Stretford, Greater Manchester

Stretford is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford, in Greater Manchester, England.

Stretford lies about 6 km. (4 miles) to the south-west of Manchester City Centre, within the historic county boundaries of Lancashire, and has a population of around 44,000.

The town of Stretford neighbours Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Urmston, Salford and Sale, and lies on the Bridgewater Canal.

In 1974, as a result of the Local Government Act 1972, Stretford became a part of the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford in Greater Manchester.

The Trafford local government area called Stretford comprises the local areas of Old Trafford, Gorse Hill, Trafford Park and Firswood, as well as the town of Stretford itself.

To the north west of Stretford is The Trafford Centre, a large shopping and leisure complex that opened in September 1998. Frequent shuttle buses run between Stretford Metrolink tram station and The Trafford Centre, about 10 minutes away.

Stretford has been the home of Manchester United Football Club since 1910, when the club moved to its present Old Trafford ground, one end of the stadium is known as the Stretford End.  Manchester United Football Club website: www.manutd.com

Old Trafford was originally the home of Manchester Cricket Club, but became the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club in 1864 upon the clubs formation. The ground is on Talbot Road, Stretford, where it's been since 1856 and has been a test venue since 1884 and has since hosted three World Cup semi-finals. Lancashire County Cricket Club website: www.lccc.co.uk

Stretford's Metrolink tram station lies on the Altrincham to Bury line, convenient for Manchester city centre and beyond. The town also has good access to the motorway network, being located next to junction 7 of the M60 motorway.

The A56 road gives easy access to the south as well as to Manchester city centre in the other direction.

Trafford Park railway station is located in the north of Stretford, on the Liverpool to Manchester line.

Manchester International airport is situated 14 km. (9 miles) to the south of Stretford.

The Bridgewater Canal runs through Stretford and is navigable by pleasure craft.

Official Town of Stretford, Greater Manchester website: www.trafford.gov.uk