Fighting the hype

Northern Moor residents are gathering in Wythenshawe Park this Tuesday (18 August) to protest against recent negative publicity around TV show, 'The Duchess on the Estate'.

Poor publicity for Northern Moor

A documentary featuring Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was recently filmed in Northern Moor. Publicity for the programme (due to be aired this week) has already angered and upset locals, with comments that the area is ‘violent’ and ‘lacking in community spirit’.

Let down by stereotypes

Resident John Donaghey said: “We feel stereotyped and let down by this. The publicity surrounding this programme has made this area look like Beirut. I’ve lived here for 11 years and brought my family up. One son went to university and other is at grammar school. I’m not saying Northern Moor is perfect, but I’m proud to live here and there is a very strong community.”

Community spirit

Carole Carter, another long-term resident of Northern Moor, said: “The publicity around this programme is having a very detrimental effect on Wythenshawe. I don’t feel that the programme makers are going to show the whole area, with its quality housing, green spaces and community spirit. It’s all been very stereotyped and hyped. I live here, it is my home and I’m not happy with the way it is being portrayed. We need to show our support of the area to prove a point.”

Show your support

The park was chosen as the venue for this because it is one of the finest green spaces in Manchester and has been given a green flag award. And it’s one side of Wythenshawe that the programme has failed to show. If you’d like to show your support, the protest will meet at 11.15am, in the Courtyard tea rooms of Wythenshawe Park, Altrincham Road.