themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--How to speak to your children about coronavirus

With new cases of coronavirus being confirmed each day , there 's obviously heightened anxiety about the disease .
And while adults are swamped with news articles and TV updates about it , children become all too aware of people 's growing concerns .
But while infections in children have been reported , including in very young children , there is no evidence that children are more susceptible .
However , that wo n't necessarily stop children worrying about it , especially if it 's the talk of the playground .
Manchester consultant educational and child psychologist Dr Paul Kelly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ era of 24-7 news , it 's understandable that children will be concerned .
`` Children and adults have far more access to the latest news than ever before , '' he said .
`` This means that they can be bombarded by some of the same potentially distressing information that adults experience in the headlines .
`` Even when parents are cautious and careful about how much news their children come into contact with , inevitably it is readily available on television , social media , in public places etc . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the emotional state of their parents and carers and they can easily ‘ pick up ’ about how adults feel about this topic and the comments adults are making around them .
`` Also , children do not have the long-term perspective that adults have and may struggle to see a distressing situation in the news as a temporary situation and may see it as a greater concern that adults do . ''
The Stockport-based psychologist , whose Paul Kelly Psychology business works across the north west , said it 's important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to their children and help them make sense of the news and information that they are coming across ' .
`` Of course some news events , such as coronavirus , have unknown implications and adults can feel unsure of how significant it will be and the detail of what may happen next , '' he said .
`` So they should be careful not to guess what will happen in terms of a worse case scenario when talking with their children . ''
So what can you do to allay their fears @ @ @ @ @ @ @ advice on what parents can do .
Useful tips for talking with younger children about coronavirus : • Ask your child what they already know .
This is a great way to find out what your starting point of conversations could be and also to help ‘ fact-check ’ what they know .
Sometimes young children ’ s thinking can take a different path than adults ’ , and they can misunderstand the terms and words being used .
This is a good opportunity to help clear up any misunderstandings they may have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be cautious about the amount of news a young child is exposed to .
Unexplained news events and updates on coronavirus can be confusing and overwhelming for younger children .
• Ask if they have any questions .
Encourage your child to ask questions and try to be honest with your answers in a way that is age-appropriate .
A young child doesn ’ t need to know upsetting detail about topics but also should be given honest , if cautious , information .
Don ’ t be tempted to make false promises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• Increase empathy .
If your child is distressed or seems upset then it is a good time to give more nurturing - lots of hugs and quiet time together , if that is what your child likes .
Useful tips for talking with older children about coronavirus : • Teenagers typically start to rely more on the opinions and views of their peers .
A useful conversation with a teenager is to ask what their friends think or know about coronavirus .
This can help deflect the questions away from probing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , since they are likely to be heavily influence by their peers , it can be a good way to start to unpick what they are thinking and how they are feeling about the topic .
• Encourage an ongoing dialogue .
Keep the communication channels open to keep taking with your child and to help answer questions where you can .
Encourage them to discuss the topic with you if they want to .
Earlier , we reported how doctor Chris van Tulleken and his twin brother Xand , who front the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had shared their own advice for kids , urging them not 'to spend too much time worrying about ' it .
And they urged kids to do the 'coronavirus handshake ' - tapping elbows rather than handshakes or high-fives - to prevent the spread of disease .
Save the Children 's charity has also issued advice , sharing a number of posters on its Facebook page with messages on 'how to talk to kids about coronavirus ' .
• Get informed first - Read about COVID-19 from trustworthy sources .
• Start by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misinformation they may have heard .
• Keep calm - Answer their questions honestly and simply .
• Do n't overshare - Think about whether info will make them more anxious - or less .
• Validate their feelings and reassure them - I know this is scary , but the risk is still low , and we 're well prepared .
• Teach good hygiene and make it fun - Sing a favourite short song while scrubbing hands .

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
With new cases of coronavirus being confirmed each day, there's obviously heightened anxiety about the disease.
And while adults are swamped with news articles and TV updates about it, children become all too aware of people's growing concerns.
But while infections in children have been reported, including in very young children, there is no evidence that children are more susceptible.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
However, that won't necessarily stop children worrying about it, especially if it's the talk of the playground.
Manchester consultant educational and child psychologist Dr Paul Kelly says that in today's era of 24-7 news, it's understandable that children will be concerned.
"Children and adults have far more access to the latest news than ever before," he said.
"This means that they can be bombarded by some of the same potentially distressing information that adults experience in the headlines.
"Even when parents are cautious and careful about how much news their children come into contact with, inevitably it is readily available on television, social media, in public places etc."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He added: "Children are sensitive to the emotional state of their parents and carers and they can easily ‘pick up’ about how adults feel about this topic and the comments adults are making around them.
"Also, children do not have the long-term perspective that adults have and may struggle to see a distressing situation in the news as a temporary situation and may see it as a greater concern that adults do."
The Stockport-based psychologist, whose Paul Kelly Psychology business works across the north west, said it's important for 'adults to help explain the situation to their children and help them make sense of the news and information that they are coming across'.
"Of course some news events, such as coronavirus, have unknown implications and adults can feel unsure of how significant it will be and the detail of what may happen next," he said. "So they should be careful not to guess what will happen in terms of a worse case scenario when talking with their children."
So what can you do to allay their fears?
Here, Dr Kelly offers some advice on what parents can do.
Useful tips for talking with younger children about coronavirus:
Ask your child what they already know. This is a great way to find out what your starting point of conversations could be and also to help ‘fact-check’ what they know. Sometimes young children’s thinking can take a different path than adults’, and they can misunderstand the terms and words being used. This is a good opportunity to help clear up any misunderstandings they may have.
Limit news. Adults should be cautious about the amount of news a young child is exposed to. Unexplained news events and updates on coronavirus can be confusing and overwhelming for younger children.
Ask if they have any questions. Encourage your child to ask questions and try to be honest with your answers in a way that is age-appropriate. A young child doesn’t need to know upsetting detail about topics but also should be given honest, if cautious, information. Don’t be tempted to make false promises which you cannot be sure of.
Increase empathy. If your child is distressed or seems upset then it is a good time to give more nurturing - lots of hugs and quiet time together, if that is what your child likes.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Useful tips for talking with older children about coronavirus:
Teenagers typically start to rely more on the opinions and views of their peers. A useful conversation with a teenager is to ask what their friends think or know about coronavirus. This can help deflect the questions away from probing too deeply about their thoughts initially and, since they are likely to be heavily influence by their peers, it can be a good way to start to unpick what they are thinking and how they are feeling about the topic.
Encourage an ongoing dialogue. Keep the communication channels open to keep taking with your child and to help answer questions where you can. Encourage them to discuss the topic with you if they want to.
Earlier, we reported how doctor Chris van Tulleken and his twin brother Xand, who front the CBBC TV programme Operation Ouch!, had shared their own advice for kids, urging them not 'to spend too much time worrying about' it.
And they urged kids to do the 'coronavirus handshake' - tapping elbows rather than handshakes or high-fives - to prevent the spread of disease.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Save the Children's charity has also issued advice, sharing a number of posters on its Facebook page with messages on 'how to talk to kids about coronavirus'.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The advice includes:


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--McDonald's Monopoly is returning, but some fans aren't happy

Yesterday McDonald 's finally announced when we can expect McDonald 's Monopoly to return .
YASSSS .
Posting on Twitter , the fast-food chain confirmed that the popular game will return to stores on 25 of March , so we can all gear up and get ready to start peeling those stickers in the hopes of winning an apple pie or a brand new car .
McDonald 's has not yet revealed the prize pool for 2020 , but has confirmed to us that it will be unveiled next week .
However , since news of the game 's return @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ask the same question - 'can you really win anything but food ? '
Posting on the social media platform , one person asked : `` Has anyone actually won anything more than a free medium soft drink or apple pie from McDonald 's monopoly ? ''
Another said : `` Not even looking forward to McDonald 's Monopoly this year as it was such a disappointment last year .
Think I won a couple of fruit bags and an apple pie in all @ McDonaldsUK `` '' McDonald 's Monopoly returns this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ food ? ''
quizzed another .
A fourth joked : `` Monopoly is coming back on the 25th and I 'm excited to bag myself some carrot sticks . ''
Manchester Evening News approached McDonald 's and asked for a comment on this year 's prize offering .
A spokesperson said : `` It is nonsense to suggest that only food prizes are won in our popular McDonald ’ s Monopoly .
Over the past 14 years , millions of non-food prizes have been won , such as houses , cars and holidays @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million prizes were claimed and three lucky winners won £100,000 . ''
They added : `` We look forward to our customers taking part in our McDonald ’ s Monopoly again this year . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Yesterday McDonald's finally announced when we can expect McDonald's Monopoly to return. YASSSS.
Posting on Twitter, the fast-food chain confirmed that the popular game will return to stores on 25 of March, so we can all gear up and get ready to start peeling those stickers in the hopes of winning an apple pie or a brand new car.
McDonald's has not yet revealed the prize pool for 2020, but has confirmed to us that it will be unveiled next week.
However, since news of the game's return, shoppers have taken to Twitter to ask the same question - 'can you really win anything but food?'
Posting on the social media platform, one person asked: "Has anyone actually won anything more than a free medium soft drink or apple pie from McDonald's monopoly?"
Another said: "Not even looking forward to McDonald's Monopoly this year as it was such a disappointment last year. Think I won a couple of fruit bags and an apple pie in all @McDonaldsUK "
"McDonald's Monopoly returns this month, anyone ever won out except food?" quizzed another.
A fourth joked: "Monopoly is coming back on the 25th and I'm excited to bag myself some carrot sticks."
Manchester Evening News approached McDonald's and asked for a comment on this year's prize offering.
A spokesperson said: "It is nonsense to suggest that only food prizes are won in our popular McDonald’s Monopoly. Over the past 14 years, millions of non-food prizes have been won, such as houses, cars and holidays, including last year, where 12 million prizes were claimed and three lucky winners won £100,000."
They added: "We look forward to our customers taking part in our McDonald’s Monopoly again this year."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--Shoppers are being urged to ditch cash over Coronavirus fears

