An academic is asking whether Manchester's bus announcer should have a local accent, sparking a debate on the importance of regional dialects in public spaces. The question comes as buses in Greater Manchester have been brought back under local control, featuring neutral, automated voices announcing stops like Piccadilly Gardens.
Why a local accent matters
Rob Drummond, professor of sociolinguistics at Manchester Metropolitan University, believes a local accent could give people "that extra opportunity to have a bit of pride in their community." He added, "The more people hear their voices around the more they feel comfortable. Unfortunately, we still live in a world where people do get mocked for the way they speak."
Drummond's call follows his research project called Westminster Voices, which focused on how speech can impact politics. His findings were referenced by Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt earlier this month.
Political support
Speaking to the Northern Agenda newsletter, Platt said: "Regional accents continue to shape perceptions of competence, authority and credibility in ways that are often subtle but deeply consequential, influencing opportunities in politics, the workplace and public life." She added, "As someone who grew up in Salford and has lived in Leigh for more than two decades, like many people from working-class backgrounds, I have questioned whether sounding different would make me appear more professional or more credible."
With Greater Manchester at the start of a new era, being home to the Prime Minister's Number 10 North, could public spaces begin to reflect the voices of the people from here? Fran Wilkinson, customer and growth director at Transport for Greater Manchester, described the idea as an 'interesting suggestion… that we will give due consideration'.
Drone taxi in Media City
An unusual helicopter-sized drone has been parked on the Piazza in Media City, catching eyes all week. It's an all-electric air taxi that could whizz through the skies at 200mph and reduce the journey from Manchester airport to the city centre to just five minutes - all for the price of an Uber Exec. Tourism writer Liv Clarke went to check out the future of travel.
Dine and dash in Chinatown
Times are tough for the hospitality industry, and Noodle Alley in Chinatown has released CCTV of a literal dine and dash customer. Footage shows a man in flip flops running up the stairs and down the street after leaving without paying. "This isn't just about the money," they wrote. "Small independent businesses are already struggling with rising costs and dealing with people who deliberately run away without paying makes it even harder. Every meal, every member of staff, and every genuine customer matters."
Carnival and weather
Manchester's Caribbean carnival, one of the longest running in the UK, takes place this weekend. More than 60,000 revellers are expected to cram into Alexandra Park in Whalley Range on Saturday and Sunday. Adam Maidment has all the details.
Next week looks set for another heatwave, with temperatures predicted to hit 30C. There's been a second day of disruption on trains across the north west following yesterday's power cut, though most problems appear resolved.
