themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--It faces demolition and protest but hundreds are still going. Can dog racing survive in Manchester?

There is a dark cloud hanging over the Belle Vue Stadium .
Not just physically , with Storm Dennis bringing torrential sideways rain and howling winds as our taxi pulls into its forecourt , off Kirkmanshulme Lane , Gorton on Saturday night .
But also metaphorically , with its future now far from certain .
But , walking through the old football-style turnstiles , up its famous bright yellow stairwell with worn blue carpet on the floor , you would n't know it .
The first race is n't for nearly an hour but there is already a real buzz @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Waiters and waitresses carry trays of pints , and plates of burgers and fish and chips are hurriedly being ferried from table to table in the restaurant .
Looking through the huge floor to ceiling window at the front , the rain is bouncing off the ground and forming huge puddles on the ground .
But the weather has not put people off tonight .
Despite the horrendous conditions more than 500 people have turned out for a night .
And that is apparently relatively modest by their standards .
`` We normally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1,500 , general manager Mick Hardy tells me as he surveys the scene .
`` We are the best attended track in the country on a Saturday night .
`` If you asked people to name one dog track they 'd probably say here .
`` It 's got so much history , sometimes we forget about it , but it really does .
`` I ca n't imagine how many people have been here over the years – you 're talking millions . ''
Indeed , Belle Vue has been not just @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the cultural fabric of this corner of east Manchester for decades .
It was the first purpose built greyhound stadium in the country when it opened in 1926 , hosted Belle Vue Aces speedway team from 1987 to 2016 , and still hosts regular stock car racing events .
Named after the now legendary zoo gardens , fair and showground which used to which sit next door , Manchester was chosen for the dog track due to its reputation as a hub for both sport and gambling .
And , looking around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operators to place their bets , you can see why .
However , for many of the people connected with this place , it is much more than just a fun night out , it is their life 's work , and their livelihood and is part of their identity .
Around two years ago , plans by developer Countryside Homes to demolish it and replace it with 250 houses were first mooted , and just before Christmas , despite a heated and increasingly bitter row with thousands signing petitions both for and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But they 've still not been given their notice , and the site still has n't been sold yet .
That means everyone here is in limbo , with around 250 jobs , both staff and related employers livelihoods said to be at risk .
Many outsiders think it 's already closed , including our taxi driver , who seemed baffled when we told him our destination .
`` We have had people coming here saying ' I thought you were closed ' and undoubtedly we will get busier towards the time we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't even know when that will be '' , Mick says .
`` It took us a while to understand the situation .
`` The application took a year to even be put in and another year to come to planning so we 've had this hanging over us for two years .
`` We were confident we would win the case , so perhaps the first month or afterwards you are down .
`` But we have to carry on and that 's what we are doing .
`` There are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( housing ) plans in my opinion - and they still have n't formally gone through , as we have n't been given notice .
`` If we can give people a good service and they keep coming back , and we do different activities , who knows ?
There might be a change of decision and we can carry on . ''
Bookmaker Simon Walmsley , 53 , is typical of the track , in that his family history is entwined with it .
He has worked at Belle Vue since he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his late twin brother John started their business here in 1956 .
Jim , 86 , is still here most Saturdays .
Simon has had to move his orange stall inside tonight due to the conditions , a very rare occurrence indeed I 'm told .
He has been a passionate campaigner for this place and was behind the move to have the stadium listed as an asset of community value ( ACV ) , which was granted in 2018 and lasts for five years .
That means when the owners , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sell it - Belle Vue folk will have a chance to at least bid for it .
The investment manager acting on behalf of Crown Oil told the Manchester Evening News last year that terms had been 'agreed ' with Countryside 'that may lead to them purchasing the site ' .
However current leaseholder Arena Racing Company ( ARC ) , who took over the lease last year , have said they have a 'strong commitment to invest in British Greyhounds ' and that they would be sitting down with Countryside to discuss @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the track 's race is n't yet run .
“ This land has had a sports and leisure covenant since 1885 .
That doesn ’ t stop planning permission but it has to be addressed by the developer before they start building .
“ The ACV gives us the right to put a bid in for the freehold .
That ’ s what we are about .
That would give this stadium a possible future .
“ It 's a family here .
My mother and father met here .
If it wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't be here .
`` This is where greyhound racing was born .
It ’ s a working class sport and this is the last greyhound track in the north west .
If this sport goes from here it ’ s lost to the whole region .
We should be preserving things like this .
Everything can ’ t be housing .
We need things to do for enjoyment as well .
Do we build over everything until there ’ s nothing left ?
“ If it isn ’ t saved it will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determination is a common theme amongst all those to whom the track matters so much .
`` This is my life , '' says Keith Thornton , 78 , as he flicks through the programme before looking out through the window .
Keith , who grew up in a terraced house just a few hundred yards away , began working here as a kennel boy , the greyhound equivalent of a stable lad , in Christmas 1956 when he just 15 years old .
A mere 63 years later he is now a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Crufts almost every year .
A former trainer , he has owned around 100 racing dogs , including eight he has which currently compete .
He met his wife Brenda , who he married 56 years ago in 1964 , at Belle Vue , when she was working in a neighbouring kennel .
`` If this closed God knows what I 'd do , '' he says .
`` It 's heartbreaking to think all the years I 've been here and seen the changes of it .
`` It 's one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ feel we get loads of bad press when the horse racing does n't at all .
`` This reputation it has as being a bit of a booze up , it 's nothing like that .
`` This is a family sport .
The families come with all their kids .
`` Sometimes if I see them getting into it I 'll ask if they want to come down and stroke the winner , and the look on their faces is just a picture . ''
Keith only has one dog running tonight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ She 's got no chance but I 'll have a tenner on her .
Win or lose I love it , '' he says , with a big smile on his face . ''
Most of the betting being done on tonight 's 14 races , which come thick and fast every 15 minutes or so , is done via the Tote - run by the track - where all money staked is put into a pool which formulates the odds , which constantly update on the TV screens hanging from the ceiling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The minimum stake is £2 , so this for the casual betters - the bookmakers tend to take bets from serious punters .
Jean Jackson , a 62-year-old Tote operator , is the person who goes round taking people 's bets .
She hails from round the corner in Gorton and has worked at Belle Vue for 41 years .
`` I 've lived round here all my life , '' she says .
`` My mother worked here , my sister worked here .
“ I started out as a part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We used to race four times a week then and there was another stand on the other side of the track - and it would be busy on both sides .
“ In the 90s we ’ d have 400 people in the restaurant .
It ’ s always been a really good craic .
I don ’ t really watch the racing , it ’ s more about the people for me .
`` It ’ s just a good night out and a really good laugh . ''
After the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ leaps into the air screaming 'yes ' as her dog comes in after a tight finish .
`` It 's not the amount they win , it 's just winning itself .
It has a good effect on people , '' Mick says .
`` It 's just six dogs so it 's almost like a roulette .
`` Most people are n't going to walk as if they 've won a lottery , but if they have a few winners then they 'll have had a good night - that 's what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , around 80 to 90 percent of the people here tonight wo n't ever have been before , he tells me .
And then the same will be true again next week , with the dogs having a unique character as a one-off , 'special ' night out that people do once every few years at most .
Perhaps even more surprising is that the average age is between 25 and 35 .
It can be done on a budget with trackside deals with fast food for around £10 , and deals for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around £20 .
Most of those on the track 's database hail from Greater Manchester we are told , but it also attracts a high number of visitors from Liverpool .
Indeed , the first punter we speak to hails from Skelmersdale , near Merseyside and says he has never set foot in here before tonight .
Tony Hutchison , 66 , says he and his family decided to come for his wife 's birthday after finding a Groupon voucher online .
`` We normally go to Chester races as it 's closer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this has been on our list and we 've wanted to come for a while .
`` We were going to to just go for a meal but we thought this would be more fun .
`` We think it 's fantastic , we 've had a great night , we ca n't fault it . ''
Of course that is not a universal view , and in fact not everyone agrees with greyhound racing at all .
For years protesters have stood outside the gates and urged to people boycott what they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ strongly swung behind the plans for the track to be demolished and replaced , parking a van with a digital placard saying 'Greyhound Racing Kills ' outside the town hall .
And , despite the council insisting the proposals were considered on planning grounds only , the protesters hailed it as a victory when they were approved .