Shoppers are being urged to wash their hands after using banknotes , or opt for contactless payment instead , over fears physical money could carry bacteria and viruses .
The warning comes as the Coronavirus toll reaches 51 , with cases confirmed in Greater Manchester , Bury and Bolton .
Speaking to the Telegraph , a World Health Organization spokesperson said : `` We know that money changes hands frequently and can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses .
`` We would advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes , and avoid touching their face .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ advisable to use contactless payments to reduce the risk of transmission . ''
Scientific research by the London Metropolitan University also found that £5 and £10 polymer notes already in circulation held eight types of bacteria between them when tested .
That included Listeria – which can cause nausea , diarrhoea and even miscarriages – and the antibiotic resistant Enterococcus faecium .
Staphylococcus Aureus ( MRSA ) was found on the £10 notes during the study , which was conducted in 2018 .
An expert from London-based electronic payments provider myPOS , said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make transactions is so much safer than handling notes and coins which can hold life-threatening bugs .
`` With each note and coin likely to have been touched by thousands of people , you can only imagine how much bacteria they are exposed to – whereas a debit or credit card is easy to keep clean . ''
They continued : `` We are fast becoming a cashless society , so much so it ’ s now less convenient to get cash out of an ATM rather than make a card payment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ evidence , people who use card payments instead could be saving themselves from a number of health risks . ''

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
Shoppers are being urged to wash their hands after using banknotes, or opt for contactless payment instead, over fears physical money could carry bacteria and viruses.
The warning comes as the Coronavirus toll reaches 51, with cases confirmed in Greater Manchester, Bury and Bolton.
Speaking to the Telegraph, a World Health Organization spokesperson said: "We know that money changes hands frequently and can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses.
"We would advise people to wash their hands after handling banknotes, and avoid touching their face.
"When possible it would also be advisable to use contactless payments to reduce the risk of transmission."
Scientific research by the London Metropolitan University also found that £5 and £10 polymer notes already in circulation held eight types of bacteria between them when tested.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
That included Listeria – which can cause nausea, diarrhoea and even miscarriages – and the antibiotic resistant Enterococcus faecium. Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) was found on the £10 notes during the study, which was conducted in 2018.
An expert from London-based electronic payments provider myPOS , said: "Using a contactless card to make transactions is so much safer than handling notes and coins which can hold life-threatening bugs.
"With each note and coin likely to have been touched by thousands of people, you can only imagine how much bacteria they are exposed to – whereas a debit or credit card is easy to keep clean."
They continued: "We are fast becoming a cashless society, so much so it’s now less convenient to get cash out of an ATM rather than make a card payment.
"And, looking at the scientific evidence, people who use card payments instead could be saving themselves from a number of health risks."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--Man taken to hospital with stab wound after 'large fight' in Rochdale

A man has been taken to hospital after being stabbed in a fight in Rochdale .
A total of three people were injured and six men are in custody being questioned tonight ( Tues ) after the disturbance .
Violence broke out on Yorkshire Street in the town centre shortly before 2pm this afternoon .
Police say they were called to reports of a large fight involving two groups of men .
During the altercation one man suffered a stab wound to his arm .
A knife was subsequently recovered from the scene the Manchester Evening News has been told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was taken to hospital .
Two others were also hurt , although their injuries are not believed to be serious and have been described as 'superifical . '
A total of six people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and are tonight in custody being questioned .
A large number of police cars and vans , including a dog unit , were seen at the scene close to the junction with Union Street this afternoon .
In a statement Greater Manchester Police said : `` At around 1.45pm on Tuesday 3 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a violent disorder on Yorkshire Street in Rochdale .
`` Three men were taken to hospital with minor injuries .
`` Six men have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in custody . ''
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
To keep up with Rochdale news sign up to the MyRochdale newsletter here
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
To keep up with Rochdale news sign up to the MyRochdale newsletter here
A man has been taken to hospital after being stabbed in a fight in Rochdale.
A total of three people were injured and six men are in custody being questioned tonight (Tues) after the disturbance.
Violence broke out on Yorkshire Street in the town centre shortly before 2pm this afternoon.
Police say they were called to reports of a large fight involving two groups of men.
During the altercation one man suffered a stab wound to his arm.
A knife was subsequently recovered from the scene the Manchester Evening News has been told.
Paramedics were called and a man was taken to hospital.
Two others were also hurt, although their injuries are not believed to be serious and have been described as 'superifical.'
A total of six people have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and are tonight in custody being questioned.
A large number of police cars and vans, including a dog unit, were seen at the scene close to the junction with Union Street this afternoon.
In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 1.45pm on Tuesday 3 March 2020 police were called to reports of a violent disorder on Yorkshire Street in Rochdale.
"Three men were taken to hospital with minor injuries.
"Six men have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in custody."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--Sergio Ramos explains Real Madrid red card hope for Man City Champions League fixture

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos hopes the club will appeal the red card he suffered during the defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League .
Pep Guardiola 's men came from behind to secure a memorable 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne to hand them the advantage heading into the second leg .
Madrid 's chances of progression were dealt a significant blow with Ramos receiving his marching orders in the second-half for a cynical foul on Jesus .
The Brazilian raced through on goal and was pulled back by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ card meaning he will miss the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium on March 17 .
Nevertheless , the Madrid captain has revealed he hopes the club will appeal the decision so he can feature in the game .
`` For me , it was a slight touch , '' he said after the 2-0 win against Barcelona .
`` The possibility of appealing is there .
For me , definitely .
`` Any option of me playing that match , Madrid will look at and I will apply pressure .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and others say no .
`` That 's football and you ca n't go back .
There 's still a wonderful game to come . ''

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
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos hopes the club will appeal the red card he suffered during the defeat against Manchester City in the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola's men came from behind to secure a memorable 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne to hand them the advantage heading into the second leg.
Madrid's chances of progression were dealt a significant blow with Ramos receiving his marching orders in the second-half for a cynical foul on Jesus.
The Brazilian raced through on goal and was pulled back by the Spaniard who was given a straight red card meaning he will miss the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium on March 17.
Nevertheless, the Madrid captain has revealed he hopes the club will appeal the decision so he can feature in the game.
"For me, it was a slight touch," he said after the 2-0 win against Barcelona.
"The possibility of appealing is there. For me, definitely.
"Any option of me playing that match, Madrid will look at and I will apply pressure.
"The criteria is relative. Some say yes and others say no.
"That's football and you can't go back. There's still a wonderful game to come."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--Council could have to pay back £80m in loans over the next 10 years

