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From
Mark in The nicer city of Leeds
I can assure you that people in Leeds are not jealous of Manchester.
Yes you have a great city, but so do we. Ours is cleaner, nicer to
live in, less social problems and better weather. We have our problems
like any other city, but we have a hell of a lot going for us right
now. You have more in the way of sporting venues and dare I say it,
one better football club. You're probably more important globally
than we are, but not for long. Inward investment in Leeds is at an
all time high, we're the fastest growing city in the UK, and England's
top financial and legal centre outside London. In addition, we are
the best city for shopping in England outside London's West End (Manchester
is 4th). We have far less deprivation, with our worst ward being ranked
at 378th out of a possible 8414. Benchill in Manchester is ranked
at number 1, making it the most deprived ward in England and Wales.
We don't have large areas of boarded up houses, or the litter problems
th! at! you have. I'm not suggesting that Leeds is spotless, but it's
a damn sight cleaner than Manchester, although your city centre is
far cleaner than it once was. Don't get me wrong, Manchester is a
great place, but to suggest that people in Leeds and Birmingham (two
better cities in my opinion) are jealous of Manchester is quite ridiculous.
From
nello in milan
i can see a lot of jealously from people of other uk cities like birmingham
and leeds with regards to manchester. manchester is well known and
respected as a city in italy whether it be the mighty manchester united,
it's university, nightlife ,commonwealth games facilities or business
prowess. In Italy or cities work together as well as in competition.
the jealous one's have much to learn from manchesters fame and glory
From
Mark in Leeds
Craig, you're displaying that typical insular arrogance all too common
with people with Manchester. You know the one - we've got the best
music, the best football teams, the best city, the best clubs. Well,
I'll tell you what you do have a lot of. Unemployment, deprivation,
poor health, and rain! Yes, Manchester is almost top in the UK on
all three. Manchester may have had more redevelopment than Birmingham,
which may have something to do with a certain bomb destroying half
your city centre! Birmingham, in my opinion is nicer. As I said earlier,
I do like Manchester, although many of it's people are too far up
themselves.
From
craig, brooklands
Mark we are well aware of what is happening in Birmingham, good thought
it is it hardly compares to what has happened in Manchester and is
continuing to happen in particular Spinningfields.We sleep well in
our beds at night self assured in the knowledge that Manchester is
the one.Go back to posting on the Leeds site mate!
From
Mark, Leeds
Hang on a minute, let's put the lid on this shall we? Manchester is
a great city, well... better than it was. Birmingham however beats
Manchester hands down. Look around Birmingham city centre and all
the construction going on, particularly around the new Bull Ring.
Look at Brindley Place, and the area around there. The NICC, Indoor
Arena, Broad Street. It makes Deansgate look pretty poor in comparison.
I'm not saying that Manchester isn't a decent city because it is,
and I know that a lot of construction work is taking place in Manchester,
but I'm sorry guys, Birmingham is nicer, as are it's people! I may
not live there now, but I lived there for 2 years and on the whole,
Mancs are pretty up themselves about how great your city is. Pity
most of them can't look after their city isn't it?
From
Steve, Worcester
Yep, you're correct, Northern. I only stumbled across this web site
during the second city debate. Getting too carried away. But, you're
wrong Craig about Brum, and I only stumbled across the Newcastle web
site because of the City of Culture bids. Sorry for the intrusion.
Bye.
From
Craig, Brooklands
Steve of Worcester, you have really swallowed the Birmingham tourist
boards stories hook, line and sinker.As a Geordie i feel i can speak
objectively, go back to posting your comments on the Newcastle site
because you will not impress the public of Manchester, they already
know that they are the only uk city outside London which stands shoulder
to shoulder with Europe's great cities.Birmingham is forever shunned
and ridiculed by the uk and world media. I regularly visit Birmingham
on business, it comes a poor second to Manchester whether it be shopping,
business, culture or sport. Birmingham 拢12 billion overhaul, i think
not. Try reading the Estates Gazette (It is the property industries
bible), investment in Birmingham's infrastructure is smaller than
that of Manchester and London. I believe Manchester already has two
Selfridge's.
From
Northern and proud
Steve in Worcester. Are you familiar with the fact that this site
is about MANCHESTER and not Birmingham? I am really pleased that you
love your nearest city so much... no, really I am, but if you're going
to come on this site, please talk about Manchester. The Midlands....
it's all down south to us Northerners!
