Let Our Councils Franchise Rail Services and they'll save £20m

Councillors in Greater Manchester have joined other northern councils in drawing up a plan to convince ministers to let them take charge of train franchising.

Councillors in Greater Manchester have joined other northern councils in drawing up a plan to convince ministers to let them take charge of train franchising

Doing so will ‘unlock the rail system’s fullest potential’, he says, allowing councils to spend existing rail budgets more wisely – while taking into account the needs of the region’s economy.

Meanwhile, fare setting would become more transparent, allowing rail users to see how their cash was re-invested.

Sir Howard Bernstein last year highlighted the West Coast mainline debacle – in which DfT officials bungled the franchising process at a cost of up to £40m – as demonstrating the need for devolution.

 Read more in Manchester Evening News

Local Labour tribute to Sir Alex

Cllr Acton said: “While having United on our doorstep creates its own problems at times there can be no argument, even from our blue comrade, that the success Sir Alex has brought to this team and to this place is never going to be equalled.

“He's left United the biggest and most successful club in the world and we're so proud of Sir Alex in Gorse Hill.”

 Mike Cordingley, a season ticket holder at City, agreed; "Undoubtedly the best manager there's ever been.".
And Laurence Walsh added: "And a big Labour man too. Thank you Sir Alex."

PS - So is David Moyes!

Read more in Messenger

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