After the incident which made the news for all the wrong reasons, which included a phone call from my brother in Australia asking what had happened, I decided to do something, anything to make some good from this awful day.

The next evening I went back to the scene of The Battle of the Albert Edward as it has become known and retrieve the cone which had been hurled at Idiot Number One, and took it to a safe house, mine.

It dawned on me that it would be a good idea if I was able to raffle the cone off, I could possibly raise some money to help the two charities that Idiot Number One had managed to offend in one foul swoop, the genuine homeless and the ex-serviceman.

Well you certainly rose to the occasion in some style, and the money kept coming in, (sorry for any inconvenience Eccles Gateway staff!) with donations of fivers and tenners.

Then Angie Shepherd kindly donated a signed photograph of the Eccles Cenotaph in the early 1960, taken by her father, George who you should know is a magnificent photographer and a true gentleman, which was quickly snapped up for £50 by Karen Mansley.

I did my reckoning up today and you have kindly donated the eye watering sum of £270!

Give yourself a massive pat on the back!

So I went to Mustard Tree in Eccles Precinct and gave half the cash to the Manager, Alistair who thanked me profusely and said that the cash would be used to stock the emergency weekend foodbank which was running low, to clarify, you have to be referred to the foodbank bu a Housing Association, Doctor or Social Services, you don't just turn up and get free food!

This afternoon Karl turned up in his pimp mobile and we drove to Broughton House Nursing Home which provides comfort, food and shelter for ex-servicemen and has been helping out since 1916.

We were met by Laura Carr from the Management Team who gave us a mini tour of the building and told us about the history and showed us what a great service they provide.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/broughtonhousepinbadges

We then handed over the remaining cash and were delighted to hear that it would be put to good use use for the veterans including Christmas treats!

So we have hopefully put the "Conegate" incident to bed, and we have made good fortune by turning around what was a truly dreadful day, finally something good has come out of it, and it's all because of you good people.

Finally the cone was purchased for £50 and will be living out it's years in a back garden in the local area, safe from any trauma, trouble or stress, it needs a rest.

Detectives from GMP’s Major Incident Team and officers from GMP’s Salford District executed warrants at properties in Radcliffe and Failsworth this morning (Tuesday 26 November 2019) and arrested two men, aged 30 and 31.

Two other men, aged 30 and 39, were produced from prison before being arrested.

All four remain in custody for questioning.

The arrests come as part of a pre-planned operation led by the Major Incident Team, with support from the Salford District’s Operation Gulf team.

Today’s operation is in relation to two incidents which took place in February and March 2015.

The first took place at around 12:15am on 18 February 2015 and saw gunshots fired into a car with three men inside on Doveleys Road in Irlam.

One man – then aged 27 – was injured during the shooting but left the scene before later presenting himself at hospital for treatment.

The second incident took place on 21 March 2015, close to Brattice Drive in Salford. A 29-year-old man was critically injured after being attacked with a machete. He has since made a full recovery.

Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said:

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“Earlier today, we executed warrants in the Radcliffe and Failsworth areas in connection with an ongoing Major Incident Team investigation into two linked incidents that took place in Salford in 2015.

“This pre-planned operation was carried out with support with officers from the Salford District’s Operation Gulf team, which is a unit dedicated to tackling organised crime in Salford.

“We currently have four people in custody arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and they will be questioned by detectives later today as our enquiries continue.

“This has been a long running investigation so I want to thank the public for their continued support and encourage anybody who may have information that can assist us to please contact police.”

 

Shortly after 3.30pm on Wednesday 20 November 2019, police were called to reports that a black Ford Ranger had been involved in a collision with a pedestrian on East Lancashire Road at the junction with Newearth Road.

The pedestrian - who has now been formally identified as 70-year-old Abdelkader Dhrif died alongside his dog Masie at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.

