Parents are being asked to show a little care and consideration when picking/dropping their children from school as irresponsible and in many cases illegal parking is causing major road safety issues. Over the past few years the problem has only gotten worse as more and more cars take to the roads.

According to Rule 243 of the Highway Code , you are advised not to park near a school entrance or anywhere that would obstruct access for emergency services, at or near a bus stop, as well as opposite or within 10 metres of a junction, over a dropped kerb, and in front of an entrance to a property.

All schools will have areas with yellow zig zag lines outside their exits/entrances, these lines are to indicate the length of road where stopping or waiting is strictly prohibited. There may also be an upright sign displayed, indicating a mandatory prohibition of stopping during the times shown.

If caught by a local authority enforcement officer you could find yourself with a fine to pay and quite rightly so as you are needlessly putting lives in danger. And officers are on patrol so be warned.

Children's lives are increasingly being put in danger as they struggle to cross roads between parked cars, these areas are specifically meant to be kept clear at all times to prevent those dangers.

Today, Junior PCSO's Libby and Ibrahim from Monton Green Primary School were out on patrol as part of a crackdown on irresponsible parking in the area.

Road safety around schools is very important but drivers will only change their behaviour if they are aware of the consequences and who better to hear it from than a small child.

The pupils have been on patrol accompanied by an officer and are enjoying being involved in promoting road safety.

They are both described as being polite, courteous and a credit to the school and I am not one to dispute that but I would not take the chances as they both look like they could have you in a headlock in seconds.

So please, have some consideration when parking, no one wants to see children hurt on their way too and from school.

GMP are appealing to the public for help in tracing the family of Karl Henshall, originally from Urmston.

Karl Henshall, 66, passed away at his home address on Worsley Avenue, Walkden on Monday 17 June 2019.

Sadly the police have been so far unable to locate his family members to inform them.

Police believe there to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about Karl’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroners Officer on 0161 856 4687.

As the world remembers the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings which liberated Europe from the scourge of Nazism, Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support and pride for the men and women who make up our Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans of past conflicts and our amazing cadets who never fail to honour them.

There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved, from attending an event or joining us online to throwing a party or local event.

Armed Forces Day celebrations begin on Monday 24 June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.

The Ministry of Defence have requested that flags are flown to celebrate the start of Armed Forces Week and as ever Salford will be proudly joining the nation in tribute to the country’s armed forces community.  

A small ceremony will be taking place on the front steps of Swinton Town Hall, Chorley Road, Swinton, M27 5FJ from 10.30am on Monday 24th June 2019 to honour our armed forces community.

The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Charlie McIntyre and the City Mayor Paul Dennett will be joined by the Lord Lieutenant Mr Warren J. Smith and the Lancashire Fusiliers for the ceremony which runs from 10.30am to 11am. The Salford in Harmony choir will also be performing and the event is open to everyone.

At the rise of the ceremony light refreshments will be available in the Salford Suite within the Civic Centre.

Once more the much loved Winton Festival will again be supporting Salford’s Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June Salford’s military and community parade will travel from Duke’s Drive, Monton, along Parrin Lane to Winton Park, starting at 10.30am. Please allow extra time for your journey if travelling in this area as the parade passes through.

The festival is open from 11 am to 4pm. and includes fun for all the family with entertainment on stage and mini fairground rides for children.

The Salford Angels WI will be serving refreshments and home-made cake in the tea tent and the event is being supported by 236 Squadron, Lancashire Fusiliers, the Sea and Air Cadets, Brownies and Rainbows, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service and Booths Charities

Salford's finest young Cadets from all local detachments will be proudly marching alongside their seniors, veterans and their families in honour of the brave men and women of our services.

Winton Festival is proud to support Armed Forces Day with a number of fun activities planned. Forming part of the event will be a Parade; starting from Dukes Drive Car Park, off Parrin Lane, Monton, Eccles @ 10.30am, concluding at Winton Park, Dover Street, Winton.

