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Accessible Changing Places toilet installed at Tameside TPE station

Helen Greaney
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Accessible Changing Places toilet installed at Tameside TPE station

A new fully accessibly toilet has been installed at a popular TransPennine Express (TPE) Tameside station.

The new Changing Places facility at Stalybridge station is a larger accessible toilet for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, with equipment such as an adult-sized changing bench, a hoist, privacy screen and space for carers.

The facilities will make the station and wider area more accessible and is located on Platform 4.

Adam Fairclough, head of customer Experience at TransPennine Express, said: “We know that good quality public toilets are important to everyone, but for people with additional needs having specialised facilities is essential.

“Changing Places Toilets enable anyone to go to the shops, attend appointments, socialise, and travel.

“We are proud to have these facilities available for our passengers.”

The new toilet was funded by the TPE Customer and Communities Improvement Fund and Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) and will open up travel opportunities for people who without the facilities, would not otherwise be able to use the rail network or visit the surrounding area.

Delighted

Ceri Davies, Changing Places officer said: “I am delighted to be here today representing the Changing Places team and Muscular Dystrophy UK, for the opening of this superb new Changing Places facility at Stalybridge Station. The facility has been completed to a very high standard and provides a huge, welcoming and hygienic space where those with additional needs can use the toilet and changing facilities with dignity.

Changing Places Toilets are ‘game-changers’ for over a quarter of a million people in the UK alone and having this facility here at Stalybridge, which can be accessed by rail passengers as well as visitors to the town, opens up travel opportunities on the rail network for so many who otherwise cannot enjoy a day out with their friends and family and provides potential users with a gateway for onward travel including visits to Glossop and the beautiful Peak District and north towards Holmfirth and West Yorkshire.

The facilities were installed by healthcare equipment provider Innova Care Concepts.

Tom Hulbert, managing director at Innova Care Concepts, said: “Around a quarter of a million people in the UK need extra space and equipment to use toilets safely and comfortably. Finding accessible transport links is a major issue that families face in the UK, so it’s great to see TransPennine Express (TPE) making a positive difference with a new Changing Places toilet. We are delighted to have worked with the team on this project, which means even more people can enjoy train journeys in a safer and more comfortable environment.”

Police arrest man for series of rapes in Manchester

Helen Greaney
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Police arrest man for series of rapes in Manchester

Detectives who have been investigating four separate rapes in the city centre dating back to February 2024, have now arrested a man.

The suspect in his 40s, was arrested on Sunday morning and remains in police custody for questioning.

It is believed that the suspect has been targeting intoxicated men and women, raping his victims, and stealing their personal items.

Detective superintendent Richard Hunt said: “Our specialist officers have been and are continuing to support those involved in these incidents, and we are doing all we can to provide the appropriate care that they need at this time.

“These are truly horrific crimes, no one should feel unsafe when walking the streets of Greater Manchester. We remain committed to achieving justice for all victims of rape and we do not tolerate any form of sexual violence in our communities.

“We urge anyone who has experienced sexual violence or abuse, to please come forward and report it to us. Every report will be thoroughly investigated, and we will ensure that you and your loved ones are fully supported every step of the way as we seek justice.”

Support is available

If you or someone you know has been a victim of rape or sexual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

You can also report information and crimes on: .gmp.police.uk Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester and nationally that can help and provide support for you.

More support is available here: Support for Rape and Sexual Assault:

Lifelong visitors celebrate 90th anniversary at Manchester Central Library

Helen Greaney
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Lifelong visitors celebrate 90th anniversary at Manchester Central Library

Many residents and visitors to Manchester Central Library have celebrated its 90th anniversary in a special commemoration.

The city’s largest and the most visited library in the UK, fondly known as the “jewel in the crown” of Manchester libraries, was opened to huge crowds by George V on July 17, 1934.

Officials and life-long library goers gathered to remember its importance as a safe space for generations seeking community learning, access to reading, and education on their doorsteps 90 years after its grand opening.

Some of the library’s very first visitors and hard-working staff were also present at the emotional ceremony, including Joan Ebbrell (96) from Moss Side and Ken Whittaker (92) from Withington, who both have special connections to the library.

The milestone birthday was marked by heartfelt speeches from the lord mayor of Manchester, councillor Paul Andrews; councillor Adele Douglas, deputy executive member for skills, employment and leisure and Carl Austin-Behan, the deputy lieutenant.

Audience members were treated to a vibrant performance by local Chinese dancers and singers from Bowen Education followed by a traditional display of Mexican dance from Allegri Dance, and a performance from Afrocats. Young violinists and celloists also had a chance to entertain the crowds in celebration of the library’s dedicated work with diverse communities.