From
Steve in Worcester
Sorry, sorry, sorry! I haven't visited the 91热爆 Manchester site for
a while, and hadn't realised the can of worms I'd opened regarding
the boundary issue. Does it really matter, especially if you like
where you live and feel good there? Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire
... who cares? It's all 'oop' north to us Midlanders any way. The
same way that you probably couldn't care less that Birmingham is really
in Warwickshire. In response to Dan of London, who seems to think
that Birmingham has no soul, I bet your bottom dollar that the closest
he's been to Birmingham is on the M6 that passes through the industrialised
northern areas of the conurbation. Dan, your life in London has turned
your brain to mush. Birmingham is a brilliant city. A new era is dawning
for this often derided city. What is happening in Birmingham, especially
central Birmingham, is incredible. Who would've thought 25 years ago
that this city would be home to one of the World's greatest orc! hestras,
the CBSO, and Europe's and one of the World's greatest concert halls
and Royal Ballet companies? Broad Street and Bridleyplace in the city
centre is the busiest city centre entertainment and night life district
in Europe (come on down Manchester if you don't believe me) and is
in a city centre setting that has to be seen to be appreciated. New
theatres, shops (and if you think your new Lowry building in Salford
was something out-of-the-ordinary, wait until you see Britain's second
largest Selfridges store in central Birmingham!) new restaurants,
and Thinktank Science Museum in central Birmingham in an area undergoing
a 拢12 billion overhaul. Soul, Dan? Coming from such a disjointed city
like London you don't know the meaning of the word.
From
Mark in A shellsuit free zone, Yorkshire
Dave in "Cheshire", everywhere in the North West is full of shellsuited,
brainless idiots who can't talk properly. Being in or out of Cheshire
doesn't make a blind bit of difference. Look at Ellesmere Port, Runcorn,
Warrington and Widnes. Four complete dumps in the 'posh' county that
Cheadle Hulme is no longer part of, full of wannabe Mancs and Scousers.
Who'd want to be either is beyond me, but that's the wrong side of
the Pennines for you! Not saying Yorkshire's perfect, but it's the
nearest thing in the North to it!
From
Dave in Cheadle Hulme, CHESHIRE
Manchester is a horrible place, but people should try living in Stockport
- or hell with a precinct as its known. I despise Manchester, its
stops people from talking properly, it means having to wear your trousers
inside your socks, they took land which rightfully belonged to Cheshire,
and built mass graves (or council estates as they're more commonly
known) in said land. Time to give the land south of the Mersey back
to Cheshire!
From
Mark in Leeds
I would find it difficult to believe that many of you in the High
Peak area would regard yourselves as Midlanders. After all, you get
91热爆 North West and Granada on your TV screens, First North Western
trains to transport you to Manchester, and geographically you're far
closer to the North West regional capital of Manchester than your
own East Midlands capital of Nottingham. The fact is though, officially,
you are in the East Midlands. Derbyshire is one of the five counties
that make up that region. When investment is pumped into Glossop,
the East Midlands Regional Development Agency will no doubt be behind
it. That's why I asked if you lose out in investment etc, being so
far from the rest of your 'real' region? I would be interested to
know.
From
Andrew Cullinan in Manchester
Manchester is the hell hole of the uk. i personally cant wait
to leave, the people are horrible the weather too is horrible. I went
to Birmingham a while back, true the city is a building site at the
moment but the plans for it are amazing, im actually looking for a
property in the city centre there. and boy they aint cheap!!
From
James in Glossop
I don't feel isoloated from the rest of the county. Yes maybe from
places like Derby and south of the county. However we are close to
other north Derbyshire towns like Buxton, Chapel el le frith and New
Mills. I echo Pat hardly anybody in North derbys regards themselves
as midlanders. No i don't want to be integrated into Manchester.
From
Mark in 'WEST' Yorkshire
Pat, the government are more than welcome to take Sheffield out
of my native Yorkshire! PLEASE take it, go on, it's yours! No seriously
though, the geography of Derbyshire is such that surely you good people
of Glossop must feel a little bit isolated. Do you lose out to areas
of the county nearer to Derby on things? I don't know, but I'd like
to know a local viewpoint on what it's like to be so far north in
a Midland county. I lived in Nottingham for a couple of years, and
people in Retford and Worksop were almost regarded as being in a foreign
country, not just in the north of the county. Does the same happen
in Derbyshire? I'm interested to know. I know you people of Glossop
are proud to be in Derbyshire, and rightly so, but my point was that
being so close to Greater Manchester, and regarding yourselves as
being in the north, surely it would have it's benefits.
From
Paul in Hyde
I HAVE A SUGGESTION. WHY NOT RE-NAME GRATE BRITAIN TO GREATER MANCHESTER!
for gods sake look at Toms statement about the brink of war - that
is a real issue
From
Pat Davies in Glossop
Glossop and Hadfield do rely on Manchester for alot of things but
rely on our county and High Peak borough councils for alot which has
always provided good service. Anyway Glossop has typical Derbyshire
scenery, history, culture and language. I certainly wouldn't want
to governed by a metrolpoliton council. Plus yes we are in east midlands
but the north of our county esp high peak regards itself as north.
