City news in 250 words: Tuesday 27 July

SKY RIDE MANCHESTER: Following the success of the event last year with more than 15,000 cycling the route, the streets of Manchester city centre will be traffic-free again on Sunday 1 August. The 12 km route includes some of the city's most iconic landmark buildings. Deansgate, along with other main business roads, will be closed between 9am and 5pm.

DISABLED SCOOTER BAN UNDER REVIEW: Transport Chiefs are rethinking the ban on disabled people taking their mobility scooters onto trams. Currently, the only wheeled vehicles allowed are wheelchairs and prams. Dozens of passengers have complained and some MPs signed a Commons Motion opposing the ban.

FRAUDULENT GURU JAILED: After four months on trial, Michael Lyon, who has a home in Salford and calls himself Mohan Singh, has received a 10-year jail sentence for rape and assault. He denied all offences but 11 women from the UK, the US and New Zealand testified against him. He had created a cult with a predominately female following and preyed on women who came to him for spiritual guidance. He received a sexual offences prevention order and has been place on the sex offenders register for life.

ANIMAL SANCTUARY STRAPPED FOR CASH: The Society for Abandoned Animals in Sale needs £50,000 in the next few months or it faces closure. The charity, which needs at least £200,000 each year, is entirely dependent on public generosity and has found homes for more than 1,000 cats, 290 rabbits and 262 dogs in the last five years.

Out of the window weather forecast: It's dark, it's cold, it might as well be night time.