The people of Irlam and Cadishead gathered at Dessie's Bar in Cadishead as local stalwart Marie Rose Harvey took part in a sponsored head shave to raise much needed funds for The Macmillan Cancer Support Group.

Photo: Raising Funds For Macmillan Cancer Support

Brave Marie has been battling cancer enduring chemotherapy treatment a fight she has vowed to win and knowing fearless Marie, a fight she will win.

She took to the floor as local hairdresser Rhianna Torrance wielded the scissors and electric shaver with local councillor Lewis Nelson and her grandchildren being encouraged to take the first snips of her locks.

Photo: Marie and her Grandchildren

With the head shave finished, Marie made a lovely poignant speech thanking people for their generous donations and the volunteers from McMillan who had ferried her to hospital appointments.

Marie then announced that she had personally raised a magnificent £1,351 for the charity.

Photo: Local Councillor Lewis Nelson with Irlam Councillor - Hannah Robinson-Smith

We can only applaud Marie for both her braveness in the face of this terrible illness and  her determination to raise both money and awareness... we need more Marie's in this world

Today (Friday 28 July), a final man who was involved in a series of high value burglaries has been jailed for three years and nine months.

Dylan Azzopardi (27/01/1993) from Eccles pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary.

Earlier this year, Adam Brown (01/06/1983), Lee Seddon (21/07/1977), Scott Walker (28/11/1979) and Robert Pinkney (30/03/1982) were jailed for a combined 13 years and six months for their involvement.

Between November 2022 – January 2023, half a million pounds worth of mobile phones were stolen from commercial premises across Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire, and West Yorkshire.

Driving stolen cars with cloned plates, the gang forced entry to the warehouses armed with crowbars and sledgehammers. Once inside, they'd ransack the storerooms, bundling thousands of phones into bags.

The gang were organised and experienced and took a number of measures in an attempt to avoid detection by law enforcement. Following a period of surveillance, their downfall came in January 2023 when GMP detectives, supported by our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) interrupted Brown, Seddon and Walker who were in the middle of committing a burglary in Castleford, West Yorkshire.

Officers armed with tasers were waiting at the premises, and after hearing the men inside, police stormed the building before detaining and arresting them. Adam Brown's identity was exposed when officers removed his balaclava to reveal a man who appeared to be somewhat bewildered that he was being arrested on suspicion of burglary...

In the days that followed, officers executed a number of warrants which resulted in the arrests of Pinkney and Azzopardi.  

Beyond identifying and investigating these offences, police have worked with security firms to determine vulnerabilities within stores with a view of reducing and preventing future offending of this nature.

Detective Constable Alex Brown from GMP Serious Organised Crime Group said: 

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"Working with officers from neighbouring forces and our invaluable colleagues from SaferCash, whose expertise in this field played a part in our detectives initially identifying and pursuing these men, we were able to dismantle this dangerous and disruptive organised crime group.

"Thankfully no members of the public were injured during any of these offences, but thousands of pounds worth of damage and lost earnings were caused by this crime spree.

"This gang thought they had the tactics to avoid detection from law enforcement, but unfortunately their luck ran out following a string of careless mistakes. I'm glad they have now been brought to justice and will spend many years behind bars."

 

Axing plans to build 800 homes on peat land in the north Irlam area of Salford is a ‘mixed blessing’ according to a Greater Manchester green campaigner.

Planning inspectors reviewing the city region’s Places for Everyone (PfE) masterplan have deemed that the development of the 30 hectare site at Chat Moss, just south of the M62 must not go ahead.

Marj Powner, chair of the Friends of Carrington Moss, and vice-chair both Save Greater Manchester’s Green Belt and the Community Planning Alliance, bemoaned other decisions which went against campaigners, calling the decision ‘irrational’.

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“That one allocation has been removed from the plan is good news, but two others remain meaning there is the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitat,” she said, referring to Port Salford and New Carrington. “So it’s a mixed blessing as far as we are concerned.”

Inspectors have made a range of modifications affecting Greater Manchester following the hearing on July 5.

They include the following sites:

Heywood/Pilsworth: The Inspectors require a modification to ensure ‘that the loss or deterioration of any irreplaceable habitat is avoided’

East of Boothstown: The Inspectors require a similar modification to ensure ‘that the loss or deterioration of any irreplaceable habitat is avoided’

North of Irlam Station (Chat Moss): The Inspectors are not persuaded that the development of 800 homes here clearly outweighs the loss or deterioration of an irreplaceable habitat and suggest that the wholly exceptional reasons’ required have not been demonstrated making the allocation unsound.  It   therefore requests a modification which removes this allocation from the Plan

Port Salford Extension: The Inspectors believe the significant public benefits associated with this allocation would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of an irreplaceable habitat and that a suitable compensation strategy is capable of being delivered 

Ashton Moss West: The allocation was found to be sound and a modification requested to ‘Use suitable construction techniques to ensure that any impact on the carbon storage function of deep peat is minimised’.

New Carrington: The Inspectors believe there are significant public benefits associated with the comprehensive development of this allocation and that it would clearly outweigh the loss or deterioration of an irreplaceable habitat, modifications have been requested to ensure that the effects on the deep peat would be minimised and a suitable compensation strategy is delivered. 

Conversely, meanwhile, Salford’s lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford City Council, Coin Mike McCusker said he was disappointed with the decision over Chat Moss while hailing the east Boothstown and Port Salford recommendations.

The Places for Everyone (PfE) masterplan of nine Greater Manchester districts (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan) for jobs, new homes, and sustainable growth.

