Salford’s North West Neighbourhood Policing Team executed a warrant at a property on Mesne Lea Road in Walkden on 14 July 2023

Officers conducted a search of the property and discovered 240 cannabis plants and thousands of pounds worth of cultivation equipment.

The property was made safe by officers and utility companies, and a total of £400k worth of cannabis plants and equipment was seized from the property and destroyed.

No-one was present at the scene and no arrests have been made so far, however there are ongoing enquiries to locate the suspects those involved in this illegal activity.

Inspector Steve Corless of Salford Northwest Neighbourhood Team said: 

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“This warrant is an excellent result for our neighbourhood team and is all part of our fight to remove dangerous and illegal substances from our streets. 

“We are committed to protecting the public from these harmful substances and stop drugs operations from running in our communities.

“Our team are continually acting upon intelligence that we source, and that the public provide to us, with this information are we able to execute warrants and provide community reassurance, our officers are working flat out to keep the community safe.”

 

If you feel that there are criminal activities taking place in your neighbourhood, then please dial 101 or speak with us via the Live Chat function on the website, https://gmp.police.uk.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111.

Alternatively, members of the community can engage via ‘Bee in the Loop’, which is a direct line to the neighbourhood policing team in each district within Greater Manchester.

Just sign up to https://beeintheloop.co.uk to receive free text or email alerts to keep you in the loop about what is happening on your street and in your local community.

The Clothes Swap will take place in the former Argos unit in Salford Shopping Centre on July 29th between 1pm and 4pm. 

A one-off Clothes Swap is coming to Salford Shopping Centre on July 29th, giving the people of Salford the opportunity to bring along pre-loved or unwanted clothing, and swap them for other garments in an eco-friendly and sustainable shopping experience. 

Taking place for one day only from 1pm until 4pm, the event is hosted by Stitched Up, a community initiative which was set up back in 2011 by a group of young women who shared a passion for style and creativity, but also had serious concerns about fashion's impacts on people and planet.

The clothes swap is open to both men and women and tickets can be purchased in advance to attend. Visitors can bring along up to 10 garments, where they'll receive a token per item. The clothes swap works the same way as a store, where guests can browse the rails, try on clothing of interest, and check out using the tokens acquired. 

Items brought along to the event are graded into 'Great' and 'Good' categories. 'Great' includes high-end, vintage or designer whilst 'Good' are high-street brands and everything else. 

Bryony Moore, Outreach Coordinator for Stitched Up, said:

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"We're delighted to be able to bring the Clothes Swap to Salford Shopping Centre; lots of our customers and community live in and around Salford, so it's an ideal location for the event to take place. 

"We want to show how easy it is to dress well without relying on mass-produced fast fashion. The pace of clothing manufacture is a huge issue, and some say that there's enough clothing already in existence to clothe the next six generations!

"Clothes swaps are such a great alternative because you get that same feeling of going shopping, but without adding more items to your wardrobe or spending loads of money buying new stuff. Where else can you get ten new items of clothing for just £6.50? Not only that, but swaps also help you embrace your own unique sense of style and you'll discover things you'd never find in the shops."

 

Rory Fleming, Centre Manager for Salford Shopping Centre, said:

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"We were delighted when Stitched Up approached us to hold their Clothes Swap at Salford Shopping Centre, and this partnership is a natural fit for us. 

"A Clothes Swap is a fantastic way of doing our bit for the planet because it's an opportunity for all those clothes to be given at least one more round of life and prevent them from going to landfill. 

"We invite all of the Salford community to register for this very worthwhile event and come along to, what is sure to be, a fantastic day!"

 

Tickets are advance booking only and cost £6.50 and can be purchased here. 

Clothing may show some signs of wear, but make sure they are free from bobbling, stains, rips, damage or pet hair. Accessories are also welcome – a bag or a pair of shoes count as one item. Underwear and swimwear is not accepted. 

Seven Salford parks and two cemeteries have been voted amongst the best greenspaces in Britain in the annual Green Flag awards.

Agecroft Cemetery, Blackleach Country Park, Boothsbank Park, Clifton Country Park, Parr Fold Park, Peel Green Cemetery, Peel Park, Salford, Victoria Park and Winton Park have all kept the prestigious award.

Photo ©: Boothsbank Park - Salford City Council

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods, sports and leisure praised the efforts of the many volunteers who support council staff in maintaining and improving the parks and green spaces.

She, said:

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"Parks and green spaces have to meet very high standards to win this prestigious award, so it is a great accomplishment to maintain Green Flag status for another year. I'd like to congratulate and thank everyone behind this achievement because our parks and green spaces are so important for people and wildlife."