A council could have to repay up to £80million in loans in the next 10 years , according to their investment strategy , but said it is setting funds aside to do so .
Trafford Council could also have to repay almost £30m in loans in just one year in 2026 and these figures and future debt repayment timetables have worried opposition councillors .
The authority has been borrowing money from the government 's public works loans board ( PWLB ) fund for the last few years , as many councils have done across the UK .
But in October @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more than doubled overnight from 0.8pc to 1.8pc , which council bosses say effectively wiped £500,000 from Trafford Council 's coffers in 24 hours .
It is understood the interest hike from the Government in October 2019 was designed to act as a deterrent from over-borrowing for local authorities .
Trafford Council says it sets aside money every year to repay the Government loans and it rigorously assesses all loans before they are taken out to work out if they are sustainable in the long-term .
A pattern has emerged across the country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trafford , borrowing millions from these Government loans to invest in commercial property and make returns to support their services .
Trafford Council 's leader , Coun Andrew Western , has made it clear he believes the investment strategy is needed to offset central Government cuts to local authority budgets in recent years .
A total of £150m has been wiped from Trafford Council 's budget since 2010 .
Across the country , some councils have faced up to 60 per cent budget cuts .
Trafford Council 's budget document includes an appendix @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on its current loans from the Government 's PWLB funds .
In that appendix for the financial year 2060-61 , big loans of up to £80m are set to mature , meaning that in 50 years ' time , in just one year , these loans could all be called in at once and would have to be repaid in full .
Similarly , loans of almost £30m will need to be repaid much sooner , also in just one year , in 2026 .
The document includes a graph that shows that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £80m worth of loans would need to be repaid in full by the council .
Coun Julian Newgrosh , Trafford 's Liberal Democrats group leader , said he is concerned by these figures and thinks the council is storing up too much debt for the future .
At a full council meeting last week when the 2020-21 budget was approved , he and shadow finance cabinet member for the Conservative Group Coun Patrick Myers voiced their fears .
But Coun Newgrosh was told he had a `` concerning lack of understanding '' about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Western ( Labour ) .
Coun Newgrosh said : `` I 'm not inside the investment strategy board , I fully accept that I 'm not privy to the inside facts , but I have as good a grasp on the deal as I can from the publicly available information .
`` The council is building towards £2bn worth of borrowing .
We 're loading our debt on the next generation .
`` Think how much things have changed in the last 50 years , if our forefathers had agreed to a deal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's a long-term risk .
`` There are threats coming too - the shock to the markets that will come from Brexit .
It 's now gone too far .
`` Labour inherited this [ investment strategy ] from the Conservatives , but they 're continuing it .
Things are getting worse and they 're still continuing it . ''
Coun Newgrosh added that , as leader of the Liberal Democrats , he had been asked to join the investment board , but he refused to sign a `` pretty broad '' non-disclosure @ @ @ @ @ @ @ CBRE in November 2019 .
That `` gagging order '' , seen by the M.E.N.
, requires those who sign it not to share details of the investment board , its discussions or deals for commercial sensitivity reasons .
Commercial sensitivity is standard practice among councils and other public bodies .
But the document also includes a clause stating the council will pursue investment board members that have undermined or ruined investment deals for the value of its associated financial losses .
Coun Newgrosh says this in particular was why he refused to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ board .
In the last three years , Trafford Council 's investment strategy has seen the authority borrow up to £194 million from government loan schemes .
In 2019 alone , the council spent £153 million on property purchases and investments ; including lending £60 million to the owners of the CIS Tower in central Manchester to support a refurb .
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said : “ Like all councils , we borrow from the Public Works Loan Board for a variety of reasons .
These range from improving council assets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ town centres and our investment schemes .
Borrowing is only undertaken where there is a long term benefit from the expenditure and any borrowing is affordable in the long term .
“ Although we can not borrow money for day-to-day expenditure , we can use our investment strategy to produce a steady source of revenue .
This enables us to invest more in frontline services such as education and social care , or avoid having to make cuts .
“ Every year we set aside money in order that loans can be repaid @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case of asset investments , the money is set aside every year out of any returns on the investment before the rest of the investment returns are used to pay for services for the people of Trafford . ''
A spokesperson for CBRE said : `` In line with our company policy , we do not comment on client strategies .
”

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 council could have to repay up to £80million in loans in the next 10 years, according to their investment strategy, but said it is setting funds aside to do so.
Trafford Council could also have to repay almost £30m in loans in just one year in 2026 and these figures and future debt repayment timetables have worried opposition councillors.
The authority has been borrowing money from the government's public works loans board (PWLB) fund for the last few years, as many councils have done across the UK.
But in October 2019 the interest rates on those loans more than doubled overnight from 0.8pc to 1.8pc, which council bosses say effectively wiped £500,000 from Trafford Council's coffers in 24 hours.
It is understood the interest hike from the Government in October 2019 was designed to act as a deterrent from over-borrowing for local authorities.
Trafford Council says it sets aside money every year to repay the Government loans and it rigorously assesses all loans before they are taken out to work out if they are sustainable in the long-term.
A pattern has emerged across the country of a number of councils, including Trafford, borrowing millions from these Government loans to invest in commercial property and make returns to support their services.
Trafford Council's leader, Coun Andrew Western, has made it clear he believes the investment strategy is needed to offset central Government cuts to local authority budgets in recent years.
A total of £150m has been wiped from Trafford Council's budget since 2010. Across the country, some councils have faced up to 60 per cent budget cuts.
Trafford Council's budget document includes an appendix which shows a projected loan repayment profile on its current loans from the Government's PWLB funds.
In that appendix for the financial year 2060-61, big loans of up to £80m are set to mature, meaning that in 50 years' time, in just one year, these loans could all be called in at once and would have to be repaid in full.
Similarly, loans of almost £30m will need to be repaid much sooner, also in just one year, in 2026.
Trafford news We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news in Trafford. To keep up to date with all that is happening in Trafford - and to join in the discussion - follow the page here. And you can also follow us on Twitter.
The document includes a graph that shows that between now and 2030, up to £80m worth of loans would need to be repaid in full by the council.
Coun Julian Newgrosh, Trafford's Liberal Democrats group leader, said he is concerned by these figures and thinks the council is storing up too much debt for the future.
At a full council meeting last week when the 2020-21 budget was approved, he and shadow finance cabinet member for the Conservative Group Coun Patrick Myers voiced their fears.
But Coun Newgrosh was told he had a "concerning lack of understanding" about the strategy by council leader Coun Andrew Western (Labour).
Coun Newgrosh said: "I'm not inside the investment strategy board, I fully accept that I'm not privy to the inside facts, but I have as good a grasp on the deal as I can from the publicly available information.
"The council is building towards £2bn worth of borrowing. We're loading our debt on the next generation.
"Think how much things have changed in the last 50 years, if our forefathers had agreed to a deal like this 50 years ago... it's a long-term risk.
"There are threats coming too - the shock to the markets that will come from Brexit. It's now gone too far.
"Labour inherited this [investment strategy] from the Conservatives, but they're continuing it. Things are getting worse and they're still continuing it."
Coun Newgrosh added that, as leader of the Liberal Democrats, he had been asked to join the investment board, but he refused to sign a "pretty broad" non-disclosure agreement put in front of him by CBRE in November 2019.
That "gagging order", seen by the M.E.N., requires those who sign it not to share details of the investment board, its discussions or deals for commercial sensitivity reasons.
Commercial sensitivity is standard practice among councils and other public bodies.
But the document also includes a clause stating the council will pursue investment board members that have undermined or ruined investment deals for the value of its associated financial losses.
Coun Newgrosh says this in particular was why he refused to sign and forfeited his seat on the board.
In the last three years, Trafford Council's investment strategy has seen the authority borrow up to £194 million from government loan schemes.
In 2019 alone, the council spent £153 million on property purchases and investments; including lending £60 million to the owners of the CIS Tower in central Manchester to support a refurb.
A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “Like all councils, we borrow from the Public Works Loan Board for a variety of reasons. These range from improving council assets and infrastructure, to regeneration of our town centres and our investment schemes. Borrowing is only undertaken where there is a long term benefit from the expenditure and any borrowing is affordable in the long term.
“Although we cannot borrow money for day-to-day expenditure, we can use our investment strategy to produce a steady source of revenue. This enables us to invest more in frontline services such as education and social care, or avoid having to make cuts.
“Every year we set aside money in order that loans can be repaid when they are due. In the case of asset investments, the money is set aside every year out of any returns on the investment before the rest of the investment returns are used to pay for services for the people of Trafford."
A spokesperson for CBRE said: "In line with our company policy, we do not comment on client strategies.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--Former Manchester United winger Henrikh Mkhitaryan reveals Jose Mourinho breakfast confrontation

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed how Jose Mourinho once blamed him for his own criticism during their time at Manchester United .
The pair spent 18 months at Old Trafford together , before the Armenian international left to Arsenal in January 2018 with Alexis Sanchez coming the other way .
Mkhitaryan 's goal in the Europa League final triumph of 2017 was his crowning moment in a United shirt but he has revealed how his relationship with Mourinho deteriorated after a confrontation at breakfast one morning .
“ Once Mourinho saw me at breakfast and said to me : ‘ Because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ’ ” he told Forza Roma .
“ I replied : ‘ Really , mister ?
I ’ m not doing it on purpose ’ .
“ Back in Manchester United there were paparazzi three days a week .
They filmed you as you got in the car , how you were dressed .
“ Once you arrived at the sports centre they were already there .
Every step was controlled.
” When further pressed on the former United manager Mkhitaryan admitted it could be difficult to work with Mourinho during their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added : “ Yes , I could say yes .
“ He ’ s a winner by nature .
He wants you to win and you do what he asks you .
“ It ’ s difficult for anyone .
There have been differences and conflicts , but they have not had a strong impact on good work and the three trophies won .
”

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
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed how Jose Mourinho once blamed him for his own criticism during their time at Manchester United.
The pair spent 18 months at Old Trafford together, before the Armenian international left to Arsenal in January 2018 with Alexis Sanchez coming the other way.
Mkhitaryan's goal in the Europa League final triumph of 2017 was his crowning moment in a United shirt but he has revealed how his relationship with Mourinho deteriorated after a confrontation at breakfast one morning.
“Once Mourinho saw me at breakfast and said to me: ‘Because of you, the press criticises me,’” he told Forza Roma.
“I replied: ‘Really, mister? I’m not doing it on purpose’.
“Back in Manchester United there were paparazzi three days a week. They filmed you as you got in the car, how you were dressed.
“Once you arrived at the sports centre they were already there. Every step was controlled.”
When further pressed on the former United manager Mkhitaryan admitted it could be difficult to work with Mourinho during their time at Old Trafford.
The Armenian added: “Yes, I could say yes.
“He’s a winner by nature. He wants you to win and you do what he asks you.
“It’s difficult for anyone. There have been differences and conflicts, but they have not had a strong impact on good work and the three trophies won.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--Wirral school shuts as parent tests positive for coronavirus