They have vowed to keep protesting 'every Saturday until the gates are closed for good . '
However , those involved with the sport that we speak to tonight say they are baffled , angry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they is a 'highly regulated sport . '
They feel a 'few bad apples ' across the country in terms of welfare have tainted them all .
All dogs raced here have to be allocated to one of the track 's designated trainers who oversee their day-to-day care .
A vet is on site tonight and will check the dogs and before and after they race whilst stipendiary stewards from the sport 's regulators carry out unannounced checks , manager Mick Hardy tells us .
`` Ultimately ( the dogs ) love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , he adds .
`` They want to win . ''
Alan Kershaw is a regular at Belle Vue who owns up and coming Droopy 's Boss , through a syndicate , and shows me a picture from their WhatsApp group - sent by trainer Gary Griffiths - of the dog 's breakfast , spread across several bowls , with the caption reading 'only the best . '
`` We 're dog lovers '' he says .
`` Why would we want to harm them in any way ? ''
Pat Rosney , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one of the country 's top greyhound trainers , based here at Belle Vue , and currently looking after 28 dogs .
`` These dogs are looked after like nothing on earth , I tell you , '' chuckling , with a steely look in his eyes .
`` We even go to the lengths of brushing their teeth , so that they look right .
`` They are athletes at the end of the day and you want to turn them out properly .
And that 's what people do . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ says : `` Atmosphere – you do n't get it anywhere else .
`` The atmosphere this place generates for such a big stand , is incredible .
`` That 's what people enjoy , at other tracks it 's quiet .
It 's like racing in the daytime when there 's not many people here .
`` A lot more people come for a night out but they keep coming back , then there will be fresh ones next week , there 's more than just dog people coming here , lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know it 's a great night out .
`` You do n't have to have a bet , you can just come and enjoy the racing .
`` It would be a massive loss to Manchester in terms of entertainment , to the people of the city , if it were to go .
`` I do n't think people realise what a big a loss it would be .
`` The people here , who rely on this place for a living , they have n't got anywhere else to go .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ They do n't know anything else .
`` They would be finished in the industry .
They would have to start again . ''
A spokeswoman for Countryside Properties said : “ Our plans for the site of the Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium remain unchanged following the planning decision in December last year .
`` We are now focused on detailed plans to create a brand new community of 247 high quality and affordable homes that meet the local housing need in Gorton . ''

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There is a dark cloud hanging over the Belle Vue Stadium.
Not just physically, with Storm Dennis bringing torrential sideways rain and howling winds as our taxi pulls into its forecourt, off Kirkmanshulme Lane, Gorton on Saturday night.
But also metaphorically, with its future now far from certain.
But, walking through the old football-style turnstiles, up its famous bright yellow stairwell with worn blue carpet on the floor, you wouldn't know it.
The first race isn't for nearly an hour but there is already a real buzz inside the famous old main stand.
Waiters and waitresses carry trays of pints, and plates of burgers and fish and chips are hurriedly being ferried from table to table in the restaurant.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Looking through the huge floor to ceiling window at the front, the rain is bouncing off the ground and forming huge puddles on the ground.
But the weather has not put people off tonight. Despite the horrendous conditions more than 500 people have turned out for a night. And that is apparently relatively modest by their standards.
"We normally get at least 1,000, sometimes even 1,500, general manager Mick Hardy tells me as he surveys the scene.
"We are the best attended track in the country on a Saturday night.
"If you asked people to name one dog track they'd probably say here.
"It's got so much history, sometimes we forget about it, but it really does.
"I can't imagine how many people have been here over the years – you're talking millions."
Indeed, Belle Vue has been not just part of the landscape, but part of the cultural fabric of this corner of east Manchester for decades.
It was the first purpose built greyhound stadium in the country when it opened in 1926, hosted Belle Vue Aces speedway team from 1987 to 2016, and still hosts regular stock car racing events.
Named after the now legendary zoo gardens, fair and showground which used to which sit next door, Manchester was chosen for the dog track due to its reputation as a hub for both sport and gambling.
And, looking around tonight, as people flag down tote operators to place their bets, you can see why.
(Image: Manchester Local Image Collection)
However, for many of the people connected with this place, it is much more than just a fun night out, it is their life's work, and their livelihood and is part of their identity.
Around two years ago, plans by developer Countryside Homes to demolish it and replace it with 250 houses were first mooted, and just before Christmas, despite a heated and increasingly bitter row with thousands signing petitions both for and against, planning permission was granted.
But they've still not been given their notice, and the site still hasn't been sold yet.
That means everyone here is in limbo, with around 250 jobs, both staff and related employers livelihoods said to be at risk.
Many outsiders think it's already closed, including our taxi driver, who seemed baffled when we told him our destination.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
"We have had people coming here saying 'I thought you were closed' and undoubtedly we will get busier towards the time we will close but that the moment we don't even know when that will be", Mick says.
"People are frustrated", he adds.
"It took us a while to understand the situation.
"The application took a year to even be put in and another year to come to planning so we've had this hanging over us for two years.
"We were confident we would win the case, so perhaps the first month or afterwards you are down.
"But we have to carry on and that's what we are doing.
"There are still a lot of problems with the (housing) plans in my opinion - and they still haven't formally gone through, as we haven't been given notice.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
"If we can give people a good service and they keep coming back, and we do different activities, who knows? There might be a change of decision and we can carry on."
Bookmaker Simon Walmsley, 53, is typical of the track, in that his family history is entwined with it.
He has worked at Belle Vue since he was 13. His dad Jim and his late twin brother John started their business here in 1956. Jim, 86, is still here most Saturdays.
Simon has had to move his orange stall inside tonight due to the conditions, a very rare occurrence indeed I'm told.
He has been a passionate campaigner for this place and was behind the move to have the stadium listed as an asset of community value (ACV), which was granted in 2018 and lasts for five years.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
That means when the owners, the Crown Oil Pension Fund, come to sell it - Belle Vue folk will have a chance to at least bid for it.
The investment manager acting on behalf of Crown Oil told the Manchester Evening News last year that terms had been 'agreed' with Countryside 'that may lead to them purchasing the site'.
However current leaseholder Arena Racing Company (ARC), who took over the lease last year, have said they have a 'strong commitment to invest in British Greyhounds' and that they would be sitting down with Countryside to discuss its future.
And Simon is confident the track's race isn't yet run.
“This land has had a sports and leisure covenant since 1885. That doesn’t stop planning permission but it has to be addressed by the developer before they start building.
“The ACV gives us the right to put a bid in for the freehold. That’s what we are about. That would give this stadium a possible future.
(Image: Wikipedia)
“It's a family here. My mother and father met here. If it wasn’t for Belle Vue I wouldn't be here.
"This is where greyhound racing was born. It’s a working class sport and this is the last greyhound track in the north west. If this sport goes from here it’s lost to the whole region.
We should be preserving things like this. Everything can’t be housing. We need things to do for enjoyment as well. Do we build over everything until there’s nothing left?
“If it isn’t saved it will be a crime.”
That passion and determination is a common theme amongst all those to whom the track matters so much.
"This is my life," says Keith Thornton, 78, as he flicks through the programme before looking out through the window.
Keith, who grew up in a terraced house just a few hundred yards away, began working here as a kennel boy, the greyhound equivalent of a stable lad, in Christmas 1956 when he just 15 years old.
(Image: Countryside homes)
A mere 63 years later he is now a world authority on hounds and judges at Crufts almost every year.
A former trainer, he has owned around 100 racing dogs, including eight he has which currently compete.
He met his wife Brenda, who he married 56 years ago in 1964, at Belle Vue, when she was working in a neighbouring kennel.
"If this closed God knows what I'd do," he says.
"It's heartbreaking to think all the years I've been here and seen the changes of it.
"It's one of the last working class sports. I feel we get loads of bad press when the horse racing doesn't at all.
"This reputation it has as being a bit of a booze up, it's nothing like that.
"This is a family sport. The families come with all their kids.
"Sometimes if I see them getting into it I'll ask if they want to come down and stroke the winner, and the look on their faces is just a picture."
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Keith only has one dog running tonight - Curiosity in the 8:28.
"She's got no chance but I'll have a tenner on her. Win or lose I love it," he says, with a big smile on his face."
