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Shortlist of names for new Stetford square announced after public sends in over 400 suggestions

So, do we have a Boaty McBoatface 2.0 on our hands then? ...

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 3rd June 2024

The shortlist of potential names for a new community square in Stretford have been announced following a public naming competition.

After Trafford Council last month invited the local community to suggest names for the brand-new public space that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year, hundreds of entries came flooding in – more than 400 of them, in fact.

We know by now that the British public loves a naming competition, so maybe this wasn’t a big shock… but, do we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands then?

Well, not quite – but there are some pretty good options.

As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant, but when Greater Manchester was given its shot to get creative, residents still came through with the quality suggestions.

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The suggestions have been whittled-down to a shortlist of three names, and the people of Stretford are now officially able to cast their vote for their favourite.

The final three finalists are:

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  • Hibberd Square – Named after Joan Hibberd, a beloved resident of Stretford since 1922 who is celebrated in the town for her active commitment to civic engagement, which has made a lasting impact on the Stretford community. 
  • Lloyd Square – Inspired by Sir Anthony Joseph Lloyd, a dedicated public servant who represented Stretford as a Member of Parliament for many years, and is known for his commitment to social justice and community welfare, as well as tirelessly advocating for the residents of Stretford and significantly contributing to the area’s development and wellbeing. 
  • Enriqueta Square – Dedicated to distinguished philanthropist and bibliophile, Enriqueta Rylands, who resided in Stretford and founded the famous John Rylands Library in Manchester city centre.

A polling station has been placed at the centre of Stretford Mall, and the community is encouraged to head on down there and vote using the tokens provided, or alternatively, people can cast their votes on Stretford town centre’s social media poll.

The new public square will connect the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane.

Trafford Council says it will play “a key part in the transformation of the area”, and will also provide a “focal point” with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.

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“The response we’ve had to this initiative demonstrates the strong sense of community that exists in Stretford, and how committed local people are to this regeneration project,” commented Cllr Liz Patel, who is the Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration at Trafford Council, as the naming shortlist was announced.

“The three finalists demonstrate the importance of history, but also of individuals within a community in Stretford, and all three are worthy winners.”

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Voting will officially close on Sunday 16 June. 

The unveiling ceremony of the new name for the public square will take place in the centre of Stretford Mall at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July. 

Featured Image – STC / Bruntwood

News

Popular online beauty retailer LOOKFANTASTIC to open new ‘concept’ store in Altrincham

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

One of the UK’s most popular online beauty retailers is set to open a brand-new ‘concept’ store here in Greater Manchester.

That’s right, Altrincham‘s getting itself a shiny new resident, as LOOKFANTASTIC is moving in.

Gearing up to open its doors in the heart of the Trafford town’s centre in just a couple of months time, the exciting new store is set to offer shoppers a “unique opportunity” to explore and discover products from some of the world’s most renowned and best-loved beauty brands – with more than 90 big names on offer.

Sol de Janeiro, Color WOW, and Yves Saint Laurent are just some of the world-leading and designer brands set to be stocked on the shelves of the new concept.

Popular online beauty retailer LOOKFANTASTIC to open new ‘concept’ store in Altrincham /

The new 5,392 sq ft Stamford Quarter space – which will take up two units on George Street – is the first time the company has ever opened a physical store.

It’s expected to be an extension of LOOKFANTASTIC’s “digitally native authority in beauty” and will provide a “customer-centric” and “experiential” retail experience when it officially throws open its doors this September.

“We’re excited to bring the LOOKFANTASTIC experience to life with our concept store,” commented Lucy Gorman, who is the Chief Executive Officer at THG Beauty.

“This innovative retail space goes beyond products, offering a unique and immersive beauty destination… as customers can discover and purchase from their favourite brands, and also enjoy beauty services, bringing digital beauty into the third dimension in a whole new way.”

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Further details about the new concept store will be released nearer to the time of opening, LOOKFANTASTIC has confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled.

Featured Image – Supplied

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GMP’s response times revealed to be among the ‘fastest’ in the country

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) response times are among the “fastest” in the country, it has been revealed.

Response officers are form a crucial part of the region’s police service, with more 1,600 of them currently working hard, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to serve different areas across Greater Manchester.

These officers respond to everything from burglaries and robberies, to fights, road traffic collisions, and more throughout the region.

They will often be the first to attend any form of incident, and once arriving on these scene, will be quick to assess the immediate threat and harm, initiate an investigation, and provide a reassuring visible police presence for the public.  

Police Officer
GMP’s response times have been revealed as among the ‘fastest’ in the country / Credit: GMP

GMP‘s ‘Force Control Room’ receives almost 600,000 999 calls a year, which is around 1,600 a day.

And now, it has been revealed this week that the force’s response times to those 999 calls, as well as officers’ arrival on the scenes, are among the fastest of any police service in the whole country.

Within the past year alone, GMP was found to have responded to 135,726 Grade 1 incidents – which are calls that need an immediate response – or 370 a day, across the borough, in around 9 minutes 34 seconds on average, which is well inside the expected national average of 15 minutes.   

Those almost 600,000 emergency calls were also found to have been answered, on average, in around four seconds.

GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Matt Boyle, called Response Policing the “bedrock” of every police force across the country.  

Speaking on GMP’s recent achievements in response times, and praising officers for all their hard work and dedication, ACC Boyle said: “Our response officers and staff play a vital role in keeping the public of Greater Manchester safe every day of the year around the clock.

“Almost every police officer starts on response, and there is no doubt it’s one of the toughest but also most rewarding roles in policing.  

The region’s police service receives almost 600,000 emergency 999 calls a year / Credit: GMP

“When the public call us, often in one of the worst moments of their lives, they rightly expect us to pick up the phone, arrive quickly, act professionally and protect them, and we have made significant improvements in doing this over the last few years, particularly in areas such as burglary, where we now attend every burglary report that comes into us, and domestic abuse, where we are arresting more people than ever.”

ACC Boyle also assured the public that GMP is investing time, money, and recourses into making sure Response Officers receive the most up-to-date training.

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“They will usually be the first officers on the scene of an ongoing incident and will often be the first person the public sees, ACC Boyle continued, “So it’s vital they are trained to the highest standards and have the latest kit and equipment.”

Featured Image – GMP

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