At around 9.40am on Thursday 8 November 2018, police responded to a report of an armed robbery at a bank on Church Street in Eccles.

Witnesses have reported approximately four men entered the bank armed with guns.

Thankfully there have been no injuries.

Officers are at the scene and an investigation has been launched.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting the reference number 555 of 8/11/2018.

Photo Credit - The one and only Simon Williams

Shortly after 10pm on Tuesday 22 May 2018, police were called to a property on Cloughfield Avenue following reports of a shooting. 

Three men and a woman had been inside a property when shots were fired through a downstairs window. 

The offender fled to a white car on Robert Hall Street which drove off in the direction of Phoebe Street. 

A 26-year-old man was taken to hospital with injuries to his abdomen and has since been released. 

Police have released the image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident. 

Investigating officers believe the man could be from the Merseyside area. 

Anyone who recognises the man or has any information on the incident should call police on 0161 856 9908 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Police were called to the scene of an accident this evening (05/11/18) involving a scooter and a car on the stretch of the road in front of All Hallows RC School.

A woman said to be in her 40's was seriously injured in a collision with a car at around 5:10pm, emergency services were quickly on the scene and the road was closed off whilst the injured woman was tended too and taken to the nearby Salford Royal Hospital for treatment. 

We have been told that she is in a serious but stable condition this evening. It is unknown if anyone within the car was injured and police have not yet released any information on how the crash occurred.

However police remained on scene to investigate and subsequently and rightly so, the road remained closed, as thousands of people flooded into the area to watch the annual fireworks display further along Eccles Old Road at Buile Hill Park.

Traffic was rerouted along Tootal Drive but this had become lined with parked cars on both sides of the road as people ditched them as they tried to find any available space they could.

Unfortunately this had a massive impact on traffic flow causing a huge bottle neck as the parked cars restricted the width of the road, eventually all hell would break loose as two number 67 buses came head to head and the road became blocked both ways.

One bus driver expertly reversed his vehicle into a narrow side street allowing the Cadishead bound bus to edge past but for whatever reason the driver of that bus then decided the gap ahead was not large enough for him to fit his vehicle through and so opted to stay put, effectively blocking the entire road.

This enraged drivers both in front and behind as the road ahead was clearly navigable and there was more than enough room to fit the bus down, however the driver did not agree and so remained stationary despite members of the public confirming to him that he had enough room at either side of him to be able to pass safely.

Several people got out of their cars to offer to assist him and guide him through but the driver was sadly having none of it and just sat in his cab with his arms folded waiting for a wider gap.

In the end motorists had no other alternative than to turn their cars around in front of the parked bus and either head back home or try and find an alternative route around. Families were disappointed at not being able attend the display, myself included as I was heading there to video it for this website.

From simple tips such as closing curtains to keep heat in to grants to replace inefficient old boilers, there’s plenty of help and advice on offer.

There’s even the chance to have free central heating fitted for people who currently rely on storage heaters or expensive, free standing heaters, provided they meet certain criteria.

Initiatives include:

Warm Homes discount scheme - to get a £140 rebate on your electricity bill.

Energy Company Obligation (ECO) which aims to improve your home's energy efficiency.

Green Handyperson - you could save £100's on a free green makeover of your home. This scheme maybe able to install measures such as draught-proofing where needed. 

Gas safety checks on boilers and fires for vulnerable owner–occupiers.

Emergency boiler and heating grant - for vulnerable owner-occupiers who do not qualify for the ECO scheme.

Councillor Tracy Kelly, lead member for housing and sustainable neighbourhoods, said:

Quote

“I know many people dread winter because of the cold and high energy bills – but there is a lot of help available through our Warm Salford scheme which might ease their worries.

“We can help people switch suppliers to cut bills, fit energy saving measures, get small repairs done and signpost them to grants for better insulation or replacing old boilers and heating.

“If you need that help – or you know someone who does – please don’t hesitate to contact us.

“The free central heating is an amazing offer from the Greater Manchester Warm Homes Fund. It is open to private tenants, with their landlord’s permission, as well as homeowners and if people don’t qualify there is other help we can point them towards.”

