Emergency services were called out after a fire ripped through the upper floor of a Winton Newsagents at around 5:30 this evening.

It is thought the fire originated in the back bedroom over the top of the shop, we are told no one has been injured but the whole top floor of the premises looks to have been heavily damaged by the blaze.

It was initially reported that it was the chip shop next door which was on fire but it quickly became apparent that the smoke and flames were coming from the newsagents. 

Six fire appliances were on scene and the blaze was quickly brought under control by the fire crews, the cause of the fire has not yet been announced.

Traffic restrictions were put in place in both directions at the junction of New Lane and Worsley Road, and an officer was directing traffic along Blandford Rd and Slater Street.

Another officer told us that the diversions and some fire appliances would remain in place over the next few hours in order to ensure that the flames are fully out.

It is unconfirmed but it is thought that the neighbouring properties have suffered some level of smoke damage.

The most important thing of all is that no one was seriously hurt.

Photos: SMG

Shortly before 10.20am on Friday 20 September 2019 a black and red Aprilia motorcycle was travelling on Oldfield Road towards Regent Road, Salford when it collided with an Audi Q2 turning right on to Regent Retail Park.

The driver of the Audi – a woman in her 30s - remained at the scene and spoke with police.

The rider of the motorcycle suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

No arrests have been made.

Investigators are appealing for any information and want to speak to anyone who saw the incident take place, has dash-cam footage or saw the motorcycle in the area before the collision.

Details can be passed on to police by calling 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 899 of 200919.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Housing association Salix Homes, which owns 8,000 homes in Salford, has launched a new scheme to recycle unwanted furniture that has been donated or left behind when tenants move out and given to residents who need it most.

Since the scheme launched this summer, more than 200 items of furniture including sofas, wardrobes, beds, white goods, and even smaller items like ornaments and mirrors, have been diverted away from landfill sites.

Maria Lester, environmental services manager at Salix Homes, said:

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“Furnishing a home from scratch can be very expensive and some of our tenants aren’t in the position to buy everything new. Thanks to this scheme, people who are struggling can come down to our warehouse and pick what they need to help make their house into a home.

“We’re really proud of this new scheme which is not only helping people who need it most, but we’re also saving tonnes of good quality furniture from being dumped in our communities or sent to landfill sites.

“Fly-tipping is a real issue in Salford and we hope this new recycling scheme will help reduce the amount of furniture dumped in our streets and communities.”

 

This week (September 23 – 29) is Recycle Week – a national campaign to encourage people to recycle more and Salix Homes is calling for more residents to donate and recycle furniture to help others.

Maria added:

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“We all have a duty to do our bit to help the environment and Recycle Week is the perfect opportunity to consider the impact our actions have on our planet and think about what changes we can make, however small. If you have any items of furniture that still has plenty of life left in it, we’d urge you to donate it to this fantastic cause where you’ll not only be helping the planet, but people living in poverty too.”

 

The scheme is only currently available for Salix Homes tenants.

For more information on donating furniture or using the new service, contact Salix Homes recycling co-ordinator Janine Hart on 0800 218 2000 or email enquiries@salixhomes.org

Stephen Godridge (16/02/1993) of Masefield Drive, Farnworth was sentenced at Preston Crown Court today (Tuesday 24 September 2019) to 4 years 9 months after pleading guilty to two counts of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

The investigation into Godridge’s offending found that he would befriend teenage girls on Snapchat and incite them to engage in sexual acts. He would make efforts to meet up with them and when he did, he would sexually abuse the girls.

The charges Godridge has pleaded to relate to two 15 year old victims.

Godridge previously served as a Special Constable with GMP and was suspended from duty after being arrested in October 2016. He has since resigned from the force; however none of the offences were committed whilst he was on-duty and they are not related to his role.

Detective Inspector Neil Lawless, of GMP’s Wigan district, said:

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“Godridge is a depraved individual who targeted teenage girls on social media before encouraging them to engage in sexual acts.

