themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Nearly a quarter of children in the North West live in poverty

Almost a quarter of children in the north west are living in poverty , according to a new report .
Locally , Oldham and Bolton have seen the sharpest increases in the last five years rising by 9.3 and 7.4 per cent respectively .
In Oldham 38 percent of children now live in poverty - the highest in the entire north west .
The second highest in Greater Manchester is Manchester at 33.6 percent , and then Bolton on 32.2 percent .
Overall in the last three years the figure for the north west has risen by 4.5 percent since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the ten boroughs in Greater Manchester has seen an increase .
In some parts of the region as many as four in five children are living in poverty .
The leader of Oldham council , Sean Fielding called the increases `` a national disgrace '' .
Paul Dennett , City Mayor , of Salford , said the figures were 'shocking but not surprising ' .
Mark Russell , chief executive of the Children 's Society , which published the report said : “ These figures show that future generations are being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stop the rising levels of child poverty across not only the North West , but the whole of the UK .
“ We know that without further action the current pandemic is only going to exacerbate this issue , leaving even more families struggling with poverty , hunger and hardship .
“ It is vital the government ensures local authorities are able to be there for those with nowhere else to turn .
More investment must be given so local councils can deliver well-funded and robust emergency assistance schemes which provide a financial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The figures for Greater Manchester are : Oldham : 2014/15 , 28.7 per cent to 38 per cent in 2018/19 - increase of 9.3 .
Bolton : 24.8 in 2014/15 to 32.2 in 2018/19 - increase of 7.4 .
Manchester : 27.8 in 2014/15 to 33.6 in 2018/19 - increase of 5.8 .
Tameside : 19.4 in 2014/15 to 24.7 in 2018/19 - increase of 5.3 .
Rochdale : 25.3 in 2014/15 to 30.2 in 2018/19 - increase of 4.9 .
Bury:18.2 in 2014/15 to 22.9 in 2018/19 - increase of 4.7 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2018/19 - increase of 3.6 .
Salford : 20.7 in 2014/15 to 24 in 2018/19 - increase of 3.3 .
Stockport : 12.6 in 2014/15 to 15.2 in 2018/19 - increase of 2.6 .
Trafford : 11.1 in 2014/15 to 12.8 in 2018/19 - increase of 1.7 .
Sean Fielding , Oldham council leader , said : `` The rises we have seen in child poverty in recent years are a disgrace .
`` We have been warning for years that the government ’ s punishing austerity agenda would hurt our most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ statistics make that reality stark .
“ Since becoming a pilot area for Universal Credit , Oldham has seen foodbank use go through the roof , and sadly the current pandemic is only likely to make matters worse .
“ In Oldham we ’ re taking proactive steps to tackle poverty .
Last November the council became an accredited Living Wage employer , giving a pay rise to people across the borough .
And our investments in education have seen huge improvements in our children ’ s development , particularly in early years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long term challenge .
To do it properly , we need the support of government .
Now is the time to invest in the future of our borough , to show that Oldham is a great place to do business , to create jobs and to lift people out of poverty .
“ We ’ re ready to make the investment and our residents are desperate for the opportunity to build a better future for their children .
Further government cuts , or a refusal to reimburse us for the costs of responding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another generation . ''
In Salford last summer the city set up a food bank for children to make sure they were fed during the long school holidays .
City Mayor , Paul Dennett , said : `` The services and investment which have traditionally helped to rebalance the economy and ensure a degree of fairness have taken a hammering over the past decade and the inevitable consequence of that is poverty '' In Salford the City Council has made huge investments into our local economy to help spur growth - taking over @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also prioritised key services related to poverty relief - welfare rights and debt advice , discretionary support schemes and more '' In part the success of these measures may be one reason why the growth of child poverty in Salford has been slower than in some other areas of GM .
But ultimately , we know the general rate of poverty is down to factors outside the control of the local authority .
`` Whilst we have a national economy based on low-skilled , low-paid and part-time employment there will be poverty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ net to catch the most vulnerable , we will have poverty '' COVID will inevitably lead to challenges as government row back on their early commitments to fund our council 's pandemic response - and cash-strapped public services will struggle even more to cope with need . ''
The End Child Poverty coalition , which has helped produce the new report , fears the issues will continue to deepen as the virus drags more families below the poverty line .
Anna Feuchtwang , chair of End Child Poverty , said : `` We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Coronavirus together , but we are not all in the same boat .
`` The government ’ s data shows the extent to which over the past four years , children in low income families have been cut adrift and are already experiencing unacceptable hardship through cuts and freezes to the benefits system .
‘ Our country ’ s children are now at severe risk of being swept deeper into poverty as a result of the pandemic and lockdown .
This is why we are asking the government to strengthen the social security @ @ @ @ @ @ @ steady during tough times , by immediately increasing household income for those least well-off .
‘ Ending child poverty must be at the heart of the Government ’ s plan for economic recovery , so that when this crisis is over all children can enjoy a life free from poverty in which they are healthy , can thrive at school and have opportunities for the future . ''

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Almost a quarter of children in the north west are living in poverty, according to a new report.
Locally, Oldham and Bolton have seen the sharpest increases in the last five years rising by 9.3 and 7.4 per cent respectively.
In Oldham 38 percent of children now live in poverty - the highest in the entire north west.
The second highest in Greater Manchester is Manchester at 33.6 percent, and then Bolton on 32.2 percent.
Overall in the last three years the figure for the north west has risen by 4.5 percent since 2014 to 18.5 per cent.
Every one of the ten boroughs in Greater Manchester has seen an increase. In some parts of the region as many as four in five children are living in poverty.
The leader of Oldham council, Sean Fielding called the increases "a national disgrace".
Paul Dennett, City Mayor, of Salford, said the figures were 'shocking but not surprising'.
Mark Russell, chief executive of the Children's Society, which published the report said: “These figures show that future generations are being let down by a continued failure to stop the rising levels of child poverty across not only the North West, but the whole of the UK.
“We know that without further action the current pandemic is only going to exacerbate this issue, leaving even more families struggling with poverty, hunger and hardship.
(Image: M.E.N.)
“It is vital the government ensures local authorities are able to be there for those with nowhere else to turn. More investment must be given so local councils can deliver well-funded and robust emergency assistance schemes which provide a financial safety net for those in crisis.”
The figures for Greater Manchester are:
Oldham: 2014/15, 28.7 per cent to 38 per cent in 2018/19 - increase of 9.3.
Bolton: 24.8 in 2014/15 to 32.2 in 2018/19 - increase of 7.4.
Manchester: 27.8 in 2014/15 to 33.6 in 2018/19 - increase of 5.8.
Tameside: 19.4 in 2014/15 to 24.7 in 2018/19 - increase of 5.3.
Rochdale: 25.3 in 2014/15 to 30.2 in 2018/19 - increase of 4.9.
Bury:18.2 in 2014/15 to 22.9 in 2018/19 - increase of 4.7.
Wigan: 16.6 in 2014/15 to 20.2 in 2018/19 - increase of 3.6.
Salford: 20.7 in 2014/15 to 24 in 2018/19 - increase of 3.3.
Stockport: 12.6 in 2014/15 to 15.2 in 2018/19 - increase of 2.6.
Trafford: 11.1 in 2014/15 to 12.8 in 2018/19 - increase of 1.7.
Sean Fielding, Oldham council leader, said: "The rises we have seen in child poverty in recent years are a disgrace.
"We have been warning for years that the government’s punishing austerity agenda would hurt our most vulnerable residents the most, and these statistics make that reality stark.
“Since becoming a pilot area for Universal Credit, Oldham has seen foodbank use go through the roof, and sadly the current pandemic is only likely to make matters worse.
“In Oldham we’re taking proactive steps to tackle poverty. Last November the council became an accredited Living Wage employer, giving a pay rise to people across the borough. And our investments in education have seen huge improvements in our children’s development, particularly in early years.
“But tackling poverty is a long term challenge. To do it properly, we need the support of government. Now is the time to invest in the future of our borough, to show that Oldham is a great place to do business, to create jobs and to lift people out of poverty.
“We’re ready to make the investment and our residents are desperate for the opportunity to build a better future for their children. Further government cuts, or a refusal to reimburse us for the costs of responding to COVID-19, will be letting down another generation."
In Salford last summer the city set up a food bank for children to make sure they were fed during the long school holidays.
City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said: "The services and investment which have traditionally helped to rebalance the economy and ensure a degree of fairness have taken a hammering over the past decade and the inevitable consequence of that is poverty
"In Salford the City Council has made huge investments into our local economy to help spur growth - taking over where government have failed. We have also prioritised key services related to poverty relief - welfare rights and debt advice, discretionary support schemes and more
"In part the success of these measures may be one reason why the growth of child poverty in Salford has been slower than in some other areas of GM. But ultimately, we know the general rate of poverty is down to factors outside the control of the local authority.
"Whilst we have a national economy based on low-skilled, low-paid and part-time employment there will be poverty.
"Whilst we have an insufficient welfare net to catch the most vulnerable, we will have poverty
"COVID will inevitably lead to challenges as government row back on their early commitments to fund our council's pandemic response - and cash-strapped public services will struggle even more to cope with need."
The End Child Poverty coalition, which has helped produce the new report, fears the issues will continue to deepen as the virus drags more families below the poverty line.
Anna Feuchtwang, chair of End Child Poverty, said: "We may all be experiencing the storm of Coronavirus together, but we are not all in the same boat.
"The government’s data shows the extent to which over the past four years, children in low income families have been cut adrift and are already experiencing unacceptable hardship through cuts and freezes to the benefits system.
‘Our country’s children are now at severe risk of being swept deeper into poverty as a result of the pandemic and lockdown. This is why we are asking the government to strengthen the social security system which is there to hold us steady during tough times, by immediately increasing household income for those least well-off.
‘Ending child poverty must be at the heart of the Government’s plan for economic recovery, so that when this crisis is over all children can enjoy a life free from poverty in which they are healthy, can thrive at school and have opportunities for the future."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Former Corrie star Lucy Fallon sells clothes online after quitting soap