It has been published by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.  It determines the kind of development that takes place in each borough, maximising the use of brownfield land and urban spaces while protecting Green Belt land from the risk of unplanned development.

It will also ensure all new developments are sustainably integrated into Greater Manchester’s transport network or supported by new infrastructure.

Photo ©: Google Maps

Plans to build 800 houses on Land North of Irlam Station (Chat Moss) have been removed from the Greater Manchester Local Plan following campaigns by both Labour councillors, Action Against Rural Development (AARD) and the now disbanded CORE party for which Irlam Live organiser, Darren Goulden, had previously held a seat.

The former Cadishead councillor for CORE had won a seat on the council after challenging the original Greater Manchester Spatial Framework plan which he described 'Deeply Flawed'.

The disputed peatland between New Moss Road and Astley Road, is part of the natural carbon sink and is home to a wide variety of native species of plants and fauna. 

The number of houses planned at Chat Moss had already been halved from what was originally proposed in a previous draft document published in 2019.

Both Irlam and Cadishead already suffer from historic traffic problems due to its geographical location and the lack of exit routes in and out of the area, the addition of 800 new homes would have had an impact not only on traffic but also other resources in the area such as school places, doctors, dentists etc...

Councillor Lewis Nelson had been seemingly at odds with many of his fellow councillors at the time who maintained that the land was 'degraded' following decades of draining and agricultural activity.

He firmly stood his ground, using common sense to argue against the plans and gained allies within his area with the appointment of councillors Yolande Ghola and Hannah Robinson-Smith who are more aligned, both sharing his vision.

Lewis has earned the respect of both his local community and Salford at large, having been an ardent campaigner for the local greenbelt since an early age. He was a familiar face at the anti-fracking protests in Barton Moss and was vocal about the damage to the community it would bring, before he took up position on the local council.

All three Labour councillors and campaigners have campaigned hard to ensure that the greenbelt land remains for future generations to explore and enjoy.

The formerly proposed site at Irlam is the only one to have been removed from the local plan.

Cadishead and Lower Irlam Councillor Yolande Ghola , Lewis Nelson for Cadishead and Lower Irlam , and Hannah Robinson-Smith for Cadishead & Lower Irlam, have issued the following statement:

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"The planning inspector has issued action points in relation to the Places for Everyone Plan with huge news for our community.

"The Inspector has ordered 'Land North of Irlam Station' (the 800 houses planned to be built on the moss) to be REMOVED from the plan, keeping the greenbelt and peatland that has protected the moss for decades intact!

"It was 10 years ago that residents first came together to defend the land off Astley Road, and at every opportunity since, we have fought together for Chat Moss.

"We are proud to have been on this journey with the community; using our votes in council, our voice, time, and influence to put a stop to building on our most precious moss. This is our whole community's victory!

"There are some people we would especially like to thank: Dave Steel, Phil Legerton, Jim Ness, and Frances Henry from Action Against Rural Development (AARD). We cannot tell you how many hours they have spent working in defence of Chat Moss, trawling through the documentation, and crafting arguments to best fortify the moss from the housing developers.

"Notable mention must also go to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Natural England, who have been extraordinary in their efforts to defend peatland moss from development

"This really is a HUGE win for our community, 'Land North of Irlam Station' is the only site to be taken out of the plan in the whole of Greater Manchester, and all other greenbelt/peatland sites have (in effect) been approved for allocation by the inspector. The fight will continue for protecting the peatlands, and we support fully Natural England's efforts to get a national stop on building on peat.

"But, for us as a local community, the imminent threat of 800 homes being built on our moss has been neutralised at least!

"Thank you to everyone who fought together with us to achieve this. Victory!"

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development, said:

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“We’re disappointed with the inspectors’ recommendation that the infrastructure-led North of Irlam Station allocation be removed from the Places for Everyone, particularly as this was based on representations from Natural England who substantially changed their position very late in the examination process, despite having had ample opportunities to make their revised position clear earlier in the process. 

“We will be writing to Natural England to understand their proposals to accelerate peat restoration on Chat Moss, in line with Greater Manchester’s overall aims. 

“We recognise the value of restored peat land, but believe that the prospects for its restoration of the North of Irlam Station allocation are very low.“

 

Families can find out about all the support that's available in Salford at special Family Hub open days during August.

Salford's family hubs will be having open days, to give local people the chance to find out all the ways they can have support and fun in the hubs, and in their community.

There are four family hubs localities across the city offering support for young people aged 0 to 19 and their families (up to 25 years old if they have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)). Support includes early help services (help, support or guidance for babies, children, young people, and families at the earliest opportunity). They are run by Salford City Council with local health organisations, and voluntary and community groups.

The open days will have a whole host of free family-friendly activities from a mini zoo, balloon modelling to face painting.

Support workers from early help services will be providing messy play, and arts and crafts. There will also be staff from the council's youth service, Health Improvement Team, Welfare Rights and Debt Advice service; the police and young people's mental health support from Kooth/Quell, oral health information and more.

There will also be a range of activities at each area such as Eccles Women's Football will be offering a football session and in Little Hulton the youth service will have a performance from a young people's choir.

The family hubs have services including support for antenatal, postnatal, child health, targeted early help, relationships, parenting, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), adult, and child mental health and youth services. Family hubs services are being expanded across the city, into community spaces in partnership with voluntary and community-led groups.

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children's and Young People's Services said:

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"Salford's family hubs do such great work in helping local people. We're so proud of what they have done so far and the possibilities to make a real difference to people's lives now and in the future. These open days will be a great opportunity for families to see all the help and support that's available, as well as the many free activities that take place at our family hubs, and lots of fun for everyone."