Most of the betting being done on tonight's 14 races, which come thick and fast every 15 minutes or so, is done via the Tote - run by the track - where all money staked is put into a pool which formulates the odds, which constantly update on the TV screens hanging from the ceiling, with details read over the tannoy.
The minimum stake is £2, so this for the casual betters - the bookmakers tend to take bets from serious punters.
Jean Jackson, a 62-year-old Tote operator, is the person who goes round taking people's bets.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
She hails from round the corner in Gorton and has worked at Belle Vue for 41 years.
"I've lived round here all my life," she says.
"My mother worked here, my sister worked here.
“I started out as a part time evening job in 1979.
“We used to race four times a week then and there was another stand on the other side of the track - and it would be busy on both sides.
“In the 90s we’d have 400 people in the restaurant. It’s always been a really good craic. I don’t really watch the racing, it’s more about the people for me.
"It’s just a good night out and a really good laugh."
After the first race a woman in a pink top leaps into the air screaming 'yes' as her dog comes in after a tight finish.
"It's not the amount they win, it's just winning itself. It has a good effect on people," Mick says.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
"It's just six dogs so it's almost like a roulette.
"Most people aren't going to walk as if they've won a lottery, but if they have a few winners then they'll have had a good night - that's what it's about."
Perhaps remarkably, around 80 to 90 percent of the people here tonight won't ever have been before, he tells me.
And then the same will be true again next week, with the dogs having a unique character as a one-off, 'special' night out that people do once every few years at most.
Perhaps even more surprising is that the average age is between 25 and 35.
It can be done on a budget with trackside deals with fast food for around £10, and deals for a sit down meal in the restaurant around £20.
Most of those on the track's database hail from Greater Manchester we are told, but it also attracts a high number of visitors from Liverpool.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Indeed, the first punter we speak to hails from Skelmersdale, near Merseyside and says he has never set foot in here before tonight.
Tony Hutchison, 66, says he and his family decided to come for his wife's birthday after finding a Groupon voucher online.
"We normally go to Chester races as it's closer," he says.
"But this has been on our list and we've wanted to come for a while.
"We were going to to just go for a meal but we thought this would be more fun.
"We think it's fantastic, we've had a great night, we can't fault it."
Of course that is not a universal view, and in fact not everyone agrees with greyhound racing at all.
For years protesters have stood outside the gates and urged to people boycott what they say is a cruel sport.
They strongly swung behind the plans for the track to be demolished and replaced, parking a van with a digital placard saying 'Greyhound Racing Kills' outside the town hall.
And, despite the council insisting the proposals were considered on planning grounds only, the protesters hailed it as a victory when they were approved.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
They have vowed to keep protesting 'every Saturday until the gates are closed for good.'
However, those involved with the sport that we speak to tonight say they are baffled, angry and upset at the accusations against what say they is a 'highly regulated sport.'
They feel a 'few bad apples' across the country in terms of welfare have tainted them all.
All dogs raced here have to be allocated to one of the track's designated trainers who oversee their day-to-day care.
A vet is on site tonight and will check the dogs and before and after they race whilst stipendiary stewards from the sport's regulators carry out unannounced checks, manager Mick Hardy tells us.
"Ultimately (the dogs) love running and are bred to run", he adds.
"They want to win."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Alan Kershaw is a regular at Belle Vue who owns up and coming Droopy's Boss, through a syndicate, and shows me a picture from their WhatsApp group - sent by trainer Gary Griffiths - of the dog's breakfast, spread across several bowls, with the caption reading 'only the best.'
"We're dog lovers" he says. "Why would we want to harm them in any way?"
Pat Rosney, 57, from Leyland in Lancashire is one of the country's top greyhound trainers, based here at Belle Vue, and currently looking after 28 dogs.
"These dogs are looked after like nothing on earth, I tell you," chuckling, with a steely look in his eyes.
"We even go to the lengths of brushing their teeth, so that they look right.
"They are athletes at the end of the day and you want to turn them out properly. And that's what people do."
Asked what makes Belle Vue special he says: "Atmosphere – you don't get it anywhere else.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
"The atmosphere this place generates for such a big stand, is incredible.
"That's what people enjoy, at other tracks it's quiet. It's like racing in the daytime when there's not many people here.
"A lot more people come for a night out but they keep coming back, then there will be fresh ones next week, there's more than just dog people coming here, lot's of people come here because they know it's a great night out.
"You don't have to have a bet, you can just come and enjoy the racing.
"It would be a massive loss to Manchester in terms of entertainment, to the people of the city, if it were to go.
"I don't think people realise what a big a loss it would be.
"The people here, who rely on this place for a living, they haven't got anywhere else to go. What are they going to do? They don't know anything else.
"They would be finished in the industry. They would have to start again."
A spokeswoman for Countryside Properties said: “Our plans for the site of the Belle Vue Greyhound Stadium remain unchanged following the planning decision in December last year.
"We are now focused on detailed plans to create a brand new community of 247 high quality and affordable homes that meet the local housing need in Gorton."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--From Grand Central to the Old Town's comeback - how going out in Stockport has changed massively

There 's a palpable sense of excitement about what is happening to the food and drink scene in Stockport town centre .
Barely a week goes by without news that another new venue will be joining the growing assortment of thriving independent bars and restaurants .
There 's a shared sense of pride about what has already been achieved in a relatively short space of time , and one of anticipation for what is to come .
As one town centre bar owner puts it , things are on 'the cusp of a boom ’ .
Over the past two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shift in what it means to come for an evening out in Stockport town centre .
The opening of the Produce Hall , the acclaimed Where The Light Gets In and the growth of Foodie Friday have helped to cement the town 's growing reputation as a food destination .
Clubs promoting cheap drink offers have given way to independent late night bars and pubs , which champion local distilleries and breweries .
As the expectations of what people want from a night out have changed , so too has what 's on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from 2006 , about the now departed club Heaven and Hell , tells of pole dancing competitions , foam parties , and school disco nights .
And when a mid 90s promo video for Volts nightclub , featuring euphoric clubbers , was unearthed and began circulating on social media several years ago , it sparked a wave of 1990s nostalgia .
The scene was of its time , and without doubt still holds fond memories for many .
Except for those who were tasked with policing it , that is .
The same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reputation ' of Heaven and Hell 's predecessors , Coco Savannah and Volts .
in 2005 , the manager of Heaven and Hell brought in hand held metal detectors , and even sniffer dogs , to try to deter trouble .
He says the town centre has transformed over the years , from a place that once needed to be robustly policed on weekend nights , into somewhere he would now bring his own family for an evening out .
`` When I first started , it was very much a cheap night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Hell , Grand Central , '' says Inspector Taylor .
`` It was very much people going out to get drunk , there was lots of disorder .
`` The lowest common denominator was 'how cheap can you make your booze ? '
It 's changed massively '' .
For Joseph Patten , owner of The Cracked Actor on Little Underbank , it 's hard to imagine a scenario where that culture could ever return .
`` It would just be really counterproductive and it would be frowned upon , '' says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep it at a good level so it 's affordable , but you do n't get groups just getting absolutely wasted .
`` You come out for a nice casual drink , have a good time , stay out till 1am and go home .
`` It 's a massive push to get it to stay good , at a certain standard , we all pull our weight to make sure it does n't drop and stupid drinks offers do n't get offered , because straight away then you 're under cutting other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep a level price across the bars and that manages most of the problems for us .
`` Keeping it above a certain price for keg and cask , you 're not competing price wise , you 're competing on vibes and atmosphere .
`` There 's not a massive jump between pubs , it 's a level playing field and you do n't mess around with it . ''
Venue owners also take a united approach to preventing anti social behaviour .
The town centre has a Pubwatch scheme and an information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the bars are also frequently in touch with each other on their WhatsApp group chat .
It all means that anyone who tries to start trouble in one venue will inevitably have their details shared so quickly around all the bars that they stand no chance of getting in anywhere else .
`` If there 's any trouble around we 're a message away from letting the next bar know '' , adds Joseph .
`` If you 're barred from one bar , you 're barred from everywhere so that helps @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a nice atmosphere for everyone .
`` For as long as I 've lived here , it 's worked . ''
Read more of today 's stories here '' It 's gone from us having to police it robustly just to try to make sure people are safe , to this , due to the quality of the door staff and the engagement with the licensees and the licensing procedures , '' the inspector added .
