Some members of the public are calling for vehicles to be completely banned from travelling through Manchester city centre.
Manchester City Council has already been vocal in stating that it wants 90% of all trips to the city centre to be made on foot, by bike or using public transport by 2040, with several proposals – including reducing the number of buses idling in Piccadilly Gardens, permanently pedestrianising areas like Deansgate, and creating a cycling ‘triangle’ – put forward as ways to meet these ambitions.
The council has also indicated that the building of a Metrolink tunnel beneath the city centre is an idea that could be revisited.
And it’s also been confirmed that an Ultra Low Emission Zone – where polluting vehicles will need to pay a daily charge to travel through specific areas – alongside 20mph limits, are also being considered.
But this suggestion to forbid cars entirely was just one of several put forward by the public as part of a consultation on the new transport strategy.
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Others also suggested that all car parks should be removed from the city centre too.
The strategy – which is being developed by Manchester City Council, alongside Salford City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) – went out to consultation at the end of last year, with nearly 2,500 people, groups, political parties and transport operators taking part.
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The majority of those who took part in the public consultation last year expressed support for the strategy, but almost a quarter of respondents were not supportive of how the council wanted to manage traffic in the city centre, arguing that the plans did not go far enough and that all cars should be banned, alongside the removal of all car parks.
This is said to be one of the highest negative responses received in a public consultation of this kind.
And some local councillors are also joining many respondents in asking Manchester City Council to make more parts of the city centre car-free.
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Councillor Angeliki Stogia – Executive Member for Transport at Manchester City Council – has described the challenge of satisfying both sides in the matter as a “difficult” one, saying: “We acknowledge the strength of feeling on both sides, I don’t want to be gaslighting either side and dismiss what people feel.
“What I want is to work with everyone to bring forward projects that bridge the gap and will get us to a place where we give people viable options to get in and out and move around the city.
“[All] while we continue to reduce private vehicle journeys and car parks to manage traffic in the city centre”.
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A final version of the transport strategy will go before Manchester City Council’s executive on 17th March 2020, before being submitted to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) for approval on 26th March 2020.
You can find more information via the Manchester City Council website here.
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
24th February 2021 