A school has been shut after one if its pupil 's parents tested positive for coronavirus .
Hilbre High School in West Kirby , Wirral , is closed today said parent attended the school on Monday - before knowing they had the virus .
It comes after it was announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Tuesday afternoon that 12 new cases had been confirmed in the UK bringing the latest total up to 51 .
Three of these cases were in Bury and Bolton - meaning four people in Greater Manchester have now been diagnosed with coronavirus .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ head teacher Mark Bellamy said in a letter to parents that he has taken the decision to close the school entirely until at least Friday and accepted that this does not necessarily align with the current advice from the Chief Medical Officer .
Mr Bellamy also used the letter to confirm that the latest case is not connected to the school 's recent trip to Northern Italy .
He added : `` No student or member of staff who went on the ski trip has tested positive for coronavirus .
Last week , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following advice from the government and Public Health England .
`` Today , as I believe this confirmed case directly impacts on my students and staff , it is for this reason I am closing the school .
`` Hilbre High School will reopen when I am confident that there is no risk to students following today 's coronavirus information .
Once I know the outcome to tests done on the students concerned , I will then be able to make an informed decision about when to reopen . ''
Cabinet Minister Matt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus to the UK is `` increasingly serious '' but stressed the government and the NHS are `` well-prepared '' .
The Government has drawn up a 'battle plan ' for dealing with a potential coronavirus pandemic as cases in the UK and globally continue to rise .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Liam Thorp, George Morgan, Jessica Sansome)

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 school has been shut after one if its pupil's parents tested positive for coronavirus.
Hilbre High School in West Kirby, Wirral, is closed today said parent attended the school on Monday - before knowing they had the virus.
It comes after it was announced by Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Tuesday afternoon that 12 new cases had been confirmed in the UK bringing the latest total up to 51.
Three of these cases were in Bury and Bolton - meaning four people in Greater Manchester have now been diagnosed with coronavirus.
The Liverpool Echo reports that Hilbre High School head teacher Mark Bellamy said in a letter to parents that he has taken the decision to close the school entirely until at least Friday and accepted that this does not necessarily align with the current advice from the Chief Medical Officer.
(Image: Google Maps)
Mr Bellamy also used the letter to confirm that the latest case is not connected to the school's recent trip to Northern Italy.
He added: "No student or member of staff who went on the ski trip has tested positive for coronavirus. Last week, I chose to keep the school open following advice from the government and Public Health England.
"Today, as I believe this confirmed case directly impacts on my students and staff, it is for this reason I am closing the school.
"Hilbre High School will reopen when I am confident that there is no risk to students following today's coronavirus information. Once I know the outcome to tests done on the students concerned, I will then be able to make an informed decision about when to reopen."
Cabinet Minister Matt Hancock said today that the threat of coronavirus to the UK is "increasingly serious" but stressed the government and the NHS are "well-prepared".
The Government has drawn up a 'battle plan' for dealing with a potential coronavirus pandemic as cases in the UK and globally continue to rise.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--Woman found dead at her home in Swinton - police say there are no suspicious circumstances

A woman in her 50s has been found dead at her home in Swinton .
Emergency services were alerted yesterday @ @ @ @ @ Blantyre Street .
In a statement Greater Manchester Police said : `` Police were called @ @ @ @ @ a report that the body of a woman had been found at a property on @ @ @ @ @ `` Emergency services attended and sadly found the body of a woman in her 50s @ @ @ @ @ to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death .
`` A file will be passed @ @ @ @ @ Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here @ @ @ @ @ device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent directly to @ @ @ @ @ the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook @ @

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
A woman in her 50s has been found dead at her home in Swinton .
Emergency services were alerted yesterday and attended a property in Blantyre Street.
In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called by the ambulance service to a report that the body of a woman had been found at a property on Blantyre Street, Salford .
"Emergency services attended and sadly found the body of a woman in her 50s.
"There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.
"A file will be passed to the coroner."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent directly to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--Horrific moment banned driver mowed down a police officer leaving him in a coma

A banned driver who left a police officer injured in the street with a fractured skull has been jailed for seven years and four months .
Tekle Lennox was caught on a motorist 's dashcam footage as he struck down PC Chris Burnham , of West Midlands Police , onto his Mini windscreen and carried him on the bonnet for almost three seconds , before throwing him into the road .
PC Burnham was placed in an induced coma for several days and spent a month in hospital .
The 48-year-old was with a colleague in a marked police car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted for domestic robbery - driving in Coventry on September 25 , last year .
The 37-year-old , of no fixed address , failed to stop but got caught up in traffic approaching a roundabout on Burnaby Road .
The police officer , who has been with the force for 25 years , is shown sprinting toward the stationary Mini before Lennox sped off and veered around the island before hitting the officer .
Police later found the Mini abandoned a short distance away , while CCTV footage showed Lennox running away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was found and arrested two days later .
Lennox − who was banned from the roads in 2017 for dangerous driving and again the next year for driving while disqualified − was initially charged with attempted murder but yesterday admitted wounding with intent to resist arrest .
He showed no emotion in the dock at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday as he watched footage of his victim lying injured .
The court heard that PC Burnham was left with with multiple injuries , including a shattered knee and a bleed on the brain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Peter Cooke heard that Lennox had only a third of a second to react after PC Burnham emerged on foot from behind a van – but then failed to brake , and later increased his speed from around 18mph to 24mph .
Passing sentence , Judge Cooke also handed pub worker Lennox a five-year driving ban to be served after his expected release from prison .
The judge accepted that no driver would have had sufficient time to avoid the collision , but said Lennox had put in train a set of events @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life - possibly forever .
The judge said : `` The impacts on PC Burnham have been profound and , sad to say , the degree of permanence of those consequences remain uncertain even today .
“ He and his family have been through hell over the past few months .
These events came about because you would not be stopped by the police when you were at the wheel of that Mini.
” Describing the collision , the judge told Lennox : “ You hit Mr Burnham … he was thrown up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the bonnet of the vehicle .
“ He was then carried 42 metres along the road from the point of impact before he fell from the car .
“ During that period you made no attempt whatever to mitigate your speed .
If anything you just accelerated to get away.
” PC Burnham − who is married and has one son − has not returned to policing since as he continues his recovery from the physical and psychological consequences of the collision .
Offering mitigation for Lennox , Bernard Tetlow QC described the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that there was no intention to drive at or towards the officer .
Mr Tetlow said Lennox had continued to drive due to a “ combination of panic , shock and fear , and an ongoing intent to evade arrest ” .
The barrister told Judge Cooke : “ In no sense was the car being used as a weapon .
Mr Lennox accepts that that was reckless behaviour .
“ He obviously wishes he could turn back the clock .
He is very sorry and remorseful for his actions on that day @ @

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
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss out on the big stories from Manchester's courts with our weekly newsletter
A banned driver who left a police officer injured in the street with a fractured skull has been jailed for seven years and four months.
Tekle Lennox was caught on a motorist's dashcam footage as he struck down PC Chris Burnham, of West Midlands Police, onto his Mini windscreen and carried him on the bonnet for almost three seconds, before throwing him into the road.
PC Burnham was placed in an induced coma for several days and spent a month in hospital.
The 48-year-old was with a colleague in a marked police car when he spotted Lennox - who was wanted for domestic robbery - driving in Coventry on September 25, last year.
The 37-year-old, of no fixed address, failed to stop but got caught up in traffic approaching a roundabout on Burnaby Road.
The police officer, who has been with the force for 25 years, is shown sprinting toward the stationary Mini before Lennox sped off and veered around the island before hitting the officer.
Police later found the Mini abandoned a short distance away, while CCTV footage showed Lennox running away from the car with his dog. He was found and arrested two days later.
Lennox − who was banned from the roads in 2017 for dangerous driving and again the next year for driving while disqualified − was initially charged with attempted murder but yesterday admitted wounding with intent to resist arrest.
He showed no emotion in the dock at Warwick Crown Court on Tuesday as he watched footage of his victim lying injured.
The court heard that PC Burnham was left with with multiple injuries, including a shattered knee and a bleed on the brain associated with a head injury.
Judge Peter Cooke heard that Lennox had only a third of a second to react after PC Burnham emerged on foot from behind a van – but then failed to brake, and later increased his speed from around 18mph to 24mph.
Passing sentence, Judge Cooke also handed pub worker Lennox a five-year driving ban to be served after his expected release from prison.
The judge accepted that no driver would have had sufficient time to avoid the collision, but said Lennox had put in train a set of events that had changed PC Burnham’s life - possibly forever.
The judge said: "The impacts on PC Burnham have been profound and, sad to say, the degree of permanence of those consequences remain uncertain even today.
“He and his family have been through hell over the past few months. These events came about because you would not be stopped by the police when you were at the wheel of that Mini.”
Describing the collision, the judge told Lennox: “You hit Mr Burnham … he was thrown up in the most horrific fashion on to the bonnet of the vehicle.
“He was then carried 42 metres along the road from the point of impact before he fell from the car.
“During that period you made no attempt whatever to mitigate your speed. If anything you just accelerated to get away.”
PC Burnham − who is married and has one son − has not returned to policing since as he continues his recovery from the physical and psychological consequences of the collision.
Offering mitigation for Lennox, Bernard Tetlow QC described the offence as an accident in the sense that there was no intention to drive at or towards the officer.
Mr Tetlow said Lennox had continued to drive due to a “combination of panic, shock and fear, and an ongoing intent to evade arrest”.
The barrister told Judge Cooke: “In no sense was the car being used as a weapon. Mr Lennox accepts that that was reckless behaviour.
“He obviously wishes he could turn back the clock. He is very sorry and remorseful for his actions on that day.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--M56 closed in both directions near Runcorn after crash - latest updates