Anyway Mark what would you say if we decided to take Sheffield away
from your native Yorkshire??? Leave us alone we love Manchester but
don't want to be part of it!
From
James in Glossop
County Boundaries have got to end somewhere! Anyway, the only people
in Glossop that speak with Manc accents are those under 30 that think
its ard to talk like that! True Glossop accent is very different to
Manc accent. Plus Glossop is not governed from Derby but from much
further north in the county. Your comment is like saying Buxton is
nearer Manchester than Derby so lets transfer that to Greater Manchester.
From
Mark, Leeds
Good points Pauline. Lancashire has played an important part of the
shaping of Manchester, but the administrative changes that have taken
place since 1974 have being done to benefit the people of these local
areas, and their needs. After all, Stockport is very different to
Burnley. Glossop is a wierd one, being in Derbyshire, far closer to
Manchester than Derby. The locals speak with almost Manc accents,
and would probably look at you like you'd gone insane if you suggested
to them that they live in the East Midlands rather than the North
West, which by the way, officially they do! It's only it's geographical
location that makes it hard to believe. Wouldn't Glossop be better
off in Greater Manchester (Tameside) anyway, due to it's local needs?
From
Pauline, Ashton
I dont really think it matters what the boundaries are. Anyway wern't
all metrolpoliton counties abolished a few years back? and what counts
now is the metropoliton borough that you live in?. As for culture
yes Manchester does have its own culture but alot of it does relate
to Lancashire - i suppose you can't ignore centuries of Lancashire
heritage. I live in Ashton under Lyne and personally I couldn't give
a toss whether it is in Lancs or Greater Manchester. However I have
a friend who lives down the road in Glossop and she goes mental if
peolple put it under Manchester. Glossop has always come under Derbyshire
never under Manchester.
From
Colin Sharples, Manchester
Actually I think Mr/Mrs annonymous is correct. The ancient boundaries
of Cheshire and Lancashire are still there but are defunct as far
as administartive puposes go. The web site friends of real Lancashire
has got alot of information about the 1974 changes and the governments
reponse of county boundaries.
From
craig, Greater Manchester
I agree with Mark, stop living in the past, Greater Manchester is
here to stay ,the older generations may not like it but they have
had their days in the old Lancashire, move over here comes Greater
Manchester.So much more than what some people call an administrative
boundary, it is a cultural identity.
From
Mark in Leeds
Strange how the person who thinks that all the old boundaries
are still there has signed their names as ANONYMOUS! Altrincham, Stockport,
Bolton, Bury, etc, etc, have all been in GREATER MANCHESTER for nearly
29 years. Accept it, it's called changed!
From
Tom in Altrincham
I can't see why the likes of Dave, Leon and Phil are getting so hot
under the collar about county boundaries. Does it really matter in
the grand scheme of things, particularly as the international world
stands on the brink of disaster. Rather than carrying out such petty
squabbles about which postcode we live under or what council we are
served by, we should be uniting against the evil that is hapening
in other parts of the world, by doing so we will all be better off.
Grow up, all of you!
From
Anonymous
duh. MCR is still in Lancashire. The boundaries are still there. GTR
MCR is a metropoliton area. It was the media in the 1970's that claimed
that GTR MCR was new county.
From
Deborah Oppenheimer in Tel Aviv, Israel
I left Manchester 23 years ago in 1979 to live in Israel. Although
the weather in Manchester really sucks (not really nice to be known
as the 'Rain Capital" of Europe) and you can't beat the weather in
Israel, summer or winter, I still miss something about Manchester,
just can't put my finger on it. I think I am sorry to have missed
out on the music and club scene of the '80's and '90's, as Manchester
got itself on the global map just after I left for an entirely different
environment. I last visited M/C in July 2000, but didn't really have
time to see and appreciate all the new developments and attractions
(it was also raining at the time !!!! Ah well, what can you expect.
Tara fa now, bye luv
From
Phil in Bolton
Oh for God's sake people. I'm sick of people from so-called nice areas
like Altrincham, Sale and Cheadle Hulme whinging about the fact that
they are not in Cheshire! Who do you think you are?! Take away all
the benefits that come with being in Greater Manchester and let's
see what you think then. So, let's get it straight, Sale....yep, Gtr
Manchester, Altrincham....oh most definitely in Gtr Manchester (this
includes Brooklands Road who spat out their dummies when they had
to change their postcodes from WA.... to M....! How pathetic! Oh and
yes, I'm from Bolton, Gtr Manchester. Still see Lancashire on my letters
sometimes but when I see Gtr Manchester Police etc etc, I know which
county I'm in!
