This week, work will begin on removing the ignominious concrete block guarding the gateway to Manchester city centre.
Ten years too late, according to local councillor Pat Karney.
In the days ahead, the ‘Berlin Wall’ in Piccadilly Gardens will finally start to fall, and Mr Karney admitted he “can’t wait” to see it all materialise.
“History in the making,” the councillor called it.
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History in the Making.Can't Wait. Meeting the guy who did the fantastic Petri Dish to see if we can save that piece of it. https://t.co/dmsAPiZIPE
The unsightly 20ft-high grey slab that looms above the Gardens has been an architectural pariah since its assembly nearly two decades ago; with people taking cover under its concrete cloak to engage in antisocial behaviour.
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Measuring 393ft-wide, the Berlin Wall has also doubled as a canvas for graffiti – most recently wearing “The north is not a petri dish” message that appeared during Burnham’s Tier Battle.
Initial construction was completed on the Wall back in 2002 ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
But if it was divisive then, it has very few supporters now.
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Gerald England / Geograph
News of the Piccadilly Gardens Wall’s demise is being touted as a triumph in itself – but Manchester City Council have said the demolition works are just the first step in a bigger plan to transform the area.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council,explained: “Piccadilly Gardens is a much-used public space with huge potential.
“As the city begins its recovery from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and looks to the future, the regeneration of this prominent space will have a big part to play – hosting appropriate events and encouraging and supporting nearby business activity and job creation.”
Mr Leese also emphasised that improving Piccadilly Gardens and the surrounding area remained a high priority for the council.
“Further ideas are in the pipeline but this demolition will be the first visible sign that change is coming.”
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
16th November 2020 
