John Kent (05/12/1964) of Culverwell Drive, Salford has been charged with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. 

Jacob Harrison (26/11/1992) of Sumberland House, Salford has been charged with conspiracy to murder. 

These charges follow the shooting of a 28-year-old man at a car wash on Bolton Road in Ashton in Makerfield on Monday 30 March 2015. 

Both men have been remanded in custody. They will appear at court on Thursday 28 June. 

Christopher Hall (08/10/1969) of HMP Manchester, Aldaire Warmington (26/08/1986) of HMP Hollesley Bay and John Thomasson (11/01/1969) of Wakefield Crescent, Stockport, have been charged with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. 

Dominic Walton (10/04/1992) of HMP Long Lartin, James Coward (28/03/1996) of HMP Risley and Lincoln Warmington (26/08/1986) of Summerville Road, Salford have been charged with conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. 

These six men have been remanded in custody.

The men will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ court on Thursday 28 June 2018. 

Smoke from a huge inferno raging across the moorland hills above Stalybridge has been causing misery for Asthma sufferers across Salford.

The smokey haze enveloped parts of the Salford earlier this afternoon and it has seemingly stuck around with people from all corners reporting the smell of burning.

Kerry from Little Hulton told us that she has had to close her windows as her young son suffers badly from Asthma and the smoke has started to affect him, thankfully at the moment his symptoms seem to be mild but she told us with asthma that can change within a very short time.

The sweltering temperatures have made it hard to avoid the smoke as windows are left open in an attempt to try and release a little of the heat from homes.

The official advice is to close windows and doors but in these temperatures and with today being one of the hottest days in a decade, that advise is not always practical.

Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. ... These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs.

They can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases. However, the levels currently in the air across Salford are more of an irritation than anything else at the moment.

Continued exposure can make things a lot worse though so the advice is to always ensure you have medication/inhalers to hand and that where possible you avoid breathing in the air from outside.

If you have small children or know of an adult with breathing issues then take preventative measures.

Meanwhile, firefighters continue to tackle the blaze in full fire gear in 30 degrees temperatures, at one point seemingly winning the battle only for the hot weather to reignite things shortly after.

Earlier today, Tuesday 26 June 2018, police executed warrants at addresses in Salford, Stockport, and in Somerset.

Four men were also produced from prison.

Five men were arrested in connection with the shooting of Christian and Jayne Hickey, two men were arrested in connection with the shooting at the Wigan car wash and one man was arrested in connection with both incidents.

The arrests were in connection with the shooting of Christian Hickey and his mum, Jayne, on the doorstep of their home in Salford on Monday 12 October 2015 and a shooting that took place at a car wash on Bolton Road in Ashton in Makerfield on 30 March 2015.

Christian and his mum, who were aged seven and 30 at the time of the incident, were taken to hospital and had to undergo numerous surgeries before being discharged.

The incident, which occurred on Monday 30 March 2015, left a 31-year-old man seriously injured and requiring hospital treatment for gunshot wounds.

Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said:

Quote

 

“It has been almost three years since a young boy and his mum were shot on the doorstep of their own home in an incident that shocked members of the public nationwide.

“We have had a team of detectives working meticulously ever since and today’s warrants have come as a result of their hard work.

“As well as that particular incident, we have made a number of arrests in connection with a linked shooting that took place at a car wash in Wigan months before and left a man requiring hospital treatment.

“In total we have eight men currently in custody who will be questioned by detectives.”

 

Arrests in connection with the shooting of Christian and Jayne Hickey:

A 31-year-old man was produced from prison and arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to commit murder.

A 22-year-old man was produced from prison and arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

A 26-year-old man was produced from prison and arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice.

A 49-year-old man was arrested in Somerset by Avon and Somerset police on behalf of GMP, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice following the execution of a warrant in Salford.

Arrests in connection with a shooting at car wash in Ashton-in-Makerfield

A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to commit murder following the execution of a warrant in Salford.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to commit murder following the execution of a warrant in Salford.

