Manchester 250: Friday 23 November

CHORLTON residents are well on the way to winning a battle against Tesco who plan to build a store on Manchester Road. The council’s planning committee are backing Chorlton shop owners by speaking out against the proposal and have unanimously voted against Council officers’ advice to push ahead with the development.

ROCHDALE’S new mayor is planning to scrap prayers before council meetings. Robin Parker is to do away with the old tradition when he takes over next year. Critics are furious at the change and have accused him of trying to push God out of the public arena. However, Cllr Parker stands by his decision that council meetings are no place for God.

TRANSPARENT rubbish bags are shaming residents in Stockport into recycling. Black bags have been replaced with clear ones so that rubbish can be seen. Council officials have said they are designed to expose people who are throwing away paper, glass and cans in bin bags instead of a recycling container. However, residents have accused the council of snooping.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has spoken highly of Asian footballers. Whilst on tour in Asia he told the Bangkok Post “I am sure one day (and that day will come very soon) a new Elano or Maradona will come from an Asian country. China for instance, and Thailand, both are changing very quickly, and football is part of that change.” During the trip, Eriksson and chairman Thaksin Shinawatra have signed Thai fullback Suree Sukha, centreback Kiatpravut Saiwaew and striker Thirasilp Dangda.