A 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has since been released under investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

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“Abdelkader was given the name Tony by staff in an Italian restaurant he worked in many years ago because they thought his real name was too difficult to say. He’s been known as Tony ever since.

“He loved living in Boothstown and was proud to be a member of the local community. He was known and loved by everyone who knew him and would stop and talk with many people on his daily morning walk to Costcutter for a newspaper. He also regularly visited Bexters for an espresso coffee and always had Maisie - the family’s little white dog who also died in the collision - with him wherever he walked.

“He was a kind, gentle and helpful man who loved to cook for people. So much so that any workmen at the house would be treated to a full cooked lunch every day, whether they had time for one or not.

“He is very sadly missed by all his family and friends and we would ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact the police.”

Police Constable Darren White of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“Although an arrest has been made our enquiries are still ongoing and we are urging anyone who may have seen Abdelkader with his dog Maisie on the side of the carriageway before the collision to contact police so we can piece together the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.

“Any information, dash-cam or CCTV footage could prove vital to our investigation.”

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or 101 quoting incident number 1563 of 20/11/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

At around 6.45am yesterday (Saturday 23 November 2019), police were called to reports that a motorbike had been involved in a collision with a pedestrian on New Lane at the junction with Worsley Roadin which the motorbike rider failed to stop at the scene.

The pedestrian – a 33-year-old man – was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries. He remains in a stable condition in hospital.

Two men aged 19 and 21 were arrested yesterday on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of a collision.

They have since been released under investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

Police Sergeant Ian Turner, of GMP’s Road’s Policing Unit, said:

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“Yesterday we issued a picture of a green motorbike that was located nearby during a search by officers from GMP’s Roads Policing Unit and we’re continuing to appeal for information in relation to this bike.”

“The pedestrian remains in a stable condition in hospital and our thoughts remain with him and his family as he receives treatment.

“I would urge anyone that saw a green motorbike around the Boothstown and Eccles areas yesterday morning or anyone with dash-cam footage or other information that could assist our enquiries to get in touch.”

 

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Road’s Policing Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 799 of 23/11/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

At around 6.45am on Saturday 23 November 2019 police were called to a report that a motorcyclist had collided with a pedestrian on New Lane at the junction with Worsley Road and failed to stop at the scene.

The accident happened close to the Jolly Carter Pub.

A 33-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Enquires are ongoing and so far there have been no arrests made.

Police have released an image of a green sports motorcycle that was found nearby as part of their enquiries and are urging any witnesses who may have seen it this morning to get in touch.

The search is on for the rider of the polish registered motorcycle who is described as wearing full bike leathers at the time of the collision. He was last seen heading towards Eccles.

Police Constable Darren White of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

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“A man has been left with serious injuries as a result of this collision and we’re asking anyone who may have seen the incident to speak with police.

“The green sports motorbike that had a Polish registration plate was damaged during the collision and was last seen heading towards Patricroft in Eccles.

“We are also asking anyone who has dash-cam footage or CCTV of the incident on New Lane this morning to contact police as soon as possible. Any information could be invaluable and really help with our enquiries so please take a good look at the picture and give us a call if you’ve seen anything matching this description throughout the morning.

“If you were on or around New Lane this morning at the time of the incident and heard or saw anything unusual or suspicious please contact police.”

 

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 799 of 23/11/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Drivers have been warned that the road will most likely remain closed for the next few hours as investigations are carried out. It is advisable to find an alternative route around the area if possible.

*Update: The road has now been reopened to traffic.

Police are warning the public not to approach two men who have absconded from a category D open prison in Kirkham, Lancashire.

Kyle Meighan aged 27-years-old and Jack Thompson who is aged 24-years-old have both absconded from category D open prison, HMP Kirkham on the 4th of November.

Both are originally from Salford and they are believed to have headed to the Greater Manchester area together.

Officers have been following a number of lines of enquiry but have so far come up empty handed in their search.

