Victoria Station reopens for first time since atrocity

Victoria Station reopened today (Tuesday, May 30) for the first time since last week’s terrorist attack on Manchester Arena which claimed the lives of 22 people.

Northern, Trans Pennine Express and Metrolink are operating a full timetable of services.

Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “We continue to grieve with the families of those who died, and support those injured. I’ve been clear that all public bodies must take a families-first approach in the days, months and years ahead to ensure their needs and wishes are fully understood and considered.

“Victoria station’s reopening is an important statement about our city’s recovery from this devastating attack. It continues to send out the message that we will not be bowed, we will not be divided, and we will stand together.”

The opening of the station, following the lifting of the police cordon, means full timetabled Metrolink and rail services will resume across the network. To find out more passengers should check with their rail operator, at www.tfgm.com or on the National Rail Enquiries website.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This has been an incredibly difficult week for Manchester and everyone affected by the attack. Our thoughts remain very much with the families and friends at this time.

“The re-opening of Victoria Station, a major transport hub, is a symbolic moment in the recovery process as the city shows its defiance and resilience by moving forwards.

“I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of the emergency services and railway staff, many of whom were among the first on the scene of last week’s devastating events, to return the station to use.”

Meanwhile, the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, launched to raise money for people who have been injured or bereaved in the attack has now reached £5.76m.

The fundraising campaign is being led by Manchester City Council in partnership with the British Red Cross, which is collecting the donations.

Contributions include £1m each from Manchester City and Manchester United football clubs.

Red Devils star Wayne Rooney and City midfielder Yaya Toure have also donated £100,000 each.

A new charity is now being set up by the City Council and partners to urgently distribute the funds, which will help alleviate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties.

Artists, other footballers, corporate partners and the public from Manchester, the UK and around the world have come together to support the appeal, including:
•    Musicians Liam Gallagher, Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, Take That, Eminem, One Republic, and Tim Burgess of the Charlatans
•    Actors Tom Hardy and Martin Freeman
•    Chelsea and Arsenal football clubs.