For many of the older audience members, they were shown an emotional look back through the film archives of the Manchester Central Library first being opened which was contrasted with the recent fun-filled events for a new generation of library-lovers, including the Blue Peter Book Club Live.

A specially made cake and treats were also given out as a further nod to marking the historic day.

Joan Ebbrell, who was present when King George V first opened the library, said: “My mother said we should go to Manchester Central Library’s opening to see King George V and I remember the crowds, the waving flags and people shouting, ‘God Save the King!’

“I used the library the most when I decided to do a degree in my 60s and my first essay was about the origins of Manchester in the Roman times. It brings me to the tears thinking about celebrating this anniversary, because it reminds me of my mother who brought me here.

“I’ve always been an avid reader and love history; it’s so important that young people keep coming to the library like I used to.”

Ken Whittaker, who worked in Central Library over 70 years ago said: “I first started working at the library in 1949 and leaving school. My mother said I needed to find something to do so I wrote to the library and they got back to me.

“In the autumn, I was first sent to the Withington branch and then worked in Manchester Central Library in the reference department. My job was to find the books, put them in the lift and send them up to be collected. My favourite part were the lovely people you meet.

“I worked at a dozen branches and had to go away to do national service before leaving in the 60s. It’s wonderful to be marking this anniversary for new generations to remember.”

England vs West Indies: Second Test result hands hosts ‘special’ series win

Ben Miller
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England vs West Indies: Second Test result hands hosts ‘special’ series win

Joe Root hit 122 and Shoaib Bashir took 5-41 as England beat the West Indies by 241 runs in the Second Test at Trent Bridge to win the three-match series.

Needing 385 to win, West Indies collapsed from 61-0 to lose five wickets in six overs for 22 runs, including 3-8 in 15 balls for Bashir and Chris Woakes’ removal of openers Mikyle Louis and Kraigg Brathwaite.

Gus Atkinson took two in three balls, Mark Wood dismissed Kevin Sinclair and Bashir aptly claimed the final two wickets as the visitors finished on 143 all out.

Harry Brook also hit his fifth century in 14 tests, reaching 109 for a side who were all out for 425 and rarely looked at risk of taking the action to Monday after West Indies’ promising start to their reply.

Read our other sports news stories:
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England vs West Indies: Bashir shines

Spinner Bashir called the final session “special”. “It’s the first time I’ve bowled in England for England,” he told BBC Test Match Special.

“It’s the first time I’ve been to Trent Bridge. I watched Sinclair bowl and he wasn’t getting much spin, so I wasn’t hopeful.

“But things can happen quite quickly in cricket. I’m still trying to soak everything in; that innings went so quickly.

“I’m the youngest in the group and everyone gets around me. I work closely with [England spin coach] Jeetan Patel, and he gives me lots of tips to bowl on different wickets.

“In the first innings I wasn’t as consistent as I could have been; in the second innings, it was nice to cash in.”

Ben Stokes: Bashir ‘class’

The third test starts at Edgbaston on Friday. “I didn’t see it happening that quickly after the opening partnership,” England captain Ben Stokes said.

“Bashir showed his class and his ability to be able to change his pace and undercut the ball, getting five on a wicket that didn’t really do that much.”

F1 Hungarian Grand Prix results 2024: Piastri wins after dramatic finish

Ben Miller
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F1 Hungarian Grand Prix results 2024: Piastri wins after dramatic finish

Oscar Piastri took his first ever Formula One triumph in dramatic circumstances after Lando Norris belatedly followed McLaren team orders on the 68th lap to allow his team-mate to claim victory at the F1 Hungarian Grand Prix 2024.

Piastri took the lead from Norris at Turn One and led for most of the race until an earlier final pit stop for the Briton put him in front.

Norris seemed set to disobey the instruction to let Piastri past but eventually relented after being reminded of his responsibilities by his engineer, Will Joseph.

Read our other sports news stories: 
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Hungarian Grand Prix results: McLaren dazzle

“The team asked me to do it, so I did it,” Norris said when he was asked about the controversy afterwards.

“That’s it. It’s an amazing day for us as a team. I think that’s the main thing, honestly. Oscar had a good start, got me off the line and controlled the race well. It was coming at some point and he deserved it today.”

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was forced to allow Norris past following an incident at the start of the race, went head-to-head for third for much of the contest, Hamilton eventually claiming the spot while the reigning champion came fifth behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

 

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Lando Norris: Hungary win ‘a dream’

“It was a bit complicated at the end but I put myself in the right position at the start,” said Norris, calling the result “very, very special”.

“The longer you leave it, the more you get a bit nervous. It was well executed by the team and it was the right thing.

“My pace probably wasn’t as quick as I would have liked in the last stint but I was still in the right position to make it happen.

