City news in 250 words

SALFORD ROYAL HOSPITAL has had to close its neo-natal unit following the death of a baby from an airborne bug. A second baby has also tested positive for the aspergillus infection which is dangerous to those with weakened immune systems. The hospital has closed the ward as a temporary precautionary measure.

THE ADVERTISING STANDARDS AUTHORITY is banning advertisements published by the anti-congestion charge group 'Manchester Against Road Tolls.' The ban has come after a complaint was made by a member of the public supporting Clean Air Now, that the posters were untruthful and could mislead. Spokesperson for Clean Air Now, Dave Coleman, said: “When they're not ranting about the freedom to drive, they're being economical with the truth in an attempt to block our progress towards a cleaner, greener transport system.”

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE incidents in Greater Manchester have risen in the past year. Police figures reveal that there were almost 6,000 domestic violence call-outs in December 2007 which is a six per cent increase on the previous December. 82 per cent of the Christmas call-outs were to assault claims.

MANCHESTER UNITED must beat Arsenal on Saturday in order to rebuild their confidence after the defeat against City, according to Rio Ferdinand. He told manutd.com: “We've all been thinking about the reasons why it happened and how we want to pull ourselves together and get the result out of our minds. The best thing you can do is to come into training and just get focused on winning the next game.”