Emergency services were called shortly before 11pm (7th Dec) to reports of what is believed to be a road traffic accident between a motor-vehicle and pedestrian close to the junction of Manchester Road and Billy Lane in Clifton.

The road was temporarily closed and traffic diverted whilst emergency services dealt with the situation, although by 1:15am the following morning (8th Dec) the roads were reopened.

— TfGM (@OfficialTfGM) December 8, 2019

A666 Bolton Rd at Pendlebury is CLOSED at Billy Lane after a crash.

No access to Billy Lane as a result.

Traffic slow. pic.twitter.com/QWQ5UP2LCc

— MancTraffic (@manctraffic) December 8, 2019

@manctraffic is reporting the A666 has now been reopened and traffic is moving freely once more.

A witness reported that there was heavy rain fall in the area with a considerable amount of surface water visible on the road shortly before the incident.

Police and Ambulance services attended but as yet it is unclear as to the medical status of any those involved.

We have asked GMP & NWAS for more information.

This is the second serious accident on Salfords roads within 24 hours after a car ended up on its side after a collision in Kersal yesterday afternoon (7th Dec).

Photos: https://twitter.com/nee_si via Twitter & Steve Worsley

Miraculously only one minor injury was sustained by the driver of one of the cars after it flipped before hitting a wall and coming to rest in the front garden of a home on Littleton Road. Four other occupants travelling in both vehicles required no treatment and no one had to be taken to hospital.

Witnesses describe how one of the vehicles hit a parked car before being hit by the other car which ended up somersaulting into the frontage of a house before landing on its side in the front garden.

A spokesperson for Manchester Fire and Rescue said:

Quote

 

"We were called at 1.05pm to reports of a road traffic collision involving two vehicles.

"One car was on its roof and the other crashed into a pole.

"Nobody was trapped and it was just the driver who had minor cuts but didn't want any medical treatment.

"We left the scene at 1.45pm."

 

Police are now trying to determine the cause of the crash.

Transport for Greater Manchester reported that traffic in the area was being diverted due to road closures.

Travel Update: Littleton Road, Salford is closed in both directions between Northallerton Road and Ayrshire Road due to an RTC. Seek alternative route #TfGMTraffic

— TfGM (@OfficialTfGM) December 7, 2019

Drivers were advised to seek alternative routes, but the road has now been reopened.

Photos: Social Media/Google

Police have made arrests this morning after a very elderly male was targeted by a pick-pocket in Eccles town centre earlier this week, this latest incident follows on from a similar incident two weeks previously in which an elderly female had her purse stolen after being taken from her handbag.

This morning eagle eyed police in Eccles made arrests of those they suspect of being responsible for both incidents after an intensive search by officers over the last few days.

Police were seen putting one individual in the back of a police van on Morrisons car park this morning (Fri 6th Nov).

The suspects will be questioned regarding other related thefts also.

A spokesperson for Eccles police said,

Quote

 

"We deplore this type of crime where the most vulnerable in our society are preyed upon that would be unable to defend themselves."

 

With the festive season now in full swing, shoppers are being warned to be on-guard for opportunistic pick-pockets taking advantage of the crowds.

There are a few simple things YOU can do to make their attempts harder.

The Do's

Do keep purses and bags closed and secure at all times.
 

Do carry bags in front of you or diagonally across your chest.
 

Do return cards to your purse or wallet quickly and zip it up or button it.
 

Do use a purse that’s difficult to open. One that zips or snaps shut is best, and keep it closed.
 

Do use a money belt if you’re carrying a significant quantity of cash.
 

Do conceal your wallet in a buttoned or zipped pocket where it doesn’t bulge.
 

Do keep a list, separate from your wallet and phone, of contact numbers of family in case your phone is stolen.
 

Do keep a photocopy of your airline tickets, passport, credit cards and any other documents that would be impossible or inconvenient to replace if stolen.

The Don'ts

Don’t hang stuff on the back of a chair.

Don’t leave anything on the back of a pushchair.

