A teenager was attacked with a knife and left with a stab wound in Pendlebury this afternoon.

Police were called to the incident which happened on Elizibeth Street at around 2:30pm.

The man was taken to nearby Salford Royal Hospital where he is said to be in a serious but none life threatening condition.

Police patrolled the area and a cordon was put in place but has since been lifted.

Police have not yet disclosed as to if anyone has been arrested.

A spokesperson for GMP said:

Quote

 

"At around 2:30pm on Friday January 31 police were called to Elizabeth Street in Pendlebury to a report a man had been stabbed.

"An 18-year-old man has been taken to hospital in a serious condition. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening."

 

Anyone who witnessed the attack or with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police have recovered a Blue Ford Kuga SUV this morning which was stolen back in 2018.

The vehicle is thought to have been driven on False Plates.

Officers located the car on Kersal Way in Lower Kersal, Salford and it will now be thoroughly examined by a police forensics team whilst officers make checks on CCTV footage from around the area in a bid to identify the person(s) who have been using it.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the next of kin of a man from Salford who has sadly passed away.

David Stevens (09/10/1969) aged 50, passed away at his home address at Westminster House, St Stephen’s Street, Salford on Tuesday 28 January 2020.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about David’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.

We are a nation of shopkeepers as the famous saying goes and wrongly attributed to Napoleon by many people, but we are not here for a history lesson.

At salford.media we thought it would be a good idea to celebrate the local shopkeepers who do a sterling job in meeting our needs and fighting against the Big Boys who own the supermarkets.

Take a look around you, we have barbers, butchers, newsagents, corner shops, off licences, florists, chemists, and bakers.

And it is with those that we have chosen our inaugural winner, step forward, Ivor Ward, who has run Ward's Bakery on Barton Lane for the past 50+ years.

The shop has been in his family since 1922, a staggering 98 years!

Ivor took over from his father, Thomas Frederick Ward who in turn took it over from his father and inside the shop are photographs showing them standing proudly outside the premises.

To get back to the present day, the shop is going as strong as ever with customers coming from all over the area to purchase his wares which are all made on the premises.

Take your pick from Eccles Cakes, (the only shop in Eccles to still make them), mince pies, gingerbread men, chocolate shortbread, blackcurrant tarts, iced fingers....

However the shop is well worth visiting for his mouth watering selection of pies, meat and potato, cheese and onion, meat, steak and kidney and sausage rolls.

Have you ever tasted the shops delicacy, cheese potato cakes? they are wonderful as my waistline will testify.

This shop is a marvellous example of an independent bakery, who has managed to keep going because his products are second to none and faithful customers who know quality when they taste it.

And the good news is that Ivor assures me has no plans for retirement just yet and has a couple of daughters who may take over the reins one day, but not just yet.

We shall be doing a series of articles on local shops, doesn't matter what the trade is, if you think they deserve an award, why not drop us a line at newsdesk@salford.media

The next recipient will be directly chosen by the people of Salford who will have a chance to nominate and vote for the 'BEST CHIPPY IN SALFORD 2020' details coming soon via our 27.5 Thousand Strong Facebook Group.

What is the secret of long life? Today I spoke to a lady who certainly has the answer to this question and plenty more, the wonderful Lillian Berry who will be 100 years young on Sunday 9th February and Amadeus Care Home in Eccles where she currently resides, is hoping to help celebrate her long life and make the occasion extra special by asking the Salford community to send Lillian a birthday card.

Lillian is a wonderful person and an inspiration to us all who still has a twinkle in her eye as she told me her life story and I was enthralled to hear it.

She was born, Lillian Paisey in Lawrence Street, Eccles in a two up, two down terraced house along with seven other siblings, so I should imagine life was hard from day one.

Her parents moved from London to Eccles looking for work after the end of WW1 and found employment at Brown and Polson's Trafford Park, a short boat journey across the Manchester Ship Canal away.

After finishing at Eccles Parish School at the age of 14 she was soon to be a breadwinner working at Turners Asbestos Company, an industry and company you would hardly associate with good health.