Salford City Council’s Armed Forces Champions are Councillor Margaret Morris and Councillor Barry Warner.

Councillor Morris said:

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“Armed Forces Week is a chance to show our appreciation and support for all the armed forces community – those currently serving, veterans, reservists and cadets and their families."

Councillor Warner added:

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“Their dedication and sacrifice keeps us all safe and protects our peace and way of life in troubled times. We owe them all an incredible debt of gratitude as well as our respect and admiration."

GMP were called out shortly before 4.40am this morning (Tuesday 18 June 2019), after reports of a collision involving a silver Chevrolet Captiva.

Enquiries are currently ongoing to trace the driver who fled the scene. The vehicle was reported stolen from the Clifton area of Salford a short time before the collision happened.

Police are saying that there are no reported injuries at this time.

The southbound access to the A580 from Kearsley and access from the M61 southbound to the A580 remains closed.

PC Phil Raymond, of GMP’s Salford district, said:

Quote

“I’d like to thank the public for their patience as we respond to this incident.

“The road remains closed so that essential work can take place to ensure the road surface and crash barriers are made safe following the collision.

“Our enquiries to trace the driver continue and I would urge any members of the public with information, or anyone with dashcam, to get in touch with police as soon as possible.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a man in dark clothing walking near junction 13 of the M60 around the time of the collision."

Drivers travelling through Little Hulton and Walkden are being advised to find alternative routes.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6108. Reports can be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

In a move which TV comedy legend Ricky Tomlinson called an absolute disgrace, the Government has courted controversy after passing on the TV licence concession bill to the BBC to fund. Earlier this week the national broadcaster declared that it would employ means-testing to determine who is and who isn't eligible for a free licence under their new rules.

Previously anyone aged 75 or over could apply for a concessionary licence but that is all set to change as the new rules will mean only those pensioners in receipt of pension credit will be eligible. This will result in an estimated 3 million+ elderly people losing out on their free licence once the new scheme takes effect on the 1st of Jun 2020.

Pensioners groups have argued that the free licence is a lifeline for elderly people which is now being taken away despite promises by the Government in previous years that it would remain. 

Charity group AgeUK has said that the reforms could see over 50,000 pensioners forced into poverty as they urge the government to do a prompt u turn over the decision.

Caroline Abraham's the charity director at Age UK said:

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“Millions of older people, particularly those who are lonely or housebound with disabilities, rely on their TV as their trusted companion and window on the world, and it would be cruel indeed to undermine this in any way."

A petition set up by the charity has seen over 559,000 people sign it over the past few days.

The BBC has defended its position by detailing that the cost to the corporation would be approximately £745 million by 2022, a figure which could rise to over £1 billion by 2029 as the population ages.

Ricky blasted the Government in a speech given at a impromptu protest rally at MediaCityUK over the weekend, he said:

Quote

"They have worked all their life. We've paid into the system and the little bit you've given them back you are now taking away."

Now the The National Pensioners Convention has called for people to make a stand with them against the decision by the Government and the BBC bosses. A Protest will be held outside the BBC's headquarters in Salford's MediaCityUK, the home to the BBC's 5 Live, BBC Sport and Blue Peter to name but a few shows now produced in its Northern HQ.

The demonstration will take place at Noon this Friday 21st June out front of the BBC building, with planned protests taking place across the country at the same time outside other regional BBC offices.

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"The NPC is absolutely clear – if we fail to protect this concession, the Government will begin looking at the winter fuel allowance and the bus pass" states the organisation "That's why we need as big a demonstration as possible out on the street next Friday..."

Police are giving warning after a number of reports of bogus workmen targeting residential properties in both the Walkden and Boothstown areas.

They are reportedly approaching householders offering to carry out refurbishment or replacement of driveways.