“My thoughts today are very much with his victims and I would like to commend their bravery and courage in coming forward and assisting the police during the investigation, which has ultimately led to Godridge receiving a significant sentence.

“I hope this result will send a clear message about how seriously we take reports of this nature and how committed we are to bringing predators like him to justice.

“This case highlights the potential dangers modern-day social networking sites can pose and we are encouraging parents to have open conversations with their children about these risks and how to keep safe online.

“However, if anyone takes one thing from this story, please let it be that there is help and support available and people who will listen.”

 

For information on protecting children from Child Sexual Exploitation and how to seek support or report concerns visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk

Police have arrested a 17-year-old male who was found to be carrying an hammer and knife

Residents of Irlam Square in Irlams o'th' Height were awoken by the sounds of him smashing windows as he engaged in a wrecking spree shortly before 4 am on the morning of Monday 23rd September.

The man was arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and making threats to kill.

Extensive damage was done to the windows of several of the homes on the block.

The male has since been released on police bail pending further Enquiries. 

If you have any information that can help police then please contact them via 101.

Photos: Stewie Graham - Irlams o'th' height "Salford" on Facebook 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/590215927658354/permalink/2780680718611853/

Officers found more than they bargained for when they attended a report of a disturbance at a property in the Broughton Park area of Salford yesterday (23rd September).

Upon arriving they were shocked to have discovered a sophisticated hydroponics set up comprising of several 'Grow Rooms' which were found to be filled with plants growing in pots, sheeting had been placed around the room and thick curtains were put in place to stop people seeing in and the bright grow lights shining out and giving the game away.

The estimated street value of the plants was not revealed but it is said to have been worth a considerable sum to those involved.

Dozens of marijuana plants were bagged up by police to be used as evidence and they will then be properly disposed of.

Police say further investigations are ongoing.

The 19^th Salford Sports Network Awards, in partnership with Salford Community Leisure, took place on Friday 20^th September at The Lowry Hotel in Salford with guest of honour, professional climber Kenton Cool.

 The Salford Sports Network Awards recognise the sporting achievements, hard work and dedication of voluntary sports clubs and individuals across Salford including football, rugby, martial arts, athletics, swimming and more.

More than 200 people attended the event to see which clubs and individuals picked up one of the eleven awards that were up-for-grabs.

BBC Radio Manchester’s Phil Trow and guest speaker, Fourteen time Everest summiter and guide Kenton Cool spoke about his epic climbing skills and experiences, inspiring people in the community to use similar strategies in their own sports and everyday lives.

Mark Dutton, Chair and non executive director at Salford Community Leisure, which runs the Salford Sports Network, said:

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“Sport is an essential part of any community and it enables people to come together, build community spirit and promotes health and well-being. This year’s Salford Sports Awards has been biggest event yet with record numbers of nominations and some very worthy winners.”

Selecta UK Ltd Club of the Year Award went to Eccles RFC, which is one of the biggest amateur clubs in Salford with 18 teams for age seven and up. The club is currently commemorating its 70th anniversary at its Gorton Street home and there were successes on the pitch as well, with the first team gaining promotion to division two in the North West National Rugby Union League, whilst the Senior Colts won their division championship title and the Lancashire and Cheshire Colts League Senior Plate. The flourishing junior programme has seen eight boys and six girls going forward to represent Lancashire this year. With an ethos of improving their creativity, consistency and frequency of their promotional material, the club has increased engagement and participation by making it easier to connect with the club.

PE in Sport Award Primary School of the Year went to Light Oaks Junior School that prides itself in its PE provision and success across a range of different sports. As well as a dedicated two hours of PE each week, every class has access to the Daily Mile and other sporting activities which have included input from pupils and technology has been introduced including iPads that capture footage to help with assessment and track skill development. The school’s links with Manchester City and Salford Red Devils, teacher training, investment in sport and PE across the school and their focus on making all lessons have an element of active learning, really impressed the judges.