Arrested in connection with both incidents:

A 48-year-old man was produced from prison and arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

A video taken by Connor Mannion has emerged this afternoon of a sinkhole that has opened in a road in Weaste, at time of posting the video has already received over 3,419 views on Facebook.

The collapse seems to be at the opening to the park, close to the junction of Gore Crescent and Lower Seedley Park Road.

Connor did his duty by issuing a warning to motorists to be careful of the collapsing road.

GMP Traffic posted on their Twitter feed warning of the hole.

#TrafficPCSO's 

 A rather large sink hole has appeared at the junction of Gore Cresent & Gore Avenue @GMPSalford.

Local authority in attendance, signs & barriers placed at the scene. 

Please try and avoid the area if possible. pic.twitter.com/y1YB4nrS4e

— GMP Traffic (@gmptraffic) June 26, 2018

The hole is of a similar size to one which opened in Wellington Terrace which Salford Mayor Paul Dennett had to sidestep on May 20th during a parade, which to the dismay of those living on the street has still not been repaired over a month after.

The road collapsed as cadets and dignitaries walked along Wellington Terrace.

Urban Vision has been notified.

Launched today, the campaign aims to deter offenders in Greater Manchester from continuing to download illegal and harmful images of children and encourage them to access support via a confidential and anonymous helpline that is operated by Stop it Now! – a child sexual abuse prevention campaign run by the Foundation.

Within the last 12 months, Stop it Now! has already seen over 1,900 people from Greater Manchester access help and support through the website and helpline, 52 per cent more than the previous year.*

The campaign makes it clear that downloading sexually explicit images of anyone under 18 is illegal, is the cause of great harm to the children in the images and highlights the severe consequences for those who continue to offend.

Just as important, information will be sent to people across Greater Manchester who routinely look at indecent images of children, signposting them to a range of online self-help resources and information that can help them understand their behaviour, what triggers it and how they can stop.

This online help is available via a dedicated website: www.get-help.stopitnow.org.uk and through the confidential and anonymous Stop it Now! helpline: 0808 1000 900.

Detective Chief Inspector Debbie Oakes from Greater Manchester Police said:

Quote

 

“We remain committed to protecting children from online sexual abuse and continue to work to bring offenders of this abhorrent crime to justice.

“We want offenders to consider the devastating impact that this crime has on victims as well as the consequences for themselves and their families when they are caught.

“Our partnership with The Lucy Faithfull Foundation is crucial in raising awareness of child protection as well as giving offenders the opportunity to seek help.”

 

Tom Squire, Clinical Manager at The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, said:

Quote

 

“Stop it Now! Is determined to protect children from abuse and the devastating impact of having their image repeatedly shared across the internet. The best way to do this is to deter people from looking at these images in the first place, and to get those who are looking to stop.

“We know from many years of experience that when you make people aware that help is available to stop, people will take up that offer of help. We work with many men arrested after downloading huge numbers of abusive images of children. Nearly all of them say they wish they had known sooner about the help that’s available to stop. There will be many people across Greater Manchester right now who are very worried about what they are looking at online but have no idea how to get help to stop. Our message to them is simple, get in touch and we can help you start making positive changes. You can reach us either via the Stop it Now! Get Help website, or via our confidential Helpline on 0808 1000 900.”

 

Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Bev Hughes said:

Quote

 

“It’s very easy for predators to groom children and access sexual material online, whilst never having to face the devastating consequences for children and their families’. 

“Educating people about the damage they can have on somebody’s life is an important part of preventing sexual abuse – and obviously a key part of what the Lucy Faithfull Foundation do.

“Preventing online child sexual exploitation continues to be a key priority for me and all partners across Greater Manchester, and we are working hard to ensure we prevent it from happening.”

 

 

Greater Manchester Police will host a live web chat on Wednesday 27 June 6pm - 7pm when a senior representative from Greater Manchester Police, together with a Senior Practitioner from The Lucy Faithfull Foundation, will be available to respond to any questions people may have about indecent images of children, the law surrounding such images, and the help that’s available to stop.  People can join the web chat anonymously.