They are described as white males ages around their late 20's - early thirties, 1 man was of medium build, wearing dark clothing and curly hair under a bob hat, he was also seen to be smoking roll ups. The other is described as also being medium build and wearing short pants and trainers. There are reports that they have been seen driving a white transit van around the areas.

Both are suspected by police of carrying out fraud and false representation.

This is by far the first time that fraudsters have targeted Salford in such a way, last year a couple from Weaste were duped out of money by someone claiming to work for Salix Homes.

Residents are advised that if approached, they decline any offers of work and report the incident immediately to GMP via 101 or using their online chat services.

One of the most celebrated musicals of all time, Once will embark on its first major UK tour from January 2020, making its Greater Manchester premiere at The Lowry from Mon 22 to Sat 27 June.

Tickets are currently on sale to Members of The Lowry. General on sale is 10am on Fri 21 June. 
 
Based on the critically acclaimed and much-loved film, Once tells the uplifting yet yearning story of two lost souls - a Dublin street busker and a Czech musician - who unexpectedly fall in love. Following their relationship across five short days, big changes happen to both of them in little ways. Celebrated for its original score including the Academy Award-winning song 'Falling Slowly', Once is a spell-binding and uplifting story of hopes and dreams.
 
Once embarks on its first major UK tour after acclaimed runs on Broadway and in the West End, and having won awards across the world including the Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, eight Tony Awards and an Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music.
 
The cast will be led by Daniel Healy as Guy and Emma Lucia as Girl, who return to the roles after receiving critical and audience acclaim in the production’s premiere last year at the New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich and Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch. Daniel Healy is a singer-songwriter, musician and actor, who has co-written songs for multi-platinum artist Ronan Keating including the single 'Breathe', which topped the BBC Radio 2 Playlist. Theatre credits include 'Backbeat' and 'Once', both in the West End. Emma Lucia made her professional debut as Marilyn and understudying Carole King in the UK Tour of 'Beautiful', before taking on the role of Girl in Once.
 
Further casting is to be announced.
 
Once is directed by Peter Rowe with set and costume design by Libby Watson, musical supervision by Ben Goddard, choreography by Francesca Jaynes, lighting design by Mark Dymock, sound design by James Cook, projection design by Peter Hazelwood and orchestrations by Martin Lowe. Casting is by Debbie O’Brien.
 
Based on the cult 2007 Irish indie feature, originally shot on a micro-budget of just $160,000, Once premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in 2011 before transferring to Broadway in 2012. There it won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Productions have since opened all over the world, including the West End production in 2013 which received the Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in Music.
 
Once has a Book by award-winning Irish playwright and screenwriter Enda Walsh, and Music & Lyrics by Academy Award winning Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová who, for 'Falling Slowly', won the Oscar for Best Original Song. It is based on the motion picture Written and Directed by John Carney. The Original Production Concept is by John Tiffany, and Orchestrations are by Martin Lowe.

Listings Information
Once
Dates: Mon 22 - Sat 27 June 2020
Box Office:  0343 208 6011
Website

The incident happened between 1.30am and 2am on Sunday 9 June 2019 a man in his mid-20s was waiting at a bus stop on John Dalton Street when a black Jeep approached.

Inside were around three or four men, one of whom got out of the vehicle and put the man in a headlock.

The offender then smashed a glass bottle into the victim’s face.

The victim was taken to hospital for treatment after suffering two deep cuts to the head just above the eyes.

The man described the offender as being an Asian male wearing a red or black T-shirt, approximately 6ft 2ins tall with dark hair which was long on top and short on the sides. 

After the attack was over, the offender got back in the black Jeep which made off from the incident along the A34 towards Salford.

Anyone with any information about the assault should contact police on 0161 856 3345 quoting incident number 1656 of 12/06/19.

Information can be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At around 12.10am on Sunday 17 March 2019 a man in his 40s was assaulted after an argument with the offender – another man who is believed to be in his 20s.

