themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Tributes to legendary Jilly's Rockworld and Satan's Hollow DJ John Gannon

Moving tributes have been paid to an iconic Manchester DJ who has been described as “ the Pied Piper ” of the alternative music scene .
John Gannon spent decades behind the DJ booths at some of the city 's best loved nightclubs , including Jilly 's Rockworld , The Ritz and Satan ’ s Hollow .
He died on Sunday after a long battle with kidney failure , aged 55 .
Friends say John is responsible for shaping and defining the heavy metal music scene in Manchester ’ s nightclubs .
“ He was the Pied Piper of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he says .
“ He educated young people across generations with his nights at Jilly 's Rockworld and The Ritz.
” John ’ s partner Dawn Lonergan described him as an intelligent and humble man .
“ He was just a lovely gentle soul , ” she said .
Born in Longsight and raised in Hulme , John started his DJing career at the tender age of 16 when he managed to get a gig at the former Cyprus Tavern , on Princess Street in the city centre .
“ He got paid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gig and that got him a role at The Ritz as an assistant DJ around 1983 or 84 , ” Dawn says .
“ He ended up doing the Monday nights of course as well as Jillys and Satan ’ s .
So he had quite a long history of DJing.
” With his long black ponytail and well worn hat , John was an instantly recognisable figure .
He was known for DJing at the incredibly popular Monday night slot at The Ritz , where punks , goths , rockers , moshers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ congregate on the famously bouncy dance floor .
While at The Ritz , Dave took the opportunity to support his friends The Stone Roses by playing the band 's first double A single , So Young/Tell Me , released in 1985 .
He was also a resident DJ at the now defunct Jilly ’ s Rockworld , where he introduced generations of Mancunians to an array of heavy music .
Jordan , who owns Fab Cafe and Satan ’ s Hollow , says John was “ a one off - a truly great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generations of people going out in the 80s , 90s and beyond that all remember him as a DJ , ” he says .
“ He had the music taste of a 16-year-old , it was always evolving , he never got stuck and he was introducing people to cutting edge music up to the end .
“ People don ’ t really know how amazing he was .
He was such a big part of Manchester nightlife .
Anything to do with alternative music in Manchester he was there introducing people to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rockworld and the Ritz were monstrous with thousands of people and they carried on for a long time.
” Journalist and musician John Robb , of Goldblade and The Membranes , described John as a “ key Manchester alternative DJ ” on his Louder Than War website .
“ For years the Ritz had the crowds and its key player was John Gannon , whose Monday night was always packed with over a 1000 people in there dancing joyously to his DJ sets that embraced alternative music and took people on a trip @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : “ John Gannon ’ s nights at the Ritz saw that venue ’ s famous sprung dance floor witness all manner of drunken wonk dancing , goth meandering and indie shuffling as well as bands being formed , relationships starting and the possibilities of life and music being explored to his glorious soundtrack that brought people together and turned them onto the possibilities of music .
“ Many passed through that legendary Monday night that lasted for decades and many passed out to the sticky drinks and swirling atmosphere .
“ John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freak who shared his enthusiasm to generations of Manchester music fans.
” As well as his legendary nights at Jilly ’ s and The Ritz , John also DJed at Jordan ’ s bars Fab Cafe , Tiger Lounge and Satan ’ s Hollow .
Jordan knew the DJ for 25 years and says he was instrumental to the success of both venues , even helping to build FAB Café back in 1996 .
“ We had pretty much lost everything when the IRA bomb destroyed the first FAB Cafe in the Exchange @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving Facebook tribute .
“ When you are on your arse , you quickly discover the measure of people 's characters around you .
“ Night after night John would turn up about 9pm and stay in a scruffy little basement until sunrise as we painting models and tried to finish off FAB and get it open .
Without his help it would have never happened .
“ This kind of loyalty and friendship does not come along very often .
Night after night we beavered away , then finally we got it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ toys , a Dalek , £350 , and John helped me overcome these shortcomings to give Fab Cafe to the people of the city we both loved .
“ Last night , along with a select few folk , FAB reopened .
I sat staring at the bar thinking of those nights that flew by and always ended with us being shocked that it was sunrise outside .
How sad it is today that hours after it reopened , John had to leave us.
” John had suffered with kidney problems for several @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago , which sadly failed .
He would make the trip to Manchester Royal Infirmary three times a week to have dialysis - but he refused to let his illness hold him back .
“ He used to work at Satan ’ s even when he was on dialysis .
I was going mad but he just would not stop , ” Jordan says .
“ When he had a transplant everyone thought he was going to be okay but sadly it was slowly rejected .
We were hoping he would just hang @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transplant really .
“ He ’ s an unsung hero of Manchester .
The joy he has given to people over the years .
“ I loved him so much - he was such a decent person.
” Dawn , who was with John for 18 years , said he fell ill with pneumonia this year but never lost his love for music and still chatted with all the customers from the clubs .
Dawn and John met 30 years ago at the Ritz , but they didn ’ t get together until @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the club .
“ Years later I contacted the Ritz about a job , ” she says .
“ When I went for the interview I asked ‘ Have you still got that really handsome DJ working here ?
The one with long hair and a ponytail ?
’ I admitted that I had a bit of a crush on him .
“ I got the job and a couple of weeks later I bumped into him when he was moving his vinyl and it started from there .
I found out he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number to him because he rang me and asked me out for a drink .
“ On our first date we met outside the Cornerhouse and went to the Salisbury and then Sin City with two of our friends .
That was 2002 and we ’ ve been together ever since.
” Dawn , who lives in Didsbury , added : “ He was very intelligent .
He had a degree in Military History which he was very proud of and he had a huge interest in tanks and planes .
That was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was a very intelligent bloke but he was humble with it .
He was just a gentle soul.
” Musician Mike Simmi described said John was a big supporter who regularly played his music at the Ritz .
“ John will forever be known as 'Odd John ' due to my son Jake , who was around three years old at the time , ” he says .
“ Jake loved this strange , long-haired individual who always wore black with a baseball cap .
Jake loved climbing onto John 's knee @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his phone at that time .
“ On one occasion I told Jake that 'John was coming to see us next week . '
I had a pilot colleague also called John who the children knew .
Jake 's response was 'Is it 'normal ' John or 'odd ' John..
I like odd John . '
As they say , out of the mouths of babes .
“ It 's a cliche to shower people with compliments and praise when they disappear behind the curtain , however , in John 's case you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and heartfelt .
“ I seriously struggle to think of one person I have ever met who was more selfless and understanding and , although the phrase is sneered at now , was the epitome of a 'gentleman ' .
He was also even more boring than I am on aviation matters and music and was forever telling me to get off my backside and reform the band .
“ John was responsible for turning so many young minds onto the good stuff musically during his time behind the decks and for that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ For my family though , he will always just be our wonderful friend and lovely man `` Odd ” John.
” Dozens of tributes have been paid to John on Facebook and Twitter .
Former Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam wrote on Twitter : “ DJ John Gannon has died .
Nearly four decades of DJing in Manchester , his choice of tunes pretty much defined Mondays at the Ritz and Jilly ’ s Rockworld .
A very genuine guy who loved his music.
” Many people have also shared fond memories of John @ @ @ @ @ @ @ group .
Nicola Marie Millington commented : “ John Gannon , the glue that stuck our metal community together who will be sadly missed by so many people.
” John leaves mum Angela , dad Danny , brothers Danny and Aidan , sister-in-law Linda and nephew Cianon as well as his beloved dog Sandy and cat Princess .