She told me about the Christmas Blitz of 1940 and how she was forced to shelter in the deep cellars at Brown and Polson,

Quote

 

"It was the noise I remember most, the sound of the bombs falling and the rattle of machine gun bullets being fired, it was really frightening for me, terrible, really terrible, I will never forget it"

 

The war did see Lillian meet her husband to be, George who at the time was serving on the HMS Nizam in the Royal Navy,

Quote

 

"I asked him why he had joined the Navy and he told me, he didn't like walking! he came from Yorkshire and was a lovely looking man, we got married at Eccles Parish Church and he looked very smart in his navy uniform.

"The separations when he went away were awful, waiting for a letter from him and when they did arrive were so heavily censored there wasn't much to read."

 

It was lovely to hear Lillian tell me that when she was a girl, she and her sister would visit the local cinemas in Eccles and Patricroft, calling in at the Empire, which closed in 1940 after being damaged in the Blitz, The Crown and The Palladium where she recalls seeing a lady violinist playing on stage between films.

After the war, George and Lillian settled down in Salters Lane, Eccles wiith George working at Gardners, in Peel Green as a machine engineer, were they had two children, Dennis and Norma.

One of George's hobbies was fishing, but as Lillian told me,

Quote

 

"I got tired of sitting at home while he was out fishing, so I bought my own fishing rods and joined him, we would go out on his motorbike, sit by a canal or pond fishing and then fall asleep in the grass, we were so happy."

 

Sadly George was to die tragically young aged just 61, however Lillian forged ahead with her life telling me of her new found hobby of decorating.

Quote

 

"I loved doing it and I was very good at it, you couldn't see the seams of any of my jobs.

"I decorated several friends rooms, I told them to go out for the day and leave me so I could finish the job, I never had any complaints!"

 

I did ask her how she had kept so young, the secret?

Quote

 

"I keep busy, I keep going, doing things be as active as I can, I wan't one for sitting still, I like helping people, I loved helping my neighbours out, I miss things like that as I have grown older."

 

As I sat and listened to her it occurred to me that in her lifetime she had seen, The Great Strike, WW2, the bombing of Eccles, the birth of the National Health Service, the silent cinema, three Kings and one Queen on the throne, 25 Prime Ministers, Decimalisation  and so many, many more.

Lillian will be having a family birthday party next Sunday surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, however she will not be touching alcohol.

Quote

 

"Oh,I hate that stuff, I remember having some of it with a friend years ago, I fell asleep and woke up with a terrible headache, so no, never again, lemonade for me"

 

I for one will raise a glass to you Lillian, for you are truly a special person and it was pleasure to spend an hour with you, many thanks.

Finally I would like to ask for your help here, I thought it would be good idea if any of our readers would be so kind as to send her a birthday card? it would really surprise her and help make her special day that little bit more special.

So, if you can, drop her a card to:

Lillian Berry

c/o Amaadeus,

      Hampson Grove

      Eccles

      M30 OQU

Cheers!

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued crime prevention advice, helping the public to secure their vehicles and keep their tools safe.

GMP continues to raise awareness of this type of crime, engaging with local traders and retailers to educate on what to look out for, how to report suspected tool thefts and help return any stolen items to their rightful owners.

Thieves are often opportunists and burglaries can happen any time of the day, so as well as working proactively to target offenders, GMP are encouraging residents to follow simple steps to help keep their vehicles and tools safe.

Superintendent Andy Sidebotham would like to reassure the public that GMP officers are committed to tackling burglaries, and is also keen to encourage residents to do their part in helping keep their possessions safe.

Superintendent Sidebotham said:

Quote

 

“The impact of tool theft can have a significant effect on victim’s livelihood, not only on the financial implications of replacing tools but also the loss of work which can come as a result of this impactful crime.   

“We continue to monitor the number of burglaries across Greater Manchester and gather information to adapt our strategy to reduce the number of thefts from vehicles and target those responsible.

“Keeping vehicles locked at all times, considering where vehicles are parked, keeping keys safe and registering high value objects on Immobilise can all help reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

“Electric drills, power saws, jigsaw, tool boxes, nail guns, leaf blower and hand drills are the most frequently reported stolen, so please consider registering all of these items if you have them, and not leaving them in your van overnight.

“It is essential everyone remains vigilant, both day and night. If we can all be more pro-active in following our advice, thefts should begin to fall.”