Judges assess all areas against strict criteria. The spaces are rated on being welcoming, clean, healthy, safe and secure and how well they involve the local community.

Video: Salford's Stunning Beautiful Clifton Country Park

Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status for each site.

The Green Flag scheme is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under license from the government.

Main Photo ©: Blackleach Country Park, Walkden - Salford Media Stock

Officers from Salford's Challenger organised crime team and Display Enforcement team - with support from GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit and officers from other districts – executed a number of warrants.

Nine men were arrested and brought into police custody on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

The activity – codenamed Operation Display – comes following an investigation into the alleged large scale county lines drugs supply operating across Salford.

Today (Thursday 20 July 2023) teams from Greater Manchester Police systematically executed warrants across Salford, Gorton and Oldham under the Misuse of Drugs Act and arrested those identified. Further phases and arrests will be planned for the days and weeks following the initial activity. 

Operation Display is a joint covert investigation conducted by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit (NWROCU) and Salford’s Challenger team. 

The investigation, which commenced in September 2022, was instigated to tackle the street level drug supply in Salford.

For several years Salford has had consistent reports of street level drug dealing in the Pendleton area including Salford Precinct and the Broadwalk. The dealing activity extends beyond Pendleton to areas such as Broughton, Higher Broughton and Eccles.

The main drug types concerned are heroin and crack cocaine, although there is also evidence of cannabis dealing.

The dealing activities often lead to acts of violence with rival drug gangs vying for control of the lucrative Salford Precinct and Eccles drug supply hotspots. This has led to firearms discharges, several stabbings and some fatalities.

'Salford Connect' has since been set up to protect victims of cuckooing and target those responsible for this increasing trend.

As a result of the Operation Display investigation 37 street level drug dealers have been encountered that are operating in the Pendleton, Eccles, Broughton and Higher Broughton areas. 

The investigation team has been working to formally identify those involved and as a result 14 individuals will be arrested during the first phase. From the first 14 suspects, three are identified as being under 17 years of age.

Following on from this morning’s activity local officers joined up with Crimestoppers and a digital van did a tour around Pendleton, Eccles and Broughton that led to plenty of engagement with members of the public. They were informed of the arrests that occurred as well as encouraged to continue generating information that relates to organised crime.

Detective Inspector Rebecca McGuigan, of GMP's Salford Challenger organised crime team, said: 

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"The execution of these warrants this morning should serve as a warning to those engaging in criminal activities - we will come after you and as a force we remain committed to tackling serious and organised crime across Greater Manchester. 

"I must thank our officers for their diligent intelligence gathering that enabled us to execute such a significant number of warrants today that led to many arrests, as well as the NWROCU for their support in this strike day. 

"Drugs supply and organised crime has been blighting the community of Salford for quite some time now and we’re continuing to be relentless in tackling serious and organised crime.

"I want to take this opportunity to encourage the public to continue reporting drug activity so we can take action and make Salford an even safer place to live and work."

 

A county line is the advertisement of illegal drugs via a mobile phone, known as a ‘graft line’, the drugs are then moved by dealers from one area to another as well as to other places across the country.

The organised crime groups will often exploit children to transport the drugs and money profited from its supply. The exploitation often includes using the homes of vulnerable adults as a base to store and deal the drugs from – a term known as cuckooing.

Here are signs of child criminal exploitation to look out for: Unexplained gifts, money and new expensive clothes or accessories; Increased missing from home episodes; New friendship groups; Receiving excessive calls or messages from ‘new friends’; Carrying weapons and may have a few mobile phones; Secretive or withdrawn from family and/or friends; Getting picked up or dropped off by unknown people; Not seeing the person who lives there, and a clear change in behaviour and routine; Increase in visitors or cars to a house or flat at unsociable hours; Signs of drug use such as strange smells coming from the property; Windows covered or curtains closed all the time; People talking on phones outside the address.

If you have information relating to organised crime – no matter how small – please contact either Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call GMP on 101.

Below are services available to seek help and support:
Catch 22 is a specialist support and rescue service for young people and their families who are criminally exploited through county lines.
Safecall offers a safe space for people affected by exploitation to talk about their experiences in confidence and can also provide reassurance, support and help formulate a plan via their dedicated service.
Young people can contact Crimestopper's via Fearless to access non-judgemental information and advice.
The National Crime Agency County Lines website explains more about county lines and indicators of exploitation in your area.
The Safeguarding Network have helpful tips for understanding indicators of exploitation and what may make a young person more vulnerable to being exploited.