The offender punched the victim in the face, causing him to fall to the floor and bang his head.

The incident happened near to the Mojo bar on Bridge Street, Manchester.

The victim was knocked unconscious during the assault after hitting his head on the floor. He sustained injuries to his nose and face, as well as suffered head injuries which required hospital treatment.

The offender is described as white and with short brown hair. He is described as being 5ft 9 inches tall with stubble. At the time of the assault he was wearing a khaki waist-length parker coat which had fur around the hood. He also wore blue jeans.

Police Constable Michelle Cording, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said:

Quote

“This was a nasty attack which left a man in hospital and I want to reassure members of the public that we are committed to trace those responsible.

“Luckily the victim was able to recover at home, but this could have easily been a different story and I want to stress just how severe the consequences could have been.

“We have been trawling through CCTV from the surrounding areas and we are now releasing a picture of someone we are keen to speak to. Do you recognise them? I appreciate it has been a few months since the incident, but if so please get in touch with police.”

Anyone with any information about the assault should contact police on 0161 856 4275 quoting incident number 267 of 17/03/19.”

Information can be also be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police arrested 10 suspects yesterday as they carried out the second phase of Operation Ballerina which aims to clamp down on the supply of drugs into Bury.

Police carried our early morning raids on 6 properties across the region following on from previous raids carried out last week.

This morning 8 of those arrested were charged on counts of supplying crack cocaine and heroin.

Stephen Barlow, (06/07/1976) of Second Avenue, Oldham, has been charged with three counts of supplying crack cocaine and three counts of supplying heroin.

Craig Dalton, (16/07/1972), of Caversham Drive, Manchester, has been charged with five counts of supplying crack cocaine and five counts of supplying heroin.

Aaron Wren, (15/08/1985), of Lancaster Road, Salford, has been charged with three counts of supplying crack cocaine and three counts of supplying heroin.

Five of those arrested have all been charged with possession with intent to supply heroin, possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and possession with intent to supply cannabis and money laundering.

Aaron Fitzmaurice, (30/06/1985), of Kingsway, Manchester

Anthony Fitzmaurice, (06/10/1994), of Kingsway, Manchester

Jamie Fitzmaurice, (06/03/1997), of Kingsway, Manchester

Claire Fitzmaurice, (03/07/1992), of Kingsway, Manchester

Sarah Fitzmaurice, (20/08/1964), of Kingsway, Manchester

They have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ later today, (Friday 14 June 2019).

A man and woman, who were also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply drugs and money laundering, have been released under investigation.

Set in the competitive world of boxing, Gypsy Queen is an unconventional love story between two fighters who discover the greatest challenge lies outside the ring.

The production comes to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre from Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 September and tickets are on-sale now.

It returns to Manchester by popular demand after visiting Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club earlier this year as part of its third UK tour in a special site-specific performance, and previously played at Hope Mill Theatre in 2017.

Gypsy Queen explores LGBTQI visibility in sport, faith, sexuality, and the notion of masculinity.

It tells the story of ‘Gorgeous’ George O’Connell, a bare-knuckle fighter and traveller, who enters the world of professional boxing which puts him on a collision course with his roots, his identity and his greatest fear.

In the opposite corner, Dane ‘The Pain’ Samson, the young pretender and son of a boxing legend. He is fighting his own battles that lead to a tragedy that neither could predict.

This critically acclaimed love story about two men who find each other in the most unlikely of worlds. But can two men raised to fight ever learn to love?

The play features just two actors, who play nine characters between them, portraying comedy, drama and physicality in equal measure.

Gypsy Queen is written by Rob Ward, who also plays the role of George O’Connell.

John Askew reprises the role of Dane, having previously played the role at select dates during 2019 spring tour, at the Edinburgh Fringe 2018 and the Gypsy Queen UK Tour 2018.

