From tomorrow (Friday 3 July), Stevenson Square and Ducie Street will become closed to traffic, with Stevie Square becoming a temporary pedestrian and cycle-only zone.
As the Manchester plans for the end of the coronavirus lockdown, and following the extended closure times of Thomas Street in May, Manchester City Council has now decided to make two further road closures in the area to help with social distancing.
The council say that the new closures will support those returning to the city and will begin to rebuild the economy. They are also making Withy Grove a one-way system to encourage walking and cycling in the area.
From tomorrow (Friday 3 July), to allow for more space for pedestrians, we will temporarily close Ducie Street and Stevenson Square.
To improve traffic flow in the area we're also making Withy Grove one-way.
— Manchester City Council #StayHomeSaveLives (@ManCityCouncil) July 2, 2020
The changes, which are currently down as temporary, were confirmed after feedback from a consultation about walking and cycling in the Northern Quarter was carried out earlier this year. The feedback saw a significant number of people calling for more pedestrianisation of the Northern Quarter – including the closure of Stevenson Square, and improvements in the Ducie Street (Piccadilly Station approach) area.
The changes to Stevenson Square will take place from 6am tomorrow (Friday 3), and will turn the area into a traffic-free zone in which people can spend more time. It will also create an opportunity for businesses to use the pavements for seating, thanks to the additional space and reduced pollution.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ducie Street, will close at the same hour, from its junction with the A6 at Piccadilly to its junction with Dale Street. This will “remove the need for pedestrians to gather in large groups waiting at the traffic lights,” and will “reduce the number of vehicles choosing to drive through the city centre,” according to the Manchester City Council website.
Additionally, as mentioned above, feedback in the consultation earlier this year showed that people were concerned about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in the Withy Grove area. The council will now make Withy Grove a one-way system in order to improve traffic flow and reduce the need for pedestrians to congregate outside The Printworks.
All of these changes will take place from tomorrow and while announced as temporary, are likely to stay in place for some time as the city’s pedestrianisation continues to ramp up. Find out more here.
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Sam Ridgway -
2nd July 2020 