A Salford taxi driver will soon be back on the road thanks to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) following an ‘inexplicable delay’ in the return of his driving licence from the DVLA.

Now, Paul Tyler, 58, wants to know why it has taken so long since April this year when he was given medical clearance to begin driving again for his licence to be sent back to him.

His licence was suspended after he suffered serious injuries in a boating accident on the Lancaster Canal in September last year.

Paul, of Stoneclough, Radcliffe, underwent extensive medical treatment in the Royal Preston Hospital trauma unit and had to surrender his licence.

Although he was given clearance my doctors to begin driving again in April, the DVLA did not return his licence.

However, after the LDRS contacted the DVLA, an official called Paul and informed him he could begin driving again, saying they would returning his licence immediately.

But Paul said:

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“There has been no explanation as to why it has taken so long. They wouldn’t take my calls and every time I contacted them online I got knocked back.

“It was only after you [the LDRS] got involved that I call from them on the same day telling me I was OK to drive again.”

 

Paul will now have to reregister his black hackney carriage cab before he can take to the road again.

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“In the meantime, as a self-employed person, I have been unable to earn any money, and I have had to rely on my wife to support me.

“I was coming up against a brick wall trying to get my licence back. I’m so grateful for your help.”

 

When asked why the DVLA had taken so long to return Paul’s licence, a spokesperson simply said:

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“When considering an application to issue a driving licence we aim to make a decision as quickly as possible but where we require additional information from a driver’s doctor or the driver themselves we are wholly reliant on receiving this information before a decision can be made.”

Former England, Manchester City and Liverpool star Paul Stewart has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Salford.

The award comes in recognition of Paul's work on safeguarding with the university's Social Work team which has been hailed as having 'incredible impact'.

Paul was born and brought up in Wythenshawe, Manchester, where he dreamed of playing professional football. Horrifically, after being talent spotted at age 11, Paul suffered four years of abuse by a coach at a grassroots football club in Manchester.

As an adult, Paul went on to play for a number of clubs including Blackpool, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, as well as Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.

In November 2016, Paul went public as a victim of child sexual abuse, after reading an article about another footballer who had been abused as a child. Being a high-profile former player himself, Paul felt he had to speak up. Up until then he had not told anyone, including his family, about what had happened and had experienced real emotional challenges.

In 2017, Paul wrote his book 'Damaged', a powerful and moving account of both the abuse he suffered as a child and the aftermath of this abuse. Since then, he has dedicated his life to working on safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults.

He has his own company, Paul Stewart Official Excellence in Safeguarding, which provides safeguarding education to the football league, has developed safeguarding training (working with safeguarding experts), and has worked beyond football to help organisations better safeguard young people, by developing policy and practice. Settling up the company was something that Paul says he felt was key in creating a monumental shift in the way organisations work to keep people safe, especially children and young people.

Paul has contributed to the Social Work programme at the University of Salford since 2017. University staff have commended him as a powerful speaker who helps students improve their understanding of safeguarding and the potential long-term impact for individuals and families if safeguarding practice isn't followed.

Lecturer Sarah Riding, who nominated Paul for the honorary award, said:

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"Paul has equipped so many students with knowledge and insight that is transformative to their practice; he has become integral to the development of our first-year social workers. The incredible impact he has can be seen through the countless testimonials we get from students who have been deeply moved and inspired by his work."

Paul has worked across the country with football academies including Watford and Fulham, as well as with Street Soccer amongst other organisations. His development of safeguarding courses provides organisations with practical tools and knowledge, helping the commitment to safeguarding excellence.

Paul said:

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"I am totally honoured to receive this award, it supersedes any of my football achievements, including playing for England and my FA Cup winner's medal. Safeguarding is my passion and the future protection of children."

Professor Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society, said: "I am delighted to award this honorary degree to Paul. His bravery in talking about his abuse as a high-profile footballer has had such an incredible impact not only for our students here at the university but across the country and beyond."

 

High-visibility, proactive police work took place across the region of Salford yesterday (Tuesday 18 July 2023) as part of Operation AVRO.

Starting out with an early morning briefing in The Lady Hale Building at the University of Salford, weapons and drugs warrants were carried out during a large-scale deployment beginning at 5.30am.

Officers in Salford made a total of 33 arrests yesterday for a range of offences including drug supply and criminal damage as part of Operation AVRO, the monthly GMP initiative that sees officers take the fight back to the criminals, providing high-visibility controls and engaging with the community.  

