City news in 250 words

TRADE UNIONS Unison and Unite are on strike today in Greater Manchester. The strike over pay is impacting schools, libraries, social services and bin collections. Council workers are staging the walk-out today and tomorrow over the 2.45% pay rise offer. Workers will be picketing outside the Town Hall in Albert Square today.

NATIONAL SERVICE is on the agenda for tackling youth crime in Greater Manchester. Proposals have been welcomed for a new form of national service to keep unruly teenagers on the straight and narrow and away from gang-related crime. Details of the proposed scheme, which would involve young people being sent on a programme of non-military service, are expected to be unveiled in Parliament today.

THE TOWN HALL is to get a makeover, according to reports. Councillor Bernard Priest, executive member for finance and human resources, told Crain's Manchester Business: “I will be recommending that some urgency is needed for the proposed development of a one-stop-shop customer service centre in the Town Hall, to guarantee first rate services to local people.”

RYAN GIGGS has received an honorary degree from Salford University. The mid-fielder recently overtook Sir Bobby Charlton as the record appearance holder for United and has now been recognised by his hometown university as a great footballer and charity worker for Unicef. Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Harloe said: "It is not only his great achievements on the pitch for which he deserves recognition, but for his valuable charity work with developing countries."