themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Hospitals could start running out of ICU beds 'from next week'

Andy Burnham has downplayed internal NHS analysis predicting some Greater Manchester hospitals could start running out of regular ICU beds from next week - insisting that while patient numbers are rising , the system can cope and pressures should start to ease in a fortnight .
A local NHS report initially leaked to the Independent , now also seen by the Manchester Evening News , outlines a ‘ worst case scenario ’ for each hospital in the conurbation as part of internal attempts to plan for beds .
At the same time multiple frontline NHS staff , including senior figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their fears over health service pressures .
The leaked report warns most trusts are now at 90pc capacity in ICU and that NHS trusts in Tameside and Bolton could run out of their usual intensive care capacity as soon as next week , with only Manchester Foundation Trust not forecast to potentially do so by the end of November .
Running out of normal ICU beds would see extra ‘ surge ’ beds - of which Greater Manchester has around 200 - start to be opened in other parts of hospitals , such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the report ’ s worst case scenario that would mean intensive care patients here could still be treated for severe Covid-19 , it would inevitably have an impact on the ability of hospitals to provide other care .
Hospitals in Wigan and Stockport have already started cancelling some non-urgent procedures as a result of pressures on general beds , as the M.E.N .
reported earlier this week .
The report suggests two sets of hospitals - Wrightington , Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust , plus Fairfield hospital , in Bury - could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ICU , by the end of November .
However at this week ’ s mayoral press conference , Andy Burnham said the focus should be on the figures he was presenting on the current state of play , rather than ‘ leaked reports ’ .
While he stressed he was not 'complacent ' , the mayor said he preferred to ‘ listen to what colleagues in the NHS are saying ’ “ They think we ’ re in a position to meet the demand that ’ s coming , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are available to hospitals under pressure , added the mayor .
Data presented by the mayor to journalists - providing a Greater Manchester-level average for intensive care , rather than a trust-by-trust breakdown - showed ICU currently at 82.3pc capacity , a situation he said was ‘ not necessarily unusual ’ for this time of the year .
Elective cancellations are also not unusual in the winter , he said , although they have come earlier than usual .
The number of patients in ICU and high dependency units is currently 100 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , once surge beds are added in .
Covid-19 admissions in general have nevertheless increased , he said , to a point where they were a ‘ significant cause of concern ’ .
Overall , new Covid patients have more than quadrupled since the third week in September , standing at 805 in the week to October 26 .
Asked whether the NHS here was able to cope with both that pressure and the need to carry on normal activity , which hadn ’ t been required in the first wave , he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ degree of confidence within the system that though it will be tough , there is enough capacity within the system and the ability to flex that capacity , to increase it , to be able to cope .
“ And that ’ s certainly the view that I ’ ve had from the NHS this week , that while it is expected to be tough - particularly over the next two weeks - that there is enough capacity to cope .
“ Always at this time of the year , increasingly as we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year than normal because of the situation that we ’ re in - you do see the cancellation of elective activity unfortunately .
It ’ s begun to happen in a couple of locations this week but there isn ’ t widespread cancellation at this moment in time and obviously it ’ s something we ’ ll seek to minimise as we go forward .
“ So it ’ s not an unusual thing , it does happen in the NHS in most winters , but obviously it might be exacerbated this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as much elective activity going as possible.
” The leaked NHS report looks at how much capacity is available in each hospital trust across Greater Manchester and tries to predict at what point that could run out .
“ Most trusts ( except MFT ) have breached 90pc ICU bed demand and they are about to exceed the full capacity next week , ” it says , although that doesn ’ t include surge beds , which are opened in other parts of hospitals in order to add capacity .
In the case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Infirmary , Wythenshawe and Trafford General , the rate of growth in new Covid patients is actually going down , it says , 'which indicates that the curve might be flat in coming weeks ' .
But the worst-case scenario for Tameside , Wigan and Bolton ’ s NHS trusts shows them running out of core ICU capacity next week , as well as North Manchester General , with Salford , Oldham and Bury following suit in early-November and Stockport by the end of the month .
Where general acute beds are concerned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out entirely by the end of November under the worst case scenario .
“ The aim of this exercise is to predict bed demand from COVID-19 positive patients across Greater Manchester , in order to optimise usage of beds across the region and maintain as much business-as-usual as possible , ” says the report in its introduction .
“ The scenarios ... are indicative of what bed demand might look like over the coming weeks .
For the next couple of weeks these should be in a reasonable ballpark.
” As well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of various types of beds entirely , the report also tries to predict when 30pc of capacity will be filled by Covid patients .
This is used as a broad indicator of when hospitals will need to start cancelling procedures on a widescale basis , in order to free up capacity .
“ Most trusts have breached 20pc acute bed demand and they are about to breach 30pc demand within the next couple of weeks , ” it says .
Even the ‘ best case scenario ’ in Wrightington , Wigan and Leigh @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says , although earlier this week the trust stressed it was ‘ continuing to provide care for non-Covid patients and it is vital that anyone with concerns about their health continues to come forward for help and treatment ’ .
What do you make of the current situation ?
Have your say in our comments below Both Wigan and Bury are shown as already being at 30pc , with every other trust - including MFT - due to get there in November under a worst case scenario .
At this afternoon ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had not seen the report so wouldn ’ t ‘ want to try and just dismiss something I haven ’ t read ’ .
But he added : “ I would treat that with a significant amount of caution , because I ’ ve just shown you the picture with regard to ICU capacity.
” Any talk of ‘ makeshift ICU wards ’ in operating theatres , he said , ‘ I don ’ t think is giving an accurate portrayal of the current position in Greater Manchester ’ s NHS ’ .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ forward , but given where we are , it ’ s really important to stick to the factual position that we 've got and we ’ ve given you that position today , ” he added .
`` We ’ re obviously going to face a difficult fortnight coming up but the feeling is that the next fortnight is going to be the most challenging and we would expect the pressure to begin to ease beyond that.
” Nevertheless , many experienced figures spoken to on the frontline of the NHS in Greater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One , involved in urgent care , said actually things ‘ are much worse ’ than indicated by the cancelled procedures in Wigan and Stockport .
“ You have more Covid patients in hospitals than non-Covid , and in a couple of weeks some hospitals in Greater Manchester might not have any single non-Covid patient , ” they said .
They and several others also pointed to staff sickness - and isolation - within the NHS as a key pressure , not only in hospitals but in primary care .
Have your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to happen next in the survey below : “ Primary care is on its knees struggling to deal with staff sickness and patient sickness , ” they said , while it is understood some hospital trusts are running at 20pc or even 30pc absence as a result .
A senior figure in primary care said : `` The truth is , we are under resourced and fighting extraordinary demand .
`` No doctor or nurse is damaged by simply hard work , but rather through frustrated compassion .
The sense of frustration is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ damaging and dangerous for the workforce . ''
Meanwhile the high levels of Covid infections among people aged over 65 in Oldham , Rochdale and North Manchester - areas that all have very high levels of health inequality and underlying conditions such as lung problems , heart disease and obesity - are understood to be causing particular concern within the government .
A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said : “ We are seeing increased admissions , increasing numbers of people in general hospital beds with Covid-19 and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , it is important to say firstly , that we are able to increase the number of HDU/ITU beds significantly above the ‘ normal ’ number if we need to .
`` Secondly , that our hospitals are working together across Greater Manchester to ensure there is hospital care for those who need it anywhere in the city-region , and thirdly , that we are working collectively to minimise the risk of having to defer people ’ s treatment and operations .
“ We also have the ability to use the newly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be needed .
“ We continue to do all we can to look after and care for people in Greater Manchester though we would stress that everyone has a role to play .
It ’ s essential that we all follow the guidance - washing our hands regularly , maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings when needed .
If we are to slow the spread of the virus , it is essential that we all work together to protect ourselves and our communities .
”