Lucy Fallon is having a bit of a lockdown clear out and has took to selling some of her old clothes online .
The 24-year-old left Coronation Street earlier this year after spending five years five years playing teenager Bethany Platt .
Lucy wanted to leave the ITV soap to explore new opportunities but the current coronavirus pandemic has put a halt on a lot of work plans .
And like many of us , the Blackpool actress is making the most of the quiet time and has decided to give her wardrobe a bit of a clear out .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ some of her old clobber and has been advertising what she is trying to sell on her Instagram account .
Posting to her Instagram story , Lucy said to her 500k followers : `` Selling lots of tings on my Depop .
Swipe up to have a nosey xxxx '' .
The former Corrie star is selling a whole host of items from dresses to luxury accessories - but there is a bit of bad news .
Plenty of the items Lucy put up for sale have already been snapped up by eager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them when there 's a Mulberry handbag up for grabs .
But there are still a few dresses at reasonable prices for sale if you fancy some new working from home wear .
Lucy has been off screen now for a few months and she recently discussed how her plans had been scuppered by the lockdown .
Speaking to The Sun , she said : `` It was really difficult to make the decision to leave , but I ’ d been there for five years and it was all I 'd ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theatre or anything away from Corrie and after the grooming storyline where I won quite a few awards , which was amazing , I realised if I did n't leave and try other things I might end up wondering , 'What if ? '
.
`` But obviously Covid-19 has thrown it all up in the air now .
As I left , work was starting to pick up and take off and now everything has stopped .
`` But I do know there are loads of people in much worse situations than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
I 'm trying to stay positive about it , but it ’ s obviously a bit sad having nothing to do . ''

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Lucy Fallon is having a bit of a lockdown clear out and has took to selling some of her old clothes online.
The 24-year-old left Coronation Street earlier this year after spending five years five years playing teenager Bethany Platt.
Lucy wanted to leave the ITV soap to explore new opportunities but the current coronavirus pandemic has put a halt on a lot of work plans.
And like many of us, the Blackpool actress is making the most of the quiet time and has decided to give her wardrobe a bit of a clear out.
She has taken to Depop to sell some of her old clobber and has been advertising what she is trying to sell on her Instagram account.
Posting to her Instagram story, Lucy said to her 500k followers: "Selling lots of tings on my Depop. Swipe up to have a nosey xxxx".
The former Corrie star is selling a whole host of items from dresses to luxury accessories - but there is a bit of bad news.
Plenty of the items Lucy put up for sale have already been snapped up by eager shoppers and we certainly can't blame them when there's a Mulberry handbag up for grabs.
But there are still a few dresses at reasonable prices for sale if you fancy some new working from home wear.
Lucy has been off screen now for a few months and she recently discussed how her plans had been scuppered by the lockdown.
(Image: Instagram)
Speaking to The Sun, she said: "It was really difficult to make the decision to leave, but I’d been there for five years and it was all I'd ever known.
"I'd never done theatre or anything away from Corrie and after the grooming storyline where I won quite a few awards, which was amazing, I realised if I didn't leave and try other things I might end up wondering, 'What if?'.
"But obviously Covid-19 has thrown it all up in the air now. As I left, work was starting to pick up and take off and now everything has stopped.
"But I do know there are loads of people in much worse situations than me and I've been very lucky. I'm trying to stay positive about it, but it’s obviously a bit sad having nothing to do."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Live: Huge fire breaks out at industrial estate near Wigan

Six fire crews are currently tackling a huge fire at an industrial estate near Wigan .
The blaze broke out @ @ @ @ @ in Newton-le-Willows just after 11am .
A `` large volume of smoke '' is billowing @ @ @ @ @ people living nearby to keep windows and doors shut .
Merseyside Police are also in @ @ @ @ @ , Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said : `` On arrival crews found a large @ @ @ @ @ .
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently tackling the fire using a main branch .
@ @ @ @ @ smoke is being produced by the fire .
Nearby businesses and residents should keep windows @ @ @ @ @ with existing medical conditions should keep medicine nearby and call NHS 111 if ill effects @ @ @ @ @ is ongoing . ''
This is a breaking news story .
Follow our live blog @ @ @ @ @ get them :

Twenty fire crews have been tackling a huge fire at an industrial estate near Wigan.
The blaze broke out at Sankey Valley Industrial Estate in Newton-le-Willows just after 11am on Wednesday in a major incident.
A "large volume of smoke" has been billowing from the fire throughout the day and police have asked people living nearby to shut windows and doors "immediately".
A nearby caravan site has also been evacuated. There have been no reports of any casualties.
Firefighting will continue through the night and into Thursday, fire chiefs said.
In a statement at 7pm, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service ACFO Dave Mottram, Incident Commander on scene, said: "We were called to Sankey Valley Industrial Estate at around 11am on Wednesday 20th May. On arrival, it soon became clear that this would be a challenging incident. Due to the enormity of resources required - 20 fire engines, two aerial appliances and two high volume pumps - this was declared a major incident at around lunchtime. I would like to thank our neighbouring fire & rescue services for their assistance during this incident.
"Firefighters have worked tirelessly to tackle this fire in what can only be described as extremely challenging heat conditions and I would like to thank them for their efforts. I would also like to thank our Fire Control operators who were inundated with more than 80 calls from concerned members of the public.
"At the height of the fire, the smoke could be seen across the north west. The latest information shows us that the smoke is now going straight up and dissipating, however as the fire reduces it may drop lower, probably during the night. We would still advise those living and working nearby to keep their windows and doors closed for the time being.
"As well as affecting a large quantity of plastic containers and a brick building on site, the fire also spread to a nearby caravan park, leading to the evacuation of those living there.
"We worked closely with our colleagues in Merseyside Police to ensure everyone was taken to safety and we are happy to report that no one was injured. We will continue to work with partner agencies to ensure those evacuated have somewhere to stay until they are able to return home.
"There will be transport disruption in the area, including to the rail network so the public should be aware that there is likely to be some disruption for some time. Motorists should avoid the area if possible.
"Firefighting continues and we will continue to have a presence for the remainder of the day and into the night. An investigation is being carried out into the cause of the fire but at this point we cannot advise of the cause.
"Local residents may have experienced problems with their water pressure but we are working closely with partners to ensure they retain water supply, thanks to them for their patience as we deal with this fire.
"We will continue to work closely with multi-agency partners throughout the remainder of this incident to end it quickly and minimise disruption."
This is a breaking news story. Follow our live blog below for updates as we get them:


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Man United have five decisions to make before Premier League season restarts

