Greater Stretford

Greater Stretford Metropolitan and Regional Authority

The Heart of Maanenland
Map of Maanenland with Greater Stretford highlighted
Maanenland Region
Capital	Stretford
Largest City	Stretford Metropolitan District
Governor	Lieutenant Commander Vernon Keligh
Languages	Maanenic , Dutch,English,Russian,French
Population
- Population	468,342,218 (2nd)
- Density]]	419 / km2
Became Part of the Grand Duchy
- Date	1982
Time	MCT
Elevation
- Highest Point	2450m (Mounthatten Ridge)
- Mean Elevation	300m
- Lowest Point	-40 m (Ronley Marshes)
Abbreviations
- RMM	GST
- Landranger	STRET

Greater Stretford is often seen as the 'heart' of Maanenland as it has the highest population density and has the nation's capital at it's centre.

History

Greater Stretford came into existance in 1982 under the Maanenland New Regions Act. It was deisgned to encapsculate the commuter belt of the city of Stretford.

The first recorded settlement in the region was near Coltishall at Bromborough. Originally the region was split into distinct zones. The county was formed using pieces from Chesterford (Valley) , Dycan (Valley) , Mounthatten County , Stretfordshire , Jenningtonshire and Longleigh. The project was the first and ultimatly the flagship of the new regions created.

Economy

The economy is centered primarilly around the service industries. Greater Stretford is the centre of all finanical activity in Maanenland centered around the finanical district of Palmyra Way in the Stretford borough of West Bridgehampton. Up to 15% of all Maanenland GNP is produced in the area surrounding the road.

Having three of Maanenland's largest cities in it's borders has encouraged planning developers to build over the surrounding countryside as the needs of the cities expand. This has had a negative effect on Agriculture production as farmers sell their land and usually gain other employment.

The nations capital , New Westminster , is situated within the borders of the region. Most government ministers live within GST and so the area has enjoyed beter than average investment in infrastructure and local services.

Politics

Regional politics has been dominated by the Maanenland First party who control the majority of councils in the region. A lack of manufacturing base and relativly high employment and living standards make this hostile territory for the Democratic Socialist Alliance.

Unlike every other regional government , Greater Stretford Metropolitan and Regional Authority is run as a federation of the various counties and duchies within it's borders. GSMRA therefore is relativly weak compared to the powers of it's neighbours. It is also the only region with it's own constitution despite having no legislative powers. This system was implemented to introduce Maanenland to federalism but subsequent governments appear to have abandonded this policy leaving GST unique. There are currently no plans for reform.

Lieutenant Commander Vernon Keleigh is one of the longest serving Regional Commanders and stood relativly unopposed in the last few general elections. He is renowned for his neutral standpoint on most issues and is seen as somewhat of a rebel , often voting against the wishes of his party. Nethertheless he remains a popular figure enjoying a staggering 89% popularity rating depsite his outspoken attacks on many aspects of society. For this reason most lieutenants are keen to seen supporting him.

Geography

The region is situated in a valley stretching from the mountains of Mounthatten Ridge to the plains of the Plains County. It has a temperate maritime climate due to predominant winds from the southwest.