Mark
I started out on the PPL back at the beginning of January and have so far accumulated just under 10 hours and have started doing the circuit work.
I am based out of Cumbernauld - I know a little far for you to travel!!! but here we have the luxury of being able to get in the circuit (along with the other training establishments here) and the other bonus is that we are not that far away from the controlled airspace of either Glasgow or Edinburgh for some hefty RT familiarisation..
Not being too well up on matters geographical - if Barton is cheaper and closer to you than Manchester, I would go with that option.. From Barton you can always pay (£££) a visit to Manchester via the airways to gain experience.
Just my tuppence worth..
Dave