Manchester 250: Wednesday 8 November

TICKET PRICES are set to rise on the Metrolink system. Despite customer complaints about the service, a sample peak return ticket from Salford Quays to the city centre will rise from £2.70 to £2.85. The new rates start on 18 November. Season tickets will rise from 1 February 2008. There will be no increase in children’s fares.

SIR RICHARD LEESE has wished Glasgow all the best in its bid, on Friday, to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games. He said: ‘If they win the crucial vote at the Commonwealth Games Federation, then they can look forward to seven years of hard work, two weeks of sport and fingernail-biting, and a lifetime's legacy of regeneration. Good luck to Glasgow, we wish you well.’ The success of the 2002 Games in Manchester, helped underscore the city’s regeneration and was instrumental in London winning the right to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

MANCHESTER has lost its title of being the prime retail space in the North West. The Trafford Centre provides the top rents at £375 per sq ft. More surprising perhaps is the fact that Liverpool has over taken Manchester city centre for rentals: Manchester’s £300 per sq ft being eclipsed by Liverpool’s £320.

MANCHESTER UNITED look set to make several changes for tonight’s Champions League match at Old Trafford. After already securing maximum points in the first three games Sir Alex Ferguson will rest key players against Dynamo Kiev. A win will guarantee qualification to the next stage of the Champions League.