The Sports Achiever of the Year went to swimmer Joseph Stout aged 14 of City of Salford Swimming Club. It’s been an incredibly successful year for Joseph having achieved five medals at the County Championships including three Gold. He won four medals at Regional Championships and two Gold Medals at the National Championships. He has worked his way up the British rankings recording the fastest time for a 14-year-old in the 200m Butterfly Butterfly British Champion 2019. This year he has also ventured into open water swimming and become the National Open Water Champion in the 14 years age category. An incredible achievement becoming British National Champion twice in entirely different events takes a very special athlete who works tirelessly. He is the first ever athlete in Salford to win National titles both in the pool and in the open water environment.

The Avoira Disabled Sports Achiever of the Year went to Georgia Sheffield aged 14 from Pendleton who is part of City of Salford Swimming Club. It’s been a busy 12 months for Georgia, who has competed at county, regional and national levels, having worked hard and increased her training and attending national para camps. She came away from the Lancashire County Championships with seven gold medals, competed in the British Paras International Swim meet/world series and also picked up the top junior performer in the 200m front crawl having accrued the most FINA points for her age category. She won the gold medal and was crowned new national champion in the 200m and 100m Fly at the English Summer Championships. The judges were impressed with her continued dedication to her sport and to her local club.

The Changing Lifestyles Award went to Lesley Wiszniewski aged 63 from Worsley. Having been diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2018, a biopsy operation and a course of radiotherapy, she was placed on long-term medication. Initially un-sporty and inactive, Lesley was very reluctant to consider going into the gym but after her referral to the Can Move programme, starting with gentle exercise, seven months on, Lesley is now doing weekly circuit classes, an hour in the gym every week, a Tai Chi class plus swimming and feels more focused, positive and confident.

The Volunteer of The Year Award went to Winton Wanderers Club Secretary, Rob Wilson. The judges were impressed by Rob’s invaluable commitment to his role. He’s the coach for two teams and runs the club’s Wildcat programme. He spends many hours each week coaching as well as countless hours delivering the secretary role and has been instrumental in the revival of the club, helping to make it now one of the biggest football clubs in Salford. He’s helped grow the girl’s game and developed an ethos that every child has a chance to play football and has mentored new coaches to ensure this movement continues.

The Unsung Hero in Sport Award was given to Ian Keymer, who Groundsman at Cadishead Sports JFC. It was Ian’s can-do attitude that impressed the judges the most. As Groundsman for the last 25 years Ian has provided a safe environment for everyone at Cadishead Sports and is always on-hand and willing to support other organisations, schools and allotments.

The Coach of the Year Award went to Phil McGahey of Winton Wanderers FC. Phil is a former professional footballer who now devotes his time to coaching rising stars and has been head of the Academy at Winton Wanderers for three years. He has helped grow the club and played a role in training and mentoring 11 coaches who have gone on to coach their own teams within the club. On the pitch, Phil’s teams have won trophies in various competitions, playing good technical football, whilst he ensures every child is included. Every child coached by Phil has improved immensely.

In its 2^nd year, the Tommy Curran Special Recognition in Sport Award went to Keith Brookes from Monton Sports Club. Keith literally is Monton Sports Club, having been involved in the club for over 60 years and been instrumental in transforming the club from a traditional members club into a thriving five-sport club. He has helped drive improvements to the facilities and introduced new sports and teams that have benefitted all the members and the local community. Keith’s commitment is unmatched and he’s at the club every day of the week, watching the teams perform and meeting members.

Junior Team of The Year was Salford Harriers U17’s girls’ team who have celebrated a successful year at local, regional, county and national levels, with each individual member of the close-knit team contributing to the team’s triumphs. They are currently Greater Manchester Road Relay Champions, North West Road Relay Champions, Manchester and District Cross Country League Champions, Northern Cross Country Championships Champions and bronze medal winners at the England Athletics Road Relay Championships. Their success is down to team spirit, strong bonds, mutual respect and support, dedication, hard work and making the most of their natural abilities. 

