Manchester residents are being encouraged to provide feedback on new plans for Deansgate - which include pedestrianisation and introducing a one-way system.
Manchester residents are being encouraged to provide feedback on new plans for Deansgate – which include pedestrianising parts of the road and the introduction of a one-way system.
A section of the city centre street was closed to vehicles back in May to help with social distancing and support the economic recovery of the city after lockdown.
However, Diamond bus company objected to the plans – forcing Manchester City Council to create a makeshift route for buses to travel through.
But now the asking the public for feedback on a new experimental traffic order – which will make the space between King Street West and Blackfriars Street open exclusively to pedestrians and bikes.
Under the new proposals, King Street to Quay Street will also become one-way only in a southbound direction (with the northbound carriageway closed).
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The consultation about the permanent closure of part of Deansgate is now open until 15 January, and we want to hear your thoughts on this important project.
— Manchester City Council #StaySafe (@ManCityCouncil) December 21, 2020
According to the council, the proposals will improve air quality in the area and support Greater Manchester’s commitment to become zero carbon by 2038.
The council has also argued it will make Deansgate ‘more pleasant and easier for pedestrians to get around.’
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A new bus gate will be built on Bridge Street at the junction of Gartside Street, meaning only buses would be able to drive out of the city centre across the River Irwell into Salford via this route.
The council stated: “This bus-only corridor door is designed to complement the other measures in the experimental order and to support public transport.”
Impact will be monitored for at least 12 months before a decision is made whether the changes should become permanent.
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Councillor Angeliki Stogia, Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport, said: “We believe there are significant environmental and safety benefits to the closure of this section of Deansgate, which should be a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages at the heart of the city.
“We’re making these proposals in support of our vision for a greener and healthier city centre, with cleaner air, more space to walk and cycle and more reliable bus journeys in and out of the city. However, before decisions are made, it’s crucial that we get the views of the people and businesses that any closure would affect.
“If you have views on these proposals for Deansgate, I’d encourage you to share them as part of this consultation, so we can take them into account when deciding the next steps.”
#Manchester – here's what your new, pedestrianised Deansgate looks like.
— Groundwork Greater Manchester (@GroundworkGM) May 17, 2020
Councillor Roger Jones, Executive Support Member for Transport at Salford City Council added: “When we went into lockdown in March, people commented on the cleaner air and quieter streets and many have taken to walking and cycling for both commuting and leisure.
“We believe that these measures will encourage more people to continue walking, cycling or using public transport and reaping the benefits of that. I hope that as many people as possible will have their say and comment on the future of Deansgate in this consultation.”
To have your say on the proposals, head over to the Manchester City Council website.
The consultation is open until Friday 15 January 2021.
News
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
22nd December 2020 