Salford City Council is one of 75 councils across the country to receive funding from the Department for Education's Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. The programme aims to champion family hubs through the Best Start for Life: A vision for the 1001 Critical days and deliver the health Child Programme 0 to 19 public health services.

The open day dates and venues are:

9 Aug 10am to 2pm – Irlam and Cadishead Family Hub, at the Academy, Station Road, Irlam, M44 5ZR

16 August 10am to 2pm Broughton Family Hub, Rigby Street, M7 4BQ

19 Aug 11am to 1pm – Little Hulton Family Hub, Longshaw Drive, M28 0BD

30 August 10am to 2pm – Swinton Family Hub, at Swinton Gateway, M27 6BP

The future of the 150-year-old Salford Red Devils Super League club and the city’s rugby league heritage will be safeguarded if the city council takes total control of its stadium.

This is according to Salford city mayor Paul Dennett as he gave an update on the complex negotiations taking place which may ultimately see the local authority buying Peel’s 50 per cent stake in the stadium, its two training pitches and the car park. 

The property giant wants to exit the joint venture arrangement, although the company and the city council will still own the land surrounding the facility.

The city council and Peel entered into a joint venture in 2009/10 to build what is now known as the City of Salford Community Stadium (Coscos), which is also shared by Sale Sharks rugby union club.

Mr Dennett told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:

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“Salford Reds have been doing work in our city for many many years and they are inextricably linked with our city.

“For me, when you look at the original decision back in 2009/10 it spoke to all of that.

“What we’re trying to do with regard to the city council considering buying the remaining 50pc of the stadium is to think about how we can secure that future for more than 150 years.

“Do I think it would be secured if we sold the stadium? No, I do not. Because who’s to say whether or not someone bought that stadium and didn’t share our values and beliefs about the importance of this 150-year-old institution in the city of Salford.

“It also safeguards the future of the regeneration of that part of the city as well, because it gives us far more skin in the game.”

 

Mr Dennett continued:

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“When we originally embarked on this, the idea was we would build the stadium, the council would finance it, there would be working capital put into the stadium for a number of years and the land around it would be sold and developed and would then pay back the development finance – the money the council borrowed to build it.”

He said that the time it has taken to develop the land had been impacted early on by the financial crisis which started in 2008, the Covid-19 pandemic, the cost of living crisis, and rising interest rates, coupled with inflation.

However, he said so far 240 jobs had been delivered alongside £30million of infrastructure and £18.45m worth of social value.

The mayor continued:

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“Once the land has been developed, there will be 719 new jobs, £65m of private sector investment, gross development value of more than £90m, bring in £1.2m of business rates per annum – income for the local authority, which is really important when you think about the fact we’ve lost £240m a year since austerity started under the national government [in 2010].

“Bringing in business rates helps to protect jobs and services for the local authority and, once it’s been delivered, we will have hoped to create £28m worth of social value.”

 

Currently, Aldi and the eatery Barley Farm are on site and other adjacent pieces of land have been sold and would be developed ‘in due course’, said Mr Dennett.

Mr Dennett spoke about a new economic model where ownership [by the council] is ‘really important’.

He, said.

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“That’s why we’re building council houses again.

“The market fundamentally has failed. The role of local government for me isn’t just about commissioning and contracting services from the market. It’s actually about actively delivering those yourself directly, in Salford – in-sourcing.

“It’s also not about just flogging off land and property to deal with the impact of Tory austerity or to facilitate market growth, which are increasingly international global phenomena.

“We also want to ensure that we protect our civic institutions. And I would argue that one of them is Salford Reds.”

 

Meanwhile, Mr Dennett spoke of a city-wide ‘rugby strategy’ [for both league and union codes of the sport]

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“I think it’s really important to do justice to the original decision that was taken back in 2009/10,” he said. “We want to solidify what happens from here on in as to what happens to the stadium and the stadium’s rugby.

“We said this was as a community stadium when we took the decision. We’ve got to deliver on that ambition.

“We do that by putting a rugby strategy in place, establishing a rugby forum, getting all partners in the city behind it, and aligning it to all the work we’re doing on health and wellbeing, tackling obesity and the importance of sports within schools.

“That’s what I think will help galvanise this agenda.”

 

A spokesperson for Salford Red Devils said:

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“The club has been at the heart of the Salford community for 150 years, and with the recent transition to fan ownership we have now placed the community at the heart of the club.

“!A council deal securing our future at the stadium enables us to continue the work that we carry out within our area as well as to develop it further; enthusing our young people and providing an opportunity and positive pathway through our wonderful sport.

“Sports stadia have a history and trend of being sold and leveraged basely and the council’s efforts to buy the remaining 50pc of the stadium would ensure that the City of Salford Community Stadium remains a key component of the Salford community.“

 

Little Hulton man Andrew Malkinson was jailed for life with a minimum term of seven years after being found guilty of the rape of a woman back in 2003. His maintenance of his innocence lead him to remain behind bars for a further ten years.

Despite no DNA evidence linking him to the crime, and the case of the prosecution being based solely on witness testimony, he was found guilty.

Malkinson's case was referred to the Court of Appeal earlier this year by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), citing new DNA evidence had identified another suspect, who has since been arrested.

His appeal was quashed by three senior judges with no contest from either Greater Manchester Police (GMP) or the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

Lord Justice Holroyde said that he could "leave the court free and no longer be subject to the conditions of licence".

Upon leaving the court Mr Malkinson, said:

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"Today I told this court I was innocent and finally they listened.

"The police, prison officers, probation, prisoners, journalists, judges... As a minority of one you are forced to live their false fantasy.

