The idea that ownership breeds value is essentially true. However, it is not true in the Thatcherite sense, where ownership is the means to the end of an individualistic anti-society. It is true if you develop an area which’s express purpose is to be the collective property of those who inhabit it or utilise it, […]
Refugee tells of the silent genocide consuming the Congo
Barly Koyangbwa speaks powerfully of the horrors engulfing the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in an interview with RAPAR, the Manchester charity fighting for human rights. It is a harrowing tale covering systematic mass rape, burned villages, ethnic cleansing, state sponsored terrorism and corporate greed stalking hand in hand with government corruption. You may be […]
Austerity: the false economy increasing homelessness (part two)
Second article in ‘The Meteor Explores: Homelessness in Manchester‘ series. Part one of this story can be viewed here: The safety net of the ‘cradle to grave’ welfare state, implemented by Atlee’s government after the Second World War, is becoming increasingly threadbare due to the economic and humanitarian degradations of austerity. Increasing numbers in the […]
Manchester’s property investment boom funded through tax dodging offshore companies and unethical international investment
Towering apartment blocks going up all over Manchester and Salford are evidence of a property investment boom underway in the midst of a housing crisis for many. Research has revealed that this boom is fueled by foreign investment capital channeled through layers of offshore holding companies that allow the lucky few involved to avoid paying […]
NUJ open afternoon to discuss Greater Manchester alternative media
Guest article from The Salford Star: This Saturday, 24th June, the NUJ Manchester and Salford Branch is screening the short Pulitzer Prize-winning documentary about journalists, Below the Fold, to be followed by a discussion on Greater Manchester’s alternative media with editors from The Meteor, Salford Star and Real Media. After Grenfell Tower, the need for […]
Hulme community activist facing eviction for DIY to his own home
A vulnerable man living on the Bentley House Estate in Hulme since 1996 is threatened with eviction from a flat he bought in 2006, due to DIY changes he carried out to the property. After a long fought battle with the Registered Social Landlords owning the building containing the flat, he is faced with destitution […]
‘The Meteor Has Landed’ – and wants to hear from you
The Meteor: Manchester’s Alternative Media held its first public event on 24 Feb 2017. Bringing people of Manchester together around films, spoken word and music, the night blended both ancient and modern forms of storytelling to explore media related issues from global to local. A counterweight to mainstream media The Meteor, which is the official […]
Newton Heath residents baffled by council blocking of fully funded public building renovation
Residents of Newton Heath were left in shock at their local council’s decision to block the proposed renovation of a dilapidated property in Brookdale park for community use, which would have come at no cost to the council budget. Community members have since launched a campaign urging local councillors to reconsider the proposal from Newton […]
Mayoral candidate Will Patterson proposes a green future for Greater Manchester
Will Patterson proposes a green future for Greater Manchester (GM) in his bid to become the first elected mayor of the region on the 4 May 2017, replacing the current interim mayor Tony Lloyd. Patterson answers questions previously posed to four other major mayoral candidates: Andy Burnham (Labour Party), Sean Anstee (Conservative Party), Shneur Odze […]
The people of Greater Manchester plan to end the housing crisis
A chance for the citizens of Greater Manchester (GM) to have their say on the housing crisis, and what can be done to tackle it, is being provided at a public meeting in Manchester. Two organisations campaigning for social justice have joined forces to offer this timely opportunity. The People’s Plan GM (PPGM) and GM […]