In conjunction with partner agencies, the Neighbourhood Teams visited 16 shops selling illegal vapes with 3,734 illegal vapes seized, which equates to £44,808 worth of products.

The estimated minimum profit lost was £22,404. Trading Standards are now utilising their powers against the illegal sale offenders.

The operation also saw officers identify 373 traffic offences being committed, including 239 speeding offences. In total, 16 vehicles were seized and four arrests were made.

In addition, the Commercial Vehicle Unit issued graduated fixed penalty notices to the value of £3,300 for weight and load offences and issued prohibitions of movement to five vehicles for being overweight.

As well as the raids, officers also held events within local communities, such as the Neighbourhood Beat Officers team providing high-visibility proactive patrols around hotspot locations including Eccles Recreation Ground, Abbeyfield and the Ellesmere Sports Club to tackle antisocial behaviour and the Tactical Mounted Unit out on patrols around Salford Quays.

In conjunction with partners from Salford City Council, five taxi operators were visited and issued with leaflets and posters in relation to vulnerability and county lines. There were 18 taxi stops and four vehicles taken off the road due to taxi licencing offences.

Elsewhere, officers joined forces with Paul McGovern MBE, to deliver an 'Actions have Consequences' session to pupils at Holy Family Primary School. Paul works within the Prison Community Team which engages with children in local schools to break the cycle of children being peer pressured into local crime gangs and subsequently being imprisoned when they are adults.

The aim of the Actions Have Consequences programme is to break down barriers between local children, their teachers, local neighbourhood policing teams, school-based officers and the youth offending team. 

Paul was joined by GMP School Engagement Officers and Lauren Roberts, Prevention Education Instructor from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service who delivered the Safe4Summer campaign, an annual partnership campaign which takes place over the summer months involving GMFRS, GMP, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, local councils, plus others – with the ultimate aim to keep young people safe.

GMP runs Operation AVRO from a different district within Greater Manchester each month, in a bid to tackle the communities' top concerns.

Chief Superintendent Paul Coburn, from GMP's Salford Division, said:

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"AVRO gave us an opportunity to provide reassurance to the Salford community, to deter offending and to get that community intelligence. 

"We had a wide range of staff from various branches and districts, supporting us across a wide range of activities including traffic operations, Licensing and Trading Standards warrants and knife sweeps. 

"The idea is to make Salford a safer place and I must thank everyone for their efforts in helping us work towards that goal."

 

What is Operation AVRO?

Operation AVRO is a force wide initiative that delivers extra resources and specialist officers to a different district within Greater Manchester each month and launched in Salford in October 2021.

Since then, it has travelled around the force with the operation targeting crimes and concerns that members of the public in that district have told GMP give them the most concern.

For more information, visit: Operation AVRO | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

Manchester International Football Academy (MIFA) is pleased to announce it will be holding free football training sessions for girls over the school summer holiday period!

The rush for the 2023 Women's World Cup is only just beginning and it’s the perfect time to get involved.

That’s why MIFA’s taking the lead and offering a free Introduction to Girls’ Academy Football.

Based at Salford Sports Village, MIFA is a football academy for 16-24 year olds that offers a variety of education and training programmes.

To celebrate the launch of our Girls’ Education and Training programme this September, we’re inviting girls with a passion for football to join us this Summer.

Open to girls aged 14 years and above, these sessions are set to begin on Monday 24th of July and run throughout the summer holidays.

Players can join at any time and sessions will be delivered by experienced Premier League Academy Coach, Jack Atkinson.

Come along from 5pm - 6pm, and improve your skills.

Director, Ross Johnson,said:

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“At MIFA, we have the opportunity to offer good quality football coaching to girls in the Greater Manchester area. The MIFA staff are all very excited to welcome girls to the team!”

To book your place, please contact Ellie Driver on + (44)7550 082 758 or email hello@mifa.pro.

Professor Cheryl Lenney OBE, Group Chief Nurse at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded an honorary degree by the University of Salford.

Cheryl has over 40 years' experience as a registered nurse and a registered midwife and has held several senior clinical and managerial roles throughout her career.

As a midwife, she has played a significant role in developing early national leadership programmes and continues to support the development of midwives through education and research, improving care for women and their babies.

She has worked for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and its predecessor organisations since 2002. Cheryl is currently Group Chief Nurse, an executive director on the board. As Group Chief Nurse she provides professional and clinical leadership to over 10,000 nurses and midwives and has specific responsibility as the Executive director for Infection Prevention and Control, Safeguarding and maternity.