Don’t place your belongings out of sight on the floor.

The only real way to ensure you don't become a victim is to make sure you are always fully aware of your surroundings and that your valuables are secure on your person at all times.

Rail services between Patricroft and City Centre Manchester are currently either suspended or delayed after a casualty was discovered on the tracks shortly after 5am this morning (Friday 6th).

Paramedics arrived at an area of track close to Patricoft station in Eccles, not long after and the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation has now begun to determine the circumstances of how the body came to be there has now started.

Attempts are currently being made to identify the person and inform the family.

As a result all routes were blocked during the morning rush hour.

Police say the incident is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Passengers using the line were being advised to use other options to travel else face delays this morning.

National Rail says,

Quote

 

"The emergency services are dealing with an incident between Patricroft and Manchester Victoria / Manchester Oxford Road.

"As a result, all lines are blocked."

 

Travel to Wales and Manchester Airport was also disrupted.

Council planners gave the go ahead today (5th Nov) for a new major trauma centre to be built between the current Hope building and the neighbouring Clinical Science building.

The new six storey building will house five new operating theatres as well as space for 72 beds and would be open 24/7 all year round.

It is hoped that the new build with its roof top helipad will save upwards of 50 more lives per year from across the region as every second counts for critically injured patients. The current system requires patients to be shuttled across to the hospital by an awaiting ambulance after landing at a nearby playing field. The new system will take out that part of the journey from the equation and in turn reduce the valuable time it takes for the severally injured to get the vital care they need.

Additionally the committee green-lit a separate dedicated 60 space intermediate care unit to be house on a plot of land next to the Stott Lane playing fields car park, which would allow patients to transition from hospital, back to their homes after treatment.

To negate the loss off 42 spaces on the car park, the hospital has agreed to extend the parking permit scheme in the local area as well as install cameras and better signage.

Questions were raised by local residents regarding the impact the two schemes would have on local residents but it was decided by the planning committee that the benefits to the community would outweigh any detrimental impact.

Update: Anthony is no longer wanted by police after an arrest was made.

Police are currently looking for Anthony Keighery (13/02/1979) was released from prison in September 2019 after being jailed in 2014 for burglary and knife point robberies in Tameside and South Manchester.

He is wanted on recall to prison after breaching the conditions of his license.

Keighery is also known to have links to the Tameside and Fallowfield areas of Greater Manchester.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Anthony Keighery should contact police on 0161 856 6013 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The ceremony was attended by Assistant Chief Constable of GMP Nick Bailey, the evenings officiating magistrate Stephen Paine, the Special Constabulary Chief Officer Mike Walmsley and Special Constabulary Inspector Phil Heyes, the Specials Trainer at GMP.

The attestation marks the end of the recruits five month training programme and the start of their volunteer role, giving at least four hours a week of their free time to assisting GMP officers to help keep Greater Manchester safe.

All special constables share the same powers as regular officers, including the power of arrest. Before being sworn in as a Special Constables and receiving their policing powers, officers make a declaration which is known as the Police Oath. Friends and family are invited to the attestation and it is a proud day for all involved.

Volunteering as a Special can bring with it a wide range of benefits, and all new recruits have their own reason for joining.

Lewis Lyons is currently studying for a degree in Policing and Criminal Investigation. He has joined as a Special to gain an insight into frontline policing and gain valuable experience to help towards achieving his long term goal of becoming a regular in the future. Lewis has been posted to Tameside.

Ellie Bradley-Wilkinson has been posted to Bury where she began her career as a GMP apprentice in January 2018. She has joined the Special Constabulary so she can get a glimpse of life as a regular officer, with hopes to join as a student officer in the future.

Ellie has already received a Branch Commanders commendation for her work in her current role. She hopes to build on her experience, gain new skills and develop her confidence. 

Anfas Akram currently works for GMP as an Operational Support Officer and feels this will give him an advantage whilst being out on patrol.  