 

Top tips issued by GMP are as follows:

Keep vehicles locked at all times, regardless of how long they are left unattended. Thieves are opportunists, so even if you are nipping inside for a short time, minutes is all it takes.

Always check the doors after locking, especially when leaving equipment in vehicles. Criminals can also use devices which block the key fob signal, so always double check your vehicle is locked.

Keep keys away from windows and doors, not only so they are out of sight and reach, but also to make it harder to pick up the key signal to access vehicles without physically having the keys.

Keeping keys in a metal tin, or foil lined bag can also help to ensure access cannot be gained as storing keys this way completely blocks any signal being picked up.

Register property on Immobilise.com, so property can be returned to the rightful owner if recovered. Immobilise is a free register for high valued possessions, including all power tools.

Have tools etched with personal information. This reduces the opportunity for offenders to sell them on.

Where possible, park in well lit, busy areas and within range of CCTV.

Park with accessible doors against walls/garages/fences to block entry.

Add signage to vans stating ‘no vehicles left in this van overnight’

It is really important that our communities help us to combat theft by sharing any intelligence on. Crimestoppers enables anyone to share information whilst remaining anonymous. You can call them on 0800 555111.

To report any suspicious activity, please contact Greater Manchester Police via the Live Chat on the GMP homepage, or call 101. In an emergency, please dial 999.

Staff from the BBC's popular Radio Five Live station which is based out of MediaCityUK are to faced with being axed as the Broadcaster looks to make cuts in order to streamline and modernise its services.

The reason is being stated as being due to the changing listening habits of the audience and increasing demand for digital content.

Overall up to 450 jobs will be cut across the Corporations News Division with 12 of those coming from MediaCity as it seeks to make savings of £80m per year, although the Beeb will reportedly be looking to recruit 2 'digital journalists' which would bring the total of net losses to 10 or 9 if you take into account one of the positions lost is actually more London based.

In contrast MediaCity is currently home to some 4,000 BBC staff members, many of which made the move North when the BBC shifted its operations to Salford.

It is not all doom and gloom though as the BBC has also recently announced its intentions to move its BBC Sounds digital platform up North to its new Salford base.

Director of News and Current Affairs Fran Unsworth said:

Quote

 

“The BBC has to face up to the changing way audiences are using us. We have to adapt and ensure we continue to be the world’s most trusted news organisation, but crucially, one which is also relevant for the people we are not currently reaching.

“We need to reshape BBC News for the next decade in a way which saves substantial amounts of money. We are spending too much of our resources on traditional linear broadcasting and not enough on digital.

“Our duty as a publicly funded broadcaster is to inform, educate, and entertain every citizen. But there are many people in this country that we are not serving well enough.

“I believe that we have a vital role to play locally, nationally and internationally. In fact, we are fundamental to contributing to a healthy democracy in the UK and around the world. If we adapt we can continue to be the most important news organisation in the world.”

 

She went on to say that there would be a reorganisation of the newsroom along a ‘story-led’ model, with journalists working cross-platform.

The are to be more journalists based outside London with a new version of the BBC News app, which will be “more intuitive, more visual, and with increased personalisation”.

A review of presenter numbers and how they work as well as changes to its World Update service and Asian language services.

In the past year the BBC has been slammed for its extravagant wages paid out to its stars so news of jobs cuts will no doubt be met with anger.

Photo: SM

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted man from Little Hulton, Salford.

Kaileb Harrison (21/12/1995) is wanted after absconding from prison.

He was jailed for 11 years in October 2017 for robbery and burglary offences.

Harrison is known to have links to the Little Hulton area of Greater Manchester.

Anybody with information regarding his whereabouts should contact police on 0161 856 5285 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The three year project led by Dave Eccleston and involving members of the Salford Irish Traveller Community, Salford Children's Services and Salford Community Leisure - has led to the creation of a spectacular traditional Bow Top Gypsy wagon constructed in the distinctive style pioneered by renowned Leeds wagon builder Bill Wright (1844-1909). A man who is considered to be one of the finest wagon builders of all time.

The 12 feet long (3.6 metre) ‘vardo’ took 3-years to build and is decorated with traditional paints and furnishings, but the project was so much more than just its construction, it built strong links between the diverse community groups who worked upon it.