A Just Giving page has been set up here to help pay for John ’ s funeral costs with organisers hoping to raise £3,000 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Moving tributes have been paid to an iconic Manchester DJ who has been described as “the Pied Piper” of the alternative music scene.
John Gannon spent decades behind the DJ booths at some of the city's best loved nightclubs, including Jilly's Rockworld, The Ritz and Satan’s Hollow.
He died on Sunday after a long battle with kidney failure, aged 55.
Friends say John is responsible for shaping and defining the heavy metal music scene in Manchester’s nightclubs.
His close friend Jordan Royce says John “was a Manchester legend”.
“He was the Pied Piper of the alternative music scene in Manchester,” he says.
“He educated young people across generations with his nights at Jilly's Rockworld and The Ritz.”
John’s partner Dawn Lonergan described him as an intelligent and humble man.
“He was just a lovely gentle soul,” she said.
Born in Longsight and raised in Hulme, John started his DJing career at the tender age of 16 when he managed to get a gig at the former Cyprus Tavern, on Princess Street in the city centre.
“He got paid three coca-colas and about £1 for the gig and that got him a role at The Ritz as an assistant DJ around 1983 or 84,” Dawn says.
“He ended up doing the Monday nights of course as well as Jillys and Satan’s. So he had quite a long history of DJing.”
With his long black ponytail and well worn hat, John was an instantly recognisable figure.
He was known for DJing at the incredibly popular Monday night slot at The Ritz, where punks, goths, rockers, moshers, metalheads and indie kids would all congregate on the famously bouncy dance floor.
While at The Ritz, John took the opportunity to support his friends The Stone Roses by playing the band's first double A single, So Young/Tell Me, released in 1985.
He was also a resident DJ at the now defunct Jilly’s Rockworld, where he introduced generations of Mancunians to an array of heavy music.
Jordan, who owns Fab Cafe and Satan’s Hollow, says John was “a one off - a truly great Mancunian”.
“It’s generations of people going out in the 80s, 90s and beyond that all remember him as a DJ,” he says.
“He had the music taste of a 16-year-old, it was always evolving, he never got stuck and he was introducing people to cutting edge music up to the end.
“People don’t really know how amazing he was. He was such a big part of Manchester nightlife. Anything to do with alternative music in Manchester he was there introducing people to that music.
“Those nights at Rockworld and the Ritz were monstrous with thousands of people and they carried on for a long time.”
Journalist and musician John Robb, of Goldblade and The Membranes, described John as a “key Manchester alternative DJ” on his Louder Than War website.
“For years the Ritz had the crowds and its key player was John Gannon, whose Monday night was always packed with over a 1000 people in there dancing joyously to his DJ sets that embraced alternative music and took people on a trip,” he writes.
Follow reporter Beth Abbit on social media To follow Beth on Twitter, click here Or to like her Facebook page and keep up to with the latest news, click here Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
He added: “John Gannon’s nights at the Ritz saw that venue’s famous sprung dance floor witness all manner of drunken wonk dancing, goth meandering and indie shuffling as well as bands being formed, relationships starting and the possibilities of life and music being explored to his glorious soundtrack that brought people together and turned them onto the possibilities of music.
“Many passed through that legendary Monday night that lasted for decades and many passed out to the sticky drinks and swirling atmosphere.
“John was a deeply intelligent, affable music freak who shared his enthusiasm to generations of Manchester music fans.”
As well as his legendary nights at Jilly’s and The Ritz, John also DJed at Jordan’s bars Fab Cafe, Tiger Lounge and Satan’s Hollow.
Jordan knew the DJ for 25 years and says he was instrumental to the success of both venues, even helping to build FAB Café back in 1996.
“We had pretty much lost everything when the IRA bomb destroyed the first FAB Cafe in the Exchange Building,” Jordan wrote in a moving Facebook tribute.
“When you are on your arse, you quickly discover the measure of people's characters around you.
“Night after night John would turn up about 9pm and stay in a scruffy little basement until sunrise as we painting models and tried to finish off FAB and get it open. Without his help it would have never happened.
“This kind of loyalty and friendship does not come along very often. Night after night we beavered away, then finally we got it open. We started out with some toys, a Dalek, £350, and John helped me overcome these shortcomings to give Fab Cafe to the people of the city we both loved.
“Last night, along with a select few folk, FAB reopened. I sat staring at the bar thinking of those nights that flew by and always ended with us being shocked that it was sunrise outside. How sad it is today that hours after it reopened, John had to leave us.”
John had suffered with kidney problems for several years and underwent a transplant three years ago, which sadly failed.
He would make the trip to Manchester Royal Infirmary three times a week to have dialysis - but he refused to let his illness hold him back.
“He used to work at Satan’s even when he was on dialysis. I was going mad but he just would not stop,” Jordan says.
“When he had a transplant everyone thought he was going to be okay but sadly it was slowly rejected. We were hoping he would just hang in there. But he needed another transplant really.
“He’s an unsung hero of Manchester. The joy he has given to people over the years.
“I loved him so much - he was such a decent person.”
Dawn, who was with John for 18 years, said he fell ill with pneumonia this year but never lost his love for music and still chatted with all the customers from the clubs.
(Image: Nuno Lee Ferreira)
Dawn and John met 30 years ago at the Ritz, but they didn’t get together until 2002, when Dawn started working at the club.
“Years later I contacted the Ritz about a job,” she says. “When I went for the interview I asked ‘Have you still got that really handsome DJ working here? The one with long hair and a ponytail?’ I admitted that I had a bit of a crush on him.
“I got the job and a couple of weeks later I bumped into him when he was moving his vinyl and it started from there. I found out he was single and clearly someone gave my number to him because he rang me and asked me out for a drink.
“On our first date we met outside the Cornerhouse and went to the Salisbury and then Sin City with two of our friends. That was 2002 and we’ve been together ever since.”
Dawn, who lives in Didsbury, added: “He was very intelligent. He had a degree in Military History which he was very proud of and he had a huge interest in tanks and planes. That was a big part of him.
“He was a very intelligent bloke but he was humble with it. He was just a gentle soul.”
Musician Mike Simmi described said John was a big supporter who regularly played his music at the Ritz.
“John will forever be known as 'Odd John' due to my son Jake, who was around three years old at the time,” he says.
“Jake loved this strange, long-haired individual who always wore black with a baseball cap. Jake loved climbing onto John's knee and playing whatever game John had on his phone at that time.
“On one occasion I told Jake that 'John was coming to see us next week.' I had a pilot colleague also called John who the children knew. Jake's response was 'Is it 'normal' John or 'odd' John.. I like odd John.' As they say, out of the mouths of babes.
“It's a cliche to shower people with compliments and praise when they disappear behind the curtain, however, in John's case you will find they are 100% justified and heartfelt.
“I seriously struggle to think of one person I have ever met who was more selfless and understanding and, although the phrase is sneered at now, was the epitome of a 'gentleman'. He was also even more boring than I am on aviation matters and music and was forever telling me to get off my backside and reform the band.
“John was responsible for turning so many young minds onto the good stuff musically during his time behind the decks and for that alone, he should be remembered. For my family though, he will always just be our wonderful friend and lovely man "Odd” John.”
Dozens of tributes have been paid to John on Facebook and Twitter.
Former Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam wrote on Twitter: “DJ John Gannon has died. Nearly four decades of DJing in Manchester, his choice of tunes pretty much defined Mondays at the Ritz and Jilly’s Rockworld. A very genuine guy who loved his music.”
Many people have also shared fond memories of John on a Jilly’s Rockworld Facebook group.
Nicola Marie Millington commented: “John Gannon, the glue that stuck our metal community together who will be sadly missed by so many people.”
John leaves mum Angela, dad Danny, brothers Danny and Aidan, sister-in-law Linda and nephew Cianon as well as his beloved dog Sandy and cat Princess.
A Just Giving page has been set up here to help pay for John’s funeral costs with organisers hoping to raise £3,000.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--LIVE updates: Large emergency services response including air ambulance after house fire in Bolton