From
Dan in London
I spent five years in Manchester and spent the whole time sulking
because I wasn't in London. How I wish I hadn't. Now I've returned
to London, happy to be back though I am, I can see just how wonderful
Manchester is. It might be dirty, it might be mesy, it might be a
little bit tatty and badly dolled-up and it might be a bit poor and
a bit crime-ridden but there is definitely something very beautiful
about it. Whitworth Street at dusk in November, Hulme on a Spring
morning and even Ancoats on a Summer's evening. And for those who
seem to think Birmingham might have anything to hold against Manchester,
forget it. Birmingham simply has no soul.
From
Leon Thomas in Altrincham, Greater Manchester
That's right Dave!! I come from Altrincham and would love to be reunited
with my brethren in Cheshire. Then we could all wear fake tan, overpriced
gaudy jewellery, have our necks strengthened for Big Hair and clog
up the roads with needless 4x4 jeeps as we commute to Manchester to
work. They'd have to dig up the Metrolink of course, and the rail
fares would go up ten fold, but that's only a small price to pay to
live in the most polluted county in britain rather than a thriving
metropolis.
From
Erin Freeman, East Didsbury, Manchester
Just moved to Manchester 2 months back for work, moved up from Portsmouth
where i had been living for two years.. lived in London my entire
life prior to that... what can i say? Manchester rocks :) the cost
of living is so much more cheaper than down south and everyone is
that little bit more friendlier :) Nice place! though i've seen some
of the rough areas and they dont seem to hot, but then you get that
everywhere you go really... cant single manchester out for having
rough spots when ive seen londons worst too :)
From
Dave in Cheadle Hulme
Can we have Cheadle Hulme back in Cheshire officially please?
We're sick and tired of the place being flooded by kids slung out
of the inner cities. The place was a nice Cheshire village, but now
it's nothing more than another Manchester suburb. We don't deserve
this - let us back into Cheshire and keep the scally scumbags out!
From
Mark Collinson, Liverpool
Oh, and they don't spit chewing gum out in Birmingham then, or London
for that matter? It happens everywhere, because the people that are
ignorant and need to grow up, start taking care of their environment
and taking responsibility for their own actions aren't Mancunians,
they're the British generally! Nuff' said!
From
Ian Sloan, Blackburn
A group of building do not decide whether a place is worthy of being
called a City .... Manchester will never be a second city until its
population grow up and decide that it is ignorant and disgusting to
spit chewing gum onto every square foot of pavement in the entire
town centre. As a "southerner" recently moved up here, Manchester
is a joke town... it might be quite clean in terms of litter, but
its population has turned every square foot of the place into a disgusting
sea of spat out gum. A visit to Birmingham is a far more pleasant
experience.
From
Emma
Of course Mnachester would be better offf being part of Lancashire.
It would be a catalyst for regeneration of places like Blackburn and
Chorley. Besides you get Lancashire Eccles Cakes(manchester) Lancashire
County Cricket Club (Trafford) Lancashire muffins baked in Manchester.
Anyway ask anyone from Wigan, Rochdale, Bolton, Bury and Ashton Under
Lyne -most local folk class themselves as living in Lancashire. And
as for dissing Mill Towns erm excuse me but isn't Manchester a mill
town???? don't diss your industrial past! I class my self as a mancunian
but also a lancastrian. You dont here of 'sarah a lassie from Greater
Manchester' do you?!!!
From
Gavin
The area of greater Manchester was created purely for administrative
reasons which are now defunct. When the Greater Manchester area was
created the ancient Lancashire and Cheshire boundaries still existed.
However it was the media that hyped up the situation and claimed that
a new county was born. I did research on this issue a few months back.
According to the government the ancient county boundaries are still
there meaning that Manchester is still in south Lancashire and stockport
is still in North Cheshire. The only thing is that it is not governed
by their home county, but by metropoliton borough. Even the royal
mail lets us use Salford, Lancs and Stockport, Cheshire. In my experience
the only ones that refuse to have identity with Lancs are thoses who
are newcomers to the area.
From
Neil in London
Can anyone comment regarding the negative reputation of Crusmpsall?
Is it an undesirable/dangerous place to live ...... you comments would
be highly appreciated
From
Angus Doyle in Manchester
I think both Manchester and Birmingham should stop trying to out do
each other and begin to show London who has far too many national
this, that and the other centres and stadiums that the other english
citys are no longer industrial no go zones and are real destinations
to live work and play. As for the skyscrapers issue I think when built
in an elegant contempary style can really advertise the respective
citys redevelopment and contribute greatly to the economic output
of both City, Region and Country.