Meighan was serving a seven and a half year sentence for several offences including robbery, burglary and the supply of drugs. He is described as white, around 5ft 11in tall, and of slim build with brown hair and eyes. He has visible scars on his left and right hands, as well as further scaring on his right shin.

His fellow fugitive, Thompson, is described as being 5ft 9in tall, medium build with brown hair and blue eyes. He was serving a sentence of six years imprisonment for robbery and the possession of an offensive weapon.

Both men were involved in a raid on a store in Bury New Road in Prestwich in which they used force, threatening staff with a machete and a sledgehammer to gain access to a stockroom from which they stole over £40,000 of mobile phones.

Police are warning the public not to approach either man if spotted as they could become violent.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said:

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“We are keen to find both men as soon as possible.

“It is believed they could have travelled to the Greater Manchester area and we would urge anyone who knows where they are to come forward.”

 

If you have seen either man or have details as to where they are located then contact the police via 101, do not approach these men as they could turn violent.

Corries Kirky, better known as much loved actor Andrew Whyment, has entered the "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here" jungle, this evening.

The Clifton born and bred actor made his Australian bush debut alongside former EastEnders actor Cliff 'Minty' Parisi as they were thrown right into the action, both having to compete in a Bush Tucker Trial to win stars which were then exchanged for portions of food for their fellow camp mates.

During the trial, Andy managed to get his hands on five stars for camp and Cliff followed up with a further three to bring the final tally to eight meals for the starved campers.

The twist in the tale was that after the trial, which saw the Whyment get his hands covered in offal and fish-guts, both newcomers were carted off to languish in  Jungle Jail after being put in the back of a prison wagon.

Fortunately their fellow camp mates felt sorry for them as they drew water bottle bags with their names on out of a sack in order to decide who should take them some much needed bush tucker. The sting being that the two who were chosen to deliver the grub, would end up behind bars themselves.

Whyment has been an instant hit with the fans and has already gained huge support from his fellow Salfordian's due to his hilarious sense of humour and down to earth Salford attitude to life. The lifelong Salford Red Devils fan was schooled at St Ambrose Barlow RC in Swinton and is no stranger to reality TV, having appeared as a contestant in Soapstar Superstar in 2006 and wowing the crowds with a rendition of Kings or Leon's 'Sex On Fire' during a tongue in cheek audition for the X-Factor in 2010 in the guise of his Coronation Street character Kirk Sutherland. He also partnered with dancer Vicky Ogden when he took part in the 2012 series of Dancing on Ice.

Before entering the Jungle Andy said,

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"I have always been a massive fan of the show and when they asked me to do it, I said 'yes' immediately.

"It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and it’s crazy to think I am now actually going! I am so excited."

 

Fellow housemate and Capital Radio DJ, Roman Kemp, was favourite to win earlier this this week but we suspect that is all about to change, the audience just love him.

Last year Salford City Council crews asked residents to leave a brand new gift out with their bins to donate to children who might otherwise miss out.

Last year kind hearted Salfordians donated around 5,000 items worth an estimated £25,000 which were distributed to dozens of local charities across the city.

This year the Rotary in Worsley has stepped in to support the appeal by volunteering to sort and distribute the gifts.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“We were overwhelmed by people’s kindness last year and it really helped to make Christmas special for so many children and young people.

“I’m delighted Rotary has come on board this year to help as the response was incredible last year. They have a superb track record of giving back to the local community particularly at Christmas so their support is very much appreciated.

“A football, some new gloves, some cosmetics or a book for teenagers need not cost much but will be priceless to the girl or boy who receives them and shows the whole city is thinking of them at Christmas.”

 

Tony Clayson, President of Rotary in Worsley said:

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“Rotary is committed to doing all it can for the benefit of our community and when we saw the appeal last year we thought it was a brilliant idea.

“Following on from the success of our recent 'Wrap Up Salford' coat donation project we are delighted to support our big hearted Salford bin men in spreading Christmas cheer by helping to sort and distribute donated gifts to children who might otherwise miss out.”