Late last year the town centre was awarded Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to Blue Flags for beaches , recognises towns and cities that are safe and well managed , and also offer a diverse mix of dining , entertainment and culture .
Paul Taylor , the manager of Stockport 's Business Improvement District ( BID ) has always lived and worked in the town and witnessed the changes first hand .
`` A police guy once told me that he dreaded the thought of the night time economy , because to him it meant raging battles in the 90s , running through Grand Central , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it was 11pm , 12am in the 1990s in Stockport , it was like the Wild West .
`` They 'd have to pull in police from everywhere , and it was the place where everybody came and just got hammered . ''
Launched in 2017 , the BID scheme generates extra revenue for the town centre by collecting a levy from businesses , based on their value .
Paul says its main aims are to keep the town centre clean and safe , keep businesses which are already here in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ number of people coming into the town and highlight what 's happening there .
Three years ago BID asked Stockport residents what they would like to see in the town centre .
`` People wanted more good high end bars and restaurants , but it was n't here , '' added Paul .
`` You can see the crowd that 's here now , it 's not what the usual crowd used to be .
`` It 's a safe place , there 's masses of families about now and it feels very @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops , bars and restaurants open , there are more people so it 's going to feel slightly different , and we 've got more police officers in the town centre .
`` It 's changed remarkably , not just in terms of night time economy but in terms of town centre security .
`` Two years ago we had a bout of anti social behaviour- which the police got rid of with Operation Barometer - and that has not come back . ''
`` There 's no nightclubs , but the nightlife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with nice bars and cafés , '' adds Inspector Taylor .
`` There 's now independent shops that are getting involved in community projects , as more than just a shop .
`` The change in culture that the change in premises has brought means it 's a much more friendly place to be .
`` Years ago , I 'd never have brought my wife out drinking , now I 'd happily come down on the train and have a few drinks in some of the bars .
`` It 's become @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can have more of a chat and a dance and a drink ” , added Joseph .
`` There 's a real effort to focus on the heritage and that 's been proven time and time again , that 's what will regenerate Stockport , saving the older buildings and working with what you 've got .
`` I think the council have , hopefully , realised that 's how it 's going to happen .
`` As soon as you come to the Old Town people have finally realised that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of it is being made to go back to what it was .
`` People are coming out to look at architecture and reminisce and they are really shocked to find it 's all still here .
`` Once you strip all the paint and the horrible 1970s facade back it 's still there .
`` A lot of people compare it ( The Underbanks ) to being in France at night time , it 's the same with the Market Place , there 's a really young mindset pushing it forward , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , pushing it forward with the council as well . ''
It was the architecture , and the sense of history of the Market Place , that immediately caught the eye of Sophie Roberts , the operations director at Project 53 , when she came to the Old Town for a night out with friends .
“ I think we ’ ve been really lucky , we ’ ve seen the majority of the regeneration .
“ I stumbled across this unit when I was out myself .
Friends brought me and said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Seven Miles Out ’ , that was what was here .
” We had Bakers ( Vaults ) and the Boars Head and that was it , we did a stop in each one and it was really enjoyable .
“ I saw this unit and just thought ‘ wow ’ .
The architecture , the history , everything was exactly what we wanted in a bar .
“ Talking to the council about the regeneration and the effort that was going into creating a bit more of a destination place , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Even in the short 18 months since Sophie and her brother James first transformed the former shop unit , she ’ s seen the Old Town boom .
“ Since we opened our doors we ’ ve had the Angel , the Produce Hall , the Cracked Actor , there ’ s so many new places , ” she added .
“ This has become a real destination place .
It always made sense to me , you could always see it , it just wasn ’ t there when we first moved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ venue is opening is now a regular occurrence .
`` The difference between 2017 and now , there was nothing , and now you have these amazing places , Paul adds .
`` The offer is the right offer .
It ’ s a different demographic that comes out , especially on the Market Place .
`` When the Produce Hall opened it was a catalyst , it signalled that the market was open and the bars opened , added Paul .
`` The investment in this building has been central to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was genius.
” As the type of venue has evolved , so too has the customer demographic .
Elise Wilson , the leader of Stockport council , says different generations of families , her own included , are now socialising together in the town centre , because they feel there is something there to meet all their needs .
`` We have this multi generational offering , and that 's how people live , '' she says .
`` People spend time together as a family , that is how we socialise .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ WiFi , which allows Paul to track footfall through geosense technology .
He has found that visitors who come to Stockport to attend events , such as car shows , or last year 's incredibly popular Giant Leap Frog Art Trail , end up staying longer to try the food and drink on offer .
Foodie Friday meanwhile , which was started by the council in 2013 and later taken over by the Barratt family , is among the town centre 's most popular events .
Joe Barratt , who also co-founded the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now is now part of the government 's High Street Task Force , also says there has been a cultural shift in how people socialise .
In May 2012 , Stockport was chosen as a 'Portas Pilot ' town , an initiative where towns could bid for money to spend regenerating their high streets .
`` It was clear to me then that the future was moving away from a clone town to a home town , built through independent businesses of good quality , events and festivals and an evening economy that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a bit nice and a higher end offer , so we do n't have that very cheap , very strong booze , '' he says .
`` Historically in the north we built our town centres around the car , which is why when we started Foodie Friday it really was a cultural shift that we were having to ingrain in people .
`` Since the erosion of the club culture in the late 1990s people were just not coming into town centres .
`` That family audience , what would they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for maybe an hour , or Tesco or the Peel Centre and go home .
`` That was our challenge , trying to change people 's habits and behaviours .
`` When we started the events they were very sparsely attended .
`` Because we had the Portas Pilot money we had the ability to market it , Foodie Friday became part of that offer , we did quite aggressive campaigns .
`` It was a combination of tenacity , consistency and investment that we had .
`` It was because we stuck @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there was exponential growth , then it snowballed . ''
So what does the future hold for the evening and night time economy of Stockport town centre ?
News last month that Robinsons is investing £400,000 in reopening the Bull 's Head means that the Market Place will soon be full .
The Underbanks , which was awarded a £1.8 million lottery grant two years ago , has seen an influx of new independent shops and bars .
The potential of the historic streets is obvious to those who are already there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its ongoing development must happen faster .
Stockport council says it 'soon hopes to be making a further announcement ' about the future of the former Winter 's building on Little Underbank , which it is proposing to restore , while the Grade II listed White Lion on Great Underbank has been renovated .
Elsewhere in the town , the Light Cinema was recently granted planning permission to install bowling alleys , while in Merseyway , former retail units have been filled with virtual reality centre The Players Entrance , and Go Karting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ One of the key priorities in our £1bn transformation of the town centre has been to create a thriving night time economy , '' says Councillor David Meller , the cabinet member for economy and regeneration .
`` You only have to look at the town centre to see how much it has changed over the last few years and we are now attracting award winning bars and restaurants , with people travelling to Stockport from across Greater Manchester to enjoy a night out , in a safe and welcoming environment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centre West development , a 20 year plan announced last year , should eventually bring 3,500 new homes to the town centre .
Joseph , who is in the process of opening a second town centre venue , which was originally going to be called The Sandman and now will be named The Glass Spider , has already noticed an influx of young people moving to the town .
`` I 've never lived anywhere where it 's so different .
You can feel it in the air .
People are excited about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You get to know everybody .
It is like a little family , it 's like Coronation Street .
Then you get new people coming in on the weekend '' If they come once , you 'll see them again .
If they come to Stockport they come back again , so you know what is going on is working .
`` Every day this week there 's been a bar opening , there 's Enigma , Good Rebel , and the Bulls Head announcement in the same week .
`` We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we 're on the cusp of this boom .
`` Young people are moving out here .
Everyone you speak to that 's moved here has come from Manchester , people in bands , retail , vintage clothing , they are all waiting to pounce on Stockport.
” '' What is particularly lovely is how supportive these businesses are to each other , they are always bigging each other up in that way , '' added Elise .
`` They do feel like a family , they are always talking about how great @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing I notice is that people who are born and bred Stockport are proud to be from here , the culture , the history , it ’ s a collective turnaround of this area , it just builds on that , ” added Sophie .