From
Steve in Worcester
Mark, I would say that both Birmingham and Manchester are more of
a drain on their respective funding pots for their metropolitan areas
than say Solihull or Bury, which are more affluent areas. Solihull
is an extremely wealthy borough by UK standards with a population
of 250,000 and I know it infuriates local people there that they receive
disproportionately less money per head of population than Birmingham
does, and would rather look after their own finances. By the way,
we also have a rapid tram system here in the West Midlands, about
to be extended underneath Birmingham because of the congestion, but
ours is imaginatively called the 'Midland Metro' ...... groovy name,
eh?
From
Mark Collinson, Liverpool
Steve, I agree. Many people who live in places like Bury and Stockport
consider their towns to still be part of their former counties. They
will argue if you mention to them that they now live in Greater Manchester,
and have done since 1974, but they would argue even more if their
towns didn't receive the funding they do, as with all metropolitan
boroughs, and the transport network, ie the MANCHESTER Metrolink which
serves Bury, and eventually Stockport.
Mark
Collinson in Liverpools says
Steve, I agree. Many people who live in places like Bury and Stockport
consider their towns to still be part of their former counties. They
will argue if you mention to them that they now live in Greater Manchester,
and have done since 1974, but they would argue even more if their
towns didn't receive the funding they do, as with all metropolitan
boroughs, and the transport network, ie the MANCHESTER Metrolink which
serves Bury, and eventually Stockport.
Steve
in Worcester says
Mark, I agree to some extent with what you say, but why is it in the
year 2002 I still see lorries here on the M5 passing my house with;
'BOLTON, LANCASHIRE' and 'OLDHAM, LANCASHIRE and 'SALFORD, LANCASHIRE'
and 'STOCKPORT, CHESHIRE' still written on them. In 1974 these towns
and cities were incorporated into a metroploitan area called Greater
Manchester, when at the same time Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Solihull,etc
became the West Midlands, Leeds,Bradford,etc became West Yorkshire,
Newcastle,Gateshead,etc became Tyne & Wear. The other towns in Greater
Manchester would have kept their sense of local identity if it had
been re-named South Lancashire instead. I know for a fact some people
in Stockport recoil in horror at being labelled from Manchester, when
they see themselves as living in Cheshire.
From
Mark
Well Paul, what a statement eh? Transfer Manchester back into Lancashire
where it belongs! Why? Or don't you know why? Yes, that would make
Manchester great wouldn't it? Being in the same county as run down
mill towns like Blackburn and Burnley. That will move Manchester forward!
Manchester has it's own identity and own needs and now a world class
reputation after hosting a very successful Commonwealth Games. Manchester
doesn't need Lancashire, although Lancashire needs Manchester, it's
the regional capital and now at last, a truly dynamic world class
city.
From
Kerry and Kelly
Having lived in Manchester all my life, i think that its great!!!!!!!!!
For all those people who think that its crime ridden, surley every
city has those parts!?!?
From
Paul
The only thing that would make Manchester better would be to transfer
it back to Lancashire where it belongs!
From
Steve Dexter,
So, Manchester, along with many other debateable claims, is the cradle
of the Industrial Revolution then?! I think a lot of people will beg
to differ there, especially the people of Ironbridge near Telford.
Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch (do I need to explain
how important these men were to Britain?) all made Birmingham their
home during the industrial Revolution because of the ingenuity of
its people, and "Forward" attitude, the city's motto. Birmingham became
known as "The City of a thousand trades", for good reason. Most of
the swords, guns, and later bombers and the Spitfire and Hurricane
were all produced in Birmingham to protect this country, and if it
wasn't for them, German would probably be your first language today.You
can also thank Birmingham for the typewriter, as the type face was
invented here. The first x-rays were also discovered in Birmingham.The
Greater Birmingham area accounts for 25% of all exports from the United
Kingdom, (see The Times, August 2002). And as far as the Halle Orchestra
is concerned, which of course even we in the Midlands have heared
of, if it wasn't for the fact that it was bailed out a couple of years
ago, one of the reasons being falling attendences in your city, it
would not now be in existence, and the Bridgewater Hall, which failed,
accoustically at least, to emulate the wonderful Symphony Hall in
Birmingham, would probably now be another night club! (You get an
idea now what 'Brum Bashing' is like, let our great English cities
complement each other, and not constantly rubbish each other!)
From
Kitty Dubois
It's a well known fact that Leeds is the clubbing and nightlife capital
of the North, one only has to check out certain websites to see the
enormous about of bars and renouned Clubs. I'm afraid Manchester isn't
the place it was in it's peak of the mid 90's and other cities are
alas taking it's place.