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Andy Burnham has downplayed internal NHS analysis predicting some Greater Manchester hospitals could start running out of regular ICU beds from next week - insisting that while patient numbers are rising, the system can cope and pressures should start to ease in a fortnight.
A local NHS report initially leaked to the Independent, now also seen by the Manchester Evening News, outlines a ‘worst case scenario’ for each hospital in the conurbation as part of internal attempts to plan for beds.
At the same time multiple frontline NHS staff, including senior figures, have told the M.E.N. of their fears over health service pressures.
The leaked report warns most trusts are now at 90pc capacity in ICU and that NHS trusts in Tameside and Bolton could run out of their usual intensive care capacity as soon as next week, with only Manchester Foundation Trust not forecast to potentially do so by the end of November.
Running out of normal ICU beds would see extra ‘surge’ beds - of which Greater Manchester has around 200 - start to be opened in other parts of hospitals, such as operating theatres.
While even under the report’s worst case scenario that would mean intensive care patients here could still be treated for severe Covid-19, it would inevitably have an impact on the ability of hospitals to provide other care.
Hospitals in Wigan and Stockport have already started cancelling some non-urgent procedures as a result of pressures on general beds, as the M.E.N. reported earlier this week.
The report suggests two sets of hospitals - Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust, plus Fairfield hospital, in Bury - could run out of acute beds, outside of ICU, by the end of November.
However at this week’s mayoral press conference, Andy Burnham said the focus should be on the figures he was presenting on the current state of play, rather than ‘leaked reports’.
While he stressed he was not 'complacent', the mayor said he preferred to ‘listen to what colleagues in the NHS are saying’
“They think we’re in a position to meet the demand that’s coming,” he said.
Both surge capacity and mutual aid are available to hospitals under pressure, added the mayor.
Data presented by the mayor to journalists - providing a Greater Manchester-level average for intensive care, rather than a trust-by-trust breakdown - showed ICU currently at 82.3pc capacity, a situation he said was ‘not necessarily unusual’ for this time of the year. Elective cancellations are also not unusual in the winter, he said, although they have come earlier than usual.
The number of patients in ICU and high dependency units is currently 100, compared to an overall capacity of 455, once surge beds are added in.
Covid-19 admissions in general have nevertheless increased, he said, to a point where they were a ‘significant cause of concern’.
Overall, new Covid patients have more than quadrupled since the third week in September, standing at 805 in the week to October 26.
Asked whether the NHS here was able to cope with both that pressure and the need to carry on normal activity, which hadn’t been required in the first wave, he said: “There is a good degree of confidence within the system that though it will be tough, there is enough capacity within the system and the ability to flex that capacity, to increase it, to be able to cope.
“And that’s certainly the view that I’ve had from the NHS this week, that while it is expected to be tough - particularly over the next two weeks - that there is enough capacity to cope.
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“Always at this time of the year, increasingly as we go into the winter - perhaps earlier this year than normal because of the situation that we’re in - you do see the cancellation of elective activity unfortunately. It’s begun to happen in a couple of locations this week but there isn’t widespread cancellation at this moment in time and obviously it’s something we’ll seek to minimise as we go forward.
“So it’s not an unusual thing, it does happen in the NHS in most winters, but obviously it might be exacerbated this year and we would want to keep as much elective activity going as possible.”
The leaked NHS report looks at how much capacity is available in each hospital trust across Greater Manchester and tries to predict at what point that could run out.
“Most trusts (except MFT) have breached 90pc ICU bed demand and they are about to exceed the full capacity next week,” it says, although that doesn’t include surge beds, which are opened in other parts of hospitals in order to add capacity.
In the case of MFT, which covers Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe and Trafford General, the rate of growth in new Covid patients is actually going down, it says, 'which indicates that the curve might be flat in coming weeks'.
But the worst-case scenario for Tameside, Wigan and Bolton’s NHS trusts shows them running out of core ICU capacity next week, as well as North Manchester General, with Salford, Oldham and Bury following suit in early-November and Stockport by the end of the month.
Where general acute beds are concerned, it shows Wigan and Bury running out entirely by the end of November under the worst case scenario.
“The aim of this exercise is to predict bed demand from COVID-19 positive patients across Greater Manchester, in order to optimise usage of beds across the region and maintain as much business-as-usual as possible,” says the report in its introduction.
“The scenarios...are indicative of what bed demand might look like over the coming weeks. For the next couple of weeks these should be in a reasonable ballpark.”
As well as working out when hospitals may run out of various types of beds entirely, the report also tries to predict when 30pc of capacity will be filled by Covid patients.
This is used as a broad indicator of when hospitals will need to start cancelling procedures on a widescale basis, in order to free up capacity.
“Most trusts have breached 20pc acute bed demand and they are about to breach 30pc demand within the next couple of weeks,” it says.
Even the ‘best case scenario’ in Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh is ‘not optimistic’, it says, although earlier this week the trust stressed it was ‘continuing to provide care for non-Covid patients and it is vital that anyone with concerns about their health continues to come forward for help and treatment’.
What do you make of the current situation? Have your say in our comments below
Both Wigan and Bury are shown as already being at 30pc, with every other trust - including MFT - due to get there in November under a worst case scenario.
At this afternoon’s press conference, the mayor conceded he had not seen the report so wouldn’t ‘want to try and just dismiss something I haven’t read’.
But he added: “I would treat that with a significant amount of caution, because I’ve just shown you the picture with regard to ICU capacity.”
Any talk of ‘makeshift ICU wards’ in operating theatres, he said, ‘I don’t think is giving an accurate portrayal of the current position in Greater Manchester’s NHS’.
“There are scenarios that experts put forward, but given where we are, it’s really important to stick to the factual position that we've got and we’ve given you that position today,” he added.
"We’re obviously going to face a difficult fortnight coming up but the feeling is that the next fortnight is going to be the most challenging and we would expect the pressure to begin to ease beyond that.”
Nevertheless, many experienced figures spoken to on the frontline of the NHS in Greater Manchester this week said they were worried.
One, involved in urgent care, said actually things ‘are much worse’ than indicated by the cancelled procedures in Wigan and Stockport.
“You have more Covid patients in hospitals than non-Covid, and in a couple of weeks some hospitals in Greater Manchester might not have any single non-Covid patient,” they said.
They and several others also pointed to staff sickness - and isolation - within the NHS as a key pressure, not only in hospitals but in primary care.
Have your say on coronavirus restrictions and what needs to happen next in the survey below:
“Primary care is on its knees struggling to deal with staff sickness and patient sickness,” they said, while it is understood some hospital trusts are running at 20pc or even 30pc absence as a result.
A senior figure in primary care said: "The truth is, we are under resourced and fighting extraordinary demand.
"No doctor or nurse is damaged by simply hard work, but rather through frustrated compassion. The sense of frustration is very high - this situation is extremely damaging and dangerous for the workforce."
Meanwhile the high levels of Covid infections among people aged over 65 in Oldham, Rochdale and North Manchester - areas that all have very high levels of health inequality and underlying conditions such as lung problems, heart disease and obesity - are understood to be causing particular concern within the government.
A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said: “We are seeing increased admissions, increasing numbers of people in general hospital beds with Covid-19 and more people in HDU/ITU with Covid-19. However, it is important to say firstly, that we are able to increase the number of HDU/ITU beds significantly above the ‘normal’ number if we need to.
"Secondly, that our hospitals are working together across Greater Manchester to ensure there is hospital care for those who need it anywhere in the city-region, and thirdly, that we are working collectively to minimise the risk of having to defer people’s treatment and operations.
“We also have the ability to use the newly opened NHS Nightingale North West should that be needed.
“We continue to do all we can to look after and care for people in Greater Manchester though we would stress that everyone has a role to play. It’s essential that we all follow the guidance - washing our hands regularly, maintaining social distancing and wearing face coverings when needed. If we are to slow the spread of the virus, it is essential that we all work together to protect ourselves and our communities.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Man City gamble to prioritise Youth Cup pays off as Cole Palmer impresses

Pep Guardiola allowed three youngsters to leave the first team squad and take part in Manchester City 's FA Youth Cup semi-final victory over Blackburn on Friday night .
Taylor Harwood-Bellis , Cole Palmer and Liam Delap would all have been in contention to be involved at Sheffield United in the Premier League less than 24 hours after the semi-final , but the manager allowed them to return to the under-18s and finish the cup campaign that they all played a key role in before last season was suspended .
With the talented trio , City ran out 4-0 winners @ @ @ @ @ @ @ completed a fine week that started with his Champions League debut .
The City team at St George 's Park was almost as strong as coach Carlos Vicens could have named .
As well as Palmer , Delap and Harwood-Bellis , there were experienced U18 players like Alpha Dionkou , Morgan Rogers and Ben Knight .
City were clearly taking this competition seriously , even if the first team squad might have less depth at Sheffield United on Saturday .
One absentee was captain Tommy Doyle , called up by Guardiola to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ midfield duo of Joe Hodge and Knight offered the solidity and flair that Doyle would have done .
And it was City who started brighter , quickly taking control of the game .
Palmer was playing like a player still riding high after his midweek European debut , and he went close along with Morgan Rogers , as the Blackburn keeper was called into action three times in the opening stages .
City knew they had to step it up to break down a resolute Rovers defence , and an increase in tempo @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time Knight and Palmer again forced saves .
But still no breakthrough .
In Luke Mbete-Tabu and Harwood-Bellis , City had a strong centre-back partnership that was soaking up most of what was thrown at them .
If anything , it was Mbete-Tabu who looked more composed and defensively aware , rather than his partner who is a regular in first team training and Premier League matchday squads .
That 's not to say that captain Harwood-Bellis was n't his usual solid self , and it appears he has a new partner to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Into the second half , and some Blackburn pressure clearly forced a reaction .
After Rogers narrowly missed the far corner , Cole Palmer wriggled through into the box and tried to find space to finish a wonderful solo run .
His effort was blocked , but City remained calm , recycled possession , and midfielder Hodge finally gave them the goal they deserved from the edge of the box .
The goal gave City confidence , and they never stopped running in search of a second , aided by the extra space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come out and attack .
Naturally , Blackburn saw more of the ball in the City half , but all chances were dealt with fairly comfortably .
City were trusting their training and it took a moment straight from the CFA pitches to make the game safe .
Palmer played a one-two with Conrad Egan-Riley from a free kick out on the right , before getting into the box and sending in a cross to Delap to convert from six yards out .
The decision to include both had been justified .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ as they knew their Youth Cup journey was set to end .
First , James McAtee pounced on a loose ball as Rovers tried to play out from the back , giving him an easy finish to make it three .
Then , substitute Jayden Braaf was given the freedom of St George 's Park from an awful Blackburn pass across the back to score an easy fourth .
City had earned their first two goals , and made their own luck with their second two .
However , this was a game @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young players more than any goal or result could .
Before the game , City wore t-shirts with the face of former academy teammate Jeremy Wisten , who sadly passed away recently .
Flags at St George 's Park were at half-mast , black armbands were worn , and a minute 's silence observed as both sides remembered a talented footballer .
Coach Carlos Vicens explained how the preparation for this game had been tough as his young squad have been dealing with the news , and revealed that City were aiming to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been proud of .
This young group can be content that they did exactly that .