The £1.8 million Greater Manchester Warm Homes Fund is funded by Salford City Council and the nine other Greater Manchester councils and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority GMCA from the national Warm Homes Fund established by National Grid, administered by Affordable Warmth Solutions.

For details of how to stay warm in Salford this winter, please see www.salford.gov.uk/warmsalford, email keepingwarm@salford.gov.uk  or call 0161 793 2264.

Shortly after 7pm on Wednesday 31 October 2018, police received numerous reports that a group of between 50 and 100 people were driving off-road bikes as well as motorcycles and mopeds with identification plates removed in a dangerous manner across Trafford, Salford and the city centre. 

The 'Halloween Rideout' looks like it was filmed from a car which police are also keen to identify.

The video shared on social media is now being examined by the GMP, with many members of the public calling the riders irresponsible and dangerous for riding through red traffic lights and popping wheelies whilst taking up both sides of the road.

Video Link: View Video on Facebook

However some also asked "Where were the police and why were the bikers left unchallenged when many were blatantly breaking the law and driving in a dangerous manner which could have ended in someone being hurt?"

A police spokesperson said:

Quote

“We’ve been carrying out numerous lines of enquiries to identify the riders in the group who were seen to be driving irresponsibly. 

“Not all of the riders in the group drove recklessly, but those who did posed a real risk to themselves and members of the public. 

“This kind of behaviour is a genuine concern for many residents in Manchester, and I’d like to reassure the community that we are focused on tackling this issue and finding those responsible. 

“We will have extra officers on duty this evening and I would encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report any illegal activity to police right away.” 

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5434 or 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Stewart, 46, left The Lowry where he works approximately 1pm on Tuesday (30 October 2018) but no-one has heard from him since yesterday. 

He is white, around 5ft 10in tall, of medium build with short, blonde hair. 

Officers believe Stewart might be wearing a dark coloured raincoat with a dark coloured top and bottoms. 

He lives and works in Salford but has links to the Bath and Norfolk area. 

Police Sergeant Clare Hall of GMP’s Salford Borough, said:

Quote

“It’s not like Stewart to not have contact with anyone for such a long period of time and, as the hours go on, we’re getting more and more concerned for his safety. 

“If you’ve seen him since Tuesday or know where he may be, please get in touch with us as soon as you can so we can bring him home safely.” 

Anyone who sees Stewart or knows where he is can contact the local team on 0161 856 2836. 

A 26-year-old man was riding a motorcycle at around 10pm on Wednesday 31 October 2018 when he was involved in a collision with the central reservation of Gilda Brook Road, Eccles, Salford.

The man was taken to hospital, where he later sadly died.

Police are continuing to appeal for information following the collision, and people with dashcam footage and witnesses are encouraged to come forward.Sergeant Darren Hancock of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

Quote

 

“This was a tragic incident in which a man has sadly lost his life. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this horrendous time.

“Our investigations are ongoing and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or those with information about what happened, to please get in touch with us.

“If you know something, even if it might seem small or insignificant, please contact us because it could be vital in allowing us to establish exactly what happened.”

 

Anyone with information should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number 2586 of 31/10/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Fitzwarren Court in Pendleton was scheduled to be demolished as part of a wider £120million regeneration of the area, but the plans were halted in 2016 when social housing provider Salix Homes secured funding to modernise the block.

Salix Homes is investing £7.5million to completely transform the 23-storey high-rise building along with 10 terraced homes on the neighbouring Rosehill Close.

As part of the ambitious investment programme, the ageing 1970s block, which contains 135 one-and two bedroom apartments, will be fitted with new kitchens, bathrooms, an energy efficient heating system, new windows and doors and the upgrading of communal areas.

Salix Homes is also installing a sprinkler system and a state-of-the-art fire alarm system as part of its Safety Enhancement Programme across all of its tower blocks in Salford.

Externally, the distinctive blue and green tower block will be completely rendered and transformed in grey, green and orange tones as chosen by the residents, who have played an integral role in developing the proposals for the block.