“It’s the day I dreamed of as a kid, standing on the top step of an F1 podium. Thank you to the team for an amazing effort and an amazing car.

“It’s a hell of a lot of fun, racing with McLaren. I can’t thank them enough for giving me the opportunity.

“It’s an incredible feeling. [The car is] a beast at the moment, fast in every condition. We had it in control completely. It was an amazing feeling.”

Jake Paul vs Mike Perry: Conor McGregor ‘scared’ after KO

Ben Miller
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Jake Paul vs Mike Perry: Conor McGregor ‘scared’ after KO

Jake Paul has said Conor McGregor is “scared” and called out UFC champion Alex Pereira after extending his record of wins over MMA fighters by knocking out Mike Perry in the sixth round of their boxing match in Florida.

YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul knocked former UFC competitor Perry down in the second round before flattening the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) brawler in a corner as the American, who was a tune-up opponent after boxing icon Mike Tyson’s bout with Paul was postponed, offered only moderate resistance.

“Conor is on Twitter all the time,” said Paul, referencing his own past as an actor on the Disney Channel.

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“He’s on his yacht all the time. But guess where he’s not? In the ring fighting me, so he can talk all the s*** he wants.

“But then the Notorious MMA, remember, is scared of Jake Joseph Paul from Disney Channel.”

Conor McGregor to fight Jake Paul?

McGregor pulled out of his scheduled UFC comeback against Michael Chandler last month with a toe injury but has said the bout will go ahead, by which time the two-weight former champion will have spent more than two years out of action.

The Irishman fired predictable social media broadsides at Paul and Perry in the aftermath of their showdown, even suggesting that Perry will be released from BKFC, which McGregor part-owns.

Paul, whose 11 professional boxing matches have included several wins over MMA fighters well past their peak, including Anderson Silva and Nate Diaz, called out current UFC competitor Alex Pereira.

“I’m the king of this,” said Paul. “Come over. We can make it happen. I want you, Alex Pereira. I just beat a BKFC champion.

“I’ve beaten multiple UFC champions. He said he wants to box. So, Alex Pereira, after Mike Tyson, let’s make it happen.”

Paul vs Perry: MMA fighter ‘beast’

Paul called Perry – a 32-year-old who fought for the UFC between 2016 and 2021 – a “f****** beast”.

“Where all those MMA experts [who] said Mike Perry was going to end me?” the American asked his millions of social media followers.

Pereira became the UFC light heavyweight champion by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in November 2023, having previously held the promotion’s middleweight title.

The Brazilian has defended the belt twice since April, knocking out Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 and stopping Prochazka again on June 29.

Paul vs Pereira: ‘Let’s run it’

Paul showed himself speaking to Pereira immediately after his fight, when the 37-year-old said he would be willing to take part in a bout and assured the man 10 years his junior that his UFC contract will not prevent him from participating.

“If he can get out of his contract then let’s run it,” Paul later said. “When I asked him that, he had a pause – he looked at his manager.

“You know these guys aren’t their own bosses. I want everybody I love this sport and he’s tweeted about wanting to go into boxing.”

Paul’s rescheduled fight with former heavyweight boxing champion Tyson is set to take place on November 15.

Top image: Esther Lin/MVP

England restore calm on day three of second West Indies Test

Mitch Fretton
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England restore calm on day three of second West Indies Test

England restored a healthy lead over the West Indies on day three of their second Test at Trent Bridge.

The hosts came out to bat at the start of the second innings having trailed by 41 runs after the Windies finished on 457 all out.

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But they managed to record a healthy 248-3 by stumps, leaving them with an advantage of 207.

Joe Root and Harry Brook put together an unbroken partnership of 108, while Ben Duckett hit 76 earlier in the day.

Joshua da Silva and Shamar Joseph had added 71 for the last West Indies wicket before they came back out to field, but it still may not be enough as England powered on.

Some bizarre tactics towards the end of the first innings from Ben Stokes’ side left much of the crowd confused, despite a promising period with the second new ball.

They had their opponents at 386-9 but struggled to take the last wicket, with Da Silva and Joseph hitting five sixes between them.

457 was the West Indies’ largest total in England since 1995 but the 41-run lead was quickly wiped out by Duckett and Ollie Pope.

Both were eventually dismissed by Alzarri Joseph, but Brook and Root’s terrific partnership has restored England’s tag as favourites for the second Test.

All-rounder Chris Woakes was pleased with England’s efforts and says he is hoping they can make a fast start on Sunday as well.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “It was a good day’s cricket, it went back and forth a bit, and that partnership at the end was a crucial one for us in terms of getting a grip of the game.