Pep Guardiola allowed three youngsters to leave the first team squad and take part in Manchester City's FA Youth Cup semi-final victory over Blackburn on Friday night.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Cole Palmer and Liam Delap would all have been in contention to be involved at Sheffield United in the Premier League less than 24 hours after the semi-final, but the manager allowed them to return to the under-18s and finish the cup campaign that they all played a key role in before last season was suspended.
With the talented trio, City ran out 4-0 winners over Blackburn, led by Palmer who completed a fine week that started with his Champions League debut.
The City team at St George's Park was almost as strong as coach Carlos Vicens could have named. As well as Palmer, Delap and Harwood-Bellis, there were experienced U18 players like Alpha Dionkou, Morgan Rogers and Ben Knight. City were clearly taking this competition seriously, even if the first team squad might have less depth at Sheffield United on Saturday.
One absentee was captain Tommy Doyle, called up by Guardiola to be involved at Bramall Lane, but a midfield duo of Joe Hodge and Knight offered the solidity and flair that Doyle would have done.
And it was City who started brighter, quickly taking control of the game. Palmer was playing like a player still riding high after his midweek European debut, and he went close along with Morgan Rogers, as the Blackburn keeper was called into action three times in the opening stages.
City knew they had to step it up to break down a resolute Rovers defence, and an increase in tempo looked to do just that. This time Knight and Palmer again forced saves. But still no breakthrough.
In Luke Mbete-Tabu and Harwood-Bellis, City had a strong centre-back partnership that was soaking up most of what was thrown at them. If anything, it was Mbete-Tabu who looked more composed and defensively aware, rather than his partner who is a regular in first team training and Premier League matchday squads. That's not to say that captain Harwood-Bellis wasn't his usual solid self, and it appears he has a new partner to play alongside when Eric Garcia leaves.
Into the second half, and some Blackburn pressure clearly forced a reaction. After Rogers narrowly missed the far corner, Cole Palmer wriggled through into the box and tried to find space to finish a wonderful solo run. His effort was blocked, but City remained calm, recycled possession, and midfielder Hodge finally gave them the goal they deserved from the edge of the box.
The goal gave City confidence, and they never stopped running in search of a second, aided by the extra space given by a Blackburn side who had to come out and attack. Naturally, Blackburn saw more of the ball in the City half, but all chances were dealt with fairly comfortably.
City were trusting their training and it took a moment straight from the CFA pitches to make the game safe. Palmer played a one-two with Conrad Egan-Riley from a free kick out on the right, before getting into the box and sending in a cross to Delap to convert from six yards out. The decision to include both had been justified.
That goal caused Blackburn to implode, as they knew their Youth Cup journey was set to end. First, James McAtee pounced on a loose ball as Rovers tried to play out from the back, giving him an easy finish to make it three. Then, substitute Jayden Braaf was given the freedom of St George's Park from an awful Blackburn pass across the back to score an easy fourth.
City had earned their first two goals, and made their own luck with their second two. However, this was a game that showed the character of City's young players more than any goal or result could.
Before the game, City wore t-shirts with the face of former academy teammate Jeremy Wisten, who sadly passed away recently. Flags at St George's Park were at half-mast, black armbands were worn, and a minute's silence observed as both sides remembered a talented footballer.
Coach Carlos Vicens explained how the preparation for this game had been tough as his young squad have been dealing with the news, and revealed that City were aiming to put in a performance that Wisten would have been proud of.
This young group can be content that they did exactly that.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--The Mancunian brothers who ran a county lines drug operation

Two Manchester brothers who ran a `` highly profitable '' county lines drugs operation to Cumbria have been jailed .
In a bid to avoid detection one of them either swallowed or threw away a phone SIM card after they were being stopped on the M6 by police , a court was told .
Police stopped a Seat Leon travelling northbound on the motorway between Penrith and Carlisle on the late afternoon of January 10 , 2019 .
Ashley Hayes , 34 , was driving and 30-year-old sibling Blake Hayes was a front seat passenger Prosecutor , Chloe Fordham , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be being stopped , but after lights on the police vehicle were illuminated , a small package was thrown from the front passenger window .
`` This was subsequently recovered by police using a sniffer dog and found to contain a small amount of cannabis bush . ''
Officers arrested the brothers and three phones were also recovered .
Analysis revealed bulk messages - stating “ on with both , 10z and 20z ” - had been sent to scores of contacts on 17 separate dates during a month-long period which included Christmas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the phones were in Carlisle on 17 different days .
One device , described as the main drugs line , had been dismantled into three parts with the SIM card missing despite it having been used shortly before the police stoppage .
“ This SIM card was never recovered and the Crown suggest it was either ejected from the window along with the cannabis or ingested by one or other of the defendants , ” said Ms Fordham .
She added of the pair ’ s criminal journeys : “ On occasion there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ often than not the pattern was a trip up the motorway , the phones remaining in Carlisle for a few hours before remaining back to Manchester.
” Potentially , Ms Fordham suggested , thousands of pounds could have been netted on each trip , and she told the court , in light of a detective ’ s expert analysis : “ No one in their right mind would travel all the way from Manchester to Carlisle to deal small amounts of cannabis.
” Ashley Hayes , of Burgin Walk , Collyhurst , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harpurhey , both Manchester , admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis .
The court heard while Ashley Hayes had only one drugs crime on his record - for possession of the class B drug - his brother had been handed a jail term of almost 10 years in 2011 for heroin and cocaine supply crimes , and had since been recalled on licence .
Jane Foley , for Ashley Hayes , said of his county lines dealing account : “ Over a relatively short period of time he was attending Carlisle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were parties ; he was meeting girls , and he was supplying small amounts of cannabis .
“ He has instructed me the most he ever received financially was about £60 .
He was receiving financial reward but it was small amounts.
” However , Ms Fordham said that was “ demonstrably not true ” , given evidence which pointed to a large number of brief stays in Cumbria .
The judge , Recorder Ciaran Rankin , noted Ashley had pleaded guilty on the full facts of the prosecution case , and described @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hunter Gray , for Blake Hayes , accepted he had been involved in the criminal justice system since the age of 14 .
But having been recalled to custody he had gained “ enhanced ” status , was a cleaner and peer support mentor .
“ He is getting older .
He has had time to reflect on his past offending , ” said Mr Gray .
“ He is motivated to address his offending and the reasons behind it.
” But Recorder Rankin sentenced Ashley and Blake to immediate prison sentences of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , saying both men had tried to minimise their involvement .
“ You both played important roles in what appears to have been a professional - and , I conclude , a highly profitable - business supplying cannabis in the Cumbria area . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Craig McGlasson, Neal Keeling)

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Two Manchester brothers who ran a "highly profitable" county lines drugs operation to Cumbria have been jailed.
In a bid to avoid detection one of them either swallowed or threw away a phone SIM card after they were being stopped on the M6 by police, a court was told.
Police stopped a Seat Leon travelling northbound on the motorway between Penrith and Carlisle on the late afternoon of January 10, 2019.
Ashley Hayes, 34, was driving and 30-year-old sibling Blake Hayes was a front seat passenger
Prosecutor, Chloe Fordham, told Carlisle Court: "Prior to be being stopped, but after lights on the police vehicle were illuminated, a small package was thrown from the front passenger window.
"This was subsequently recovered by police using a sniffer dog and found to contain a small amount of cannabis bush."
Officers arrested the brothers and three phones were also recovered.
Analysis revealed bulk messages - stating “on with both, 10z and 20z” - had been sent to scores of contacts on 17 separate dates during a month-long period which included Christmas and new year.
Evidence also showed the phones were in Carlisle on 17 different days.
One device, described as the main drugs line, had been dismantled into three parts with the SIM card missing despite it having been used shortly before the police stoppage.
(Image: M.E.N.)
“This SIM card was never recovered and the Crown suggest it was either ejected from the window along with the cannabis or ingested by one or other of the defendants,” said Ms Fordham.
She added of the pair’s criminal journeys: “On occasion there was an overnight stay. But more often than not the pattern was a trip up the motorway, the phones remaining in Carlisle for a few hours before remaining back to Manchester.”
Potentially, Ms Fordham suggested, thousands of pounds could have been netted on each trip, and she told the court, in light of a detective’s expert analysis: “No one in their right mind would travel all the way from Manchester to Carlisle to deal small amounts of cannabis.”
Ashley Hayes, of Burgin Walk, Collyhurst, and Blake Hayes, of Tufton Walk, Harpurhey, both Manchester, admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
The court heard while Ashley Hayes had only one drugs crime on his record - for possession of the class B drug - his brother had been handed a jail term of almost 10 years in 2011 for heroin and cocaine supply crimes, and had since been recalled on licence.
Jane Foley, for Ashley Hayes, said of his county lines dealing account: “Over a relatively short period of time he was attending Carlisle; he was entertaining others; there were parties; he was meeting girls, and he was supplying small amounts of cannabis.
“He has instructed me the most he ever received financially was about £60. He was receiving financial reward but it was small amounts.”
However, Ms Fordham said that was “demonstrably not true”, given evidence which pointed to a large number of brief stays in Cumbria.
The judge, Recorder Ciaran Rankin, noted Ashley had pleaded guilty on the full facts of the prosecution case, and described his account as “fanciful”.
Hunter Gray, for Blake Hayes, accepted he had been involved in the criminal justice system since the age of 14. But having been recalled to custody he had gained “enhanced” status, was a cleaner and peer support mentor.
“He is getting older. He has had time to reflect on his past offending,” said Mr Gray.
“He is motivated to address his offending and the reasons behind it.”
But Recorder Rankin sentenced Ashley and Blake to immediate prison sentences of 24 months and 27 months, respectively, saying both men had tried to minimise their involvement.
“You both played important roles in what appears to have been a professional - and, I conclude, a highly profitable - business supplying cannabis in the Cumbria area."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Car salesman, 38, died from drug-related heart attack, inquest hears

