The singer signed a new contract with Bella Union and has been busy in the studio pulling together her second album which is set for release in Spring 2020.

The singer with a unique and somewhat distinctive voice is about as Salford born and bred as you can get, a lass who has never forgotten her Broughton roots and it clearly shows in her music.

Her voice and style have been likened to Shelby Lynne and Dusty Springfield.

The album, produced by Romeo Stodart of The Magic Numbers & Dave Izumi Lynch, departs somewhat from that 60’s setting of her 2012 Debut 'Through The Night' and delves a more HD world of deeper blacks and brighter colours both musically and lyrically.

Ren struck up a telepathic writing partnership with Romeo Stodart, who also plays guitar in her live band. It is a record for all seasons, tongue firmly in cheek one minute, heart sucking in dark matter and exploding out supernovas the next.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased by clicking HERE.

The groups are calling for workers from all across the region to join them at Manchester Central Library on Friday 20th of September as part of a Global Climate 'Strike'. 

UK Student Climate Network (UKSCN) is a group of mostly under 18s taking to the streets to protest the government’s lack of action on the Climate Crisis. They say that they aim to mobilise unprecedented numbers of students to create a strong movement and send a message that people are tired of being ignored.

The plans are said to be still in early stages of development and routes, details etc... have not currently been set.

The only concrete details currently known are that they are planning to meet at the Library at around 10am on the day.

A post made on Facebook read,

Quote

"We’ve been taking to the streets every month since February to call on the government and those in positions of power to take the necessary steps to tackle the climate crisis and create a better world. Our movement is going from strength to strength, but we can’t do this alone.

"Join us. Let’s mobilise together."

They are hoping that the numbers of those attending will be in their thousands and if they all turn up then it can expected that some routes will be blocked and traffic heavily congested throughout the heart of Manchester for the duration of the 'Strike'.

Greater Manchester Police will be ever present to facilitate a safe protest/strike. Anyone heading into Manchester on the day is advised to make arrangements for travel and expect some disruption to transport services.

For any more information, go to ukscn.org

Photo: Michael Kelly

North West Ambulance Services (NWAS) were called to a report of a stabbing at a house on Parrin Lane in Eccles at around 4am this morning (Wednesday 4th September).

The man who is understood to be in his 30's, was taken to hospital after being found with a stab wound, however, his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Greater Manchester Police were also in attendance and have established a police cordon to the rear of the premises.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said,

Quote

 

"Shortly after 4am on Weds 4 Sept 2019 police received a call from NWAS who were responding to a report of man having been stabbed at a property on Parrin Lane at Eccles.

"The man, who is believed to be in his 30s, was taken to hospital with injuries which are not considered life threatening. Police enquiries are ongoing."

 

Photo: SM

Sally McDermott was reported missing yesterday (September 3rd 2019) from her home address in the Old Trafford area.

She is being described as a white female, with long mousey brown hair, she stands 4ft 11inches tall and is of a tiny build.

Last seen wearing leggings, white high tops, possibly a hoodie and a coat, she also has a piercing in her nose & lots of piercing in her ears.

If you have seen her or are aware of her location please call 101 with any sightings quoting log 2667 02092019

Damen Scott aged 34-years-old of Ashawe Terrace, Little Hulton, was today found guilty on five counts of distributing indecent images of children, two counts of encouraging or assisting the commission of an indictable offence as well as three counts of making an indecent image of a child.

A jury took just 90 minutes to consider their verdicts on all 10 of the counts he had been charged with, before unanimously finding him guilty of all of the offences after hearing the overwhelming evidence against him.

Scott had been traced via the IP address of his computer by police officers investigating a country wide paedophile network. At his trial, Scott laid blame upon another man that he had met via the Tinder dating app, they had engaged in a short relationship, during which time Scott claimed the man had access to his internet connection during visits to his home on 2 consecutive weekends, however, it was soon discovered that he had been both sharing and receiving indecent images of young children with others.

Police initially discovered Scott to be in possession of over 1,500 sick images of children which were stored on a tablet computer, however, they later discovered a further 3,300 explicit images of children ages 9 months to 15 years-old stored on his mobile phone when he was later arrested once more, a few months later.

Scott had struck up an online friendship with a man from the West Midlands who had shared a sickening video of himself raping a baby. Upon seeing the video, Scott send messages encouraging the man to commit and film further acts of rape against the child. The man who was featured on the video had already served a 24 year sentence following a separate case.

The judge remanded him back into custody and deferred sentencing until November in order to consider if he should be given a life sentence.