The M56 has been closed in both directions following a crash near Runcorn .
Traffic is currently held between junctions @ @ @ @ @ for Runcorn - with long delays building up in the area .
North West Motorway @ @ @ @ @ involved a car and mororcylist .
Highways England say traffic is held as a result @ @ @ @ @ services , including the air ambulance , work in the carriageway .
They have advised @ @ @ @ @ .
We will have the latest traffic and travel updates in our live blog below @ @ @ @ @ on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or @ @ @ @ @ also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day @ @ @ @ @ - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here

The M56 has been closed in both directions following a crash near Runcorn.
Traffic is currently held between junctions 14 for Helsby and 12 for Runcorn - with long delays building up in the area.
North West Motorway Police tweeted that the crash involved a car and mororcylist.
Highways England say traffic is held as a result of this collision while emergency services, including the air ambulance, work in the carriageway. They have advised people to avoid the area.
We will have the latest traffic and travel updates in our live blog below.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-03--'Our world will shrink tremendously': Those living in Greater Manchester's most remote village set t

'Our world will shrink tremendously': Those living in Greater Manchester's most remote village set to be left behind

“ Without the bus my house would become a prison - I feel desperate enough about it to say that.
” Pensioner Kath Shuttleworth lives in Mellor - Greater Manchester 's most isolated village that sits on the fringes of the Peak District .
Like many retirees , 85-year-old Kath sees the village 's sole bus , the 375 , as a lifeline - taking her to regular appointments at Stepping Hill and for shopping trips in nearby Marple Bridge .
However it could soon disappear altogether after TfGM 's committee decided funding it is no longer financially viable , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a £10m cut for subsidised services meant ‘ a line in the sand ’ had to be drawn .
That controversial decision has been ‘ called in ’ for scrutiny by the combined authority - meaning the panel could be asked to think again .
But , for now , the prospect of losing the bus from mid-April continues to hang over the `` devastated '' village - and none more so than its elderly residents .
Kath says the loss of the 375 will mean her world - and that of her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tremendously ’ .
“ We ’ ll have no access to the station , no access to Marple , no access to anywhere - we can ’ t go out for a day out to Hayfield , we can ’ t do anything .
And we can ’ t drive , either of us , '' says Kath .
“ I have absolutely wonderful neighbours , lots of people are very helpful .
“ But I can ’ t forever be asking people if they can do this and that for us - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And it limits where you can ask people to take you .
“ If you are desperate for bread or milk you can sort it out by doing that - but not just for a day out for a change - and it ’ s such a beautiful area , too.
” Shops , banks , hairdressers and doctor ’ s surgeries may be just two miles down the road but for the elderly and less mobile it ’ s not an option .
“ It ’ s that 1.5 mile walk back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knees , it ’ s bad for lots of things - with shopping it would not be feasible , ” adds Peter .
Another of the village ’ s more seasoned residents is 83-year-old Nora Warburton .
Mellor born-and-bred , she uses the 375 to get to her hairdresser in Marple every fortnight and visits a friend there ‘ three or four times a week ’ .
Without the bus , Nora would have to walk to Marple Bridge or use a path through the Roman Lakes - described as a ‘ rough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get to to Marple itself .
Unconvinced by the suitability of the local link shared minibus that has been mooted to replace the 375 , which will have to be booked in advance , she fears having to use expensive taxis in the near future .
She adds : “ We should not have to rely on a taxi in this day and age , it would cost a fortune .
“ We would just be lost without that bus.
” But it ’ s not just the older people of the village @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the other end of the age-spectrum are the teenagers who rely on the 375 to get them to and from their after-school clubs - and enjoy the extra freedom it brings them .
Its loss would be keenly felt , especially given Andy Burnham ’ s much vaunted ‘ Our Pass ’ that should give them free travel once they reach the age of 16 .
Liz Hannaford , whose 14-year-old daughter Isobel goes to Marple Hall School , says the independence that comes with using the bus marks an exciting time for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ opening up for them ’ .
“ Taking away this one bus we have shoots through this age groups ' aspirations and horizons so much , ” she says .
`` I do quite a lot of out-of-school stuff until 5.30pm a couple of times a week .
It ’ s nice to have the security of a bus to take you all the way home , rather than having to walk home with cars going really fast up the road .
`` It ’ s just the security of being able @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Greater Manchester currently looking to clean up its air and cut down on its emissions , the irony of bosses also choosing to axe the 375 - forcing people back to their cars - is not lost on the villagers .
Vanessa Rudd , whose 11-year-old daughter Erin goes to Ludworth Hall Primary School , says parents will be forced to use their cars if the only other option is to leave their children to walk home along dark roads known for speeding .
And Erin says she would n't relish a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a session of physical activity .
“ A lot of after-school clubs are quite sporty , we have just done stuff we are already really tired , having to walk home in the cold and dark is not very nice - especially when there are cars , '' she says .
“ If you just want to be able to catch a bus there to get home - walking takes longer and I don ’ t want my mum to be worried about where I am , I like to be able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on to further education - at Marple Sixth Form or Aquinas College for example - will face more transport problems , as will under-16s who are placed at Hazel Grove High or other schools outside the immediate area .
Axing the 375 will not just hit the elderly and students , however - and not everyone is able to drive if they want to .
It ’ s a point made by 55-year-old health visitor Joanna Qualter , who highlights how important the bus is for getting to Stepping Hill Hospital or other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ age .
“ I had surgery a few years ago and a friend of mine had surgery on her knee , without the bus we would have been stuck because we can ’ t drive , ” she says .
Greg Loynes runs Tarden Farm Riding School in Gibb Lane , and says that many who enjoy its facilities rely on the 375 to get there .
“ I have a lady with a sight-impairment who is not able to drive .
It ’ s the only chance she has to do something @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from her , ” he says .
Others who currently choose the bus for environmental reasons would have to drive .
“ It just seems a mad thing to do , ” adds Greg , who says teenage stable hands he employs would also have to rely on lifts from parents to get to Mellor .
“ It ’ s not only going to affect a rural bus service but it ’ s going to have an impact on their lives as well , ” he says .
Retired Ann Papageorgiou worries that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - a charity which provides respite breaks for socially and financially disadvantaged people from nearby urban areas - will also be affected .
More than 600 people stay at the Longhurst Lane property every year .
“ A lot of them travel there by bus and they have to do their own catering , so getting the bus into Marple and back again - it ’ s their safety net where they can go to get away .
It ’ s the one break they get a year where they can go to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ann .
And residents have further concerns that losing the bus will hit the local golf course , scout activity centre and pubs The Devonshire Arms and The Oddfellows Arms .
Read more of today 's top stories here Some may have little sympathy for the villagers - they do , after all live in a beautiful and affluent part of the world , albeit a relatively remote one .
But Ann says the situation is not as simple as it may appear on the surface .
“ It ’ s property rich @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s wage rich , ” she says .
“ A lot of houses are handed down through families .
They are worth a lot but that doesn ’ t mean the money people have coming in is a lot.
” But all is not yet lost .
The decision to call in TfGM ’ s decision to axe the bus provides a glimmer of hope .
Although the committee can not overturn resolutions made by the panel , it can make strong recommendations .
And the local councillors are united in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way .
The fact Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham recently gave a speech in Mellor about the importance of bus services being run for the benefit of communities , not shareholders , is not lost on the village 's residents .
“ To have this bus taken away from us a couple of weeks later leaves a bitter taste in the mouth , ” says Elizabeth .
Mr Burnham 's bus franchising reforms - which promise to subsidise non-profitable , rural services with the proceeds of more lucrative ones - are still in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , when they do come to pass , the 375 will still be a going concern , rather than a fading memory .
Marple North councillor Steve Gribbon said his Liberal Democrat group were implacably opposed to the cut .
” We can ’ t lose this service - we will do all we can to fight this as much as possible , ” he said .
The TfGM decision left open the possibility of using some of the £1.6m allocated to Greater Manchester under the Better Buses Deal to fund the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Coun Gribbon .
“ It ’ s a very , very frustrating time .
As a group , the Lib Dems have had a look at this and are behind questioning Mayor Burnham why this has actually gone ahead , because the demographics of the area mean these people need this bus service , ” he said .
“ We are absolutely opposing it , this is just the start of a fight .
We as a group are fully prepared to take on to get this decision overturned.
” The 375 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is set to cease operating between Marple and Mellor from April 21 .
The decision not to continue subsidising the route will be considered at a future meeting of Greater Manchester Combined Authority 's housing , planning and environment overview and scrutiny committee .
Recent figures from the Reach Data Unit/In Your Area - gleaned from Office for National Statistics data - revealed that Mellor is the most isolated place in Greater Manchester .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for political news and analysis from outside the Westminster bubble
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for political news and analysis from outside the Westminster bubble
“Without the bus my house would become a prison - I feel desperate enough about it to say that.”
Pensioner Kath Shuttleworth lives in Mellor - Greater Manchester's most isolated village that sits on the fringes of the Peak District.
Like many retirees, 85-year-old Kath sees the village's sole bus, the 375, as a lifeline - taking her to regular appointments at Stepping Hill and for shopping trips in nearby Marple Bridge.
