The cool suburb rocked by one problem - but that could all be about to change

The barriers up in front of Withington Library are the first obvious clue that things are about to change. Work has started on a new public square in the trendy suburb. And it could transform the look and feel of the area.

The plan is part of a move to revamp the neighbourhood to make it feel more open and welcoming for pedestrians, creating new public spaces and greenery.

Manchester City Council said the changes are aimed at turning the popular area into a place where people are proud to live and work, with the project funded from a pot of £2.8 million from the government. The money is being split between Withington high street and Moston high street. Withington's sum from that pot sits at £2.1m, with the cash only allowed to be spent on upgrades to its high street.

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Withington has crafted a name for itself as a bohemian corner of Manchester, known for its mix of bars, cafes and public art.

But this year it lost two of its popular food and drinks venues after the closure of Cafe Blah, whose owners staged a sit-in after claiming they were kicked out with little notice, as well as the loss of cult burger chain Almost Famous which was based on the site of the Old District Bank.

Shoppers and traders welcomed plans to revamp the centre of Withington, but said the area faces lingering problems with anti-social behaviour.

Plans for the suburb include closing a section of Wellington Road outside the library and turning it into a bigger and 'more welcoming' space, as well as changes to how the area looks by planting new trees.

Copson Street will be part-pedestrianised between Wilmslow Road and Patten Street as part of the plans, with