The foyer, which fronts onto New Bailey Street, has been turned into a new gallery to showcase a new exhibition about Salford’s archaeology through the ages.

The idea came from City Mayor Paul Dennett after visiting the nearby Gore Street excavation being undertaken by the Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service.

The Gore Street and Bolton Street area was developed for housing, shops and a brewery in the late 18th century as Salford expanded and the New Bailey prison was built in 1790. More back to back housing, shops, small industrial buildings and yards were added in the 19th century with a brewer living at number 16 Bolton Street and a temperance coffee house at number 15. The Victorian railway viaduct built in Gore Street in still stands but the rest of the area was cleared between the 1960’s and 1980s.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“I found the site visit fascinating and thought the train station would be the perfect venue to showcase the amazing work being done by the GM Archaeological Advisory Service in uncovering, interpreting and bringing back to life our history and heritage.

“I’m very grateful to Network Rail and Transport for Greater Manchester for making this exhibition happen and hope people will enjoy seeing an exhibition in a more unusual venue.”

 

The exhibition starts with the first hunter-gatherers to settle in the Salford area 8000 years ago and travels through the development of farming, the Iron Age and the Roman occupation to the medieval development of Salford town at the ford across the River Irwell.

It continues through the industrial revolution and growth of the city’s canals, mills, working class and middle class housing, Worsley New Hall where the new RHS Garden Bridgewater is being created and the changes the railways brought to the fast growing city.

Dr Mike Nevell, Head of Archaeology at the University of Salford, said:

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“The exhibition presents a decade of fascinating archaeological research in Salford, much of which was conducted through Centre of Applied Archaeology at the University of Salford working with local businesses and construction firms. Our students have played an active role in excavating some of the sites on display, at Chapel Street and the New Bailey Prison for instance, so it’s great to see our work being showcased to the public.”

Cat Dowell, Rail Project Interface Manager from Transport for Greater Manchester said:

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“A lot of work has gone into bringing these displays to life and using our public spaces in t“I am delighted with the final outcome of the exhibition.his way helps to shape our local areas, capturing the heritage and history and showcasing it in a really accessible way.”

The exhibition is free and can be visited during station opening hours. 

Main Photo: Left to right Jon Lamonte, CEO of Transport for Greater Manchester, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett and Dr Mike Nevell from the Centre for Applied Archaeology. 

Housing association Salix Homes sought legal action against tenant Rita Heaton, of Rigby Street, Higher Broughton, following the racially motivated attack, which took place on the evening of July 14 this year.

A court hearing at Manchester Civil Justice Centre heard how Heaton, aged 62, entered the front garden of a neighbour’s property brandishing a knife, where three young children were sat on a trampoline.

The children fled into the house and Heaton was confronted by a neighbour.

She then launched a racist tirade at her neighbour threatening to kill his children and shouting at him to ‘go back to your own country’, before slashing the trampoline with the knife.

The victim said the incident left him fearing for his and his family’s safety.

The court also heard how during another incident on June 30, Heaton entered her neighbour’s property, threw their washing on to the floor which was hanging in the garden, before punching her neighbour’s teenage son in the face.

Both incidents were reported to Greater Manchester Police.

The court granted Salix Homes a 12 month Injunction Order, with Power of Arrest, the terms of which prevent Heaton from entering her neighbour’s property in Rigby Street or threatening them with violence.

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

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“These were incredibly frightening incidents, which left an innocent family scared for their lives and subject to a torrent of racial abuse.

“The safety of our residents is a priority for Salix Homes and we will not tolerate any kind of abuse against people living in our communities.

“We welcome the court’s decision to grant an Injunction Order in this case, and we hope this will serve as a warning that we will not hesitate to take swift legal action where necessary to ensure our communities remain safe and happy places to live."

Mitchell Hutchinson aged 21 is missing.

There is no clothing description attached to this but it is thought he may be in the Little Hulton area of Salford.

If seen then please contact 101 quoting MP/18/0118899.

