A Reddit question ignites a lively discussion about Greater Manchester’s confusing local identities
Manchester: So, a question popped up on Reddit recently that got everyone talking. Someone asked if Tyldesley is part of Manchester or Wigan. You’d think it’s a simple question, right? Well, not quite.
Tyldesley has a Manchester postcode but a Wigan phone number, and it falls under Wigan council. It’s a bit of a geographical puzzle, especially since it’s close to Bolton.
It’s no wonder folks in Tyldesley are a bit confused about where they belong. And they’re not the only ones. Many areas in Greater Manchester are grappling with similar identity crises.
Take Prestwich, for example. It’s technically in Bury, but many locals feel more connected to Manchester. A survey showed that nearly 75% of residents identified with Manchester over Bury.
Then there’s Greenheys, a once-bustling area that’s now mostly part of other neighborhoods like Rusholme and Hulme. It’s got a rich history, but not much of its original vibe remains.
Middleton is another interesting case. After the 1974 Local Government Act, it was merged into Rochdale, leaving many residents scratching their heads about their identity.
New Islington has had a bit of a revival. Once forgotten, it’s now trendy with new flats and a marina, but the name itself has had a rocky history.
Firswood is a real head-scratcher. Locals call it Stretford, but the Royal Mail says it’s Old Trafford. It’s like a neighborhood caught in a naming tug-of-war.
And don’t get me started on Ashburys. There’s a station there, but no actual place called Ashburys in Manchester. It’s named after a railway company, which is just bizarre.
Ladybarn used to be a village but is now part of South Manchester’s sprawl. It’s a bit of a mix, bordering Fallowfield, Withington, and Burnage, but not really fitting into any of them.
Holt Town was once a factory colony, but now it’s mostly forgotten, with just a tram stop to remind us of its past.
Smedley Dip is another hidden gem, isolated until a footbridge connected it to Collyhurst. Now it’s finally part of the community.
And Pomona Island? It’s had its ups and downs, from a bustling dockland to a neglected area, but now it’s seeing new life with apartments popping up.
