I'm speaking purely from a customer POV. I'm sure their ATC is competent.That's an interesting observation. Any organization that poorly run could not necessarily be relied upon to always do the right thing. Also would expect them to be particularly skittish about (more) embarrassing/bad publicity. FOD incident where a child's ball/balloon was spotted floating along on an active airfield? Not a good look, a possible reason for them to deny the incident happened. Without access to airport authority documents, video, radio transmissions, etc., little chance to know either way.
The baggage handlers, gate attendants and security check personnel, not so much...
I have had to buy a new suitcase every time I have flown out of Manchester. Which is unfortunate, because I live there.