*52% rise in the number of people from Greater Manchester seeking help

1 June 2017 to 31 May 2018 - 1,951 people from Greater Manchester visited the charity’s online self-help resources or called the confidential helpline to get help with their own viewing of sexually explicit images of children, or that of a loved one.

1,284 people sought help in the previous 12 month period – a rise of 52 per cent.

Main Photo: Stock Footage (Google)

Councillor Wilson, who became Ceremonial Mayor in May has chosen Ingleside Birth Centre which enables babies to be born in Salford and Salford Children’s Holiday Camp where his father Harry spent many happy summers.

Each Ceremonial Mayor chooses a number of local causes to support and raises funds for them during his or her year of office.

Councillor Wilson said:

Quote

 

“I chose Ingleside Birth Centre because it has replaced the midwife-led birth centre at Salford Royal Hospital where my two sons and two grandchildren were born,”

“The birth centre provided local care at its very best and Ingleside is carrying on that tradition – as well as allowing women with low-risk pregnancies to have more choice about where they give birth.

“One of my other charities is Salford Children's Holiday Camp which has provided holidays for over 80,000 children since it was set up in 1926. For many disadvantaged children, it was the only holiday they ever had and the first and only time they saw the sea so it was nicknamed Salford by the Sea or the Jam Butty Camp. My father Harry enjoyed his time there so I wanted to raise funds to make sure other children can enjoy a visit.”

 

Councillor Wilson is also supporting Singing with Dementia, set up in 2010 for carers and people living with dementia with free, weekly singalong music sessions and lunch. Music often helps people recall fond memories and the sessions provide a chance to relax among friends for carers.

Fundraising will also top up the Ceremonial Mayor's Community Chest which offers grant awards of up to £500 to local community groups or individuals to help them make a difference in their community or to help them achieve a specific goal. Applications will be accepted from January 2019.

The first event of this year’s charity calendar is a quiz night for teams of up to six members on Thursday, July 12 at De La Salle Sports and Social Club, Lancaster Road, Salford. Tickets are £5 a head and include a pie and pea supper.

That’s followed by afternoon tea in the Ceremonial Mayor’s Parlour at Salford Civic Centre on Saturday, July 28 from 2pm to 3.30pm. Tickets are £10 a head and there is free parking on site.

Tickets for both are available from 0161 793 3618 or by emailingBeverley.grebbins@salford.gov.uk

Salford children under five are learning the right way to brush and care for their teeth to prevent tooth decay.

It’s part of the city’s fight back against ‘totally preventable’ tooth decay and has been welcomed by parents and carers. Half of Salford’s five-year-olds have tooth decay which can cause them pain and affect their confidence and performance in school. 

Salford City Council’s public health team and Public Health England have joined together to launch the teeth brushing sessions in primary schools as part of a package of measures to tackle the issue. 

Other initiatives include working with parents and children on how to prevent tooth decay in the first place by reducing frequency and amount of sugar children eat or drink. 

The two organisations are also working with parents on healthy eating for babies and toddlers and increasing the number of under-fives visiting the dentist for prevention advice and fluoride treatment. 

Councillor Gina Reynolds, lead member for adult services, health and well-being, said:

Quote

“Children can’t be at their best if their mouths are painful. People may think baby teeth don’t matter because they will fall out but they do. 

“There is no need for children to experience tooth decay and pain. It is totally preventable with the right care.” 

The school programme is led by staff and teachers in nurseries and reception classes and shows the children how to brush properly using games and songs. They will also be teaching youngsters how to choose sugar-free snacks to prevent tooth decay. 

Councillor Lisa Stone, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, added:

Quote

“As the mother of a young child, I know how difficult it can be to get into a regular habit brushing teeth twice a day and limit how many times a day kids have sugary treats, especially when there is so much temptation for them, but it’s so important that we work to set up good habits for life during these early years. 

"We can avoid young children having to have fillings or teeth removed by regular brushing and limiting sugary treats. I want all Salford children to have healthy mouths so they can get on with enjoying their childhood and this is a great lesson for them to learn.” 

Children are also being given toothbrush and toothpaste packs to carry on the good habits at home. Brushing twice each day will help them keep their mouths healthy. 