Over 20 young travellers and non-travellers from a wide range of backgrounds were involved in the project, in which they worked together under the guidance of a local Irish Traveller master craftsman, learning from his wealth of skills in traditional wagon making that have been passed on through generations to him and now passed on to a new generation.

Additionally the project allowed the youths to explore the unique minority heritage which is often misunderstood and maligned, the programme immersed them in the tradition, culture, heritage and identity of the Irish traveller community.

The group gained Duke of Edinburgh awards and volunteering accreditation for their work on the wagon which cost just short of £50,000 to complete.

Technicians from Pendleton Together's repairs team were involved in giving the wagon its finishing touches and the wagon has already been exhibited at Salford's Museum and Art Gallery and over the coming years it will embark on tours of local schools, libraries and will feature at local community events.

The 'Traveller Wagon Project' was part of the 'Young Roots exhibition' funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund with a grant of £49,300 which was awarded back in 2015 and organised by Salford City Council’s children’s services.

What they have created is nothing more than a thing of beauty but more importantly the project has helped to bridge the divides between Salford's communities and taught traditional skills to a new generation.

Photos: Pendleton Together, Salford Council, Salford Community Leisure

Main Photo: David Eccleston

As Manchester’s original and longest operating airport celebrates its 90th anniversary (Wednesday, 29 January), owners of City Airport, Peel L&P, has invested £1 million into the historic airport which will boost its Heliport facilities as well as its commercial and leisure flight capabilities over the next decade.

In the past year, there has been significant investment in the management and operation of the facility as well as the expansion of City Airport’s aircraft hangar, tripling in size, to enable additional private planes to be based at the Airport.

Currently, the Heliport, based at City Airport in Salford (formerly known as Barton Aerodrome) hosts over 3000 take off and landings each year, with plans to further bolster this side of the business.

City Airport Director, Nick Duriez said:

Quote

 

“The Heliport really sets us apart from Manchester Airport and there is huge potential for growth. We are easily accessible for all commercial, sporting and entertainment venues across Greater Manchester and our discreet location is very attractive to many of our high-profile customers. Visitors can be in the heart of the UK’s second city within 10 minutes.”

“However, to reach its full potential we have a vision, with Peel L&P’s support, to refurbish the pilot and passenger lounge facilities within the main building as well as improve fuel facilities and helicopter and parking areas.”

 

City Airport, which was the first licensed airfield in the UK when it opened on 29 January 1930, and later the Heliport, in 2012, has become a thriving aviation hub occupied by 24 aviation-led businesses, employing almost 150 people. It is also home to the North West Air Ambulance Charity.

As well as business hub, City Airport has also become a popular leisure attraction which drew in 200,000 visitors last year alone.

Nick added:

Quote

 

“Since launching the Runway 26 café five years ago as well as investing in an outdoor play area, it has enabled us to attract visitors to a number of public events which we host throughout the year, as a result, we’ve seen our visitor numbers grow year on year. The control tower, which is believed to be the oldest continuously operated one in Europe, has also proved to be a point of interest to many of our visitors.”

 

It has also become established as a stepping stone for those pursuing a career in the aviation industry.

Even Nick, who joined City Airport over 25 years ago on work experience, has worked his way through the ranks to become Airport Director:

Quote

 

“We have seen many hundreds of young people starting their aviation careers here and go on to become air traffic controllers and commercial airline pilots.  We also have a comprehensive educational programme to inspire young people to consider a career in aviation. There are many varied jobs in the industry that many young people are not aware of and we educate them on the opportunities available to them.”

 

Despite, being the first licensed airfield in the UK, City Airport’s long-term fate was sealed on 25 July 1934 when KLM visited the site as a potential new UK base to operate from. However, the site wasn’t considered large enough to accommodate the rapid growth in aircraft size at that time.  It was at this point Ringway, now known as the location of Manchester International Airport, was earmarked.

Councillor Roger Jones, Executive Support for Transport at Salford City Council, said:

Quote

 

“We’re proud of the many firsts to come out of Salford and City Airport is no exception. As the UKs first purpose-built municipal airport with the oldest and continually running control tower it is an important part of Salford’s heritage and in its 90th year it continues to bring a wealth of commercial and social value to the area.”

