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Several tram and train services won’t run around Manchester on New Year’s Eve

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 31st December 2021

Public transport around Manchester is set to be disrupted on New Year’s Eve, with several tram and train routes not running.

Metrolink is closing three of its lines from 5pm today due to Covid-related staff shortages.

Meanwhile, strike action at CrossCountry is set to severely disrupt its service today.

It could lead to a night of chaos on what is historically one of the busiest nights of the year.

Manchester Piccadilly. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The majority of Metrolink tram services will run until 1am today to help people get home from New Year’s Eve celebrations.

But the Eccles, Ashton and Manchester Airport lines will cease altogether after 5pm.

Metrolink has said it’s ‘due to the impact of Covid-19 on drive staffing levels’.

Alex Cropper, interim head of operations at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “I would like to reassure passengers that we are doing all that we can to maintain as many scheduled Metrolink services as possible – while at the same time dealing with the impact of Covid-19 on tram drivers and staff.

“We do absolutely recognise the impact these changes may have on some people’s journeys and I would like to apologise for any inconvenience they may cause.

Metrolink trams at Manchester Victoria. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

“I would urge people to plan their journeys in advance before they head out for the evening, allow extra time to travel and check the TfGM website for the latest information.”

Trams also won’t be running through Victoria between January 1 and 3, with services on the Bury, Rochdale, East Didsbury and Airport lines all terminating early and being replaced by rail replacement buses.

CrossCountry services from Manchester will be disrupted by planned strike action, running a ‘very limited’ service.

The RMT (The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers) has instructed its members not to work on New Year’s Eve, following similar strike action on Christmas Eve.

The industrial action has been planned over what RMT says is an attempt to ‘undermine the role of the Senior Conductors and Train Managers by drafting in other staff to do their jobs’.

CrossCountry trains will be disrupted on New Year’s Eve. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

General Secretary Mick Lynch said: “The disruption to services from the New Years Eve strike action is wholly down to these greedy private companies on our railways seeking to squeeze out every penny they can by hammering down on safety, jobs and workplace dignity.

“Our members at CrossCountry and Gate Gourmet are standing up for all rail workers in their New Years Eve action as we expect a torrent of attacks on jobs, pay, safety, pensions and worki‎ng conditions in 2022.

Read more: Piccolino in Alderley Edge announces closure – with Gino D’Acampo tipped to take over

“We are ready for a New Year of campaigning and action on all fronts.”

CrossCountry will run a core but heavily reduced service between Manchester Piccadilly and Bournemouth.

Other trainlines are also warning of last-minute cancellations, delays and changes to services due to Covid-related staff shortages.

Featured image: Unsplash

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Mayor Andy Burnham promises Greater Manchester will honour Ricky Hatton ‘properly’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Mayor Andy Burnham confirms Greater Manchester tribute plans for Ricky Hatton

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has promised that the city and wider boroughs have plans to honour Ricky Hatton MBE following his passing this weekend.

Hatton, just 46, sadly passed away this Sunday, 14 September, with the region left shocked by the sudden and tragic news.

Details surrounding his exact cause of death are still scarce, but Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have said that it is not being treated as suspicious.

Posting on social media, Mayor Burnham has now assured that there will be official tributes paid to the boxing legend.

“He was the kind of person who would always turn up for people, supporting so many causes”, writes Burnham, adding: “He made us smile and made us proud. We will find a way of honouring him properly.”

There seems to be a clear intimation that at least one or more public tributes will be carried out at the earliest opportunity.

In fact, several already have up and down the country, including a 10-bell salute, which rang out at the World Boxing Championships at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool on the 11th day of the competition.

Locals and ‘Hitman’ fans alike have been leaving flowers, wreaths and other personal tributes outside his address in Tameside as well as his gym in Hyde.

The minute’s appreciation before the 197th Manchester derby also saw his friend, fellow die-hard Blue and City Square fan zone presenter, Danny Jackson, deliver a touching speech before applause rang out around the stadium, with the Man City manager himself looking visibly moved by the moment.

Manchester City dedicate derby win to late and beloved boxing blue, Ricky Hatton
Pep Guardiola is one of many members around the club, both past and present, to have offered their condolences.

His nephew Jack Hatton has now posted on social media too, saying simply: “I love you so much Uncle Rick. I will always remember all you have done for me and the great times we had together I love you so so much I’m going to do all I can to make you proud.”

Brother Matthew, also a boxer, shared similar, collating pictures of the two together over the years.

énergie Fitness Hyde, home to his well-known gym and popular community outlet, have also shared a statement online, writing: “Ricky was much more than a world-class fighter and an exceptional trainer. He was a remarkable person who inspired countless individuals.

“His influence reached far beyond Hyde and the local community, touching the lives of millions around the world. Everyone at the gym is devastated by this loss. Ricky’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he motivated, mentored, and uplifted.

“We send our sincere condolences to Ricky’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
As a mark of respect, the gym will be closed for the rest of the day. Rest in Peace, Ricky.” Since then, his family have now shared their own statement in full via GMP.

Asking for privacy during this difficult time, they wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard. Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather,and brother, and a true friend to many.

“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

“To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.

“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.

“As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.

“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy — both in boxing and as a man — will continue to live on.

“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”

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Featured Images — Aeropixels Photography/Scottish Government (via Flickr)

News

Manchester City dedicate derby win to late and beloved boxing blue, Ricky Hatton

Danny Jones Danny Jones Man City tributes to Ricky Hatton

Manchester City players past and present, club members and fans alike have paid tribute to the late, great boxer, Ricky Hatton MBE, following his shock passing this weekend, honouring him with a fitting derby day win.

Safe to say there’ll be a blue moon all over Greater Manchester this week.

The tragic news about Ricky Hatton was sadly announced just hours before the 197th Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, 14 September, with the entire ground observing a ‘minute of appreciation’ before kick-off.

Manager Pep Guardiola looked visibly emotional when the camera panned to him applauding his memory in the crowd, and there were plenty of other tributes to ‘The Pride Hyde’ spotted both the home and away ends, with several famous City faces taking to social media after full-time to share their own.

Perhaps one of the most moving tributes came from Guardiola himself, who has always immersed himself in local Manc culture beyond just football, so it was no surprise he felt the sorrow in the stands.

Speaking to the media in his post-match duties, the Catalan coach and former athlete himself said: “I’ve been here for ten years, [seen/heard] a lot of minute [silences/applauses], and I don’t remember one so, so intense like today.

“I want to say thank you so much to the Man United fans because they behaved and applauded. I know he was a World Champion in boxing. It was a special, special moment. There are no words that can contain the pain that the family can feel right now for this loss, but we are close.

“I know how much of an incredible Man City fan [he was]. He lived the bad moments and the good moments in the last 10/15 years. I know for the fans how close he was [held]. The moment of applause was unbelievable.

“It was an experience I will always remember because I felt in every applause of every person in the stadium the gratitude for what he has done professionally and being a massive, massive City fan.”

Once again, he wasn’t the only familiar sports personality, blue or otherwise, who made it known how much he was admired by those in and around the region of Greater Manchester.

Both Manchester United legend Roy Keane and ex-Man City defender Micah Richards joined the Sky Sports panel in discussing his legacy as a local sporting icon.

It’s worth noting that the die-hard City fan became a key ambassador and charity champion, raising huge funds and awareness surrounding mental health.

Rest in peace to a legend and a mental health hero.

Everyone involved paid tribute to Ricky Hatton as City claimed the win over United.

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshot)/SamboD (via Flickr)/Man City via (X)

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