Anfas is looking forward to helping make a difference to the local community to the experiences which he hopes will support him to become a regular officer one day. He is proud of how far he has come, and believes there’s something for everyone to achieve in their life.

Nathan Fairhurst grew up in Bolton and is the eldest child of two long serving officers of GMP and Lancashire Constabulary. Nathan has decided to follow in his parents footsteps and he has been posted to the Bolton district as a Special Constable.

GMP Assistant Chief Constable Nick Bailey said:

Quote

 

“The support from Special Constables is invaluable to policing across Greater Manchester.

“The fact they volunteer in their own time is commendable, and they are highly valued by the Force. Specials help us to continue to keep Greater Manchester safe, as well as helping to build links with local communities.

“It is always great to hear the reasons for why our Specials choose to volunteer, and how they are always really keen to play their part in helping protect the local communities. I wish them the very best of luck, and look forward to watching their confidence and skills continue to grow.”

 

Officers from Salford City Council carried out the raids after receiving tip offs from the public.

Using sniffer dogs they found dozens of faked brand name cigarettes including Marlboro, Rothmans, Benson and Hedges and some which had been illegally imported from abroad without duty being paid.

In total, they seized 26,870 cigarettes and 247 pouches of hand rolling tobacco during the raids, with a street value of £18,133. Trading Standards’ financial investigator also seized £1605 cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA), suspected of being gained through illegal sales. POCA money is ploughed back into positive community projects, such as steering young people away from crime and into more enforcement activity.

Many of the counterfeits contain asbestos, arsenic, rat droppings and even human poo, they also contain even higher levels of cancer-causing toxins than standard cigarettes.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said:

Quote

 

“People who smuggle illicit cigarettes and tobacco, which do not carry the correct health markings as required by UK law do not pay duty on them. They are stealing from the taxpayer as duty paid goes into supporting public services.

“We will now consider further enforcement action against the shop keepers who have been selling these items.”

 

The raids were carried out across the city in Broughton, Swinton, Irlam and Little Hulton.

As we head into the festive period, many of us will be having a tipple or two as part of our Christmas and New Year festivities. With that in mind Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has issued a timely warning that alcohol and the city centres many water courses do not mix well.

Over the last five years there have been 1,481 accidental deaths in the UK and more than 30 per cent of the victims were found to have alcohol and/or drugs in their bloodstream.

Firefighters have delivered water safety training to managers and landlords of bars close to waterways as part of its plan to educate more people about water safety and prevent drowning incidents, particularly in Manchester city-centre.

Training has taken place around Deansgate Locks jointly delivered by GMFRS and Royal Life Saving Society UK, with support from CityCo and Greater Manchester Police.

The prevention work supports that carried out across the UK by organisations and charities, such as the Royal Life Saving Society UK – which is running its latest Don’t Drink and Drown Campaign from Monday, December 2 until Sunday, December 8.

The main messages of this year’s campaign are for people not to walk home near open water - such as the canals that run through Manchester city-centre – and to stay with their friends after they have been drinking.

Area Manager Damian O’Rourke from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said:

Quote

 

“We are pleased to be supporting the latest Don’t Drink and Drown campaign and want to take the opportunity to remind people – especially those out drinking in the run up to Christmas – to take extra care around water.

“Our firefighters are trained in water rescue but sometimes it just isn’t possible to get to people in time to save them. We have sadly seen too many people drown in Greater Manchester, with many incidents happening in the canals in the city-centre.

“If you are out enjoying drinks with your friends please never walk along the canals alone and always try and plan your journey home at the start of your night out. It’s also really important to stay together, and if a friend has had one too many then do the right thing and help them to get home safe.”

 

Following the death of 19-year-old Charlie Pope in March 2018 in Manchester, his father, Nick Pope, has been working closely with the Manchester Water Safety Partnership. Earlier this year barriers were installed along the stretch of canal where Charlie drowned, with the fencing now directing people to cross the canal using an existing footbridge.

Nick attended a student safety event in Manchester on the evening of Thursday, November 28, 2019, organised and led by Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser Sacha Lord and attended by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham.

