Over the last few months, big grey boxes have been popping up on pavements across Manchester city centre.
Though temporary, the boxes have been upsetting a lot of pedestrians – and now someone has plastered posters on them all in protest.
Signs saying ‘f*** these stupid boxes’ and ‘f*** you pedestrians’ have appeared right across the city.
The posters, which have been removed over the course of today, have been protesting against the ‘pavement hoggers‘, which in some areas take up more than half of the pavement’s width.
One of the signs plays on the famous Suffragette motto ‘Deeds not Words’.
ADVERTISEMENT
A big grey box on Oxford Street. Credit: The Manc Group
It says: “Words: ‘Walking will be the main way of getting round the city’ – Manchester City Council.
“Deeds: ‘F*** you pedestrians, here’s a big grey box’.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Manchester City Council have stressed that the boxes are only temporary, and will soon be replaced with new digital screens.
It’s part of plans to upgrade the old advertising columns which have stood in the city centre for 30 years.
A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: “In December 2020 work began to replace the old backlit paper advertising columns and units which had been in place throughout the city centre since the 1990s.
ADVERTISEMENT
“A total of 86 sites are being upgraded to new digital screens following planning consent being granted.
“This planning process took into account highway safety for each individual unit as well as the historic impact of their placement, including how pedestrians move on the highway.
“The Council understands the concerns around the temporary grey covers for the units however, they were essential to protect members of the public from the electric cables which will supply power to the new units.
“Importantly, set against a decade of cuts to Local Authority budgets this upgrade will provide the Council an additional £2.4m in revenue each year, money which will be spent providing the vital services thousands of Mancunians rely on.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Work is scheduled to be completed on the new units by December 14.”
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Daisy Jackson -
23rd November 2021 