However it could soon disappear altogether after TfGM's committee decided funding it is no longer financially viable, with its chairman Coun Mark Aldred saying a £10m cut for subsidised services meant ‘a line in the sand’ had to be drawn.
That controversial decision has been ‘called in’ for scrutiny by the combined authority - meaning the panel could be asked to think again.
But, for now , the prospect of losing the bus from mid-April continues to hang over the "devastated" village - and none more so than its elderly residents.
Kath says the loss of the 375 will mean her world - and that of her 86-year-old husband Peter - will ‘shrink tremendously’.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We’ll have no access to the station, no access to Marple, no access to anywhere - we can’t go out for a day out to Hayfield, we can’t do anything. And we can’t drive, either of us," says Kath.
“ I have absolutely wonderful neighbours, lots of people are very helpful.
“But I can’t forever be asking people if they can do this and that for us - to take us here and there. And it limits where you can ask people to take you.
“If you are desperate for bread or milk you can sort it out by doing that - but not just for a day out for a change - and it’s such a beautiful area, too.”
Shops, banks, hairdressers and doctor’s surgeries may be just two miles down the road but for the elderly and less mobile it’s not an option.
“It’s that 1.5 mile walk back, it’s bad for your knees, it’s bad for lots of things - with shopping it would not be feasible,” adds Peter.
Another of the village’s more seasoned residents is 83-year-old Nora Warburton. Mellor born-and-bred, she uses the 375 to get to her hairdresser in Marple every fortnight and visits a friend there ‘three or four times a week’.
Without the bus, Nora would have to walk to Marple Bridge or use a path through the Roman Lakes - described as a ‘rough old track’ - in order to get to to Marple itself.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Unconvinced by the suitability of the local link shared minibus that has been mooted to replace the 375, which will have to be booked in advance, she fears having to use expensive taxis in the near future.
She adds: “We should not have to rely on a taxi in this day and age, it would cost a fortune.
“We would just be lost without that bus.”
But it’s not just the older people of the village who would be hit hard.
At the other end of the age-spectrum are the teenagers who rely on the 375 to get them to and from their after-school clubs - and enjoy the extra freedom it brings them.
Its loss would be keenly felt, especially given Andy Burnham’s much vaunted ‘Our Pass’ that should give them free travel once they reach the age of 16.
Liz Hannaford, whose 14-year-old daughter Isobel goes to Marple Hall School, says the independence that comes with using the bus marks an exciting time for youngsters - the beginning of the world ‘opening up for them’.
“Taking away this one bus we have shoots through this age groups' aspirations and horizons so much,” she says.
Isobel agrees.
"I do quite a lot of out-of-school stuff until 5.30pm a couple of times a week. It’s nice to have the security of a bus to take you all the way home, rather than having to walk home with cars going really fast up the road.
"It’s just the security of being able to get back home safe.”
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
With Greater Manchester currently looking to clean up its air and cut down on its emissions, the irony of bosses also choosing to axe the 375 - forcing people back to their cars - is not lost on the villagers.
Vanessa Rudd, whose 11-year-old daughter Erin goes to Ludworth Hall Primary School, says parents will be forced to use their cars if the only other option is to leave their children to walk home along dark roads known for speeding.
And Erin says she wouldn't relish a long trek home after putting her all into a session of physical activity.
“A lot of after-school clubs are quite sporty, we have just done stuff we are already really tired, having to walk home in the cold and dark is not very nice - especially when there are cars," she says.
“If you just want to be able to catch a bus there to get home - walking takes longer and I don’t want my mum to be worried about where I am, I like to be able to get the bus.”
Those who go on to further education - at Marple Sixth Form or Aquinas College for example - will face more transport problems, as will under-16s who are placed at Hazel Grove High or other schools outside the immediate area.
Axing the 375 will not just hit the elderly and students, however - and not everyone is able to drive if they want to.
It’s a point made by 55-year-old health visitor Joanna Qualter, who highlights how important the bus is for getting to Stepping Hill Hospital or other medical appointments - regardless of one's age.
“I had surgery a few years ago and a friend of mine had surgery on her knee, without the bus we would have been stuck because we can’t drive,” she says.
Greg Loynes runs Tarden Farm Riding School in Gibb Lane, and says that many who enjoy its facilities rely on the 375 to get there.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“I have a lady with a sight-impairment who is not able to drive. It’s the only chance she has to do something independent and it would take that away from her,” he says.
Others who currently choose the bus for environmental reasons would have to drive.
“It just seems a mad thing to do,” adds Greg, who says teenage stable hands he employs would also have to rely on lifts from parents to get to Mellor.
“It’s not only going to affect a rural bus service but it’s going to have an impact on their lives as well,” he says.
Retired Ann Papageorgiou worries that those who rely on Mellor Country House - a charity which provides respite breaks for socially and financially disadvantaged people from nearby urban areas - will also be affected.
More than 600 people stay at the Longhurst Lane property every year.
“A lot of them travel there by bus and they have to do their own catering, so getting the bus into Marple and back again - it’s their safety net where they can go to get away. It’s the one break they get a year where they can go to get away from everything," says Ann.
And residents have further concerns that losing the bus will hit the local golf course, scout activity centre and pubs The Devonshire Arms and The Oddfellows Arms.
Some may have little sympathy for the villagers - they do, after all live in a beautiful and affluent part of the world, albeit a relatively remote one.
But Ann says the situation is not as simple as it may appear on the surface.
“It’s property rich but that doesn’t mean it’s wage rich,” she says. “A lot of houses are handed down through families. They are worth a lot but that doesn’t mean the money people have coming in is a lot.”
But all is not yet lost. The decision to call in TfGM’s decision to axe the bus provides a glimmer of hope. Although the committee cannot overturn resolutions made by the panel, it can make strong recommendations.
And the local councillors are united in their determination to fight the decision all the way.
The fact Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham recently gave a speech in Mellor about the importance of bus services being run for the benefit of communities, not shareholders, is not lost on the village's residents.
“To have this bus taken away from us a couple of weeks later leaves a bitter taste in the mouth,” says Elizabeth.
Mr Burnham's bus franchising reforms - which promise to subsidise non-profitable, rural services with the proceeds of more lucrative ones - are still in the pipeline.
And residents are determined that, when they do come to pass, the 375 will still be a going concern, rather than a fading memory.
Marple North councillor Steve Gribbon said his Liberal Democrat group were implacably opposed to the cut.
”We can’t lose this service - we will do all we can to fight this as much as possible,” he said.
The TfGM decision left open the possibility of using some of the £1.6m allocated to Greater Manchester under the Better Buses Deal to fund the 375 - but that holds little sway with Coun Gribbon.
“It’s a very, very frustrating time. As a group, the Lib Dems have had a look at this and are behind questioning Mayor Burnham why this has actually gone ahead, because the demographics of the area mean these people need this bus service,” he said.
“We are absolutely opposing it, this is just the start of a fight. We as a group are fully prepared to take on to get this decision overturned.”
The 375 bus - currently operated by Stagecoach - is set to cease operating between Marple and Mellor from April 21.
The decision not to continue subsidising the route will be considered at a future meeting of Greater Manchester Combined Authority's housing, planning and environment overview and scrutiny committee.
Recent figures from the Reach Data Unit/In Your Area - gleaned from Office for National Statistics data - revealed that Mellor is the most isolated place in Greater Manchester.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-04--M&S has released a new doughnut, but it's baffled shoppers

Marks and Spencer is known for its delicious and sometimes unique takes on some of our favourite foods .
The brand is always on the lookout for innovative ways to make edible treats even more delicious , and its latest announcement is no exception .
Today , M & S revealed its bakeries will now be stocking the 'yumnut ' - which is described as a 'love child of a yum yum and a doughnut ' .
They 're shaped like a doughnut , but are made with a 'fluffy , buttery dough , which is then smothered with delicious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flavours to enjoy including : • The Plain Jane – a classic with sweet and buttery vanilla pastry ( £1 ) • Raspberry Royal - pretty in pink !
Topped with a sweet , sharp and fruity fondant and scattering of freeze-dried raspberries ( £1.15 ) • Billionaire 's – sweet , sticky and crunchy !
A delicious salted caramel sauce , crunchy biscuit crumb and dark chocolate lacing oozing with richness ( £1.15 ) • Simply the Zest – tangy vibrant yellow lemon glaze topped with biscuit crumb and rustic meringue pieces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) • Double Chocolate - this double chocolate delight is topped with a delicious milk chocolate fondant and dipped into milk and white chocolate shards ( £1.15 ) Speaking about the release Kirsty Rowley – M & S Bakery Product Developer said : `` M & S is renowned for its delicious selection of doughnuts and yum yums – we sell almost 650 miles worth of yum yums each year !
`` The craze for gourmet , ‘ Instagramable ’ pastries is huge and the new M & S Yumnuts bring this culinary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , costing from as little as £1 each . ''
But while the yumnuts no doubt look delicious , they 've caused some confusion amongst social media users .
Since M & S shared the news of their release on Facebook , the post has racked up thousands of comments , but many people are baffled over whether yum yums and doughnuts are actually different .
Others think that the yumnuts resemble cronuts , but any self-respecting bakery lover knows that a cronut is a doughnut-croissant hybrid .
Duh .
`` Are n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , except for shape ? ''
asked one confused shopper .
Another added : `` Now neither of us can argue that a yum yum is or isn ’ t a doughnut . ''
`` Are these cronuts ? ''
quizzed somebody else .
A fourth said : `` Is n't a yum yum and donut the same thing just different shapes . ''
`` People who this doughnuts and yumyums are the same are completely different breeds of human .
What planet you from ?
Yum yums are clearly different to doughnuts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' another shopper chimed in .
Looks like people will never agree on this one .

