Thousands of train passengers in Manchester experienced rail delays yesterday after a helium balloon got tangled up in 25,000-volt overhead electric cables.
Network Rail said that the cables power trains across Manchester city centre, and images released by the organisation showed the large foil balloon caught in cables with Beetham Tower in the background.
Rush-hour trains between Manchester Oxford Road and Warrington Central stations were hit by delays as engineers worked to free the balloon, and the line – which is one of the busiest in the region – was closed and the electricity supply switched off.
The incident prompted Network Rail to issue an urgent warning.
The organisation said that “while helium balloons are fun, they pose a real safety and performance risk to the railway”.
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“While helium balloons are fun, they pose a real safety and performance risk to the railway” / Credit: Flickr
In a statement issued on the incident, Network Rail explained: “The foil balloon got caught on the high-voltage overhead wires, delaying trains travelling between Manchester Oxford Road and Warrington Central.
“Engineers had to close the line and switch off the electricity which powers trains through one of the busiest railway corridors in the country so the balloon could be safely removed.”
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Phil James – Network Rail’s North West Route Director – added: “Fortunately, our engineers quickly removed this balloon before it could seriously delay passengers and freight [but] while helium balloons are fun, they pose a real safety and performance risk to the railway.
“Please keep helium balloons away from the railway.”
Network Rail also revealed that helium-filled balloons cause dozens of train delays for passengers across Britain each year, with more than 600 balloon-related incidents across England, Scotland and Wales having been recorded over the last 10 years.
Featured Image – Network Rail
News
How to look after your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night
Thomas Melia
Bonfire Night may be a blessing for some families who can take advantage of the beautifully lit sky and incredible views, but for those who own cats or dogs, this isn’t necessarily the case.
When it comes to your furry friends then simply turning to their owners is usually the best point of call, but sometimes it’s still good to have a quick refresher on how to spot when your pet is in distress.
Luxury clothing retailer, Joules, is one of those leading research this year as they provide a list of tips and tricks on how to notice a change in your dog’s behaviour, soothe your cat’s stress and just generally make things more manageable for your four-legged companions.
72% of cat and dog owners see a change in their pets’ behaviour over this season, with 68% saying that they are frightened by the loud noises. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips on how to take care of your cats and dogs this Bonfire Night.
How to create a safe space for pets on Bonfire Night
Cover your windows where possible
Closing the curtains is always a good start; although this may not reduce the noise fully, it will help to block out the flashes from those pesky fireworks and even dial those big bangs down slightly.
In order to combat sudden light changes, dog owners are advised to keep their lights on, this way the animals are used to this setting and there are no drastic differences.
The simplest thing you can do is just make sure you’re there for your animals; much like us humans, they don’t like to deal with things on their own and sometimes it’s nice to have a helping hand by their side for reassurance – especially when that includes some always welcome petting.
It’s also good to keep their minds occupied by playing games and interactive activities with them to distract their cute little faces from all the madness outside.
Stay calm yourself
It might sound a little self-involved but it’s also important that alongside keeping your dogs and cats company and playing with them, make sure to keep calm yourself, much like your children and little ones you know, dogs are very reactive and can pick up on emotions easily.
As much as this information may be handy, you still know your pet best, so reacting to their behaviour and catering to their needs is definitely a must.
There are also some easy ways to spot something’s up…
Joules worked with animal behaviourist Kimberly Grundy to help develop these helpful Bonfire Night tips cats and dogs.They are one of many retailers that stock comforting cushions and blankets that are perfect for these occasions.
The best way to spot any changes in your dog or cat’s behaviour is to look for these nine surefire signs – if you spot them, they’re most likely feeling unsettled by the celebrations.
Whining or barking – this will include whimpering, crying, barking, and growling.
Clinginess – i.e. more than normal.
Excessive panting or drooling – can signal anxiety and distress instead of the usual excitement.
