City news in 250 words

THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS FAILING VICTIMS according to a legal expert. Richard Marks QC criticised the Crown Prosecution Service for "cost-cutting", claiming too many serious offences did not reach a courtroom. In Greater Manchester, 1,508 assaults and 163 burglaries were dealt with by means of a caution in 2007. “Victims are being failed, offenders are being left-off and it is very damaging for justice and damaging for society,” he said.

THE SECOND PHASE OF ROYAL MAIL STRIKES are underway after talks between the CWU and Royal Mail bosses failed. Today will see most of the city’s mail centre workers and drivers go on a 24-hour strike, followed by action tomorrow and on Saturday. Despite the CWU saying that the last three days had been "the most useful and productive discussions" both sides failed to reach a deal.

A MUSEUM HEAD IS TO LEAVE to pursue his passion for trains. After only 18 months in the job, Museum of Science & Industry director, Steve Davies MBE, will take a new post at the National Railway Museum, in York, in January. The director described the move as a “once-in-a lifetime opportunity that I really could not afford to miss.”

GREATER MANCHESTER MPS MAY LOSE UP TO £54,000 of their “resettlement grant” if they quit Parliament. The Kelly inquiry is expected to recommend putting a limit on the “golden-goodbye” of around £10,000- that's two months' salary. Depending on the age and length of service of the MP, it could mean a cut between £32,383 and £64,766.

This ‘N’ That wisdom: It is a great art to laugh at your own misfortune.

Taken from the free calendar available at This 'n' That, Soap Street, Northern Quarter. Wisdom rating 8/10