Andy Burnham raised safety concerns over Manchester mega warehouse

A public inquiry called by a deputy transport commissioner is examining opposition to round-the-clock operations at an 18-metre-high logistics warehouse operated by Whistl in Astley, Greater Manchester. Local residents and officials have raised serious issues about the facility, citing severe disruptions and risks to local children due to a lack of safe pedestrian crossings near the site. Before entering office, the former Greater Manchester mayor wrote to the transport commissioner to oppose plans that would increase the number of large lorries and trailers at the site. The outcome of the inquiry is expected in early December and is being viewed as a potential test case for how local communities might challenge similar industrial developments across Britain.