 

The request is for new items only for the safety and dignity of the children. Residents are asked to put unwrapped gifts suitable for nought to 16 year olds out with any bin or food caddy being collected between Tuesday December 3 and Friday December 6.

Items can also be handed to the bin crews as they do their normal round that week.

Last year donations included cosmetics, shower gel, selection boxes, dolls, teddies, baby items, hand knitted hats, games, books and sports equipment including a full sized table top football game.

The idea came from refuse collector Sam Barry, who is also the Unison convener.  Unison, GMB and Unite are sponsoring red high visibility jackets and Santa hats for the crews to wear during the week of the collection.

Sam said:

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“We have over 110,000 households on our weekly rounds so if even half of them bought just one extra, small present to donate to this appeal it would make such a difference to so many struggling families.”

Gifts can also be dropped off at Salford City UNISON’s branch office, 443-445 Chorley Road, Swinton, M27 9LQ between 9am to 5pm, Monday December 2 to Friday December 7.

Beauty and the Beast Pantomime at Swinton & Pendlebury Leisure Centre, December 7^th, 6-8pm

This heart-warming, highly entertaining Christmas show has been especially adapted for Salford Community Leisure and is perfect for families with children three to 12 years. Packed full of comedy, songs, adventure and audience participation, the kids will be cheering along to the comedy antics of Dusty and Beauty and booing the mischievous 'Ferero Rocher'. Booking required, kids £7.50, adults £10.

Christmas Grotto at Ordsall Hall Sunday 8 & Sunday 15 December, 1 - 4pm

Come and meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto at Ordsall Hall and receive a gift. £5 per child (plus booking fee), booking required.

Frosted By Magic Christmas dance show 14, 15, 21 and 22^nd December, times vary

Step into the realms of the imagination as the Tangled Dance Company unlock the frosted secrets of the majestic Ordsall Hall and its enthralling world of witches and wizards. This is a spellbinding promenade dance performance through the rooms of the hall. Adults £10 children £8, booking required.

Breakfast with Father Christmas at Salford Museum and Art Gallery

Father Christmas is paying very special morning visits to Lark Hill Place on Saturday 14^th and Sunday 15th December 9-11am. As special guests of the museum you will enjoy breakfast, Christmas crafts and meet the big man himself.  For children 5+, tickets include breakfast, a craft and a present from Father Christmas. £12 for kids and £7 for adults. Booking required.

Experience a Victorian Christmas at Lark Hill Place, Salford Museum and Art Gallery - FREE

Lark Hill Place has been transformed into a Victorian Christmas scene. Travel back in time to 1897 and see how Salford celebrated Christmas over 100 years ago with decorations, trees and a few new additions to the shops and homes of residents. Open now until December 22 during opening hours.

Three Christmas music concerts 2, 3, 5^th December, 6.30pm

Salford’s music and performing arts service will perform three Christmas Showcases displaying the talents of over 20 magical Christmas musical ensembles performing material they have been preparing throughout the autumn term. No pre-booking required, tickets available on the door. Concerts will take pace at Moorside High School  in Swinton and St Paul’s CofE in Swinton, £5 adults, £3 children (under 5s are free).

Carols and choirs, 10^th December FREE, 6.30pm

This is a festive event run by MAPAS for Salford's school choirs. Schoolchildren gather to perform individual and massed items along with seasonal readings. This is a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas at St Peter’s Church in Swinton.

All events are at www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/christmas and you can book online, by phone or by popping in to some venues.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted man from Manchester.

Steven Murphy (29/04/1982) was released from prison in October 2019 after being jailed in 2016 for wounding.

He has failed to abide by the terms of his licence and is now wanted on recall to prison.

Murphy is known to have links to the Salford, Ashton, Droylsden and Manchester areas.

Anybody with information regarding his whereabouts should contact the police on 0161 856 5238 independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a man from Salford who is wanted on recall to prison.