As local services are increasingly put under pressure from cuts and the fate of children's nurseries in the City hang in the balance, Salford Council is proposing another loan, this time a staggering £670,000 to CoSCos, the company that is in charge of operating the stadium.

This number would double to £1.34m after partner Peel Holdings matches the loan funding.

The council claims that the money will come not from money earmarked for other services but from money gained as a result of the successful profit that stadium has made over the year.

Some however argue that the company is not a viable success if it has to rely on continual top up loans from the money it pays back in order to carry on operating and that the money would be better used propping up other services that are under pressure.

CoSCos, which is jointly owned by the council and Peel Holdings, is responsible for managing the stadium and the land around it.

Salford City Council says its long-term plans to regenerate the area and bring jobs and new opportunities to the site are firmly on track and the loan will protect those long-term plans. Peel Holdings will match the loan, if approved.

Deputy City Mayor John Merry said:

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“We have already seen investment by Greene King and hope to announce further investment by another major household name very soon.

“This is part of the long-term ambitions we have always had for this area. The stadium was built as the catalyst to regenerate over 36 acres of formerly derelict land now known as Salford Gateway and create new jobs and opportunities for local people.

“This year the AJ Bell stadium will return another operating profit after hosting high profile rugby matches, weddings, exhibitions and its first highly successful music concert. It is expected to continue in profit which will help the company meet its existing loan repayments but, while we progress the development of land around the stadium, the overall business still needs financial support.

“If approved, the funds will not come from money allocated to council services but from loan repayments made by CosCos.”

 

The decision, on whether to advance a £670,000 loan to CoSCos will be made by the council’s Cabinet on Tuesday 11 September.

Update: A trial date has been set for November.

Two men are to appear via video link at Liverpool Crown Court today accused of the murders of Salford’s Paul Massey and his close friend John Kinsella.

Steven Boyle, 35, of Sandiway, Heywood, and Mark Fellows, 38, of Warrington, but originally of Salford, are both to set to make an appearance in court today accused of the murder of Paul Massey.

They have both been charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder upon the partner of Kinsella.

Massey (55) was shot 5 times on the driveway of his home at 7.30pm on Sunday 26 July 2015.

A Home Office post-mortem concluded that Paul died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Operation Infinity was launched 13 August in response to a spate of incidents on the Rochdale and Oldham line.

Officers and staff from the TravelSafe Partnership (TSP) were deployed across the line to deter and disrupt criminality.

The operation was supported by the Mounted Unit and Youth Engagement Officers from Oldham Council. 

During the first two weeks, thirteen people were arrested for a range of incidents including public order, theft, fraud, possession of cannabis, breach of parole and wanted on warrant.

Officers spoke to 153 young people to ensure they were safe. Several were safeguarded and will receive further support.

Superintendent Julie Ellison said:

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“Operation Infinity sends out a clear message to perpetrators that we will not tolerate crime and antisocial behaviour on the Metrolink.

“Thankfully the majority of journeys take place without any issue but unfortunately there are a small minority intent on causing misery and we will not allow our transport network to be abused in such a way.

“Our operation is set to continue over the next few weeks and I’d encourage anyone with concerns to alert staff, call police or report using our LiveChat function on the GMP website.”

 

Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: 

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“The ability to share information between transport operators and the police and use it to plan targeted operations such as this is one of the major advantages of having a dedicated TravelSafe unit.

“It is really important that every member of our community feels safe to travel without feeling intimidated or concerned by the behaviour of others.

“Public transport is a safe way to travel and the work of the Travelsafe Partnership helps to reinforce and maintain that.”

 

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes said:

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“The early success of Operation Infinity is testament to the hard work everybody involved has put in so far and is a big step in achieving our goal of improving safety and reducing crime on the Rochdale and Oldham tram lines.

“It’s now time to build on this success and keep the pressure up, so over the coming weeks we’ll maintain an increased presence across our transport network to send a clear message; that crime or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and offenders will be caught.”