The play is directed by Chris Lawson and produced by Emmerson & Ward Productions.Producer Max Emmerson commented, 

Quote

 

“We had an amazing response to the spring tour of Gypsy Queen.

“The play has strong messages of friendship, conflict, challenging prejudice – but most of all love. We are excited to be bringing the show back to Manchester in September for a longer run.”

 

Gypsy Queen was nominated for two Manchester Theatre Awards 2018 in the categories of best new play and best fringe production.

The play was a knock-out success during its recent tour, garnering four and five-star reviews. It also received stellar reviews at Edinburgh in 2017 and 2018, and was selected as one of LGBT Youth Scotland’s Top Ten Festival Picks at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe. It was also longlisted for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award, with writer Rob Ward named as one of the British Council’s Emerging Artists for 2017. The List also placed Gypsy Queen 39th on its list of best festival shows based on the opinions of a range of reviewers – out of 3,500 overall.

Gypsy Queen is suitable for audiences aged 16 upwards. The play contains strong language, nudity, and scenes of a sexual nature.

Website:         www.gypsyqueentour.com/

Facebook:       GypsyQueen Tour

Twitter:           @GypsyQueenTour

LISTING INFORMATION

GYPSY QUEEN

Tuesday 17 – Saturday 21 September

VENUE

Hope Hill Theatre

113 Pollard Street

Manchester M4 7JA

PERFORMANCE TIMES

8pm (& 3pm on Saturday 21st September)

TICKETS

£12 standard / £10 Concession

Book online at https://hopemilltheatre.co.uk/events/gypsy-queen-2/

The producers of Dolly Parton’s 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL announced today that Louise Redknapp will star as Violet Newstead and Amber Davies will star as Judy Bernly when the smash hit musical plays the Palace Theatre Manchester from 17-21 September. Full casting to be announced soon.

Louise Redknapp is currently playing the role of Violet Newstead in the West End production of the show. She most recently starred as ‘Sally Bowles’ in the national tour of “Cabaret” and in 2016 she reached the final of “Strictly Come Dancing”. As a musician Louise has sold millions of records. She was a member of the band Eternal before embarking on a highly successful solo career, with her first live shows in 15 years selling out all over the UK.

Amber Davies is currently playing the role of Judy Bernly in the West End production of the show. She graduated in 2016 with a Diploma in Musical Theatre from the Urdang Academy. Her credits whilst training include “Bring It On”, “My Favourite Year” and “Memphis”. In 2017 Amber was the winner of the hit ITV reality series “Love Island”.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL opened in the West End in February, where Dolly Parton attended the premiere and joined the cast on stage at the finale. The musical features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by multi Grammy Award winner, country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy - three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the women manage to reform their office - or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the cult film this hilarious new West End production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is written by Patricia Resnick, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. It is directed by Jeff Calhoun, choreography by Lisa Stevens, design by Tom Rogers, lighting design by Howard Hudson, sound design by Poti Martin, video design by Nina Dunn, original arrangements by Stephen Oremus & Alex Lacamoire, original Broadway orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin, musical supervisor, reductions & extra arrangements by Mark Crossland, musical direction by Andrew Hilton and casting by Victoria Roe.

Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture. Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL is produced by Ambassador Theatre Group Productions, Selladoor Worldwide and Gavin Kalin Productions with Benjamin Lowy Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Showtime Theatre Productions, Hartshorn – Hook Productions, Harmonia Holdings and Kilimanjaro Live.

LISTINGS INFORMATION

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

Tuesday 17-Saturday 21 September

Manchester Palace Theatre

www.atgtickets.com/Manchester

Website: 9to5themusical.co.uk

Instagram: @9to5themusicaluk

Facebook: 9to5TheMusicalUK

Twitter: @9to5MusicalUK

YouTube: 9 to 5 The Musical

With knife crime on the increase and incidents in the nations capital seemingly happening on a daily basis, GMP has combined forces with GM Council to target problem areas within Greater Manchester at the same time as paying visits local schools to highlight the problem and educate children on the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.

