10,000 children across Greater Manchester took up smoking

Nearly six children A DAY took up smoking in Manchester during the last year, according to Cancer Research UK figures. 

In fact, more than 10,000 children across the Greater Manchester area took up the habit in 2012. 
Alison Cox, Tobacco Control Lead for Cancer Research UK, said that they are pushing for legislation which will drastically change the design of cigarette packs. This, she hopes, will deglamorise cigarettes in the eyes of children. “Children find a dull looking cigarette pack a turn off whereas they find a colourful, glitzy, well designed pack interesting,” she said. 

 Read more in Mancunian Matters

Labour hit out at end to Environmental Enforcement

Read more in Messenger

Jane Baugh is so right that the ending of the enforcement team in Trafford is going to lead to more pictures like this. The Tories need to stop their trivial set-up photoshoots with supporters (can't call them activists) and change their plans now.

Old Trafford Stadium nominated as an asset of community value

Supporters nominate Old Trafford as an asset of community value to protect it from its current or future owners selling the stadium.
Read more on Republic of Mancunia Supporters' site.

Thunder Tunnel brightens up

Humphrey Park Station subway gets a make-over. Some of us used to know this place as the Thunder tunnel as steam engines trundled over it. It never used to look good but thanks to the artistry of Lostock College pupils - it's had a facelift and we've never seen it look better.

Countdown to Marathon Begins

Sunday 28th April 2013

It's going to be difficult to drive through Stretford and Gorse Hill whilst the Greater Manchester Marathon is being run. We're advising residents to plan their journeys and to walk or cycle on that day if feasible.

More information is available on the marathon's website