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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.

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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’.

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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.”

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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.

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“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

News

Government announces homebuying overhaul to fix country’s ‘broken’ housing system

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant New build houses

The Government has announced what it’s calling the biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history. 

In a bid to ‘rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership for thousands nationwide, the Government has today (Monday 6 October) unveiled proposals that it says will speed up the long-drawn out and costly process of buying a home by four weeks.

The Housing Secretary says this will not only save people money, but unnecessary stress too.

The proposed new plans would see sellers and estate agents required to provide buyers with ‘vital’ information about a property upfront – including the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and chains of people waiting to move.

It’s hoped this will help end any last-minute chain collapses and ultimately give greater confidence to first-time buyers when they’re making one of life’s most important decisions. 

Houses
The Government has announced plans to fix the country’s ‘broken’ housing system / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)

Binding contracts could also be introduced to stop people walking away from agreements after buyers painstakingly spend months in negotiations to hopefully halve the number of failed transactions.

The new reforms are also proposing that prospective buyers are provided with side-by-side information on estate agents and conveyancers, including their track record and expertise, alongside new mandatory qualifications and Code of Practice to drive up standards and work to rebuild trust in the industry.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to Twitter this morning to address the proposed new homebuying overhaul, commenting: “I promised that my Government would fix the broken housing system.

“Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives. That’s national renewal.”

Housing Secretary, Steve Reed, said buying a home should be ‘a dream, not a nightmare’.

He continued: “Our reforms will fix the broken system so hardworking people can focus on the next chapter of their lives. 

Read more:

“Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money back into working people’s pockets and making a simple dream a simple reality.”

Featured Image – James Feaver (via Unsplash)

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English rugby legend Lewis Moody reveals MND diagnosis

Danny Jones Danny Jones Lewis Moody diagnosed with MND

Much-loved English rugby legend Lewis Moody has revealed his heartbreaking MND (motor neuron disease) diagnosis.

The Leicester Tigers and Bath icon, who was captain of the Rugby World Cup-winning England squad back in 2003, unfortunately announced to the world that he is now suffering from MND, also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).

Moody, 47, is just the latest well-known rugby player to have developed the progressive neurological disorder, with both former players and others being forced to retire due to the condition.

The Ascot-born rugby union veteran has admitted that the news has come as a ‘sudden shock’ to him and his family, but has been left moved by the overwhelming wave of positivity he has received since making the health update public.

Sharing a lengthy message online, Moody wrote: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family.

“I feel fit and well in myself, and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes / will experience as they come.

“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals, and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.”

Notable ex-pros who have sadly passed away from the disease in recent years include Doddie Weir and, of course, Rob Burrow MBE.

There is currently no known cure for MND at present, but as Burrow’s best mate and inspirational teammate, Kevin Sinfield has famously, the belief is that this is because it remains “underfunded” and a breakthrough could still be found.

Speaking to BBC Sport with his long-term partner on Monday, 6 October, ‘Mad Dog Moody’ gave a very open and honest interview about the last few weeks, going from noticing some weakness in his shoulder at the gym to having now been given the tragic diagnosis.

Lewis’ statement continues: “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours.

“My plan is to continue with this, but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once l am clear on what this looks like.

“For now, please know I feel your love and support; all l ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.

Take Care, Lewis Moody.”

Read more:

Sharing a post of their own on social media this morning, the Red Roses wrote: “Everyone at England Rugby is saddened to learn that former captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

“All of our thoughts are with Lewis, his family and friends as they come to terms with this diagnosis. We will be offering both practical and emotional support, and know the entire rugby community will stand with them at this incredibly difficult time.

“We encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through GoFundMe.”

Sending our strength and support to Lewis Moody, as well as his family, friends and fans; you can donate to his fundraiser down below.

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

Featured Images — Lewis Moody (via Instagram)/Land Rover MENA (via Flickr)

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