Odion Ighalo was one of 23 United players accounted for at Carrington as they arrived for final checks on Tuesday yet is contracted to the club for just 11 more days .
Ighalo , 30 , is on loan to United until next Sunday and the club are already comfortable with the prospect of the Nigerian returning to parent club Shanghai Shenhua .
Marcus Rashford is nearing full fitness and United only moved for Ighalo in the January transfer window after Rashford sustained a long-term back injury .
United maintain they are open to extending Ighalo 's loan spell and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see out the season in Manchester .
Ighalo 's agent , Atta Aneke , has not responded to enquiries about his client 's future but resurfaced for an appearance on Norwegian television at the weekend - and did not speak about Ighalo .
Is Gomes staying or going ?
Angel Gomes has entered the last six weeks of his United deal and speculation is rife he could join Chelsea for a compensation fee .
The 19-year-old has reservations about his pathway to the United first-team and , if United agree an extension to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the campaign , it is unlikely Gomes will get any playing time in a fully-fit squad .
United are understood to have submitted improved terms to Gomes but his representatives remain 'underwhelmed ' by the overall package .
United have until June 23 to agree end-of-season extensions with players , but with Gomes ' playing prospects remote he could technically depart with the season still ongoing .
Rio Ferdinand touched upon it last month that his only 'problem ' with Paul Pogba is he lets Mino Raiola do the talking for him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the voluble Raiola failed Pogba last year after a move to Real Madrid never materialised .
The transfer market is certain to feel the side-effects of the coronavirus pandemic , and it is highly doubtful that Madrid or Juventus will fork out a nine-figure fee for a player who last started a game on September 30 and has had both ankles in a cast this season .
Raiola has launched the pram , as well as the toys , so he has nothing left to throw .
He has gone noticeably quiet and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ United for another season .
Supporters are still entitled to be informed of the midfielder 's situation at a time the club is contacting season ticket holders about refunds and telling them to stay away from stadiums on matchdays .
Solskjaer has had ample time to scrawl various XIs on his tactical notepad and said this month the United squad is 'fully fit ' .
Solskjaer has not had a certain starting XI since his caretaker period and there are maybe eight untouchables at the very most in the current squad .
Fans @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongest XI and many doubtless differ with Solskjaer 's own outlook .
Many followers would omit Victor Lindelof and Daniel James from their best United XI , but Solskjaer has been unwaveringly loyal to Lindelof and James has started all but four of United 's Premier League matches .
United have five quality midfielders to choose from now Pogba is back and only three places - at the very most - for them in the line-up .
Solskjaer will have different XIs for different standards of opposition but five of United 's last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven , which merits a gung-ho approach that accommodates Pogba and Bruno Fernandes .
A number of United academy players - some on loan - are out of contract on June 30 and United have a duty of care to them , particularly the lower earners facing financial uncertainty ahead of their probable departure .
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Demetri Mitchell , both 23 , are expected to be released .
George Tanner , Aidan Barlow , and Ethan Hamilton have all been farmed out on loan this season and the best-case scenario is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is finished , with one-year deals unforesseable .
Tanner , Borthwick-Jackson , and Hamilton have been on loan at League Two and League One clubs and both leagues could eventually be cancelled .

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Decision time on Ighalo
Odion Ighalo was one of 23 United players accounted for at Carrington as they arrived for final checks on Tuesday yet is contracted to the club for just 11 more days.
Ighalo, 30, is on loan to United until next Sunday and the club are already comfortable with the prospect of the Nigerian returning to parent club Shanghai Shenhua. Marcus Rashford is nearing full fitness and United only moved for Ighalo in the January transfer window after Rashford sustained a long-term back injury.
United maintain they are open to extending Ighalo's loan spell and the striker has said he wants to see out the season in Manchester. Ighalo's agent, Atta Aneke, has not responded to enquiries about his client's future but resurfaced for an appearance on Norwegian television at the weekend - and did not speak about Ighalo.
Is Gomes staying or going?
Angel Gomes has entered the last six weeks of his United deal and speculation is rife he could join Chelsea for a compensation fee. The 19-year-old has reservations about his pathway to the United first-team and, if United agree an extension to his contract that runs until the end of the campaign, it is unlikely Gomes will get any playing time in a fully-fit squad.
United are understood to have submitted improved terms to Gomes but his representatives remain 'underwhelmed' by the overall package. United have until June 23 to agree end-of-season extensions with players, but with Gomes' playing prospects remote he could technically depart with the season still ongoing.
Clarify Pogba's situation
Rio Ferdinand touched upon it last month that his only 'problem' with Paul Pogba is he lets Mino Raiola do the talking for him. Actions speak louder than words and the voluble Raiola failed Pogba last year after a move to Real Madrid never materialised.
The transfer market is certain to feel the side-effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and it is highly doubtful that Madrid or Juventus will fork out a nine-figure fee for a player who last started a game on September 30 and has had both ankles in a cast this season.
Raiola has launched the pram, as well as the toys, so he has nothing left to throw. He has gone noticeably quiet and it is probable Pogba will be with United for another season.
Supporters are still entitled to be informed of the midfielder's situation at a time the club is contacting season ticket holders about refunds and telling them to stay away from stadiums on matchdays.
(Image: Eamonn and James Clarke)
Settle on a first XI
Solskjaer has had ample time to scrawl various XIs on his tactical notepad and said this month the United squad is 'fully fit'. Solskjaer has not had a certain starting XI since his caretaker period and there are maybe eight untouchables at the very most in the current squad.
Fans have their own view on United's strongest XI and many doubtless differ with Solskjaer's own outlook. Many followers would omit Victor Lindelof and Daniel James from their best United XI, but Solskjaer has been unwaveringly loyal to Lindelof and James has started all but four of United's Premier League matches.
United have five quality midfielders to choose from now Pogba is back and only three places - at the very most - for them in the line-up. Solskjaer will have different XIs for different standards of opposition but five of United's last nine league games are against the bottom seven, which merits a gung-ho approach that accommodates Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.
Academy rookies retained or released?
A number of United academy players - some on loan - are out of contract on June 30 and United have a duty of care to them, particularly the lower earners facing financial uncertainty ahead of their probable departure.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Demetri Mitchell, both 23, are expected to be released. George Tanner, Aidan Barlow, and Ethan Hamilton have all been farmed out on loan this season and the best-case scenario is they are kept on until the season is finished, with one-year deals unforesseable.
Tanner, Borthwick-Jackson, and Hamilton have been on loan at League Two and League One clubs and both leagues could eventually be cancelled.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Pep Guardiola may have finally found his Kylian Mbappe alternative

Forget Dani Alves , Kylian Mbappe remains the real player that got away from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City .
The manager was interested in the dynamic striker back in the summer of 2016 when barely anyone in England knew his name .
And he made sure the club were back in for him 12 months later after a sensational season with Monaco had started an auction for his talent .
Mbappe would explain after a summer of speculation that he had said no to City rather than to Guardiola as he returned to his roots and signed for French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the World Cup winner has shown why the City coach was so struck with him as he has established himself as one of few superstars in the game .
When he searches for a challenge beyond battering Ligue 1 , Real Madrid are believed to be firm favourites to sign him for what would be another eye-watering fee .
Guardiola and Mbappe may never happen .
However , it is becoming increasingly apparent that Erling Haaland could challenge Mbappe as one of the biggest stars in the game .
Two years younger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in his prolific goalscoring season including that thunderous effort against PSG that both nearly broke the net and showed he has no fear on football 's grandest stages .
Haaland 's next move is already being discussed only months into his Dortmund career , and the suggestion of a release clause activating in the future would make buying him even more appealing .
As it stands , City would need one hell of a reason not to be involved in the auction for Haaland when the time comes .
A club of their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ best prospects in the world - as they did for Ajax pair Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong last season .
And if the task of replacing Sergio Aguero is as impossible as the manager has suggested , there appear to be few better options than Haaland for trying .
The teenager is a natural goalscorer , having that ability to find the net from all kinds of angles and situations .
He would also tick the boxes of providing competition for Gabriel Jesus while not being seen as immediately usurping the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - much like Jesus was to Aguero back in 2017 .
There is no guarantee either that Haaland would choose City over anywhere else - although his dad should have some positive memories of his time at the club to share - or that Guardiola will still be in Manchester at that point .
But having gone all out for Mbappe , City should be looking at doing the same for Haaland even if the end result is the same .

Forget Dani Alves, Kylian Mbappe remains the real player that got away from Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
The manager was interested in the dynamic striker back in the summer of 2016 when barely anyone in England knew his name. And he made sure the club were back in for him 12 months later after a sensational season with Monaco had started an auction for his talent.
Mbappe would explain after a summer of speculation that he had said no to City rather than to Guardiola as he returned to his roots and signed for French behemoths Paris Saint-Germain.
Three years on, the World Cup winner has shown why the City coach was so struck with him as he has established himself as one of few superstars in the game. When he searches for a challenge beyond battering Ligue 1, Real Madrid are believed to be firm favourites to sign him for what would be another eye-watering fee. Guardiola and Mbappe may never happen.
However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that Erling Haaland could challenge Mbappe as one of the biggest stars in the game. Two years younger at 19, there have been similarities in his prolific goalscoring season including that thunderous effort against PSG that both nearly broke the net and showed he has no fear on football's grandest stages.
Haaland's next move is already being discussed only months into his Dortmund career, and the suggestion of a release clause activating in the future would make buying him even more appealing.
As it stands, City would need one hell of a reason not to be involved in the auction for Haaland when the time comes. A club of their standing should always be looking at the best prospects in the world - as they did for Ajax pair Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong last season.
And if the task of replacing Sergio Aguero is as impossible as the manager has suggested, there appear to be few better options than Haaland for trying.
The teenager is a natural goalscorer, having that ability to find the net from all kinds of angles and situations. He would also tick the boxes of providing competition for Gabriel Jesus while not being seen as immediately usurping the Brazilian due to him being more junior - much like Jesus was to Aguero back in 2017.
There is no guarantee either that Haaland would choose City over anywhere else - although his dad should have some positive memories of his time at the club to share - or that Guardiola will still be in Manchester at that point.
But having gone all out for Mbappe, City should be looking at doing the same for Haaland even if the end result is the same.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--You can now take a virtual tour of Dippy the Dinosaur