PDFS of leaflets are available at: 

A tooth brushing chart and information for your children 
www.salford.gov.uk/media/392321/childrens-oral-care-a5-flyer.pdf
  
Oral health information leaflet for parents/carers
www.salford.gov.uk/media/392322/childrens-oral-care-a5-leaflet.pdf

Five watches worth an estimated combined value of £38,000 were stolen from a property on Wet Earth Green, Pendlebury between 10.30pm and 10.40pm on Thursday 5 April.

Five offenders are shown arriving near the property in a saloon car before jumping over a fence and forcing entry to the home.

PCSO Jacqueline Brookes from Salford Neighbourhood Policing Team said:

Quote

 

“This was a targeted attack in which the offenders appeared to know exactly where to look for the items they stole.

“Anyone who recognises the individuals in this footage, or has any information, should contact police immediately.”

 

The watches taken were:-

Patak Felipe gent’s watch with silver face and black alligator skin strap valued at £20,000.

Rolex Daytona gent’s watch with a white face and gold strap valued at £12,000.

Tag Heuer Formula One gent’s watch with a red face and black rubber strap valued at £4,000.

Bvlgari gent’s watch with a silver face and brown strap valued at £1,000.

Cassio gents watch in silver valued at £300.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5228 quoting incident number 2444 of 5/4/18 or the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police and Ambulance services were called out to the scene of a serious road traffic accident close to Holy Family Catholic Primary School on Langworthy Road, Salford at around 8:39pm on Thursday evening 21/06/18.

The incident took place close to the junction with Lower Seedley Park Road, paramedics were reportedly on the scene within 5 minutes with police not far behind them. Langworthy Road was quickly cordoned off and traffic directed around side streets. A Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) was also deployed.

The road was closed off and traffic was temporarily re routed around side streets.

A 16-year-old boy was involved in a collision with a red Citroen car whilst cycling, causing injuries to his head and chest, the impact of the collision was with such force that it caused the windscreen of the car to shatter.

He was taken by ambulance to Salford Royal (Hope) Hospital where he is receiving treatment, GMP has informed us that he is currently in a serious but stable condition, having sustained multiple injuries.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 2294 of 22/06/18, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The warning comes after several elderly residents in Wirral were tricked into paying hundreds of pounds for bags of fish in a scam which has been reported previously across other parts of the north-west.

Wirral trading standards officers say the fish is unlabelled and nothing is known about how it has been stored and have now alerted their colleagues across the north-west in case the traders move areas. 

Councillor David Lancaster, the lead member for environment and community safety, said:

Quote

“The residents were offered two bags of fish and didn’t realise the amount that was being put into the handheld card reader. They were horrified to find they had been charged between £234 and £254 for the fish. 

“It’s despicable to target older people in this way and I’d urge anyone considering buying on their doorstep to think very carefully before doing so and only use traders you know and trust. If you do want to buy from a new trader, make sure you agree and check the prices carefully, particularly if the cost is being entered into a hand held card reader for payment. 

“If anyone has information about the people responsible for this scam I’d urge them to pass details on to the Citizen’s Advice consumer service by calling 03454 04 05 06.” 

Police were called shortly after 5pm on Sunday 10 June 2018 to reports that a man had been robbed as he walked along Prospect Road in Cadishead.

The victim, a man in his 20s, was crossing the road when a passenger in a blue Peugeot 308 leaned out of the window and shouted over to him.

When he approached the car, the passenger in the Peugeot reached out and grabbed the man’s wallet.

Following a struggle, the driver of the Peugeot reversed over the victim’s foot. He was taken to hospital where he was treated for several injuries.

It is believed that the driver of the Peugeot and the three passengers were white men in their early to mid-twenties.

Police Constable Jessica Verbruggen, from GMP’s Salford borough, said:

Quote

“The victim has been left incredibly shaken with multiple injuries following this attack and my thoughts are with him and his family as he recovers from this ordeal.

“We are continuing to investigate this incident to establish exactly what happened and we would ask members of the public who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time of the attack to please get in touch.

