Manchester slowly bridging north-south divide

22 2008
While the fierce north-south divide has yet to be fully bridged, growing numbers of southerners are warming to the north, with many more now heading to cities such as Manchester, new figures show.

Research carried out by the hotel chain Travelodge found that four out of ten southerners feel the north is cold, while 13 per cent feel that those living above the Watford Gap are unfashionable and lack a sense of style.

In return, 59 per cent of northerners think southerners are snobbish and half feel they are arrogant.

However, Manchester is helping to bridge this gulf, with 30 per cent of southerners having visited, making it more popular than any other city in the north.

Commenting on the findings, Paul Simpson, of Greater Manchester's tourist board VisitManchester, said: "I'm pleased our friends down south consider Manchester `the' place to visit in the north.

"Coronation Street is a great ambassador for the city but there's more to Manchester than cobbled streets and pints of bitter.

"Over the last ten years, many areas of the city have been transformed beyond recognition. I hope more southerners make the journey 'up north' this year. We've got some great events over the next 12 months."ADNFCR-1219-ID-18479452-ADNFCR

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