"On 2 August 2003 I was kidnapped by the state. It has taken nearly 20 years to persuade my kidnappers to let me go."

 

57-year-old Malkinson, despite being released from prison in December 2020, said he was "not free" having had his name placed on the sex offenders register and forced to live under "tight supervision" by police and probation officers.

He, added:

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"Now I have finally been exonerated, I am left outside this court... jobless, homeless, expected to simply slip back into the world with no acknowledgement of the gaping black hole that they opened up in my life; a black hole that looms so large behind me, even here today, that I fear it will swallow me up." 

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson made the following statement: 

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"We are truly sorry to Mr Malkinson that he is the victim of such a grave miscarriage of justice, in being convicted of a crime he did not commit and serving a 17-year custodial sentence. Whilst we hope this outcome gives him a long overdue sense of justice, we acknowledge that it does not return the years he has lost. I have offered to meet with him to personally deliver this apology.

"We are also profoundly sorry to the victim of this crime, who not only suffered an horrific trauma 20 years ago, but also relived the experience during a criminal trial, and now may endure additional harm caused by learning that the true offender has not yet been brought to justice. We are absolutely committed to following all new lines of enquiry to ensure the right person is held accountable for harming her.

"Whilst this case tragically led to the wrong person being convicted, these instances are thankfully very rare. Following an appeal heard by the Court of Appeal in 2006, and two reviews by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), a full and thorough review of the original investigation was carried out by GMP. The force has and will continue to fully cooperate with any further reviews of this case and action will be taken if it is found that anything could have been done differently.

"In the vast majority of cases, the processes our officers follow lead to a case being presented to the CPS whereby the suspect and evidence collected were relevant to the crime committed. The evidence presented by GMP and the CPS at court between 2003-2004 was subject to a full criminal trial before a jury, who ultimately reached the final guilty verdict. Sadly, in this case it is now clear that the wrong person was convicted.

"Due to new forensic evidence, following developments in forensic technologies, there is a live criminal investigation in which a suspect remains on bail. We cannot comment further on that matter at this time.

"We are sorry that in this case, the judicial process failed, and the wrong man was convicted. We are determined to work with our colleagues in the CPS to ensure all new evidence is fully examined and that the person truly responsible is convicted and the victim of this horrific crime receives the justice deserved."

 

Some very sad news this evening, a man has died and another has been seriously injured following a what is believed to be a workplace incident at a business premises off Hilton Square in Swinton.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 3pm this afternoon (25th July).

Despite the best efforts of Paramedics, sadly one of the men sadly lost his life.

An investigation into the incident continues.

A spokesperson for GMP, said:

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"At around 3pm today (Tuesday 25 July 2023), officers responded to reports of two people being injured in Hilton Square, Swinton.

"Despite the best efforts of emergency services, a man was sadly pronounced dead. Another man remains in a serious condition. Enquiries are currently ongoing."

 

A spokesperson for GMFRS, said:

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“At approximately 3.00pm on Tuesday 25th July, firefighters were called to assist police at an incident on Hilton Square in Swinton.

“Fire engines from Salford, Ashton and Agecroft stations quickly attended the scene.

"Fire crews remain at the scene at this time.”

 

Pupils at a Salford primary school have put pen to paper to plead with parents to park safely away from the school gates or stop bringing cars to school altogether.

Children at Grosvenor Road primary school, Parkgate Drive, Swinton, held a competition to design road safety and clean air posters.

Now the winning five have been made into signs to be displayed at the school's two entrances to ask parents to consider walking or cycling to school and think about where and how they park if they have to use a car.

Head teacher Mr Lee Pridden said:

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"We have been concerned about the poor parking around Grosvenor Road Primary School for a considerable time. We have requested on many occasions that parents park well away from our school, parking respectfully and with consideration to our neighbours and pedestrians. It's disappointing that some parents continue to ignore this request."

Councillor Mike McCusker lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development, said: "It's a shame that children even have to ask but inconsiderate parking is an issue for schools right across the country.

"We're sending out patrols and using mobile CCTV cameras to tackle hotspots, but it's down to adults to be responsible. If they can avoid bringing the car to school so much the better."

 

Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children's and young people's services said:

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"Walking with children to and from school is a great way to spend time with them and build more exercise into your day, which is great for wellbeing, as well as reducing pollution locally. I hope the posters encourage more walking, cycling or scooting to school, making use of the nearby Swinton Greenway and other traffic free routes, as well as tackling irresponsible parking."

I was delighted to be asked by Tony Rogers the founder of the Eccles Breakfast Club which meets every Tuesday to call into Harold's Café in the indoor market for a chat, meet his pals and talk about life in general.

Tony a decorated ex serviceman who served nine years in the armed forces is a well known face around around Eccles and it has to be said a true, old school gentleman.

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"About nine years I posted on Facebook asking if any ex vets would like to meet up for a breakfast and a chat, I know that many of them were suffering from PTSD and living in some cases, isolated lives.

"My wife had this café at this time and so it seemed natural to meet up here and it is possibly one of the best things I have ever done, over the years we have bonded together and true friendships have been formed, we all have each others backs and look after one another, if somebody is sick we visit them, if somebody is struggling we call for a chat and let them know they are not alone, we are building a true community spirit, all of us care,

"Just before Covid hit we used to meet at Porky Pigs Café in Peel Green which was owned by Kevin Peek a true character who never let his disability get him down, a huge Manchester United fan who travelled the world supporting them, sadly Kevin died last month and the café is closed, however when it does reopen we shall return there as it is our spiritual home"

 

I sat and chatted with the breakfast diners and you could sense the camaraderie between them, a group of mainly retired men, local traders, several ex army vets etc all having the crack with the banter flying about, all good hearted ribbing and a pleasure to share their company.