Salix Homes is working alongside its partner contractor The Casey Group to carry out the major refurbishment work, which is expected to be completed by summer 2020.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“Residents at Fitzwarren Court and Rosehill Close have been in limbo for several years with a question mark over the future of their homes, so we are delighted to announce that our major improvement and modernisation scheme is now finally underway.

“This is an exciting development for Salix Homes and our residents, and we are confident that this long-awaited refurbishment programme will not only benefit the residents who live here, but it will also compliment the wider regeneration taking place across Pendleton.

“This scheme represents a significant investment for Salix Homes and demonstrates our commitment to ensuring this iconic tower block stands proud on the Salford skyline for years to come, providing much-needed safe, modern and energy efficient homes for our residents.”

 

The commencement of the work at Fitzwarren Court comes as a major refurbishment programme at another Pendleton tower block – Albion Towers - nears completion.

Salix Homes has been working with the Casey Group to carry out a £3.9million facelift and modernisation programme at Albion Towers, which is expected to be completed in early 2019.

Brian Knowles, contracts manager at the Casey Group, added:

Quote

 

“We are looking forward to delivering the refurbishment to Fitzwarren Court and Rosehill Close. The proposed project will transform the appearance, practicality and sustainability of the block for many years to come.

“Casey has worked closely with Salix Homes to produce a design that will bring the high rise building up to modern standards in terms of appearance and performance. This project embodies our main value at Casey which is ‘Improving Lives’.”

 

Work started on site at Fitzwarren Court last month (September) and residents are being kept fully informed as the scheme progresses.

The head of the operation, Robet Foxen, spent hour’s co-ordinating the ‘trusted’ dealers and suppliers using military-grade encrypted phones to evade detection. 

Patrick O’Leary and Adam Ward reported into Foxen and his right-hand-man Alan McNally – the money man – who was responsible for managing the drug empire’s cash. 

O’Leary and Ward also instructed the couriers, Jordan Roberts, Jason Wilson and Andrew Booth, where to drop the drugs. 

In one of these transactions O’Leary became a bit more hands-on as he was instructed by Foxen to supply Anthony Hamnett with cocaine. 

A flurry of calls followed, as Hamnett’s car – containing 7kgs of cocaine O’Leary had previously handed over – was stopped by officers. 

His arrest sparked panic amongst the other key players but they had no idea police were closing in on their safe house at Maranatha Court. Officers later found 5kgs of cocaine hidden in a safe there intended to be distributed to their customers. 

In the months that followed, officers continued to investigate the large scale supply of Class A drugs in Salford as part of Operation Legend.

Foxen and McNally thought they had hidden their involvement by encrypting the messages they sent to the dealers through state of the art phones, continuing to live a lavish lifestyle while their couriers were at risk of detection. 

As soon as the drugs had been given to customers, the couriers would contact McNally so he could count the cash from each of the deals, which spanned across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. 

Closing in on McNally’s involvement, officers searched his house and found £124,000 hidden in a suitcase under his bed, alongside a detailed tick list with how much cash he had counted for each deal. 

Dedicated organised crime officers tasked with hunting down the group were finally able to bring the operation to a halt in late September 2017. 

All the defendants pleaded guilty to a number of drugs offences at an earlier hearing and have today (Monday 29 October 2018) been sentenced to more than 77 plus years collectively in prison at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square. 

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

Quote

“This group clearly ran a sophisticated operation, but their illicit drugs enterprise was brought to a halt by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Group, working together with our partners and local officers. 

“These individuals thought they could outsmart the criminal justice system by use of an elaborate supply network enabled by encrypted communication, in order to swamp Greater Manchester with illegal and dangerous drugs. 

“However, their control is now over. They will now spend a collective seventy-plus years behind bars to contemplate their actions. 

“We hope this provides reassurance to our communities that GMP continues to tackle those criminals who are not in plain view but clearly causing serious distress to others.” 