From
E Thomas
like Ron Greaves I left M'ster in the 50's and after a couple of trips
back, recently in 2001, the place is still dirty, constant lousy weather
and from what I hear lots of crime. I think I made a wise decision
to leave.
From
Andy
Jess, if youv'e got a bit of money you will be o.k, if not, then its
a lottery.... tells us about the areas your'e thinking about and we
will give you the lowdown on them.
From
barry gilder
manchester is a fantastic place to be,we have great shops, pubs and
clubs for everyones taste,we also have too great footie teams. and
the people are great too.
From
Dom
The Brummie that claims Manchester's only cultural contribution is
pop music obviously hasn't heard of the Halle Orchestra, one of the
most respected orchestras in the world. Amoung Manchester's contributions
to science and industry, apart from the computer and the industrial
revolution, is Rutherfords discoveries in the field radioactivity.
And to those who think that the population within the city's administrative
boundary is important, does that mean London is even less important
because the "City of London" has a population of only 5000 and is
only 1 square mile?
From
Jess
I am about to move to Manchester in the New Year and I have heard
very mixed reports on the city. I was hoping to live somewhere in
the North as it is most convenient to get back home (York) from there.
But I have been told that the Northern Suburbs are crime ridden and
pretty rough. Coming from a rural background I am not keen to live
in the city centre either and I am not sure about the alternatives.
From
Anthony Goodridge
I'm a former Mancunian low living in Ottawa Canada. I was recently
in Manchester this Summer, i was impressed to see how the city looks
after all these years since i left England. Manchester surely stage
a excellent Commonwealth games.The people of Manchester should be
very proud of showing the world. A job well done.
From
GT
I love Manchester, I've lived here for six years now, but however
much gloss you put on it, and however many times you chuck about the
word 'regeneration' you just can't ignore the constant crime going
on in the city. The Triangle, Printowrks and Urbis are the apex of
the 'new and improved' Manchester, yet on Monday night a friend of
mine was struck in the head with a bar and robbed outside the side
entrance of the Printworks. He ended up in hospital. I escaped a near-mugging
myself 2 weeks ago walking down Liverpool Road in Castlefield. These
aren't dangerous parts of the city, supposedly, so what's going on?
From
Steve Dexter
Darren, and others from your great city, often speak of the party
atmosphere in Manchester, which is usually followed by one big headache!
I'd like to correct him on a couple of issues, one being the fact
that Lenny Henry is not from Birmingham, but from Dudley, there is
a difference, like saying someone is from Stockport, but is actually
from Bolton. He mentions gardens. Not as strange a comment as you
might suppose, as Birmingham has the largest city parks department
in Europe, Sutton Park being the largest urban park in the U.K. with
more trees across the city to take care of than Paris (6 million in
fact). A handful of bands are also mentioned, including bands like
Oasis for example. Birmingham also has a history of producing popular
talent, including Duran Duran, UB40, Ocean Colour Scene, Fine Young
Cannibals,etc, all still around, with the first two selling more albums
than all of the mainstream bands from Manchester combined.There's
more to a cultu! ra! lly diverse city than popular music though, Birmingham
has one of the finest orchestras in the world, the CBSO, playing in
what is universally recognised as the finest concert hall in Europe,
and in the top five in the world. Along with the Birmingham Contemporary
Music Group, the City of Birmingham Opera Company and the Birmingham
Royal Ballet, the city is well served on the classical front, playing
in a city that also has the largest concentration of live theatre
out side of London's West End. Skyscrapers are also mentioned, I'm
afraid Birmingham is already there, with at least two monster buildings
under construction, and I believe, on a clear day you may even be
able to see Manchester from the top!
From
Daren
The history of manchester is second to none, the first industrialised
city on the planet, the first programmable computer in the world was
invented there, so that means we have been respnosible for 2 of the
most significant contempory technological revolutions known to man.we
have arguably the most famous football team on the planet and the
music that's come out of manchester in the last few decades has been
amazing,so in the things that really count such as achievements and
not the size of populations we slap birmingham stupid.what have they
got?a man that wants to be in the garden and lenny henry-pure class,ert.
one more thing; to the city council of manchester-we want skyscrapers,
these will advertise manchesters rejuvenation and bring in more corporate
buisnesses to the city like a magnet-forget trying to look like a
european city we are our own distinct city.
From
Anon
anyone who has ever been to manchester cannot fail to notice the wicked
atmosphere and friendly people. ok...so its not as big as london but
people are more laid back.we're a chilled city who know how to party
too! i'm not saying that anywhere else is not good enough...but manchester
rocks!