“We’re still not in complete control because tomorrow morning is going to be crucial. But that partnership in tricky conditions, when it got a bit dark and they had a newer ball, it was tough. The boys batted really well and hopefully they can kick on in the morning.”

Rafael Nadal wins again to book Swedish Open final spot

Mitch Fretton
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0
Rafael Nadal wins again to book Swedish Open final spot

Rafael Nadal beat Duje Ajdukovic to book his place in the Swedish Open final.

The Spaniard has been gearing up for the summer Olympics in Paris and looks to be in top form as he won in three sets against the Croat.

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It is the first final Nadal has made since 2022, when he made it to the last stage of the French Open.

He will face seventh seed Nuno Borges, who beat Thiago Tirante in the other semi-final.

The 38-year-old went down 3-6 in the first set, before bouncing back to win 6-4 6-4.

Along the way, he won each of his six break points to earn a spot in his 131st tour final.

It is his 72nd on clay, although it comes as a price as he has now had to pull out of the doubles semi-final with Casper Ruud to preserve his energy.

Nadal is due to partner recent Wimbledon winner Carlos Alcaraz at the Olympics and has still had sufficient preparation in Sweden.

Speaking after the match he said: “It was a very tough match – my opponent has one of the best backhands I have played against.

“He came here with a lot of confidence. I was trying to push him back and it was very difficult. I found a way to survive.

“It is always a good feeling to get back into a final.

“I’m still in this process of recovering a lot of things that I lost because I had an important hip surgery almost a year ago. Things are not going that easy but I am fighting.”

The final fo the Swedish Open will take place on Sunday in Bastad.

Snooker legend Ray Reardon dies aged 91

Mitch Fretton
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0
Snooker legend Ray Reardon dies aged 91

Snooker legend Ray Reardon has died aged 91.

The Welshman – who won the World Championship six times during his career – is regarded as one of the greatest snooker players ever.

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Pope hails ‘lucky charm’ Ramsdale
Rafael Nadal makes semi-final of Swedish Open as Olympic preparations continue
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He died having been in a battle with cancer, his wife confirmed.

Reardon was a dominant force throughout the 1970s and was nicknamed “Dracula” due to his slicked-back hairstyle.

His six titles in eight years were a remarkable achievement, despite battling fierce rivals John Spencer and Alex Higgins.

Reardon was the top-ranked player between 1978 and 1981, eventually handing over the baton to Steve Davis.

His last final appearance was in 1982, when he lost to Higgins.

He retired in 1991 but was later hired by Ronnie O’Sullivan as a consultant.

Reardon’s work helped the modern great win the title in 2004 and he will be remembered as an icon of the sport for decades to come.

Snooker legend Jimmy White led the tributes, saying: “Gutted to hear my very good friend Ray Reardon has passed away.

“A total class act and very kind to me when I was making my way in the game. A giant of the game. Rest in Peace mate.”

Three-time champion Mark Williams added: “Ray is one of the best sports people ever from Wales and the best snooker player.

“He’s one of the reasons why a lot of us started playing. He put snooker on the map, alongside Alex Higgins, Jimmy White and Steve Davis.

“Anyone playing now owes them a lot because they brought popularity to the game. He is a real inspiration.”

Reardon was awarded an MBE in 1985 and the Welsh Open trophy was renamed to the Ray Reardon trophy 13 years ago.

England beat France to win Under-20 Rugby World Cup

Mitch Fretton
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England beat France to win Under-20 Rugby World Cup

England overcame France to win the Under-20 Rugby World Cup for the first time since 2016.

Mark Mapletoft’s side won 21-13 in Cape Town to end an eight-year wait for the title.

Read our other sports news stories: 
Pope hails ‘lucky charm’ Ramsdale
Rafael Nadal makes semi-final of Swedish Open as Olympic preparations continue
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Lock Joe Bailey scored the opening try of the match, giving England the lead just before half-time and cancelling out two Hugo Reus penalties for France.

It was a battle in the South Africa heat but the men in white looked to have the advantage and were outmuscling their opponents.

Arthur Green forced one over the line from a scrum to score a second try before Sean Kerr’s three penalties put England in a commanding lead.

Mathis Ferte scored a late consolation try but it was not enough for Les Bleus to win their fourth consecutive U-20 World Cup.

The fourth World Cup victory for England is another trophy to add to their collection after they won the Six Nations earlier in the year.

They look to have a special squad who will be eyeing up a spot in the senior team sooner rather than later and captain Finn Carnduff was full of praise after the game.

He said: “This group is super special. I genuinely see those guys as brothers for life and to win two trophies together, I can’t believe it.

“We thought our errors were putting us on the back foot in the first half. We wanted to stick to our principles in the second half and I think we did that.

“We kept the ball at their end, used our set-piece to our advantage and moved the ball quicker.”

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