The following have been sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs 

• Robert Foxen (12/12/87) of Rocky Lane, Eccles has been sentenced to 10 years. 
• Patrick O’Leary (10/12/67) of Adelaide Street, Swinton has been sentenced to seven years and four months. 
• Adam Ward (12/11/87) of Mitchell Street, Eccles has been sentenced to six years. 
• Andrew Booth (10/10/83) of Sandy Lane, Prestwich has been sentenced to six years and four months. 
• Dean McKenna (22/04/67) of Dover Street, Eccles has been sentenced to four years. 
• Andrew Grantham (08/09/78) of Dovedale Ave, Eccles has been sentenced to four years and 10 months. 
• Liam Carroll (29/05/98) of Prestwich Street, Burnley has been sentenced to six years 
• Michael Grattan (08/05/87) of Lower Clough Street, Barrowford, Burnley has been sentenced to six years
• Anthony Hamnet (23/06/85) of Harold Street, Prestwich was previously sentenced to seven years. 

Jordan Roberts (01/05/92) of Sutherland Street, Eccles and Jason Wilson (16/06/70) of Barton Road, Eccles have also been sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and production of Class B drugs. 

Roberts was sentenced to four years and Wilson was sentenced to four years. 

Alan McNally (20/10/87) of Overdale, Swinton has been sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and was sentenced to six years and eight months.  

Dean Ashworth (22/04/87) of Garnett Street, Burnley has also been sentenced for conspiracy to supply Class A drugs, possession of Class B drugs and possession of a prohibited weapon (CS spray). He has been sentenced to six years. 
 

In 2017 Salford Community Leisure was the first community leisure operator in the UK to ban sugary drinks from being sold from vending machines and cafes in its eight leisure centres.

Full sugar drinks were replaced with additional water, diet and sugar-free products. In total, the sugar in the drinks removed, in a year (based on typical sales figures) equals 650kg – that’s 650 bags of white refined sugar.

Mark Chew, Director of Leisure, said:

Quote

“We are quite shocked at this figure but we’re also very proud that people have been able to make healthier choices at our leisure centres. Our organisation is fully committed to helping families in Salford lead healthier lifestyles and removing full sugar drinks from vending machines was a bold, but important step to take.”

Leisure centre member Hannah Chan, aged 30 from Irlam, said

Quote

“We're Salford Leisure members and use the facilities individually and as a family as we know how important it is to keep one eye on health and wellbeing. For us, only having access to sugar-free drinks in the leisure centres has meant that we're able to carry on with our healthy choices throughout the day and there’s much less chance of tempting to reach for the sugar.”

The move to take out sugar-laden drinks from vending machines was is part of Salford’s involvement in Public Health England’s Change4Life campaign, which encourages parents in the area to get 'Sugar Smart' and take control of their children's sugar intake and Salford Community Leisure is working with Salford City Council and Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (Salford CCG) to make Salford a sugar smart city.

Currently, 22.1% of four and five-year-olds are overweight or obese in Salford (almost one-in-four), increasing to 36.6% (more than one-in-three) ten and eleven-year-olds.

Photo 1 shows L-R: Hannah, Millie, Belle, Felix (front left) and dad Jimmy Chan.

Photo2  shows L-R: Monique Fennell (26), leisure team member from Salford, Mark Chew and Wil Holland-Leavens (27), leisure team member from Eccles, at Worsley Leisure Centre.

It is often said that you are not truly a Salfordian unless you have listened to Ewan MacColl's 'Dirty Old Town' at least once in your life. The song has overtime become the anthem of our City.

The world famous song gives mention to the gasworks in the line "I found my love by the gasworks croft, Dreamed a dream by the old canal..."

But alas, despite a campaign to save them, the iconic twin metal framework of the old gas holders at the top end of Liverpool Street has now begun and pretty soon they will no longer be feature on the Salford sky line.

The historic structure once maintained a steady supply of that new fingle fangled gas to the surrounding areas of Salford but those days are now long past due to advances in how our gas supply is distributed.

And so as the site is now destined to become part of a shiny new housing development thanks to its strategic position between both Manchester City Centre and Media City/SalfordQuays, we say goodbye to our rusty old friend, destined to suffer the same fate which has befell so many of our local historical monuments in the name of progress and redevelopment. Not all is lost though, the surrounding wall is to remain but that is about all we will have to remember it by.