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
Marks and Spencer is known for its delicious and sometimes unique takes on some of our favourite foods.
The brand is always on the lookout for innovative ways to make edible treats even more delicious, and its latest announcement is no exception.
Today, M&S revealed its bakeries will now be stocking the 'yumnut' - which is described as a 'love child of a yum yum and a doughnut'. They're shaped like a doughnut, but are made with a 'fluffy, buttery dough, which is then smothered with delicious toppings'.
There are six delicious flavours to enjoy including:
The Plain Jane – a classic with sweet and buttery vanilla pastry (£1)
– a classic with sweet and buttery vanilla pastry (£1) Raspberry Royal - pretty in pink! Topped with a sweet, sharp and fruity fondant and scattering of freeze-dried raspberries (£1.15)
- pretty in pink! Topped with a sweet, sharp and fruity fondant and scattering of freeze-dried raspberries (£1.15) Billionaire's – sweet, sticky and crunchy! A delicious salted caramel sauce, crunchy biscuit crumb and dark chocolate lacing oozing with richness (£1.15)
– sweet, sticky and crunchy! A delicious salted caramel sauce, crunchy biscuit crumb and dark chocolate lacing oozing with richness (£1.15) Simply the Zest – tangy vibrant yellow lemon glaze topped with biscuit crumb and rustic meringue pieces – Tina would be proud (£1.15)
– tangy vibrant yellow lemon glaze topped with biscuit crumb and rustic meringue pieces – Tina would be proud (£1.15) Milk & Cookies – milky vanilla glaze topped with mini-cookies and a chocolate drizzle (£1.15)
Double Chocolate - this double chocolate delight is topped with a delicious milk chocolate fondant and dipped into milk and white chocolate shards (£1.15)
Speaking about the release Kirsty Rowley – M&S Bakery Product Developer said: "M&S is renowned for its delicious selection of doughnuts and yum yums – we sell almost 650 miles worth of yum yums each year!
"The craze for gourmet, ‘Instagramable’ pastries is huge and the new M&S Yumnuts bring this culinary revolution to everyone and are great value, costing from as little as £1 each."
But while the yumnuts no doubt look delicious, they've caused some confusion amongst social media users.
Since M&S shared the news of their release on Facebook, the post has racked up thousands of comments, but many people are baffled over whether yum yums and doughnuts are actually different. Others think that the yumnuts resemble cronuts, but any self-respecting bakery lover knows that a cronut is a doughnut-croissant hybrid. Duh.
"Aren't yum yums and doughnuts the same thing, except for shape?" asked one confused shopper.
poll loading Are doughnuts and yum yums the same thing? 0+ VOTES SO FAR YES, just different shapes No, obviously not
Another added: "Now neither of us can argue that a yum yum is or isn’t a doughnut."
"Are these cronuts?" quizzed somebody else.
A fourth said: "Isn't a yum yum and donut the same thing just different shapes."
"People who this doughnuts and yumyums are the same are completely different breeds of human. What planet you from? Yum yums are clearly different to doughnuts - never categorise them the same ever," another shopper chimed in.
Looks like people will never agree on this one.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-04--Make sure you've got some de-icer, it's going to be a chilly night... Greater Manchester weather for

Make sure you've got some de-icer, it's going to be a chilly night... Greater Manchester weather for the week

It 's time to stock up on de-icer ... it 's going to be a chilly night .
According to the Met Office , temperatures will plunge to -2C this evening .
Frost across Greater Manchester is likely .
There could be rain showers in some areas throughout Wednesday , with some light snow in hilly areas .
Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 7C during the day .
Thursday morning will be dry and bright , but frosty .
There is the risk of the odd shower .
Read more of today 's top stories here There will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but there will be a fair few sunny spells .
It will feel chilly , with temperatures topping 8C .
Forecasters say conditions will be more or less the same on Friday , with a mixture of sunny spells and showers expected .
Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to arrive later , but the evening will be milder .
On Sunday , a mixture of sunshine and blustery showers are forecast .
Met Office experts say conditions are likely to remain unsettled next week .
There could even be some snow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas across the north .
Temperatures are likely to get back up to normal levels , with the occasional overnight frost .
A statement on the Met Office website said : `` Sunday will likely remain unsettled , with spells of rain interspersed by brighter and showery interludes and the wettest of the weather in the west .
`` Any snow will mainly be confined to the high ground and perhaps to lower levels in the north .
`` It will often be windy with gales possible in the north west .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are expected to continue with spells of wet and windy weather , perhaps snow over higher ground , interspersed with sunshine and showers .
`` Some longer , drier and more settled spells are possible towards the very end of this period in the south , though the north will likely remain unsettled .
`` Temperatures are likely to fluctuate around normal , with occasional overnight frost . ''

The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel
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
It's time to stock up on de-icer... it's going to be a chilly night.
According to the Met Office, temperatures will plunge to -2C this evening.
Frost across Greater Manchester is likely.
There could be rain showers in some areas throughout Wednesday, with some light snow in hilly areas.
Temperatures are expected to reach highs of 7C during the day.
Thursday morning will be dry and bright, but frosty. There is the risk of the odd shower.
There will be more showers in the afternoon, but there will be a fair few sunny spells.
It will feel chilly, with temperatures topping 8C.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Forecasters say conditions will be more or less the same on Friday, with a mixture of sunny spells and showers expected.
Saturday morning will be similarly frostly.
Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to arrive later, but the evening will be milder.
On Sunday, a mixture of sunshine and blustery showers are forecast.
Met Office experts say conditions are likely to remain unsettled next week.
There could even be some snow in hilly areas - some low level areas across the north.
Temperatures are likely to get back up to normal levels, with the occasional overnight frost.
A statement on the Met Office website said: "Sunday will likely remain unsettled, with spells of rain interspersed by brighter and showery interludes and the wettest of the weather in the west.
"Any snow will mainly be confined to the high ground and perhaps to lower levels in the north.
"It will often be windy with gales possible in the north west.
"Into the following week, changeable conditions are expected to continue with spells of wet and windy weather, perhaps snow over higher ground, interspersed with sunshine and showers.
"Some longer, drier and more settled spells are possible towards the very end of this period in the south, though the north will likely remain unsettled.
"Temperatures are likely to fluctuate around normal, with occasional overnight frost."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-04--Manchester United have the upper hand over Liverpool FC in greatest ever British side debate