Tony is to be congratulated for his work forming this band of brothers and making sure they are all looked after, this is how friendships are made, friendships for life, give this man another medal for he deserves it!

Finally before I left Tony asked the breakfast club boys to chip into our VIP party, and  within seconds I was handed over a £100 to go towards our appeal... what can you say?

Tony and you Breakfast Club Boys... we salute you!

It's nearly 80 years since they died in a World War II air crash but those connected with Lancaster bomber PB 304 will never be forgotten.

The Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust will hold their annual memorial for the seven man crew and two civilians who died on 30 July, 1944 on Sunday 30 July 2023 at 11am at Agecroft Cemetery, Langley Road, Salford where there is a memorial stone.

The bomber had been supporting the Allied, D-Day invasion of Europe, when it got into difficulties and was ordered back to its base in Lincolnshire. But because of the number of Allied ships in the Channel it could not ditch its bombs and had to fly in a wide arc via Blackpool. As it flew over Salford it lost height and crashed on the Irwell riverbank, close to Agecroft Cemetery and exploded.

The pilot was Flight Lieutenant Peter Lines from Purley in Surrey and although early into his tour of operations he was considered an exceptionally good pilot. The Wireless Operator was Sergeant Arthur Young from Cardiff. He was of Afro-Caribbean descent and was one of the few black airman at that time. The rear Gunner was Sergeant Mohan Singh from the Punjab. He was completing his 22nd operation and in civilian life was a medical student.

The Flight Engineer was Sergeant Raymond Barnes of Pendlebury who probably advised the pilot to land on Littleton Road playing fields that the bomber was aiming for. The Mid-upper Gunner was Sergeant John Davenport from Market Drayton. He had been an RAF cook and applied for bomber crew duties, qualifying as a gunner.

The Bomb Aimer was Flying Officer John Steele from Bradford and the Navigator was Flying Officer Harry Reid from Toronto, Canada.

Councillor Gina Reynolds, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, said:

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"These brave men risked their lives in the service of our country every time they flew. It is tragic that they and two civilians lost their lives in this terrible accident. We will never forget."

Salford City Council’s planning committee has given the green light to The English Cities Fund’s (ECF) 100 sustainable, affordable apartments on Peru Street in Salford, which forms part of its place-changing Crescent Salford collaboration.

ECF is Muse’s  joint venture with the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England and Legal & General, one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and major global investor.

The partnership was set up in 2001, to bring together the best of the public and private sector, to transform urban areas and create exceptional new places.

The new homes, which form part of the wider 252-acre, £2.5bn Crescent Salford masterplan, have been designed to be Passivhaus certified.

Passivhaus buildings are designed in their nature to provide a comfortable environment for residents, but importantly can reduce energy bills by up to 90%. This is achieved through a whole-building approach to efficiency and high-quality construction, which is independently tested and verified.

Peru Street will be the second development of sustainable and affordable apartments that ECF is bringing forward, following the success of Greenhaus – another pioneering Passivhaus-certified development that’s due to complete in March 2024.

Greenhaus is a 96-home apartment development, which is creating affordable homes for local housing association, Salix, and is part of its £1bn, 50-acre Salford Central regeneration. Both developments have been designed by renowned local architects, Buttress.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“It is fantastic news that the planning panel has given this energy efficient scheme the approval.

“People in Salford are desperate for high-quality affordable homes. Making them to Passivhaus standards, which are hugely energy efficient, mean that in this cost-of-living crisis people who are already struggling can save huge amounts on their energy bills.

“The construction process also creates jobs for local people and apprentices can learn from the opportunities that are available. We want to see much more of this in Salford as we push to provide more affordable homes for local people.”

 

A shocking incident which reportedly saw a van deliberately plough into a flock of geese crossing a road has prompted an appeal for information from the RSPCA.

The incident was reported to the animal welfare charity on Wednesday 12 July after being witnessed by members of the public at 10.40am on Lower Broughton Road, Salford.

Sadly three geese were found dead at the side of the road following the incident, and two juvenile geese had to be put to sleep by a vet because of their injuries.

The geese are a regular attraction in the area, especially at this time of the year.

CCTV footage shows a white van with two men inside it driving into the birds and not stopping. The licence plate can't be made out on the footage and so the RSPCA is appealing to the public for information.

RSPCA inspector Rachel Whalley, who is investigating, said:

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"This sounds like it was deliberate, and totally unnecessary and cruel behaviour. It's also against the law to deliberately kill a wild bird, so I'm very keen to speak to those responsible.

"It is a shocking and sad incident and we are keen to see dashcam footage from anyone who was in the area at the time or hear from people who witnessed it and may have information."

 

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA's appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01113258.

Heart-breaking latest figures from the RSPCA show an alarming increase in intentional cruelty against animals including 605 reports in Greater Manchester last year - an increase of 9% compared to 2021.

The charity has launched its Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, to raise funds to help its frontline rescue teams continue to save animals from cruelty and abuse and to raise awareness about how to stop cruelty to animals for good.

The RSPCA's frontline teams are working hard to rescue animals in need this summer but we can't do it alone - we need your help to Cancel Out Cruelty. To help support the RSPCA, visit: www.rspca.org.uk/stopcruelty 

Salford Media has opted to slightly pixelate the image so as not to upset anyone.

On Tuesday 1 February 2022, officers received a rape disclosure of a 22-year-old man in Manchester City Centre.