As part of Op Sceptre, the national campaign to tackle knife crime, from Friday 14 June additional GMP officers will be deployed across the north of Manchester, over every weekend throughout the summer, until Sunday 1 September. Ahead of the national campaign, that will be taking place towards the end of this year, this initial operation will target specific hotspots in the north throughout the busier summer months.

Officers will be using all appropriate powers at their disposal to disrupt and prosecute those who routinely carry weapons and commit serious violent crime.

As well as officers conducting stop and searches within the community, Manchester City Council will be visiting local schools to educate children through presentations on the dangers of knife crime.

The recent rise in knife crime is shown through figures obtained from January to February this year where a total of 139 crimes where a knife or machete was used, seen or threatened and an increase of 21% were seen between March and April to 168 crimes.

Superintendent Umer Khan said,

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“Reducing knife crime is a priority at GMP and this summer drive of action will help tackle the regular offenders, as our officers target hotspots throughout the north.

“The rise in knife crime has provoked concern and anxiety across communities so I am committed to addressing and reducing the number of attacks.

“This operation is one of the ways in which I will do this and in the process will educate and help young people within local schools to understand the effects of carrying a knife.”

 

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said,

Quote

 

“This year too many families have been torn apart by the devastating consequences of knife crime, and Manchester City Council is fully committed to supporting this operation.

“At the council we are committed to supporting Greater Manchester Police and will continue to work with communities which have been blighted by knife crime.

“We need to listen and learn the reasons why people have resorted to carrying a weapon, and only then can we work together to get these blades off our streets.”

 

The following have been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs after being arrested after GMP carried out raids at properties on Valencia Road and Littleton Road in Kersal, Mulberry Court in Pendleton and Walley Square in Higher Broughton.

Darren Horrocks (08/04/1970) of Valencia Avenue, Salford.

Joanna Zblewska (31/08/1978) 132 Mulberry Court, Salford.

Samantha Cox Born (11/06/1990) of Littleton Road, Salford has been charged with conspiracy to supply class A drugs and two counts of money laundering.

All three have been remanded into custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today (Thursday 13 June 2019).

On Tuesday 11 June 2019, officers executed warrants in Kersal, Pendleton and Higher Broughton, arresting eight people and seizing cash and drugs.

In an interview shortly after the raids were carried out, Detective Inspector Martin Ashurst said,

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“Residents in the vicinity of the raids may notice increased police activity as officers conduct further enquiries.

“The best weapon we have against drug dealers is the wider community, on whom we rely to help us catch and prosecute those who seek to profit from the sale of narcotics.

“Drugs blight communities and ruin lives. If you suspect that drugs are being dealt in your neighbourhood, contact police on 101 immediately.”

Two women aged 55 and 59 and three men aged 52, 58 and 21 have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Settle down in the cheap seats please!

Laydeez and Jellymen it's the news you have all been waiting for, possibly.

After the amazing success of last years history walk around Eccles, I (Tony) shall be doing the Eccles history walk which is mainly pub related I admit, but it's all history, on Sunday 30th June meeting at Eccles Train Station at 1pm.

As per usual I shall regale you with tales of murders, suicides, arsenic contaminated beer, secret tunnels, millionaire born in local pub, Lusitania Riots, pub that was wrecked, foul mouthed Mynah bird, railway crashes, cholera pits, sundials, graveyards, bomb damaged buildings (bullet holes in the wall actually), long forgotten pubs, Eccles Cross, Eccles racecourse (yes we did have one) have I mentioned Fred Engels yet?, ladies of the night and much more, much more.

How much is this historical, hysterical extravaganza going to cost me I hear you cry in alarm?

The lowly pittance is a mere £3, yes you read that correctly, but as with all cheap deals there is a catch...

