Climate change protesters will take over Deansgate for four days this weekend.

Extinction Rebellion organisers have confirmed that the climate change campaign group will occupy the busy city centre street from Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2.

Campaigners say they are doing this to 'highlight the ecological emergency'.

Deansgate is one of the most polluted roads in Manchester with illegal levels of nitrogen dioxide and named as the city’s worst street for pedestrians, according to protestors.

The street will be turned into a 'giant, peaceful, family-friendly zone' for four days.

Extinction Rebellion are planning to hold workshops and talks along the road, as well as offering a host of food, performances and art.

The event will spread across the city centre on Monday, will 'non-violent direct action protests' set to held in a variety of places.

(Image: MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS)

Claire, from Extinction Rebellion Manchester said: “Most Greater Manchester boroughs and the GM Combined Authority have now declared a climate emergency.

"Every policy, including transport, is now supposed to consider its effects on our climate crisis and help cut carbon emissions.

“Yet despite these statements little seems to change and we’re barely scratching the surface of the cuts we need to make.

"Manchester Airport is still expanding, and millions are still being invested in major road developments that will increase car journeys, such as Great Ancoats Street in Manchester."

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Campaigners - who are part of the Northern Rebellion movement - say they want Manchester to introduce car-free days.

They also want private cars to be included in the forthcoming Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone proposal.

Claire added: “We apologise in advance for any inconvenience, but this is a very small price to be paid in comparison to the threat to life we are facing.

(Image: Extinction Rebellion)

"Unfortunately, years of polite campaigning and petitions have not worked, and we are left with no choice.

"We have been working with Greater Manchester Police to minimise disruption and they have been helping other agencies plan contingencies, and people plan alternative means to travel over this period."

Last week, protesters announced that they would gather in a 'prominent location' .

The M.E.N understands that an advisory was sent round to city centre businesses last Friday, warning them to expect road closures and transport delays during the protest.

It also suggested contingency plans for staffing rotas, re-routing travel where possible and rearranging delivers and drop-offs.

Greater Manchester Police said: "GMP is aware of the Extinction Rebellion Protest that is taking place in Manchester from Friday 30 August - Monday 2 September.

"People intending to travel into Manchester during this period should consider allowing more time when planning their journey. Please follow @OfficialTFGM for the latest travel information.

"The public can expect to see an increased police presence in and around the city centre and across our transport network.

"Our aim is to facilitate the protest, whilst trying to minimise disruption to all those who work, live or who will be visiting Manchester over this period.

"GMP is working closely with all the relevant partners and is liaising with communities and businesses that will be affected by the protests.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

"Officers have been engaging with the protesters to understand their plans so we can best respond to them as we respect everyone’s right to peaceful protest.

"We ask that the participants also respect the right of others to go about their daily business with minimal disruption. Thank you for your understanding."

Manchester Council said the city is 'used to events which bring an influx of people' and advised anyone who lives, works or is visiting the city centre to check TfGM and council social media for advice.

Deputy leader Cllr Nigel Murphy, said: "We believe in and respect people's right to peaceful protest and will always work with campaign groups, alongside the police and other agencies, to ensure they can demonstrate safely and effectively.

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"We recognise the urgency of the issue which they are raising. Manchester City Council declared a climate change emergency last month and we are determined to be in the forefront of tackling this urgent issue.

"We have set a target of making Manchester a zero carbon city by 2038 or earlier – at least 12 years ahead of the national target.

"However, in return for respecting the rights of protesters we expect that they respect the right of Manchester residents and people working in, or visiting, the city centre to go about their day-to-day business. We hope that the campaigners will extend them that courtesy.

"Manchester is used to events which bring an influx of people and we would encourage people who live, work in or visit the city centre not to be deterred but to be aware of potential impacts and check TfGM and Manchester City Council social media, and local media, for any updated advice."