In summing up, Judge Anthony Cross QC said that he needed more information before making a final decision on Scotts ultimate punishment.

Due to the harrowing and sickening nature of the case, he also understandably dismissed jurors from having to undertake further jury duty in the future.

Photo: Facebook

The man had met with two men in the Canal Street area before walking towards Back Piccadilly, where he was then raped and robbed.

After the attack, it is believed the offenders met up with a further man before all three travelled via Birmingham and London Victoria on the National Express Coach, arriving in London around 6am.

Since the rape occurred, officers have been examining CCTV footage to establish the circumstances surrounding the offence.

CCTV images released by investigating officers show three men they want to speak to in connection with the investigation.

Detective Constable Louise Kelly of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said:

Quote

 

“Since the attack, we’ve been following numerous lines of enquiry, but unfortunately we have yet to find the men responsible.

“We have now released images of three men we want to speak to.

“Anyone who recognises these men should get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“We urge people to pass on any information, no matter how small, so that we can progress this investigation further.”

 

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0161 856 4409 quoting reference 133 03/04/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Now across two days on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September at City Airport, Eccles for a full weekend of family fun and movie madness!

In the afternoon we’re transporting you back to high-school in the 50s for the hit motion picture, Grease! Join the Pink Ladies and ever rebellious T-Birds for this classic musical about love and friendship. Starring John Travolta as too cool for school, Danny Zuko and Olivia Newton-John as sweet Australian Sandy Olsson.

At 7pm celebrate the story of legendary rock band Queen and infamous lead singer Freddie Mercury as we rock out to Bohemian Rhapsody. The foot stomping biopic shows the rise of the iconic band and one of the most beloved entertainers of all time all in the lead up to Live Aid. If you want an evening of laughing, crying and most definitely singing along to this epic story, we won’t stop you now.

Make the most of your weekend and come down early for your film and enjoy a fun filled family day out. With fairground rides, food stalls, and of course plenty of flying action, there’s something for everyone.

You must register for your chance to get tickets. Please visit https://www.kiacinema.com/

TICKETS TO THE DRIVE IN CINEMA WILL BE EMAILED TO ALL REGISTRANTS WEEK COMMENCING 16TH SEPTEMBER. PLEASE READ COMPETITION TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAREFULLY.

In its fifth visit to the city, the community theatre will present a variety of new plays, community events and activities in the heart of Salford.

Paines Plough and Theatre Clwyd will present three brand new plays straight from Edinburgh Fringe success, including: On The Other Hand We’re Happy by Daf James, Dexter and Winter’s Detective Agency by Nathan Bryon and Daughterhood by Charley Miles. All professional plays are £5 and can be booked via The Lowry website or the onsite box office at Albert Park.

The Lowry has worked closely with the community of Broughton to ensure that Roundabout is truly embedded in and owned by the local community.

Kelly Wray, Neighbourhood Development Officer for East Salford said:

Quote

“I have helped The Lowry to connect with local residents and Community Groups in the Broughton/East Salford area. I live and work in the area so know it very well. Roundabout is truly a unique opportunity not to be missed”

Alongside the professional plays, there will be community events taking place throughout the four days, all of which will be free entry. Salford’s own poet, Jenny Berry will open Roundabout on Thursday alongside The Dry Open Mic’ers; a group of local writers. Other groups taking to the stage include: Salford City Singers, Broughton Angels, Salford Rock Opera, , JD Dance, Ed Blaney & Friends, Broughton Flood Group, The University of Manchester’s Klezmer ensemble and Walk the Plank.

Audiences can join in with a variety of free classes including yoga, health walks and a tots rave. The full Roundabout schedule can be found here.

Catering for the four days will be supplied by H.M.Pasties, a local company with the aim to ‘bring out the good inside’ by employing ex-offenders to make and sell handmade Cornish-style pasties.

Matthew Eames, The Lowry’s Senior Theatres Producer says

Quote

“We’re so proud to bring Roundabout to Salford for the fifth year. It’s been a joy to work with the with people in Broughton over the past year to provide such a vast and exciting programme and we’re excited to keep working with the community of Broughton long after Roundabout. We’d love the whole Salford community to pop by and have a look around the theatre and hopefully stay to see a show, you won’t be disappointed”.

Listings Information

Roundabout 2019 at Albert Park Broughton
Dates: Thu 5 – Sun 8 September
Tickets: Free community events, £5 plays.
https://thelowry.com/about-us/festivals-projects/roundabout/

The Fountains in Swinton are this year’s winner of the coveted award organised by housing association Salix Homes to recognise community groups and initiatives that are making a difference in neighbourhoods across Salford.