 

Insert Photo: City Airport Director, Nick Duriez

Main Photo: Manchester’s original airport courtesy of Manchester Libraries, Information and Archives

Skill Givers is a pilot project which aims to make the most of volunteer time offered by employer supported volunteering schemes for everyone involved.

This project is part of the support offered by Salford CVS in partnership with Macc and Sport England.

Skill Givers are looking for groups and organisations in Manchester and Salford interested in doing Employer Supported Volunteering differently to join their action group. As part of the action group, you will receive support to trial and test new ideas and problem-solve. Your participation will also shape the development of the project and how it can best connect the skills of employees to the needs of voluntary organisations.

Event details

When: Date and time will be confirmed at a later date

Where: Manchester City Centre

Lunch will be provided. 

Your chance to win

Any group which requests further information before midday on Wednesday 29th January will be entered into a draw to win a FREE place at the upcoming Managing Volunteers in Charities Conference on Thursday 30th January.

Register your interest by contacting Hayley now. 

They are the unsung heroes of Salford, bringing comfort and care to those with terminal cancer and so a Swinton man is aiming to raise funds for St Ann's Hospice along with two other charities after becoming inspired by a close friend's courage as he fought a battle against cancer.

Krisna Lakhani  will run the Asics Manchester Marathon on Sunday, April 5 in honour of the brave fight against cancer put up by his friend who received care from the much beloved Little Hulton based hospice.

Krisna, from Swinton, was at the bedside of Sean Archer almost every day during his stay at St Ann’s Hospice.

Sean, from Ancoats, spent 11 months as an inpatient at the Little Hulton hospice before he died of cancer in August 2017, aged just 29.

Krisna is raising funds for St Ann’s, MIND and The Christie, where Sean was also treated, when he undertakes his first marathon.

After completing the Manchester half marathon in a personal best time, Krisna runs the same distance in Bath in March before his marathon attempt.

Krisna Lakhani , A regional officer for financial services trade union Accord, he said:

Quote

 

"Sean had one of the longest stays of any inpatients at the hospice which showed how brave he was battling his illness.

"I was there all the time to support him and the staff there were amazing, lifting his spirits and providing comfort in his time of need."

 

* To sponsor him visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/KrisnaLakhani

The 2020 course has a new route with a  three-mile city centre loop with the finish line at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground.

Entry is free for runners pledging to raise £300 for St Ann’s – the amount which could pay for a patient to attend a day therapy session.

Perks as a Team St Ann’s member include a #TeamStAnns running vest; fundraising pack; training and nutrition advice; a cheer point along the route; regular meet-ups; post-race reception and an  events team supporting runners every step of the way.

Runners with their own place have no minimum sponsorship. 

For more details email events@sah.org.uk or call 0161 498 3628.

Source: St Ann's Hospice

Kids can go free at an exhibition in Manchester that features 100 pieces of artwork constructed from over 1 million Lego bricks.

The Art of the Brick, is a globally renowned touring exhibition made entirely out of LEGO and this half -term they are offering free child’s tickets.

From Monday 10th February to Sunday 23rd February kids can get in free so long as each is accompanied by one paying adult.

Nathan Sawaya’s ART OF THE BRICK exhibition is created with millions of LEGO building blocks and is unique in its scope which ranges from new conceptual pieces to replicas of iconic classical artwork. This travelling exhibition is one of the most extraordinary and innovative exhibitions in recent memory and it speaks to all ages.

Heralded by CNN as a global “must-see exhibition”, The Art of the Brick returns to the UK, at The Great Northern Warehouse, after five years touring around the world.

Manchester is the chosen city for this world class-exhibition to reside in, until April 20th, 2020. The Art of the Brick features 3D sculptures and oversized portraits from Sawaya’s collection, which are built from standard LEGO® bricks.

Popular pieces include My Boy, Dinosaur and captivating recreations of iconic art, including the Mona Lisa. 25 never-before-seen pieces in the UK are also showcased at the Manchester exhibition. Seen by millions, The Art of the Brick exhibition has toured globally for more than 12 years, collecting critical acclaim wherever it lands.

Tickets available via: https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/artist/1663495

Aiden Byrne has announced that he is to take over the Grade-II listed Black Friar pub on the corner of Blackfriars Road and Trinity Way.