A car salesman from Bolton was found dead by his partner after suffering a heart attack , an inquest has heard .
Daniel Jordan Holden went for a shower and then sat with his partner downstairs at home in Rawlinson Street , Horwich , on July 27 , police coroner 's officer Neil McCaffrey told Bolton Coroner 's Court .
Shortly after , Mr McCaffrey said that Mr Holden , 38 , started to complain about `` being able to catch his breath '' .
Mr Holden went to run a bath but when his partner shouted him there was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to check on him , Mr Holden 's partner found him `` submerged in the bath unconscious '' .
His partner attempted CPR but paramedics pronounced Mr Holden dead at 9.25pm .
Senior coroner for Manchester West , Timothy Brennand confirmed that Mr Holden 's provisional cause of death has been recorded as `` acute myocardial infarction '' , the medical term for a heart attack .
The underlying causes were given as a `` thrombosed coronary artery '' and `` coronary artery atherosclerosis '' .
Mr Brennand also confirmed that `` combined @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contributed to Mr Holden 's death .
A police investigation was opened but there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement .
Mr Brennand adjourned the inquest for a review on December 18 .

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A car salesman from Bolton was found dead by his partner after suffering a heart attack, an inquest has heard.
Daniel Jordan Holden went for a shower and then sat with his partner downstairs at home in Rawlinson Street, Horwich, on July 27, police coroner's officer Neil McCaffrey told Bolton Coroner's Court.
Shortly after, Mr McCaffrey said that Mr Holden, 38, started to complain about "being able to catch his breath".
Mr Holden went to run a bath but when his partner shouted him there was no response. Upon entering the bathroom to check on him, Mr Holden's partner found him "submerged in the bath unconscious".
His partner attempted CPR but paramedics pronounced Mr Holden dead at 9.25pm.
Senior coroner for Manchester West, Timothy Brennand confirmed that Mr Holden's provisional cause of death has been recorded as "acute myocardial infarction", the medical term for a heart attack.
The underlying causes were given as a "thrombosed coronary artery" and "coronary artery atherosclerosis".
Mr Brennand also confirmed that "combined ketamine, cocaine and sildenafil use" contributed to Mr Holden's death.
A police investigation was opened but there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances or third party involvement.
Mr Brennand adjourned the inquest for a review on December 18.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Man City U18s vs Blackburn highlights

Man City U18s vs Blackburn highlights

Manchester City resume their 2019/20 FA Youth Cup campaign tonight , looking to book a place in the final for a second successive season .
City progressed to the last four at the start of this year before the season was paused by the global pandemic .
While academy football was curtailed , the FA Youth Cup has been allowed to be completed this weekend , with both semi-finals taking place today , and the final on Monday .
All games are being held at the FA 's National Football Centre at St. George 's Park .
City are allowed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the competition at the start of the season , meaning Cole Palmer , Taylor Harwood-Bellis , Tommy Doyle , and Liam Delap are all technically available for selection .
However , due to the first team 's injury issues , all four have been involved in the senior set-up since the last round of this competition , and may be needed for the Premier League trip to Sheffield United on Saturday .
That could give the likes of James McAtee and Ben Knight the chance to impress once more after they stood @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scunthorpe without the colleagues who are involved in the first team .
Follow below for live updates of City 's Youth Cup semi-final .

Manchester City resume their 2019/20 FA Youth Cup campaign tonight, looking to book a place in the final for a second successive season.
City progressed to the last four at the start of this year before the season was paused by the global pandemic. While academy football was curtailed, the FA Youth Cup has been allowed to be completed this weekend, with both semi-finals taking place today, and the final on Monday. All games are being held at the FA's National Football Centre at St. George's Park.
City are allowed to use any player who was eligible for the competition at the start of the season, meaning Cole Palmer, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Tommy Doyle, and Liam Delap are all technically available for selection. However, due to the first team's injury issues, all four have been involved in the senior set-up since the last round of this competition, and may be needed for the Premier League trip to Sheffield United on Saturday.
That could give the likes of James McAtee and Ben Knight the chance to impress once more after they stood out in the EFL Trophy win over Scunthorpe without the colleagues who are involved in the first team.
Follow below for live updates of City's Youth Cup semi-final.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--HMP Styal in lockdown and visits suspended after outbreak of Covid-19

A women ’ s prison in Cheshire is in lockdown with inmates self-isolating in cells following an outbreak of Covid-19 .
The women at HMP Styal , in Wilmslow , Cheshire , who have tested positive for the virus have been told to remain in their cells or prison houses as Public Health England works with bosses to manage the outbreak .
All visits to the prison - which has capacity for almost 500 female inmates - have been suspended .
It is understood that those who currently are self-isolating must remain in their accommodation for at least 14 days @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Health England .
The Ministry of Justice would not confirm how many inmates and staff members had tested positive for the virus .
They also declined to comment on whether or not any inmates had become ill enough to require hospital treatment .
The M.E.N understands that prisoners are being supported to stay in touch with their families through secure video and phone calls and will be allowed time out of cells and exercise where possible .
A Prison Service spokesperson said : “ Our priority is to limit the spread of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those who live and work in our prisons .
“ We have taken precautionary measures at HMP Styal following a number of positive cases , in line with public health guidance , and will continue to closely monitor the situation.
” A total of 620 prisoners tested positive for coronavirus across the Ministry of Justice ’ s prison estate in England and Wales in September .
A total of 89 Prison and Youth Custody Service sites had confirmed cases that month but there were no deaths recorded in that time , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the pandemic in March , there have been 45 deaths amongst HM Prison and Probation Service users in England and Wales where COVID-19 was the suspected cause .
In June , a former Styal inmate spoke to the M.E.N about her experience of life behind bars during the pandemic .
She said at the start of the pandemic inmates were allowed about 15 minutes for a shower each day , then around 45 minutes in the yard .
`` Some girls would go out at about 9.30am and then some would go @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be it , ” she said .
“ We got a few more channels on our TV and that 's it . ''
The former prisoner claimed that staff try to follow social distancing measures and stay two metres away from the inmates , but that the women 'do n't really stay away from each other ' .
`` The staff were acting like we had the virus '' , she said .
`` Prisoners did not really get any masks , but staff had them .
I think the girls might have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ if they had an appointment .
`` I reckon you could easily catch coronavirus in there , '' she said .