 

KeolisAmey Metrolink’s (KAM) Managing Director, Aline Frantzen, said:

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“Antisocial behaviour, crime and fare evasion are community issues. Partnership working alongside Greater Manchester Police, the TravelSafe Partnership, Oldham Council and members of the community along the Oldham and Rochdale line are part of ongoing work to tackle it together.

“Initial results from Operation Infinity are significant for KAM, and highlight the benefits of a shared approach.”

 

The TSP exists to keep public transport safe across Greater Manchester by offering reassurance to passengers and preventing and dealing with incidents of crime and antisocial behaviour.

The scheme is led by TfGM and Greater Manchester Police with support from contributing operators KeolisAmey Metrolink, Stagecoach and First Manchester.

Under the TSP, a dedicated team of Police Constables (PCs), Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), Special Constables (SCs) and TravelSafe Officers (TSOs) provide regular patrols on the region’s networks.

The TSP also operates an extensive youth education programme, which includes visits to school and youth groups to educate and inform on the effects of antisocial behaviour on victims.

To report a crime contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or use the LiveChat function on the GMP website. In an emergency dial 999.

Craig Ives 19/5/83 is currently wanted and according to police he is circulating around Walkden and Little Hulton in a pink dressing gown..

So he really should be easy to find as if true he will stick out like a sore thumb.

It is unknown exactly why he is wanted but we suspect that it possible could be crimes against fashion after he fled his girlfriends house naked with only her dressing gown and an ankle tag to cover his modesty .

If you see him please quote log 570 or call 101, if you fail to spot him then consult spec savers.

The new appointment comes as current head teacher Drew Povey remains suspended after claims of irregularities in what is known as 'off-rolling'. a practice in which underachieving children are taken off the books to make the school appear to be doing better than it actually is.

Mr Povey has vowed to fight his suspension and clear the name of not only himself but the school too.

Meanwhile experienced Manchester headteacher Damian Owen - currently executive principal of the Greater Manchester Learning Trust that includes Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury - will join Harrop Fold on an interim basis along with his senior deputy head, Claire Wright.

The interim leaders, working with the school’s senior team, will help keep the school on track and support pupils and staff while an ongoing governors’ investigation is completed.Councillor Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, Salford City Council, said:

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“We want to make sure pupils and staff at Harrop Fold get the very best support possible so they achieve their full potential. 

“Mr Owen has more than 25 years of experience in education, an excellent track record, and a wealth of expertise, and will work with staff, pupils and parents to provide stability for the school.

 “The ongoing governors' investigation is detailed and complex and has to be done fully and fairly. It is in no-one’s interests to rush it through.”

 

Mr Owen, who has more than 25 years’ experience working in some of the most deprived areas of the country, joined Greater Manchester Learning Trust from Manchester Health Academy, which he took from serious weaknesses to being judged good by Ofsted within 18 months.

He said:

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“I look forward to working with staff, pupils and parents at Harrop Fold which has an excellent reputation as a very friendly and welcoming school.”

Doug was out magnet fishing with his family after seeing others doing it on Youtube.

There has been a huge rise in the hobby over the last few years with people regularly tying a large and powerful magnet to a length of rope and hoping they pull something interesting out with each cast.

Well in this case Doug got more than he bargained for as he hauled out a sports bag containing a pump action shotgun, two hand guns and a collection of ammunition, all wrapped in plastic and tape and weighed down with rocks.

Doug had only been 'Fishing' for a few months and this came as a total surprise as in most cases it is the more mundane stuff like mountain bike frames, odd bits of metal and maybe a bed frame now and then.

The haul has since been handed into GMP for further investigation, it is unknown as yet if any of them have been used in crimes in the area.

Earlier today (Friday 31 August) officers from GMP’s Specialist Operations Branch executed an arrest warrant at an address in Ordsall.

It followed intelligence that a man was at the address that had been wanted by police since July this year.

Specially trained drivers from GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit were deployed to the property, along with the Tactical Aid Unit and dog handlers to assist with the arrest and any searches.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnap, burglary and threats to damage property. This relates to several incidents since July 2018.

