This is all due to the ongoing programme of works intended to “maintain and improve” the Metrolink system and ensure tram journeys in Greater Manchester remain “safe, reliable, and accessible”.
As TfGM looks to improve a key part of the Metrolink network in the city centre, no trams will operate between Market Street and Shudehill tram stop while “essential track replacement work” is carried out from Wednesday 24 July until Monday 19 August.
Passengers travelling between Piccadilly station and Victoria, in either direction, will instead be directed to either board a replacement bus service, or change trams at St Peter’s Square.
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More major Manchester tram stops will be out of action due to ‘essential track replacements’ / Credit: TfGM
A signed walking route will also be put in place between Market Street and Shudehill tram stops.
As well as the tram stops being out of action, TfGM is warning city centre visitors that Shudehill will also be closed to traffic where the Metrolink tracks cross the road between Wednesday 24 July and Monday 5 August, and during this closure, some bus services will be diverted as a result – but information for customers is to be provided at affected bus stops.
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A signed diversion route will be put in place for drivers and cyclists, and access to the Manchester Arndale multi-storey car park will be maintained “at all times” during the works, with businesses remaining “open as usual”, TfGM has reassured.
Disruption to passengers is expected over the next few weeks / Credit: TfGM
As is often the case with maintenance works of this nature, disruption for passengers is to be expected this summer, but TfGM says it will doing “everything we can” to keep disruption “to a minimum”.
Pete Sommers, who is TfGM’s Metrolink Director, is encouraging anyone travelling to “plan ahead” and “leave plenty of time” for any journeys, adding that: “During these essential works, we will be doing everything we can to keep disruption to a minimum with replacement bus services and signed diversions for vehicles and pedestrians.
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“We also have support from our traffic signals team to ensure city centre traffic flows as freely as possible.”
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 -
17th July 2024 
