City News In 250 Words: Friday 11 November

A BLAZE on a train at Piccadilly Station forced officials to evacuate platforms 13 and 14. All services were delayed by up to 45 minutes after the 1750 service to Llandudno caught fire just before 6pm. It is believed that oil got into the engine compartment of the train, causing it to ignite. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue tackled the blaze and said there were no reports of any injuries. 

THE BIGGEST ever Christmas light switch-on in Manchester saw 20,000 people celebrating in Albert Square last night. Crowds packed in to watch Tinchy Stryder and Nicola Roberts flick the switch, followed by a fireworks display. Manchester has more than 400,000 Christmas lights, which will stay up until 5 January. 

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a power plant in Davyhulme were unanimously rejected by councillors last night. Trafford Council’s planning committee meeting had to be held at the George Cornell Leisure Centre due to the high public turnout. The biomass incinerator would have burned materials like waste wood as fuel. A petition against the plant, on the grounds that it would release pollutants into the air, gathered over 5,000 signatures. 

A FORGOTTEN World War I memorial has been restored and is due to be unveiled in Salford today to mark Remembrance Day. The bronze roll of honour, bearing the names of 49 men who enlisted from the Co-operative in Manchester and Salford, was found in a scrapyard two years ago. It has been installed at the Co-operative Funeralcare on Cross Street.

Fact of the day: in this week in 1665 Charles II granted a charter of incorporation to Chetham’s Hospital School, Manchester.

Thanks to @RevealMcr