Firefighters are tackling a blaze at a house in Bolton .
Video from the scene shows smoke pouring from a @ @ @ @ @ in Westhoughton .
Police have closed the road from its junction with Hartford Road and @ @ @ @ @ is ongoing .
There are reports an air ambulance has been called to the scene @ @ @ @ @ updates below .

Firefighters tackled a blaze at a house in Bolton.
Video from the scene showed smoke pouring from a terrace house on Leigh Road in Westhoughton.
Police closed the road from its junction with Hartford Road and Washacre Road while the incident was ongoing.
An air ambulance was sent to the scene but it is not yet clear if there were any injuries.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire Service said: “At around 6:50 pm on Monday 6 July, four fire engines and support vehicles from Bolton Central, Atherton, Hindley, Leigh, and Rochdale fire stations were called to reports of a fire at a domestic property on Leigh Road, Westhoughton.
“Crews extinguished the fire using three hose reels and six breathing apparatus."
Updates from this news story appear below


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Kate Garraway's heartfelt message of hope for husband Derek

Kate Garraway has posted a message on social media following mixed reports about her husband 's condition .
The Good Morning Britain star emotionally explained that her future hope is that Derek Draper will recover and come home - but adds it 's `` not nearly in sight and very uncertain . ''
Her message comes after it was reported that Derek has opened his eyes and started to regain consciousness for the first time since being taken out of his induced coma .
But Kate 's GMB colleague Piers Morgan addressed the situation this morning saying that Derek ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 , is a 'slow and uncertain path ' and that he 'is n't out of the woods ' yet .
She wrote on Instagram this evening : `` Thank you so much to @ hellomag for helping me to bring you some of my hopes and plans for the future .
`` The future we are really hoping for , Derek recovering & coming home is not nearly in sight & very uncertain .
`` But it feels positive to share how we are trying to keep ourselves going as I know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all sorts of ways as we all try to emerge from these ghastly times , just as we continue to hope Derek can emerge from his minimum state of consciousness . ''
She continued : `` I hope reading this helps in some way .
Thank you everyone for your lovely good wishes and for sending me your stories of how you 've been coping too .
I hope that some of the @ hellomag piece brings some comfort – we ’ re all in this together .
`` For all of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also having a rough time , keep the hope alive and keep moving forwards .
I will be sharing more there soon . ''
The post has been flooded with messages of support for the TV presenter and her family including from her fellow ITV stars Susanna Reid and Charlotte Hawkins .
Kate spoke to the magazine after she revealed a few weeks ago that Covid-19 had wreaked havoc on his body despite now being clear of the virus .
And Kate , who shares kids Darcey and Billy with Derek , says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ occasions that he was n't going to make it .
But despite the trauma of the last few months , the 53-year-old is planning a return to work , starting with an interview on GMB this Wednesday .
She told Hello !
magazine : `` They 've told me that I need to go back to work and create a routine in our lives again .
The children and Derek are all I 've thought about and they 're the most important people in my life , but I must create structure and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bath , put the plates in the dishwasher , and tidy the house .
`` I also need to get back to work so that I can provide for the children and we can do things together , to make them feel that the light has n't gone out of their lives , that there ’ s hope for the future .
`` I have been living at the end of the phone 24/7 , waiting for news of Derek .
But the doctors have warned that his condition could persist for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with life whilst we are waiting for him to get better .
Billy starts secondary school in September , but Derek 's doctors say he wo n't be out of hospital by then . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Kate Garraway has posted a message on social media following mixed reports about her husband's condition.
The Good Morning Britain star emotionally explained that her future hope is that Derek Draper will recover and come home - but adds it's "not nearly in sight and very uncertain."
Her message comes after it was reported that Derek has opened his eyes and started to regain consciousness for the first time since being taken out of his induced coma.
But Kate's GMB colleague Piers Morgan addressed the situation this morning saying that Derek’s recovery, following his battle with Covid-19, is a 'slow and uncertain path' and that he 'isn't out of the woods' yet.
She wrote on Instagram this evening: "Thank you so much to @hellomag for helping me to bring you some of my hopes and plans for the future.
"The future we are really hoping for, Derek recovering & coming home is not nearly in sight & very uncertain.
"But it feels positive to share how we are trying to keep ourselves going as I know so many are dealing with terrible challenges in all sorts of ways as we all try to emerge from these ghastly times, just as we continue to hope Derek can emerge from his minimum state of consciousness."
She continued: "I hope reading this helps in some way . Thank you everyone for your lovely good wishes and for sending me your stories of how you've been coping too. I hope that some of the @hellomag piece brings some comfort – we’re all in this together.
"For all of you messaging me on clubgarraway.com who are also having a rough time, keep the hope alive and keep moving forwards. I will be sharing more there soon."
The post has been flooded with messages of support for the TV presenter and her family including from her fellow ITV stars Susanna Reid and Charlotte Hawkins.
Kate spoke to the magazine after she revealed a few weeks ago that Covid-19 had wreaked havoc on his body despite now being clear of the virus.
And Kate, who shares kids Darcey and Billy with Derek, says doctors warned her on a number of occasions that he wasn't going to make it.
But despite the trauma of the last few months, the 53-year-old is planning a return to work, starting with an interview on GMB this Wednesday.
(Image: ITV)
She told Hello! magazine: "They've told me that I need to go back to work and create a routine in our lives again. The children and Derek are all I've thought about and they're the most important people in my life, but I must create structure and normality for the children, to clean the bath, put the plates in the dishwasher, and tidy the house.
"I also need to get back to work so that I can provide for the children and we can do things together, to make them feel that the light hasn't gone out of their lives, that there’s hope for the future.
"I have been living at the end of the phone 24/7, waiting for news of Derek. But the doctors have warned that his condition could persist for years so I have to get on with life whilst we are waiting for him to get better. Billy starts secondary school in September, but Derek's doctors say he won't be out of hospital by then."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Man City evening headlines as Guardiola future 'could decide Messi transfer'

Here are your Manchester City evening headlines for July 6 .
Eric Garcia says he isn ’ t taking his place in the Man City first team for granted as he prepares for a crucial run of matches as the season draws to a close .
The defender appears to have moved above John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi in the pecking order among City 's centre halves , and is keen to repay Pep Guardiola for his faith in the youngster .
He said : `` I 'm really happy for the opportunity but I need to keep working hard @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me that I can prove it on the field . ''
We still have some games to play and then the semi-final against Arsenal .
these games are really good for us to prepare for what 's coming .
We have the Champions League too , so it 's always good to have games to prepare for the big games coming up .
The mood is really well.
” Guardiola : New signings not key to success Pep Guardiola has admitted that new signings won ’ t remedy the weaknesses that cost City @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City are 23 points behind Liverpool who claimed the title with seven games to spare , and lost their ninth game of the season last time out to Southampton .
But asked whether he needed to buy in order to improve next season , Guardiola said : “ No , I do n't think so .
I think we played good , honestly .
“ Next season will be next season - try to score more goals and avoid few chances that we have . ''
City could sign Messi if Guardiola goes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ City could be in with a chance of signing Lionel Messi next summer but only if boss Pep Guardiola leaves the club .
Reports this week have suggested that Messi could quit Barcelona next season when his current contract expires .
`` The number one club who has tried to take Lionel Messi away from Barcelona is Manchester City under their current ownership , he told Guardiola has doubts about how well Messi will work in the system because of the level of pressure and work off the ball .
He ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barcelona but if Guardiola moved on and Messi was free in a year 's time , Man City ’ s ownership would go hell for leather to sign him . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the latest City team news, transfer stories, match updates and analysis delivered straight to your inbox - FREE
Here are your Manchester City evening headlines for July 6.
Garcia on Man City motivation
Eric Garcia says he isn’t taking his place in the Man City first team for granted as he prepares for a crucial run of matches as the season draws to a close.
The defender appears to have moved above John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi in the pecking order among City's centre halves, and is keen to repay Pep Guardiola for his faith in the youngster.
He said: "I'm really happy for the opportunity but I need to keep working hard to repay the confidence he's given me that I can prove it on the field."
We still have some games to play and then the semi-final against Arsenal. these games are really good for us to prepare for what's coming. We have the Champions League too, so it's always good to have games to prepare for the big games coming up. The mood is really well.”
Full story
Guardiola: New signings not key to success
Pep Guardiola has admitted that new signings won’t remedy the weaknesses that cost City in their title defence this season.
City are 23 points behind Liverpool who claimed the title with seven games to spare, and lost their ninth game of the season last time out to Southampton.
But asked whether he needed to buy in order to improve next season, Guardiola said: “No, I don't think so. I think we played good, honestly.
“Next season will be next season - try to score more goals and avoid few chances that we have."
Full story
City could sign Messi if Guardiola goes
Spanish football expert Graham Hunter believes Man City could be in with a chance of signing Lionel Messi next summer but only if boss Pep Guardiola leaves the club.
Sign up to our free MCFC email newsletter Man City are Premier League champions! Get all the reaction plus daily news and analysis direct to your inbox with our free MCFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Reports this week have suggested that Messi could quit Barcelona next season when his current contract expires.
"The number one club who has tried to take Lionel Messi away from Barcelona is Manchester City under their current ownership, he told talkSPORT.
"I think Guardiola has doubts about how well Messi will work in the system because of the level of pressure and work off the ball. He’s allowed to do what he wants at Barcelona but if Guardiola moved on and Messi was free in a year's time, Man City’s ownership would go hell for leather to sign him."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Lockdown impacts Corrie filming as Nick changes hair colour in the same episode

The coronavirus lockdown made its mark on Coronation Street scenes as Nick Tilsley switched hair colour in the same episode and appeared to grow a beard .
In the opening scene of Monday night 's episode Nick was seen with longer hair than usual , and he 'd taken on a new silver fox look .
He was looking noticeably different at the start of the show as he chased after his partner Leanne Battersby across the cobbles .
Later on the character , played by Ben Price , was seen back in their flat with shorter blonde hair and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ featuring Nick with silvery grey hair was filmed after the cast returned to work last month .
`` Nick 's hair , '' said one fan on Twitter with a love heart-eyes emoji .
`` Has Nick gone grey overnight ?
! ''
exclaimed another .
`` What ’ s Nick using to grow that beard ? ''
asked another .
Another commented : `` Nick clean shaven in the morning and has a beard later on in the day . ''
And another viewer said : `` Laughing , Nick had long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next scene his hair was shorter and beard had grown back ... mad thing break in filming . ''
Corrie , which stopped filming in March because of the coronavirus pandemic , had episodes that were unfinished when lockdown was declared .
Speaking in May on the Sofa Cinema Podcast , which he presents with co-stars Colson Smith and Jack P Shepherd , Ben told how he 'd chosen to colour his hair grey while 'bored ' in lockdown .
He said to Colson : `` I got some shampoo .
You know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grey . ''
Asked why he 'd made the change he said : `` I do n't know .
I 'm bored . ''
`` But you are grey , '' Jack told him .
`` I know , but this makes it white , '' he said , explaining that he 's using a special purple shampoo .
Last month Ben and co-star Jane Danson , who plays Leanne , producer Iain McLeod and ITV managing director of continuing drama John Whiston explained the incredible measures the long-running ITV soap has taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ screens for the first time in 60 years amid the pandemic .
The cast and crew completed unfinished episodes shot before the pandemic while adhering to strict new social distancing guidelines .
And from Friday July 24 viewers will see new episodes which will incorporate COVID-19 into day-to-day living on the street .
Iain said viewers may notice storylines featuring social distancing where it was n't included previously .
But he 's hoping fans will be understanding of the situation .
`` We 've got a mature audience and they understand the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One of the most 'mind-blowing ' elements of social distancing has been filming couples who are n't together off-screen , while portraying social distancing in the street for those who are dating and living together in real-life .
For some scenes Iain said they 're having to 'cheat ' using camera trickery to give the illusion of people being closer than the allowed two metres .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
For the latest Weatherfield news and spoilers - sign up here
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
For the latest Weatherfield news and spoilers - sign up here
The coronavirus lockdown made its mark on Coronation Street scenes as Nick Tilsley switched hair colour in the same episode and appeared to grow a beard.
In the opening scene of Monday night's episode Nick was seen with longer hair than usual, and he'd taken on a new silver fox look.
He was looking noticeably different at the start of the show as he chased after his partner Leanne Battersby across the cobbles.
Later on the character, played by Ben Price, was seen back in their flat with shorter blonde hair and with a beard.
(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
The first scene featuring Nick with silvery grey hair was filmed after the cast returned to work last month.
"Nick's hair," said one fan on Twitter with a love heart-eyes emoji.
"Has Nick gone grey overnight?!" exclaimed another.
"What’s Nick using to grow that beard?" asked another.
Another commented: "Nick clean shaven in the morning and has a beard later on in the day."
(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
And another viewer said: "Laughing, Nick had long hair and no beard and in the next scene his hair was shorter and beard had grown back...mad thing break in filming."
Corrie, which stopped filming in March because of the coronavirus pandemic, had episodes that were unfinished when lockdown was declared.
Speaking in May on the Sofa Cinema Podcast, which he presents with co-stars Colson Smith and Jack P Shepherd, Ben told how he'd chosen to colour his hair grey while 'bored' in lockdown.
He said to Colson: "I got some shampoo. You know you've gone blonde? I got grey."
(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
Asked why he'd made the change he said: "I don't know. I'm bored."
"But you are grey," Jack told him.
"I know, but this makes it white," he said, explaining that he's using a special purple shampoo.
Last month Ben and co-star Jane Danson, who plays Leanne, producer Iain McLeod and ITV managing director of continuing drama John Whiston explained the incredible measures the long-running ITV soap has taken to ensure it wouldn't leave our screens for the first time in 60 years amid the pandemic.
(Image: ITV/Coronation Street)
The cast and crew completed unfinished episodes shot before the pandemic while adhering to strict new social distancing guidelines.
And from Friday July 24 viewers will see new episodes which will incorporate COVID-19 into day-to-day living on the street.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
Iain said viewers may notice storylines featuring social distancing where it wasn't included previously.
But he's hoping fans will be understanding of the situation.
"We've got a mature audience and they understand the world we live in," he said.
One of the most 'mind-blowing' elements of social distancing has been filming couples who aren't together off-screen, while portraying social distancing in the street for those who are dating and living together in real-life.
For some scenes Iain said they're having to 'cheat' using camera trickery to give the illusion of people being closer than the allowed two metres.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Drug dealer found with over £1k worth of cannabis in rucksack avoids jail

