Hale Independent Issue 185

3 NOVEMBER 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk MANCHESTER Air- port and Pakistan International Airlines have launched a new twice-weekly service to Islamabad. It makes Manches- ter the only airport in the north with a direct connection to Pakistan. Annually 362,000 people from the region travel to the Pakistani capital. Until now people trav- elling to Islamabad had to either get connecting flights in the Middle East or fly from London. The new route is now operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays with a view to increasing the frequency. Manchester Airport managing director Chris Woodroofe said: “Manchester Airport is proud to connect to the north to the World and that means making sure we serve the destinations people in our region want to travel to. “We know hundreds of thousands of passen- gers from our catchment area travel to Pakistan every year but don’t have the option of enjoy- ing the benefits of a direct connection. “Our partnership with Pakistan Interna- tional Airlines puts that right and adds Islam- abad to our route net- work of more than 200 destinations served by 50-plus airlines. “This new route will be a real boost to the region’s Pakistani com- munity and opens up an easy way for tourists to WORK to clear tonnes of leaves from Trafford’s streets and footpaths is now underway. The annual winter leaf clearance programme, carried out by the One Trafford Partnership (OTP), will continue until the end of January next year. The programme, car- ried out by the OTP, a collaboration between Trafford Council and Amey, is being delivered in two full sweeping cycles across all wards of the borough with four teams operating 16-tonne road sweepers, each supported by a leaf blower operative to clear footpaths. The teams are sup- ported by three compact DETAILS of Altrincham’s big Christmas Lights switch-on have been announced by organisers. ‘Neon Noel’ will take place on Saturday, November 22 from 3-6pm. The free event is promising live music and fes- tive entertainment. Topping the bill is power- house 90s dance act Livin’ Joy, best known for global anthems Dreamer and Don’t Stop Movin’, which became defining hits of the decade’s club scene. The main stage, on Regent Mandy White, Altrincham BID director, said: “Neon Noel is a fantastic way to kick off the festive season. “We’re encouraging everyone to come along and grab their glow sticks, dress up in their brightest neon, and join us for an afternoon and early evening of music, fun, and festive cheer. “It’s the perfect excuse to make a day of it in Altrincham – enjoy some early Christmas shopping, then stay for lunch before the big switch-on or dine afterwards.” Turning over a new leaf At work: Teams are carrying out leaf clearing (Photo credit: Trafford Council) sweepers focusing on town centres and prior- ity areas identified by supervisors. The smaller sweepers may also be diverted to cycle lanes or emergencies when required. Trafford Council is also asking people to let them know about drains which are badly over- flowing during periods of heavy rainfall. It says that road main- tenance teams are on hand to deal with the blockages – often caused by leaves and heavy rain- fall – so that the surface water can flow freely into the public sewer system. A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: “Drains can occasion- ally become temporarily blocked during periods of heavy rainfall due to leaves and silt. “We are asking resi- dents to let us know of any badly blocked drains so we can send our teams out to unblock them.” In the case of a blocked drain, people are asked to wait for two hours after the rain has stopped to see if the water level drops. Airport’s new route takes-off visit an exciting coun- try. We’re all really look- ing forward to the first flights in just a fewweeks and to hearing about people’s experiences of an amazing destination.” A Pakistan Interna- tional Airlines spokes- person said: “This new service fulfils the long-standing demand of our valued passengers for hassle-free, nonstop travel between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. “With this develop- ment, travellers can now reach their destination in just eight hours, avoiding lengthy layovers on con- necting flights.” The new service is operating from Man- chester Airport’s new £1.3billion Terminal 2. The terminal is the cen- trepiece of the airport’s decade-long transforma- tion programme. Switching on to festive fun Road, will feature a packed schedule of live entertainment, with vantage points stretching along George Street. Highlights include a special appearance from everyone’s playful pup Bluey and Stitch’s Christmas Disco, bringing out- of-this-world dance moves from Lilo & Stitch. Children’s teen and adult choirs Little Belters, Sing It and The Music Place Choir will entertain with festive songs. Cardwell Theatre School will lead the dancing with a special routine, while The Randalls Band will bring upbeat local energy to the stage. There will also be a special appearance from Santa. The celebrity guest who will push the big button to offi- cially switch on Altrincham’s Christmas lights will be announced shortly.