News
Laughing gas to be banned in crackdown on anti-social behaviour
‘I’ve learned it’s a mistake, it’s worse than a mistake to regard drug taking as somehow acceptable’
Nitrous Oxide also known as laughing gas is to be banned under government plans to crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
Levelling-Up Secretary Michael Gove announced the plans on the Sophy Ridge show on Sky News on Sunday morning, March 26th. Mr Gove said the ban would be issued under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, but a decision on what class the drug will fall under has not yet been made.
Confirming the ban on laughing gas, Mr Gove said: “I think anyone who has the opportunity to walk through our parks in our major cities will have seen these little silver canisters, which are examples of people not only spoiling public spaces but taking a drug which can have a psychological and neurological effect and one that contributes to antisocial behaviour overall.”
He continued: “These laughing gas canisters are an increasing scourge, and one that has been reported to me as a constituency MP.”
Sophy Ridge asked: “Are you really going to give people a criminal record for a 30-second high from laughing gas?” Mr Gove initially avoided the question but then replied: “We need to deal with the scourge [of nitrous oxide]. It’s absolutely right we uphold the law in this case.”
When asked again whether the plans were hypocritical, given some MPs have been known to have taken drugs, including himself, he replied: “No, because I’ve learned. I’ve learned it’s a mistake, it’s worse than a mistake to regard drug taking as somehow acceptable.”
What is nitrous oxide?
Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide has become the second most popular drug used by 16-24 year-olds in the country. Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is sold in canisters and typically inhaled using a balloon.
The gas is meant to be used by medical experts such as dentists to sedate patients undergoing minor medical procedures. However, over the years local high streets and alleyways have been blighted by discarded canisters dumped by people who have been using the drug recreationally.
According to drug awareness organisation Talk to Frank, taking the drug can make a user feel relaxed, giggly, dizzy, anxious or paranoid. While the common risks can mean the user will feel faint, lose consciousness, or possibly suffocate.
Back in 2020, concerned residents reported the rise in the use of laughing gas among teenagers during the pandemic. Just last year a 16-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after inhaling laughing gas at the Parklife music festival.
We’re pleased to announce that Proper Manchester is rebranding as Finest City Guides.
As part of this change, the Proper Manchester brand, including its social media channels, will transition to the Finest City Guides name.
This is a rebrand of the existing platform rather than a new or unrelated business. The same team behind Proper Manchester will continue to operate Finest City Guides as we develop the platform under its new identity.
Previous name: Proper Manchester
New name: Finest City Guides
Our social channels and other brand assets will be updated to reflect the Finest City Guides name as part of this transition.
More from Finest City Guides coming soon.
News
Oasis announce huge reunion tour as Liam and Noel Gallagher ‘make peace’
The news we’ve all been waiting for!
After years of will-they-won’t-they speculation, Oasis are officially BACK together for a reunion tour.
The Gallagher brothers have put aside their differences in the name of music, making thousands of fans extremely happy in the process.
The band teased the news on their socials over the weekend, posting a video on Sunday morning with today’s date (Tuesday, August 27th) and the time 8am.
And now shows have been announced for multiple dates in the UK and Ireland, with tickets going live this Saturday, August 31st.
The legendary Mancunian rockers will take to the stage next summer, with gigs in Cardiff, London, Edinburgh, Dublin and, of course, Manchester.
15 years after splitting, the band confirmed they would be back for 14 shows, saying: “The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised”.
The gigs will be Oasis’s ‘only shows in Europe next year’, with tickets on sale this Saturday at 8am in Ireland and 9am in the UK.
The Oasis 2025 tour dates in full:
July
4th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
5th – Cardiff, Principality Stadium
11th – Manchester, Heaton Park
12th – Manchester, Heaton Park
19th – Manchester, Heaton Park
20th – Manchester, Heaton Park
25th – London, Wembley Stadium
26th – London, Wembley Stadium
August
2nd – London, Wembley Stadium
3rd – London, Wembley Stadium
8th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
9th – Edinburgh, Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium
16th – Dublin, Croke Park
17th – Dublin, Croke Park
You can grab your tickets HERE.
News
Stagecoach hiring over 100 new bus drivers for Bee Network with £31k salaries
Fancy a career change?
Stagecoach Manchester is hiring over 100 new bus drivers to work from its Oldham depot, following the second phase of the Bee Network launch in March.
You can apply for a range of roles, from positions with no experience required to fully qualified bus drivers.
Successful applicants will receive full training as part of the job, and trainees will get paid to train. Then after only 12 months’ service at Stagecoach, drivers can expect to earn up to £16 per hour, which equates to £31.6K per year, before overtime.
As well as that, drivers that already hold a PCV licence may be eligible to receive a £1,200 joining bonus.
Stagecoach
There’s also a host of other benefits available to all Stagecoach employees, like 28 days paid holiday, generous pension and free Stagecoach bus travel for successful applicants and a companion.
Rob Jones, Managing Director at Stagecoach Manchester said: “Expanding our offering in Oldham means we’ll be investing more in the economy and supporting our local community, as well as strengthening our workforce.
“Whether you’re looking for a career change or you’re a fully qualified, experienced bus driver, there’s a role for everyone here in Oldham.
“We’re looking for personable and dedicated drivers who are ready to help us build on the success of the Bee Network and connect the people of Oldham and Greater Manchester with the places and people that are important to them.”
Stagecoach
Phil Cornwall, bus driver at Stagecoach Manchester, said: “I’ve been a driver at Stagecoach for 25 years and I couldn’t recommend it more.
“From the perks to the people to the passengers, it really is a great place to work.”
To apply, head to the Stagecoach website HERE.
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