Sacha Lord, Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, said:

Quote

 

“For the first time all four universities came together to discuss safety for students with a view to creating a Student Safety Charter – which will launch initially at the four Universities across our city-region, with the view to spread it further amongst colleges and other forms of higher education.”

 

Nick Pope said:

Quote

 

“It was a really worthwhile event, which was such a success due to the large attendance, great engagement and searching questions. This can only result in better safety for the students and citizens of Manchester.”

 

The Don’t Drink and Drown campaign gives essential advice to party-goers to make sure they know how to stay safe when they’re out celebrating. Find out more here

Follow activity on social media #DontDrinkAndDrown

Source: GMFRS

Foxtrotting to The Lowry next year, the show is based on the award-winning, global film phenomenon, ‘Strictly Ballroom’ that inspired the world to dance.
 
This all-singing, all-dancing and all-glittering nine-month tour will see the show dazzle audiences all over the UK & Ireland. Casting announcements will be made in the coming months.
 
Featuring a show-stopping book by Baz Luhrmann & Craig Pearce, and bringing together a sublime cast of over 20 world class performers, Strictly Ballroom brings to life iconic songs, including Love is in the Air, Perhaps Perhaps Perhaps and Time After Time with dynamic and joyous verve.

This tour will also feature some amazing new songs by internationally acclaimed artists including Sia, David Foster and Eddie Perfect. The show’s scintillating singing, dazzling dancing and eye-popping costumes will combine together to bring audiences a story of heart, comedy and drama, and promises to be an unforgettable night under the glitter ball. 
 
Craig Revel Horwood said: 

Quote

"I am absolutely delighted to be directing the 2020/21 UK tour of Strictly Ballroom The Musical - it’s going to be fab-u-lous!  The theatre is where I come alive and it is there that I feel in my most creative element. Having directed the UK Arena Tour of Strictly Come Dancing for the past few years, I simply cannot wait to put my stamp on this iconic and much-loved musical. Expect some sexy moves, sizzling costumes and a simply sensational evening!"

Strictly Ballroom The Musical tells the beguiling story of Scott Hastings, a talented, arrogant and rebellious young ballroom dancer. When Scott’s radical dance moves see him fall out of favour with the Australian Federation, he finds himself dancing with Fran, a beginner with no moves at all. Inspired by one another, this unlikely pair gather the courage to defy both convention and their families – and discover that, to be winners, the steps don’t need to be strictly ballroom…
 
This uplifting and courageous musical originated as a stage play that Baz Luhrmann devised with a group of classmates at Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art in 1984. Eight years later he made his screen directorial debut with ‘Strictly Ballroom’, the first installment in Luhrmann’s acclaimed Red Curtain Trilogy.

The vibrant film enjoyed staggering success, winning three awards at the 1993 BAFTA awards and a 1994 Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture, going on to become one of the most successful Australian films of all time, earning more than $80 million at the box office. In April 2014 Strictly Ballroom The Musical had its world premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre.
 
Baz Luhrmann’s Strictly Ballroom The Musical is a fabulous, feel-good evening full of sequins, singing and salsa. This unmissable kaleidoscope of glitz and glamour is a tonic for the soul and will send your heart soaring and toes tapping long after you leave the theatre!

Listings Information

Strictly Ballroom 

Dates: 30 November - Sat 5 December 2020

Tickets: £26.50 - £41.50

Box Office:  0343 208 6011

Website: https://thelowry.com/whats-on/strictly-ballroom/

Instagram: @strictlyballroomtouruk

Facebook: @strictlyballroomtouruk

Twitter: @sbtourUK

It has taken six weeks of hard intensive training, involving going out and about to busy environments to meet and mingle people and other dogs.

GMP are happy to announce that both pooches passed, are now ready for action and will be out on the streets of Salford & Greater Manchester with their new handlers.