Senior Team of The Year went to Cadishead Rhinos ARLFC who rounded off another successful year by retaining the coveted Simon Annis Cup, beating higher league opposition in the process. Their achievements have been down to improving the quality of their training, utilising floodlit pitches to work on more technical aspects of the game, as well as organising team bonding sessions and working on the team’s mentality and creating a real feeling of self-belief among the players. This has led them to become role models for the younger players, who many of them work with through other coaching roles throughout the club.

Eccles RFC, Light Oaks Junior School, Rob Wilson, Ian Keymer, Lesley Wiszniewski and Joseph Stout will all go forward to the Greater Manchester Sport Awards in November in accordance with corresponding categories.

Man Photo: Joseph Stout and Georgia Sheffield - both of City of Salford Swimming Club

The warning is in place between 4 am until 11 pm and localised flooding is possible in some areas.

Road conditions could also quickly become hazardous as heavy bursts of rain and strong winds make surfaces slippery and dangerous.

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"Widespread rain is expected on Tuesday with some very heavy rain possible, bringing some disruption from flooding.

"Homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings.

"Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life and some communities may be cut off by flooded roads.

"Delays or cancellations to train and bus services are possible. Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

"Possible power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses.

"Spells of very heavy rain are expected to move north-eastwards across much of England and Wales during Tuesday.

"Whilst many areas will see some heavy rain with 15-30 mm widely, some places may see up to 70 mm, much of this in a relatively short space of time, typically less than six hours.

"Thunder and lightning is also possible along with strong gusty winds."

 

On the afternoon of Monday 23rd September at around 2:40pm, Police were called to reports of a cash in transit robbery at Barclays Bank, Liverpool Road, Cadishead.

A gang of masked men targeted a G4S delivery van making a cash box delivery to the bank, pointing a loaded handgun at the terrified courier pleaded with the gunman not to shoot, however the robbers reportedly fired the handgun into the air as a warning before making off with the cash box in a VW Golf.

Fortunately the courier was unharmed.

A large police presence descended on the area and a number of crime scenes were established as forensic's teams conducted their investigations.

One of those areas was on Allotment Road where the Purple VW Golf was found not soon after being set alight and burnt out.

Sergeant Karl Dalton of GMP Salford said,

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“As the footage shows – this was a terrifying ordeal to live through for the cash-in-transit courier.

“Thanks in part to his remarkably calm handling of the situation, he was left unharmed and despite the psychological impact of crimes like this, he is recovering well.

“The footage we have released is very clear. While the men have their faces covered, we’re confident that someone may recognise them.

“The car they left in is also quite distinctive. Did you see it in the area prior to or after the incident?

“Even the smallest piece of information can often be enough to help officers solve crimes like this. If you know something that can assist us, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

 

Local Councillor, Lewis Nelson spoke of his upset at what has happened,

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"As a Cadishead Councillor, I am utterly appalled this has happened in our community.

"With the rest of the district, I hope those responsible are brought to justice as soon as possible.

"It's still unclear as to whether this is related to other recent incidents.

"We absolutely need all the police resources required to stamp out this violent crime which seems to have set seed across Salford again."

 

If you have any information around this incident, please contact GMP on 101 quoting incident 1635 230919 or call crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Members of the community have spoken out after a shocking increase of anti-social behaviour carried out by youths in and around Irlams 'o'th' Height.

We reported last week about gangs of youths on bikes causing traffic disruption and anti-social behaviour on the height, kids as young as ten have been reportedly pulling wheelies in front of traffic, damaging vehicles by colliding into them.

Since then a series of further events has prompted anger from the public who say that nothing seems to be being done to resolve the problems.

One lady we spoke to told us that she was in genuine fear of going out of an evening as there are gangs of youths numbering as many as 20-30 at a time roaming the streets.

On Friday evening, the windows of an elderly lady was almost smashed after youths threw what appears to have been a battered mars bar at it. The window is a single pane and almost shattered as the impact was so hard, the elderly resident was said to have been left petrified. 

