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Judge dismisses last legal challenge against Andy Burnham’s bus reform plans

Under the reform plans, bus services will offer cheaper fares and quicker routes across the region

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First Greater Manchester / Flickr

The reform of bus services across Greater Manchester will go ahead following the dismissal of an appeal made by a major bus firm.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham first unveiled plans to bring the region’s buses back under public control in March this year, with a promise to introduce cheaper fares and better routes later this year.

However, Stagecoach and Rotala – which operates Diamond Buses – appealed the judge’s decision to bring buses back under public control, with them accusing the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) of conducting ‘a flawed consultation’. 

They also said millions of pounds would be spent on the scheme without any tangible benefits to customers, as per the BBC. 

But yesterday, the Court of Appeal unanimously rejected the appeal and upheld the High Court’s original decision, a ruling Burnham described as ‘brilliant news for the people of Greater Manchester’. 

He said: “This is brilliant news for the people of Greater Manchester, and for anyone across the UK who cares about having a bus service that puts people ahead of shareholder profit.

“We were always very confident that GMCA had followed all correct legal processes and that the decision to franchise buses and bring them under public control was lawful and right.

“We’re delighted that we have comprehensively defeated the last legal challenge in the way of bringing buses under public control.

“The Court of Appeal’s judgment upholds the original decision of the High Court and unanimously rejects this appeal as without any merit.”

He added: “This clear and unanimous judgment is another green light which means that we can now power ahead at full speed to deliver bus franchising across Greater Manchester.

“And I hope that the unanimous rejection of this appeal paves the way for other city regions.”

Bus passengers across the region can expect to see cheaper fares as soon as September, with single journeys costing no more than £2 and a full day’s travel being capped at £5.

The £5 fare will enable passengers to travel from when they buy the ticket until 3.59am the following day, and will be valid for use across various operators. Currently, a daily fare costs £6.40.

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Man arrested in connection with death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

He has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, police say

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@georgegilbey / Instagram

A man has been arrested in connection to the death of television personality George Gilbey who died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey, a self-employed electricain, starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

In the latest update, police said the arrested man was in his 40s and from the Witham area of Essex, and that further updates would be announced ‘proactively’. The force said he was arrested on ‘suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter’.

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Police issue urgent appeal to find missing man from Tameside

Have you seen David?

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Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent appeal to help find a man who was last seen in Tameside in the early hours of yesterday.

David, 40, was last seen on Sands Walk, Hyde, at around 12am on Wednesday March 27th.

He is believed to still have his mobile phone on him and to be somewhere in the Greater Manchester area, police say.

David is described as a white male, around 6 ft 2 ins tall, of slim build and a bald head with red facial hair. He also has tattoos on his arms and legs.

He was last seen wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a black hoodie.

Anyone who has seen David or who may have any information about his whereabouts is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 9325.

 

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Gogglebox star George Gilbey dies after fall from height at age 40

RIP George

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@georgegilbey / Instagram

Television personality George Gilbey who starred on Gogglebox has died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

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