City news in 250 words

THE NEW LOCAL GOVERNMENT NETWORK has recommended that local authorities should build identity and pride by naming streets and public places after famous locals. They’ve suggested a Gallagher Road or Morrissey Street after famous musicians from the area. The think tank suggested that it shouldn’t only be the famous who are honoured but also those locals who have contributed to city life. Not that there’s anything new with these proposals. More than a century ago, streets such as John Dalton Street and Whitworth Street were named after, respectively, a scientist and an engineer.

A GAS EXPLOSION in Oldham has ripped apart a house and left a man injured. The blast at the semi-detached residence on Byland Avenue, Abbey Hill, happened shortly after midnight. Emergency workers were amazed that the 50-year-old man found injured outside the home was alive at all as the house had almost been reduced to its foundations by the force of the explosion.

A FORMER ROYAL FAMILY employee, Paul Kidd, 55, of Stalybridge, has pleaded guilty to charges including indecent assault and sexual activity with a child. He will have to serve at least six years on an indeterminate prison term imposed for the public's protection. Kidd had even taken one of his victims to tea with the Queen Mother.

NON-LEAGUE DROYLSDEN beat League Two Chesterfield in the FA Cup last night, 2-1. This was the fourth game after replays caused by fog, a controversial equalizer and floodlight failure. Drolysden play Ipswich in the next round.