After officers conducted initial enquiries, it was established the 22-year-old man was sexually assaulted by a stranger at around 3:30am on Monday 31 January 2023 in Manchester City Centre.

After extensive CCTV analysis, an achieving best evidence interview (ABE) with the victim and forensic analysis of the victim’s clothing, officers were able to identify the suspect with a partial DNA match from a previous arrest in 2021.

On Friday 20 May 2022, a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape and was taken into custody for questioning. He was subsequently released on bail pending further investigation.

Rida Awof (12/03/1993) of Croft Street in Salford was charged with Rape on Wednesday 9 November 2022. On Tuesday 2 May 2023, on the first day of his trial Awof pleaded guilty to the charge at Minshull Street Crown Court.

Today (Friday 21 July 2023), Rida Awof was sentenced six years and four months and will serve a minimum of two thirds of his sentence. Awof will then face deportation from the UK.

Detective Constable Annabel Lewis of GMP’s City of Manchester district said:

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“Firstly, I want to acknowledge the victim of this horrific incident and I know the past 16 months have been extremely difficult for him.

“On the night of the incident, the victim was simply walking home from a night shift at work when he was approached by Awof, who began engaging in conversation with him. The victim was keen to get home and was continually harassed by Awof and followed.

“Awof continued to follow the victim and began to pressure the victim to go home with him and to perform sexual favours for Awof in public spaces.

“After countless times of the victim declining and not consenting to Awof’s advances, Awof became more persistent and aggressive, chasing the Victim across a main road and dragging him towards a doorway where he forced the victim to perform a sex act.

“Extremely distressed, the victim tried to get away from Awof who began following him again. The victim attempted to flag down numerous motorists and a cyclist however no-one stopped to help.

“Awof caught up to the victim, punched and kicked him following which he attempted to drag the Victim towards him until a nearby security officer saw the commotion and went to Victim’s aid. The security officer then took the victim to a safe place and Awof made off from the scene.

“I commend the victim for their bravery throughout this investigation and for having the courage to report this information. Because of their report, we were able to find and remove this individual from our streets.

“I would also like to thank the officers involved in this case for their full committed efforts in locating the offender and supporting the victim throughout this extremely distressing incident.

“Awof is an extremely dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him today. I truly hope that the sentence brings some form of peace to the victim and their loved ones.”

 

Photo ©: GMP Custody Photo

Salford is becoming blighted by a ‘scourge of Airbnb rentals’ according to two of the city’s councillors.

Residents are being subjected to all-night parties and rowdy stag and hen gatherings taking advantage of their close proximity to the Manchester club scene, a council meeting heard.

The issue came up as members of the city’s planning and transportation regulator panel were approving a part five and part six-storey block of 100 residential apartments on Peru Street in the Blackfriars and Trinity ward in line with the Crescent Masterplan. The applicant is the English Cities Fund (ECF).

Ward Councillor Jane Hamilton complained that the area was ‘already inundated’ with Airbnb rentals making the lives of people living in the area ‘a misery’.

Welcoming the 100 per cent affordable development, she said:

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“This is fantastic for our area. 

“We have issues with Airbnb rentals. We are inundated with them.”

 

Her colleague, Councillor John Warmisham, added:

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“It’s great to see the Crescent Masterplan starting – it’s been a long time coming. 

“The 100pc affordable housing [element] is super for that area. But Airbnbs are becoming a major issue in this community. They are a scourge on this city – an absolute nightmare.”

Speaking after the meeting Coun Hamilton reiterated her comments. “The problem is, it’s party time for a lot of these people who rent Airbnbs.

“It’s great that we have a lot of visitors, but when you’re talking about stag and hen dos, it’s not on. 

“People don’t treat these rentals like their own homes and we get a lot of issues with bad behaviour where families are living.”

 

Councillor Warmisham said the Local Government Association – which represents local councils in England and Wales – was ‘working on the issue’ with a view to legislation.

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“The problem is that some people buy these properties as an investment and during times like when Parklife is on, there can 24/7 partying.

“Salford is very close to the vibrant nightlife of Manchester, which is great, but can also have a downside to people living in the area.”

 

A spokesperson for Airbnb told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:

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“Parties are banned on Airbnb, and we have seen a 75 per cent drop in the number of party reports in the UK since we introduced the ban in 2020.

“Our 24/7 hotline allows neighbours to contact us directly with any concerns which we will investigate. We are committed to being good partners and have long supported the introduction of a national short-term lets register to give authorities better visibility of activity in their area.”

 

They also said that Airbnb is often used as ‘a catch all term’ to describe a number of different types of short-term letting activity, and has previously been incorrectly linked  to issues involving other platforms. 

They said they take concerns from neighbours seriously, who can contact the company via its Neighbourhood Support Line to report urgent concerns.

“We investigate all reports received, and take appropriate action where necessary,” they added.

Planning bosses have been accused of ‘boxing people in with no sunlight’ after a new apartment block on a parcel of land in the heart of Salford was approved.

Despite objections, the 26-storey tower with 250 apartments will take shape in the Chapel Wharf Development Framework area between Trinity Way and Blackfriars Road will now take shape after existing buildings have been demolished.

Some 37 letters of objection to Trinity 2 Ltd’s application were received by Salford city council’s planning department.

Councillor Bob Clarke accused planners of ‘boxing people in with no sunlight’ at a meeting of the city’s planning and transportation panel.

He said:

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“I can’t see how this contributes in any way shape or form to net diversity and sustainability. 

“The building is appalling, it’s dull and boring. We can’t keep sticking rubbish like this up. It’s grim. We are just boxing people in with no sunlight.”