More than 100,000 people visited Dippy the Dinosaur in Rochdale before the exhibition was put on hold due to the UK 's lockdown .
But if you missed out on seeing it in person you can now take a virtual tour of the huge diplodocus skeleton .
Organisers have teamed up to create an online walkthrough of the exhibition , meaning you can see Dippy without leaving your own home .
The enormous beast used to stand guard in the atrium of London 's Natural History Museum before heading out on a national tour in 2018 .
Coun Janet Emsley @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and neighbourhoods at Rochdale council , said : `` Dippy went down an absolute storm in Rochdale .
We welcomed over 110,000 visitors in just five weeks .
`` More than 9,000 schoolchildren from 100 schools across the region met Dippy and visited the exhibition at Touchstones as part in this once in a lifetime experience .
`` We created something incredibly special here and were obviously sorry to have to close our doors so early in the run .
`` We don ’ t want people to miss out on Dippy because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That ’ s why we organised the virtual tour , so people can still have access to this wonderful opportunity despite everything that ’ s going on . ''
Rochdale is one of just eight places - and the only north west venue - to host Dippy .
The exhibition was originally due to end on June 28 .
But it 's hoped tour dates may now be changed .
The virtual tour can be viewed here .

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More than 100,000 people visited Dippy the Dinosaur in Rochdale before the exhibition was put on hold due to the UK's lockdown.
But if you missed out on seeing it in person you can now take a virtual tour of the huge diplodocus skeleton.
Organisers have teamed up to create an online walkthrough of the exhibition, meaning you can see Dippy without leaving your own home.
The enormous beast used to stand guard in the atrium of London's Natural History Museum before heading out on a national tour in 2018.
Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for community, culture and neighbourhoods at Rochdale council, said: "Dippy went down an absolute storm in Rochdale. We welcomed over 110,000 visitors in just five weeks.
"More than 9,000 schoolchildren from 100 schools across the region met Dippy and visited the exhibition at Touchstones as part in this once in a lifetime experience.
"We created something incredibly special here and were obviously sorry to have to close our doors so early in the run.
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From toddlers prone to temper tantrums, to teenagers struggling to adapt to the abrupt closure of schools and separation from their friends - we’ve got it covered.
"We don’t want people to miss out on Dippy because they can’t visit him. That’s why we organised the virtual tour, so people can still have access to this wonderful opportunity despite everything that’s going on."
Rochdale is one of just eight places - and the only north west venue - to host Dippy.
The exhibition was originally due to end on June 28. But it's hoped tour dates may now be changed.
The virtual tour can be viewed here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Captain Tom Moore puts Piers Morgan in his place over knighthood question

He was promoted to a colonel for his 100th birthday - and now Captain Tom Moore is being given a knighthood .
The mega fundraiser , who has reached more than £32million for NHS Charities Together by walking lengths of his back garden ahead of his centenary milestone , today said he was “ thrilled ” with the honour .
Mr Moore was promoted to Honorary Colonel , given the Freedom of the City of London , won a Pride of Britain Award and the cricket fan was also made an honorary member of the England cricket team .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was to become Sir Tom - and spoke of his joy on Good Morning Britain .
Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid have both welcomed Tom onto the show warmly since it was first announced he planned to complete the sponsored walk .
Tom told them : “ I ’ m absolutely thrilled that her majesty has decided or chosen for me to be knighted .
“ It really is a great honour , nothing I anticipated , I never believed it would happen to me .
“ The Queen is so gracious @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and I ’ m thrilled .
It never ever entered my head that something like this would happen to me.
” Piers then enquired as to what Mr Moore planned to say to the Queen in the event that we get to an investiture and he is able to be knighted , Tom put the motormouth presenter in his place .
“ The discussion between me and the Queen will have to be kept secret .
I do n't believe you 're meant to talk about what the Queen says , ” he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eye .
The panel giggled as he added : “ I should say , ‘ thank you very much , Queen ’ .
” Mr Moore was nominated by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson , who described Sir Tom as a `` true national treasure '' .
Mr Johnson recommended Sir Tom be exceptionally honoured by the Queen , who has approved the honour , Number 10 said .
Mr Johnson said : `` Colonel Tom 's fantastic fundraising broke records , inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story , I want to say a huge thank you .
He 's a true national treasure . ''

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He was promoted to a colonel for his 100th birthday - and now Captain Tom Moore is being given a knighthood.
The mega fundraiser, who has reached more than £32million for NHS Charities Together by walking lengths of his back garden ahead of his centenary milestone, today said he was “thrilled” with the honour.
Mr Moore was promoted to Honorary Colonel, given the Freedom of the City of London, won a Pride of Britain Award and the cricket fan was also made an honorary member of the England cricket team.
(Image: ITV)
But he was bowled over by the news he was to become Sir Tom - and spoke of his joy on Good Morning Britain.
Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid have both welcomed Tom onto the show warmly since it was first announced he planned to complete the sponsored walk.
Tom told them: “I’m absolutely thrilled that her majesty has decided or chosen for me to be knighted.
“It really is a great honour, nothing I anticipated, I never believed it would happen to me.
“The Queen is so gracious she has bestowed this honour on me and I’m thrilled. It never ever entered my head that something like this would happen to me.”
(Image: PA)
Piers then enquired as to what Mr Moore planned to say to the Queen in the event that we get to an investiture and he is able to be knighted, Tom put the motormouth presenter in his place.
“The discussion between me and the Queen will have to be kept secret. I don't believe you're meant to talk about what the Queen says,” he scolded, with a twinkle in his eye.
The panel giggled as he added: “I should say, ‘thank you very much, Queen’.”
Mr Moore was nominated by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who described Sir Tom as a "true national treasure".
Mr Johnson recommended Sir Tom be exceptionally honoured by the Queen, who has approved the honour, Number 10 said.
Mr Johnson said: "Colonel Tom's fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus.
"On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He's a true national treasure."
GMB airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Thousands take part in Greater Manchester Covid-19 trials

More than 5,000 coronavirus patients in Greater Manchester have taken part in clinical trials in a bid to find ways to tackle the disease .
There are currently 12 urgent public health trials being conducted across the region by the The National Institute for Health Research ( NIHR ) .
The trials , which are taking place in hospitals and also the wider community and GP practices , are focusing on treatments and therapies which may help future patients .
Fairfield General Hospital recruited the first UK patients into the national study to test different oxygen support systems .
One @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mercedes-AMG , which makes Formula 1 cars .
At Stockport NHS Foundation Trust , researchers are carrying out studies on data collection , genetic sampling and treatment .
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust , nearly 2,700 participants have been recruited across the Covid-19 studies they have opened .
They are currently setting up a further nine studies .
The NHS Nightingale Hospital North West , set up inside Manchester Central , is also delivering Covid-19 research .
The 10 hospital trusts delivering the public health trials looking at COVID-19 in our region @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Cheshire NHS Trust ; East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust ; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust ; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust ( part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group ) ; Stockport NHS Foundation Trust , Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust ; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust ; Wrightington , Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust .
What the trusts say More than 1,700 patients are taking part in studies across the Northern Care Alliance 's organisations , which includes Salford Royal and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Professor Steve Woby , director of research and innovation operations at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group , said : “ We are delighted to work with colleagues throughout Greater Manchester , nationally and internationally to help to answer this unprecedented health challenge.
” Wiesia Woodyatt , Research and Innovation Manager at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust , said : “ The team really has become galvanised in order to support the greater good and that same ethos has been evident across our region ’ s research community .
`` We have been in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ local trusts to share advice and expertise to get these vital studies up-and-running as fast as possible for the benefit of our patients and to support the national research challenge.
” Professor Neil Hanley , group director of Research and Innovation at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust ( MFT ) - which includes Manchester Royal Infirmary , Wythenshawe Hospital , and the Royal Manchester Children ’ s Hospital , said : “ Nationally , it is clear the government wants us to continue COVID-19 research priorities through the intensive care units of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and into the community .
`` We need to make sure we do our best for patients and that includes how they fare longer term after discharge to homes and communities.
” Debbie Vinsun , chief operating officer of NIHR Clinical Research Network ( CRN ) Greater Manchester , said : “ In Greater Manchester we have an excellent reputation for delivering research in hospital settings , with all of our local partner NHS trusts offering their patients the chance to take part in studies , looking at various disease types , all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the unprecedented challenge posed by COVID-19 , our country ’ s research capabilities are now being harnessed to the fullest extent to tackle the spread of this virus and our NHS research colleagues across Greater Manchester are playing a vital part in this effort .
“ The Research and Innovation teams in all of our local trusts have been working hard to get these urgent studies set-up in extra quick time and are liaising closely with their colleagues on the front line to get as many patients as possible recruited .
“ Work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this recruitment and to get further COVID-19 studies set-up in Greater Manchester to ensure our local patients have the opportunity to participate in this critical research and ensure we help answer questions about this new disease . ''
Anyone wanting to know more about research into COVID-19 , and how to potentially get involved , can visit the NIHR ’ s Be Part of Research website here .