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A women’s prison in Cheshire is in lockdown with inmates self-isolating in cells following an outbreak of Covid-19.
The women at HMP Styal, in Wilmslow, Cheshire, who have tested positive for the virus have been told to remain in their cells or prison houses as Public Health England works with bosses to manage the outbreak.
All visits to the prison - which has capacity for almost 500 female inmates - have been suspended.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
It is understood that those who currently are self-isolating must remain in their accommodation for at least 14 days, in line with guidance from Public Health England.
The Ministry of Justice would not confirm how many inmates and staff members had tested positive for the virus.
They also declined to comment on whether or not any inmates had become ill enough to require hospital treatment.
The M.E.N understands that prisoners are being supported to stay in touch with their families through secure video and phone calls and will be allowed time out of cells and exercise where possible.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: “Our priority is to limit the spread of the virus and to protect the lives of those who live and work in our prisons.
“We have taken precautionary measures at HMP Styal following a number of positive cases, in line with public health guidance, and will continue to closely monitor the situation.”
(Image: pa)
A total of 620 prisoners tested positive for coronavirus across the Ministry of Justice’s prison estate in England and Wales in September.
A total of 89 Prison and Youth Custody Service sites had confirmed cases that month but there were no deaths recorded in that time, according to the latest data.
Since the beginning of the pandemic in March, there have been 45 deaths amongst HM Prison and Probation Service users in England and Wales where COVID-19 was the suspected cause.
In June, a former Styal inmate spoke to the M.E.N about her experience of life behind bars during the pandemic.
She spent 15 months serving time for theft offences.
She said at the start of the pandemic inmates were allowed about 15 minutes for a shower each day, then around 45 minutes in the yard.
"Some girls would go out at about 9.30am and then some would go out at about 10.30am and that would be it,” she said.
“We got a few more channels on our TV and that's it."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The former prisoner claimed that staff try to follow social distancing measures and stay two metres away from the inmates, but that the women 'don't really stay away from each other'.
"The staff were acting like we had the virus", she said.
"Prisoners did not really get any masks, but staff had them. I think the girls might have them if they were in isolation or if they had an appointment.
"I reckon you could easily catch coronavirus in there," she said.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Dad takes off jeans and gives them to shivering rough sleeper at petrol station

A selfless dad whipped off his jeans and gave them to a homeless man who was shivering outside a petrol station in Wythenshawe .
Johny Hindle was worried about the rough sleeper who wore shorts in the cold outside the filling station near the Civic Centre .
`` Without thinking '' the dad took off his own trousers and insisted the man , who he was later told was called Vinnie , kept them .
His fiancée Courrie Webster said she is incredibly proud of him , adding he is a 'role model ' for their young children .
Recalling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : `` We had just been Christmas shopping and we had be speaking on the way to the petrol station about how freezing it was and how we couldn ’ t wait to get home and get warm .
`` Then we saw a man sat on the step outside the petrol station with his dog .
`` At first we thought he was just sat there until we saw the petrol station worker come out and give him some food and a drink .
`` When I mentioned what I saw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him some money so he could buy some hot food to keep warm .
`` It was only when Johny got speaking to him he told him that a woman had taken his pants home to wash for him and was bringing them back tomorrow so he had a clean pair .
`` Then Johny , without hesitation , took his own jeans off and gave him his pants .
`` He said he can ’ t stay outside in that weather with no pants .
Luckily Johny , since I ’ ve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under his pants and I ’ d never understood why .
I 'm now seeing why , as one day this was supposed to happen . ''
The act of kindness was witnessed by passerby Becky Haigh .
She said : `` It was so lovely , I just went to fill up at the petrol station .
I saw ( Vinnie ) sat there with his dog .
`` I saw someone give him something .
When I came out I saw the man taking his jeans off , he gave them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He had shorts on underneath .
My little girl was crying , she was so overwhelmed by the kindness of it all .
I have never seen anyone do anything so kind , that took it to a whole new level . ''
Courrie said Vinnie said he would have to rehome his dog as he was unable to access accommodation with a pet .
She added : `` It broke our hearts as we can imagine this is his only companion whilst on the streets .
Me and my eldest Lola were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of what we had just seen ( Johny ) do - especially Lola .
She was amazed . ''
The family got back into the car and decided to pick up some clothes from home to give to the homeless man .
They sorted trainers , jumpers , tops , a coat , some underwear and toiletries and a warm blanket for his dog , as well as a flask of hot soup and some snacks in the suitcase to see him through .
`` We did drive back to the petrol station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
`` We drove around for around an hour looking for him and we couldn ’ t find him .
We went back the next night when Johny had finished work and he wasn ’ t there .
But we ’ ve now been told it was because fireworks were being thrown at him at the petrol station and he went to the bus station . ''
Courrie said she planned to go out looking for Vinnie with Johny later on to give him provisions .
`` We really hope he gets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so polite and so grateful .
We hope he gets to keep his dog too , as it would break our hearts to know he had to lose his best friend to get a place to stay , '' she said .
Courrie said she is 'extremely proud ' of her partner Johny .
`` I am extremely proud of him and the selfless act he ’ s done .
He made sure someone was that little bit warmer on a freezing cold night .
I ’ m proud he ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role model to the four girls we share . ''

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A selfless dad whipped off his jeans and gave them to a homeless man who was shivering outside a petrol station in Wythenshawe.
Johny Hindle was worried about the rough sleeper who wore shorts in the cold outside the filling station near the Civic Centre.
"Without thinking" the dad took off his own trousers and insisted the man, who he was later told was called Vinnie, kept them.
(Image: Courrie Webster)
His fiancée Courrie Webster said she is incredibly proud of him, adding he is a 'role model' for their young children.
Recalling the incident earlier this week, she said: "We had just been Christmas shopping and we had be speaking on the way to the petrol station about how freezing it was and how we couldn’t wait to get home and get warm.
(Image: Courrie Webster)
"Then we saw a man sat on the step outside the petrol station with his dog.
"At first we thought he was just sat there until we saw the petrol station worker come out and give him some food and a drink.
"When I mentioned what I saw to Johny, we decided to give him some money so he could buy some hot food to keep warm.
(Image: Courrie Webster)
"It was only when Johny got speaking to him he told him that a woman had taken his pants home to wash for him and was bringing them back tomorrow so he had a clean pair.
"Then Johny, without hesitation, took his own jeans off and gave him his pants.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
"He said he can’t stay outside in that weather with no pants. Luckily Johny, since I’ve known him, has always worn shorts under his pants and I’d never understood why. I'm now seeing why, as one day this was supposed to happen."
The act of kindness was witnessed by passerby Becky Haigh.
She said: "It was so lovely, I just went to fill up at the petrol station. I saw (Vinnie) sat there with his dog.
"I saw someone give him something. When I came out I saw the man taking his jeans off, he gave them to (the homeless man). He had shorts on underneath. My little girl was crying, she was so overwhelmed by the kindness of it all. I have never seen anyone do anything so kind, that took it to a whole new level."
Courrie said Vinnie said he would have to rehome his dog as he was unable to access accommodation with a pet.
She added: "It broke our hearts as we can imagine this is his only companion whilst on the streets. Me and my eldest Lola were welling up, we were unbelievably proud of what we had just seen (Johny) do - especially Lola. She was amazed."
The family got back into the car and decided to pick up some clothes from home to give to the homeless man.
They sorted trainers, jumpers, tops, a coat, some underwear and toiletries and a warm blanket for his dog, as well as a flask of hot soup and some snacks in the suitcase to see him through.
"We did drive back to the petrol station but he had gone", she said.
"We drove around for around an hour looking for him and we couldn’t find him. We went back the next night when Johny had finished work and he wasn’t there. But we’ve now been told it was because fireworks were being thrown at him at the petrol station and he went to the bus station."
Courrie said she planned to go out looking for Vinnie with Johny later on to give him provisions.
"We really hope he gets the help he deserves because he was so polite and so grateful. We hope he gets to keep his dog too, as it would break our hearts to know he had to lose his best friend to get a place to stay," she said.
Courrie said she is 'extremely proud' of her partner Johny.
"I am extremely proud of him and the selfless act he’s done. He made sure someone was that little bit warmer on a freezing cold night. I’m proud he’s the dad to our son and such a role model to the four girls we share."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Manchester United news and transfers RECAP

Manchester United are looking to build on the midweek win over RB Leipzig as they look ahead to the Premier @ @ @ @ @ United were in brilliant form on Wednesday in the Champions League as a late hat-trick @ @ @ @ @ Anthony Martial penalty secured the win after Mason Greenwood had given them an early lead @ @ @ @ @ his players afterwards and will now be eager continue that momentum into Sunday 's game @ @ @ @ @ speak to the media today ahead of that clash with Mikel Arteta 's Gunners .
@ @ @ @ @ Telles , who is isolating after testing positive for Covid-19 , has thanked fans , @ @ @ @ @ to thank you for the messages of affection that I received from the moment that @ @ @ @ @ been diagnosed with COVID-19 .
I am fine , isolated and soon I will be @ @ @ @ @ to help my teammates . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Dominic Booth, Marcus Banks)

Manchester United are looking to build on the midweek win over RB Leipzig as they look ahead to the Premier League visit of Arsenal.
United were in brilliant form on Wednesday in the Champions League as a late hat-trick from Marcus Rashford and an Anthony Martial penalty secured the win after Mason Greenwood had given them an early lead.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer lauded his players afterwards and will now be eager continue that momentum into Sunday's game with Arsenal. Solskjaer will speak to the media today ahead of that clash with Mikel Arteta's Gunners.
Meanwhile, new signing Alex Telles, who is isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, has thanked fans, saying: "I want to thank you for the messages of affection that I received from the moment that United announced that I have been diagnosed with COVID-19. I am fine, isolated and soon I will be back with all my strength to help my teammates."
Recap the latest United news.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Tory MPs' offices covered with 'empty plates' over free school meals row