A street dealer has avoided jail after being caught with £1,460 worth of cannabis in a rucksack after police searched his house .
Vincent Orr , 24 , was the subject of a search warrant when police found the drugs , as well as paraphernalia such as scales and snap bags in his home in Blackley .
When he returned home during the search in the early morning of April last year , officers also found over £500 cash and two mobile phones on him .
After analysing the phones they found text messages which showed elements of drug dealing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession with intent to supply cannabis , and today was handed an 18 month imprisonment suspended for two years .
Outlining the facts of the case , prosecutor Joshua Bowker said a police warrant was executed at Orr ’ s home in the early hours of the morning in April last year .
“ During the search the defendant returned home , and officers found 140g of cannabis in a rucksack , as well as scales , smell-proof bags and snap bags , ” Mr Bowker @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the drugs was £1,460 .
“ The defendant was arrested and was found to have £545 cash on his person , as well as two mobile phones .
“ Those phones were interrogated and text messages were found indicating street dealing was taking place .
There were also requests for payments included in the messages , the court heard .
Orr was said to have two previous convictions for five offences , dating back to 2011 when he was a juvenile .
In mitigation , his defence lawyer Thomas Worsfold said there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there was also an element of coercion from others in the supply chain .
“ There were very real and genuine threats towards him , ” Mr Worsfold said .
“ He has a realistic prospect of rehabilitation , the defendant has been very candid with probation and he ’ s been very honest about his behaviour .
“ He has got a good future ahead of him .
“ He has been through difficulties in the past , he was previously homeless but he has now found stable accommodation .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of stability.
” Sentencing him to a suspended sentence , Judge Hilary Manley said : “ Over a year ago the police executed a search warrant and found 140g of cannabis , scales and snap bags , and all the equipment associated with being a street dealer .
“ They found cash on you as well as two mobile phones , which texts showed you were dealing in cannabis .
“ The court takes it seriously those who deal in drugs .
“ I accept you are remorseful and I accept you have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You have found stable accommodation and formed positive steps for your future .
Orr , of Lion Brow in Blackley , was handed 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years , and he must complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirements .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
A street dealer has avoided jail after being caught with £1,460 worth of cannabis in a rucksack after police searched his house.
Vincent Orr, 24, was the subject of a search warrant when police found the drugs, as well as paraphernalia such as scales and snap bags in his home in Blackley.
When he returned home during the search in the early morning of April last year, officers also found over £500 cash and two mobile phones on him.
After analysing the phones they found text messages which showed elements of drug dealing, Manchester Crown Court heard.
(Image: MEN Media)
Orr pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to possession with intent to supply cannabis, and today was handed an 18 month imprisonment suspended for two years.
Outlining the facts of the case, prosecutor Joshua Bowker said a police warrant was executed at Orr’s home in the early hours of the morning in April last year.
“During the search the defendant returned home, and officers found 140g of cannabis in a rucksack, as well as scales, smell-proof bags and snap bags,” Mr Bowker said.
“The total street value of the drugs was £1,460.
“The defendant was arrested and was found to have £545 cash on his person, as well as two mobile phones.
“Those phones were interrogated and text messages were found indicating street dealing was taking place.
“One message read: “10 out of 10 purple set, dog.”
There were also requests for payments included in the messages, the court heard.
Orr was said to have two previous convictions for five offences, dating back to 2011 when he was a juvenile.
In mitigation, his defence lawyer Thomas Worsfold said there had been motivation for financial gain, but there was also an element of coercion from others in the supply chain.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“There were very real and genuine threats towards him,” Mr Worsfold said.
“He has a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, the defendant has been very candid with probation and he’s been very honest about his behaviour.
“He has got a good future ahead of him.
“He has been through difficulties in the past, he was previously homeless but he has now found stable accommodation.
“His life is currently in a period of stability.”
Sentencing him to a suspended sentence, Judge Hilary Manley said: “Over a year ago the police executed a search warrant and found 140g of cannabis, scales and snap bags, and all the equipment associated with being a street dealer.
“They found cash on you as well as two mobile phones, which texts showed you were dealing in cannabis.
“You were a street dealer, pure and simple.
“The court takes it seriously those who deal in drugs.
“I accept you are remorseful and I accept you have taken steps to address your offending.
“You have found stable accommodation and formed positive steps for your future.
“You have a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.”
Orr, of Lion Brow in Blackley, was handed 18 months imprisonment suspended for two years, and he must complete 15 days of rehabilitation activity requirements.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--David Walliams' children's books accused of 'racism' and 'fatshaming nonsense'