John Francis Green (07/09/84) was convicted of causing death by reckless driving in 2007, but has failed to abide by the terms of his licence since his release from prison in December 2016.

Green is known to have links to the Salford area of Greater Manchester.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Green should contact the police on 0161 856 5238 or through the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Emergency service were called shortly after 3.30pm today, Wednesday 20 November 2019, after reports that a black Ford Ranger had collided with a pedestrian on East Lancashire Road at the junction with Newearth Road.

It has now been revealed that the pedestrian, a 70-year-old man, sadly died at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in custody for questioning.

Road closures will remain in place throughout the evening and diversions are in place.

Police Constable Darren White of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“A man has tragically lost his life as a result of this collision and we’re doing all we can to support his family at this devastating time.

“The road closures will remain in place whilst specialist officers carry out enquiries at the scene so we would advise people to avoid the area where possible.

“Whilst we have a man in custody, the collision happened at a relatively busy time of day and I’d encourage anyone with any information or dash-cam footage to get in touch as soon as possible so we can piece together the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.”

Paramedics treated the injured man for his injuries at the scene, however unfortunately they were unable to save his life after he suffered a suspected cardiac arrest.

Police are warning commuters to continue take alternative routes and allow extra time for their journey's home as the area is now closed to traffic and there are reportedly huge tailbacks going as far back as Junction 14 of the M62.

Anyone with information should call GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or 101 quoting incident number 1563 of 20/11/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

It opens this weekend with 25-30 new full and part time jobs created on the back of the £750,000 refurbishment by new licensees Green & Salmon and HEINEKEN’s pub business, Star Pubs & Bars¹.

Unlike anything else in the area, the dog friendly pub has retained its community focus whilst broadening its appeal to young professionals and the growing numbers of young families moving to the area. 

The striking interior now has a fresh indoor-outdoor feel to it with a bark tree lit up with lights in the dining area, together with suspended lighting and foliage, botanical inspired shelving and timber clad walls and glazed timber screens.  A brick wall with ghost writing, washed plank and flagstone flooring, and a mix of timber and metal tables and chairs and rustic bench seating complete the look.

Pub Owners David Salmon (Left) and Jason Green (Right)

The lounge bar has a similar laidback feel with exposed brick walls, wood clad ceiling, window seats with loose cushions, a retro leather and metal sofa and an open fire. 

The rustic timber floor planks are carried through into the bar which has wall mounted benches with projecting metal lights and aged textured wall tiles as well as a timber wall with drinks shelf.

Outside Coal & Cotton has been given a complete overhaul, with the exterior frontage in brick with a khaki render on the side of the pub featuring a mural of a canary and cotton flowers.  The external layout has also been reconfigured to create a fantastic beer garden with seating for 100 alfresco eating and drinking and jumbo outdoor games to entertain children.  The garden now has circular tables and chairs and large timber benches as well as railway sleeper planting beds.

The pub’s menu is based on fresh home cooked British classics done well with some worldwide influences.  Stone-baked pizzas are a speciality, made with the pub’s own dough, as well as its home-made pies and fish dishes like mussels and massaman curried cod and fantastic Sunday roast.  Also available are barista style coffees and afternoon teas and a signature gin-based afternoon tea.  Further down the line the pub will open for breakfast and brunch. 

Local Councillor Bob Clarke was invited to cut the ribbon and declare the pub open for business.

In addition to a comprehensive selection of beers, craft ales and wines, there’s an innovative range of 15-20 cocktails made with premium spirits and fresh ingredients and stunning gins from the 50 litre copper still including Boothstown Gin – the house gooseberry based and botanical gin.  And for those customers who would like to, there will be gin tasting and gin master classes in the New Year.

The pub is to have live bands playing on Friday nights starting on the 15^th November and in time will host tablet-based quizzes.

