Surge testing is set to be rolled out to other areas of Manchester this week after cases of a new COVID-19 variant were discovered in more local postcodes.
Officials have confirmed that enhanced testing – which which involves encouraging members of the community to take a test even if they do not have symptoms – will take place in order to learn more about the strain, which has been found in Harpurhey and Moston.
Manchester City Council members will visit homes in the M9 and M40 areas and ask people over the age of 16 to get tested.
Anyone living or working within these postcodes is being encouraged to go for a test.
A new mobile testing site is also being set up in Moston.
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Surge testing was launched last week in parts of South Manchester – including the areas of Moss Side, Hulme and Whalley Range.
The process is designed help to identify asymptomatic cases in the region and prevent further spread by encouraging people to self-isolate.
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Surge testing for Coronavirus is being expanded to parts of Harpurhey and Moston, after a case was found of a new mutation of the Kent strain of the virus. A new mobile testing site will open in Moston, and door-to door kits will be delivered. pic.twitter.com/JAmuG8xdV5
Manchester City Council emphasises that there is currently no evidence to suggest the strain seen in Moston and Harpurhey was any more severe than others.
“The coronavirus is constantly changing and mutating, which means there will often be new strains detected,” spokespeople said.
“We know all viruses change over time so there is no reason to be concerned that this strain is more severe than others – or that vaccinations won’t work – but it’s important that Public Health England can track how any new variants are spreading.”
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“The results will take a few days to come back but you don’t need to isolate while you wait for them. You only need to isolate if you have symptoms or if you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.”
“If a person tests positive, has any symptoms, or are contact traced following contact with someone who tests positive, they should self-isolate for 10 days immediately. “
More information on surge testing and the full list of postcodes involved can be found on the Manchester City Council website here.
News
Glitzy Spinningfields bar famed for its bottomless deals shuts down
Daisy Jackson
Popular cocktail bar group Banyan has suddenly closed its glitzy bar in the heart of Spinningfields.
The restaurant and bar, which is part of the Arc Inspirations group that also operates Manahatta and Box, has shut down with immediate effect.
A sign has been posted in the window of the Spinningfields site of Banyan confirming its closure.
Banyan opened in 2018 and was the second site for the brand, which has been operating out of the Corn Exchange since 2015.
Inside, the huge 7,000sq ft space was split into spaces for drinking, dining and dancing, including a large mezzanine and a huge white marble bar.
Banyan is famed for its bottomless deals, whether that’s a classic bottomless brunch or their bottomless Sunday roast (endless Yorkshire puddings, gravy, wine, and roast potatoes).
It also offered two-for-one cocktails, all day every day.
The bar stands on the side of Spinningfields, directly opposite The Ivy and alongside The Alchemist.
Banyan in Spinningfields has shut downThe note in the window of Banyan
But now it has permanently closed its doors, thanking people for their custom over its almost-decade in Manchester.
The sign on the door says: “Banyan Spinningfields is now permanently closed.
“Thank you so much for your custom over the years, we’ve loved being part of this wonderful city and have made so many friends.
“Don’t be a stranger, we’d love to continue to welcome you to our Banyan bar in the Corn Exchange. Team Banyan.”
Council seized £4.3m worth of counterfeit goods from Manchester’s streets in 2025
Emily Sergeant
A whopping £4.3 million of counterfeit goods were seized from Manchester’s streets in 2025, the Council has revealed.
Now that 2025 has come to end, Manchester City Council has announced that its Trading Standards Team seized and destroyed more than 43,500 counterfeit items in the last year – ranging from everything like fake handbags, trainers, and jewellery, to electronic items, sportswear, children’s toys, sunglasses, and much more.
Through ‘exemplary partnership work’ with Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the Council says this criminal industry has taken a ‘substantial hit’ over the past 12 months.
It’s also estimated that the goods seized would have lost the industry up to £43 million.
Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, said the Council hopes this action ‘sends a message that we will not tolerate this harmful trade.’
The Council seized £4.3m worth of counterfeit goods from Manchester’s streets in 2025 / Credit: GMP
“The counterfeit industry was substantially embedded in our communities, but through their diligence and the support of our valued partners we have driven away some of the worst offenders and are beginning the process of regenerating the areas of Manchester that were long blighted by this sort of crime,” she added.
It’s not just counterfeit goods that’ve been targeted either, as a substantial push was also made throughout the year to crack-down on the sale and distribution of illicit tobacco.
In total, 316,625 cigarettes – which is equivalent to nearly 16,000 individual packs – were seized by the Council and police.
258kg of hand rolling tobacco was also seized, as well as more than 18,000 illegal vapes that don’t comply with UK laws or regulations.
Detective Chief Inspector Melanie Johnson, who is the lead coordinator of Operation Machinize for GMP, says the police takes any information it receives about counterfeit trading ‘very seriously’.
“We will continue to investigate all aspects of this criminality to protect our communities from the harms of illegal products.”
The Manc -
17th February 2021 
