The Street Pastors of Preston

Manchester’s Transport Update

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Here is all the transport news for this week in Greater Manchester.

HTW-STORY1B-091224-EF- Roads and rail travel during the festive period

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What has it been like travelling by car or train during the festive period?

Travelling at Christmas: Do Roads and Rails Meet Festive Demand?

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We ask Birmingham residents about their experiences travelling by road or rail during the busy festive season. How do they prepare for Christmas journeys, and do they think the transport system meets the demand? What changes or improvements would they like to see in public transport or road infrastructure?

Coffee catch-up: Shakespeare and Sports

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For this week’s catch up, we have a hot drink from Bird and Blend, and stories from a newly-renovated pub, Didsbury and the two major Manchester football teams.

People on the street: Festive transport

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We went out into Manchester to ask people about their views on public transport during the festive period.

Southside gears up for Christmas market

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A new festive attraction is set to bring Christmas cheer to Birmingham. We take a closer look at what visitors can expect at Southside Christmas Market, opening next week. Hippodrome Square will transform into a festive hub, featuring handmade crafts, live music, and family activities.

Sir Paul McCartney appears on £5 coin

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Sir Paul McCartney has said it is a "huge honour" to appear on a new commemorative coin unveiled by the Royal Mint. The £5 coin features Paul McCartney's iconic Magic Piano as well as several references to his record-breaking career - including piano notes personally chosen by Paul.

Families spending over half their salaries on Christmas

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Recent findings highlight the extent to which families are turning to credit this Christmas. Many expect to devote over half their monthly salaries to festive expenses. Younger households appear more inclined towards credit-based solutions than older generations.

Glasgow’s Virgin Hotel looks to be taken over by Irish property firm one year after its closure

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Almost a year following the shock closure of Glasgow’s Virgin Hotel, it looks like the building may be getting taken over. <br /><br />Administrators have a property investment and development company lined up to take over the premise which is situated on the banks of Clyde Street.<br /><br />Around 130 jobs were lost when the 240-room hotel closed in December 2023 just four months after its opening when its owners were advised to put it into liquidation. <br /><br />A lawyer involved in recent meetings said the new firm is Ireland-based and exclaimed it is positive news that things are moving. <br /><br />The hotel was owned by Lloyds Developments Limited which Virgin Hotels had a management contract with. <br /><br />The proposed acquisition aims to breed into the ongoing efforts to repurpose and revive hospitality assets across the country.<br /><br />Negotiations are continuing.<br /><br />This news comes not long after a petition was launched by musicians who played in the hotel, pleading with the Virgin Group for payments they still haven’t received. <br /><br />The building has been empty for almost a year now as administrators have sought a takeover.

What has your experience been like travelling during the festive season?

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What has your experience been like travelling by road or rail during the busy festive season? What changes or improvements would you like to see in public transport or road infrastructure?