 

Councillor Clarke said he failed to see how anything would grow in the green area around the development because of the overshadowing.

However, the panel gave the green light to the development despite objections from Blackfriars and Trinity councillor Jane Hamilton and residents.

The planning permission includes a £1million off-site affordable housing contribution.

Residents fear the huge building will tower over neighbouring homes in the  already densely populated area as well as the Audacious Church and its coming five-storey extension which has already been approved.

A prior application for a much taller building was previously knocked back by the planning officers with Trinity 2 advised to think again.

Councillor Hamilton told the panel:

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“Trinity residents have had a lot to put up with regarding development.

“Residents still feel that this building isn’t in keeping with developments in Blackfriars. It will cause significant overshadowing of neighbours’ homes.

“Blackfriars and Trinity has experienced considerable development over recent years.”

 

Chair of the panel Councillor Phil Cusack said ‘considerable consultation’ had taken place regarding the development.

Councillor Mike McCusker said the city had experienced ‘tremendous growth’ in the last 10 years and was committed to building a further 40,000 homes by 2040, on predominantly brownfield sites. 

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“Having developments in the city centre is where we see we are trying to meet that growth.”

Some 31 of the flats will be studio apartments and 93 will be one-bedroom with a further 111 two-bedroom and 15 three-bedroom, with one as a duplex. And 20 per cent of the homes will be ‘affordable’.

Meanwhile, the conversion of the office building Baskerville House on Browncross Street, Salford into a business studies hub for the UA92 educational institution, affiliated with Lancaster University was also approved.

In addition, plans to convert a former office building in Garden Street, Eccles into a 10-person house of multiple occupation have been given the green light.

Police are investigating an accident which took place at around 6.10pm on Monday 10 July 2023, officers were called to reports that a vehicle had collided with a cyclist on Lancaster Road, Salford.

It is believed that an Audi A3 pulled out from standing traffic and collided with the cyclist, who was overtaking at the time.

The driver of the vehicle failed to stop at the scene and made off from Lancaster Road turning right into Radcliffe Park.

The cyclist sustained serious injury to his lower back as well as injuries to his neck and shoulders.

GMP are now appealing for witnesses to the incident and for anyone who may have any dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage to come forward to help with the investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101, quoting log number 3363 of 10/07/2023. Information can also be passed through the independent charity - Crimestoppers -- on 0800 555 111 of via the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk

Photo ©: Google Maps

Barratt Developments is rehoming a garden it is sponsoring in the Young Designer category at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park to St. Luke’s CE Primary School in Salford.

Britain’s biggest housebuilder is sponsoring Seeking Resilience, a garden designed by Camellia Hayes. The garden will be rebuilt at the school as part of the Barratt’s Foundation’s partnership with children’s mental health charity, Place2Be.

Seeking Resilience is a small inner-city pocket park that is a place for wildlife and people to seek respite. There is a sense of nature reclaiming, from the plants growing out of the wall crevasses to the self-seeders growing in unexpected places. Seeking Resilience explores the joys of biodiversity thriving in a bustling environment.

Camellia Hayes, one of the Young Designers at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, said:

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“Seeking Resilience was inspired by my mum’s strength during her cancer treatment, when I wanted to create an enveloping space, which nurtures people and planting.

“I love that following the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, the garden will be donated to Place2Be and rehomed to a school in Salford, where children and teachers can experience the calming effects of nature.”

 

Based in the North West, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park is one of the RHS’ flagship events, attracting around 80,000 people. It takes place between Wednesday July 19 and Sunday July 23.

Teachers and 12 children from St. Luke’s CE Primary School visited the flower show to see the garden before it is rehomed to their school.

David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Developments, said:

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“Barratt is a leader in sustainability and biodiversity through our partnerships with the RHS and the RSPB. We’re creating gardens that bring more wildlife into our developments, and also, encouraging residents to do the same, so we can reverse the catastrophic decline in nature in this country.

“By sponsoring Camellia’s garden, we’re helping to bring these important messages to more people, including the school children, teachers and the wider community in Salford where the garden will continue to grow after the show at Tatton Park.”

 

Place2Be is a young people's mental health charity with almost 30 years' experience working with pupils, families and staff in UK schools. The charity provides mental health support in schools through one-to-one and group counselling using tried and tested methods backed by research.

Catherine Roche, CEO of Place2Be, said:

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“Place2Be is so delighted to benefit from the Barratt Foundation’s generous support and to see the Seeking Resilience garden rehomed at St Luke’s CE Primary School to benefit the whole school community. 

“Emotional resilience is central to our work preparing children to have healthy coping mechanisms to face and deal with challenges throughout life. Thanks to Barratt Foundation’s incredible support in this past year, they have helped us to reach nearly 20,000 children and young people across the country.”

 

Place2Be is a charity partner of the Barratt Foundation, which donates £4.5 million a year to good causes in communities.

HUGE CREATIVE PROJECT COMMISSIONED BY SALFORD CITY COUNCIL LAUNCHES ACROSS HISTORIC MARKET TOWN AS PART OF ECCLES REGENERATION PROGRAMME 

We Live Here, a large-scale public art project taking place in Eccles between 21st July - 30th September 2023, exhibits artwork from notable artists and members of the community living and working in the historic market town, transforming public spaces and prominent venues across the town centre.  

Part of Eccles' ambitious regeneration programme, the Salford City Council commission sees global art producer Wild in Art work with local, internationally recognised artists, plus residents and community groups, to deliver an outdoor gallery throughout the shopping centre, ranging from striking installations and murals, to powerful digital art and paintings, that will inject life and colour back into the town.

