Greater Manchester residents are being urged to take part in huge UK-wide ‘spring clean’ that’s happening this month.
We all know that a new season brings with it a chance for a reset, and the term ‘spring clean’ is a pretty popular one that hasn’t come from nowhere – but now, residents across the region are being encouraged to “roll up their sleeves” and join in with the annual UK-wide ‘Great British Spring Clean’ that’s taking place from next week.
Only, the difference is, this is actually a big ‘spring clean’ of our local communities instead, rather than a call to clean up your own property.
Run by Keep Britain Tidy, and having been happening all across the country – including here in Greater Manchester – for several years now, the volunteer organisation has just kick-started its annual campaign, The Great British Spring Clean, for 2024 and is calling on locals to get stuck-in by helping to tidy up local parks, pathways, and other green spaces.
Since 2018, the annual community clean-up has been supported by Manchester City Council in partnership with Keep Manchester Tidy (KMT) following a turnout of countless volunteers – who have proudly become known as as ‘litter heroes’.
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The ‘litter heroes’ across the UK have pledged to “banish lingering litter to the bins for good” by aiming to pick up 400,000 bags of waste.
Back in 2023, there were 155 litter picking events across Manchester city region, 1,564 litter pickers loaned out, and 300 litter picking sets gifted to individuals and families – with a whopping 2,500 bags given to volunteers, which were later collected by the Council’s partner, Biffa.
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Greater Manchester residents are being urged to take part in huge UK-wide ‘spring clean’ this month / Credit: Keep Manchester Tidy (via Facebook)
But for this year’s Great British Spring Clean – which is running from next Friday 15 March, right through to the end of the month – it’s hoped to be even more successful than ever before.
This year’s theme is focused on ‘Diversity and Inclusion’ to encourage even more Mancs to join the national movement.
Speaking ahead of the UK-wide event launching next week, Councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, who is the Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods at Manchester City Council, commented: “It is fantastic to see the Great British Spring Clean make a return to our city.
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It’s part of the ‘Great British Spring Clean’ organised by Keep Britain Tidy / Credit: Keep Manchester Tidy (via Facebook)
“Every year, we are reminded of how important the work of volunteers and our partners who pledge to keep Manchester tidy truly are, and we hope to encourage more volunteers this year.”
Fancy it then?
If you’re keen to join in, volunteers are advised to wear sturdy shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, and high vis jackets and gloves can be supplied by the Council too, if requested.
Follow and share your ‘pledge to pick’ with hashtags #GBSpringClean2024 and #MCRSpringClean24 on social media too.
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
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Family-run Greater Manchester business calls out customers for punching cakes
Thomas Melia
A well-known independent Greater Manchester business has taken to social media to call out customers who were caught on CCTV punching their cakes.
Known for everything from cakes and pastries to hot baked goods and custom chocolate designs, Slattery’s in Whitefield has been serving up their gorgeous cake and chocolate creations for over 50 years, all while keeping the business family-run.
Unfortunately, the reason they’re receiving lots of attention at the minute is due to two customers resorting to violence on their pre-packaged sweet-treat products.
The social media account for this Greater Manchester chocolatier has uploaded two images which show the outcome of the fatal blows which struck two of their Victoria Sponge cakes.
Although this punch may have cost them the price of two of their delicious traybakes, later on in the post, Slattery’s issues a big thanks to “All the wonderful families who’ve visited so far this summer.”
“We know cake can be exciting, but a gentle reminder that little bakers should remain under adult supervision at all times – Thank you.”
This third-generation family-run “chocolate wonderland” has brought a smile to many locals’ and tourists’ faces alike with their wide variety of unique-shaped chocolate bars, lollies, grab bags and more.
All throughout 2021, Slattery’s were serving up their moreish Slattery’s Chocolate Lockdown Platters consisting of shortbread, brownies, fudge, pretzels, marshmallows and Oreos, helping Mancs continue to get our sugary fix even during one of the country’s toughest times.
Just look at them – they do the lord’s work:
Slattery’s chocolate shop and bakery has called out customers on social media for punching their pre-packaged cakes / Credit: The Manc Group
As well as attracting visitors with its grand three-storey bakery and chocolate shop, Slattery’s also has its very own restaurant, Mason’s Dining Room, where people flock to attempt the ‘Chocolate Challenge’.
To win, two chocoholics must team up to finish an American-style chocolate fudge cake with chocolate ice cream, a portion of fresh cream and two chocolate pots filled with liquid chocolate sauce – oh and two delicious hot chocolate drinks too.
Any sweet tooth successor will bag themselves one of Slattery’s chocolate medals and a box of handmade chocolates too – in case you needed chocolate anymore.
Lastly, anyone after supporting this Greater Manchester sweet-treat provider can find the chocolatier and cake makers on 197 Bury New Road in Whitefield or via Slattery’s official website HERE.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Slattery’s (via Instagram)
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Plans to build tower next to Manchester’s historic Britons Protection pub scrapped
Danny Jones
Punters, rejoice: plans to build a large apartment tower next to Manchester’s Britons Protection pub have reportedly been scrapped after a long, drawn-out process and widespread protests.
What a relief.
One of the city’s oldest boozers, the Britons Protection was due to be dwarfed by a large development reaching 26 storeys tall, which not only would have encroached on the cultural landmark and storied watering hole, but also blocked out its popular beer garden to the rear.
We’ve seen a similar loss of outdoor drinking space with the recent St Michael’s development, which has essentially removed the equally historic Sir Ralph Abercromby pub – though it is at least getting a refurb – but in truth, the ‘Protect the Protection’ fight has been going on much longer.
As per a notice published on Manchester City Council’s website this week, it now appears that the plans for 72 new flats have been cancelled, with developers Arrowsmith Management having officially withdrawn their application.
Run by Bahraini businessman Mohamed Abbas Haji, the company is now said to be reassessing its options for the ‘Apex Tower’ proposals.
Speaking to the BBC, Mark Brennan – who took over the pub back in January 2025 – said: “I’m quite happy to be honest, a lot of people say the pub might be busier with more people about, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to people coming in here.”
“It would have looked horrendous… It’s Grade II-listed, so the pub should always be here. It wouldn’t have been a good look, having a big ugly building on top of our building.”
Countless Mancunians have echoed the sentiment over the past few years, with appeals dating back to post-pandemic and a big awareness push in 2021.
Standing for more than two centuries and holding countless awards, it was never going to go quietly.
It also happens to be quite comfortably on our list of the cosiest pubs in Manchester and has been since day dot.
Anyone who’s been in will know the sense of a warm welcome the place always puts out, and we’re overjoyed to hear that years of petitions and campaigning to save it have paid off.
These stories don’t always end with the right outcome (not often enough, anyway), so we’ll definitely be raising a glass to the Britons Protected this weekend.
Unfortunately, we do still have some other sad news from the hospitality sector, as our oldest Manc publican has passed away at a fellow favourite pub.
Emily Sergeant -
7th March 2024 
