ON NOVEMBER 30, a south Manchester suburb will mark the end of an era.
Levenshulme is to bid farewell to a stalwart of its high street as Iceland closes its doors.
In a statement, the budget food chain said staff are to 'enter into a consultation process and will be offered opportunities at surrounding stores where possible.
Among locals, the move has created more anxiety than your typical supermarket closure. It prompted a petition in protest, which quickly amassed more than a hundred signatures.
Coupled with Stockport Road's emergence as a hyper-trendy food-and-drink destination, many of those who signed their name did so mourning the loss of what they describe as Levenshulme's 'last cheap shop! "It's a very good shop" summarises Syed Navaad, 52, who stopped to chat outside on a bright October morning. "I will be sad to see it go." His sentiment is shared by retired truck driver Steve Pritchard. "It's wrong it's closing - the one at Birchfields isn't big enough, this one is," the 70-year-old explained.
When asked how he feels Levenshulme has changed, he gave a short answer: "I think it's a dump. I've lived here since 1971. It's got worse. All you have is barbers and takeaways." He's dismissive of the newer bars, pointing out he's 'a pensioner' and he 'cannot afford them' Syed added: "This is the last cheap shop." But five years after being named on the Sunday Times list of Best Places to Live, the people of Levenshulme have become used to change. The area is seen by a few as one of the city's gentrification hotbeds, for better and for worse.
Long Boi's Bakehouse, for example, breathed life into a corner shop that had been closed for 16 years when it opened on Forest Range and Birdhall Grove in 2020. Run by an all-female team, it has since been named among the best bakeries in the UK.
This story is from the November 03, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 03, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Miedema bags brace in impressive win
MANCHESTER City returned to winning ways in the Women's Super League as superb strikes from Vivianne Miedema and Mary Fowler helped them to a 4-2 victory at Aston Villa.
Team rallies around a Khus during difficult debut
IT was a slightly sheepish Abdukodir Khusanov that waved to the Etihad at full-time, but he left a difficult debut behind with three points and hearty hugs from his teammates.
He's so young. He will learn
BOSS DEFENDS KHUSANOV AND DECISION TO PLAY HIM AFTER HE STARTS WITH A COSTLY MISTAKE
Striker Wheatley joins Walsall on loan deal
MANCHESTER United striker Ethan Wheatley has joined League Two leaders Walsall on loan for the remainder of the season.
Insight into rise of United target Dorgu
FC Nordsjaelland technical director Alexander Riget has provided a detailed insight of the type of footballer and character Manchester United will inherit if they complete the signing of Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
Real Betis confirm loan signing of Antony
REAL Betis have confirmed the signing of Manchester United winger Antony on loan for the remainder of the season.
Plan to save five of town's historic buildings
FIVE of Oldham's most historic buildings could be saved from 'rotting away' after a £400k plan was approved by the council.
Time running out to make money back on benched Casemiro
FOLLOWING Ruben Amorim's decision to start Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo on the bench for the Europa League win over Rangers, opportunity knocked for Manchester United's other midfielders.
Clubbers fear for future of iconic venue as top nights are cancelled or relocated
EVENTS due to be held at a legendary Manchester club have been cancelled or relocated to other venues, sparking fears for the venue's future.
Over time you realise beating yourself up has never really done any good
Actor, model and entrepreneur Brooke Shields has hit a new phase in her life - and she's ready to talk about it.