It was quite apt that whilst taking our final photo one of Salford's mighty 'Ship Canal Eagles' flew into frame to bid them both a final farewell.

Mark Bradley (14/12/1962) of Wellstock Lane, Little Hulton was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court today, Tuesday 23 October, to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to raping a 15-year-old girl. Bradley was also given an indefinite sexual harm prevention order and is required to be on the sex offenders register for life.

On Sunday 10 September 2017, police were called to reports that a 15-year-old girl had been raped at an address in Little Hulton. 

An investigation was launched and 55-year-old Bradley was arrested, however throughout his interview he continuously denied having any sexual contact with the victim. 

Despite being faced with this denial, detectives investigating the case were able to establish that on two separate occasions - in August 2017 and in September 2017 - Bradley had given the 15-year-old girl alcohol and raped her. 

Detective Constable Sandra Jones from GMP’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit said:

Quote

“Bradley is nothing short of a monstrous predator, who plied a young girl with alcohol and took advantage of her vulnerability in the worst way imaginable. 

“I’d like to commend the victim not just for coming forward to police, but also for the incredible bravery she has shown throughout the investigation. 

“Bradley must now spend the next 12 years in prison facing up to what he has done, and I hope this sentence sends a clear message that our specialist officers will do everything in our power to bring these offenders to justice for their horrendous crimes.”

Alexander Gardens in Broughton was Highly Commended in the Affordable Housing Scheme of the Year category in the prestigious 24 Housing Awards.

The project by housing association Salix Homes, has seen an empty sheltered housing complex completely remodelled and transformed to provide 26-apartments for doctors, nurses and other clinical staff who work at Salford Royal Hospital.

Salix Homes teamed up with Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust to provide affordable homes for its workers after it emerged the hospital was struggling to fill 200 vacancies, with the lack of affordable accommodation cited as one of the barriers to attracting people to the area.

Lee Sugden, chief executive at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“Our Alexander Gardens development is a fantastic success story for Salix Homes, providing much-needed affordable accommodation for doctors, nurses and clinical staff at our local hospital.

“We are incredibly proud of this project which demonstrates just what can be achieved when the health and housing industries work in partnership to improve the lives of people living and working in our communities.

“As a nation in the grips of a housing crisis, we are very proud to be leading the way in providing affordable accommodation for key workers, so to be recognised for our work in this area in such prestigious industry awards is a real honour.”

 

Alexander Gardens on Gorton Street has stood empty since the Boxing Day 2015 floods after the former residents were re-housed when their homes were damaged by the worst flooding to hit Salford in decades.

Salix Homes has spent more than £2million converting the building into modern one and two bedroom apartments, working alongside its partner contractor A Connolly Ltd.

The project was partially funded thanks to a £780,000 grant from Homes England Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme.

Salford Royal is letting the homes to new recruits in a bid to encourage more medical professionals to come to Salford to work, and reduce its reliance on agency staff.

The first residents are expected to move in over the coming weeks.

The council has partnered with Kane Funeral Service to provide a Salford Residents Funeral Package which has all the elements of a traditional service but is much more competitively priced.

The aim is to wipe out ‘Funeral Poverty’ and try and reduce the financial burden for bereaved families in the city. 

Through the special package cremations now cost £2,286 and burials £2,330 – compared to the national average of £3,784 in 2017.

The service is available to anyone who is arranging the funeral of someone who has died and was a resident in Salford.

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

Quote

 

“We had to take action to help residents as our work to tackle poverty has shown us the costs of funerals are rising four times above the rate of inflation.

“Bereavement is a difficult time and emotional for families but the thought of unmanageable debt to pay for a funeral can make it even more distressing. Figures show us that one in six families struggle to pay for a funeral.

“We’re doing what we can to create a better and fairer Salford by tackling poverty and inequality and helping people to manage their money. This new service looks no different to a service that you would buy anywhere else and reduces the stigma for those wanting to pay less for a funeral.”