“ There are so many people that have connections to Stockport or were raised here and I think it is that collective idea that we are doing it for Stockport .
“ Yes it ’ s for ourselves because we are running a business , but the respect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the regeneration has come together to create something . ''
`` We 've got some amazing little shops and it 's going to get even better with all the investment that 's going on , ” adds Inspector Taylor .
`` It 's a got a real vibe about it . ''
`` We are pieces of a jigsaw and I think while everyone is batting in the same direction that 's the key , '' says Paul .
`` Everybody wants the best because everybody is going to benefit , it 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its way '' .
`` It 's a really sociable town , really friendly and people just want to be part of it and watch it grow , adds Joseph .
`` The more bars that open , the better .
`` I think it 's about building on top of the bars now as well , getting more shops , more venues , more eateries , once we 've got that locked in we need to start building the rest of it .
`` Any bet you take in Stockport is going @ @ @ @ @ @

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There's a palpable sense of excitement about what is happening to the food and drink scene in Stockport town centre.
Barely a week goes by without news that another new venue will be joining the growing assortment of thriving independent bars and restaurants.
There's a shared sense of pride about what has already been achieved in a relatively short space of time, and one of anticipation for what is to come.
As one town centre bar owner puts it, things are on 'the cusp of a boom’.
Over the past two decades, there has been a seismic shift in what it means to come for an evening out in Stockport town centre.
The opening of the Produce Hall, the acclaimed Where The Light Gets In and the growth of Foodie Friday have helped to cement the town's growing reputation as a food destination.
Clubs promoting cheap drink offers have given way to independent late night bars and pubs, which champion local distilleries and breweries.
(Image: Dominic Salter)
As the expectations of what people want from a night out have changed, so too has what's on offer.
A Manchester Evening News story from 2006, about the now departed club Heaven and Hell, tells of pole dancing competitions, foam parties, and school disco nights.
And when a mid 90s promo video for Volts nightclub, featuring euphoric clubbers, was unearthed and began circulating on social media several years ago, it sparked a wave of 1990s nostalgia.
The scene was of its time, and without doubt still holds fond memories for many.
Except for those who were tasked with policing it, that is.
The same 2006 story also touched on the 'dodgy reputation' of Heaven and Hell's predecessors, Coco Savannah and Volts.
in 2005, the manager of Heaven and Hell brought in hand held metal detectors, and even sniffer dogs, to try to deter trouble.
Stockport town centre's police inspector, Alex Taylor, remembers it well.
He says the town centre has transformed over the years, from a place that once needed to be robustly policed on weekend nights, into somewhere he would now bring his own family for an evening out.
"When I first started, it was very much a cheap night out with clubs. Volts, Heaven and Hell, Grand Central," says Inspector Taylor.
"It was very much people going out to get drunk, there was lots of disorder.
"The lowest common denominator was 'how cheap can you make your booze?' It's changed massively".
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
For Joseph Patten, owner of The Cracked Actor on Little Underbank, it's hard to imagine a scenario where that culture could ever return.
"It would just be really counterproductive and it would be frowned upon," says Joseph.
"We're trying to keep it at a good level so it's affordable, but you don't get groups just getting absolutely wasted.
"You come out for a nice casual drink, have a good time, stay out till 1am and go home.
"It's a massive push to get it to stay good, at a certain standard, we all pull our weight to make sure it doesn't drop and stupid drinks offers don't get offered, because straight away then you're under cutting other people.
"We all tend to keep a level price across the bars and that manages most of the problems for us.
"Keeping it above a certain price for keg and cask, you're not competing price wise, you're competing on vibes and atmosphere.
"There's not a massive jump between pubs, it's a level playing field and you don't mess around with it."
Venue owners also take a united approach to preventing anti social behaviour.
The town centre has a Pubwatch scheme and an information sharing platform, called Disc.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Staff at the bars are also frequently in touch with each other on their WhatsApp group chat.
It all means that anyone who tries to start trouble in one venue will inevitably have their details shared so quickly around all the bars that they stand no chance of getting in anywhere else.
"If there's any trouble around we're a message away from letting the next bar know", adds Joseph.
"If you're barred from one bar, you're barred from everywhere so that helps the police a lot, it keeps a nice atmosphere for everyone.
"For as long as I've lived here, it's worked."
Inspector Taylor agrees.
"It's gone from us having to police it robustly just to try to make sure people are safe, to this, due to the quality of the door staff and the engagement with the licensees and the licensing procedures," the inspector added.
Late last year the town centre was awarded Purple Flag status for its evening and night-time economy.
The scheme, which is similar to Blue Flags for beaches, recognises towns and cities that are safe and well managed, and also offer a diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture.
Paul Taylor, the manager of Stockport's Business Improvement District (BID) has always lived and worked in the town and witnessed the changes first hand.
"A police guy once told me that he dreaded the thought of the night time economy, because to him it meant raging battles in the 90s, running through Grand Central," he says.
"He said when it was 11pm, 12am in the 1990s in Stockport, it was like the Wild West.
"They'd have to pull in police from everywhere, and it was the place where everybody came and just got hammered."
Launched in 2017, the BID scheme generates extra revenue for the town centre by collecting a levy from businesses, based on their value.
(Image: Mark Waugh | Manchester Evening News)
Paul says its main aims are to keep the town centre clean and safe, keep businesses which are already here in the town and attract more, increase the number of people coming into the town and highlight what's happening there.
Three years ago BID asked Stockport residents what they would like to see in the town centre.
"People wanted more good high end bars and restaurants, but it wasn't here," added Paul.
"You can see the crowd that's here now, it's not what the usual crowd used to be.
"It's a safe place, there's masses of families about now and it feels very different.
"Because there are more shops, bars and restaurants open, there are more people so it's going to feel slightly different, and we've got more police officers in the town centre.
"It's changed remarkably, not just in terms of night time economy but in terms of town centre security.
"Two years ago we had a bout of anti social behaviour- which the police got rid of with Operation Barometer - and that has not come back."
"There's no nightclubs, but the nightlife is changing to be more civilised, with nice bars and cafés," adds Inspector Taylor.
"There's now independent shops that are getting involved in community projects, as more than just a shop.
"The change in culture that the change in premises has brought means it's a much more friendly place to be.
"Years ago, I'd never have brought my wife out drinking, now I'd happily come down on the train and have a few drinks in some of the bars.
"It's become more late bars than it is clubs. You can have more of a chat and a dance and a drink”, added Joseph.
"There's a real effort to focus on the heritage and that's been proven time and time again, that's what will regenerate Stockport, saving the older buildings and working with what you've got.
"I think the council have, hopefully, realised that's how it's going to happen.
(Image: Stockport Times)
"As soon as you come to the Old Town people have finally realised that it's here still and a lot of it is being made to go back to what it was.
"People are coming out to look at architecture and reminisce and they are really shocked to find it's all still here.
"Once you strip all the paint and the horrible 1970s facade back it's still there.
"A lot of people compare it (The Underbanks) to being in France at night time, it's the same with the Market Place, there's a really young mindset pushing it forward, a lot of independents are coming in, pushing it forward with the council as well."
It was the architecture, and the sense of history of the Market Place, that immediately caught the eye of Sophie Roberts, the operations director at Project 53, when she came to the Old Town for a night out with friends.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“I think we’ve been really lucky, we’ve seen the majority of the regeneration.
“I stumbled across this unit when I was out myself. Friends brought me and said ‘let’s go to Remedy and Seven Miles Out’, that was what was here.
”We had Bakers (Vaults) and the Boars Head and that was it, we did a stop in each one and it was really enjoyable.
“I saw this unit and just thought ‘wow’. The architecture, the history, everything was exactly what we wanted in a bar.
“Talking to the council about the regeneration and the effort that was going into creating a bit more of a destination place, which was exactly what we wanted.”
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Even in the short 18 months since Sophie and her brother James first transformed the former shop unit, she’s seen the Old Town boom.
“Since we opened our doors we’ve had the Angel, the Produce Hall, the Cracked Actor, there’s so many new places,” she added.
“This has become a real destination place. It always made sense to me, you could always see it, it just wasn’t there when we first moved in”.
News that a new venue is opening is now a regular occurrence.
"The difference between 2017 and now, there was nothing, and now you have these amazing places, Paul adds.