Aayla is a 15-month old Springer Spaniel who was born at GMP and bred specifically to be a police dog. Despite her subdued look, she is a bundle of energy and power and her natural ability to search was shown on her course when she visited venues across Greater Manchester.

Her pet police officer PC Mark Richardson will work alongside his new boss, an amazing young lady whose nose has already led her to many successful finds during her training. She has a bright future ahead.

Aaylas fellow colleague Murphy, is a two-year-old Springador (Springer Spaniel cross Labrador) who through no fault of his own, found himself in the care of Spaniel Aid, who are a charity that helps re-home dogs. He is a very clever dog and the charity thought he was best suited to a working role so he started his working life at GMP.

Over the last few months he has been out to places, such as, Manchester Airport and Piccadilly train station where he has met lots of lovely new people. He has taken everything in his stride and is very popular and will be working alongside his pet, PC Rob Kinley.

The unsuspecting caller then asks the victim to press a number on their phone which then connects them to a live scammer who then attempts to gain remote access to the victims computer and may even install online banking for you which gives the thieves all they need to steal your money.

The number this time began 0191 123, giving the impression it is from the UK – do not respond and hang up the phone.

Trading Standards have warned not to give personal or financial information to anyone who calls or emails out of the blue.

It has been advised to wait at least 30 minutes before ringing your bank using a number you have found yourself and if possible, call from a different phone. The scammers have been known to keep the call connected at the other end, always check for a dial tone before proceeding.

You should never share you bank details with anyone, especially so your pin number and the 3-digit CVS code on the back of your card.

Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, said:

Quote

 

"There has been a spike in cases over the past week involving automated calls from fraudsters pretending to be from your bank. It's crucial that people remain vigilant and question any phone calls out of the blue, even if they state there has been fraud on your account.

"Fraudsters may already have some information about you, so don't take this as confirmation that their approach is genuine. Never give out any personal information if you are at all suspicious. Instead take five to stop and think, and then contact your bank directly on a number that you can trust such as the one on their official website."

 

Please share this information with friends, relatives and neighbours – especially the more vulnerable among us.

Report to actionfraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Laura Carr has taken up the newly-created post after joining from the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, where she rose to become a visitor fundraising team leader.

Laura, who lives in Heywood and has a history degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, worked at the museum for four years.

Her role at Broughton House will involve maximising community-led fundraising, organising events and developing strong partnerships with individuals, community groups and businesses across Greater Manchester and the north west.

Myself and Tony Flynn had the pleasure of meeting Laura last month after Tony raised a little bit of cash for the much loved Salford based charity.

Broughton House is being transformed into a Veteran Care Village in a £15m redevelopment. Once completed, the two-acre site will feature a 64-bedroom care home, up to 30 independent living apartments, a military support hub, a memorial park and landscaped gardens with a bowling green and bandstand.

Laura said:

Quote

 

“I find working for a charity so rewarding and enjoy being able to give back in my job to people who need help. I wouldn’t want to work in any other sector.

“As we are currently developing the UK’s first Veteran Care Village, it’s an important time to get the community involved to support the amazing work that goes on at Broughton House so we can continue to care for those who served us.”

 

Rhys Edwards, fundraising and marketing manager at Broughton House, said:

Quote

 

“After four years of working and progressing through the ranks at the Science and Industry Museum, Laura is the perfect fit for our community and events fundraiser role.

“She has fitted seamlessly into the team and is already making a difference by being in contact with local individuals, community groups and businesses about the work of Broughton House.

“It’s vital that the military and civilian communities are aware of the important work going on here and the services that we provide.”

 

Fire crews from Agecroft, Atherton, Broughton, Eccles, Gorton, Irlam, Manchester Central, Sale, Salford and Stretford were quickly on the scene at the five-storey derelict building as the fire quickly spread.

The alarm was raised just before 4:45am this morning (Sunday 1st Dec), as smoke and flames were seen billowing from the windows and roof of the historic grade-II listed building.

The theatre on Liverpool Road in Eccles, has been targeted by arsonists on a number of occasions in the past, and recently plans had been passed to turn the building into housing, despite a campaign to 'Save the Theatre' and restore it back to its former glory.

