City news in 250 words

A COLLAPSED DRAIN was the cause of the gaping hole in the middle of Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury. The crater measured 8ft by 6ft and at least 6ft deep.No one was injured and there was no serious damage to vehicles but the road will remain closed between Wilmslow Road and Palatine Road until repairs are complete. Diversions are in place between Palatine Road, Lapwing Lane and Wilmslow Road.

CAROL ANN DUFFY has been named at the first female Poet Laureate. Duffy, 53, best known for her collection The World's Wife, takes over from Andrew Motion and will serve 10 years in the position. Carol Ann Duffy lives in Manchester and is Creative Director of the Writing School at Manchester Metropolitan University. She told BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour: “I look on it as a recognition of the great woman poets we have writing now.”

A PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADTEACHER has been suspended after she allegedly bullied her staff. Lesley Maddock was asked to leave Haveley Hey primary in Wythenshawe after complaints were made to education bosses. She has been suspended on full pay while a council-led investigation into the unproven claims takes place.

DRESSING ROOMS are too cramped, according to Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United manager has called on the Premier League to introduce new rules on the size of facilities. Sir Alex complained about changing rooms at Fulham, Everton and Portsmouth although Old Trafford gets his seal of approval and Arsenal's is “the best by far.”

This 'n' that wisdom*:Imagination is in the eye of the soul

*Taken from the free calendar available at This 'n' That, Soap Street, Northern Quarter. Those curry masters are so very very sagacious. How does this wisdom rate? Confidential rating: 9/10