From
Tim
I live in New Zealand so therefore have little knowledge of the homeland
(although I would like to visit it one day) but if I think of a second
city in England the one that comes straight to mind would be Liverpool
only because of their famouse soccer team. (and that obscure band)
From
David
First, Manchester "City" (pop. 450,000) is a political entity, shaped
like a sausage running north to south. Anything more than about a
mile to the East or West, e.g. Old Trafford or the Manchester docks,
isn't "officially" in Manchester but then, so what? Considering we've
always been told that Brum is the second city, its amazing so many
people begged to differ. Second, Manchester has a certain dynamic
that makes the place special. Maybe its the concentration of students,
the particular ethnic mix, who knows? Whatever, the culture that emerges
from this place never ceases to amaze me for one. Could the Games
have been that good anywhere else? Of course not. Could the early
clubbing scene, bands like Joy Division, The Smiths, Happy Mondays,
Stone Roses and Oasis have come from anywhere else? Of course not.
No wonder its the most touristed place after London and Edinburgh.
To get this kind of profile takes more than Councils and businesses
simply spending money on stuff.
From
Andy
To Rohail in Salford, I'm afraid the abuse and attacks you are suffering
from happen all over Manchester and its not just because you are an
asylum seeker. Many people that have lived in Manchester all their
lives have experienced the same treatment in the many lawless areas
in the North West. Try and contact your local councillor or M.P ,you
may be able to get some action taken then., ...but then again...i
doubt it.
From
Steve Dexter
As a Birmingham chap now living in rural Worcestershire, I can honestly
say that the debate whether or not Birmingham or Manchester is the
second city is bordering on the ridiculous. Aesthetically, both cities
will never be a 'Paris'. If Aesthetics were the guide to second city
status, then somewhere like Bath or York would surely be in there
somewhere. In population terms, the City of Birmingham, 'City' being
the key word, Birmingham's population hovers just over 1 million.
The City of Manchester has a population of about 440,000, which is
in fact less than both Sheffield and Leeds. Since the opening of the
N.E.C. 25 years ago, and more recently the International Convention
Centre, Symphony Hall, Gas Hall, The National Indoor Arena, Millenium
Point,Brindleyplace and a handful of award winning public squares,
Birminghams image has changed tremendously. With the reconstruction
of the Bullring, costing more than 拢1/2 billion (Europes largest city
centre reg! en! eration programme) opening in Autumn 2003, and a further
拢1/2 billion of retail developments scheduled for completion after
then, not to mention the 拢100 million New Library of Birmingham opening
in 2008, Birmingham will then reaffirm its place as 'Second City',
whether it be in population terms, retail or commerce .... even if
you do have the best football team in the land! Manchester, on the
back of it's successfull football team has been very good at increasing
peoples positive perceptions of the city. The reality is quite often
a disappointment. The perceptions of Birmingham however are often
quite negative, the reality is quite a surprise.
From
Dave in Salford
Did you know that Greater Manchester Fire Service is undergoing a
"Best Value Review" in which it's resources are under threat ? An
Aerial Appliance in both Salford and Moss Side are set to go. A Fire
Engine in Stockport is set to go. Fire Cover in Leigh is under threat
with a Fire Engine being moved to Wigan. Fire Cover in Mossley is
being reduced from a wholetime Fire Station, to a Day Manning Station.
Only six years after a terrorist attack on Manchester City Centre,
and twelve months after the devastating attacks on New York the County
Fire Officer is reducing the size of your Fire Service !! DON'T LET
IT HAPPEN !! Contact your local Fire Station and get involved in the
campaign to keep Manchester safe.
From
Rohail in Salford
i live in salford,highly criminal area.i am an assylam seeker the
house is given by landmark through National Assylam Seeker Support
(NASS). i had a very bad time over here i write them several time
but they didnt change my house. racial harsement, attcking on my car
several times.throwing large pieces of stone is daily schedule please
help me to survive my life. you are my last hope ill try every where
iam living with my family. i want u to take action against landmark
please save my life
From
Simon Borroughs, Denton
Does anyone else believe that the Government deliberately with held
extra funding for the Stadium so we would have no other choice than
to rip up one of the best athletics tracks in the North, so London
could go for a Olympics bid with the new Wembley. An extra few million
would have given us a football stadium and a running track acpable
of hosting another major event.!
From
Paul McNeill
I have always regarded manchester as the second city - in fact i was
surprised when many people said "officially, its's not"! Rubbish!
I have lived in Australia for the last 17 years now and the amount
of people here who always ask about manchester...and not even knowing
about Birmingham, would tend to suggest that Manchester, in the eyes
of the world, is indeed second only to London (and certainly not in
character as most cockneys would reluctantly agree). Manchester is
a great place...always has been and always will be and is getting
better - be proud, be very proud Mancunians!!!
