Early closing for Eid celebration

Police will be diverting traffic away from Rusholme

Restaurants and takeaways will shut early to prevent trouble during the Eid celebrations in Manchester.

The city's Muslim community will be gathering in the next few days in Rusholme to mark Eid ul-Adha.

Business leaders say shutting takeaways and restaurants early will minimise disruption to local residents.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched an operation to divert traffic away from the area and keep the celebrations trouble-free.

It has been working with the community, the Rusholme Business Association and the Council of Mosques.

Supt Dave Keller, of GMP, said: "Eid is a very important part of the Muslim calendar and we are extremely proud that Rusholme is a focal point for the UK Muslim community.

"As part of the policing operation, and to allow the local Muslim community to celebrate their religious festival with minimal disruption, an increased number of police officers will be patrolling the area and will be diverting traffic away from Wilmslow Road during the celebrations."