The mersey born chef who won a Michelin Star aged just 22-yeas-old has teamed up with the Done brothers developer arm Salboy to transform the pub into the centre piece of the local Blackfriars development.

The new design will retain the use of all three floors of the original building with the addition of a new single level glazed building to the side so long as permission is granted by council planners when plans are put forward next month. The Chef is hoping to be open for business by late summer.

The pub will feature a traditional interior with wood panelling and open fires, a first floor fine dining restaurant with 20-25 covers, whilst the new glass structure will house a more casual dining experience with an open kitchen.

Both Salboy and it's construction partner Domis will be putting up £2m in funding for the project with an additional sizeable investment from Byrne who closed his 'Restaurant Manchester' early last year citing problems with the rolling lease on the building giving him no other choice. His former staff will reportedly be retained and put to work in this new venture.

It was once in the running to become Manchester's main airport, over the years it has seen Vulcan Bombers and Red Arrows adorn its skies to the delight of thousands of onlookers, today it is home to Greater Manchester Police's eyes in the skies as well as the lifesaving and indispensable North West Air Ambulance, ready to take to the air in a matter of minutes to fly to the aid of those who need it most. 

Salfords very own airport will be celebrating its 90th Birthday later this month on Wednesday 29th of January and you are invited to come along between 3-5pm to join in the celebration and raise a free glass of Proscecco to the old girl, you can even grab a slice of very special Birthday cake too.

First construction started on the site in 1928 as the region needed an aerodrome to replace the temporary one located in Whythenshawe. It was in January 1930 that the now iconic grass airstrips and hangers were completed with passenger flights taking off later that same year as the regal sounding Imperial Airways operated its thrice-weekly services to London via a stop off in Birmingham for tea and refuelling. 

It was not until three years later that construction on its control tower and wireless station were completed, one of the first in the country to actively communicate with aircraft and 90-years-later it is thought to be one of the oldest surviving and still operating towers in Europe.

Over the years it has seen the ravages of war, a major part of the battle of Britain as the site was requisitioned for repairs and overhaul of the planes tasked with protecting our skies. It has also seen loss after the crew of the last air worthy Dehavilland Mosquito suffered a power loss during a turn at the once annual airshow, sadly crashing to the ground resulting in the complete loss of the crew.

It has also seen loss of another kind after the Lancashire Aero Club departed in 2007 due to a dispute over the new owners Peel Holdings who bought the land and buildings from Manchester City Council a few years before. The Club had been stationed at the field since 1946 and it was with great sadness to see them go.

It was once considered as a candidate for our regional airport, only missing our by a small margin to Ringway Aerodrome which went on to expand into what is now Manchester Airport. Some would argue that this was a good thing as it would have irrevocably altered the area for the worst, its now protected Mosslands would have been devastated. Some - including ourselves think it is perfect just the way it is.

Despite numerous refurbishments the aerodrome now renamed to City Airport (Manchester) has retained its quaintness, its now grade ii listed tower still looms over the trees along Liverpool Road in Barton and the old hangers have been refurbished and given a whole new lease of life. It even has a newly renovated and much used popular Cafe Bar, known as the Airport Lodge, a regular provider of food, drink & great entertainment in the area.

Last year the airport hosted a drive-in cinema for those lucky enough to secure free tickets and over recent years it has recommenced its increasingly popular family fun days and charity 'Fly In' events. It even hosts an annual fireworks display, although, the 2019 display had to unfortunately be called off due to the absolutely abysmal weather which had left the ground completely sodden.

Barton has survived and flourished in a world in which many similar sized aerodromes have failed, it has done so by retaining its character, whilst at the same time exploring new boundaries and taking advantages of new local and regional needs.

It truly is a much loved part of our city and we are sure it will endure and keep on flying high for Salford for many many years to come.

As the airport turns 90, there will be members of the team to welcome visitors and well-wishers with talks and shared memories of the sites rich history as well as its plans for the future. There will be a gallery full of rare photos of times gone by as well as fun raffles and various prizes up for grabs. 

So stick the 29th of Jan in your calendar and set your heading to Barton.

Photos: SM

Update: it is now believed that the blast was caused by an industrial firework being placed under a vehicle.

Police have now left the scene and the cordon has been lifted.