I am doing this walk in aid of the emergency weekend foodbank at Mustard Tree, Eccles, after a conversation I had with the Manager, Peter Askew, a fine chap, who explained the plight many families face.

So every penny will go towards purchasing food for them, also I ask you to bring along tinned food, such as, beans, meat, fruit, pot noodles, soup, rice, pasta, toiletries such as soap, wet wipes, toothpaste, talc etc which will go towards making up food parcels for the needy of the area, and believe me there are plenty of them.

So I hope I have pricked your conscience and you come along and enjoy yourself knowing that you have done a good deed!

I haven't mentioned the quiz yet, which takes place after this walk, with prizes! no, not tinned food, books etc and who knows there may even be a copy of the fabled History of Eccles Pubs book up for auction?

This morning, (Thursday 13 June 2019), a team of officers executed warrants at properties across six addresses in the Manchester, Oldham, Salford and Bury areas.

The warrants were issued as part of phase 2 of Operation Ballerina which was set up by GMP to target those believed to be involved in the supply of Class A drugs across Bury.

Police have recovered a large amount of Class A drugs and cash and seven men and three women were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply and supplying Class A drugs, they remain in custody.

Paul Walker who is the Superintendent of GMP’s Bury district, said:

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“This was the second raid in as many weeks that specifically targeted the supply of drugs, and has now seen 17 people arrested. This morning was a huge success with a large amount of Class A drugs and cash recovered.

“Our stance remains the same, we do not tolerate the supply of drugs, and we will continue to take action if there is any suspicion of offences being committed in Greater Manchester.

“Operation Ballerina is very much ongoing, and we are continuing to crack down on the supply of drugs across Bury and the wider region.

"Our most powerful tool in the fight against drugs is the information we receive from the community. If you suspect drugs are being used or cultivated in your area, we urge you to get in touch with the police as soon as you can."

Paul went on to say,

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"This is not a one off thing and anyone who is involved in the supply of drugs may be arrested."

Police carried out earlier raids last week under phase 1 of Operation Ballerina which targeted drug suppliers in the Bury area.

Anyone who holds any information relating to this crime is asked to contact police on 0161 856 9023, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Emergency services were called to a house in the Duchy area of Salford last night, after a gunman entered a house on Duchy road and opened fire at an occupant who was watching television with friends.

Firearms officers and paramedics were quickly dispatched to the scene whereupon they found the 27 year old man suffering from gun shot wounds to his legs.

The man was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, his injuries are said not to be life threatening.

This is the latest in a number of incidents, last Wednesday shots were fired through the door of a home in Howard Street, fortunately no one was injured. GMP have since revealed that they believe the home involved was not the intended target.

Yesterday 12/02/2019 a controlled explosion took place after police discovered a 'potentially viable' explosive device along with a gun, although a police spokesperson has disclosed that the police are not treating the incidents as linked.

A resident we spoke too who does not wish to be named said that she believed there was a gang land feud being fought out on the streets of Salford, however, police have not confirmed this to be the case.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 1897 of 12/02/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Following intelligence from the community, officers carried out a search of land off Duchy Road today (Tuesday 12 February) and a potentially viable device was found. 

Bomb disposal were called and are currently in attendance. 

A cordon has been put in place as a precaution and we would ask people to avoid the area. 

Police stress that this is not believed to be terrorism related.

GMP’s Serious and Organised Crime Group officers, working alongside Salford’s Operation Arctic Team, are investigating and enquiries remain ongoing. 

GMP works with partner agencies to tackle and dismantle organised crime groups across Greater Manchester.

This includes working with children and young people to steer them away from crime as well building better relationships with communities to gather intelligence. 

Shortly after 9.10pm last night (Wednesday 6 February 2019), police were called to a house on Howard Street to reports that a gun had been shot at the front door.

Two people were upstairs in the house at the time and fortunately, were not injured.

Officers will remain in the area throughout the day and people with any concerns are encouraged to speak to them.