Someone is diagnosed with dementia every three minutes, and symptoms include memory loss, confusion and for some, forgetting their own loved ones.

The effects of the brain disorder can be devastating for the patients and their families, but The Fountains are raising much-needed funds to help make life a little easier for its residents.

Staff have been raising money to create a new sensory room and purchase empathy dolls for their dementia patients and say the £1,000 Springboard prize pot will help them on their way.

Shelley Hollorn, administrator at The Fountains, said:

Quote

“We do as much as we can to provide activities for our patients, but our own fundraising can only go so far. This money from Springboard will help us to improve our care by helping to create a more stimulating environment for them.”

Sensory rooms have a proven positive effect on people suffering with dementia, as they allow them to safely explore all five senses by interacting with objects, lighting and textures, while empathy dolls have been found to bring real comfort to patients.

Shelley explained:

Quote

 

“Dementia often causes people to feel isolated, frustrated, bored and unhappy as they start to lose understanding of the world around them. 

“We’re going to use the award money to create an aquatic themed sensory room for our dementia residents. They really like watching the tropical fish swim around in their tanks, as they find them really calming. The residents will love their new room and that’s what it’s all about.”

 

The Fountains were one of four finalists in our Springboard Heroes Awards, with close to 1,000 votes cast by the public.

Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“The Springboard Heroes is our way of honouring some of the fantastic work that ordinary people in Salford are doing day in, day out; and it’s projects like these that make our communities so special.

“We’re incredibly proud of our Springboard grant programme, which has provided a lifeline for dozens of fantastic groups and projects, which are really making a difference in Salford.

“We’d like to say a huge congratulations to The Fountains who are very worthy winners of this year’s award. We had close to 1,000 votes cast, and while there can only be one winner, they’re all heroes in our eyes and we’re proud to support them all.”

 

Each of the runners-up, which includes Peel Park park run, Friends of Green Grosvenor Park and The Audacious Foundation will each receive £100.

A man has sadly died whilst being held in custody at HMP Forest Bank this Sunday (1st September), making it the fourth death at the prison this year and the fifth death within the last fourteen months.

An investigation into how the man died has now been launched by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.

Prison staff could not comment further due to the investigation.

A spokesperson for HMP Forest Bank said,

Quote

 

“We can confirm there was a death in custody at HMP Forest Bank on Sunday, 1st September.

“Deaths in custody are a tragedy and our thoughts are with the family.

“As with any death in custody, there will be an investigation by the independent Prisons and Probation Ombudsman and therefore we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

 

Police responded to reports of a vehicle suffering damage from gunshots and the door of a house being set on fire after an accelerant was used to set the door of a property on the same street alight.

When officers arrived on the scene at Quay View in Ordsall at around 1:25am this morning (Tuesday 3rd September), they discovered that a vehicle parked on the street had been damaged by what appears to be a gunshot, additionally they discovered that a door had been set alight at a nearby property, although, it is said that it caused minimal damage.

A cordon was put around the property and forensics officers were on scene to scour the area for evidence.

A spokesperson for GMP said,

Quote

 

"We were called at 1.25am. Police responded to reports of gun shots being heard.

"Officers arrived at the scene to find a vehicle appears to have been shot at.

"An investigation is ongoing.

"Further enquiries found an accelerant may have been used at the front door of a property. It was then ignited, causing minimal damage."

 

It is understood that there were no casualties involved.

Photo: Google

Police were called to an incident in Irlam at around 3pm on Friday, upon arrival at the scene on Silverdale Avenue they discovered a 50-year-old man with injuries consistent with having been stabbed.

He was taken to hospital but sadly died due to his injuries on Saturday evening.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with the mans murder, a 48-year-old woman named by police as Nancy Smith (14/6/71) of Manchester Road East, has also been charged with assisting an offender.

The 17-year-old can not be named for legal reasons.

Both have been remanded into custody and are set to appear at Manchester City Magistrates Court on Monday 2 September 2019.

Update: We are being told that John has now been found, thanks for sharing.

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the whereabouts of 77-year-old John McDonald.

John is living with acute dementia and walked out of his home address in the Newearth Road area of Ellenbrook in the early hours of this morning.

John speaks with a strong Scottish accent, is good on his feet and is thought to be wearing black waterproof trousers, burgundy top with a black jacket, 5'7", skin build, grey hair.

John does not know the area very well and can become easily lost.

If seen please contact gmp on 101 quoting log 548-010919.