The constituency offices of two MPs were left covered with 'the empty plates of families ' in protest after Parliament voted down the extension of the school meal voucher scheme .
Paper plates and signs such as 'feed the kids ' were left stuck to the front of the offices of Christian Wakeford , the Conservative MP for Bury South , and James Daly , the Conservative MP for Bury North .
A social media post also pictured protestors outside the office of James Grundy , Leigh MP .
More than 80 plates were hung up across the facades of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the community ' about the vote .
The campaign to provide meal vouchers during the school holidays for struggling families began earlier this year .
Wythenshawe-born Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford , 22 , began pushing for the the vouchers to see 200,000 children through the summer holidays and forced the Prime Minister to u-turn on plans to end support for those who would receive free school meals .
But last week , his attempts to extend the voucher scheme until Easter 2021 failed in Parliament after being voted down by 322 Conservative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who voted against the motion , while Mr Wakeford was one of 64 MPs to be 'absent or abstain ' from the vote .
People across the country voiced a wave of anger at the MPs who voted against the motion , and hundreds of cafes , restaurants and local councils pledged that they would provide free food and vouchers in the wake of the decision .
The plates were part of a protest by anti-austerity movement , Bury People 's Assembly .
A spokesperson for the group told the Manchester Evening News @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Assembly worked with local residents to organise two peaceful protests outside our two Conservative MP 's offices in Radcliffe and Bury .
`` Over 8,000 children in Bury are eligible for free school meals and the fact that our MPs refused to vote to make sure that those children do n't go hungry over the school holidays is callous and irresponsible .
Unemployment has doubled in Bury South since February and more families are falling into poverty . ''
A number of the messages aired opposition to the Conservative government , saying 'Tories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Boris starving the minors ' .
But the group says their protest was not partisan and was instead issue-led .
`` Residents were invited to bring a paper plate with their message for Wakeford and Daly , '' added the spokesperson .
`` We wanted to let them know that we look after each other here .
The response to the free school meals issue from local business and charities has been amazing , but our local MPs have failed to make sure children have enough to eat during the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the families impacted by the FSM vote .
`` We 're calling on the government to reinstate free school meals during the holidays - just like it did at Easter and over the summer following Rashford 's fantastic campaign .
`` The People ’ s Assembly is a broad anti-austerity campaign supported by a range of local and national groups , and trade unions , and not affiliated to any political party .
`` We saw the outrage here in Bury following the vote and facilitated the protest so that local people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wakeford and Mr Daly have been contacted for comment .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week defended the decision for his party to vote against the extension , saying 'the government will do everything in our power to make sure that no child goes hungry ' .
He said the government was supporting families with a Universal Credit increase of £20 a week , introduced in April .
The government also said it gave £63m to councils to help those struggling to afford food .
But Marcus Rashford has said he will carry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bury Council is currently still offering the system for children and families over the October half-term .
The England international has also used his Twitter account as a platform for those businesses who have volunteered to help provide meals .
Those in need can go to his account and find places in their areas which are offering food .
Rashford told his 3.6 million Twitter followers : `` Blown away by news of local businesses stepping up to fill the voucher scheme deficit during the October half term .
Selflessness , kindness , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know . ''

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The constituency offices of two MPs were left covered with 'the empty plates of families' in protest after Parliament voted down the extension of the school meal voucher scheme.
Paper plates and signs such as 'feed the kids' were left stuck to the front of the offices of Christian Wakeford, the Conservative MP for Bury South, and James Daly, the Conservative MP for Bury North. A social media post also pictured protestors outside the office of James Grundy, Leigh MP.
More than 80 plates were hung up across the facades of the two offices, with 'messages from the community' about the vote.
The campaign to provide meal vouchers during the school holidays for struggling families began earlier this year.
Wythenshawe-born Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, 22, began pushing for the the vouchers to see 200,000 children through the summer holidays and forced the Prime Minister to u-turn on plans to end support for those who would receive free school meals.
But last week, his attempts to extend the voucher scheme until Easter 2021 failed in Parliament after being voted down by 322 Conservative MPs. Mr Daly was among those who voted against the motion, while Mr Wakeford was one of 64 MPs to be 'absent or abstain' from the vote.
People across the country voiced a wave of anger at the MPs who voted against the motion, and hundreds of cafes, restaurants and local councils pledged that they would provide free food and vouchers in the wake of the decision.
(Image: Bury People's Assembly)
The plates were part of a protest by anti-austerity movement, Bury People's Assembly.
A spokesperson for the group told the Manchester Evening News : "This week Bury People's Assembly worked with local residents to organise two peaceful protests outside our two Conservative MP's offices in Radcliffe and Bury.
"Over 8,000 children in Bury are eligible for free school meals and the fact that our MPs refused to vote to make sure that those children don't go hungry over the school holidays is callous and irresponsible. Unemployment has doubled in Bury South since February and more families are falling into poverty."
(Image: Bury People's Assembly)
A number of the messages aired opposition to the Conservative government, saying 'Tories out' and 'Thatcher starved the miners, Boris starving the minors'.
But the group says their protest was not partisan and was instead issue-led.
"Residents were invited to bring a paper plate with their message for Wakeford and Daly," added the spokesperson.
"We wanted to let them know that we look after each other here. The response to the free school meals issue from local business and charities has been amazing, but our local MPs have failed to make sure children have enough to eat during the pandemic.
"The plates represent the empty plates of the families impacted by the FSM vote.
(Image: Bury People's Assembly)
"We're calling on the government to reinstate free school meals during the holidays - just like it did at Easter and over the summer following Rashford's fantastic campaign.
"The People’s Assembly is a broad anti-austerity campaign supported by a range of local and national groups, and trade unions, and not affiliated to any political party.
"We saw the outrage here in Bury following the vote and facilitated the protest so that local people could express their fury."
Mr Wakeford and Mr Daly have been contacted for comment.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week defended the decision for his party to vote against the extension, saying 'the government will do everything in our power to make sure that no child goes hungry'. He said the government was supporting families with a Universal Credit increase of £20 a week, introduced in April.
The government also said it gave £63m to councils to help those struggling to afford food.
But Marcus Rashford has said he will carry on fighting for the meal vouchers. Bury Council is currently still offering the system for children and families over the October half-term.
The England international has also used his Twitter account as a platform for those businesses who have volunteered to help provide meals. Those in need can go to his account and find places in their areas which are offering food.
Rashford told his 3.6 million Twitter followers: "Blown away by news of local businesses stepping up to fill the voucher scheme deficit during the October half term. Selflessness, kindness, togetherness, this is the England I know."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Sage paper shows coronavirus second wave 'exceeding worst case scenario'

The government ’ s Sage experts said that coronavirus infections and hospital admissions were exceeding the `` worst case scenario '' planning levels earlier this month - four days before Boris Johnson announced the three-tier system of restrictions .
A document from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) summarising the Sage meeting of October 8 said incidence and prevalence across the UK continue to increase with data showing “ clear increases ” in hospital and ICU admissions , particularly in the North of England .
The paper said projections indicate the number of deaths is “ highly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scenario ( RWCS ) planning levels within the next two weeks .
( October 22 ) .
“ Well over 100 new deaths per day are projected to occur within two weeks , even if strict new interventions are put in place immediately , ” the document said , adding : “ In all scenarios the epidemic is still growing.
” Four days after the Sage meeting , on October 12 , the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced England would be placed into “ medium ” , “ high ” and “ very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1 , Tier 2 and Tier 3 – under a new tier system of restrictions aimed at tackling the virus .
At a Downing Street press conference that day alongside Mr Johnson , England ’ s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty – a member of Sage – said he was “ not confident ” that the “ base case ” for Tier 3 proposals “ would be enough to get on top of it ” .
The newly-published Sage document comes as the effectiveness of the three-tier system is more widely being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Test and Trace system recording its highest ever weekly number of positive cases and a study by Imperial College London finding that almost 100,000 people are catching Covid-19 every day .
Experts are suggesting a national approach is needed to address the soaring infection rate , with the expectation that the current trajectory is likely to result in nearly everywhere in England in at least Tier 2 before Christmas .
Since the three-tier system has been implemented , the number of deaths announced on the government ’ s coronavirus dashboard has exceeded 100 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a couple of days more than 300 deaths were announced .
The document from October 8 also warns of the pressures faced by the NHS due to rising infections .
“ NHS data also show increases in hospital admissions , particularly in the North West , North East and Yorkshire .
“ If there are no decisive interventions , continued growth would have the potential to overwhelm the NHS , including the continued delivery of non-Covid treatments , ” the paper said .
The document said Sage has previously advised that a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) needs to be adopted to reverse the exponential rise in cases ” .
It added : “ As previously , the earlier additional measures are introduced the more effective they will be .
`` Longer-term sustained measures will also be essential .
“ The interventions previously recommended for consideration are those which will have significant population-level impact on reducing transmission .
“ Case control studies indicate that restaurants and bars are associated with increased transmission risk.
” A circuit-breaker was at the top of a shortlist of coronavirus interventions recommended to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ago .
The Sage document , dated September 21 , said a package of interventions will be needed to reverse the exponential rise in cases .
Top of the list was a circuit-breaker , a short period of lockdown , “ to return incidence to low levels ” , followed by advice to work from home for all those that can .
Third on the list was “ banning all contact within the home with members of other households ( except members of a support bubble ) ” , and fourth was the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cafes , indoor gyms , and personal services such as hairdressers .
The final measure on the list was that all university and college teaching “ to be online unless face-to-face teaching is absolutely essential ” .
Meanwhile , a separate Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling , Operational sub-group ( SPI-M-O ) consensus statement dated October 14 , said : “ Combined estimates from six SPI-M-O models suggest there are between 43,000 and 74,000 new infections per day in England .
“ This is significantly above the profile of the reasonable worst-case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infections in England remained between 12,000 – 13,000 throughout October.
” A government spokeswoman said : “ As a responsible government , we continue to prepare for a wide range of scenarios , including the reasonable worst case scenario , and this is kept under constant review .
“ Our approach is based on the different levels of prevalence of the virus across the UK , but we will not hesitate to put in place further measures if necessary .
“ We have made significant strides in our response to the pandemic – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been made available to the NHS to help it continue to provide high quality care as we head into winter .
`` Treatments like dexamethasone have been proven to save lives , and there is promising progress in finding a safe vaccine through government-backed scientific research .
”