“We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone with dashcam footage who was in the area at the time, or who witnessed the incident to please get in touch with police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 5443 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Remeiki Smith (18/06/00) of Pitmore Walk, Moston has been charged with eight burglaries.

Damien Wilkinson (25/08/99) of no fixed abode, has been charged with three burglaries. 

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with eleven burglaries. 

All three have been remanded to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ on Wednesday 20th June 2018. 

These charges are in connection with a string of burglaries from apartments in Ancoats, Salford and the city centre.

Police responded this morning 20/06/18, to numerous complaints from a neighbourhood plagued by youths joyriding on stolen motorcycles. Two stolen motorcycles were recovered in a crackdown on the Westwood Park estate in Winton.

GMP officers say they had a very productive morning on the estate in which two stolen bikes were recovered. 

In a post on social media the Eccles Branch officers said:

Quote

 

Hopefully, it will be quieter on Westwood Park tonight.

Thanks for your continued support. PC Paul Mottram.

 

 

The area has been plagued by the sound of motorcyclists racing up and down the streets in the dead of night and early morning.

Just last week, I myself was witness to one cyclist mounting a pavement and losing control of his bike and ending up faceplanted into the floor. Had someone been on the pavement he would have collided with them and the incident would have been far worse.

Members of the Salford Online Facebook Group are constantly seeing posts from people who have had bikes and mopeds stolen. The frequency of posts has been increasing of late.

Trading Standards officers from Salford City Council visited the Salford delivery office on Cross Lane to raise awareness among local post workers about scam mail and how to identify and report it. The visit supplemented Royal Mail’s ongoing work to reduce scam mail.

Following the joint initiative, over 70 Salford residents thought to have been targeted by scammers will now be offered advice and support while one potential victim has already come forward to ask for help.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said:

Quote

 

“Postal workers are well aware of scam mail and said that some of their own families have fallen victim to the tactics of these despicable predators. They were horrified at the amount of money residents in Salford have lost and only too eager to work with their internal security team which will pass on information for our trading standards officers to investigate.

“Some postmen and women told us they do warn vulnerable customers if they suspect the letters are from scammers, particularly when half a dozen other addresses nearby are all receiving the same ‘you are guaranteed a prize’ letters and we’re grateful for that.

“Everyone needs to be alert to scammers and their constantly changing tricks. Never give money or personal details, to anyone unless you have checked they are absolutely genuine.”

 

Salford trading standards officers also gave the postal workers Think Jessica leaflets to deliver. The leaflet and campaign explain how scammers work and urge people to seek help if they feel they are being targeted. As a result, one potential victim has already come forward for help.

Councillor Lancaster added:

Quote

“Working alongside our postal workers is another tactic to try and keep Salford residents safe. If you or anyone you know is receiving scam mail or you suspect they are being targeted then please contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.”

Royal Mail has successfully intercepted and stopped more than three million scam mail items from reaching UK homes since stepping up its drive against fraudsters in November 2016.

The list of anti-scam initiatives taken by Royal Mail includes:

• Leading the industry to launch a new Code of Practice on scam mail
• Writing to impacted households by Special Delivery to alert them to scam mail
• Stopping scam mail from reaching letterboxes by impounding at distribution centres
• Working with the National Trading Standards Scams Team to train our delivery people to identify scam mail
• Providing a special helpline, email address and Freepost address for customers
• Providing funding for the national ‘Friends Against Scams’ initiative
• Working in partnership with postal services in other countries

Quote

“We are committed to doing everything we can to stop this fraudulent material from reaching UK households,” said Stephen Agar, Managing Director of Letters at Royal Mail. “We continue to deploy a range of different initiatives to keep one step ahead of the scammers.”

Some postal scams to ignore:

Lotteries and prize draws. Remember, if you didn’t enter, you can’t have won.  Genuine lotteries also never ask for a fee to collect your winnings.

Psychics and clairvoyants asking you for money to reveal your future. It’s a scam.