Author David Walliams ' children 's books have been accused of 'horrific racism ' and 'sneering fatshaming nonsense ' .
Last year Walliams joined a select list of authors to have sold more than £100m worth of books , with his World 's Worst series a particular hit with youngsters .
But , as his newest book World 's Worst Parents is released this month , the spotlight is on his work for other reasons - after a scathing attack by food writer and activist Jack Monroe .
Taking to Twitter to call out the author , she 's accused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working class ' , and said his stories recycled material from the controversial comedy show that made his name .
`` Small Boy completed his D*vid Walli*ms book collection today , so I finally decided to take a read of the latest .
( It 's important to note here I 've not bought a single one . )
It 's like Little Britain for kids .
37m copies sold ?
Of this sneering classist fatshaming grim nonsense ?
, '' she tweeted .
In her 20-tweet tirade against the Britain 's Got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ characters from his books , who she deems offensive .
`` I 'm actually reading them one by one now so this thread could take a while , '' she said .
`` And I 'm aware I probably come across as a joyless harpy , but a white wealthy man using working class and black women as punchlines for his tired old jokes and then spoon-feeding them to children is grim . ''
Some of the examples she uses are : * `` Supermum , in The World 's Worst Parents , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ TOWER BLOCK and she CLEANS TOILETS .
Single mum of two , Spike and Punk .
I 'm not sure what qualifies her as being one of the World 's Worst Parents when all she does is love her kids and make them laugh ? ''
* `` There 's a kid in this book called Ping Pong , and I 'd find it difficult to believe that 's not a throwback to ( the now derided racist trope ) Ting Tong from LB .
But there are more than enough examples to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through the ages , so I 'll continue . ''
* `` Into the World 's Worst Teachers , and we have a pair of twins .
Aww , child geniuses .
Wait , their eyes are n't illustrated in the same way as other children 's eyes in this book .
They 're ... .horizontal slits .
The kids , the child genius kids with slits-as-eyes are called the Tang twins . ''
* `` There 's the black female teacher , Miss Tutelage , whose 'big frizzy hair ' is a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ calling her 'Archbishop Desmond Tutu ' .
Back to the black woman , and Walliams is making a joke about her having an unpronounceable name .
Ha .
Ha .
F**k off . ''
She added : `` I think that 's enough for one evening .
I 'll pick up on this again tomorrow because I need to go rinse my brain out and read something that is n't this horrific racism and classism and bodyshaming in a veneer of privileged deniability .
I always knew I did n't like him , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ budget cooking guru Jack , who is known for campaigning on poverty issues , comes just weeks after Little Britain was removed from BBC iPlayer , Netflix and BritBox in a row over blackface characters .
And she 's receiving a lot of support for her remarks .
Karen Angelosanto tweeted : `` This is such a relief .
I 'd come to believe I was the only person in the world unable to see merit in Walliams ' oeuvre .
I worried that my inability to love the books was my own @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charmed by the man himself .
At least now there might be 2 of us . ''
And Helen Docherty said : `` THANK YOU for saying what so many of us have been wanting to say .
It 's always felt like sour grapes to criticise Walli*ms , but a bit of me dies every time someone says he 's their favourite author .
The world has enough privileged white men peddling racist/sexist/classist tropes . ''
Not everyone agrees , however , and some criticised Jack for using Twitter as the forum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` I do n't think your wrong to call out the books , however twitter is the worst place for this discussion .
Suddenly the thread is not about the books but a vicious character assassination of the human who wrote them . ''
Another person questioned why Jack had let her son read Walliams ' books without knowing the content .
@ bonniebonviveur tweeted : `` You let your child read a whole series of books without paying any attention to what they were reading ? ''
In a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Books said : `` David Walliams ’ s books have a diverse readership which is reflected in their content .
`` He writes about the real worlds of children using comedy as a way of confronting many difficult topics , from the ground-breaking The Boy in the Dress to Gangsta Granny , and which should be considered in the wider context of the overall stories .
`` In his World ’ s Worst … series he writes cautionary tales using surreal humour to champion underdogs , deflate the pompous and denounce bullies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ countless non-readers into book lovers and got families reading together . ''
The publisher also pointed out that the character Miss Tutelage , who Jack Monroe refers to as a ‘ black female teacher ’ , is indeed a white character .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
Author David Walliams' children's books have been accused of 'horrific racism' and 'sneering fatshaming nonsense'.
Last year Walliams joined a select list of authors to have sold more than £100m worth of books, with his World's Worst series a particular hit with youngsters.
But, as his newest book World's Worst Parents is released this month, the spotlight is on his work for other reasons - after a scathing attack by food writer and activist Jack Monroe.
Taking to Twitter to call out the author, she's accused the Little Britain star of 'targeting the working class', and said his stories recycled material from the controversial comedy show that made his name.
Sign up to our Manchester Family newsletter Keep up to date with the biggest and best stories, including suggestions for family days out and ways to keep the kids entertained. It's completely free to sign up; all you have to do is fill in your details at the top of any 'Family & Kids' story, including this one. Alternatively you can sign up here.
"Small Boy completed his D*vid Walli*ms book collection today, so I finally decided to take a read of the latest. (It's important to note here I've not bought a single one.) It's like Little Britain for kids. 37m copies sold? Of this sneering classist fatshaming grim nonsense?," she tweeted.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In her 20-tweet tirade against the Britain's Got Talent judge, she picks out numerous characters from his books, who she deems offensive.
"I'm actually reading them one by one now so this thread could take a while," she said. "And I'm aware I probably come across as a joyless harpy, but a white wealthy man using working class and black women as punchlines for his tired old jokes and then spoon-feeding them to children is grim."
Some of the examples she uses are:
* "Supermum, in The World's Worst Parents, is BORING because she lives in a TOWER BLOCK and she CLEANS TOILETS. Single mum of two, Spike and Punk. I'm not sure what qualifies her as being one of the World's Worst Parents when all she does is love her kids and make them laugh?"
* "There's a kid in this book called Ping Pong, and I'd find it difficult to believe that's not a throwback to (the now derided racist trope) Ting Tong from LB. But there are more than enough examples to be getting on with without gymnastics back through the ages, so I'll continue."
* "Into the World's Worst Teachers, and we have a pair of twins. Aww, child geniuses. Wait, their eyes aren't illustrated in the same way as other children's eyes in this book. They're....horizontal slits. The kids, the child genius kids with slits-as-eyes are called the Tang twins."
* "There's the black female teacher, Miss Tutelage, whose 'big frizzy hair' is a punchline. As is the school bully calling her 'Archbishop Desmond Tutu'. Back to the black woman, and Walliams is making a joke about her having an unpronounceable name. Ha. Ha. F**k off."
(Image: ITV)
She added: "I think that's enough for one evening. I'll pick up on this again tomorrow because I need to go rinse my brain out and read something that isn't this horrific racism and classism and bodyshaming in a veneer of privileged deniability. I always knew I didn't like him, but wow."
The comments from budget cooking guru Jack, who is known for campaigning on poverty issues, comes just weeks after Little Britain was removed from BBC iPlayer, Netflix and BritBox in a row over blackface characters.
And she's receiving a lot of support for her remarks.
Karen Angelosanto tweeted: "This is such a relief. I'd come to believe I was the only person in the world unable to see merit in Walliams' oeuvre. I worried that my inability to love the books was my own pathetic failure to rise above not being charmed by the man himself. At least now there might be 2 of us."
And Helen Docherty said: "THANK YOU for saying what so many of us have been wanting to say. It's always felt like sour grapes to criticise Walli*ms, but a bit of me dies every time someone says he's their favourite author. The world has enough privileged white men peddling racist/sexist/classist tropes."
Not everyone agrees, however, and some criticised Jack for using Twitter as the forum to raise her concerns.
@Roisenav said: "I don't think your wrong to call out the books, however twitter is the worst place for this discussion. Suddenly the thread is not about the books but a vicious character assassination of the human who wrote them."
Another person questioned why Jack had let her son read Walliams' books without knowing the content.
@bonniebonviveur tweeted: "You let your child read a whole series of books without paying any attention to what they were reading?"
(Image: Huddersfield Daily Examiner)
In a statement Walliams' publisher HarperCollins Children’s Books said: " David Walliams’s books have a diverse readership which is reflected in their content.
"He writes about the real worlds of children using comedy as a way of confronting many difficult topics, from the ground-breaking The Boy in the Dress to Gangsta Granny, and which should be considered in the wider context of the overall stories.
"In his World’s Worst … series he writes cautionary tales using surreal humour to champion underdogs, deflate the pompous and denounce bullies. David Walliams’s books have transformed countless non-readers into book lovers and got families reading together."
The publisher also pointed out that the character Miss Tutelage, who Jack Monroe refers to as a ‘black female teacher’, is indeed a white character.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Women question birth restrictions as pubs and salons reopen

