Commonwealth Games: Manchester plans bid

HAVING failed to attract the Olympic Games, Manchester is planning a bid to host the 2002 Commonwealth Games. Bob Scott, the chairman of Manchester's Olympic Bid committee, said yesterday: 'I am convinced that Manchester must continue to 'think big'. Bidding for the Commonwealth Games will be an excellent step forward.'

If Manchester does go for the Commonwealth Games, it would effectively rule out the possibility of a third consecutive bid to stage the Olympics. But Scott believes a Commonwealth bid will be the springboard for further attempts to host sport's biggest event.

The leader of the City council, Graham Stringer, said: 'We are seriously considering a bid. There is already agreement in principle.'

Cities have until 1 December to confirm their interest. The Commonwealth Games Federation will make its decision on the host city in November 1995.