THING OF THE WEEK

ALLOT OF LAND… Research company Searchland has calculated that if you paved over all of the country’s 11,000 acres of allotments, you could build 200,000 houses on them, a finding that is sure to go down well with people who have spent years cultivating a cabbage patch that is the envy of the parish. Co-founder of Searchland, Mitchell Fasanya, said: “Utilising allotments is a drastic measure and one we needn’t ever consider should the government stop bending to the pressures of NIMBYism and the subject of building on the green belt to deliver homes on land that is more than fit for purpose.”

The Ford Anglia in remarkably good nick after its run in with the Whomping Willow. Credit: Michael Dinn

MAGICAL MOTORS… Last week, we brought you an armoured personnel carrier that’s chilling in Didsbury. This week, we’re off to Liverpool where astute Place reader Michael Dinn of Gladman Developments has spotted a rather famous vehicle. A Ford Anglia that looks straight out of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets can be found parked around Blackmoor Drive in West Derby, complete with an ‘owl’ in the backseat.

Liverpool has been praised for its handling Eurovision Credit: James Stack via Liverpool City Council

EUROVISION GONG CONTEST… Liverpool may have lost its World Heritage Status but the city seems to be back in UNESCO’s good books after a ripsnorting Eurovision. Liverpool has become the first-ever recipient of the UNESCO City of Music Award. The birthplace of the Beatles and Echo and the Bunnymen, among countless others, Liverpool has long been recognised for its musical heritage and this award is another feather in that particular cap. A special ceremony took place at Liverpool Town Hall where those who headed up the most-watched Eurovision Song Contest Final in UK history were honoured. 

Credit: Pascal Swier on Unsplash

FUTSAL(FORD)… In a few years’ time, Ordsall could become the breeding ground for a new generation of technically gifted footballers. That is because Salford City Council has received almost £200,000 to convert Ordsall Leisure centre into a Futsal hall. Futsal, a small-sided variation of the beautiful game that is played indoors and uses a weighted ball, is thought to encourage a creative, passing style of play far removed from long ball hit-and-hope tactics. As well as nurturing silky-skilled Salfordians, the venue will also breathe new life into the leisure centre. “The current performance of the facility is a cause for concern,” a report to the city council’s regeneration committee said. “The decline has been primarily caused by local competition, budget operators, and accommodation blocks containing their own gyms.” Damn you BTR.  

Wrexham councillors were forced to choose between democracy and legality. Credit: Leon S on Unsplash

LAW AND ORDER… With the football season over, another less fairytale-like Wrexham story is dominating the headlines as the city’s councillors were asked to choose between democracy and the law this week.

Having refused to approve its own local plan, Wrexham is facing the threat of a judicial review from developers who say the council acted unlawfully. The authority’s in-house counsel fell just shy of pleading with members to approve the plan, saying a judicial review would hit the council in the pocket. However, a slim majority of members prevailed, digging their heels in and refusing to budge.

The local plan remains unadopted and the council now faces a hefty court battle to defend its stance. Council leader Mark Pritchard was one of the 30 councillors who voted to reject the plan. He received a round of applause after his closing remarks: “Democracy overrides everything. Democracy is the most important thing. Use your vote for the people you represent.” ‌Ryan Reynolds is odds-on favourite to play Pritchard in the film adaptation of the local plan debacle.

Credit: via Manchester Airport Group

HERE COMES TREBLE… Manchester Airport recorded its busiest day since before the pandemic last Friday, a feat fuelled by the European exploits of Pep Guardiola et al. The airport saw 100,061 passengers pass through on Friday 9 June, as fans made their way to Istanbul for Manchester City’s Champions League Final victory over Inter Milan. It was the first time since 2019 that daily passenger numbers have hit six figures and only the second time an English club has completed the treble of Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. A good weekend for (most of) the city.