Residents in the area have reported torrents of abuse from the gangs when confronting them about their actions. One elderly man told us how he was physically shoved by two older youths (15-17) as he returned from the shop, all he had done was ask them politely if they would move out of the way so he could get past, when they declined he tried to squeeze around them all and was pushed and jostled, almost loosing his footing and falling over.

In another incident a 31-year-old woman was called a wh*re among other unsavory things for simply asking a gang to move as they were waking her baby up with their screaming. When they refused, she threatened to call the police and was then met with further verbal abuse.

Not long after going inside they ran past her house banging on her doors and windows before running off towards Bolton road, it was only after they had gone she noticed that they spat all over her front door and window.

The situation is said to have gone from bad to worse over the past few weeks and we are told that many of the youths are not even from the area but are travelling there to meet up and congregate on places like the car park of the local Aldi store.

One lady we spoke to, who did not wish to be identified for fear or reprisals, said,

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"We have seen an increase in police patrols in the area, but it doesn't seemed to have deterred them one bit.

"It's become a nightly thing and it doesn't seem to be getting any better. I have lived here for years and it has never been this bad.

"On Tuesday (17th September) my husband asked a small group of kids to move away from the house as they were leaning against his car, later that evening as he headed off to work he noticed that three of his tires were flat. Thankfully they were not punctured and the air had just been let out of them.

"My husband didn't want to go to work that evening as he was scared they may return to do something else whilst he wasn't there.

It really has become a problem and I think the police need to take action before its too late."

Meanwhile youths on bikes have also been seen riding up and down the one way system on King Street, when asked to move they have replied with 'lip and sarcasm'.

With dwindling resources available to the police it has become increasingly difficult to cover the entire city, cuts to police budgets have meant that they have struggled to be able to respond to all reports and some types of crime have to take priority over others. Although anti-social behaviour is something that the police take very seriously.

In the past, other areas including Walkden, Monton and Eccles have all experienced similar problems with unruly gangs of teens, an increased police presence has helped to disperse the problems.

Nonetheless, if you witness or are subjected to anti-social behaviour, if there is an immediate threat to you or your property, then you should contact the police. Most of these incidents are going un-reported as the victims say they feel they would only be ignored and they fear fueling further reprisals.

This is not the case, in order to prevent this then residents need to ensure that all incidents are logged so the police have clear record of what is going on. They can then better divert resources to deal with the problems. Sadly many are too scared of getting the authorities involved for fear that they would fuel more anti-social behaviour towards themselves.

Salford Council also has an anti-social behaviour team and incidents can be reported online via this link on the councils website.

If you live in social housing then your landlord will also be able to help.

It is important to stress however, that the vast majority of the youth in the City are respectful, polite and well behaved, this type of behaviour is being carried out by a tiny minority. It is also important to remember that this is not just a problem specific to Salford, it is happening across the whole North West and indeed across the country too. In just the past day or so, police have had to issue a dispersal order on nuisance teenagers who have been causing problems in Wilmslow.

The glorious weekend weather is set to come to an abrupt halt in the early hours or Sunday morning, as a belt of heavy rain and thunder is set to push across the region.

Forecasters have said they expecting scattered thundery showers just after midnight on Saturday which will move northwards overnight, whilst areas of heavy rain will probably continue to move northwards during Sunday.

Some places may stay dry, with up to 30-40 mm falling in 3-6 hours in a few spots.

The rain will clear away northeastwards during the afternoon, but will be followed by heavy showers or thunderstorms in southwest England and perhaps Wales, which could give a further 20-30 mm in 1-2 hours.

Today however, will remain very warm and sunny so get the washing on the line and take advantage of the warmth with a BBQ. The weather is set to turn colder in the coming weeks so make the most of it whilst you can.

The next week looks to be an unsettled bag with more rain forecast on the horizon.