When Manchester United kick-off their FA Cup fifth round tie at Pride Park tomorrow night it wo n't take long for a packed away end to break into a rendition of a ditty not often heard but sung with gusto when it is aired .
`` Have you ever won the treble , like Phil and Gary Neville ... have you ever won the treble have you ... '' , well you get the gist .
Liverpool 's exit from the FA Cup on Tuesday night ended the doomsday scenario of Jurgen Klopp 's side repeating United 's heroics of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will take great pleasure in taunting the Merseysiders about their cup defeat .
United 's fans and the heroes of '99 have entered the final few months of the last three seasons with their eyes covered , fearing their two greatest rivals might match an achievement that becomes ever more astonishing with each passing failure in the post-Ferguson era .
In 2017/18 , Manchester City smashed the Premier League records book to smithereens and at one point were as short as 10/1 to win the quadruple .
But then they lost at League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fifth round and the dream died .
United supporters sang , 'Will Grigg 's on fire ' in Seville two nights later .
Last season , City got even closer , in terms of dates .
When Tottenham visited the Etihad on April 17 for the second leg of a Champions League quarter-final , City still had their eyes on a quadruple .
The agony of seeing Raheem Sterling 's last-minute winner chalked off by VAR was matched by the ecstasy in the red half of Manchester at seeing another side fall short @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have gone furthest into the season with a treble still a distinct possibility .
In 2006/07 their Champions League semi-final defeat to Liverpool on May 1 ended the possibility and they could n't come out on top in a tight title race with United either , ending up with only the FA Cup to show for their efforts .
United , too , were competing for a second Treble until their knackered players were dismissed by Carlo Ancelott 's all-star AC Milan in the Champions League .
As for Arsenal 's invincibles , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days in early April ; ejected by United in the FA Cup semi-finals and then the Champions League by Chelsea .
These near-misses show is just how hard it is to win the treble of Premier League , Champions League and FA Cup .
In the modern game there 's a good chance it will never be repeated in England .
`` The Treble was a fantastic achievement .
We hope we 're gon na do it again but it 's a difficult task and , more or less , impossible , '' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Europe it 's actually become a more common achievement .
United were the fourth team to win the treble , after Celtic , Ajax and PSV Eindhoven .
Since then , four more have done it ; Barcelona twice in 2008/09 and 2014/15 , Inter Milan in 2009/10 and Bayern Munich in 2012/13 .
Inter 's was the most standout , given the Barca-Madrid duopoloy in Spain and Bayern 's monopoly of German football .
The relentlessness of the Premier League makes it harder for a side from these shores to win @ @ @ @ @ @ @ side , Pep Guardiola 's City , Arsenal 's invincibles and this Liverpool have all set domestic records , but none could maintain the standards and intensity across three competitions like Ferguson 's United vintage of 98/99 .
United lost just five of their 63 games that season and none after Middlesbrough won at Old Trafford six days before Christmas .
In 17/18 City , lost seven of their 57 games and last season lost six out of 61 fixtures .
In 06/07 , Chelsea lost six of 64 games and this season @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 46 .
Even in Arsenal 's season of Premier League invincibility , they lost six times in the cup competitions .
Solskjaer has had his fair share of criticism for harking back into United 's past during his Old Trafford tenure , and the future has to be the focus now .
Seeing Liverpool 's treble hopes ended wo n't change the fact that United are still 37 points behind the league leaders after 28 games .
But that 98/99 team should still be celebrated .
It was an incredible achievement and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even better .
Across 10 days in May of 1999 , United did something that might never be repeated .
There can be no debate about the greatest team of the Premier League era .

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
When Manchester United kick-off their FA Cup fifth round tie at Pride Park tomorrow night it won't take long for a packed away end to break into a rendition of a ditty not often heard but sung with gusto when it is aired.
"Have you ever won the treble, like Phil and Gary Neville... have you ever won the treble have you...", well you get the gist. Liverpool's exit from the FA Cup on Tuesday night ended the doomsday scenario of Jurgen Klopp's side repeating United's heroics of 1998/99, and a raucous away end will take great pleasure in taunting the Merseysiders about their cup defeat.
United's fans and the heroes of '99 have entered the final few months of the last three seasons with their eyes covered, fearing their two greatest rivals might match an achievement that becomes ever more astonishing with each passing failure in the post-Ferguson era.
In 2017/18, Manchester City smashed the Premier League records book to smithereens and at one point were as short as 10/1 to win the quadruple. But then they lost at League One Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fifth round and the dream died. United supporters sang, 'Will Grigg's on fire' in Seville two nights later.
Last season, City got even closer, in terms of dates. When Tottenham visited the Etihad on April 17 for the second leg of a Champions League quarter-final, City still had their eyes on a quadruple. The agony of seeing Raheem Sterling's last-minute winner chalked off by VAR was matched by the ecstasy in the red half of Manchester at seeing another side fall short.
Chelsea's first Jose Mourinho vintage have gone furthest into the season with a treble still a distinct possibility. In 2006/07 their Champions League semi-final defeat to Liverpool on May 1 ended the possibility and they couldn't come out on top in a tight title race with United either, ending up with only the FA Cup to show for their efforts. United, too, were competing for a second Treble until their knackered players were dismissed by Carlo Ancelott's all-star AC Milan in the Champions League.
As for Arsenal's invincibles, their treble hopes were dashed inside four days in early April; ejected by United in the FA Cup semi-finals and then the Champions League by Chelsea.
These near-misses show is just how hard it is to win the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. In the modern game there's a good chance it will never be repeated in England. "The Treble was a fantastic achievement. We hope we're gonna do it again but it's a difficult task and, more or less, impossible," Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said on Wednesday.
In Europe it's actually become a more common achievement. United were the fourth team to win the treble, after Celtic, Ajax and PSV Eindhoven. Since then, four more have done it; Barcelona twice in 2008/09 and 2014/15, Inter Milan in 2009/10 and Bayern Munich in 2012/13. Inter's was the most standout, given the Barca-Madrid duopoloy in Spain and Bayern's monopoly of German football.
The relentlessness of the Premier League makes it harder for a side from these shores to win the lot. Mourinho's first Chelsea side, Pep Guardiola's City, Arsenal's invincibles and this Liverpool have all set domestic records, but none could maintain the standards and intensity across three competitions like Ferguson's United vintage of 98/99.
United lost just five of their 63 games that season and none after Middlesbrough won at Old Trafford six days before Christmas. In 17/18 City, lost seven of their 57 games and last season lost six out of 61 fixtures. In 06/07, Chelsea lost six of 64 games and this season Liverpool have already lost five of their 46. Even in Arsenal's season of Premier League invincibility, they lost six times in the cup competitions.
Solskjaer has had his fair share of criticism for harking back into United's past during his Old Trafford tenure, and the future has to be the focus now. Seeing Liverpool's treble hopes ended won't change the fact that United are still 37 points behind the league leaders after 28 games.
But that 98/99 team should still be celebrated. It was an incredible achievement and the passing of time is making it look even better. Across 10 days in May of 1999, United did something that might never be repeated.
There can be no debate about the greatest team of the Premier League era.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-03-04--ITV finally issues statement after Piers Morgan sparked 1,500 complaints for 'mocking' Chinese langu

ITV finally issues statement after Piers Morgan sparked 1,500 complaints for 'mocking' Chinese language

Piers Morgan caused an outcry amongst some viewers last month who accused him of 'mocking ' the Chinese language .
The Good Morning Britian host sparked 1,589 complaints to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom following the episode of the news programme on Tuesday January 21 .
Now , more than a month later , ITV has now issued a statement on the incident , claiming that the comments were `` not intended to mock or denigrate Chinese people , their language or accent '' but `` were intended to mock a member of the Royal Family . ''
The influx of complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were discussing the Queen 's eldest grandson Peter Phillips appearing in a TV advert for state milk in China .
The 54-year-old then went into a rant about the ad saying : `` Oh Peter , for god 's sake man ! ''
before accusing him of `` exploiting '' his royal status .
But it was his next comments that infuriated viewers and sparked the influx of complaints .
He said : `` At the next royal event , can you imagine Christmas at Sandringham is like - ' I 'm sorry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yang yank yong ying ming milk . ''
Fellow presenter Susanna quickly picked up on his comments and sighed : `` Piers . ''
Digital Spy reports the statement from ITV read : `` GMB is known for its lively and robust discussion of the news agenda and recently covered Peter Phillips ' appearance in a Chinese milk advertisement .
`` The discussion was focused on whether it was appropriate for members of the Royal family to endorse products abroad in this manner , and was live and unscripted .
Piers Morgan 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chinese language in the advertisement , was a spontaneous reaction to the advertisement .
`` These comments were intended to mock a member of the Royal Family and were not intended to mock or denigrate Chinese people , their language or accent .
`` ITV regrets any offence Piers ' comments may unintentionally have caused . ''
Piers did respond to the accusations tweeting : `` I was mocking a member of the British Royal family appearing in an advert for Chinese state milk , not Chinese people . ''

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
Piers Morgan caused an outcry amongst some viewers last month who accused him of 'mocking' the Chinese language.
The Good Morning Britian host sparked 1,589 complaints to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom following the episode of the news programme on Tuesday January 21.
Now, more than a month later, ITV has now issued a statement on the incident, claiming that the comments were "not intended to mock or denigrate Chinese people, their language or accent" but "were intended to mock a member of the Royal Family."
The influx of complaints came when Piers and co-host Susanna Reid were discussing the Queen's eldest grandson Peter Phillips appearing in a TV advert for state milk in China.
The 54-year-old then went into a rant about the ad saying: "Oh Peter, for god's sake man!" before accusing him of "exploiting" his royal status.
(Image: ITV)
But it was his next comments that infuriated viewers and sparked the influx of complaints.
He said: "At the next royal event, can you imagine Christmas at Sandringham is like - 'I'm sorry your majesty, but I only drink yang yank yong ying ming milk."
Fellow presenter Susanna quickly picked up on his comments and sighed: "Piers."
Digital Spy reports the statement from ITV read: "GMB is known for its lively and robust discussion of the news agenda and recently covered Peter Phillips' appearance in a Chinese milk advertisement.
(Image: ITV)
"The discussion was focused on whether it was appropriate for members of the Royal family to endorse products abroad in this manner, and was live and unscripted. Piers Morgan's comments, and his mimicking of the Chinese language in the advertisement, was a spontaneous reaction to the advertisement.
"These comments were intended to mock a member of the Royal Family and were not intended to mock or denigrate Chinese people, their language or accent.
"ITV regrets any offence Piers' comments may unintentionally have caused."
Piers did respond to the accusations tweeting: "I was mocking a member of the British Royal family appearing in an advert for Chinese state milk, not Chinese people."