Sergeant Adam West, from GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, said:

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“We currently have a man in custody being questioned by officers thanks to the swift actions of our officers.

“This was a well-planned and co-ordinated arrest and a great team effort by all units of the Specialist Operations Branch.

“Our work today has ultimately led to apprehending a man, all while keeping the public safe.”

 

Updated: a 17 year old girl has since been arrested in connection with this attack

Emergency services were called to an incident at around 3.25 pm this afternoon in which a teenage girl was found to be suffering from a stab wound after being attacked on Paddington Close in Pendleton

Police  were quickly on scene and cordoned off an area around Sycamore Court and St Paul's C of E Church.

A rapid response until was first on scene, quickly followed by an ambulance to transport the girl to hospital.

The teenagers injuries are thought not to be life threatening but this latest stabbing comes not long after another teenager was stabbed in the leg in Weaste earlier this month.

And a man was stabbed in the neck not far from where this latest incident took place

We will update this post as we get more information.

Last orders were called at The Star Inn on Liverpool Road in Eccles in 2016 leaving an eyesore in the town centre.

The abandoned building has now been given a new lease of life and been converted into six modern, one and two-bedroom affordable apartments for local people in housing need.

Salix Living – the private sector leasing arm of Salford housing association Salix Homes - has spearheaded the ambitious regeneration project, working in partnership with Salford Council and Paul Hacking Building Contractors.Jonathan Drake, service director for Salix Living, said:

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“It’s a sad sign of the times to see pubs closing down at an alarming rate. Rather than just sit empty and cause a blight in our communities, with a little creative thinking and modest investment, they could be transformed into desperately needed housing.

“At a time of a housing crisis, and with more than 6,500 people on the housing waiting list in Salford alone, Salix Living is committed to bringing empty buildings back into use as affordable housing, which will benefit the whole community.

“It is fantastic to see The Star Inn given a new lease of life as an eye-catching apartment block. The building has so much potential, it was a shame to see it being wasted.

“We’re already seeing a high level of interest in the apartments, with a list of tenants keen to move in as soon as possible, so we’re confident they will all be let in the very near future, helping to provide much needed homes in the area.”

The project was awarded £102,000 from the Homes England Empty Homes Funding programme.

To date, Salix Living has created almost 200 homes in Salford by working with local landlords to bring empty buildings back into use. As well as empty houses, this has included derelict shops and even an old tax office.

Aron Iwanier, the owner of new The Star Inn homes, added:

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“As a Salford born developer - it's exciting for me to witness the continued redevelopment and regeneration of the general area, and this project in particular, which has transformed a dilapidated building into an attractive residential block. Kudos to Salix Living and Salford Council for facilitating and supporting this project.”

Salix Living currently has several other regeneration projects underway across Salford to bring more empty buildings back into use. These include transforming an empty shop on Lower Broughton Road, which is due to be completed this summer.

Main Photo: Jonathan Drake, service director at Salix Living, at the former Star Inn pub which has been transformed into homes.

Peter Curran, 48, from Eccles, was reported missing to police at the beginning of this month but has not yet been found.

The last time his neighbours saw him was in May but, having not heard from him since that time, they and his family are becoming increasingly concerned and are, with police, appealing for any information from people that would help find him.

As part of the search for Peter, specialist teams have been searching around his home on Worsley Road and the places he usually frequents including Worsley Woods, Eccles and Prestwich.

On Wednesday a police dive team were seen searching a stretch of the bridgewater canal in Eccles, gardens and the surrounding area were also searched.

He is 5ft 10in tall, of slim build with brown hair and although it’s not known what he is wearing, he usually wears glasses and a baseball cap.

Police Sergeant Kerry Dawson of GMP’s Salford Borough, said:

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“I appreciate Peter has been missing for some time now but, as he is known to walk around his local area quite often, I’m confident someone would have seen him or know where he is.