At a time when our Council's budget is cut to the shreds and our local services are under ever increasing pressures, the constant and unrelenting legal battles between the Council and Peel over a patch of muddy land between Monton and Worsley have taken a huge toll on our Cities finances. 

So far that cost amounts to £402,086 but that increases even more when you add in the costs of staff time and resources spent on dealing with what seems to be an unending case.

On August 2nd, the High Courts added yet another in a long list of NO's to Peel Holdings plans to turn what amounts to a muddy cow field into a lucrative business opportunity as they seek permission to build up to 600 luxury homes. 

After being denied initially by the Council they were later denied again and again by two separate home secretaries and earlier this month (August) the High Courts agreed with the previous denials and told Peel that they would not be allowed to appeal the decision. The full ruling can be found on this link: Download

Peel have been locking horns with both the council and R.A.I.D (Residents Against Inappropriate Development) since 2013 and it was thought that the High Courts decision had finally put an end to Peels ambitions, sadly it appears that this is not the case.

Peel has now decided that it is going to challenge the courts decision to deny it an appeal. 

If successful it would mean that yet again, the Council would have to defend its position in court, costing money that the council simply can not afford to waste.

In an open letter to John Whittaker (Chairman of Peel Holdings), Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett encourage Peel to reconsider its application, citing the huge opposition from not only local residents but also the cross-party support against the development from the Council. 

Paul said,

Quote

 

"The Council has now won three appeals including two public inquiries to protect the site from development, incurring legal costs of over £400,000 to the local ratepayers. 

"The Council will once again defend our policy to preserve this vital green space."

 

Petition

Meanwhile, Councillor Stuart Dickman is asking the people of Salford to get behind a petition to send a clear message to both Peel and the Secretary of Sate, James Brokenshire MP.

Quote

 

Peel Holdings are once again planning to challenge the Council’s policy on the protection of Broadoak Farm, a vital piece of green space linking to the ‘Worsley Greenway’. This well used, beautiful patch of land acts as a buffer between Worsley, Swinton and Eccles, maintaining the character and unique identity the area. It’s many paths are well trodden by residents, and its hedgerows and shrubbery a wonderful home for local wildlife.

Salford Council has protected this green space under provisions in its local plan, preserving it as green-belt. Peel Holdings, however, wish to use the land to build over 600 luxury homes. Peel have once appealed the Council’s planning decision, been defeated in the courts and twice beaten again at Public Inquiry, at great cost to the Salford tax-payer.

 

https://www.change.org/p/james-brokenshire-mp-secretary-of-state-for-housing-communities-and-local-government-defend-the-worsley-greenway

The petition is countersigned by Councillor Sharmina August and Councillor Jim Cammell.

 Laura Kiseliova of Salford and Bury, was sentenced to four years jail in her absence after being convicted of importing puppies too young to travel from Eastern Europe and passing them off as bred in the UK.

She was convicted on 10 charges which included failing to tell buyers that dogs were not bred in the UK, falsely claiming they were Kennel Club registered, trying to restrict consumer rights, failing to protect animals from suffering and making false insurance claims relating to a dog which died.

Her co-defendant Raimondas Titas was also convicted and sentenced to three years and six months in jail. He remains at large. Both defendants were banned for life from keeping animals and disqualified as company directors for 15 years. 

Salford City Council’s trading standards team was alerted to the issue by colleagues in Kent who twice stopped the couple importing dogs at ports in the county. A local vet also raised concerns about a puppy sold in Salford which had an Eastern European microchip.

The team brought together trading standards officers from Bury, the RSPCA, the Animal and Plant Health Agency and police to raid two houses in Salford and one in Prestwich. The Prestwich raid, in November 2013, saw 41 dogs and puppies and eight cats and kittens removed from the property and two people arrested and bailed on suspicion of operating as dog breeders and sellers without proper licences.

It then took trading standards officers over a year to interview defendants, consumers, businesses, advertising and insurance companies and collect evidence to bring the consumer protection charges.

Laura Kiseliova-Tite and Raimondas Titas were charged with multiple offences under the Fraud Act, Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, Companies Act 2006 and Animal Welfare Act involving hundreds of dogs and cats.

The court heard that the fraud went on for 20 months with Kiseliova described as the leader. They made 680 sales generating between £230,000 and over £300,000 with no regard for the welfare of the animals, the risk of introducing diseases to the UK or the emotional distress of buyers whose pets subsequently died.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, at Salford City Council, said:

Quote

“I am delighted she is back to face justice and pay for her crimes. Kiseliova risked importing diseases with the animals she traded so callously as well as defrauding customers and causing them distress.”