From
Robert Archer, Windsor
Guys, Manchester is definitely getting a lot better but it does still
have a very provincial attitude which is less common in London I feel.
The fact that plenty of people from other parts of the country (and
world) are choosing to move to Manchester should be a good thing.
Manchester doesn't need to lose its identity but will of course be
influenced by an influx of newcomers. Take New York city as an example....it
is the most diverse city in the world and is a city built on centuries
of immigration- Manchester could learn a thing or two from NYC.
From
Ron Greaves, San Diego Ca. USA
I am 76 years old ..left Manchester 50 years ago (1952) was the best
thing I ever did in my life..
From
Anne, Toronto, Canada
I've lived in Manchester most of my life and like everywhere else
it has it's advantages and drawbacks. As for the people who don't
like southerners, there are good and bad folks where ever you go.
I've met lots of southerners and worked down south breifly and like
us Mancunians there was a mixture of people. Seven years ago I came
to Canada and went to live in a small town an hour away from Toronto.
I wasn't happy. Then I decided to move to Toronto. People thought
I was mad. For some reason most Canadians who don't live in Toronto
hate it and most of the people who live there. When I came to Toronto
I quickly settled in. I would rather go back to Manchester than go
back to that small town. Defend where you live by all means but please
don't knock others just because they live somewhere else and might
be happy there.
From
Daren
cor
steve you sound like a real anorak on the merits of birmingham,ok
i'm sorry for saying lenny henry is a brummie but i couldn't think
of anyone else from your fair city. Anyway congrats if you are building
skyscrapers down there as at least someone in the u.k. has the guts
to do it but just because manchester hasn't got any doesn't mean we
have been slacking on the development front.in fact the amount that
has taken place over the last decade has been staggering and of a
very high and ambitious calibre.i acknoweldge the significance of
ub40(in the golden days of pre 85)but i did'nt mention any bands-such
as oasis but now that you have mentioned it,here are a handful more-the
stone roses,the happy mondays,the charlatons,james,black grape,the
bee gees(god forgive us),inspiral carpets,the smiths,new order,joy
division and take that(god forgive us again).did you do your homework
about the amount of albums sold as i can't see duran duran and ub40
eclipsing his lot.and anyway i was talking about the quality of music
on offer and it's rank originality and the effect it had on not only
manchester but the rest of the country and not it's sales revenue
as every man and his dog knows about madchester and even the mersey
beat but what is birminghams equivalent?enough said! anyway the competition
between manchester and birmingham as claiming to be the second city
is in a healthy state of being and good for the both of us,if there
is no one to push us we will remain in the same stagnent position
and we will never move forward,after all london is the city we should
both be striving to overshadow.viva the manc republic!
From
Martin
To all
your corresspndents who comment seem to believe that Manchester onlyhas
a population of 450000. This figure only relates to a very small area
of central Manchester. If you include the bouroughs of Trafford, Tameside
etc you will see that has a population of 2,583,000 making it one
of the largest cities in the EU
From
Andy
In what drug hazed world do 'Tall Buildings" equate to a rejuvinated
city. All it equtes to is land owners trying to amass as much profit
as possible out the smallest area of land. "forget trying to look
like a european city we are our own distinct city" Thats why we should
be redeveloping the many redundant mill sites, and NOT build a city
of high rise blocks of concrete. A rejuvinated city is equated by
the wealth and health of its residents along with a controlled crime
rate (and the not the second highest in england). Steve Dexter , why
have you named a group of bands from the late 70's early 80's (cept
O.C.S) to try and make a point , the words FOOT and SHOOT spring to
mind, personally i dont give a toss what city is given the dubious
title of englands 2nd city.
From
Julie
To Rohail, Salford. unfortunately the racial harrassment that you
are being submitted to is not just in Manchester, it happens everywhere.
I totally understand you as I am a mancunian living in Italy and although
I am not racially attacked as you are, I find that some people are
very rude to me (and not just me) because I am English (or maybe bacause
I am not Italian). English have a terrible reputation with other countries
due to the violence, alcholism and hooligans in England. The only
advice I could give you is to just do your best to fit in, it's the
only way. I wish you lots of luck for the future!
From
David Bamforth
Manchester is by far the best city in the country as i have lived
or visited lots of other cities and London is far too big and others
just don't compare
From
Tim, New Zealand
I live in New Zealand so therefore have little knowledge of the homeland(although
I would like to visit it one day) but if I think of a second city
in England the one that comes straight to mind would be Liverpool
only because of their famouse soccer team.(and that obscure band)
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