is cold water shock, as even on warm days, cold water can quickly overwhelm the body, and hidden hazards below the water’s surface can also place people in danger within seconds.
Anyone who finds themselves getting into difficulty in the water is urged to put their head back with their ears submerged, relax and try to breathe normally, and move their hands to help them stay afloat, remembering that it’s okay if your legs sink as ‘we all float differently’, GMFRS says.
“You can spread your arms and legs to improve stability,” the fire service added in its appeal.
Georgina Pellant -
21st April 2022 