Manchester's own mural painter and illustrator Hammo has created a mural on the side of Eccles Market, celebrating the history of the markets and shining a light on present-day traders, and street artist Qubek has produced a beautiful mural that references that Eccles has been a place that has welcomed diverse communities over the years and played a key role in the industrial revolution. 

Internationally acclaimed Manchester-based street artist Aylo (Nomad Clan) has created a stunning mural inspired by old botanical drawings, highlighting the beauty of Eccles' wildflowers and the need to protect our local wildlife. 

Working with Salford Youth Service LGBTQ+ youth club and pupils from The Arbour Academy, multi-disciplinary artist Lauren Mullarkey has created a colourful textile installation, producing flowers and fruits from hand-dyed silk and knitted flora from Smiths' Knits to create a spectacular installation inspired by the flora that has historically grown in cottage gardens in Eccles. 

Based at the Puzzle Factory in Eccles, contemporary artist Stephen M Campbell has produced a mural on Church Street which features the landmarks around Eccles, celebrating the historic market town as a pioneer of engineering.

Further artwork on display across the historic town centre includes pop up exhibitions from members of Salford Art Group and From The Art of Salford, a mixed media installation created by Humbug Art in collaboration with young people within the local community, drawings of local birds by Age UK Salford Friday Morning Art Group printed onto vinyls, oil paintings by Philip Westcott photographed and printed onto vinyl, book bench sculptures hand painted by Caroline Coates, Roy Meats, plus friends of Wild in Art Jess Perrin and Donna Newman, and a showcase of arts and crafts from local artists at Eccles Community Art Gallery. 

Printed trail maps are available to pick up at locations around Eccles and an online trail map is also available to download, giving individuals the opportunity to follow the trail and discover each exhibit.

The project celebrates the local community, and the unique character and heritage of Eccles, whilst also looking forward to the future, creating a message of change and hope. 

The Eccles regeneration programme presents a hugely exciting opportunity for the town to reinvent itself with a vibrant town centre through major change at the heart of the historic market town. 

The programme is a shared vision and collaborative project, as Salford City Council are working closely with local organisations, community groups, and businesses to create and deliver these changes. 

Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning, Transport and Sustainable Development, Salford City Council, said:

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"The We Live Here art trail in the retail heart of Eccles will be an exciting addition for local residents and visitors alike to explore the vibrant artworks in spaces that they may pass by each day - from the Eccles Shopping Centre up through to Eccles Market, looping round to Eccles Gateway and library, and along Church Street.

It's fantastic to have local artists and community groups in collaboration to deliver this trail, helping to shape what will be a colourful and joyful final showcase of public art open to all to enjoy from Friday 21 July – I really can't wait to explore and for the trail to come to life!"

Wild in Art is the leading producer of spectacular public art events that have animated cities across the globe including Manchester (Bee in the City 2018 and 50 Windows of Creativity 2020), Sydney, Auckland, and Cape Town, and created trails for historic events such as London 2012 Olympics & the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Ben Reed, Head of Creative Development at Wild in Art said:

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"It's really exciting to be involved in a project that forms part of the regeneration strategy of Eccles; it has so much potential and such a rich history. The feedback from the public as the artwork has been created has been heart-warming, I can't wait to see how people respond when it's all installed."  

Artwork from: (all in alphabetical order) Age UK Salford, AYLO (Nomad Clan), Caroline Coates, Charlie Speak, Chloe Santos, Donna Newman, Eccles Community Art Gallery, From The Art of Salford, Garden of Knowledge, Hammo, Humbug Art, Jess Perrin, Kamila Kasperowicz, Kelly Ma, Lauren Maguire, Lauren Mullarkey, Mark Charnley, Pam Pickard, Philip Westcott, Qubek, Roy Meats, Salford Art Club, Salford Youth Service LGBTQ+ youth club, Salford Link Project, Smiths' Knits, St Andrew's CofE Primary School, Stephen M Campbell, The Arbour Academy, William Wilson, Yemeni Community Association

Official digital trail map available here: https://visitsalford.info/EcclesArtTrail
For further info please visit:https://visitsalford.info/EcclesArtTrail

Public consultation has begun on plans for 204 apartments close to Middlewood Locks in Salford.

A joint venture between the Canal and Rivers Trust and Bloc has been branded H20 and is seeking to redevelop a car park site off Oldfield Road and Upper Wharf Street.

Half of the proposed apartments will be one bedroom and with the rest two bedroom.

Also included in the plans is a linear park on the line of the former Manchester, Bolton and Bury canal.

The development proposes a range of on-site amenities, such as a gym, communal spaces and social areas, which ‘will help to foster a vibrant residential community’.

Northern development director at Bloc, Nick Legget, said:

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“Salford is a destination going from strength to strength and we are delighted to be playing a role in the Crescent area’s continuing regeneration journey.

“We’re excited to unveil our proposals for a high-quality residential development which will make a significant contribution to the delivery of new homes in a highly sustainable location.” 

 

The site is in the southern area of the Salford Screscent Development Framework also known as Zone Six ‘The Crescent’ which is seen as appropriate for high-density residential development.

Other scheme built or under construction nearby include Salboy’s Local Crescent, and the first and second phases of Outwood Wharf, where 296 homes are currently bei.ng built.

The Upper Wharf Street site is located in the southern part of the area covered by the Salford Crescent Development Framework known as Zone Six ‘The Crescent’. The framework identifies the site as an area that is appropriate for high-density residential development. 

There are several apartment schemes already built or under construction in the vicinity. These include Salboy’s Local Crescent, and the first and second phases of Outwood Wharf.