Summer time and the livings .........

Hoorah! The summer hols are here again and we've got eight weeks of taking it easy. But, should you get itchy feet then take a look at the Visit Manchester Website to see what you can do in your local environment. Don't just sit and watch tele or play on your games console get out and about and visit places.

The Geography of Crime

Residents of England and Wales can now access online maps which plot recorded crime in their neighbourhood.
The maps show where and when crime happened and they are updated on a monthly basis.

For more information follow this link to the news item on the BBC.

Click this link to take you to the Greater Manhester Police interactive map.

It's a no!

The people of Manchester have voted on the introduction of a congestion charge and the result is not in doubt.

78% of those who voted said No. For more details click this link to Manchester Evening News page.

The Hulme vote had a very similar result with 80% of people voting against the transport developments.

Manchester Votes - Have your say.

Ballot papers asking people to vote on the introduction of a congestion charge as well as other public transport improvements are arriving in the post. How would you vote?

Here is your chance!

Use the poll option opposite and tells us how you would vote.

If you would like more information before voting click this link - GM Future Transport

Congestion Charge for Manchester

Today the government approved a Congestion Charge scheme for Manchester.

The scheme, due to begin in 2013, will have two charging rings as shown on the map. The outer ring will be the M60 and the inner ring will be made up of the current inner ring road system that surrounds the CBD. Charges will be be triggered by a series of electronic beacons and costs will range from £1 to £5.

The government have also stated that they will provide £2.8bn to upgrade the public transport system of Manchester. This funding will support the extension of the Metrolink to Oldham, Rochdale and Ashton-under-Lyne. It will also be used to create priority lanes for buses and improve the city rail links.

So how do you feel about getting charged for driving in Manchester?