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More than 5,000 coronavirus patients in Greater Manchester have taken part in clinical trials in a bid to find ways to tackle the disease.
There are currently 12 urgent public health trials being conducted across the region by the The National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
The trials, which are taking place in hospitals and also the wider community and GP practices, are focusing on treatments and therapies which may help future patients.
Fairfield General Hospital recruited the first UK patients into the national study to test different oxygen support systems.
One of the systems has been manufactured by Mercedes-AMG, which makes Formula 1 cars.
At Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, researchers are carrying out studies on data collection, genetic sampling and treatment.
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, nearly 2,700 participants have been recruited across the Covid-19 studies they have opened. They are currently setting up a further nine studies.
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
The NHS Nightingale Hospital North West, set up inside Manchester Central, is also delivering Covid-19 research.
The 10 hospital trusts delivering the public health trials looking at COVID-19 in our region are Bolton NHS Foundation Trust; East Cheshire NHS Trust; East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust; Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust (part of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group); Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, Tameside and Glossop Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust; The Christie NHS Foundation Trust; Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust.
(Image: PA)
What the trusts say
More than 1,700 patients are taking part in studies across the Northern Care Alliance's organisations, which includes Salford Royal and the Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.
Professor Steve Woby, director of research and innovation operations at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group, said: “We are delighted to work with colleagues throughout Greater Manchester, nationally and internationally to help to answer this unprecedented health challenge.”
Wiesia Woodyatt, Research and Innovation Manager at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The team really has become galvanised in order to support the greater good and that same ethos has been evident across our region’s research community.
"We have been in regular contact with the NIHR and other local trusts to share advice and expertise to get these vital studies up-and-running as fast as possible for the benefit of our patients and to support the national research challenge.”
Professor Neil Hanley, group director of Research and Innovation at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) - which includes Manchester Royal Infirmary, Wythenshawe Hospital, and the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, said: “Nationally, it is clear the government wants us to continue COVID-19 research priorities through the intensive care units of the major hospitals, into the Nightingale Hospitals and into the community.
"We need to make sure we do our best for patients and that includes how they fare longer term after discharge to homes and communities.”
Debbie Vinsun, chief operating officer of NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN) Greater Manchester, said: “In Greater Manchester we have an excellent reputation for delivering research in hospital settings, with all of our local partner NHS trusts offering their patients the chance to take part in studies, looking at various disease types, all year round.
“In light of the unprecedented challenge posed by COVID-19, our country’s research capabilities are now being harnessed to the fullest extent to tackle the spread of this virus and our NHS research colleagues across Greater Manchester are playing a vital part in this effort.
“The Research and Innovation teams in all of our local trusts have been working hard to get these urgent studies set-up in extra quick time and are liaising closely with their colleagues on the front line to get as many patients as possible recruited.
“Work is taking place every day to increase this recruitment and to get further COVID-19 studies set-up in Greater Manchester to ensure our local patients have the opportunity to participate in this critical research and ensure we help answer questions about this new disease."
Anyone wanting to know more about research into COVID-19, and how to potentially get involved, can visit the NIHR’s Be Part of Research website here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Man spat at police officer after being detained for carrying a steak knife

A man has been jailed for spitting at a police after he was detained for possession of cannabis and a steak knife .
Joshua Denith , 25 , was stopped by police at Manchester Piccadilly station after reports he had gone through the barriers without showing a ticket .
Manchester Crown Court heard how he became nervous when officers told him they could smell cannabis , and asked him if he was carrying any .
As he tried to back away , officers handcuffed him and took him to the floor .
As they did , a steak knife with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
When questioned about the knife , Denith said he had found it in the toilet of the train and had picked it up so it did n't fall into the wrong hands .
Denith was taken to a local police station , where he became abusive to the custody sergeant , calling him a bald p**** .
He was then heard to collect spit in his mouth , before launching it in the direction of a police officer , the court heard .
Denith , of Smithy Grove , Ashton , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a bladed article in a public place , possession of cannabis and assaulting a police officer .
The offence took place on March 14 , 2020 , before the start of lockdown .
Prosecutor , Rachel Widdicombe told the court : `` Police officers were at Manchester Piccadilly and alerted that the defendant had gone through the ticket barriers without a ticket .
`` Police approached the defendant and he said he had left his ticket on the train and offered to pay for another one .
`` The officers could smell @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken any .
`` The defendant started to become nervous and backed away .
One officer took hold of his arm and he tried to pull away so the officers took him to the floor and he was handcuffed .
`` As he stood up a knife fell from his coat .
It was a steak knife with a serrated edge . ''
Denith was arrested and cautioned at the scene , and found to be in possession of two large snap bags of cannabis .
He was taken to Stockport police station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ custody sergeant , the court heard .
`` The defendant told him to grow some hair and called him a bald p**** .
He collected spitall and spat it in the direction of one of the officers , who managed to duck and miss it . ''
Denith 's lawyer , Ronan Maguire said his client had recently been diagnosed with a mental health disorder - thought to be paranoid schizophrenia .
`` Mr Denith is now coming to terms with the fact his background has given rise to a mental disorder , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offences paint the picture of someone suffering from instability and who makes very poor calls . ''
Sentencing , Judge Michael Leeming said : `` Knives feature in your record and you are a repeated offender .
In March 2019 you were convicted for possession of an offensive weapon .
`` These offences were committed when you were not taking your medication for what you say is paranoid schizophrenia and you spent the day drinking to excess at your friends house .
`` You were stabbed in 2019 and know the dangers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ These offences are not aggravated by the current situation but it is still a particularly nasty offence .
`` Your mental health is relevant to the sentence but you are offended because you made a deliberate choice not to take your medication and drink to excess . ''
Denith will serve half his 12-month sentence in custody before being released on license .

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A man has been jailed for spitting at a police after he was detained for possession of cannabis and a steak knife.
Joshua Denith, 25, was stopped by police at Manchester Piccadilly station after reports he had gone through the barriers without showing a ticket.
Manchester Crown Court heard how he became nervous when officers told him they could smell cannabis, and asked him if he was carrying any.
As he tried to back away, officers handcuffed him and took him to the floor. As they did, a steak knife with a serrated edge fell from his clothing.
When questioned about the knife, Denith said he had found it in the toilet of the train and had picked it up so it didn't fall into the wrong hands.
Denith was taken to a local police station, where he became abusive to the custody sergeant, calling him a bald p****.
He was then heard to collect spit in his mouth, before launching it in the direction of a police officer, the court heard.
Denith, of Smithy Grove, Ashton, was jailed for 12 months after admitting possession of a bladed article in a public place, possession of cannabis and assaulting a police officer.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
The offence took place on March 14, 2020, before the start of lockdown.
Prosecutor, Rachel Widdicombe told the court: "Police officers were at Manchester Piccadilly and alerted that the defendant had gone through the ticket barriers without a ticket.
"Police approached the defendant and he said he had left his ticket on the train and offered to pay for another one.
"The officers could smell cannabis and asked him if he had taken any.
"The defendant started to become nervous and backed away. One officer took hold of his arm and he tried to pull away so the officers took him to the floor and he was handcuffed.
"As he stood up a knife fell from his coat. It was a steak knife with a serrated edge."
Denith was arrested and cautioned at the scene, and found to be in possession of two large snap bags of cannabis.
He was taken to Stockport police station where he began making threats to the custody sergeant, the court heard.
"The defendant told him to grow some hair and called him a bald p****. He collected spitall and spat it in the direction of one of the officers, who managed to duck and miss it."
Denith's lawyer, Ronan Maguire said his client had recently been diagnosed with a mental health disorder - thought to be paranoid schizophrenia.
(Image: MEN Media)
"Mr Denith is now coming to terms with the fact his background has given rise to a mental disorder," Mr Maguire said.
"These offences paint the picture of someone suffering from instability and who makes very poor calls."
Sentencing, Judge Michael Leeming said: "Knives feature in your record and you are a repeated offender. In March 2019 you were convicted for possession of an offensive weapon.
"These offences were committed when you were not taking your medication for what you say is paranoid schizophrenia and you spent the day drinking to excess at your friends house.
"You were stabbed in 2019 and know the dangers of knife crime more than anyone.
"These offences are not aggravated by the current situation but it is still a particularly nasty offence.
"Your mental health is relevant to the sentence but you are offended because you made a deliberate choice not to take your medication and drink to excess."
Denith will serve half his 12-month sentence in custody before being released on license.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--You'll see these changes to cigarettes from today