Investment schemes, requests to help transfer money or chain letters. If it seems too good to be true it usually is and nothing will happen if you break the chain

Hard luck stories.  Don’t even reply or they will continue contacting you

Bogus job offers. Legitimate agencies never charge registration fees

Unclaimed inheritance. Always check with the Solicitors Regulation Authority before acting. They regularly receive reports of such scams and post them on their website

Look out also for letters that want you to respond quickly, not tell anyone and which ask for money or personal details. Or ones which use PO box addresses so they can’t easily be contacted and which contain spelling or grammar mistakes.

Yesterday evening saw two separate stabbing incidents in Clifton.

Firstly a 35-year-old Man was stabbed in the leg after being chased by a group of youths in the area.

The incident happened at around 9:30pm on Denbigh Road, the victim was taken to Salford Royal Hospital with serious injuries but it is believed that they are not thought to be life-threatening.

A police spokesperson said that enquiries are still ongoing and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 2213 of 18/06/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Earlier in the evening, Shortly after 6.30pm on Monday 18 June 2018, police were called to reports that a man had been stabbed on Balmoral Road in Clifton. 

Officers attended and a 17-year-old man was taken to Salford Royal hospital with serious injuries. He also remains in a stable condition. 

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1784 of 18/06/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Cordons were put in place at both incidents but have since been lifted.

It is unknown as yet if both incidents were linked. No arrests have been made in either case and enquiries are ongoing. 
 

In his latest book, John has chronicled the history of the Gaiety Theatre, Manchester founded by Annie Horniman in 1907 as an answer to the Abbey Theatre in Dublin which at the time was producing works by such playwrights as  Yeats, Lady Gregory, Moore, Martyn, Padraic Colum, George Bernard Shaw and Synge.

Ms Horniman threw down a challenge to Lancashire playwrights to rival their work and out of this challenge the school known as the Manchester Playwrights was born.

This included such luminaries as Stanley Houghton, Harold Brighouse, and Allan Monkhouse.

With such formidable writers, the Gaiety soon became the most progressive theatre in the country, the first of its kind to create an identifiably local school of playwrighting as Tony Wilson famously said, “This is Manchester, we do things differently here.”.

Dipping into this fabulously researched book I was fascinated to read how shocking some of these productions were considered at the time.

Take, for example, Hindle Wakes by Stanley Houghton, the play concerns a young mill girl, Fanny Hawthorn whose weekend away unravels in tragedy as it is revealed she had spent a proverbial "dirty weekend" with the son of a local rich mill owner.

This was in 1912 when such behaviour was certainly frowned upon, however Fanny isn't one to conform and tells her lover that basically they had had their fun and its over and more importantly doesn't want or need his riches and can make her way through the world on her own, a great example of early sexual equality.

Incidentally when a film was made of the play a lot of the scenes were shot at Monton Mill and the canal side nearby.

We all know Hobson's Choice which incidentally is playing at Salford Arts Theatre as we speak.

Written by Eccles born, Harold Brighouse the play tells of headstrong Maggie Hobson a woman with plenty of fire in her soul who chooses Sam Mossop as her husband a man considered to be much lower than her on the social scale, once again we see strong independent women at the fore.

Did you know that when the 1954 film was premiered it was shown at The Broadway Cinema, Eccles? I only learnt that from reading this marvellous book.

This book offers so much and it is a pleasure to read, my eyes were opened at the wealth of talent in the area and is a fabulous insight to the world of repertory theatre and the pleasures and pitfalls that go with it.

I can honestly recommend this book to anybody with a love of both theatre and local history, John Harding has done a marvellous job with his research and photographs that adorn the book and I doff my cap to him a remarkably researched and an essential read.

The book costs £18.99 and at present is available from Greenwich Exchange  www.greenex.co.uk

FREE postage within the United Kingdom.

The week celebrates men and women who make up the armed forces community – from currently serving troops to service families, veterans, armed service personnel, reservists and cadets who have served their country. 

On Monday 25 June at Salford Civic Centre Councillor Ronnie Wilson, the ceremonial mayor of Salford, will lead a short ceremony just before 10.30am on the steps to mark the start of the week. The armed forces flag will be raised outside and will continue to fly until Sunday 30 June. 