Shortly before 8pm on Friday 20 September, police were called by the ambulance service to Station Road, Swinton regarding reports that a man had sustained injuries.

Despite best efforts of emergency services staff who performed CPR at the scene, the man sadly later died in hospital.

The investigation is now focused on a first floor of a property, with forensics officers coming and going throughout the day.

There was some speculation on various local social media groups that a shooting had taken place after a large bang was heard by people living close-by, however, GMP have assured us that that is not the case and the mans injuries were not from a firearm. 

GMP officers were quick on the scene and quickly established a cordon which is at this present time still in place, the circumstances around the death are currently being investigated.

We will update this article once more information is released.

Photo: Jay Harrison

A man in his late 20's to early 30's has been injured this morning (Friday 20th September) after the motorcycle he was on was involved in a collision with an Audi car.

He was taken to Salford Royal after sustaining very serious head injuries.

Oldfield road was cordoned off between Liverpool Street and Regent Road whilst paramedics dealt with the incident. The cordon has since been lifted.

A spokesperson for NWAS said,

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"We were called at 10.20am to a road traffic accident between a car and a motorcycle.

"We have taken the patient to Salford Royal. He suffered a very serious head injury. A helimedic was sent to the scene.

"The patient was taken to hospital via land ambulance."

 

If you have dash cam footage or information which could help the police with their inquiries, please get in touch via 101.

Michelle Pearson is to be laid to rest at St Paul's Church in Walkden on Friday (27th September) after the courageous mother of six lost her battle for life 20 months after an arson attack upon her home that took the lives of four of her young children.

The cortege will set off from the outside the Pearson's former home on Jackson Street, and should arrive around 12 noon at St Paul's Church in Walkden.

The heartbreaking announcement of Michelle's death was announced by her mother on the 25th of August, later on her niece Courtney summed up the mood perfectly by saying,

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"Our beautiful Michelle gained her wings last night," 

"She held on, but her children needed her more."

 

The loving mum and her little angels Demi, 15, Lacie, seven, Brandon, eight and little Lia aged three, will always be held in the hearts of the people of our City and so if you can, please line the streets and show your respects to her as she takes her final journey to be reunited with them.

No one can speak of the pain and anguish that she has suffered, it is truly unimaginable, she is now free of those burdens and once again is reunited with those children she loved so dearly.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.

Steven, who was 65 years old, of no fixed abode was sadly found dead on Sunday 15 September 2019.

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

Anyone with information about Steven Anthony Stanton’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 5746.

Guided tours start at 11am and 2pm and are well worth going on as you can learn about the history of the church including it's ornate stone carvings, stained glass windows by Charles Kempe and much more

The church is a beautiful Grade 11* Listed building which opened for worship in 1879.

Over the next 40 years the church was to be beautified with a wealth of stone carving, stained glass, decorative woodwork, and even wall paintings (although the latter were sadly covered over in 1965) to produce the magnificent Grade II* listed building we see today.

The stone carving is probably the church’s most distinctive feature. Surrounding the tops of all the pillars in the central aisle are rings of foliage, some with birds, animals and human and angelic faces among the leaves. 

High above are the carved heads of the 12 apostles and higher further still the symbols associated with each apostle. More religious symbols and saints’ heads may be seen at the east end of the church. In the north and south aisles are a series of carved angels each one completely different from the other.

The most impressive stain glass windows are the 3 east windows by Charles Kempe which show the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus. Two unusual windows are one in memory of a young man killed in World War I who is actually portrayed in the window and one which shows the Old Testament story of Abraham’s concubine Hager and their son Ishmael (a subject rarely portrayed in stain glass.).

Also there is an amazing Peterloo exhibition which tells about local people killed or injured at Peterloo in 1819.

Refreshments are available on the day.

The Lowry School Appeal raises funds to deliver free workshops, led by professional artists, to more than 700 primary school children in some of Salford’s most deprived areas.