From today , new smoking laws will come into force .
This includes a ban on certain cigarettes from all UK shops which forms part of a plan to stop young people smoking .
From May 20 , menthol cigarettes are one of the products that will be banned from UK shops .
Smokers will be unable to purchase menthol-flavoured cigarettes as well as rolling tobacco or skinny cigarettes once the ban comes into force .
The ban , which stems from new EU Tobacco Product Directive laws , is also the culmination of a four-year plan to phase out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smoking and Health ( ASH ) explained what comes under the ban .
A spokesperson said : `` No person may produce or supply a cigarette or hand rolling tobacco with : '' ( a ) a filter , paper , package , capsule or other component containing flavourings ; '' ( b ) a filter , paper or capsule containing tobacco or nicotine ; or '' ( c ) a technical feature allowing the consumer to modify the smell , taste , or smoke intensity of the product . ''
The ban @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the flavour from normal to menthol with a button inside the filter .
Amanda Sandford , from Action on Smoking and Health , said increasing the price of cigarettes and stopping the sale of smaller packets have made smoking less appealing .
She added that banning menthol cigarettes could deter more younger people from smoking , she said : `` It is naturally hard to inhale smoke and for many the first time they smoke it is repugnant , but people persevere with it and that 's when they become addicted .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the airways and the flavour masks the harshness of the smoke , therefore younger people find it easier to smoke .
`` However , it is an absolute myth that menthol cigarettes are better for you .
`` All cigarettes are harmful and menthol cigarettes are just as dangerous as normal cigarettes . ''

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From today, new smoking laws will come into force.
This includes a ban on certain cigarettes from all UK shops which forms part of a plan to stop young people smoking.
From May 20, menthol cigarettes are one of the products that will be banned from UK shops.
Smokers will be unable to purchase menthol-flavoured cigarettes as well as rolling tobacco or skinny cigarettes once the ban comes into force.
The ban, which stems from new EU Tobacco Product Directive laws, is also the culmination of a four-year plan to phase out flavoured cigarettes.
Health charity Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) explained what comes under the ban.
A spokesperson said: "No person may produce or supply a cigarette or hand rolling tobacco with:
"(a) a filter, paper, package, capsule or other component containing flavourings;
"(b) a filter, paper or capsule containing tobacco or nicotine; or
"(c) a technical feature allowing the consumer to modify the smell, taste, or smoke intensity of the product."
The ban includes 'click' cigarettes which can change the flavour from normal to menthol with a button inside the filter.
(Image: Getty Images)
Amanda Sandford, from Action on Smoking and Health, said increasing the price of cigarettes and stopping the sale of smaller packets have made smoking less appealing.
She added that banning menthol cigarettes could deter more younger people from smoking, she said: "It is naturally hard to inhale smoke and for many the first time they smoke it is repugnant, but people persevere with it and that's when they become addicted.
"There is evidence that menthol cigarettes relax the airways and the flavour masks the harshness of the smoke, therefore younger people find it easier to smoke.
"However, it is an absolute myth that menthol cigarettes are better for you.
"All cigarettes are harmful and menthol cigarettes are just as dangerous as normal cigarettes."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Bernardo Silva explains key quality needed to play for Guardiola

Bernardo Silva says intelligence is the main quality required to thrive under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola , so players can understand what is needed in different positions .
Bernardo is a prime example of a player who is deployed in multiple positions , whether it be as a central midfielder , attacking midfielder , winger or even as a false nine forward at times this season .
The Portuguese 's adaptability has seen him become one of Guardiola 's most valued players this season , offering the manager plenty of options in his attack .
Guardiola is known for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ players fresh and opponents guessing before going into each fixture .
And Bernardo says players need the intelligence to appreciate the intricacies of each position in order to effectively play in different roles when Guardiola asks .
`` I like to believe that I understand the game , '' he told Sky Sports News .
`` The most important in a football player is to understand the game .
To understand that each team plays in a different way , each manager has his philosophy , each team has different players so you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So if you understand the game and everything around it , you can play not only in one position but in many different positions . ''
Bernardo was City 's Player of the Season in 2018/19 , operating mainly from a central position in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne .
This season , though , with De Bruyne back in midfield , Bernardo has been deployed across the front line and he admitted he feels more confident in some positions than others .
He continued : `` Of course , then you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others .
But if you are intelligent , and I like to believe I understand the game and I am an intelligent player , I think you can do it in different positions .
`` It takes time to adapt , to understand what your new manager wants .
In this case what Pep wants is very complex because he goes to the little details .
It took me some time as well . ''
With a date for the Premier League 's return still to be confirmed , Bernardo also admitted the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the thing he misses most about not playing in the current lockdown .
`` I think the thing I have missed the most is the feeling , '' he said .
`` Not just training , kicking a ball , but the feeling of being in a stadium full of people who get frustrated when you miss a goal or happy when you score one .
This feeling of playing for the fans is what I miss the most . ''

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Bernardo Silva says intelligence is the main quality required to thrive under Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, so players can understand what is needed in different positions.
Bernardo is a prime example of a player who is deployed in multiple positions, whether it be as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, winger or even as a false nine forward at times this season.
The Portuguese's adaptability has seen him become one of Guardiola's most valued players this season, offering the manager plenty of options in his attack. Guardiola is known for his squad rotation at City, keeping players fresh and opponents guessing before going into each fixture.
And Bernardo says players need the intelligence to appreciate the intricacies of each position in order to effectively play in different roles when Guardiola asks.
"I like to believe that I understand the game," he told Sky Sports News.
"The most important in a football player is to understand the game. To understand that each team plays in a different way, each manager has his philosophy, each team has different players so you have to adapt to your teammates. So if you understand the game and everything around it, you can play not only in one position but in many different positions."
Bernardo was City's Player of the Season in 2018/19, operating mainly from a central position in the absence of Kevin de Bruyne. This season, though, with De Bruyne back in midfield, Bernardo has been deployed across the front line and he admitted he feels more confident in some positions than others.
He continued: "Of course, then you are better in some position more than others. But if you are intelligent, and I like to believe I understand the game and I am an intelligent player, I think you can do it in different positions.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
"It takes time to adapt, to understand what your new manager wants. In this case what Pep wants is very complex because he goes to the little details. It took me some time as well."
With a date for the Premier League's return still to be confirmed, Bernardo also admitted the feeling of playing infront of a crowd is the thing he misses most about not playing in the current lockdown.
"I think the thing I have missed the most is the feeling," he said. "Not just training, kicking a ball, but the feeling of being in a stadium full of people who get frustrated when you miss a goal or happy when you score one. This feeling of playing for the fans is what I miss the most."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Firefighters battle blaze the 'size of two football pitches'

Firefighters have been battling a blaze 'the size of three football pitches ' in woodland in Salford .
Firefighters were called to Chat Moss at midday yesterday near Twelve Yards Road in Irlam , where they spent hours tackling a blaze .
The fire was spreading quickly underground through the peat in the soil and had been smouldering a day by the time fire crews arrived , according to firefighters who attended the incident .
The firefighters are at the scene again today as they continue to dampen the area and stop the fire spreading further .
Bury Fire Station @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Evening News : `` We were there from around 12pm to 7pm .
There were two wildfire units from Bury and Salford that attended and two other fire engines from Irlam and Farnworth .
`` It 's a very large area that stretches all the way to Leigh .
There are farms , turf growing places , fishing places - the danger is that it is peat underground .
`` It is a secluded spot of woodland and the fire had ripped through the vast majority of it and it was deep seated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire was around the size of two or three football pitches .
`` It is difficult when it is all in the ground because we have to get it wet and keep dampening it down because the peat will keep burning and burning - like it did on Saddleworth Moor a couple of years ago .
`` We have to fill the ground with water with fires like this and it is hard to put it out without a big downpour .
`` It was a matter of us going and looking at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it down .
An investigation has started into the cause of the fire , but station bosses say it will be difficult to pin the fire on any specific cause because of the scale of the area it affected .
`` It could be a carelessly discarded cigarette , or it could be something as simple as a broken bottle , '' said Mr Urmston .
`` That is why we tell people to not drop litter because glass can magnify and cause fires . ''
Farnworth Fire Station 's crew arrived at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ help with the effort .
Crew Manager Mark Hoare said : `` There were no visible flames , it was all deep down .
`` It had been smouldering for about a day and a half - peat like this can burn for months underground . ''

