City News in 250 words: Monday 22 March

UAF AND EDL CLASH IN BOLTON: Thousands from both United Against Fascism and the English Defence League gathered to express their political views on Saturday. The chanting crowds were separated by a thirty foot wide barrier, but bottles were thrown from both sides.

The GMP made seventy arrests, at least fifty five of which were anti-EDL protesters. The UAF said the police were hostile against them and that many attacks were unprovoked. Many businesses closed for the day; those that had stayed open did not see many customers due to reports of trouble.

PILOT TO GET RETIRED FIREFIGHTERS BACK INTO SERVICE: Spending cuts have meant that Greater Manchester fire service will recruit about thirty five recently retired firefighters, aged between fifty and sixty to cover for the shortfall expected in the next twelve months. They will not be salaried but will receive shift payments on an ad-hoc basis.

MAN SHOT IN MIDDLETON BOOKMAKER ROBBERY: A fifty-seven year old man was shot in the chest after two masked robbers demanded cash from the Ben Holmes bookmaker on Saturday. They fled the scene empty-handed and police are appealing for witnesses.

UP TO 500 PASSENGERS IN MANCHESTER AFFECTED BY BA STRIKE: A three-day cabin crew walk-out over pay and conditions have led to the cancellation of six flights from Manchester to Heathrow. BA no longer operates long-haul flights from Manchester, with passengers having to change in London. A further four days of action are scheduled from next Saturday after talks collapsed on Friday.