The decision was confirmed by Health Secretary Matt Hancock during a statement to MPs in the House of Commons this morning.
Announcing the outcome of the first review of the tiered system of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, Mr Hancock said the UK has “come so far” in its fight and “mustn’t blow it now”, adding: “As we enter the coldest months, we must be vigilant and keep this virus under control”.
He confirmed that: “For the vast majority of places currently in Tier 3, we’re not making a change today”, with decisions assessed according to the following five published indicators:
Case rates
Case rates amongst the over 60s
Test positivity
Rates of change
Hospital pressure
The ruling means that all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester will remain under the tightest restrictions within the UK government’s three tiered system for the rest of December at least.
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It’s still believed that restriction reviews will continue to be fortnightly.
Local leaders and campaign groups had hoped that some measures in Greater Manchester would be relaxed upon the first review after the region had shown a consistent drop in coronavirus (COVID-19) transmission rates in many boroughs since being placed into Tier 3 following the end of the second national lockdown at the start of the month, but the government has declared that the region will remain put.
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The full list of Tier 3 rules for Greater Manchester can be viewed here.
Many of those local leaders have taken to social media this afternoon to respond to the decision.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham stated on Twitter: “If you look at the figures below, it’s hard not to conclude: when cases rise in the North, the North goes under restrictions, when cases rise in London and the South East, everyone stays under restrictions.”, with Sir Richard Leese – Leader of Manchester City Council – responding: “Even though our numbers are better than either London or Liverpool’s were 3 weeks ago, still in Tier 3 – Unbelievable.”, and Sacha Lord – Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester – adding: “After the toughest restrictions for months, lower overall indicators than other Tier 2 regions in the UK, next week England can mix up to 3 households, for 5 days – what a kick in the teeth for hospitality”.
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If you look at the figures below, it’s hard not to conclude:
when cases rise in the North, the North goes under restrictions
when cases rise in London and the South East, everyone stays under restrictions pic.twitter.com/M53v8bipPd
Campaign group UnitedCity – who is “calling on the government to review the region’s tier allocation weekly, rather than fortnightly” – branded the decision as: “a knock to all Mancunians who have worked hard to keep our R rate as low as it is”.
With one of the group’s founders, former Manchester United and England footballer and proud Mancunian Gary Neville adding: “They released 5 key criteria 2 weeks ago to measure Tiers by. Manchester is lower than many T2 areas were 2 weeks ago [and] today the government ignored their own criteria,
“The biggest set of charlatans to be ever elected.”
They released 5 key criteria 2 weeks ago to measure Tiers by. Manchester is lower than many T2 areas were 2 weeks ago. Today the government ignored their own criteria. The biggest set of charlatans to be ever elected . ?
The decision by the government today has also come under fire from many local MPs across parties throughout the ten boroughs of Greater Manchester, with one Conservative MP even standing up in the House of Commons to ask Matt Hancock the all-important question:
“What exactly do we have to do to be moved out of Tier 3?”
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Sir Graham Brady – Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West, and chair of the 1922 Committee – told Mr Hancock the tier news will be greeted with “dismay” among his constituents as they have had severe restrictions for nine months, despite nine out of 10 boroughs’ case rates now being below the national average.
Mr Brady said: “Our rates are lower than they are in neighbouring Warrington or neighbouring Cheshire, which have been put into Tier 2, and are also lower than they are in Bristol, which has been moved from Tier 3 to Tier 2 today,”
And followed up with: “What exactly do we have to do to be moved out of Tier 3?”
"What exactly do we have to do to be moved out of tier 3?"
Conservative MP Graham Brady says Greater Manchester has had "severe restrictions for nine months"
In response to Mr Brady’s question, Mr Hancock said he understands the “disappointment” that Greater Manchester residents and leaders may be experiencing, but that the “challenge” is whenever restrictions are lifted, neighbouring areas see their cases “rebound” and there is “significant pressure” on the NHS services in the region.
He also added that he “looked very closely” at moving certain areas – Trafford, Stockport, Tameside and High Peak – into Tier 2, but again reinforced pressure on the NHS as being the reason for this not to go ahead.
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Greater Manchester joins other large parts of the North West in remaining in Tier 3.
The official review of local restrictions has also subsequently been published to the gov.uk website this afternoon, providing a further insight into the government’s decision to place / keep areas within certain tiers, and formally concluding that: “the epidemiology indicators remain too high for de-escalation to Tier 2” in Greater Manchester.
The full review reads:
You can read the full published review of local restrictions here.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Travel warning issued as Manchester braces for busiest day of the year so far
Daisy Jackson
A ‘plan ahead’ travel warning has been issued for this weekend as the Manchester Marathon brings the busiest day of the year so far on the tram network.
Tens of thousands of people will hit the streets to take part in the race itself, with thousands more cheering them on from the sidelines.
This year’s Manchester Marathon route takes 36,000 runners through Sale, Stretford and Timperley before finishing up at a new finish line on Oxford Road – and there’ll be some big changes to your usual travel routes to accommodate this.
TfGM has said that Bee Network trams will be very busy before, during and after the 26.2 mile race, especially in Manchester and Trafford, with a number of road closures in place too.
Taking place on Sunday 27 April, the Manchester Marathon will coincide with Manchester’s popular St George’s Day parade which starts and ends across town around Oldham Road and Great Ancoats Street.
