City news in 250 words: Wednesday 3 February

COUNCIL TAX TO BE FREEZED FOR A YEAR to give a helping hand to residents as the country moves out of recession. As a result of ‘prudent financial management’, Manchester City Council has said services will not be cut and will in fact be improved. Councillor Bernard Priest, the council’s executive member for finance, said: “We are determined to ensure that none of the essential services we provide will suffer. Indeed, we are increasing our highways budget to further improve services and future winter maintenance.”

TRAFFORD PARK IS TO BE THE CENTRE FOR CENSUS DATA COLLECTION in 2011. The Office for National Statistics said UK Data Capture chose the location after a nationwide search, with 1,300 jobs expected to be created. Stephen Meyler, director of UK Data Capture Limited, said, “We are looking forward to fulfilling our role in this vital and important programme, with Manchester as our base.” The statistics from the census will be used allocate public money on local services in England and Wales.

MANCUNIANS ARE BEING ASKED TO TOUT ON businesses which leave their lights on unnecessarily. The Light Brigade project is asking for photographs of business premises which have 24 hour lighting, and will then challenge them to bring down their power consumption by switching-off.

EX-CITY STRIKER’S DAUGHTER IS FOUND HANGED at a flat in Altrincham. Sibylle Sibierski, 18, daughter of Antoine Sibierski, was discovered by police after they forced the door open on Monday. Over 500 people have paid tribute to the teenager on Facebook.

Daft American homily wisdom:
‘Don’t pat a strange dog on the head when looking him in the eye. It could be interpreted as an aggressive move.’

From Life's Little Instructions Calendar given to our Health and Beauty Editor as a gift.