 

Tom Togher, chair of Salford's Fair Funeral Campaign, said

Quote

 

"We are delighted to support Salford City Council in becoming one of only a dozen or so councils in England who have set up schemes like this, providing residents with a simple and low cost funeral option.

"Salford was the first place to set up a local Fair Funeral Campaign - as a part of a larger national campaign, and the council has been working hard with the campaign and partners to help reduce the costs of funerals, and to improve the support available to bereaved families. It is to be congratulated!"

 

And Dave Haynes, CEO at Age UK said:

Quote

“Age UK Salford welcomes the Salford Residents Funeral Service, organising and paying for a funeral means we all have to make choices about affordability and arrangements at a time when we are less able to deal with it. This fixed price offer from Salford will make bereaved families or individual’s choices a lot easier.”

Salford City Council’s Bereavement Service has recently been re-accredited with the Customer Service Excellence Standard, a stamp of approval for the care and compassion the team provides for families of all different cultural and religious backgrounds in the city.

The Bereavement Service supports more than 2,000 cremations and 600 burials in the city each year.

It is fair to say that although there is an overall decrease in burglaries across the region, some areas of Salford are being targeted more than others and with clocks going back this Sunday 28th October 2018, it marks the start of darker nights for neighbourhoods up and down the country.

Despite a reduction in burglaries over the past 12 months, GMP is warning residents that an increase in burglaries usually arises at this time of year because houses are left in darkness.

Figures also show that one in three burglaries occur as a result of homes being insecure.

By following simple advice such as setting light timers, locking doors and windows and setting alarms, residents can divert burglars away from their homes.

Other key advice includes keeping valuables well hidden and keys away from doors and cat flaps.

During the dark nights, neighbourhood officers will be stepping up patrols in hotspot areas and knocking on the doors of homes that have been left insecure.

Known offenders will be targeted to deter them from committing crime and crime prevention information will be distributed to residents.

Superintendent David Pester, Greater Manchester Police Force Lead for Burglary, is reminding residents to take the necessary measures to put burglars off.

He said:

Quote

 

“The clocks going back gives burglars more opportunity to commit burglaries under the hours of darkness.

“Homes become particularly vulnerable at this time of year because when residents go out they leave their homes in darkness, so it’s important that people set light timers or leave lights on when they can to give the impression that someone is at home.

“Also, around 60% of burglaries are as a result of homes being insecure so I’d like to remind residents to lock their doors and windows and set alarms if they have one.”

David added: “Burglars can strike at any time so it’s important that people secure their homes even when they are in the house. By following this simple advice, homes will be a less attractive target to thieves.”

 

To report any suspicious activity, please contact Greater Manchester Police on 101. In an emergency, please dial 999.

The body of 62-year-old Stephen Jordan was sadly found in the River Irwell near to Cromwell Bridge in Higher Broughton on Sunday 7 October 2018.

Police officers, alongside the fire service, attended.

There were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a file was prepared for the coroner.

A Home Office post mortem examination, concluded 17 October 2018, proved inconclusive.

Officers are trying to piece together Stephen’s movements, with the last confirmed sighting of him being on 24 September 2018 at his house on Levens Street, Charlestown, Salford.

Detective Inspector Joe Clarke of GMP’s Salford Borough, said:

Quote

 

“At this stage, we’re treating Stephen’s death as unexplained and we’re working with the coroner to find out exactly how he came to die.

“We have to keep an open mind in these circumstances but we are not currently treating this as a murder inquiry.

“I appreciate the photo we have of Stephen isn’t the best and it is from a few years ago, but I’d ask people to study it and let us know if they saw him between 24 September and 7 October 2018.

“Whatever information you have, we’d be grateful to receive it.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5461 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.    

Bernard Pinkney (18/05/1985) of Mount Pleasant, Prestwich, Bury has been charged with the murder of 28-year-old Kevin Molyneux.

Shortly after 4.10am on Saturday 2 June 2018, police were called to Winster Avenue, Lower Kersal to reports that a man had been stabbed. 

Kevin Molyneux was taken to hospital with stab  wounds but he sadly died of his injuries in hospital.

Pinkney will appear at Manchester City Magistrates Court on Wednesday 17 of October 2018 .