"The offer is the right offer. It’s a different demographic that comes out, especially on the Market Place.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"When the Produce Hall opened it was a catalyst, it signalled that the market was open and the bars opened, added Paul.
"The investment in this building has been central to the regeneration of the town centre, it was genius.”
As the type of venue has evolved, so too has the customer demographic.
Elise Wilson, the leader of Stockport council, says different generations of families, her own included, are now socialising together in the town centre, because they feel there is something there to meet all their needs.
"We have this multi generational offering, and that's how people live," she says.
"People spend time together as a family, that is how we socialise."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The town centre now has free WiFi, which allows Paul to track footfall through geosense technology.
He has found that visitors who come to Stockport to attend events, such as car shows, or last year's incredibly popular Giant Leap Frog Art Trail, end up staying longer to try the food and drink on offer.
Foodie Friday meanwhile, which was started by the council in 2013 and later taken over by the Barratt family, is among the town centre's most popular events.
Joe Barratt, who also co-founded the Teenage Market with brother Tom and is now is now part of the government's High Street Task Force, also says there has been a cultural shift in how people socialise.
In May 2012, Stockport was chosen as a 'Portas Pilot' town, an initiative where towns could bid for money to spend regenerating their high streets.
"It was clear to me then that the future was moving away from a clone town to a home town, built through independent businesses of good quality, events and festivals and an evening economy that offers something that's a bit cultured and a bit nice and a higher end offer, so we don't have that very cheap, very strong booze," he says.
"Historically in the north we built our town centres around the car, which is why when we started Foodie Friday it really was a cultural shift that we were having to ingrain in people.
"Since the erosion of the club culture in the late 1990s people were just not coming into town centres.
"That family audience, what would they do? They'd come to Asda for maybe an hour, or Tesco or the Peel Centre and go home.
"That was our challenge, trying to change people's habits and behaviours.
"When we started the events they were very sparsely attended.
"Because we had the Portas Pilot money we had the ability to market it, Foodie Friday became part of that offer, we did quite aggressive campaigns.
"It was a combination of tenacity, consistency and investment that we had.
"It was because we stuck with it and got it out there, there was exponential growth, then it snowballed."
(Image: Stockport Express)
So what does the future hold for the evening and night time economy of Stockport town centre?
News last month that Robinsons is investing £400,000 in reopening the Bull's Head means that the Market Place will soon be full.
The Underbanks, which was awarded a £1.8 million lottery grant two years ago, has seen an influx of new independent shops and bars.
The potential of the historic streets is obvious to those who are already there, but there remains a sense that its ongoing development must happen faster.
Stockport council says it 'soon hopes to be making a further announcement' about the future of the former Winter's building on Little Underbank, which it is proposing to restore, while the Grade II listed White Lion on Great Underbank has been renovated.
Elsewhere in the town, the Light Cinema was recently granted planning permission to install bowling alleys, while in Merseyway, former retail units have been filled with virtual reality centre The Players Entrance, and Go Karting, which open later into the evening.
“One of the key priorities in our £1bn transformation of the town centre has been to create a thriving night time economy," says Councillor David Meller, the cabinet member for economy and regeneration.
"You only have to look at the town centre to see how much it has changed over the last few years and we are now attracting award winning bars and restaurants, with people travelling to Stockport from across Greater Manchester to enjoy a night out, in a safe and welcoming environment".
Elsewhere, the Stockport Town Centre West development, a 20 year plan announced last year, should eventually bring 3,500 new homes to the town centre.
Joseph, who is in the process of opening a second town centre venue, which was originally going to be called The Sandman and now will be named The Glass Spider, has already noticed an influx of young people moving to the town.
"I've never lived anywhere where it's so different. You can feel it in the air. People are excited about it,” adds Joseph.
"You get to know everybody. It is like a little family, it's like Coronation Street. Then you get new people coming in on the weekend
"If they come once, you'll see them again. If they come to Stockport they come back again, so you know what is going on is working.
"Every day this week there's been a bar opening, there's Enigma, Good Rebel, and the Bulls Head announcement in the same week.
"We're all pushing at the same time and we're on the cusp of this boom.
(Image: Martin Healy)
"Young people are moving out here. Everyone you speak to that's moved here has come from Manchester, people in bands, retail, vintage clothing, they are all waiting to pounce on Stockport.”
"What is particularly lovely is how supportive these businesses are to each other, they are always bigging each other up in that way," added Elise.
"They do feel like a family, they are always talking about how great each other are."
“One thing I notice is that people who are born and bred Stockport are proud to be from here, the culture, the history, it’s a collective turnaround of this area, it just builds on that,” added Sophie.
“There are so many people that have connections to Stockport or were raised here and I think it is that collective idea that we are doing it for Stockport.
“Yes it’s for ourselves because we are running a business, but the respect across businesses and such an interest in the regeneration has come together to create something."
"We've got some amazing little shops and it's going to get even better with all the investment that's going on,” adds Inspector Taylor.
"It's a got a real vibe about it."
Follow reporter Helen Johnson on social media To follow Helen on Twitter, click here Find her Facebook news page here Find all the latest M.E.N stories on our Facebook page here
"We are pieces of a jigsaw and I think while everyone is batting in the same direction that's the key," says Paul.
"Everybody wants the best because everybody is going to benefit, it's a movable feast, it's on its way".
"It's a really sociable town, really friendly and people just want to be part of it and watch it grow, adds Joseph.
"The more bars that open, the better.
"I think it's about building on top of the bars now as well, getting more shops, more venues, more eateries, once we've got that locked in we need to start building the rest of it.
"Any bet you take in Stockport is going to be safe one."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--'I thought Liam's got to be their dealer': Oasis label boss on the meeting that changed rock history

It ’ s a moment that changed the face of rock history .
It was 1993 , and Oasis were booked to play a supporting gig at Glasgow venue King Tut 's Wah Wah Hut .
Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher , along with Paul ‘ Bonehead ’ Arthurs , Paul ‘ Guigsy ’ McGuigan and Tony McCarroll stepped onto the stage and blew Alan McGee away .
The Creation Records boss was in the audience at the time and knew instantly that he needed to add the band to his label , an indie stalwart which had been bought @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - whose story will soon be documented in a new biopic , Creation Stories , based on his autobiography of the same name - speaks about the encounter in the first episode of a new podcast series .
The show , ‘ Helen Wood chats to… ’ is a collaboration between the Manchester Evening News and the Big Brother winner , who will be speaking to a wide range of people with a story to tell .
Alan said : “ I did n't know the Gallaghers - I 'd met Noel one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going out with a girl that worked at my record company , and I shook his hand .
“ He wasn ’ t ‘ Noel Gallagher ’ then - he was Noel the roadie for the Inspiral Carpets with a bowl haircut .
That ’ s how he was in 1989.
” Alan went on to explain he was actually at the fateful gig at King Tut 's - held three years after Glasgow became the City of Culture - to see a singer called Debbie Turner .
But , before they even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caught by the young rock ' n ' roll band from Manchester .
“ I went in to see my two bands playing and see Debbie 's band , and I got presented with this band who were going to play called Oasis , ” said Alan .
“ I looked over and Liam was sitting on a couch .
He looked like a great looking version of George Harrison , in an Adidas blue tracksuit .
“ He was 19 or 20 years old , and looked absolutely stunning , great , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me being cynical , I thought , well , he 's got to be the drug dealer.
” Alan went on to explain that Liam ’ s striking look was not what was expected from a frontman back in the day .
“ Bands in 1993 , they did n't look as good as Liam Gallagher , ” he explained .
The band went on stage and Alan ’ s attention was fixed on the five-piece .
“ Noel was great , really good , great guitar player , ” he recalled .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ like , you know , he was n't projecting , like walking out and stuff like that , but he was just great , great presence.
” When they came off stage , Alan wanted to talk business , so approached the sound engineer Mark Coyle to find out who their manager was .
Alan continued : “ I said , 'Oh , who 's the manager ? '
'They don ’ t have a manager ' .
I said , 'who 's the leader of the band ?
He went , 'Noel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Noel comes over with a cassette and says , 'who are you ? '
I said , 'Alan for Creation Record 's .
I said , ' I loved it , do you want a deal ? '
“ He was taken aback but we just started chatting , and then 20 minutes later , we shook on it and said , 'we 're going to do it ' .
