City news in 250 words: Wednesday 8 December

EARLY CLOSURE FOR BAE WOODFORD NIMROD PLANT: The BAE Systems’ Woodford plant could close within months as opposed to 2012 which was the original plan. The plant employs 450 staff and was set for closure after the Government decided to abandon plans to upgrade the aircraft. An official announcement is due tomorrow.

MANCHESTER TO HOST SUMMER FESTIVAL: The inaugural Friends Of Mine festival has been announced to take place in the grounds of Capesthorne Hall in May next year. Whilst the city has a vibrant live music scene, FOM founder Sam Gardner said that Manchester needed a festival to call its own. The line up for the festival already includes The Charlatans, A Certain Ratio and Cherry Ghost. Local acts will also be playing on the bill.

LABOUR TAKEOVER AT ROCHDALE COUNCIL: After seven Liberal Democrat councillors resigned, the Labour party has taken control from the coalition at Rochdale Council. Labour will rule as a minority administration as their 22 councillors make them the largest remaining single party. Colin Lambert is likely to be sworn in as the next council leader.

MOBILE PHONE MURDERERS JAILED: Kelvin Wilhelm, 26, and Anthony Ellis, 23, were found guilty of murdering John Muldowney, 18, at a house in Benchill, Wythenshawe in June. A row escalated with the victim after Wilhelm claimed his mobile phone had been stolen and Muldowney refused to take off his trousers to prove he wasn’t hiding it. Muldowney received treatment for a chest stab wound but later died in hospital.

Out of the window weather forecast: Lots of shadows can be seen meaning the sun must be out. Hopefully it’ll get rid of the last of that ice.