Vincent O’Kane (03/10/1972) of Florence Street, Eccles, was found guilty of the murder of 55-year-old Philip Edge at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square.

Around 11.30pm on Sunday the 25 March 2018 Philip was at his home on Florence Street in Eccles with O’Kane, who he had known for a number of years.

An argument took place where O’Kane claimed that he punched Philip in the stomach a number of times in order to wind him. He then realised he may have seriously hurt Philip.

He then ran over to a friend’s address where he told them Philip was dead. The friends went over to the property and found Philip unresponsive on the sofa with a visible injury to his eye. They immediately called for an ambulance and began administrating CPR.

However, despite paramedic’s best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem revealed Philip died from severe internal abdominal injuries caused by blunt force trauma at the hands of O’Kane.

When arrested, he tried to claim Philip had inflicted the injuries on himself but a jury found him guilty of his murder.

Senior Investigation Officer Duncan Thorpe, from GMP’s Major Incident Support Unit, said:

Quote

 

“O’Kane is a bully who subjected a vulnerable man to a brutal attack which ultimately took his life.

“He then tried to lie to police and make out it was Philip who had inflicted the injuries on himself .

“Today O’Kane is where he belongs and I hope his conviction provides Philip’s family and friends with some closure.”

 

The issues rose after Salford Council gave the go ahead to a 241 home development on the former site of the old Swinton sewage works, despite over 330 residents in the area raising objections against it. This has led to many residents within the community left feeling angry, frustrated and ignored.

But no more.... they are now fighting back to save their neighbourhood.

The quickly expanding group of plucky residents have been drawn together by what they feel is a necessity to protest against the development, which they claim has seen the previously quiet roads outside their homes turn into an access route for trucks carrying heavy machinery and hardcore to the site.

With noise levels from the site bringing constant misery from the early hours of the morning til well into the evening, it is reportedly now starting to have an effect on the health and mental well-being of those close to the epicentre.

Over 30 determined campaigners stood in the cold waving banners and placards outside Swinton Civic Centre this morning as five representatives from their group met inside with representatives from Bellway Homes, Salford Council and various contractors and councillors.

Salford Voice first visited the area not long before the building started and upon our return earlier this week, we were shocked at just how much things have been affected. The previously sleepy little road is now inundated with the sheer volume of trucks trying to navigate them. Roads which we should add that were never designed to carry such traffic loads.

Our cameras were sadly not allowed into the meeting but we did manage to catch up with veteran campaigner and group member Barry Woodling who had much to say about the impact it was having, citing the noise, air pollution as well as the physical well-being of those in the surrounding area. Barry called for a rethink on the access to the development and for a second route to be opened up on Folly Lane.

At the meeting the group had its chance to put across the feelings of local people opposed to the development and they made sure they did not waste it.

Group Chair Carol Boyce hit them hard with a powerful power-point presentation highlighting video and photographic evidence of incidents as well as traffic violations which residents have recorded.

The group outlined their issues and further bolstered them with facts and figures showing clearly just how the development has been affecting the road and surrounding areas.

Speaking after the meeting, Carol said:

Quote

"Its not just about what's happening down at Campbell road fields, its about everyone coming together to change the culture around how planning applications are done and approved in all of Greater Manchester"

It was however revealed that the misery is set to continue as some 600+ trucks are expected to access the site in the near future.

The meeting was scheduled to last 2 hours but overran as the groups five representatives carefully laid out their position, eventually coming to a close with both the Council and Bellway retiring to take stock of what they had seen and heard with a promise by Bellway to give a response to the group by this Friday 17/10/18.

We shall keep you informed, in the meantime be sure to check out the Salford Star's story on this over on http://www.salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=4768, support local media in your area.

Police were called to reports of a collision between a bus and a child taking place at the junction of Manchester Road, and Old Clough Lane, in Walkden this morning.

We are told that the child who is said to be around 10 years old, has not suffered life threatening injuries. 

The road was closed off as a precaution but is reportedly soon to be reopened.

We will update this article as we find out more.

Photo: Walkden Online