New and expectant mums have questioned why pubs and salons can reopen when there are still tight restrictions on birth partners during pregnancy and labour .
As restaurants and hairdressers flung open their doors on Saturday , it left many pregnant women annoyed about what is being prioritised .
Families feel it 's unfair that measures are being relaxed for such businesses when dads are still unable to attend ultrasound scans during pregnancy and are not allowed to attend the birth until a woman is in active labour .
Hannah Kidd gave birth to her first child , daughter Lydia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before the restrictions came into place and said : `` I genuinely ca n't fathom why the pubs are open , yet women in labour ca n't have their birth partner with them until active labour or the days following birth .
`` The worst memory I have of being in labour , and the most painful part , I was only 1cm and I would have absolutely crumbled without Alex .
The day after she was born , I was completely broken .
`` Exhausted and miserable from the pain and anxiety @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would n't latch .
The thought of doing all of that without Alex by my side actually makes me want to cry and I feel so , so sad for the women who are having to do it alone . ''
Mum Becky Ford 's second child was born just over a fortnight ago , also at North Manchester .
Apart from the last hour , she laboured alone .
After being induced , her fiance James Nicholson was sent home when visiting time finished at 6pm .
When contractions became strong a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the labour ward and he was called back in , travelling from their home in Ramsbottom .
Becky said : `` He arrived about 12 , 12.30 and baby Harrison was born at 1.26am .
At around 2/3am in morning I was then taken to postnatal ward to rest up for night , but my fiancé had to leave me and baby at the lifts to go home , so he was only with me for a very short time overall .
`` It wasn ’ t nice , this is my second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ease with the process of it , but I had to be brave .
I was breaking down with him leaving me and not being able to have my mum there .
He was worried and upset having to leave me and missing out on the first few hours of the baby ’ s life .
`` It ’ s absolutely ridiculous I feel so so sorry for all the pregnant ladies still facing these restrictions . ''
Victoria Molloy is pregnant with her first child , a boy , with partner Patrick @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester General .
`` So far , I ’ ve had to attend midwife appointments alone , '' said Victoria , who is due on July 13 .
`` Luckily both of my scans happened before Covid and my partner was able to attend but I know a few people who have had to have scans alone .
`` Of course antenatal classes and hospital tours have been cancelled understandably , but it ’ s nerve-wracking , especially being a first time mum not knowing what to expect .
`` I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to double check on baby and all times I ’ ve had to go alone too , which has added to the stress . ''
She added : `` Hopefully partners will soon get priority as opposed to opening pubs and other social events .
I am annoyed by it .
Equally I understand businesses have to get back up and running but masks and Covid tests I believe are administered to all birth partners anyway so restrictions are in place for them to be as safe as possible . ''
The pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ labour .
With restrictions on staff moving around , postnatal support has also changed .
Hannah 's daughter Lydia has only been weighed once since she was born in March .
She said : `` She was weighed at two weeks old then not again and my health visitor appointments were done over the phone .
They were really helpful though and answered all my questions , they were brilliant under the circumstances . ''
An NHS spokesperson said : “ We know how special giving birth is which is why throughout this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for birthing partners to be with a woman during labour .
But it is important that visiting restrictions are in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus.
” The M.E.N has approached Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust , which runs North Manchester General Hospital , for a comment .
For more information about pregnancy and coronavirus , visit the NHS website here .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Get the M.E.N.'s Manchester Family newsletter for all the latest from back to school news to ways to entertain the kids
New and expectant mums have questioned why pubs and salons can reopen when there are still tight restrictions on birth partners during pregnancy and labour.
As restaurants and hairdressers flung open their doors on Saturday, it left many pregnant women annoyed about what is being prioritised.
Families feel it's unfair that measures are being relaxed for such businesses when dads are still unable to attend ultrasound scans during pregnancy and are not allowed to attend the birth until a woman is in active labour.
Sign up to our Manchester Family newsletter Keep up to date with the biggest and best stories, including suggestions for family days out and ways to keep the kids entertained. It's completely free to sign up; all you have to do is fill in your details at the top of any 'Family & Kids' story, including this one. Alternatively you can sign up here.
Hannah Kidd gave birth to her first child, daughter Lydia Grace, at North Manchester General just before the restrictions came into place and said: "I genuinely can't fathom why the pubs are open, yet women in labour can't have their birth partner with them until active labour or the days following birth.
(Image: ASP)
"The worst memory I have of being in labour, and the most painful part, I was only 1cm and I would have absolutely crumbled without Alex. The day after she was born, I was completely broken.
"Exhausted and miserable from the pain and anxiety of trying to breastfeed a baby that wouldn't latch. The thought of doing all of that without Alex by my side actually makes me want to cry and I feel so, so sad for the women who are having to do it alone."
Mum Becky Ford's second child was born just over a fortnight ago, also at North Manchester. Apart from the last hour, she laboured alone.
After being induced, her fiance James Nicholson was sent home when visiting time finished at 6pm.
When contractions became strong a few hours later she was taken to the labour ward and he was called back in, travelling from their home in Ramsbottom.
Becky said: "He arrived about 12, 12.30 and baby Harrison was born at 1.26am. At around 2/3am in morning I was then taken to postnatal ward to rest up for night, but my fiancé had to leave me and baby at the lifts to go home, so he was only with me for a very short time overall.
"It wasn’t nice, this is my second baby so luckily I was more at ease with the process of it, but I had to be brave. I was breaking down with him leaving me and not being able to have my mum there. He was worried and upset having to leave me and missing out on the first few hours of the baby’s life.
"It’s absolutely ridiculous I feel so so sorry for all the pregnant ladies still facing these restrictions."
Victoria Molloy is pregnant with her first child, a boy, with partner Patrick and will also be going to North Manchester General.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"So far, I’ve had to attend midwife appointments alone," said Victoria, who is due on July 13.
"Luckily both of my scans happened before Covid and my partner was able to attend but I know a few people who have had to have scans alone.
"Of course antenatal classes and hospital tours have been cancelled understandably, but it’s nerve-wracking, especially being a first time mum not knowing what to expect.
"I’ve had three visits to the hospital triage to double check on baby and all times I’ve had to go alone too, which has added to the stress."
She added: "Hopefully partners will soon get priority as opposed to opening pubs and other social events. I am annoyed by it. Equally I understand businesses have to get back up and running but masks and Covid tests I believe are administered to all birth partners anyway so restrictions are in place for them to be as safe as possible."
The pandemic has affected much more than scans and labour. With restrictions on staff moving around, postnatal support has also changed.
Hannah's daughter Lydia has only been weighed once since she was born in March.
She said: "She was weighed at two weeks old then not again and my health visitor appointments were done over the phone. They were really helpful though and answered all my questions, they were brilliant under the circumstances."
An NHS spokesperson said: “We know how special giving birth is which is why throughout this pandemic a special exception has been made for birthing partners to be with a woman during labour. But it is important that visiting restrictions are in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus.”
The M.E.N has approached North Manchester General for a comment.
Simon Mehigan, director of Midwifery at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, which runs The Royal Oldham Hospital, said: “We are currently following national Covid-19 guidance in relation to the provision of maternity care at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group and as such we are not in a position to support partners to be present during scans with pregnant women for their own safety, the safety of their baby and the safety of our own staff; however we are currently reviewing this guidance in light of changes that have been put in place around social distancing and the use of facemasks.”
For more information about pregnancy and coronavirus, visit the NHS website here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Two teenage boys and man, 21, arrested after a car flipped onto its side

Two teenage boys and a 21-year-old man have been arrested after a car flipped onto its side in a crash in the city centre .
Moments earlier the car had been seen by police 'travelling at speed ' on the Mancunian Way .
Officers asked the driver to pull over , he failed to do so and the car exited at the next junction .
The crash , which police did n't witness , took place shortly after on Downing Street close to where it passes under the Mancunian Way .
One of the occupants of the car ran off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
A 21-year-old man and two boys , aged 15 and 16 , were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply , suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle , failing to stop for police , and driving with no licence and no insurance .
The 16-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article .
The 21-year-old was taken to hospital while under arrest and was later discharged and taken into custody .
They remain in custody for questioning .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ car on its side on the central reservation with debris strewn across the carriageway .
In a statement GMP said : `` Police were called at around 5.15pm on Sunday to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on Downing Street in Manchester city centre .
`` A 21-year-old man and two boys – aged 16 and 15 – were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply , suspicion of theft of motor vehicle , failing to stop for police , and driving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` The 16-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article .
`` They remain in custody to be questioned by police . ''
Anyone with information or dash cam footage of the collision is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 2452 of 05/06/2020 .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Two teenage boys and a 21-year-old man have been arrested after a car flipped onto its side in a crash in the city centre.
Moments earlier the car had been seen by police 'travelling at speed' on the Mancunian Way.
Officers asked the driver to pull over, he failed to do so and the car exited at the next junction.
The crash, which police didn't witness, took place shortly after on Downing Street close to where it passes under the Mancunian Way.
One of the occupants of the car ran off, but was later detained by police.
A 21-year-old man and two boys, aged 15 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply, suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, and driving with no licence and no insurance.
The 16-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
The 21-year-old was taken to hospital while under arrest and was later discharged and taken into custody.
They remain in custody for questioning.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
A picture from the scene shows a silver car on its side on the central reservation with debris strewn across the carriageway.
In a statement GMP said: "Police were called at around 5.15pm on Sunday to reports of a road traffic collision involving two cars on Downing Street in Manchester city centre.
"A 21-year-old man and two boys – aged 16 and 15 – were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply, suspicion of theft of motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, and driving with no licence and no insurance.
"The 16-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
"They remain in custody to be questioned by police."
Anyone with information or dash cam footage of the collision is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 2452 of 05/06/2020.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Man Utd and Man City to battle for Koulibaly and Skriniar plus more rumours

Manchester United and Manchester City could both be set to target the same two centre-backs this summer , reports say .
City have long-been linked with Napoli 's Kalidou Koulibaly and Inter Milan 's Milan Skriniar as they need to find an overdue replacement for former captain Vincent Kompany .
United , however , have Jadon Sancho at the top of their transfer wishlist , but are also looking to strengthen other areas of the team .
According to the Independent , if United look to bolster their central defensive options for a second successive summer , then Koulibaly and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attempt to sign .
The report says the emergence of Mason Greenwood as an extremely promising option in the striker and right-wing roles could persuade them to focus elsewhere in the transfer market , with central defence the next priority .
As for City , the report says Koulibaly is the top target this summer , but if the club 's two-year ban from the Champions League is upheld , then Skriniar may be a more attractive option .
City will discover the verdict of their appeal against UEFA 's sanctions next week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swap deal with Inter involving Sergio Aguero and Skriniar is said to work better for the club with the financial constraints that would come with the ban .
Meanwhile , United and City could also go head to head in the transfer market over Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey .
That is according to the Athletic , who say Leverkusen are open to selling Bailey , and talks are scheduled between the club , Bailey and his representatives this week to establish clarity .
If he is allowed to leave , then the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who would be interested .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United and Manchester City could both be set to target the same two centre-backs this summer, reports say.
City have long-been linked with Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly and Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar as they need to find an overdue replacement for former captain Vincent Kompany.
United, however, have Jadon Sancho at the top of their transfer wishlist, but are also looking to strengthen other areas of the team.
According to the Independent, if United look to bolster their central defensive options for a second successive summer, then Koulibaly and Skriniar would be the players they would attempt to sign.
The report says the emergence of Mason Greenwood as an extremely promising option in the striker and right-wing roles could persuade them to focus elsewhere in the transfer market, with central defence the next priority.
As for City, the report says Koulibaly is the top target this summer, but if the club's two-year ban from the Champions League is upheld, then Skriniar may be a more attractive option.
City will discover the verdict of their appeal against UEFA's sanctions next week, but if it stands then a swap deal with Inter involving Sergio Aguero and Skriniar is said to work better for the club with the financial constraints that would come with the ban.
Meanwhile, United and City could also go head to head in the transfer market over Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.
That is according to the Athletic, who say Leverkusen are open to selling Bailey, and talks are scheduled between the club, Bailey and his representatives this week to establish clarity.
If he is allowed to leave, then the report names United and City as parties who would be interested.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Harvey Neville signs first professional contract at Man Utd