Photo: Stock

Michelle Pearson, the mother of daughters Demi, 15, Lacie, seven and Lia , three and son Brandon, eight has sadly passed away 20 months after being seriously injured in a horrific arson attack which stole away the lives of four of her beloved children.

The news of her passing was announced by her mother in a Facebook post this morning.

Michelle had survived the devastating arson attack on her family home in Walkden in December 2017 which saw Zak Bolland and David Worrall convicted of four murders and Bolland's girlfriend Courtney Brierley convicted on four counts of manslaughter.

The attack was a devastating climax to a feud involving Bolland and Kyle Pearson, Michelle eldest son, who escaped the blaze.

Although Michelle survived the horrendous attack, she was left with 75 percent burns and required constant hospital treatment for her injuries which left her unable to attend the funerals of her children even 9 months later. Instead she paid tribute to them from her hospital bed and thanked the firefighters for their efforts during the fire and the community who had lined the streets as the funeral corteges took her children to their final resting places.

Michelle had made some progress since the fire but had sadly taken a turn for the worse around June and her health deteriorated.

In a statement, Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes, of Greater Manchester Police, said:

Quote

 

Yesterday, we were made aware that Michelle Pearson, who was seriously injured in a house fire in Walkden in 2017, passed away.

As the Senior Investigating Officer for the investigation into the fire, I know first-hand how devastating the death of her four children was for Michelle and the news of her passing is incredibly tragic.

I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Michelle’s loved ones at this terrible time. We will ensure that they receive any support they need from the investigation team as they come to terms with their loss.

 

This morning there have been calls to charge Bolland and Worrall with a fifth count of murder.

Former prosecutor Nazir Afzal tweeted,

Quote

 

"Those convicted of the murder of her children now need to be charged with her murder.

"Time is no longer a bar to prosecution. 

"Such a sad case."

 

A spokesperson for GMP has said that the force would be reviewing the original investigation and seeking an early consultation with the CPS.

Our sincere condolences go out to her family and friends at this time, a City is once more in mourning for a strong and courageous woman.

Out of respect for both her and the family we have decided not to use any photos of Michelle with her injuries, instead we would like Salford to remember Michelle as the smiling, proud and happy mother she was before three callous monsters came and stole not only her life away but those of four of her beautiful children too.

Update: Alexander has now been found, thanks for sharing.

Police are becoming increasingly concerned for the welfare of Alexander Abbas who is missing from the Gore Avenue area of Salford.

He is known to frequent the Salford Precinct and Broadwalk areas and is not in possession of his medication.

If you any information that may help locate Alex, please contact GMP on 101 quoting reference 06FF/0000412/19.

Update: Amanda has now been found safe and well, thanks for sharing.

Amanda has been missing from the Salford Royal area since around 17:30 25/08.

She is described as a 46-year-old white female, stocky build, red bobbed hair, 5'4" tall.

he is wearing a salmon pink top & black leggings.

Any sightings please call 101 asap quoting log 2659 25/08. Thank you

Update: Angela has now been found, thanks for sharing.

Police are growing increasingly concerned for the wellbeing of Angela Williams, 54 years.

She was last seen wearing a light green and white hoody and black high top trainers on the 23rd August in the Hope area of Salford.

Anyone with information should contact GMP via 101 or by using the GMP Live Chat quoting incident number 3384 23/08/19

Michael Martin was 25 years old when he went missing in August 2016, at the time he was living alone in a flat on Westwood Avenue in Little Hulton.

Police have suspected that he had been enticed into Salfords criminal underworld and had become involved with a crime gang with links to drug dealing as well as a string of robberies, on the night he vanished he was said to have been in receipt of a considerable amount of money.

He was last seen on CCTV footage at a petrol station in Kersal, just a few miles away from Clifton.

In the CCTV released by GMP, Mr Martin was seen approaching his black Ford Focus on the petrol station forecourt, before entering the shop and speaking to an unknown male.

His black Ford Focus was later found on Velmere Avenue in Blackley.

A body was never recovered but the investigation is being treated as a non body murder.

A 39-year-old man and a 53-year-old were arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.

A reward was offered on the second anniversary of his disappearance, £50,000 was promised to anyone with information which leads to the conviction of those responsible.

Police have confirmed that they are searching an area of ground in the popular Clifton Country Park, a wooded area has been taped off and an evidence tent erected, floodlights have been put in place so that the search can be continued throughout the night.

A police spokesperson has said, 

Quote

 

"We are currently carrying out a search on an area of land inside Clifton Country Park.

"The search is in relation to the investigation into the murder of Michael Martin."