Even then , I think he probably thought , this guy 's bullsh*tting .
“ And then four or five days later , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in Manchester , they came down , where we shook again .
And that was it.
” In the podcast , Alan also speaks about his time managing the band , the fallout of their split in 2009 and whether he thinks they will ever reunite in the forthcoming podcast .
He also offers his insight into the music industry today and tells a rather gruesome story about when he signed The Libertines - definitely not for the faint hearted .
You can download Helen Wood chats to ... wherever you listen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , interactive , immersive content download the Entale app for iOS and Android .
This is a Laudable production for the Manchester Evening News .
You can find out more about Laudable and its other local podcasts by following us on Twitter and Instagram .

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It’s a moment that changed the face of rock history.
It was 1993, and Oasis were booked to play a supporting gig at Glasgow venue King Tut's Wah Wah Hut.
Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, along with Paul ‘Bonehead’ Arthurs, Paul ‘Guigsy’ McGuigan and Tony McCarroll stepped onto the stage and blew Alan McGee away.
The Creation Records boss was in the audience at the time and knew instantly that he needed to add the band to his label, an indie stalwart which had been bought out by Sony in 1992.
Alan - whose story will soon be documented in a new biopic, Creation Stories, based on his autobiography of the same name - speaks about the encounter in the first episode of a new podcast series.
The show, ‘ Helen Wood chats to…’ is a collaboration between the Manchester Evening News and the Big Brother winner, who will be speaking to a wide range of people with a story to tell.
(Image: Daily Record)
Alan said: “I didn't know the Gallaghers - I'd met Noel one time at Reading Festival when he was going out with a girl that worked at my record company, and I shook his hand.
“He wasn’t ‘Noel Gallagher’ then - he was Noel the roadie for the Inspiral Carpets with a bowl haircut. That’s how he was in 1989.”
Alan went on to explain he was actually at the fateful gig at King Tut's - held three years after Glasgow became the City of Culture - to see a singer called Debbie Turner.
But, before they even got on stage, his eye was caught by the young rock 'n' roll band from Manchester.
“I went in to see my two bands playing and see Debbie's band, and I got presented with this band who were going to play called Oasis,” said Alan.
“I looked over and Liam was sitting on a couch. He looked like a great looking version of George Harrison, in an Adidas blue tracksuit.
“He was 19 or 20 years old, and looked absolutely stunning, great, just like a rock star. But me being cynical, I thought, well, he's got to be the drug dealer.”
Alan went on to explain that Liam’s striking look was not what was expected from a frontman back in the day.
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“Bands in 1993, they didn't look as good as Liam Gallagher,” he explained.
The band went on stage and Alan’s attention was fixed on the five-piece.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Noel was great, really good, great guitar player,” he recalled. “And Liam was bang on, like, you know, he wasn't projecting, like walking out and stuff like that, but he was just great, great presence.”
When they came off stage, Alan wanted to talk business, so approached the sound engineer Mark Coyle to find out who their manager was.
Alan continued: “I said, 'Oh, who's the manager?' 'They don’t have a manager'. I said, 'who's the leader of the band? He went, 'Noel'.
“Ten minutes later, Noel comes over with a cassette and says, 'who are you?' I said, 'Alan for Creation Record's. I said, 'I loved it, do you want a deal?'
“He was taken aback but we just started chatting, and then 20 minutes later, we shook on it and said, 'we're going to do it'. Even then, I think he probably thought, this guy's bullsh*tting.
“And then four or five days later, I sent some train tickets up to them in Manchester, they came down, where we shook again. And that was it.”
In the podcast, Alan also speaks about his time managing the band, the fallout of their split in 2009 and whether he thinks they will ever reunite in the forthcoming podcast.
He also offers his insight into the music industry today and tells a rather gruesome story about when he signed The Libertines - definitely not for the faint hearted.
You can download Helen Wood chats to... wherever you listen to your podcasts, but for exclusive, interactive, immersive content download the Entale app for iOS and Android.
This is a Laudable production for the Manchester Evening News. You can find out more about Laudable and its other local podcasts by following us on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow Helen Wood on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--Luke Shaw explains how Bruno Fernandes is helping Manchester United off the pitch

Luke Shaw has revealed Bruno Fernandes ' leadership skills are helping Manchester United off the pitch as well as on it .
After a long transfer saga , the playmaker completed his move to Old Trafford at the end of the January transfer window and has made an instant impact under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer .
Fernandes impressed during a brief cameo against Club Brugge in the Europa League and was instrumental in United 's win against Wolves - netting his first goal for the club from the penalty spot .
The 25-year-old picked up two assists in the victory and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made in his short spell .
Fernandes captained Sporting Lisbon and the United defender believes his leadership qualities have already shone through .
`` He 's had a massive impact , '' he told MUTV .
`` He 's only been here for such a short time but it feels like he 's been here for a while .
`` You can tell he was a leader at Sporting and I think he wants to bring that leadership skill here to help the team as much as he can off the pitch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Hopefully he can keep that up , he 's not been here long but he 's already shining for us and it 's great to see . ''
Fernandes delighted United supporters with his coolly taken penalty which featured an unusual run up .
The midfielder hinted there will be more to come in the future .
`` It ’ s the way I shoot a penalty , it ’ s where I feel confident , '' he told BBC Sport .
`` I do not shoot just that way but it felt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This is the day every player wants to have .
I feel lucky to score , I feel lucky to win the game .
We all gave our best , and we all deserved the win .
I just need to help the team , it ’ s what I want to do , it ’ s what I need to do .
I hope Martial scores more goals too like he did tonight . ''

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Luke Shaw has revealed Bruno Fernandes' leadership skills are helping Manchester United off the pitch as well as on it.
After a long transfer saga, the playmaker completed his move to Old Trafford at the end of the January transfer window and has made an instant impact under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Fernandes impressed during a brief cameo against Club Brugge in the Europa League and was instrumental in United's win against Wolves - netting his first goal for the club from the penalty spot.
The 25-year-old picked up two assists in the victory and Shaw hailed the impact the attacking midfielder has made in his short spell.
Fernandes captained Sporting Lisbon and the United defender believes his leadership qualities have already shone through.
"He's had a massive impact," he told MUTV. "He's only been here for such a short time but it feels like he's been here for a while.
"You can tell he was a leader at Sporting and I think he wants to bring that leadership skill here to help the team as much as he can off the pitch as well as on it.
"Hopefully he can keep that up, he's not been here long but he's already shining for us and it's great to see."
Fernandes delighted United supporters with his coolly taken penalty which featured an unusual run up.
The midfielder hinted there will be more to come in the future.
"It’s the way I shoot a penalty, it’s where I feel confident," he told BBC Sport. "I do not shoot just that way but it felt the best way today."
"This is the day every player wants to have. I feel lucky to score, I feel lucky to win the game. We all gave our best, and we all deserved the win. I just need to help the team, it’s what I want to do, it’s what I need to do. I hope Martial scores more goals too like he did tonight."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-02-23--The 13 eBay hacks for buyers and sellers - including typo tricks, secret codes and the 99p last minu

The 13 eBay hacks for buyers and sellers - including typo tricks, secret codes and the 99p last minute auction list

And whether you 're hoping to make some quick dosh or want to bid for a bargain - there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to get more from the site .
Learn how to get access to the live 99p last minute auctions list or how to unlock eBay 's misspelled hidden gems .
Set up email alerts and decipher pro-seller codes like NWOB , VGC and HTF .
And if you really want to get serious about selling - there are ways to optimise your listing titles by using the website 's most popular searched @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or selling - here 's a round up of the clever hacks you need to know before you next log-on .
1 .
Never miss an item selling at 99p Often , eBay users post items at 99p or a pound in the hope that the cheap price will spark a bidding war .
But many times , these items go unspotted by users and remain at the ridiculously low price .
The Lastminute Auction website lists eBay auctions due to finish within one hour that are still priced at £1 or less @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a last-minute bid .
Thousands of items on eBay are listed with typos and spelling mistakes .
Correctly spelt searches wo n't match these listings - so these auctions often end with no bids .
To get around this , you can use a spelling mistake spotter like Fat Fingers .
Once on the website , enter the correct spelling of your item and Fat Fingers will scour eBay for incorrectly spelled versions of the same word or phrase .
