City news in 250 words

CHESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL is to be axed and taken over by two unitary authorities for the east and west of the county. MPs voted for changes in the House of Lords despite protest from Cheshire residents. Chester, Vale Royal and Ellesmere Port and Neston councils will be replaced by City of Chester and Cheshire West. Congleton, Macclesfield, Crewe and Nantwich councils will form East Cheshire Council.

A BRICK has been thrown from a bridge on Princess Parkway in Hulme onto a coach below. Luckily, the brick did not cause any injuries but it did crack the windscreen, causing £2,500 worth of damage to the coach which was traveling from Manchester Airport to Piccadilly Station. The police are now investigating the incident.

SCHOOLS in Greater Manchester are stepping up their security. Thousands of pounds has been invested into installing security such as intruder alarms, outdoor lighting, shutters, video intercoms and tracking equipment to trace stolen goods. Schools in Little Hulton, Eccles and Salford have all been improved.

MANCHESTER CITY is demanding an apology from the BBC over claims that striker Benjani could be banned from playing in England. The club has vehemently denied suggestions that the British government are planning to ban all Zimbabwean sports stars because of the Robert Mugabe regime in their home country. A club spokesperson said: “This is the worst type of scare story which shows a lack of editorial integrity. The player received a three-and-a-half year work permit from the Home Office to play for City.”