Hiding or trying to find a safe space
Trying to escape – make sure your doors and windows are locked and dog/cat flaps are covered.
Trembling and shaking – soothing strokes can still work wonders.
Pacing or restlessness – if you can get them to just sit with you that’s a step in the right direction.
Loss of appetite – but don’t try and force them to eat though, the goal is to help them relax.
Dilated pupils
Whether you’re cosying up to your cat or dog, or venturing out to a bonfire, make sure you stay safe this November and most importantly have fun!
Manchester to commemorate our armed forces with ceremony and parade this Remembrance Sunday
Emily Sergeant
Manchester is set to fall silent and remember the fallen during this year’s annual Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
Just as it does each year, Manchester City Council has now revealed the details of how the city will mark Remembrance Sunday this weekend, and has confirmed that the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade will set off at 10:25am from John Dalton Street.
Civic dignitaries, servicemen and women, service and ex-service organisations, faith leaders, emergency services, and other uniformed organisations, have all been invited to lay traditional poppy wreaths and pay their respects at the Cenotaph in St. Peter’s Square, along with members of the public.
Proceedings will start at 10:25am, and run through until midday.
Plans to mark Remembrance Sunday in Manchester have been announced / Credit: David Dixon (via Geograph)
Veterans and military personnel will march from John Dalton Street to the Cenotaph, where a service will be held at 11am, along with a two-minute silence, all before a short march to Peter Street across St Peter’s Square then takes place to close out the commemorations.
The two-minute silence will be observed at 11am, and the start and finish of this silence marked by the firing of a maroon.
In order for necessary security checks and safeguards to be carried out, Manchester City Council has confirmed that a series of road closures will be implemented on Sunday 10 November between 7am and 1pm.
The following road closures will be in place:
John Dalton Street (Deansgate to Cross Street)
Princess Street (Cross Street to Portland Street) with a ‘hard closure’ at Back George Street
Cross Street (Princess Street to King Street)
Peter Street (Deansgate to Oxford Street) with a ‘hard closure’ at Watson street and Hale Street
Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Bootle Street (Deansgate to Mount Street)
Lloyd Street (Deansgate to Southmill)
Jackson Row (Deansgate to Southmill)
Central Street (Southmill to Mount Street)
Cooper Street (Kennedy to Princess Street)
West Mosely Street (Booth Street to princess Street)
Bow Lane (Clarence Street to Princess Street)
St James’s Square (South King Street to John Dalton Street)
Ridgefield (Mulberry Street to John Dalton Street)
All the road closures for the ceremony have been confirmed too / Credit: Manchester City Council
As well as road closures, there will also be a number of parking restrictions set to apply on the day too.
It has been confirmed that all parking bays – including accessible parking bays – will be suspended from 8pm on Saturday 9 November, right through to 2pm on Sunday 10 November.
The roads where parking restrictions will apply are:
Lloyd Street (Deansgate to Southmill Street)
Jackson Row (Deansgate to Southmill Street)
Bootle Street (Deansgate to Mount Street)
Mount Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Museum Street (Windmill Street to Peter Street)
Southmill Street (Windmill Street to Albert Square)
Peter Street (Deansgate to Oxford Street)
Oxford Street (Peter Street to Chepstow)
Princess Street (Albert Square to Portland Street)
John Dalton Street (Deansgate to Albert Square)
Ridgefield Street (John Dalton Street to South King Street)
Central Street (Southmill Street to Mount Street)
St James’ Square (South King Street to John Dalton)
Windmill Street (Mount Street to Watson Street)
Cross Street (Princess Street to King Street)
Cooper Street (Kennedy to Princess Street)
West Mosely Street (Booth Street to Princess Street)
Bow Lane (Clarence Street to Princess Street)
When it comes to other forms of public transport, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that no trams will run through St Peter’s Square between 10am and 12:30pm on Sunday 10 November.
The Manc -
5th October 2021 