There 's another Neville coming through the ranks at Manchester United , 26 years after his father and uncle made the same steps as Harvey Neville confirmed he has signed professional terms at the club .
Harvey , 18 , is the son of former United defender Phil , who signed his first contract in 1994 .
His uncle Gary , was part of the 'Class of '92 ' group of players who defined one of the most successful periods at the club .
Now , Harvey is making his own name at United , having started at the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester City and Valencia .
He returned to United in 2018 , and has impressed at under-18 level in the academy .
Like his father and uncle , Neville is a right-back , but has been involved in the Republic of Ireland youth set-up , rather than England .
Taking to Instagram to announce his deal , Neville wrote : `` Proud to have signed my first professional contract with @ manchesterunited .
Thank you to all my family and coaches for their support . ''
England Women 's manager Phil replied to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ black emojis , and a love heart .
Harvey will now get the chance to impress United academy coaches next season , and hope to step up to the U23 side .
United made the decision not to release any under-18 players this season due to the uncertainty in the transfer market caused by the coronavirus pandemic .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
There's another Neville coming through the ranks at Manchester United, 26 years after his father and uncle made the same steps as Harvey Neville confirmed he has signed professional terms at the club.
Harvey, 18, is the son of former United defender Phil, who signed his first contract in 1994. His uncle Gary, was part of the 'Class of '92' group of players who defined one of the most successful periods at the club.
Now, Harvey is making his own name at United, having started at the club as a child before short-lived spells at Manchester City and Valencia. He returned to United in 2018, and has impressed at under-18 level in the academy.
Like his father and uncle, Neville is a right-back, but has been involved in the Republic of Ireland youth set-up, rather than England.
Taking to Instagram to announce his deal, Neville wrote: "Proud to have signed my first professional contract with@manchesterunited. Thank you to all my family and coaches for their support."
England Women's manager Phil replied to the post with red, white and black emojis, and a love heart.
Harvey will now get the chance to impress United academy coaches next season, and hope to step up to the U23 side. United made the decision not to release any under-18 players this season due to the uncertainty in the transfer market caused by the coronavirus pandemic.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--This Northern Quarter bar that closed early on Saturday

A city centre bar closed down just hours after pubs were allowed to re-open because of concerns about a crowd of drinkers standing outside the venue , the M.E.N .
has learned .
The management of Flok , in Stevenson Square in the city 's Northern Quarter , agreed to close on Saturday night after hearing the concerns of police officers .
The bar re-opened again on Sunday without any problems .
It was Manchester 's first sherry bar when it opened in 2017 and sells bottles of Gonzales Byass 1975 for £260 .
Owner Martin Hennin said he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ serving by the time police spoke to him at 10pm .
He said there were ' a lot of drunk people ' out that night and it became ' a bit difficult to manage people ' outside .
`` We stopped serving and we stopped letting people in before the police came to us because we felt it was getting too busy , '' said Mr Hennin .
`` The police came and said 'it 's too busy , people are standing now ' .
We could not really control it . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ officials on Monday afternoon , went on : `` I have never seen anything quite like it for a long time .
People were arriving drunk at 1pm . ''
He said those who came to the bar on Sunday were 'back to our normal crowd ' .
The M.E.N .
understands two other licensed premises , in Stockport and Tameside , also agreed to close on Saturday night after police expressed concern about the volume of people inside .
Otherwise , police bosses regard the weekend operation around the re-opening of pubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of lockdown as a success .
About 70 per cent of the licensed premises in Manchester city centre took advantage of the easing of lockdown rules , allowing pubs and bars to re-open so long as they abide by government guidelines to prevent a second wave of coronarvirus cases .
Police and council bosses are considering mounting a similar operation this weekend when more licensees may decide to take advantage of the easing of lockdown rules .
People are allowed to go to a bar to order drinks although they will not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government guidance suggests table waiter service with customers ordering via an app where possible .
Landlords are urged to keep music to a low volume and customers are discouraged from shouting to prevent the spread of coronavirus , according to the guidance .
It suggests not playing TV inside that would encourage shouting .
On Sunday Manchester city centre spokesman Coun Pat Karney said : `` The overwhelming majority of bars in the city centre and other local areas cooperated , and it 's very disappointing that these two did n't abide by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hesitate to close down any bars if they do n't comply with safety rules .
`` We were really nervous about Saturday and we would have preferred a week day but the overwhelming majority of bars and customers realised what was at stake and did n't want to do anything to provoke a second lockdown in Manchester . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
A city centre bar closed down just hours after pubs were allowed to re-open because of concerns about a crowd of drinkers standing outside the venue, the M.E.N. has learned.
The management of Flok, in Stevenson Square in the city's Northern Quarter, agreed to close on Saturday night after hearing the concerns of police officers.
The bar re-opened again on Sunday without any problems.
It was Manchester's first sherry bar when it opened in 2017 and sells bottles of Gonzales Byass 1975 for £260.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
Owner Martin Hennin said he had his own concerns and had already stopped serving by the time police spoke to him at 10pm.
He said there were 'a lot of drunk people' out that night and it became 'a bit difficult to manage people' outside.
"We stopped serving and we stopped letting people in before the police came to us because we felt it was getting too busy," said Mr Hennin.
"The police came and said 'it's too busy, people are standing now'. We could not really control it."
Mr Hennin, who met with licencing officials on Monday afternoon, went on: "I have never seen anything quite like it for a long time. People were arriving drunk at 1pm."
He said those who came to the bar on Sunday were 'back to our normal crowd'.
The M.E.N. understands two other licensed premises, in Stockport and Tameside, also agreed to close on Saturday night after police expressed concern about the volume of people inside.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Otherwise, police bosses regard the weekend operation around the re-opening of pubs and bars after almost three months because of lockdown as a success.
About 70 per cent of the licensed premises in Manchester city centre took advantage of the easing of lockdown rules, allowing pubs and bars to re-open so long as they abide by government guidelines to prevent a second wave of coronarvirus cases.
Police and council bosses are considering mounting a similar operation this weekend when more licensees may decide to take advantage of the easing of lockdown rules.
People are allowed to go to a bar to order drinks although they will not be allowed to stand at the bar.
Government guidance suggests table waiter service with customers ordering via an app where possible.
Landlords are urged to keep music to a low volume and customers are discouraged from shouting to prevent the spread of coronavirus, according to the guidance.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It suggests not playing TV inside that would encourage shouting.
On Sunday Manchester city centre spokesman Coun Pat Karney said: "The overwhelming majority of bars in the city centre and other local areas cooperated, and it's very disappointing that these two didn't abide by the regulations.
"We won't hesitate to close down any bars if they don't comply with safety rules.
"We were really nervous about Saturday and we would have preferred a week day but the overwhelming majority of bars and customers realised what was at stake and didn't want to do anything to provoke a second lockdown in Manchester."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Royal Exchange Theatre says £1.5bn arts rescue package is 'hugely welcome'

A £1.5bn rescue package for theatres , galleries and museums has been welcomed by Manchester ’ s Royal Exchange Theatre and local leaders .
Up to 65 per cent of permanent staff working at the St Ann ’ s Square venue could lose their jobs due to the ‘ monumental ’ impact of the Covid-19 lockdown .
With live performances still prohibited under lockdown , bosses say they have no other choice but to scale back the organisation ‘ in order to survive ’ .
Last week Manchester council warned that redundancies would follow at other venues in the city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The significant funding package announced on Sunday will aim to preserve struggling cultural and heritage institutions across the UK and protect jobs .
The Royal Exchange described the one-off investment , which will be made of grants and loans , as ‘ hugely welcome ’ on Twitter .
A statement shared by the theatre on Monday said : “ This recognises the vital role that arts and culture plays in society .
“ We are grateful for such a major industry-wide investment and look forward to seeing the detail of this package.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the funding in a mini budget on Wednesday as part of his wider plans to boost the post-pandemic economy .
But the government has not yet revealed how the money will be divided between competing venues and regions , or how the application process will work .
While welcoming the announcement Councillor Luthfur Rahman , executive member for culture , leisure and skills at Manchester council , said : `` Organisations urgently need this detail to understand where it leaves them , and to be able to start forward planning and future-proofing their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will help secure the livelihoods of the many thousands of other people who work with them and who depend upon them for an income . ''
Before the funding was announced Coun Rahman told colleagues that more local venues would follow the Royal Exchange ’ s path unless the government stepped in .
He said last Friday : “ The [ cultural ] sector is intrinsic to the kind of society we are , and the jobs that are created in the city .
“ It ’ s important we get some guidance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural institutions may not be able to recover from this pandemic unless we get that .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
A £1.5bn rescue package for theatres, galleries and museums has been welcomed by Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre and local leaders.
Up to 65 per cent of permanent staff working at the St Ann’s Square venue could lose their jobs due to the ‘monumental’ impact of the Covid-19 lockdown.
With live performances still prohibited under lockdown, bosses say they have no other choice but to scale back the organisation ‘in order to survive’.
Last week Manchester council warned that redundancies would follow at other venues in the city without an intervention from the government.
The significant funding package announced on Sunday will aim to preserve struggling cultural and heritage institutions across the UK and protect jobs.
(Image: PA)
The Royal Exchange described the one-off investment, which will be made of grants and loans, as ‘hugely welcome’ on Twitter.
A statement shared by the theatre on Monday said: “This recognises the vital role that arts and culture plays in society.
“We are grateful for such a major industry-wide investment and look forward to seeing the detail of this package.”
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is expected to confirm the funding in a mini budget on Wednesday as part of his wider plans to boost the post-pandemic economy.
But the government has not yet revealed how the money will be divided between competing venues and regions, or how the application process will work.
While welcoming the announcement Councillor Luthfur Rahman, executive member for culture, leisure and skills at Manchester council, said: "Organisations urgently need this detail to understand where it leaves them, and to be able to start forward planning and future-proofing their businesses with confidence - which in turn will help secure the livelihoods of the many thousands of other people who work with them and who depend upon them for an income."
Before the funding was announced Coun Rahman told colleagues that more local venues would follow the Royal Exchange’s path unless the government stepped in.
He said last Friday: “The [cultural] sector is intrinsic to the kind of society we are, and the jobs that are created in the city.
“It’s important we get some guidance from the government. Lots of our cultural institutions may not be able to recover from this pandemic unless we get that.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--The £18m 'Tower of Light' in Manchester city centre is beginning to take shape

