Manchester 250: Monday 10 September

FRAUDSTERS who used stolen or cloned credit cards to buy train tickets at Piccadilly Station have reportedly netted £1m from the scam. Tickets were purchased via trainline.com and then sold on to passengers at a discounted price in exchange for cash. It is believed that at their peak the gang sold £40,000 worth of tickets in one week.

WORK is beginning on Beetham Tower today to try and mute its mysterious whistling. A team of abseilers will take to the Hilton skyscraper to silence the hum which has been bothering residents. The noise is caused by wind hitting the glass blades at the top of the tower. Architect, Ian Simpson, who designed the building, said: “We are going to fit some aluminium nosing to stop the noise for good.”

AFFLECKS PALACE traders are still being kept in the dark over their new lease. The shopping quarter, which is owned by Bruntwood, is also in need of renovation and safety improvements. The previous lease ran out 10 weeks ago but will continue to roll over until a decision is reached.

THE GLAZER FAMILY have dismissed debt allegations at Manchester United. According to a Manchester United Supporters Trust report, interest payments have risen to £100m a year on the loan the Glazers took out to buy United. A spokesperson for the family said: “Nothing has changed. The debts continue to be comfortably serviced by the business. As always there have been substantial funds for the manager to purchase players over the summer.”