Says Jason:

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“Living in the area I believe there is a demand for a great local pub like this, and so am personally and professionally thrilled with the arrival of Coal & Cotton.  It looks fantastic and the food, drinks and service will match.  We’ve been overwhelmed by the local reaction to our plans for the pub. Before we’ve even opened the doors, we have had well over 2000 bookings from people wanting to come and eat at the pub and already have interest from local and national retailers wanting to stock our Boothstown Gin.”

Charlie Gale, Star Pubs & Bars Regional Investment Manager says:

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“Boothstown is growing in popularity – with a new fast bus route into the centre of Manchester and new housing estates being built, it has been crying out for a pub like Coal & Cotton.  It’s a stunning pub now, unlike anything else in the area, and with an experienced team like Jason and David driving it forward and Jason in walking distance of his new local, I am sure it will be superbly run and a great success.”

North West Motorway Police responded after four escaped pigs caused curly tailbacks between junction 12 at the Eccles interchange all the way to junction 11 at Birchwood.

Traffic was stopped in both directions after the lane hogging porkers were spotted wandering around on the grass verge at the side of the carriageway.

It looked like it could be Gam-mon for the police as they tried to coral the escapees back into a neighbouring field but it was no ham-fisted attempt and they were quickly sent bac-on to safe ground.

Fortunately there were no accidents or injuries and a Ham-bulance was not needed.

It is believed that they could have been thumbing a lift to Swineton.

The traffic has now been allowed to flow again.

If like me you are a vinyl junkie - a record collector for all you youngsters - and used to avidly purchase albums when they came out  hoping for the best because you have usually bought all their previous stuff, and have since winced when looking through your collection and thought, "what was I thinking?"

However salvation and succour is at hand thanks to the publication of a spiffing new book by, Manchester music legend (he must hate that expression) Ian Moss, with 100 Unhip Albums, That We Should Learn To Love.

The book blasts apart musical snobbery and reassures you that "guilty pleasures" means sod all, its just pure pleasure, so enjoy it.

There are actually 110 mini essays on albums from such artists as Bob Dylan, Edgar Broughton Band, Mungo Jerry, Nic Jones, The Kinks, The Prick Jaggers, David Essex, Queen, Fatima Mansions,Barry White, Love, Status Quo etc etc.

It is an incredibly well written and witty book which shows just how much of a musical magpie that Ian is, he writes knowledgeably about each band/artist with genuine love, humour and candour and made me think twice about certain albums lurking in my collection.

As a wet nosed kid I recall seeing Leo Sayer on the OGWT in 1973 dressed as a white faced Pierott singing these incredible songs, which made me rush to the local record shop and purchase his album, Silverbird, which was amazing, songs so sad and delicate with a voice that haunted me.

We all know what happened to Leo don't we, he became the curly mopped, all round entertainer with terrible songs and a permanent grin on his face, reader I wept and hid the album away.

However reading this book has given me a new slant on both the album,  and that it's OK to like your music, feel no shame because you purchased say,  David Essex albums, if you you liked it then, so what? put your musical snobbery to one side and wallow in the pleasure of music.

Enough from me, I urge you to seek this book out you will not be disappointed, its one of those books you can open at any page and be charmed by the writing, a real love for music shines out, still concerned about my Gary Glitter album though......

Available from Empire Publications, 1 Newton St, Manchester M1 1HW at  £9.95, yup the ideal Christmas present!

I was granted exclusive access to the Albert Edward pub, Church Street, Eccles, today Thursday 14 November by the workmen from the brewery who are cleaning up and repairing the damage caused by the squatters who left the premises yesterday.

The pub is in a bit of a mess as can be expected with empty cans of lager dotted around the place, half empty pint pots of stale beer and overflowing ashtrays.

The beer that was in the pub when the squatters moved in has been drunk as you can imagine along with all the bottles etc.

I have no idea what the living quarters look like but I can only imagine they are in a mess and the pub needs a deep cleansing.