Police Superintendent Howard Millington of GMP’s Salford District, said:

Quote

 

“We are considering every single piece of information that’s been passed onto us as a possible line of enquiry.

“This includes looking at whether this is linked to any ongoing feuds or previous incidents to be able to find out exactly why this has happened and what we can do to prevent anything like this happening again.

“We have to keep an open mind around the circumstances but from what we know at the moment, it looks like the house was incorrectly targeted.

“What we do know is whoever carried out this shooting clearly intended to cause people fear, which is absolutely unacceptable and we will stand with you, the people of Salford to find out who did this and bring them to justice.

“To make our streets gun-free, we need your help. No-one should be in fear in their own homes, so if you have any information or witnessed anything, contact detectives immediately.

“Our intelligence about incidents like this is only as strong as the information you pass onto us so I am urging you to make contact.  

“Did you see something that wasn’t quite right around the time of the incident? It’s been reported that a moped left the scene shortly after – did you see this? Whatever information you have, we’re waiting for your call.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5360 quoting reference number 2217 of 06/02/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Monika Osinska (29/01/1985) of Liverpool Road, Peel Green was sentenced yesterday (Tuesday 5 February 2019) to 12 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to persistently making use of a public communication network to cause annoyance at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court. 

During her latest spate of offending, between September and November 2018, Osinska made 339 malicious 999 calls – costing the Operational Communications Branch over £1400 due to lost time and wages and hampering the OCB’s essential role of deploying officers to crimes and major incidents. 

On just one day alone in this period (Thursday 1 November 2018) she called 23 separate times. 

The court heard that Osinska has a long history of making malicious phone calls to 999 from her mobile phone. 

In January 2018 Osinska received a police caution for making more than 150 malicious 999 calls in less than a month. 

Despite the warning, she continued making abusive calls to call handlers in which she often made derogatory remarks about the call handler’s gender, race and nationality. 

In May 2018, Osinska appeared at Manchester Mags and had an existing 12 week suspended sentence for malicious communications extended to 15 months. 

Despite GMP also deploying specialist officers to engage with Osinska, she remained uncooperative and continued to make malicious calls. 

Upon her arrest this week, Wednesday 30 January 2019, she refused to accept that her behaviour was a problem, telling officers: “Well everyone calls 999. I read it in the paper.” 

Superintendent Mark Kenny of GMP’s Salford Division said:

Quote

“Anyone who ties up a 999 line with inappropriate calls prevents genuine emergencies being dealt with, and potentially puts lives in danger. 

“Osinska’s deplorable behaviour has run this risk hundreds of times – not to mention causing gross offence to the hard-working call handlers who’ve had to deal with her frequent abuse, as well as wasting public money. 

“The nature of Osinska’s calls was frequently vile – and never once referred to a valid emergency situation. 

“She has been given numerous chances to cease this behaviour, but has refused time after time to engage with officers. 

“Quite why she continued; only she knows. She has brought this punishment upon herself and will now have a long time to think about her actions.” 

The correct way to contact police. 

The 999 number is for emergencies only. This includes when a crime is in progress, someone suspected of a crime is nearby, when there is danger to life or when violence is being used or threatened. For all non-emergencies the 101 number should be used. 

Citizen’s Contract. 

Greater Manchester Police has lost a quarter of officers over the past few years and this, coupled with the changing nature and seriousness of crime means that we have to work together with the community, now more than ever. 

The force is fully committed to providing the most effective service possible and has been listening to people across Greater Manchester over the last 18 months to find out what they expect from us and what they think they can do to support policing. 

As part of this work, we recently launched the new Citizen’s Contract which sets out seven points of how we will continue to be upfront and honest about our priorities and demands but also asks the public to support us by contacting us in the right way, sharing information and intelligence with us and working together with their neighbours to create places to live that everyone can be proud of. 

For more information about the Citizen’s Contract, please visit our website,www.gmp.police.uk