3 .
Scan barcodes to see how much a product could sell for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Android for free .
Open the app and then click the camera icon on the right-hand side of the search bar .
Once the camera opens click on the barcode icon and scan the barcode of a product - for example a CD , DVD or book .
Once scanned , the app will bring up a list of results showing you how much that item has sold for .
4 .
Save your searches to get email alerts If you 're looking for a specific product but ca n't find exactly what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ebay will send you email alerts when new items matching your search are listed .
To save a search , click on the 'save this search ' button located next to a love heart below the search bar .
Get ahead of the competition by bidding an uneven amount .
If the maximum you 're willing to pay is approximately £10 - it 's likely that many other bidders will have maximum bids at this price too .
Wipe out potential competition by bidding an uneven amount like £10.63 instead .
Buyers are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sellers with a high percentage of positive feedback .
But if you 're new to eBay , you probably have n't had the chance to build up a good feedback rating .
To do this , start interacting with other users by bidding for small , cheap items .
7 .
Haggle down the price of your desired items A listing does n't have to show the 'make offer ' button for you to try to haggle the price down .
Click 'ask a question ' and politely see if the seller will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ listed .
The user might prefer to get rid of the product quickly over gaining a few more pounds .
And when contacting the seller - a nicely worded message is more effective than a blunt one-sentence offer .
If you 're trying to make some serious profit on eBay - hit the charity shops in affluent areas .
You might be able to find top quality designer goods at low prices to sell for more than you purchased them for .
Ebay pros use codes in their listings to fit in more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ To save newbies from confusion , moneysavingexpert.com have de-coded the most commonly-used eBay jargon : 10 .
Do n't use opinion-based adjectives in your listing 's title Buyers are n't searching for words like 'beautiful ' , 'stylish ' or 'gorgeous ' .
Stick to useful , factual descriptive words about your product like its make , colour and size .
Find out the most searched for keywords to include in your listing title with the free eBay Pulse Tool found on the Goofbid website .
The tool will also indicate buyers ' @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For example , in the Health and Beauty category - the top three most popular search terms are 'Dior ' , 'perfume ' and 'Clinique ' .
If you have any Dior or Clinique products to sell - this information indicates that many buyers will be interested .
And it also tells us that the word 'perfume ' should be used over similar words and phrases like 'fragrance ' or 'eau de toilette ' .
Here are the current top three keywords for some of eBay 's most popular categories : Books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 'Lord of the Rings ' and 'Carp' Avoid selling winter items in summer - not many people will be searching for faux fur coats in June , July or August .
Sell when it 's likely that there will be a high demand for that particular product to attract more bidders .
13 .
Remember to do all the checks If you 're new to eBay , remember to do all the checks before you bid for an item .
Check the seller 's history , check the seller 's location and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ebay now has maximum delivery charges on many item categories , double check postage costs before placing a bid .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Thousands of Mancunians are avid eBay users.
And whether you're hoping to make some quick dosh or want to bid for a bargain - there are plenty of tips and tricks you can use to get more from the site.
Learn how to get access to the live 99p last minute auctions list or how to unlock eBay's misspelled hidden gems.
Set up email alerts and decipher pro-seller codes like NWOB, VGC and HTF.
And if you really want to get serious about selling - there are ways to optimise your listing titles by using the website's most popular searched for keywords.
Whether you're buying or selling - here's a round up of the clever hacks you need to know before you next log-on.
1. Never miss an item selling at 99p
Often, eBay users post items at 99p or a pound in the hope that the cheap price will spark a bidding war.
But many times, these items go unspotted by users and remain at the ridiculously low price.
The Lastminute Auction website lists eBay auctions due to finish within one hour that are still priced at £1 or less so you can swoop in and place a last-minute bid.
2. Search for typos
Thousands of items on eBay are listed with typos and spelling mistakes.
Correctly spelt searches won't match these listings - so these auctions often end with no bids.
To get around this, you can use a spelling mistake spotter like Fat Fingers.
Once on the website, enter the correct spelling of your item and Fat Fingers will scour eBay for incorrectly spelled versions of the same word or phrase.
3. Scan barcodes to see how much a product could sell for
Download the eBay app for iPhone or Android for free.
Open the app and then click the camera icon on the right-hand side of the search bar.
Once the camera opens click on the barcode icon and scan the barcode of a product - for example a CD, DVD or book.
Once scanned, the app will bring up a list of results showing you how much that item has sold for.
4. Save your searches to get email alerts
If you're looking for a specific product but can't find exactly what you want - save your search.
Ebay will send you email alerts when new items matching your search are listed.
To save a search, click on the 'save this search' button located next to a love heart below the search bar.
5. Bid an uneven amount
Get ahead of the competition by bidding an uneven amount.
If the maximum you're willing to pay is approximately £10 - it's likely that many other bidders will have maximum bids at this price too.
Wipe out potential competition by bidding an uneven amount like £10.63 instead.
6. Buy before you sell
Buyers are more likely to bid for items from sellers with a high percentage of positive feedback.
But if you're new to eBay, you probably haven't had the chance to build up a good feedback rating.
To do this, start interacting with other users by bidding for small, cheap items.
A high positive feedback percentage lets others know you're a trustworthy seller.
7. Haggle down the price of your desired items
A listing doesn't have to show the 'make offer' button for you to try to haggle the price down.
Click 'ask a question' and politely see if the seller will accept a cheaper offer than what is listed.
The user might prefer to get rid of the product quickly over gaining a few more pounds.
And when contacting the seller - a nicely worded message is more effective than a blunt one-sentence offer.
8. Visit charity shops in affluent areas
If you're trying to make some serious profit on eBay - hit the charity shops in affluent areas.
You might be able to find top quality designer goods at low prices to sell for more than you purchased them for.
9. Learn the lingo
Ebay pros use codes in their listings to fit in more information without exceeding the character limit.
To save newbies from confusion, moneysavingexpert.com have de-coded the most commonly-used eBay jargon:
BN: Brand new
BNWT: Brand new with tags
BNIB: Brand new in box
BIN: Buy it now
VGC: Very good condition
NWOT: New without tags
NWOB: New without box
HTF: Hard to find
NR: No reserve
VTG: Vintage
10. Don't use opinion-based adjectives in your listing's title
Buyers aren't searching for words like 'beautiful', 'stylish' or 'gorgeous'.
Stick to useful, factual descriptive words about your product like its make, colour and size.
11. Research the most popular key words
Find out the most searched for keywords to include in your listing title with the free eBay Pulse Tool found on the Goofbid website.
The tool will also indicate buyers' most wanted brands from each eBay catergory.
For example, in the Health and Beauty category - the top three most popular search terms are 'Dior', 'perfume' and 'Clinique'.
If you have any Dior or Clinique products to sell - this information indicates that many buyers will be interested.
And it also tells us that the word 'perfume' should be used over similar words and phrases like 'fragrance' or 'eau de toilette'.
Here are the current top three keywords for some of eBay's most popular categories:
Books, Comics and Magazines: 'Osprey', 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Carp'
Cameras and Photography: 'Billingham', 'Sony' and 'digital camera'
Clothes, Shoes and Accessories: 'Topshop', 'Toast' and 'boots'
Collectibles: 'Pokemon', 'Hornby' and 'Disney'
Computers/Tablets and Networking: 'Nas', 'iPad Mini' and 'computer'
DVD, Films & TV: 'DVD boxset', 'anime' and 'Mrs Brown Boys'
Health and Beauty: 'Dior', 'perfume' and 'Clinique'
Home, Furniture and DIY: 'Rug', 'IKEA' and 'bed'
Musical Instruments: ' Banjo', 'drum kit' and 'concertina'
Sports Memorabilia: 'Hearts', 'Halifax' and 'Chelsea'
Toys and games: 'Lego Star Wars', 'Slide' and 'Corgi'
12. Sell seasonally
Avoid selling winter items in summer - not many people will be searching for faux fur coats in June, July or August.
Sell when it's likely that there will be a high demand for that particular product to attract more bidders.
13. Remember to do all the checks
If you're new to eBay, remember to do all the checks before you bid for an item.
Check the seller's history, check the seller's location and check the price of postage.
Although Ebay now has maximum delivery charges on many item categories, double check postage costs before placing a bid.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.