I was annoyed to see that several pictures had been taken from the wall, including one's of Eccles war hero, Jimmy Rushby who was a regular in there, Jimmy sadly died in January 2016, aged 89, why on earth remove these photographs and a much loved poem that was written about him, senseless?

A new landlord is being trained up and will take over the Albert Edward next Monday, however a date hasn't been set for when the pub will be open to the general public, but it looks like next weekend and I for one will be happy to see it reopen as it is one of my favourite watering holes in Eccles.

So hopefully normal service will be resumed as soon as possible, Cheers!

Update: Police are no longer looking for this individual.

Police are looking for Jonathan Hardman (27/03/1987) who was released from prison in April 2019 after being jailed in September 2017 for wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

Jonathan is known to have links to the Salford and Stockport areas of Greater Manchester.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Hardman should contact the police on 0161 856 5238 independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

During an attack on Saturday afternoon (9th Nov) , one 28-year-old inmate suffered a serious head injury at the category b prison facility in Agecroft. It it is understood that the man sustained a fractured skull during a frenzied attack.

The air ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were dispatched shortly after 1pm and the prisoner was taken to hospital by road and is said to be in a serious condition.

On the following day (10th Nov), a second inmate received slash wounds to the face during an altercation, his condition is described as non-life-threatening.

Both incidents come not long after a damning report released in May revealed that a third of inmates at the privately-ran category-b prison did not feel safe after 5 inmates have died whilst at the prison over the past year and a half.

The report compiled by HM Inspectors of Prisons reveals that data collected suggests violent incidents have doubled at the Category B prison over the past three years.

Inspectors found that incidents of self harm had significantly increased and an incident in 2016 led to the self-inflicted death of one prisoner. The data suggests that incidents are higher than would be the norm.

Prison staff say that an investigation into both incidents is now underway and have declined to give further comment.

Safe Drive Stay Alive was launched in 2013 by emergency services to help reduce the number of young people killed and seriously injured on our roads. The annual event aims to educate on road safety, challenging unsafe attitudes and behaviours to help positively influence both drivers and passengers alike.

While the number of young people killed or seriously injured on the roads of Greater Manchester has gradually fallen since the project started, they are still over represented in the overall casualty figures. This is especially prevalent during the first year after passing their driving tests. Over the past 12 months, there have been 657 casualty collisions involving young drivers in Greater Manchester alone. And over the past 10 years young driver collisions in GM have resulted in 133 deaths and a further 1,384 people being seriously injured.

This year’s Safe Drive Stay Alive event focuses on the consequences of road accidents and encourages young drivers to think about the life changing impact a split second behind the wheel can have. It aims to educate on shared road responsibility and be a constant reminder that actions not only affect your own life, but also those around you too.

Police, ambulance, fire and rescue and accident and emergency staff provide first-hand accounts of their experiences on scene and seeing the loss and hurt in the loved ones of the casualties they treat. Family members and those personally affected also speak about the long-term immeasurable loss following road fatalities to highlight the wider impact long after accidents occur.

The emotionally engaging performances have been evaluated and found to positively influence attitudes and behaviours as drivers and just as importantly, passengers too. It is an award-winning theatre based education initiative to help young drivers, passengers, parents, education establishments and driving schools. The November 2019 event will see around 9,500 across Greater Manchester attend.

Chief Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith from Greater Manchester Police Road Policing Unit said:

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“Road safety is at the forefront of our officer’s daily work and they are exposed to dangers on the road every day. Police officers are often first on scene at road collisions and our officers see not only the devastating impact for those involved, but also for the family and friends of the casualties.

“We are proud to play a part in the Safe Drive Stay Alive initiative as we see first-hand the devastating and shocking impact of accidents on our roads. The performances are powerful and thought provoking and we encourage every young person across Greater Manchester to attend.

“The day aims to challenge ways of thinking and behaviours, educating young drivers on the consequences of their decisions behind the wheel and as a passenger too. It’s a great way of educating young people in a way they can really relate to, and hopefully is something that will stay with them for life.”