“Please take the time to look at the picture we’ve released of Peter and call us immediately if you know where he is or have any information that would lead us to him.”

 

Anyone who sees Peter or knows where he is should contact police on 101 quoting reference MP/16/0094141

As nervous Salford students awaken to discover their GCSE results this morning, it has been revealed that there has been an increase of 2% on last years grades with 56% of pupils achieving good GCSE passes in both English and Mathematics.

Councillor Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services at Salford City Council, said:

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“Huge congratulations to all the pupils for their excellent successes. They are the future of this city and we are incredibly proud of them.

 “Their results would not have been possible without the hard work of all the staff and teachers who worked hard to push the pupils as far as they could. They deserve a big thank you and well done.

“Obviously not everyone will have got the results they wanted and I hope they will not be too disappointed. It is important they realise it is not the end of the world and there are plenty of other education, training and work opportunities ahead.”

Congratulations to all students on their results, if you did not get the results you wanted then don't worry too much, there are many options still available to you.

For advice on what to do next please see www.thestudentroom.co.uk/gcse/gcses-results-day-guidance  for advice and if you’re looking for college courses or training options please see UCAS progress www.ucasprogress.com/search

A crowd-funding bid has been launched to raise £17,950 for an iconic Manchester sculpture damaged by vandals.

The sculpture At the End of the Day has been admired and enjoyed by generations of local people in Irlam (& Cadishead) since it was created by a very talented schoolboy 40 years ago this year.  

The full-scale replica of a man in a flat cap relaxing on a bench was restored in 2016 and took pride of place on a platform at the refurbished Irlam Station House, where it won a new audience of commuters and visitors, many keen to take a selfie with it.  

Following vandalism, the statue was moved to safe storage. Campaigners want to mark its 40th anniversary by raising enough money to recreate it, ideally in bronze so that it will be enjoyed outside for several more decades, and restore it to its rightful place at the Station House.

In 1978, Simon Law made At the End of the Day for his O-Level art exams, creating it from clay, plaster of Paris, mesh and cloth, with a metallic paint coating finish

Then aged 15, the Irlam school pupil was an aspiring sculptor - one of his other creations, a bust of Ena Sharples actress Violet Carson, was bought by Granada Studios.

Simon, now a senior design manager for John Sisk and Son, said:

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“I was very pleased with the way the sculpture came out, but I never expected it to be around for another 40 years.

“It looked perfect at the station, like it was waiting for the next train. Passengers saw it every day. It was like a local celebrity.

“I was devastated when I heard what the vandals had done to it, devastated. If we can recast it into bronze and make him more robust, that would be astounding.”

 

The sculpture – also known locally as The Man on the Bench – was on proud display at Irlam High, for years before it had to be rehoused due to school refurbishments.

Irlam charity the Hamilton Davies Trust (HDT) became guardians of the statue and funded its restoration in a project which took over 140 hours. It then took pride of place at Irlam Station.

Often thought to represent a tired shift-worker from the town’s now defunct steelworks, it has come to symbolise the regeneration of Irlam’s Station House from a run-down building into a vibrant community hub.

In 2017, vandals broke off the statue’s leg, leaving the sculpture looking dented and bashed about.

HDT is now leading the new appeal to make the statue stronger than ever. It has also submitted a funding request to The Arts Council.

Mandy Coleman, Consultant General Manager of HDT, said: 

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“At the End of the Day is an incredible piece of art. It looks like it was created by a well-known professional artist, rather than a talented schoolboy.

“Generations of local people have loved it and then it got a whole new fan club at the Station House. It has become a kind of symbol of both Irlam’s past and how the area is being regenerated. 

“Everyone was shocked and disappointed when it was vandalised. To mark its birthday, we want to recast it in bronze ideally, so it will survive for years to come.”

 

Donations can be made on the appeal page: www.gofundme.com/manonthebench

Scott Watkins (27/07/1993) of Worsley Road North has today, Tuesday 21 August 2018 been sentenced to nine years and nine months in prison and was disqualified from driving for 14 years and 10 months at Minshull Street Crown Court. 