An £18m ‘ Tower of Light ’ which will generate low-carbon heat and power in Manchester city centre is beginning to take shape .
Rising above the Metrolink arch near Manchester Central , the futuristic 40-metre high structure is set to become a striking landmark in the city .
It will power a number of prominent buildings known as the Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network by sending electricity and heat - via hot water - through two kilometres of underground pipes .
The tower will also be surrounded by a partially transparent ‘ Wall of Energy ’ allowing passersby on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ inside the energy centre .
In early June the first four sections of the tower were installed , with each stainless steel section measuring four metres wide , six metres long and four metres high .
Work is expected to be completed later this summer , when the final five sections are due to be lifted into place , with the wider network expected to be in place by the end of the year .
It will initially serve the town hall and its extension , Central Library , Manchester Central , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester Art Gallery .
The project , which is being delivered by Manchester council and Vital Energi , is expected to save more than 3,100 tonnes of carbon emission in its first five years .
Manchester council has committed to halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 , with the aim of becoming zero carbon by 2038 .
Councillor Angeliki Stogia , executive member for the environment , planning and transport , said : “ Manchester has not lost sight of the ongoing need to act on climate change while tackling the coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ progress with the Civic Quarter Heat Network project and hope that once it is operational , buildings throughout the city centre will choose to connect to this highly efficient , low-carbon source of heat and power.
” The scheme has been partly funded by a £3m grant from the government ’ s Heat Network Investment Project , with Manchester council funding the rest .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
An £18m ‘Tower of Light’ which will generate low-carbon heat and power in Manchester city centre is beginning to take shape.
Rising above the Metrolink arch near Manchester Central, the futuristic 40-metre high structure is set to become a striking landmark in the city.
It will power a number of prominent buildings known as the Manchester Civic Quarter Heat Network by sending electricity and heat - via hot water - through two kilometres of underground pipes.
The tower will also be surrounded by a partially transparent ‘Wall of Energy’ allowing passersby on Lower Mosley Street to get a glimpse inside the energy centre.
In early June the first four sections of the tower were installed, with each stainless steel section measuring four metres wide, six metres long and four metres high.
Work is expected to be completed later this summer, when the final five sections are due to be lifted into place, with the wider network expected to be in place by the end of the year.
It will initially serve the town hall and its extension, Central Library, Manchester Central, the Bridgewater Hall, Heron House and the Manchester Art Gallery.
The project, which is being delivered by Manchester council and Vital Energi, is expected to save more than 3,100 tonnes of carbon emission in its first five years.
Manchester council has committed to halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, with the aim of becoming zero carbon by 2038.
Councillor Angeliki Stogia, executive member for the environment, planning and transport, said: “Manchester has not lost sight of the ongoing need to act on climate change while tackling the coronavirus pandemic.
"We're making good progress with the Civic Quarter Heat Network project and hope that once it is operational, buildings throughout the city centre will choose to connect to this highly efficient, low-carbon source of heat and power.”
The scheme has been partly funded by a £3m grant from the government’s Heat Network Investment Project, with Manchester council funding the rest.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-07-06--Map shows how badly Greater Manchester could be hit by next wave of coronavirus

A new tool devised by leading university researchers has revealed how Greater Manchester could be affected by a coronavirus second wave .
Experts from the University of Oxford have created the interactive map showing 'hotspots ' that could be badly hit by another wave of COVID-19 cases .
Researchers have identified at-risk regions based on the number of vulnerable people and available hospital resources to handle outbreaks .
The map reveals specific 'pressure points ' where demand for health services is likely to outstrip baseline local supply .
It also takes into account data on population age , ethnicity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ indicates that Greater Manchester is a lower risk area , with the region facing fewer hospitalisations in both general and acute care .
Greater Manchester is expected to have just over seven hospitalisations per 1,000 people in 'general care ' , with just two in acute care .
This is better than Cheshire which has a figure of 8.5 and 2.8 for general and acute care hospitalisations respectively .
Lancashire has figures of 8.2 per 1,000 for general and 2.7 per 1,000 for acute , while London has 6.2 and 1.7 respectively .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ by various categories , with users able to choose between counties or by clinical commissioning groups , which cover individual parts of the region .
Users can then choose between various measurements , including baseline hospital bed capacity ( general care ) , baseline hospital bed capacity ( acute care ) , excess expected hospital demand relative to baseline capacity ( general care ) and excess expected hospital demand relative to baseline capacity ( acute care ) .
Professor Melinda Mills , author and Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ waves , thinking not only regionally , but at much smaller scale at the neighbourhood level will be the most effective approach to stifle and contain outbreaks , particularly when a lack of track and trace is in place . ''
Their research has shown areas such as the Isle of Wight and Lincolnshire to have some of the highest risk factors .
These areas not only have older populations , but also higher levels of social deprivation .
The report , published today in BMC Medicine , said : `` We estimate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to outstrip the baseline local supply .
`` This again includes rural areas in Wales as well as the north east and south west of England where high expected hospitalization rates combine with relatively low bed capacity .
Importantly , these areas are often more isolated and further away from alternative hospital services . ''
Health bosses in Greater Manchester have previously revealed how they are preparing for a second wave of the virus in coming months .
David Regan , director of public health in Manchesteer , says plans are already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cope with the disease in the long-term .
So far , 2,080 people have died in Greater Manchester 's hospitals after testing positive for the virus .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
A new tool devised by leading university researchers has revealed how Greater Manchester could be affected by a coronavirus second wave.
Experts from the University of Oxford have created the interactive map showing 'hotspots' that could be badly hit by another wave of COVID-19 cases.
Researchers have identified at-risk regions based on the number of vulnerable people and available hospital resources to handle outbreaks.
The map reveals specific 'pressure points' where demand for health services is likely to outstrip baseline local supply.
It also takes into account data on population age, ethnicity, density and social deprivation.
The tool indicates that Greater Manchester is a lower risk area, with the region facing fewer hospitalisations in both general and acute care.
(Image: University of Oxford)
Greater Manchester is expected to have just over seven hospitalisations per 1,000 people in 'general care', with just two in acute care.
This is better than Cheshire which has a figure of 8.5 and 2.8 for general and acute care hospitalisations respectively.
Lancashire has figures of 8.2 per 1,000 for general and 2.7 per 1,000 for acute, while London has 6.2 and 1.7 respectively.
The tool can break down the results by various categories, with users able to choose between counties or by clinical commissioning groups, which cover individual parts of the region.
Users can then choose between various measurements, including baseline hospital bed capacity (general care), baseline hospital bed capacity (acute care), excess expected hospital demand relative to baseline capacity (general care) and excess expected hospital demand relative to baseline capacity (acute care).
Professor Melinda Mills, author and Director of the Leverhulme Centre for Demographic Science said: "With additional outbreaks and second waves, thinking not only regionally, but at much smaller scale at the neighbourhood level will be the most effective approach to stifle and contain outbreaks, particularly when a lack of track and trace is in place."
Their research has shown areas such as the Isle of Wight and Lincolnshire to have some of the highest risk factors. These areas not only have older populations, but also higher levels of social deprivation.
The report, published today in BMC Medicine, said: "We estimate specific pressure points where COVID-19 demand is likely to outstrip the baseline local supply.
"This again includes rural areas in Wales as well as the north east and south west of England where high expected hospitalization rates combine with relatively low bed capacity. Importantly, these areas are often more isolated and further away from alternative hospital services."
Health bosses in Greater Manchester have previously revealed how they are preparing for a second wave of the virus in coming months.
David Regan, director of public health in Manchesteer, says plans are already in place to ensure the city can cope with the disease in the long-term.
So far, 2,080 people have died in Greater Manchester's hospitals after testing positive for the virus.