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Firefighters have been battling a blaze 'the size of three football pitches' in woodland in Salford.
Firefighters were called to Chat Moss at midday yesterday near Twelve Yards Road in Irlam, where they spent hours tackling a blaze.
The fire was spreading quickly underground through the peat in the soil and had been smouldering a day by the time fire crews arrived, according to firefighters who attended the incident.
The firefighters are at the scene again today as they continue to dampen the area and stop the fire spreading further.
Bury Fire Station Watch Manager Steve Urmston told the Manchester Evening News : "We were there from around 12pm to 7pm. There were two wildfire units from Bury and Salford that attended and two other fire engines from Irlam and Farnworth.
"It's a very large area that stretches all the way to Leigh. There are farms, turf growing places, fishing places - the danger is that it is peat underground.
"It is a secluded spot of woodland and the fire had ripped through the vast majority of it and it was deep seated in the peat underground.
"The fire was around the size of two or three football pitches.
"It is difficult when it is all in the ground because we have to get it wet and keep dampening it down because the peat will keep burning and burning - like it did on Saddleworth Moor a couple of years ago.
"We have to fill the ground with water with fires like this and it is hard to put it out without a big downpour.
"It was a matter of us going and looking at it today as well and keep dampening it down.
An investigation has started into the cause of the fire, but station bosses say it will be difficult to pin the fire on any specific cause because of the scale of the area it affected.
"It could be a carelessly discarded cigarette, or it could be something as simple as a broken bottle," said Mr Urmston.
"That is why we tell people to not drop litter because glass can magnify and cause fires."
Farnworth Fire Station's crew arrived at the scene at around 3pm yesterday to help with the effort.
Crew Manager Mark Hoare said: "There were no visible flames, it was all deep down.
"It had been smouldering for about a day and a half - peat like this can burn for months underground."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--David Silva confirms when he will leave Man City

David Silva has confirmed he still plans to leave Manchester City at the end of this season .
The veteran playmaker was expected to call it a day this summer after a decade of service but the disruption to football caused by the coronavirus pandemic has made for an unprecedented end to this campaign .
Silva is expected to sign a short-term deal beyond June 30 to enable him to finish this season with the Blues but fans are unlikely to watch him live in a competitive match again for City as there are no plans to allow supporters into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The prospect of no proper farewell raised hopes that he could extend his stay at the Etihad further , with Pep Guardiola having signalled last year that he would be happy for the star to agree to another extension .
However , Silva 's comments suggest that he will not be at the club when the 2020/21 season kicks off .
`` When I say one thing , I move forward .
I am sorry , I have been here ten years and I have fulfilled what I wanted , '' he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here , but I will always keep this club in mind for everything I have lived .
From the first moment people have treated me incredible .
Here they have a great respect for you , people give admiration towards you .
Now my family and I need another challenge . ''
Phil Foden is in line to take over Silva 's role in the squad as his progression continues , while City are still planning to give the club great a fitting send-off when possible .

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David Silva has confirmed he still plans to leave Manchester City at the end of this season.
The veteran playmaker was expected to call it a day this summer after a decade of service but the disruption to football caused by the coronavirus pandemic has made for an unprecedented end to this campaign.
Silva is expected to sign a short-term deal beyond June 30 to enable him to finish this season with the Blues but fans are unlikely to watch him live in a competitive match again for City as there are no plans to allow supporters into stadiums to watch games for some time.
The prospect of no proper farewell raised hopes that he could extend his stay at the Etihad further, with Pep Guardiola having signalled last year that he would be happy for the star to agree to another extension.
However, Silva's comments suggest that he will not be at the club when the 2020/21 season kicks off.
"When I say one thing, I move forward. I am sorry, I have been here ten years and I have fulfilled what I wanted," he told AS.
"The cycle closes here, but I will always keep this club in mind for everything I have lived. From the first moment people have treated me incredible. Here they have a great respect for you, people give admiration towards you. Now my family and I need another challenge."
Phil Foden is in line to take over Silva's role in the squad as his progression continues, while City are still planning to give the club great a fitting send-off when possible.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Exclusive: How Bruno Fernandes has surprised Man United in lockdown training

Bruno Fernandes quickened the pace during his lockdown training and was one of the fastest Manchester United players for max speed .
Although Fernandes is not renowned for his pace , he ranked with United 's quickest players in a table charting professional athletes ' fitness .
United have monitored their players while they trained individually over the last two months via GPS analysis , and Fernandes is understood to have clocked a top speed of 34.27kmh , based on sprints over 5.5 metres .
Daniel James was the fastest United player with 36.8kmh .
Under-18 captain Teden Mengi is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and broke into the first-team fitness fold , finishing behind only James , Axel Tuanzebe , and Jesse Lingard in the top speeds table .
The times were clocked by STATSports , which has provided United with their GPS player trackers .
United are one of 11 Premier League clubs using STATSports , whose vests were sported by Odion Ighalo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka while they trained in public parks recently .
Lingard finished top of the high speed running ( the total distance covered at a speed of 5.5 meters per second @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a single session , followed by Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay .
Lingard was also at the summit for an intensity score which measures the total amount of high speed running an athlete does , coupled with the total distance of accelerations and decelerations .
Lingard recorded 18,001m - nearly 2,000 metres more than Maguire in second .
United coaches issued players with individual programmes and nutritional menus following the suspension of football in March .
The strength and conditioning coach Charlie Owen , lead sports scientist Ed Leng , and head of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with players on Instagram .
`` The manager sent me a message that just said : 'Stay training and keep working , we do n't know when we 'll be back , so we do n't want any surprises because there are rumours of how many games , so just be healthy , stay fit and maintain good hygiene , ' '' Tuanzebe told the MEN .
`` The club has been very supportive and provided plans for training , nutrition and what not to oversee this period .
And we do have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ us training and we have our own Instagram page that we follow to sustain and keep up to date with what 's going on with the new training . ''
Owen has been in constant dialogue with players , who started to amplify their endurance training a month ago in anticipation of a return to training this week .
Players focused on the 'determining factors ' - strength and power training - to better prepare them for competitive training once social distancing restrictions are lifted for athletes in the UK .

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Bruno Fernandes quickened the pace during his lockdown training and was one of the fastest Manchester United players for max speed.
Although Fernandes is not renowned for his pace, he ranked with United's quickest players in a table charting professional athletes' fitness.
United have monitored their players while they trained individually over the last two months via GPS analysis, and Fernandes is understood to have clocked a top speed of 34.27kmh, based on sprints over 5.5 metres. Daniel James was the fastest United player with 36.8kmh.
Under-18 captain Teden Mengi is pushing for a first-team squad promotion this year and broke into the first-team fitness fold, finishing behind only James, Axel Tuanzebe, and Jesse Lingard in the top speeds table.
The times were clocked by STATSports, which has provided United with their GPS player trackers. United are one of 11 Premier League clubs using STATSports, whose vests were sported by Odion Ighalo and Aaron Wan-Bissaka while they trained in public parks recently.
Lingard finished top of the high speed running (the total distance covered at a speed of 5.5 meters per second or above) with 13,341 metres in a single session, followed by Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
Lingard was also at the summit for an intensity score which measures the total amount of high speed running an athlete does, coupled with the total distance of accelerations and decelerations. Lingard recorded 18,001m - nearly 2,000 metres more than Maguire in second.
United coaches issued players with individual programmes and nutritional menus following the suspension of football in March. The strength and conditioning coach Charlie Owen, lead sports scientist Ed Leng, and head of athletic training Richard Hawkins held web meetings with players on Instagram.
"The manager sent me a message that just said: 'Stay training and keep working, we don't know when we'll be back, so we don't want any surprises because there are rumours of how many games, so just be healthy, stay fit and maintain good hygiene,'" Tuanzebe told the MEN.
"The club has been very supportive and provided plans for training, nutrition and what not to oversee this period. And we do have group chats, FaceTimes, videos of us training and we have our own Instagram page that we follow to sustain and keep up to date with what's going on with the new training."
Owen has been in constant dialogue with players, who started to amplify their endurance training a month ago in anticipation of a return to training this week.
Players focused on the 'determining factors' - strength and power training - to better prepare them for competitive training once social distancing restrictions are lifted for athletes in the UK.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--How Man United's academy has been affected by lockdown