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The government’s Sage experts said that coronavirus infections and hospital admissions were exceeding the "worst case scenario" planning levels earlier this month - four days before Boris Johnson announced the three-tier system of restrictions.
A document from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) summarising the Sage meeting of October 8 said incidence and prevalence across the UK continue to increase with data showing “clear increases” in hospital and ICU admissions, particularly in the North of England.
The paper said projections indicate the number of deaths is “highly likely” to exceed Reasonable Worst Case Scenario (RWCS) planning levels within the next two weeks. (October 22).
“Well over 100 new deaths per day are projected to occur within two weeks, even if strict new interventions are put in place immediately,” the document said, adding: “In all scenarios the epidemic is still growing.”
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
Four days after the Sage meeting, on October 12, the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced England would be placed into “medium”, “high” and “very high” alert levels – or Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 3 – under a new tier system of restrictions aimed at tackling the virus.
(Image: PA)
At a Downing Street press conference that day alongside Mr Johnson, England’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty – a member of Sage – said he was “not confident” that the “base case” for Tier 3 proposals “would be enough to get on top of it”.
The newly-published Sage document comes as the effectiveness of the three-tier system is more widely being called into doubt, with the NHS Test and Trace system recording its highest ever weekly number of positive cases and a study by Imperial College London finding that almost 100,000 people are catching Covid-19 every day.
Experts are suggesting a national approach is needed to address the soaring infection rate, with the expectation that the current trajectory is likely to result in nearly everywhere in England in at least Tier 2 before Christmas.
(Image: PA)
Since the three-tier system has been implemented, the number of deaths announced on the government’s coronavirus dashboard has exceeded 100 on every day except two – and on a couple of days more than 300 deaths were announced.
The document from October 8 also warns of the pressures faced by the NHS due to rising infections.
“NHS data also show increases in hospital admissions, particularly in the North West, North East and Yorkshire.
“If there are no decisive interventions, continued growth would have the potential to overwhelm the NHS, including the continued delivery of non-Covid treatments,” the paper said.
The document said Sage has previously advised that a package of “non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPls) needs to be adopted to reverse the exponential rise in cases”.
(Image: Getty Images)
It added: “As previously, the earlier additional measures are introduced the more effective they will be.
"Longer-term sustained measures will also be essential.
“The interventions previously recommended for consideration are those which will have significant population-level impact on reducing transmission.
“Case control studies indicate that restaurants and bars are associated with increased transmission risk.”
A circuit-breaker was at the top of a shortlist of coronavirus interventions recommended to the government by Sage more than a month ago.
The Sage document, dated September 21, said a package of interventions will be needed to reverse the exponential rise in cases.
Top of the list was a circuit-breaker, a short period of lockdown, “to return incidence to low levels”, followed by advice to work from home for all those that can.
Third on the list was “banning all contact within the home with members of other households (except members of a support bubble)”, and fourth was the closure of all bars, restaurants, cafes, indoor gyms, and personal services such as hairdressers.
The final measure on the list was that all university and college teaching “to be online unless face-to-face teaching is absolutely essential”.
Meanwhile, a separate Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling, Operational sub-group (SPI-M-O) consensus statement dated October 14, said: “Combined estimates from six SPI-M-O models suggest there are between 43,000 and 74,000 new infections per day in England.
“This is significantly above the profile of the reasonable worst-case scenario, where the number of daily infections in England remained between 12,000 – 13,000 throughout October.”
A government spokeswoman said: “As a responsible government, we continue to prepare for a wide range of scenarios, including the reasonable worst case scenario, and this is kept under constant review.
“Our approach is based on the different levels of prevalence of the virus across the UK, but we will not hesitate to put in place further measures if necessary.
“We have made significant strides in our response to the pandemic – an extra £3 billion in funding has been made available to the NHS to help it continue to provide high quality care as we head into winter.
"Treatments like dexamethasone have been proven to save lives, and there is promising progress in finding a safe vaccine through government-backed scientific research.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-30--Latest Greater Manchester infection rates as Oldham reaches grim new milestone

Manchester has become the first area to record 20,000 positive coronavirus tests since the start of the pandemic .
It comes as the entire region saw a record number of positive tests in a day , the latest figures show .
But there are signs increases in infection rates may be starting to slow in some areas of the region .
On Monday there were 2,777 positive tests across Greater Manchester - the highest in a single day so far the data from Public Health England shows .
However it is important to point out there is widespread community testing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ peak of the pandemic in April .
Oldham has become the area in our region to record an infection rate of over 700 .
There were 1,688 positive cases in the borough in the seven days up to October 26 , taking its rate per 100,000 of population to 703.5 .
Cases no longer appears to be rising as fast as they were earlier in the week .
However it has still seen a week on week increase of 39 percent .
There have also been notable increases in Stockport where the number @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its rate to 448.8 .
They are just marginally behind the rate in Trafford , where cases are up 26 percent week-on-week .
Tameside saw its number of cases increase by 317 , 36pc , compared to the previous seven days with its rate now standing 533.3 .
Whilst there has been a 28pc increase in Wigan , whose rate is now the second highest in the region at 687.4 .
The city of Manchester has become the first area to record 20,000 positive coronavirus tests since the onset of the pandemic .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to deal with the rise in cases ?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments However the number of new cases has increased by just 199 , eight percent , compared to the previous seven days .
Its rate is now the third lowest in the region at 498.3 , but still over double the national average of 229.2 .
Rochdale also saw a single digit week-on-week increase in cases of nine percent , with its rate now 591.7 .
The Greater Manchester week-on-week percentage increase is now down to 23 per @ @ @ @ @ @ @ previous four days .
The region is today beginning a second week in tier 3 , the highest level of the government 's local lockdown system introduced at midnight on October 23 .
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 .

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Manchester has become the first area to record 20,000 positive coronavirus tests since the start of the pandemic.
It comes as the entire region saw a record number of positive tests in a day, the latest figures show.
But there are signs increases in infection rates may be starting to slow in some areas of the region.
On Monday there were 2,777 positive tests across Greater Manchester - the highest in a single day so far the data from Public Health England shows.
However it is important to point out there is widespread community testing which wasn't in place during the peak of the pandemic in April.
Oldham has become the area in our region to record an infection rate of over 700.
There were 1,688 positive cases in the borough in the seven days up to October 26, taking its rate per 100,000 of population to 703.5.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Cases no longer appears to be rising as fast as they were earlier in the week.
However it has still seen a week on week increase of 39 percent.
There have also been notable increases in Stockport where the number of cases is up 41 percent taking its rate to 448.8.
They are just marginally behind the rate in Trafford, where cases are up 26 percent week-on-week.
Tameside saw its number of cases increase by 317, 36pc, compared to the previous seven days with its rate now standing 533.3.
Whilst there has been a 28pc increase in Wigan, whose rate is now the second highest in the region at 687.4.
The city of Manchester has become the first area to record 20,000 positive coronavirus tests since the onset of the pandemic.
Are the current Tier 3 restrictions enough to deal with the rise in cases? Let us know your thoughts in the comments
However the number of new cases has increased by just 199, eight percent, compared to the previous seven days.
Its rate is now the third lowest in the region at 498.3, but still over double the national average of 229.2.
Rochdale also saw a single digit week-on-week increase in cases of nine percent, with its rate now 591.7.
The Greater Manchester week-on-week percentage increase is now down to 23 per cent from over 30 per cent in previous four days.
The region is today beginning a second week in tier 3, the highest level of the government's local lockdown system introduced at midnight on October 23.
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--2020-10-30--Art, culture, and bottomless drag brunch: Why Andaz is the perfect Shoreditch staycation

