Broomstick
You're nine years out of the loop!
Barton was purchased by Peel Holdings in 2003 and it is called City Airport Manchester although we don't call it that.
LAC are still here, not sure of that rumour either.
It does seem Peel are continuing to invest in the aerodrome new hangars, drainage etc plus we have the new clubhouse.
Personally I think once you learn to take off and land from Barton you're pretty much sure of operating from anywhere given the grass runways and close proximity to restricted airspace, all good for learning a bit of disipline!