People are being encouraged to plan their journeys carefully this weekend, as it’s expected to be the busiest day of the year on the Bee Network trams.
The Manchester Marathon last year set a new personal best for the tram network, with 175,000 tram journeys racked up – the highest ever recorded on a single Sunday.
Trams will be the best choice to get around the Manchester Marathon course with key stops along the route including Sale, Timperley and Chorlton.
Many road closures will also be in place but at different times of day, so make sure you check HERE for the latest.
This will impact bus services, which will be on diversion from 8am until the end of service on Sunday, with traffic and congestion expected on surrounding roads.
Runners heading to the start line will only be able to access the athletes’ village from Old Trafford and Trafford Bar tram stops up until 9am. Participants arriving after 9am should get off at Wharfside or Exchange Quay instead.
Metrolink is promising to deploy as many double trams as possible across the network, with additional services between Piccadilly and Timperley.
As for other modes of transport, those who wish to drive should make us of Park and Ride facilities where possible; and those on the train should note that Salford Central remains closed with bus replacements in place.
Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Director at TfGM said: “The Manchester Marathon is a highlight of the Manchester city centre calendar and our job is to make sure everyone can get to and from the event as smoothly as possible.
“We want everyone to have a great day – whether they are taking on the run themselves or cheering on a friend or loved one – and would urge people to plan their journey in advance, leave plenty of time and check the Bee Network app or website for the most up-to-date information.
“The start and finish lines will be especially busy so if you are coming to watch you may be better off catching the tram to Sale, Timperley or Chorlton, grabbing a coffee and claiming afront row seat to cheer runners on.
“Using public transport is the best way to avoid congestion and delays – and with Tap and Go contactless payments it’s never been easier or more seamless to get around Greater Manchester by bus and tram.”
Passengers can now travel seamlessly between bus and tram and pay for their journey by tapping on when boarding a bus without the need for a ticket, making it the quickest and easiest way to pay for travel.
People travelling on Bee Network buses on Marathon Day can simply tap in and pay £5 for the day on as many buses as they need and just £4.90 on the tram. You can use all Bee Network buses as much as you want all day from just £5.40*.
Kirsty Wilde, Operations Director, from Manchester Marathon organisers A.S.O. UK, said: “The TfGM tram service is an invaluable part of our event, which allows thousands of participants and supporters to navigate around the city. With a record-breaking 36,000 participants set to take part on Sunday 27th April – and more exciting activities taking place over the weekend as a whole – we’re anticipating a rise in tram journeys, which will subsequently bring economic benefits to local vendors, the hospitality sector, and retail businesses.
“We’d like to thank Transport for Greater Manchester for its continued hard work helping to facilitate what will be the largest event yet, and would also like to say a big thank you to the residents and businesses across Greater Manchester for their understanding and support.”
The viral factory in Oldham that sells £2 Colin the Caterpillar cakes
Thomas Melia
A factory in Oldham has gone viral online after sweet fiends discover they sell ‘Colin the Caterpillar’ cakes for less than half price.
There are some things that just go hand in hand: a brew and a biscuit, peanut butter and jelly and Brits and their crazy obsession with a character chocolate cake from M&S called Colin the Caterpillar.
Since hitting the shelves in 1990, more than 15 million Colin the Caterpillars have made their way from supermarket shop floor to our sweet-treat-awaiting plates.
Who would’ve ever guessed that the home to this cheeky chappy, who M&S have made their unofficial mascot (after Percy Pig, of course), has been crafted and created right here in Oldham?
The utterly delicious Colin the Caterpillar cake which you can get for £2 at Park Cakes.The shelves at Park Cakes are stacked with Colins and Connies.Credit: The Manc Eats
Established in 1937, The Park Cake Bakeries – or just Park Cakes, colloquially – has been serving up this critter-inspired cake for over 30 years, and savvy shoppers have flocked to their factory shop to get their hands on some very sweet savings.
There’s a whole range of cakes on offer at this Oldham dessert factory shop, including slabs, sponges, loaves and even sweet pies too.
Whether you’re a firm believer that the birthday person deserves all of Colin’s white-choc face or you precisely cut it up so everyone gets some, Park Cakes has the solution, selling bags of the character’s chocolatey face so you can have one all to yourself.
The cake isn’t the only thing that leaves a sweet taste in your mouth, as the prices will too. Colin the Caterpillar, who normally retails for just under a tenner, is sold for around £2 at this Oldham factory shop.
It’s always the ones that look unassuming, isn’t it?
Alongside producing one of the most adored cakes in the UK, they’re also responsible for lots more of your favourite supermarket sweet treats, and we’re definitely not complaining.
You can let your sweet tooth go wild in this factory shop as they sell everything from rainbow birthday cakes to sticky toffee puddings.
There’s so much on offer too, how about a giant bag packed to the brim with misshapen golden flapjacks that’ll last you over a week and cost you less than a fiver? Sounds like a plan to me.
If you haven’t had enough of your Easter chocolate fix, why not trek over to Oldham and stock up on even more chocolate and sweet treats? Trust us, there’s plenty to choose from.
Park Cakes factory shop can be found on Ashton Road in Oldham and is open from 10am-4pm, so go and grab yourself a seriously sweet deal before everyone else beats you to it.
Mini Colins, small in size but still packed with all that chocolatey goodness.Flapjacks and cookie dough bites are just some of the wonderful treats you might be able to get hold of.Credit: The Manc
Emily Sergeant -
17th December 2020 
