The Mancunian Way: Hats off to Stockport

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Comparisons to Berlin might be made with tongue firmly in cheek. But there's no doubt that Stockport is enjoying a moment in the sun.

The Sunday Times recently named it in its annual 'best places to live' list, Stockport County are off to Wembley, its handsome old town has a wealth of trendy bars, vintage shops and cafes, and young families and first-time buyers are flocking to live there.

And today Stockport got another boost, when it was named Greater Manchester's 'town of culture' for 2023. We'll take a look at what that could actually mean in today's newsletter.

We'll also revisit Manchester's housing crisis as a new report reveals that last year just 46 homes were affordable to rent for people on housing benefit.

And if you've ever been landed with an unexpected bill for a broken down washing machine or a new car tyre, spare a thought for residents of the Canterbury Gardens estate in Eccles who just been told they need to stump up £2.2m for repairs to their run-down properties. More on their plight below.

It’s the home of Strawberry Studios, Blossoms and one of the biggest brick structures in the world. And today Stockport has another thing to shout about after being named Greater Manchester’s ‘town of culture’ for 2023.

Blossoms, whose frontman Tom Ogden has just opened a new bar in town, and Stockport County’s Macauley Southam-Hales joined Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham and various other local big-wigs for the announcement at the Hat Works.

During its 12 months