----

Police are currently responding to an incident in the Clarendon area of Salford following wide-spread reports of a loud explosion being heard across much of the city just after 9:25pm this evening (27th Jan).

The investigation seems to be focused on a silver ford fiesta with a damaged rear bumper parked on the drive of a home on Bradden Close which is in the same general area which witnessed a firearms discharged upon a property earlier in the month.

There is a cordon currently in place around the area and police are on scene and dealing with the situation, officers advised residents to stay in doors whilst the Explosive Ordanance Disposal team accessed the situation.

We should stress that there is no suggestion of any threat to the wider public at this time.

Whilst our photographer was on scene he says that he witnessed hearing a smaller explosion but it is not known if it was related to this incident.

A response from Greater Manchester Police says:

Quote

 

"Police were called at around 9.25pm tonight (Monday 27 January 2020) to reports of an explosion sound on Buckingham Street, Salford.

"A cordon has been put in place while Explosive Ordnance Disposal attend the scene as a precaution.

"No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.

"Officers are advising local residents to stay indoors while the scene is being assessed."

 

There were rumours that there had been a gas explosion being passed around social media but this has been dismissed as false.

We will bring you updates as we find out more.

Salford looks like it could braced for a chilly start to the week as the weather is going to take a bit of a turn this evening and the mercury is expected to drop below freezing in some areas. Motorists can expect possible Icy conditions as they awaken in the morning so we are advising you to take it easy on the roads and keep your speed down.

As for the remainder of this evening, UK Met Office is saying that it will be a mixed bag of showers and some drier, clearer spells this evening.

Overnight a band of rain will push across the region, heavy at times it is expected to fall as snow over the higher ground.

It looks set to be a cold night with icy patches and windy throughout.

Minimum temperature -2 °C.

Tomorrow looks to be a cold and windy day with a mixture of showers, often heavy, and some drier, brighter spells.

The showers could be wintry at times with snow on higher ground but it is unlikely to affect Salford.

Maximum temperature will not move much higher than 5 °C.

The cold temperatures are being caused by a tongue of cold air moving across from Canada which is expected to move across the country before the weekend.

Remember that if you have to defrost your car, DON'T leave the engine running as it is like a red rag to a bull for potential car thieves. Take care and be safe.

He tracked her phone using an app, imposed curfews as to when and where she could go out and even told her what clothes she could and couldn't wear. Their relationship broke down on numerous occasions but he made promises he could change, promises he could not keep.

He had taken control of almost every aspect of her life but his wife was bravely about to take that control back.

After finally plucking up the courage to kick her abusive husband out of the flat they shared, 30-year-old Shabaz Khan refused to hand back his key, instead he drove his car into his wife who was pregnant at the time, pinning her to the shutters of a car park causing distress and bruising to her legs.

Shabaz was arrested not long after whereupon he was taken to Swinton police station for questioning but denied the incident instead blaming it upon his wife saying that she had deliberately stood in front of him as he tried to drive away.

He was released on bail but with the condition not to make contact with his estranged wife, something he also failed to do as in April of 2019 he contacted her via Facebook, it was at that point he started stalking her movements attempting to intimidate her by following her around and standing staring at her.

Khan was arrested again by police but still maintained his innocence until a week before his trial was to get underway whereupon he changed his plea and admitted to stalking and common assault upon Ms Akbar.

The court heard that he has subjected his Ms Akbar to 'a planned and premeditated campaign of intimidation.' 

Shabaz apologised for his behaviour and told the court he now wished for a divorce and to move on with his life.

Khan,  who is currently living in Hampshire, was spared jail by Judge Patrick Field QC who instead gave him an 18-month community order and told that he must complete 200 hours unpaid work as well as being ordered to complete a building better relationships programme. Additionally an indeterminate restraining order has been placed upon him preventing him from making contact with his estranged wife.

If you are in a similar abusive or manipulative relationship, please don't suffer alone, there are people out there who are able to help you.

The following signs will help you distinguish if you have controlling partner within your life:

Their behaviour is inconsistent and sometimes highly erratic.

They don't accept responsibility for their mistakes often blaming you for making them act the way they do.

They want you all to themselves and don't want you to give attention to anyone else, especially those they perceive as a threat to their relationship.

They want to change you and mould you into what they want you to be and not what YOU want to be.

