News

Multi-million pound rail upgrades to cancel trains on major Manchester lines this month

Disruption is expected... of course.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 6th August 2026

Multi-million pound railway upgrades will take place in Greater Manchester from this weekend.

In a bid to enhance future journeys for both passengers and freight as part of its ongoing summer improvement projects, Network Rail has announced that it will be carrying out major track upgrades in two locations travelling in and out of Manchester this summer.

Starting from this weekend (8-9 August) and then again the following weekend on 15-16 August, a railway junction will be replaced near Guide Bridge, and while the work takes place, no trains will be able to run on the Glossop/Hadfield or Rose Hill Marple lines in or out of Manchester Piccadilly station over both weekends.

Rail replacement buses are planned to keep passengers on the move – but people advised to plan ahead and allow ‘extra time’ for their journeys.

A multi-million pound rail upgrade programme is set to cancel trains on major Manchester lines this month / Credit: Network Rail

The second major scheme will see a midweek closure of the line between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale when engineers return to install a new railway turnback.

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While this is being carried out, no trains will run from Monday 10 August until the morning of Saturday 15 August, and once again rail replacement buses are planned to serve the route instead.

Network Rail is thanking passengers in advance for their cooperation.

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“We know there’s never an ideal time to shut the railway, so I’d like to thank passengers in advance for their patience while we carry out these essential railway improvements next week,” commented Lorna Samways, who is a senior sponsor at Network Rail.

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“Both projects are major investments to improve rail journeys for passengers and freight in future.

“I’d advise passengers planning to travel between 8-16 August to check National Rail Enquiries so they know exactly what to expect from their journey.”

Featured Image – Network Rail

News

A new dedicated Macmillan Cancer Support centre has opened at Stepping Hill hospital in Stockport

Danny Jones Danny Jones New Macmillan Cancer Support centre Stockport

In great news not only for Stockport locals but many more around the region, a brand-new cancer research support centre backed by Macmillan has opened at Stepping Hill Hospital.

Hoping to help Stopfordians, as well as those living in the High Peak region of Derbyshire and other Greater Manchester locals, the dedicated facility officially opened last week.

Operating on a walk-in-only basis, not only will there be no appointments necessary, but it will also be open five days a week.

Based at the back of the Medical and Surgical Building entrance and to the rear of Outpatients Department C at Stepping Hill, further signposting is already helping direct people to the site.

macmillan stepping hill
Macmillan Cancer Support Centre Manager, Joe Wiecha
nhs stockport foundation trust
Various resources and reading materials are available

Designed by architecture, design and consultancy firm Arcadis, proposals first came to the fore back in February 2024, but now it’s finally come to fruition.

As well as aiming to provide a comforting space and alternative to both the hospital and/or the usual home/care settings for patients, visitors and staff alike, it is set to offer a regular programme of events and activities moving forward, including

Future plans for the centre will include a programme of events and activities, including Macmillan’s long-running and popular coffee mornings, wellbeing sessions, visits from partner organisations like Citizens Advice and more.

The NHS, Stepping Hill and the Macmillan organisation as a whole also intend to expand beyond the hospital itself in the coming years.

Delivering a minimum of six hours of support every weekday, it will no doubt offer an invaluable outlet and service to the borough and beyond.

Speaking on the opening, Joe Wiecha – the centre manager heading up the space – said in a statement: “It’s been fantastic for the centre to finally open and welcome our very first visitors. Whoever you are, and whatever your experience of cancer, you will always receive a warm welcome at our centre.”

“Whether you’re living with cancer, supporting a family member or friend, or adjusting to life beyond treatment, our team is here to listen, support you, and help you access the information, services, and guidance you need.”

Once again, Macmillan Support Centre Stepping Hill is open from 10am-4pm from Monday-Friday, and can be contacted via email or over the phone at 0161 419 4582.

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Featured Images — Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

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Chinatown restaurant issues CCTV appeal after customer literally RUNS away without paying

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Noodle Alley in Chinatown has issued a CCTV appeal on a dine-and-dash customer

Noodle Alley, a cosy restaurant in Chinatown, has shared CCTV footage of a customer literally running away with an unpaid bill.

The noodle bar is famed for its spicy dishes, hailing from co-owner Wendy Ren’s native Sichuan province.

It’s become a firm favourite in Manchester’s Chinatown since launching in 2023 – but the team have been left stung by a customer dine-and-dash this week.

And it’s the most literal case of a dine-and-dash we’ve ever seen, with CCTV footage shared by Noodle Alley showing the moment the customer sprints out the door, with impressive speed for a man in sliders.

The video also shows the staff chasing the runaway customer, to no avail.

In a heartfelt statement shared online, Noodle Alley said that ‘every meal matters’ when small businesses like theirs are struggling with rising costs.

They also said that the CCTV has been sent to the police in the hopes of catching the man.

In their full statement, Noodle Alley wrote: “Today, someone ran away from our restaurant without paying.

“This isn’t just about the money. Small independent businesses are already struggling with rising costs, and dealing with people who deliberately run away without paying makes it even harder.

“Every meal, every member of staff, and every genuine customer matters.

“Our team reacted immediately and tried to catch him, but he disappeared within seconds.

“We have a very clear CCTV image of the individual, and all the evidence has been passed to the relevant authorities.

“To everyone who chooses to support small independent businesses like ours, thank you. Your kindness and support help keep businesses like ours going.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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