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to causing death by dangerous driving, causing death whilst uninsured, four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop and failing to report a road traffic collision.

At 9.50pm on Thursday 31 May, police were called to Europa Way, Trafford Park to reports that a car had collided with a number of pedestrians. 

At the time an unofficial car-meet was taking place where over 60 cars were believed to be in attendance. 

Witnesses saw Watkins driving a blue BMW 330D when he began speeding and attempted to “drift” the car. 

He lost control before mounting the pavement and hitting a group of pedestrians. 

Seven people were taken to hospital but sadly 19-year-old Sophie Smith died on Friday 1 June 2018 as a result of catastrophic injuries. 

Watkins, who fled the scene, then abandoned the car in Swinton in a bid to evade police. 

Following extensive enquiries by officers and information from the public, he was located and arrested by police on Saturday 2 June 2018. 

Inspector Daniel Byrne, from GMP’s Serious Collison Investigation Unit, said: 

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“Watkins’ behaviour that night was completely reckless, putting himself and innocent members of the public in danger. 

“A young life was ripped from their family and loved ones all because Watkins wanted to show off in front of people and satisfy his thrill-seeking speeding. 

“His decision to then leave countless injured people lying in the street was utterly deplorable. 

“I welcome this sentencing today, and I hope it can bring some comfort to Sophie’s family and friends knowing the man responsible for her death will now spend time in prison. 

“I also hope this case highlights the dangers of unofficial car meets and discourages people form taking part in these events.” 

A huge well done to Aldi after stepping in to replace all of the items stolen from a local foodbank in Broughton. Truly showing the real spirit of Salford.

Regional managing director Ruth Doyle at Aldi said she was appalled to hear that their donation to tackle period poverty had been taken from a storage unit at Mocha parade, Broughton.

In a press release she said:

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“It’s important to us to help improve the lives of local people, and we refuse to stand by and let the actions of thieves stop us from doing so. This is why we’re going to replace our donation to the 10% Better campaign.

“We’re very proud to support Salford City Council and the hard work it puts in to alleviating poverty in the region.”

 

The final distribution of the £2,500 donation to help women in period poverty and local families had been due to take place this week – but staff and volunteers were left in tears when they discovered thieves had broken in and cleaned out the entire unit.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said he was delighted with the news and that he couldn’t thank Aldi enough for their kindness.

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“People in Salford have been appalled that anyone could sink so low as to steal goods destined for those in desperate need,” he said.

“The news that Aldi will kindly replace everything that was stolen is wonderful. They are showing the real spirit of Salford.

“What we need to do now is make the stolen goods too hot to handle. They are all branded Aldi items so if anyone has been or is approached to buy Aldi nappies or sanitary items and has any suspicions about their origins, please do the decent thing and report it to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers. Thieves who take from women and children in poverty do not deserve any protection or loyalty at all.”

Tom Togher, Chief Officer of Salford Citizen’s Advice and Salford Foodshare added:

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“Period poverty is sadly a very real issue for many women on low income with sanitary wear costing around £500 a year.  They often choose to struggle with unsuitable alternatives just to put food on the table or pay bills but these items are just as essential.

“I’m very grateful to Aldi for their generosity. It will make a huge difference to local women and families.”

Salford City Council has identified new, secure storage for the donation.

Meanwhile as we reported earlier today, police are determined to bring those who carried out this appalling act to justice.

Police have been made aware that between Tuesday 14 August 2018 and Friday 17 August 2018 there had been a break-in at Scene, the Salford Food Bank on Mocha Parade.

It was reported that thieves had stolen over £2,000 worth of groceries from six pallets, mainly containing nappies from the Aldi brand Mamia, and sanitary products set for people who use the food bank.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible.

Superintendent Howard Millington from GMP’s Salford borough said:

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“I have been a police officer for many years, and regularly think that I’ve seen it all. The theft of nappies from a food banks though, that is beyond low and has shocked even the most unshockable of police officers.