The 2,500 seat grade II-listed building which was built in 1899 as the Lyceum Theatre, has not been used as a theatre since 1932, it did serve as a Bingo Hall for a time but has since remained derelict and over time the building was allowed to decay.

It was set to be redeveloped into roughly 80 flats by developer Foregate, with the facade of the building to be maintained and incorporated into the new design. The plans were approved by Salford City Council at a meeting in February of this year.

The building is now nothing more than an empty brick shell as everything within the interior has reportedly been completely destroyed and its the roof has fully collapsed into the main structure, it's beautiful façade is still intact and the developer is still determined that it be integral to their plans for the building.

Richard Goodwin – Managing Director, Goodwin Property Holdings,

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"On behalf of Goodwin Property Holdings, I would like to thank the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Greater Manchester Police for their concerted efforts in bringing a swift resolution to the incident.

"Their actions have ensured the structure of this iconic Grade II listed building remains intact and we are able to continue with our build programme without delay.

"Whilst the years of dereliction rendered the interior unsalvageable, retaining the original façade has always been integral to our redevelopment plans and we are delighted that we are able to proceed as planned in order to breathe new life into this historic building."

 

Sadly what was left of the grand staircases, floors and balconies have all bee destroyed, as yet another in a long line of the cities historic buildings is ravished by fire. However, it is good to know that this particular one still has a future and will remain a prominent landmark in the local area for years to come.

Local residents reported that the fire was well established and tearing through the building before firefighters arrived.

One told us,

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"It's not the first time the Crown has been on fire, I am surprised that it has not gone up in flames like this a long time ago.

"It's such a shame to see the old building be allowed to lapse into such a state."

 

Station Manager Ady Taylor, incident commander on the ground, said:

Quote

 

“We have been fighting this fire for around two hours and though it is a large building and we have lots still to do we are making good progress.

“I want to praise the swift actions of firefighters who are operating in challenging conditions – temperatures are freezing and the ground is slippery underfoot. Nonetheless, we are on top of the incident.

“We continue to have to fight this fire from outside the building – the state of its disrepair and the fact it is still dark means it would be unsafe to enter.

“We will be here for some time to come but I want to reassure the public that the situation is under control.”

 

It is still not ascertained how the building came to be set alight as there were no mains connections for gas or electricity, it is understood that Arson has not been ruled out.

Salford Council have confirmed the building is safe from collapse and there is no risk to the public of falling masonry from buildings structure.

Road closures in the immediate vicinity remained in place until mid afternoon and the public were asked to help keep surrounding streets clear of traffic to allow emergency services vehicles and personnel swift and easy access to the scene.

The roads have now since reopened.

There was still quite a significant amount of smoke in the surrounding area so those living or working nearby were asked to keep windows and doors closed for the time being.

Photos: GMFRS

During the early hours of this morning (Saturday 30 November 2019) Emergency Services were called to reports of a 42-year-old man who had gone missing.

As temperatures plummeted below zero, police scrambled the forces helicopter and its infra red cameras aid in the search, fortunately the man was found at Clifton Country Park earlier today and has now been taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

The park was closed for a short period this morning but has now been confirmed as being reopened by the parks rangers team. 

RuPaul’s Drag Race has started a revolution of drag culture across the world inspiring a generation and redefining the future of drag. Its influence has reached as far as rainy Salford where a group of students are adding their own voices to this cultural revolution.  

Their response to this phenomenon is to host their very own live drag race this December 12th at the University of Salford Student Union, supported by MIND and the University of Salford LGBTQ+ Society, they will provide a stage for armature drag artists from around Salford to strut their stuff.

The University of Salford has always had a vibrant and diverse student body and this group want to show that to the world.  Josh Gurr, Becca Hooper, Lewis Shevelan, Megan Tate, and Jack Tyson are music students at Salford university with a passion for RuPaul’s Drag Race and for drag culture.

