City news in 250 words

COUNCILS FACE HUGE ROAD REPAIR BILLS after the cold snap. Transport Secretary Lord Adonis announced that gritting must be cut to as little as half the levels of this time last week to conserve stocks. The announcement came as many councils face going over their budgets due to potholes and cracks caused by the ice.

A MAN WHO LACED A CURRY WITH POISON and gave it to his neighbours has been given a suspended sentence. Gareth Stewart, 37, of Alexandra Road, Denton, admitted attempting to administer a poison with intent against two women on 22 September. Stewart’s plan was thwarted when Ann Marie Walton and Beverley Sales, noticed it smelt strange and had small blue and green pellets mixed into it. A judge at Minshull Street Crown Court gave the slug pellets poisoner a sentence of six months in prison, suspended for 15 months.

OVER 700 CITY CENTRE BUILDINGS LOST POWER yesterday because of a problem with a high voltage underground cable. The loss of electricity was reported early yesterday afternoon after a loud bang was heard. United Utilities restored supplies with power from parts of the electricity network while they fixed the faulty cable.

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE TO PARTICIPATE IN AN EXPERIMENT that will test the theory that one constable in a crime hotspot is better than patrols touring a wider beat. As part of the Cambridge University research, Greater Manchester Police has been chosen to pilot the scheme but if it is successful it could be introduced nationwide.

The Rev Sydney Smith (1771-1845) wisdom week: Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.