The message from Marcus Rashford was much welcomed by all its intended recipients .
The Manchester United striker and trailblazer for academy stars , reassured the club 's youngsters following the announcement that the academy season had been cancelled , with all leagues and competitions - bar the FA Youth Cup - called to a halt due to coronavirus .
`` Now is not the time to fall out of love with the game , '' said Rashford .
`` It 's a time to remember why you fell in love with it in the first place .
`` You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wait to see you all back next season . ''
Rashford 's words were filled with the emotion of someone who has fought through all the difficulties that come as a youth player trying to make it at United .
There is no doubt matters have become even more tricky than usual , with United 's youngsters in lockdown like the rest of the country and unsure when their competitive football will resume .
The Premier League 's recent announcement about returning to training at least gives them some light at the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Under-23 boss Neil Wood tells MEN Sport , each player in his squad has been handed a specific fitness programme to follow , while video call apps have been in regular use over the past month or two .
`` For the last six weeks we 've been having online fitness sessions with them on a Monday and Friday morning , '' says Wood .
`` Everyone gets together , for a core session led by sports science .
I 've rang around the lads and spoke to every single lad and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , where we dialled in and spoke to each player to review the season - and gave them targets and goals for next season .
`` We 've had quite a lot of contact with them .
We 've tried not to leave them alone too much .
We want them to be active physically and mentally as well , which is just as important .
`` They 've just got to keep themselves in shape , which any sports person would have to do . ''
The Under-23 league was officially @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with United in second place - chasing promotion - behind West Ham .
The Premier League are yet to officially decide on final standings , including promotion and relegation .
And while Wood accepts that promotion is n't the primary aim of the youth sides at United , coming secondary to producing future stars of the first team , there is no doubt this batch of youngsters have been given an extra challenge .
Promotion would have been just reward for their fine efforts this term .
`` All we 've been told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is disappointing but understandable , '' adds Wood .
`` The lads were confident of catching West Ham and taking that top spot in the league , so we 'll just wait to see what the Premier League decides and how that will look for next season or whenever we go back .
`` Going into the season , it was n't the be-all and end-all objective to get promoted .
Obviously we started really well and continued that good form throughout the season and by February , March , you thought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ getting promoted .
`` I think it would benefit the club , it would benefit the 23s players to play against the likes of Man City , Chelsea , Tottenham and those teams .
I 'm not sure what 's going to happen , I do n't know if the option is there for us to be promoted .
But if not , we 'll have a good group together next season and we 'll work just as hard and try and have a repeat of this season . ''
It 's a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that players such as James Garner could seal loans to Championship clubs , there also remains the distinct possibility that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will come calling again for young players .
Sealing multi-million transfers is another element of football that will likely become difficult in a world financially impacted by the virus .
But Wood insists his young charges will be ready if they get the call from Solskjaer - whenever that may be .
He adds : `` If something like that does happen , we 'll be working hard below the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and push them up into the first team environment .
`` That 's our job in the Under-23s .
And if the chance comes , we want those lads to be ready to step up . ''
Ultimately , that has been the goal for Wood , his assistant Quinton Fortune and all the United youth staff .
The Europa League trip to Astana in November was a proud moment for them , as six youngsters made their senior debuts .
Promising signs have also come in the EFL Trophy , in which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men 's teams from League One and Two - and held their own .
`` I think the season as a whole has been quite successful , '' Wood summarises .
`` The experience of the season has been really good for them .
Some of the lads made their debuts out in Astana with the first team and that was excellent , we were really proud of that as a club . ''
The season may have been prematurely curtailed , but it 's been one of progression .

The message from Marcus Rashford was much welcomed by all its intended recipients.
The Manchester United striker and trailblazer for academy stars, reassured the club's youngsters following the announcement that the academy season had been cancelled, with all leagues and competitions - bar the FA Youth Cup - called to a halt due to coronavirus.
"Now is not the time to fall out of love with the game," said Rashford. "It's a time to remember why you fell in love with it in the first place.
"You've got this and we can't wait to see you all back next season."
Rashford's words were filled with the emotion of someone who has fought through all the difficulties that come as a youth player trying to make it at United.
There is no doubt matters have become even more tricky than usual, with United's youngsters in lockdown like the rest of the country and unsure when their competitive football will resume. The Premier League's recent announcement about returning to training at least gives them some light at the end of the tunnel.
And as United's Under-23 boss Neil Wood tells MEN Sport, each player in his squad has been handed a specific fitness programme to follow, while video call apps have been in regular use over the past month or two.
"For the last six weeks we've been having online fitness sessions with them on a Monday and Friday morning," says Wood.
"Everyone gets together, for a core session led by sports science. I've rang around the lads and spoke to every single lad and then we've done some reviews with them, where we dialled in and spoke to each player to review the season - and gave them targets and goals for next season.
"We've had quite a lot of contact with them. We've tried not to leave them alone too much. We want them to be active physically and mentally as well, which is just as important.
"They've just got to keep themselves in shape, which any sports person would have to do."
The Under-23 league was officially cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with United in second place - chasing promotion - behind West Ham. The Premier League are yet to officially decide on final standings, including promotion and relegation.
And while Wood accepts that promotion isn't the primary aim of the youth sides at United, coming secondary to producing future stars of the first team, there is no doubt this batch of youngsters have been given an extra challenge. Promotion would have been just reward for their fine efforts this term.
(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"All we've been told is that the season is cancelled, which is disappointing but understandable," adds Wood.
"The lads were confident of catching West Ham and taking that top spot in the league, so we'll just wait to see what the Premier League decides and how that will look for next season or whenever we go back.
"Going into the season, it wasn't the be-all and end-all objective to get promoted. Obviously we started really well and continued that good form throughout the season and by February, March, you thought we had a very good chance of getting promoted.
"I think it would benefit the club, it would benefit the 23s players to play against the likes of Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham and those teams. I'm not sure what's going to happen, I don't know if the option is there for us to be promoted. But if not, we'll have a good group together next season and we'll work just as hard and try and have a repeat of this season."
It's a unique learning curve. And amid talk that players such as James Garner could seal loans to Championship clubs, there also remains the distinct possibility that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will come calling again for young players.
Sealing multi-million transfers is another element of football that will likely become difficult in a world financially impacted by the virus. But Wood insists his young charges will be ready if they get the call from Solskjaer - whenever that may be.
He adds: "If something like that does happen, we'll be working hard below the first team trying to get players ready and push them up into the first team environment.
"That's our job in the Under-23s. And if the chance comes, we want those lads to be ready to step up."
Ultimately, that has been the goal for Wood, his assistant Quinton Fortune and all the United youth staff. The Europa League trip to Astana in November was a proud moment for them, as six youngsters made their senior debuts. Promising signs have also come in the EFL Trophy, in which a United Under-21 side has taken on men's teams from League One and Two - and held their own.
"I think the season as a whole has been quite successful," Wood summarises. "The experience of the season has been really good for them. Some of the lads made their debuts out in Astana with the first team and that was excellent, we were really proud of that as a club."
The season may have been prematurely curtailed, but it's been one of progression.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-20--Tell us how lockdown has affected your business

Calling all businesses across Greater Manchester - we want to hear from you .
The coronavirus pandemic has been the most turbulent test we have faced for generations - and now we want you to tell us exactly what it has meant for you and your business .
The virus outbreak and the lockdown that followed , almost overnight , transformed the way we do business here in Greater Manchester .
Offices across Manchester city centre and beyond , cafes , restaurants , shops and factories have been forced to close .
Business owners have had to furlough staff or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Government has been forced to launch an unprecedented programme of support for businesses , worth hundreds of billions of pounds .
But other businesses have found new opportunities , from supporting the NHS with equipment supplies to switching to home delivery services .
It ’ s been a bewildering time for many of us - and now we want to take stock and try to understand the long-term impact it will have on the businesses community .
By taking part in our Great Big Business Survey you will help us analyse and understand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get a true picture of its health for the future .
Tell us what changes have you had to make to get your business through the crisis ?
Do you think your business will survive the pandemic ?
Has the Government done enough to help you , and businesses like yours , through the virus ?
And what will your business look like once this is all over and the country adapts to a new kind of normal ?
Our survey will only take a few minutes to fill in .
And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ different news sites across our parent company , Reach plc - to get a true national picture of what ’ s happening to businesses , to entrepreneurs , to managers and to workers across the country .
Please take part in the Great Big Business Survey by clicking HERE .

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Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Calling all businesses across Greater Manchester - we want to hear from you.
The coronavirus pandemic has been the most turbulent test we have faced for generations - and now we want you to tell us exactly what it has meant for you and your business.
The virus outbreak and the lockdown that followed, almost overnight, transformed the way we do business here in Greater Manchester.
Offices across Manchester city centre and beyond, cafes, restaurants, shops and factories have been forced to close.
Business owners have had to furlough staff or even cut jobs to cope.
The Government has been forced to launch an unprecedented programme of support for businesses, worth hundreds of billions of pounds.
But other businesses have found new opportunities, from supporting the NHS with equipment supplies to switching to home delivery services.
It’s been a bewildering time for many of us - and now we want to take stock and try to understand the long-term impact it will have on the businesses community.
By taking part in our Great Big Business Survey you will help us analyse and understand the shape of the British economy and get a true picture of its health for the future.
Tell us what changes have you had to make to get your business through the crisis?
Do you think your business will survive the pandemic?
Has the Government done enough to help you, and businesses like yours, through the virus?
And what will your business look like once this is all over and the country adapts to a new kind of normal?
Our survey will only take a few minutes to fill in. And we’re running it on dozens of different news sites across our parent company, Reach plc - to get a true national picture of what’s happening to businesses, to entrepreneurs, to managers and to workers across the country.
Please take part in the Great Big Business Survey by clicking HERE.