Manchester 250: Friday 26 October

CONGESTION CHARGING is to be the talk of the town hall once again following reports that Salford council leader, John Merry, has asked Greater Manchester Authorities to drop plans for a third inner ring, just outside the city centre. If the inner ring had existed, commuters would have avoided paying the charge provided their journey stopped before the inner zone. Sir Howard Bernstein has said that the inner ring would cost £17m to set up and £3m a year to run.

BARBURRITO manager, Michael Ng is reportedly on the run. Mr Ng phoned in sick after last years Food and Drink Awards ceremony and hasn’t been seen since. Police want to speak to him in connection with a series of thefts including the disappearance of money from the Barburrito safe.

MANCHESTER HIGH SCHOOLS have the worst truancy rates in the country. Government figures show 3.15% of lessons were missed in Manchester compared to the national average of 1.46%. Figures were also poor for Manchester primary schools, where the percentage of classes missed was also more than double the national average.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has added Shaun Wright-Phillips to his January transfer window wish-list. The City manager has said he is ready to offer Wright-Phillips a place at City if he decided to leave Chelsea. He said: “I'd personally open the gate for him tomorrow if he wishes to return here.” The winger was left out of the Chelsea squad altogether for their Champions League victory against Schalke 04 on Wednesday night.