City news in 250 words

WEAPON SCANNERS could be introduced to pubs over Christmas and the New Year. This comes just weeks after airport-style security was trialled in a Moss Side pub. Manchester's pub and club network has asked its members to include the use of scanning wands or arches in a bid to keep violent crime and antisocial behaviour out of Manchester over the festive season.

GORDON BROWN has bee urged to scrap congestion charge plans in Greater Manchester. Blackley MP Graham Stringer asked the PM if it was wise to bring in congestion charging in the current economic circumstances. Mr Brown said he was aware there were strong views about the issue.

TWO LORRIES crashed into a row of houses in Glossop yesterday, fracturing a gas pipe. Thirty people had to be evacuated from their homes on Charlestown Road and Glossop Leisure Centre was turned into an evacuation area overnight. Engineers have now repaired the gas leak and the properties are being made safe.

JOEY BARTON is in the news again over his claims that he can become a role model for children. The former City midfielder said in his first interview since being released from Strangeways prison: “My reputation will always precede me to the day I die; for some people that probably can't be quickly enough. I'm not the first person to mess up and I've messed up on more than one occasion but nothing sobers you up like the reality of going to prison. I know it's the last-chance saloon. ”