“This food bank is there for the community when they need it most, and many of the items donated come from people within that same community.

“In Salford we look out for each other, and sadly we are all victims of this robbery.

“We have already had people come forward with information to try and help us with our investigation, we are very grateful for this and hope it continues.

“We are determined to find those responsible for this inexcusable crime, so anyone with any information is asked to call police as soon as possible.”

Yesterday (20 August) City Mayor Paul Dennett slammed the ‘despicable’ thieves who broke into a Salford food bank to take nearly £2,500 worth of sanitary products and nappies donated for local women and children.

The items had been donated by the Aldi supermarket to help women on low incomes facing monthly period poverty.

They were due to be distributed today but staff and volunteers found the Mocha Parade storage unit in Lower Broughton had been broken into and cleaned out. The thieves had also tried to break into the nearby food bank but failed to gain entry.

Mayor Dennett said he was both furious and heartbroken at the news.

He said:

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“This is one of the most despicable thefts I have ever come across. Those responsible must have known the items were there and planned this theft because we believe they used a van to carry away their haul.

“It beggars belief that people would sink so low as to steal from a food bank knowing those items are for people who are in desperate need.  To also steal sanitary pads, tampons and nappies donated to help women and children struggling to maintain their personal hygiene and dignity shows these people have no conscience.

“Sanitary goods and nappies are not luxury items and are expensive for everyone, let alone families in dire poverty. Aldi’s generous donation would have meant a great deal to people on the breadline who will now have to continue struggling.

“If anyone has any information about the theft or is offered Aldi nappies or sanitary products and have any suspicions that they may be stolen please report it to the police. You can do it completely anonymously via Crimestoppers but please speak up. Don’t let these people get away with this appalling crime.”

Chief Officer Tom Togher, from Salford Citizen’s Advice which helped secure the donation, said staff burst into tears when they heard the news.

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“People who come to the foodbank often tell us they have not eaten in three days,. They are absolutely on the breadline and if they can’t afford food they can’t afford nappies and sanitary products," he said.

“This generous donation would have eased the pressure on hundreds of women and families across the city. We are just stunned that anyone could sink so low as to steal from a foodbank.”

Salford City Council  is arranging new, more secure storage for the food bank  and has set up a collection point at the Civic Centre for anyone who wants to help replace some of the stolen items.

Items can be donated anytime between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

The crime has been reported to the police. 

If you are offered any of these items, do the right thing and contact the police, this surely has to be one a new low for Salfords Criminals and they have targeted a charity that serves the most in need section of society.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 1319, alternatively call police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Photo:  Deputy City Mayor Councillor Paula Boshell and Gemma Griffin of Salford Citizen's Advice with the donated goods before they were stolen.

The joint funerals of Demi, Brandon, Lacie and Lia will take place on Friday 14th September and members of the public are invited to attend and join in with the procession on the day.

At 10am the courtage will set off from Jackson Street which was the scene of undoubtedly the most horrific crime that this City has ever seen.

An unthinkable act of arson which cost four beautiful children their lives and sent shockwaves right across the heart of the city as news broke of the inferno that ripped through their Walkden home last December.

Roads will be closed in the area due to what is expected to be a huge public turnout, as family and friends slowly walk behind horse drawn carriages through St Mary's Park and then onwards to St Paul's Church where it is hoped that a screen will be made available for mourners unable to find seats inside.

After the service which is scheduled for 11am, there will be a private burial attended by family members only.

It is thought that the children's mother, Michelle, will be there to say a final goodbye to the children she loved so much.  Having only recently been brought out of a medically induced coma herself after suffering serious injuries during the fire and being informed of the tragic deaths.

The family have requested that dress code for the day be Black and Pink for girls and Black and Blue for boys.

Raymond Stone, 58, sadly died at Salford Royal Hospital on 12 August 2018.

Raymond previously lived in a number of residential care homes throughout his adult life.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

It is believed that he may have a sister or a son.

Anyone with information should call the Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 5376.