 

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

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“Our firefighters are called to serious road traffic collisions on a daily basis, and all too often witness the death or life-changing injuries of young people. In many cases collisions could have been avoided had the driver or passengers behaved differently, and taken less risks on the roads.

“Collisions often occur a result of driving too fast, being distracted, drink or drug driving, or not wearing a seatbelt, and by taking more care on the roads can be avoided.

“Safe Drive Stay Alive is a fantastic way for our emergency services to engage with young people as they approach driving age, and demonstrating to them how important it is to keep themselves and their friends’ safe.”

 

Martin Smith ED Consultant and Greater Manchester Major Trauma Network Lead said:

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“Salford Royal has been proud to partner the other 999 services in delivering Safe Drive Stay Alive since its inception six years ago. As a Major Trauma Centre we have seen really positive progress in survival outcomes across Greater Manchester but in health prevention is better than cure. Just one less casualty makes it so worthwhile; tragedies of this kind have a massive impact on so many lives.  That is why we continue to support “Safe Drive, Stay Alive” a great initiative that aims to make Greater Manchester a safer, healthier place to live.”

Steven Blears, Paramedic for North West Ambulance Service, said:

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“We’re extremely proud to be part of this powerful and moving initiative for the sixth year.  

“Our ambulance staff has seen all too often how a split second lapse of judgement can destroy lives in an instant. By highlighting to young people the devastating effects of careless driving whilst they’re at an age where they’re just starting out on the road, we hope that they learn vital lessons that will stay with them throughout their lives.

“A little bit of extra care on the road really can be life-saving.”

 

The Safe Drive Stay Alive team would like to extend a big thank you to Safer Roads Greater Manchester and the Office of the Greater Manchester Mayor for their continued support and funding for this essential project.

For more information on Safe Drive Stay Alive, please visit safedrivegm.co.uk or follow @SafeDriveGM on Twitter and Instagram.

The show, which has been running for three years in Merseyside and Cheshire, is based on grown-up alternative comedy…but for kids. The much-loved, highly-reviewed show includes silly sketches, daft jokes; sing-alongs; quizzes; prizes; weird noises, and gales of sweeping laughter.

Aimed at children aged 7-16, there are strict rules (the main one being ‘have fun’ and ‘laugh out loud’) such as no swears, no peanuts, no uniforms and…bring jokes.

Event organiser and host Gav Cross describes the show as follows;

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“The best way that we can describe it as, is think Vic & Bob sharing a bag of crisps with The Mighty Boosh, whilst watching Horrible Histories on VHS! We get a lot of giggles, guffaws and chortles, from the first sketch to the final, legendary, joke competition. It’s an interactive ragtag bag of tomfoolery.”

Funny Looking Kids stars a cast of four, including some of the north-west’s best loved character comedians, performers, story tellers and mirth wranglers including Gav Cross, Lee Hithersay, Liam Hale, Alice Rowbottom and Rob Bond.

Gav Cross (who is self confessed ‘very funny looking’) created the event in 2016 for the Liverpool Comedy Festival’s Funny Looking Fringe. He is the host and ringmaster for every show, and a festival and school storyteller around the north west.

Gav continues:

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"It’s all about being fresh and funny but also not being afraid to be bold and surreal. We never talk down to the children. We unashamedly want to be entertaining across the board. We want family members to enjoy it just as much as the kids. We’ve had great feedback so far from families attending our Ordsall Hall shows.”

Jennifer Holland, audience development and events manager at Ordsall Hall, said:

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“We are delighted to be bringing back this very funny and unique children’s show to Ordsall Hall. The fact that this historic house has introduced kids comedy to its weekend events programme ties nicely into the Hall's past of being the scene of parties, jesters and social humour.’

Funny Looking kids at Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Ln, Salford M5 3AN, tickets £5. Booking not essential.