Another two major city centre tram stops are to be out of action for nearly two weeks while maintenance work is carried out.
As part of an ongoing programme of works intended to “maintain and improve” the Metrolink system, and ensure tram journeys in Greater Manchester remain “safe, reliable, and accessible”, Transport for Greater Manchester‘s (TfGM) has confirmed that further essential work to improve city centre tram journeys will get under way next week.
Trams will stop running between Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square, so that tracks can be replaced.
The track replacement work is scheduled to be carried out for a total of 21 days – starting next Tuesday (27 August) up until Tuesday 17 September.
More major Manchester city centre tram stops are to be out of action for ‘essential’ maintenance work / Credit: TfGM
During these engineering works, TfGM has confirmed that trams will continue to operate as usual between Piccadilly and Victoria via Piccadilly Gardens, however they will not travel between Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square – with some services expected to operate via Exchange Square instead.
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A replacement bus service will operate between Piccadilly and Deansgate Castlefield as an alternative, as well as signed walking routes for those making their way on foot.
Mosley Street will be closed between New York Street and Piccadilly Gardens, with buses that normally use this route being diverted via Portland Street, and essential vehicle access will be maintained to shops, businesses, and retailers as required.
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“It’s vitally important we’re always working to keep our passengers safe and Greater Manchester moving,” explained Pete Sommers, who is the Network Director for the Metrolink at TfGM.
Track replacements will take place over 21 days / Credit: TfGM
“Earlier phases of our summer works have been successfully completed, and at Piccadilly Gardens, we will be doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum, with staff at key stops to help you, replacement bus services, and signed diversions for pedestrians.
“While this work is ongoing, I would encourage customers to plan ahead by checking our app, website, and social media channels for the latest travel information.”
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TfGM is also recommending that passengers leave “plenty of time for their journeys”.
Find out more about the planned tram improvement works on the TfGM website here.
Featured Image – TfGM
News
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 -
21st August 2024 