Their aim is to put on a live version of RuPaul’s Drag Race in Salford University, where amateur drag queens can compete to become Salford's Drag Super-Star!

They are organising this event in collaboration with the University of Salford LGBTQ+ Society, Salford Student Union and MIND, a charity dedicated to supporting and empowering people with mental health issues across England and Wales. 

This bold event has received excellent responses from across the university and is fully supported by both the Student Union and the LGBTQ+ Society.

The LGBTQ+ support officer for the university, Adam Thomas, said:

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“I can’t wait to see this event in action, it’s going to be a great night and a lot of fun, and it’s great that the proceeds are all going to such a good charity”.

The event will take place on December 12th in the North Side of the University of Salford Student Union, tickets are available online at Fatsoma or on the door at £3 per person and it is available to both students, and non-students.

For more information find them on Facebook at Salford’s Drag Race, on Instagram at @salforddr, or email us on salfordsdragrace@gmail.com.

One of the most congested junctions in Salford is set to benefit from up to a 10% improvement to capacity  in a bid to reduce congestion and delays which plague the area during the rush hour.

From Monday 13th January to Tuesday 30 June, work will take place on junction 13, better known as 'The Worsley Roundabouts',  which will see much needed improvement works carried out.

The area can be a nightmare for commuters and local residents during the early morning and evening rush hours, with it only set to get worse as the RHS Bridgewater opens its doors to the public in 2020.

So with that in mind work is scheduled to get underway early next year.

To keep disruptions on the already busy local roads to a minimum, much of the improvement work will be undertaken at night when the traffic flow around the area is reduced.

Improvements will see additional lane capacity on approaches to both roundabouts, new road markings and additional lanes and markings on the roundabouts. Improve signage around the around the area as well as improvements to the pedestrian crossings and widening of the northern footway to turn it into a shared-use footway.

The roads most affected in the area will be Worsley Rd, Barton Rd and Leigh Rd.

Locals and travellers alike are being warned that there may be some disruption to journey times whilst the work is taking place.

Just before 3:50pm this afternoon (28/11/19) fire crews were called out to tackle a fire which appears to have broken out in a room above a popular Chinese eatery in Worsley.

Flames could be seen coming from a windows, and smoke billowed from the side of the Tung Fong Chinese restaurant, which is situated next door to the recently revamped Worsley Delph.

A spokesperson for GMFS said:

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"We were called at 3.48pm to a restaurant on Worsley Road to reports of a fire involving the roof space of the building.

"Crews from Farnworth, Agecroft, Whitefield and Stretford are in attendance."

 

Roads are currently gridlocked around the busy nearby motorway junction after closures were put in place whilst the fire crews extinguished the fire.

Drivers are being advised to avoid the area if possible.

A man, in his 20s, was walking along Lower Broughton Road near the junction with Clarence Street at around 5.15pm on Saturday 23 November 2019 when he was subjected to homophobic abuse and hit by a plastic bottle.

He stopped to challenge a group of around six people and, as he walked away, was punched from behind causing him to fall to the ground.  

He was then subjected to further abuse and at least two people are believed to have continued attacking him while he was on the ground.

The offenders ran away when a passing motorist stopped to help.

The victim required hospital treatment after sustaining injuries to his face and arms, he has since been discharged.

Two of the offenders are described as being white, around 19-years-old and dressed in black sportswear. One of them is described as having ginger hair and the other blonde curly hair. There were two girls in the group, one of which is described by the victim as wearing a red winter coat.

Officers are appealing for eye witnesses and the public’s help to identify those responsible.

Detective Constable Derek Nellany of GMP’s Salford Division said:

Quote

 

“This was a hate crime and serious assault.

“We know there was at least one motorist who stopped and we are appealing for any others who saw what happened to contact us.

“We are determined to find those responsible and bring them to justice as we strongly condemn this behaviour.”

 

Anyone with any information about the assault should contact police on 0161 856 5251 quoting incident number 2496 of Saturday 23 November 2019.