City news in 250 words: Wednesday 26 May

THE NEW COALITION government has scrapped the fund that was going to pay for some of the redevelopment of Victoria station. The £30m redevelopment project is in doubt after the Department for Transport withdrew its planned £5m contribution. Network Rail spokesman Keith Lumley said, "We need to try to look at other funding sources to see if there are any we haven't dipped into, or look at the scope of work planned. We may have to scale it down."

COALITION GONVERNMENT spending cuts are also threatening the tram line expansion to Ashton-under-Lyne and Didsbury. The government is reviewing a £170m funding package that was agreed by Labour in March, even though contracts have already been signed. John Leech, Lib Dem MP for Withington, said he was “absolutely confident” that the expansion would happen. “It’s not going to get cancelled. I’d bet £500 on it,” he said.

MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL has been handing out portable ashtrays known as 'stubbies' to businesses in the city centre in a bid to combat cigarette litter from staff on smoking breaks. The stubbies will also be handed out to shoppers and workers today. Cigarette litter accounts for 94 per cent of all city centre litter.