Demo that never was
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• Police and journalists waited patiently in the centre of Manchester on Tuesday morning last week for a protest that never was. They had been told that members of Manchester Students' Union community relations working party had planned a demonstration for the arrival of the new 8.50 am executive bus from Hale Barns in protest against a 3d surcharge on peak-hour buses which is to be introduced by SELNEC PTE.
Of the 30-strong team of "sarcastic" demonstrators, who had intended to meet the businessmen travelling on the bus with a red carpet and wheelchairs, only a handful turned up.
When the bus did arrive it was empty. Inspectors armed with "walkie-talkies" had tipped off the driver as to where the students were waiting and how to avoid them.
Mr Terry Cannon, campaign secretary, said he did not see why businessmen should be pampered and allowed to travel in comparative luxury at the expense of the ordinary bus commuting public; another protest would probably be arranged.