Reserves Day on 27 June is when the country recognises reserve forces. 

Salford’s armed forces will parade on Saturday 30 June along Parrin Lane from 10.30am, and will continue on Worsley Road and Dover Street before finishing at the Winton Festival in Winton Park.

Winton Festival runs from 11am to 4pm for a day of family fun including music, children’s activities and tea, coffee and homemade cake served by Salford Women’s Institute members dressed as land girls. 

Councillors Margaret Morris and Barry Warner are the council's Veterans Champions, both former members of the armed forces who are working to ensure the voices of veterans and their families are heard. 

Councillor Barry Warner said:

Quote

“We want to show our respect and admiration for the men and women in the armed forces who continue to put the safety and protection of the British people before their own lives. We’d like to encourage residents to come and watch the armed forces week parade to show their support.” 

Councillor Margaret Morris said:

Quote

“These events highlight the huge contribution both currently serving armed forces and veterans have done for our country. We owe them a debt of gratitude.” 

There may be some slight disruption to traffic on Saturday 30 June, especially on roads near to Parrin Lane and Worsley Road, so people are advised to allow extra time for their journeys. 

Update: A spokesperson for GMP has told us that there were reports of suspected human remains being found  within the park, however we are being told by our man on the ground that the investigation has now ended and police have left the scene.

We are being told by members of the public that the remains are those of an animal, although that has not yet been confirmed. 

The park and pond are now back open to the public and police tape has been removed.

————

Greater Manchester Police are currently carrying out a forensic investigation at Light Oaks Park in Salford

The nature of the incident is currently unknown but it is reportedly focused around the duck pond area where a forensics tent has been errected.

As soon as we have more details we will update this article.

The former commercial properties, five of which are located on Chapel Road in Rainsough Brow and one situated on Eccles New Road in Langworthy, have been completely revamped and converted into modern two-bedroom apartments for people in housing need at affordable rents.

The project to bring the empty buildings back into use has been carried out by Salix Living – the private sector leasing arm of Salford housing association Salix Homes, working alongside Salford Council and contractor Jackson Jackson and Sons.

The ambitious regeneration project received £255,000 from the Homes England Empty Homes Funding programme and has given a new lease of life to the abandoned buildings, previously branded an eyesore.

Jonathan Drake, service director for Salix Living, said:

Quote

“With more than 6,500 people on the housing waiting list in Salford alone, it’s a crying shame to see empty buildings left to go to rack and ruin when for a bit of investment they could be transformed into desperately needed housing.

“Some of these derelict shops have stood empty for around 20 years creating a real eyesore in the community, so we are delighted to bring them back to life, providing local people with a safe and affordable place to call home.

“To date, working with Salford Council and private landlords, Salix Living has created more than 170 new homes for local people at affordable rents, by bringing abandoned properties back into use, helping to unlock affordable living across Salford and Greater Manchester.”

 

Richard Broadfield is the first tenant to move into the new apartment on Eccles New Road. He said:

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“I think what Salix Living is doing with empty properties is fantastic for Salford. By taking an old building that was lying unused and totally converting it, they have turned it into a lovely new apartment for me and my son. We’re delighted with the property and can’t wait to settle in.”

Kieren McDonnell, managing director at Jackson Jackson and Sons, added:

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“We are proud to have partnered with Salix Living in the conversion of the disused shops into much needed affordable housing in Salford and Prestwich.

“Both projects involved significant challenges that required specialist construction knowledge that the Jackson team brings. The successful delivery of this work validates our position as a national leader in managing construction projects that improve and enhance facilities in our communities.”

 

Salix Living is currently working on further renovation projects across Salford to bring empty buildings back into use.

This includes transforming The Star Inn - a disused pub in Eccles, into six new apartments which will available to rent in the near future, plus converting a disused shop on Lower Broughton Road, which is set to be completed in 2019.

Harrison Foster (30/10/1989) was released from prison in December 2017 after being jailed in July 2015 for robbery.

He has since breached the terms of his license and is now wanted by police.

Foster is from the Salford area however his current whereabouts are unknown.

Anybody with information about Harrison Foster’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.