They're jealous of your relationships with others, especially close friends who they will often try to drive a wedge between in order to segregate you so they can continue their controlling behaviour unchallenged. 

They will often seek to isolate you from concerned family members by implying that they are trying to ruin your relationship out of jealousy.

A controlling person may put you down or make you feel stupid in order to get you to think that you need them. ... This is controlling and abusive behaviour, and you never need to put up with it. Controlling people often demean or criticise others as a means of building themselves up and appearing superior and in control.

Always remember that YOU are in control of your own life and only YOU can change it, no matter how little control you feel you may have you always have enough left to ensure that you can get help. 

salford.media has compiled a list of links to services and charities who are experts in this field and will guide you through.

https://salford.media/gethelp

Last week we reported upon a local councillor who had condemned the decision by broadcaster ITV to air a disrespectful Coronation Street story-line which echoed the real life tragic event which befell a local family far too closely. 

Councillor for Walkden South, Laura Edwards - appeared on Radio Manchester's Phil Trow show to speak of her upset at the impact the decision to air the controversial story-line had on a local family that has suffered unimaginable loss under far too similar circumstance. 

In an episode aired last week, viewers watched on in complete disbelief as the story unfolded before them of an arsonist setting alight a property containing a mother and her four children - leaving them trapped, and frantic to escape. 

Fortunately the ending was a lot different for the fictional characters - but in the stark reality of real life that was not the case for Michelle Pearson and her beautiful children who were callously robbed of their lives by those who are nothing more in our opinion than pure evil.

The tragedy which unfolded that night was the result of what is undoubtedly the most barbaric act to be carried out on Salford soil.

Brave Michelle fought off infection after infection after spending months in a coma having suffered 75% burns to her body as a result of the petrol bomb attack upon her home. She soldiered on determined to see justice for her four beloved children and watched on as those responsible were jailed for their murders. Sadly the ordeal had become too much for the 37-year-old and she succumbed to her injuries in August of 2019 and was once again reunited with the children who were so cruelly taken from her.

Their suffering may have ended but for the wider family, friends and loved ones the pain of what they have all lost still endures.

So it was without question that within moments of the scenes being aired our SalfordOnline Facebook group was inundated with countless anger fuelled posts from local people who were revolted at what they had seen portrayed on screen, Salfordians who have bore witness and shared in the suffering caused to a family that it has taken into its heart.

Out of the complete and utter respect we hold for the Pearson family we opted to block posts and ban discussion in order to limit the distress the grieving family are already under. the comments being made were scathing to say the least.

Laura took to the airwaves to speak for our City and she did that superbly by demanding that the show-runners give a full apology to the family who were left heartbroken from having to relive a still raw moment once more. They were given no forewarning of what was to be shown and it came as a huge shock to those family members who watched the show, not to mention the rest of salford either - so it would seem.

Now the MP for Worsley and Eccles South - Barbara Keeley, has added her voice to the matter by lodging an official complaint with industry regulator Ofcom on behalf of the Pearson Family, something that we understand many more have also chosen to do since the episode was shown.

Speaking on social media Ms Keeley said that although she understood the soap often addresses tough issues, it was not an excuse to air insensitive or hurtful materials which too closely echoed this real life tragedy:

Quote

 

The recent Coronation Street programme about a fire caused by arson affecting a family of five has caused deep hurt to the Pearson family and the local community affected by the fire two years ago in Jackson Street, Walkden. I have acted on behalf of the Pearson family with a complaint going to both ITV and the regulator Ofcom.

I understand that Coronation Street programmes often address tough issues but this is not an excuse for insensitive or hurtful material which too closely echoes a real life tragedy.

I know that the programme caused a wave of messages to the family from members of the public who were distressed at the story in this episode, and this added to their stress. I hope the complaints I have submitted help in communicating to the programme makers the damage that an insensitive story like this can do.

 

The ITV Soap has been slammed for its response so far in which it has maintained that it does not shy away from tackling sensitive issues with so far no apology forthcoming from the show-runners or the broadcaster. Many in viewers in Salford have told us they have abandoned the show and will not be tuning in again until a full apology is given.

ITV had a responsibility to put this right, admit it made a bad call and apologise to a family that they have left hurting.

Photo: Barbara Keeley