The Factory arts centre, predicted to cost £110 million, being given the go ahead by Manchester city councillors provides a high profile expansion of Manchester’s cultural opportunities that will no doubt produce, perform and exhibit excellent work. However at a time when the region is experiencing austerity driven shortages in social care, health and housing […]
Why did the mainstream media ignore the UK’s biggest anti-fracking rally?
The United Against Fracking Rally (UAFR) took place in Manchester on 12th November. It was the biggest anti-fracking protest held in the UK so far. The UAFR was organised by Frack Free Lancashire, in conjunction with Frack Free Greater Manchester and Frack Free Ryedale, after the first operation to drill for shale gas for five […]
The changing face of Manchester – for better or worse?
As the birthplace of the industrial revolution and a city famous for innovation, Manchester is no stranger to change. In this film The Meteor asks the people of Manchester about the changes they have seen in the city, and whether these changes have made a positive or negative impact in their homes. In previous episodes […]
Government support for hard working families leaves record levels in poverty
Despite a government that continually expresses its support for hard working families, a recent report on poverty shows that a record 55% of people in poverty are from working households. The report also highlights the disproportionately high level of disabled people living in poverty and the increasingly severe effects of the housing crisis on poverty […]
Manchester City Council want devolved power: shame they’re giving it away to unopposed trade deals
Manchester City Council (MCC) decided to reject a proposal for a TTIP/CETA Free Zone, despite the fact these trade deals could seriously undermine the additional powers that the region is pushing for under devolution. MCC declared they would revisit this issue if it re-emerged on the global stage, which seems pretty contradictory given that CETA […]
Manchester’s Green Belt under threat – Sites of Biological Importance could be built over
Development plans for Greater Manchester threaten the destruction of green belt land, near Manchester Airport, containing Sites of Biological Importance (SBI). Marl Pit is an important freshwater breeding site for the rare great crested newt. Sunbank Wood is a popular walking area with remnants of ancient woodland providing an important habitat for a wide variety […]
Housing activists criticise jailing of Chris Blaine and council’s homelessness policy
Greater Manchester Housing Action (GMHA) are campaigning to improve the housing situation within Greater Manchester. GMHA are appalled at the jailing of homeless activist Chris Blaine, who recently carried out a rooftop protest in an attempt to stop the eviction of homeless people squatting in the Ducie Bridge pub. They have written an open letter […]
Levenshulme residents frustrated at council delays in neighbourhood plan decision
Manchester City Council delays local democracy initiative in Levenshulme