Last year, Salix Homes donated £1,000 to the appeal and has once again pledged a further £1,000 through its Springboard community grant fund, which has donated more than £100,000 to dozens of local groups and initiatives across Salford.

In total, The Lowry has raised more than £5,000 for the project, which aims to help children develop their imagination and spark their creativity by using renowned Salford artist LS Lowry as an inspiration.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said:

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“We are very proud to support the Lowry School Appeal once again, which is a fantastic project that provides local children with the opportunity to develop their talents and explore their creativity.

“LS Lowry is one of Salford’s most famous sons and has had a lasting legacy on this great city, so we hope this project will continue to inspire young imaginations to bring his work to life.”

 

Michelle Leigh, the arts practitioner who delivers the schools workshops on behalf of The Lowry, added:

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“The feedback I get from teachers is that they’re thrilled their students have had the opportunity to hear about creative arts skills and techniques from someone ‘in the business’.

“It’s also a chance for us to remind them that the galleries are free of charge and their students can come and enjoy great art on their doorstep.”

 

After each workshop, a hamper of art supplies is donated to the school, to ensure that the children can continue to develop their talents and explore their creativity long after the workshop has finished.

Children taking part in the workshops also get the chance to create their own Lowry-inspired masterpiece and enter it into the annual art competition - The Copley Prize.

This year’s winner was nine-year-old Maegan Hallwood, whose pencil drawing now proudly hangs next to the multi-million-pound originals that inspired her work.

Maegan, from Eccles, beat hundreds of other schoolchildren with her portrait of her dad and stepdad, entitled The Double Person.

The Copley Prize was founded by Lowry supporters Alison and Noel Copley who will be matching funds raised during the appeal up to £5,000.

Elizabeth Reilly, 75, has sadly passed away at her home on Hartis Avenue in Salford on Tuesday 3 September 2019.

Police believe that there are no no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

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

 

We were pleasantly surprised at the finished work which has, had a total makeover, including a new viewing platform and a new multi-level viewing area accessed from School Brow.

Dotted around the site are information boards telling the history of the workings and the underground canal route which stretches for some 47 miles, stretching as far as Farnworth.

More poignant are the depictions of workers tools, a pick-axe, safety lamp, helmets, coal dollies and memories from workers including young children who rarely saw daylight, their working hours that long.

Sited in the middle of the constructed island is a winch, similar to the one which stood here almost two hundred years ago, which hoisted the stone from the Quarry onto barges to build infrastructure around the area.

Stone representations of submerged, starvationer boats are dotted about the basin,  the bridge stonework has been repaired, cleaned and re-pointed, sluice gate restored and the parapets repainted, and all of the overgrown vegetation has been removed.

At night the quarry face is lit up by themed lighting creating a stunning light show which really highlights the workings and is a joy to behold.

All in all a marvelous restoration job has been carried out in the most sympathetic manner and we can only applaud and marvel at the finished product.

The over 60's club which is based at Monton Green has been an integral part in the lives of Salford's over 50 years. Today it has been given a three year extension.

Salford City Council, which leases Boddan Lodge from Monton Unitarian church and pays most of the £18,500 a year running costs, had considered terminating the lease by the end of this year because of budget cuts.

The extension which as been agreed with the council will give a three year extension to allow the group time to draw up a new business plan, diversify its membership, apply for further funding and get into a secure financial position.

After three years the group will take on the lease with the church.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said he was delighted with the agreement.

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“No-one wanted to see the group close because we all recognise the valuable work they do in keeping people active and involved in their community,” he said.

“I met with the group to explain that but also to make clear that the council has lost 51% of its core government funding over the last 10 years. Local ward councillors have also worked with the group to suggest a way forward that would allow the Lodge to stay open without cost to the council.

“I am pleased that we have reached an agreement for the next three years. The council will maintain the lease but the group will contribute more towards the running costs of this building through opening it up to a wider range of community groups, slightly increasing its membership fees and seeking funding from other sources. I am also grateful to Monton Unitarian church for reducing the rent to help the group.”