After leaving Manchester you would think the sight of red brick is long left behind , until you ’ re stunned by the five-star Andaz Hotel in London , Liverpool Street .
While the exterior poses 19th century traditional grandeur , step inside and you ’ ll be overwhelmed with creative decor influenced by its artsy neighbourhood of East London ’ s Shoreditch .
With iconic artwork sourced by local group Le Gun from the Royal College of Art complementing vibrant colours and patterned soft furnishings , there ’ s a bold balance of dark metals and other fine detailing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - nodding to the hotel ’ s railway heritage .
And this is just the foyer .
But this is what Andaz has mastered so effectively in creating an open and welcoming space from the get-go ; from a decadently designed bar to the right of the reception desk where the hotel hosts a complimentary Canape and Wine Hour every evening , to a comfortable lounge area reminiscent of a first-class Victorian train carriage with upholstered seating and lavish drapes .
This mix of contemporary design capturing the hotel ’ s prime location @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rooms , including 15 suites .
Here , pinstriped carpets echo the uniforms of the nearby bankers , with stitched ‘ jeans ’ fabric around the base of the bed in recognition of the area ’ s sartorial past .
Tattoo art by local illustrator Sophie Mo on the tan-leather bed headboards also pays homage to the silk weavers that used to dominate Shoreditch ’ s textile industry .
And Andaz offers so much more than just a room for the night as it boasts a health club , along with six of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it the perfect staycation in the capital as it has everything you ’ d need on its doorstep .
On our pre-Covid visit , we spent two evenings in Rake ’ s Cafe Bar drinking cocktails , where the barman said he could make whatever we wanted , accompanied by tasty dishes including the best cauliflower wings I ’ ve ever eaten .
Rake ’ s comprises of the garden-influenced The Front Room , the sophisticated The Parlour and No .
3 , a secret hideaway for those looking for extra privacy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to share on Instagram with its hot pink paint and mirror wall feature .
We started the next morning with a yoga class in the hotel ’ s Masonic Temple , which was hugely unexpected to find a slice of serenity in the middle of a large hotel in the capital .
Candles were lit which flickered against the Italian marble as we gazed up at the blue dome ceiling - adorned with an eye-opening gold star in the centre with zodiac symbols looking back at us .
The Grade II listed space @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hire , is the city ’ s only original Freemason ’ s meeting lodge , which was discovered by chance during the hotel ’ s refurbishment .
Soon after , we headed out on a walking tour to explore the history of the East End where we learnt tales of Jack the Ripper outside Christ Church and meandered through Spitalfields Market .
There homed stall upon stall of clothing , jewellery , vegan leather bags , and countless eateries but most memorable was The Last Stop For The Curious stall .
Here we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who sells vintage hats in a range of colours and styles making it impossible not to try one on as he gave even more interesting insight into the history of the area .
We continued to weave through some of the oldest streets in East London while admiring the street art and bustle of Brick Lane .
The route came back in full circle returning to the striking hotel where after working up an appetite , we were more than ready for the drag queen bottomless brunch which is the hotel ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at their Eastway Brasserie .
Guests clapped and cheered as flamboyant Velma Celli sang classic dance hits making her way around the restaurant ’ s tables .
At £28 per person , it features weekly-changing dishes made with locally sourced and organic ingredients , and allows guests to enjoy all six sharing starters of the calibre of Boozy Gin & Tonic Cured Salmon , followed by a large brunch main course that includes such archetypal comfort food as the fish finger sandwich .
To top the day off , we then took part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ experience , which has to be the highlight of the stay .
The hospitality was exquisite as we were warmly welcomed with chilled sake by Kosei Sakamoto - head chef of the hotel ’ s Japanese restaurant , Miyako - and his accomplished team .
At the centre of the studio stood a long table immaculately set up with square plates of seaweed , bamboo rolling boards , rice , and fresh fish .
We were taught how to look for the freshest fish in the market if we wanted to try making @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team calmly talked us through how to slice the fish correctly and how to roll the different styles of sushi - which is so much harder than it looks !
When most residents in Manchester think about a trip away to the capital , its famous sights come to mind which can become repetitive , and the thought of traipsing around among the thousands of other tourists can feel overbearing , especially sardined on the Underground .
Yet Andaz Hotel offers a unique and quirky stay enriched with local culture , creativity , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for an effortless weekend away in a vibrant neighbourhood .
You can travel from Manchester to London on a direct train in just two hours , with the Liverpool Street hotel situated just a stone ’ s throw away from the Underground station .
This trip was taken in March , before the coronavirus lockdown .
Since then , measures have been introduced that cover cleanliness , physical distancing , and safety .
These include contactless check-in , social distancing in the dining areas , and rooms disinfected in between stays .
Prices @ @ @ @ @ @ @ visit the website or call +44 207 961 1234 .

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After leaving Manchester you would think the sight of red brick is long left behind, until you’re stunned by the five-star Andaz London Liverpool Street.
While the exterior poses 19th century traditional grandeur, step inside and you’ll be overwhelmed with creative decor influenced by its artsy neighbourhood of East London’s Shoreditch.
With iconic artwork sourced by local group Le Gun from the Royal College of Art complementing vibrant colours and patterned soft furnishings, there’s a bold balance of dark metals and other fine detailing such as rivets adding an industrial feel - nodding to the hotel’s railway heritage.
And this is just the foyer.
(Image: Andaz London Liverpool Street)
But this is what Andaz London has mastered so effectively in creating an open and welcoming space from the get-go; from a decadently designed bar to the right of the reception desk where the hotel hosts a complimentary Canape and Wine Hour every evening, to a comfortable lounge area reminiscent of a first-class Victorian train carriage with upholstered seating and lavish drapes.
This mix of contemporary design capturing the hotel’s prime location and heritage continues into its 267 spacious rooms, including 15 suites.
Here, pinstriped carpets echo the uniforms of the nearby bankers, with stitched ‘jeans’ fabric around the base of the bed in recognition of the area’s sartorial past. Tattoo art by local illustrator Sophie Mo on the tan-leather bed headboards also pays homage to the silk weavers that used to dominate Shoreditch’s textile industry.
(Image: MEN UGC)
And Andaz London offers so much more than just a room for the night as it boasts a health club, along with six of its own restaurants and bars, making it the perfect staycation in the capital as it has everything you’d need on its doorstep.
On our pre-Covid visit, we spent two evenings in Rake’s Cafe Bar drinking cocktails, where the barman said he could make whatever we wanted, accompanied by tasty dishes including the best cauliflower wings I’ve ever eaten.
Rake’s comprises of the garden-influenced The Front Room, the sophisticated The Parlour and No. 3, a secret hideaway for those looking for extra privacy. It’s most definitely a setting to share on Instagram with its hot pink paint and mirror wall feature.
(Image: Andaz London)
We started the next morning with a yoga class in the hotel’s Masonic Temple, which was hugely unexpected to find a slice of serenity in the middle of a large hotel in the capital.
Candles were lit which flickered against the Italian marble as we gazed up at the blue dome ceiling - adorned with an eye-opening gold star in the centre with zodiac symbols looking back at us.
The Grade II listed space, that’s available for private hire, is the city’s only original Freemason’s meeting lodge, which was discovered by chance during the hotel’s refurbishment.
(Image: Andaz Hotel, Liverpool Street, London)
Soon after, we headed out on a walking tour to explore the history of the East End where we learnt tales of Jack the Ripper outside Christ Church and meandered through Spitalfields Market.
There homed stall upon stall of clothing, jewellery, vegan leather bags, and countless eateries but most memorable was The Last Stop For The Curious stall. Here we were introduced to eccentric owner, Colin, who sells vintage hats in a range of colours and styles making it impossible not to try one on as he gave even more interesting insight into the history of the area. We continued to weave through some of the oldest streets in East London while admiring the street art and bustle of Brick Lane.
The route came back in full circle returning to the striking hotel where after working up an appetite, we were more than ready for the drag queen bottomless brunch, which is the hotel’s latest entertainment addition to Saturday afternoons at their Eastway Brasserie. Guests clapped and cheered as flamboyant Velma Celli sang classic dance hits making her way around the restaurant’s tables.
(Image: MEN UGC)
At £28 per person, it features weekly-changing dishes made with locally sourced and organic ingredients, and allows guests to enjoy all six sharing starters of the calibre of Boozy Gin & Tonic Cured Salmon, followed by a large brunch main course that includes such archetypal comfort food as the fish finger sandwich.
However due to Covid-19, Eastway Brasserie has since closed temporarily.
To top the day off, we then took part in the hotel’s sushi making experience, which has to be the highlight of the stay. The hospitality was exquisite as we were warmly welcomed with chilled sake by Kosei Sakamoto - head chef of the hotel’s Japanese restaurant, Miyako - and his accomplished team.
(Image: Andaz London)
At the centre of the studio stood a long table immaculately set up with square plates of seaweed, bamboo rolling boards, rice, and fresh fish. We were taught how to look for the freshest fish in the market if we wanted to try making sushi again at home, and the team calmly talked us through how to slice the fish correctly and how to roll the different styles of sushi - which is so much harder than it looks!
When most residents in Manchester think about a trip away to the capital, its famous sights come to mind which can become repetitive, and the thought of traipsing around among the thousands of other tourists can feel overbearing, especially sardined on the Underground.
(Image: Andaz London)
Yet Andaz London offers a unique and quirky stay enriched with local culture, creativity, and exactly what you’d need for an effortless weekend away in a vibrant neighbourhood.
You can travel from Manchester to London on a direct train in just two hours, with the Liverpool Street hotel situated just a stone’s throw away from the Underground station.
This trip was taken in March, before the coronavirus lockdown. Since then, measures have been introduced that cover cleanliness, physical distancing, and safety.
These include contactless check-in, social distancing in the dining areas, and rooms disinfected in between stays.
Prices start at £195 for per night, visit the website here.