Cheryl supports system leadership across Greater Manchester and leads the Nursing, Midwifery and AHP board working with the universities to increase student numbers in health care professions.

In addition to her professional qualifications, Cheryl gained a master's degree in Health Service Management from the University of Manchester, she is a Visiting Professor for Nursing Leadership at Manchester Metropolitan University and Honorary Clinical Chair (MAHSC) nursing, midwifery and allied health professions leadership.

She was awarded an OBE in 2020 in recognition of her contribution to nursing and midwifery over her career and her leadership in the national response to the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

Professor Margaret Rowe, Dean of the School of Health and Society, said:

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"It's great to welcome Cheryl here today to receive this honorary award. She has a significant leadership role across Greater Manchester in relation to developing the current and future NHS workforce and is a powerful advocate and inspiration for our aspiring nursing, midwifery, and allied health professionals."

Professor Cheryl Lenney said:

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"I am honoured to receive this award from the University of Salford who I have worked in partnership with over many years to ensure that standards of education and practice are aligned, providing high quality graduates for the professions in Greater Manchester and beyond. I hope that our work continues to attract the very best people into the very best professions in health and care."

We put our best drainpipe jeans on, ruffled up what remains of our hair and headed up to Salford's Civic Centre in Swinton this afternoon after being invited to witness a true Salford legend receive the prestigious honour of the Freedom of the City of Salford.

Our very own chancer Tony Flynn had somehow made Dr Clarkes guest list and had been sat on the news for months, sworn to secrecy, bursting to tell everyone and unable to tell a soul.

I think most people are aware of just how highly Tony regards John, not only as a poet but as a friend, as he says, you can emulate him but you can not better him, there is only one JCC.

Tony, said:

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"I am delighted to see John get this award, he fully deserves it for not only his massive contribution to the arts over the years but also for the way he promotes Salford, not Manchester... The Bard of Salford and we are so proud of him.

"On a personal level I first met John way back in 1970 stood outside The Shambles pub in Manchester, straight away I knew he had that something special about him... money... I'm joking he was a skint as the rest of us, one night he recited a poem called, Is Kilty Guilty?

"For those who don't know, John Kilty was a "colourful character" who used to carry an attaché case full of drugs with him, which he would dispense freely.

"He was arrested in Salford and appeared before the dreaded Stipendiary Magistrate, Leslie Walsh, who asked him if he was guilty? He misheard and thought he had said, are you Kilty to which he replied, yes and was promptly sent down for three months... and so the now legendary poem was born.

"I have watched John's career over the years and seen him perform, many, many times and it's always a delight to see him in full flow, machine gun delivery of his words and yes he has mellowed over the years as we all do but still sells out the big venues, long may he carry on.

"Finally I was over the proverbial moon when I got a phone call several months back from his Tour Manager the legendary Johnny Green who asked me if I wanted to be on the guest list for this event today, I consider it to be an honour to have been asked and I shall certainly enjoy watching John receiving The Freedom Salford... Poet Laureate next surely?

"Round of applause for Johnny Clarke!"

 

John was awarded his honour by Gina Reynolds - Salford Ceremonial Mayor, Tom Stannard - Salford CEO and Tracy Kelly - Statutory Deputy Mayor.

Councillor John Warmisham gave a rousing speech, telling those gathered how John had not only influenced him but also countless others both in and beyond Salford. He said it was an honour as a Broughton lad to be seconding the motion.

John even managed a few words with another Broughton icon, The formidable 'Media Maria' Brabiner, a local bedroom tax campaigner and community champion, now turned councillor. One day he may have as many TV and Radio appearance's as she has if he plays his cards right.

The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Gina Reynolds said:

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"Salford has always been a city of creativity that has nurtured remarkable artists. John Cooper Clarke is an icon not only in Salford but throughout the country.

"His remarkable literary contributions, infused with his unique Salfordian charm, have made a lasting impact on the world of poetry and beyond. He has inspired countless artists, musicians and writers with his incredible talent and has given a voice to the working-class spirit within his verses.

"To be honoured with Freedom of Salford is very special, the highest honour the city can give. John's words have inspired us, challenged us and been a motivator for change.

"Thank you John for your outstanding contributions to our city's cultural landscape."

 

Upon receiving the honour, The Good Dr John Copper Clarke, said:

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"How wonderful – I've circumnavigated the globe 10, count em 10 times, reciting poetry all the way and coming back here to my home town of Salford is always a treat... But this one – WOW.

"Thank you everyone!."

What more can we say? The punk poet and bard of Salford is now a Freeman of the City, joining an exclusive club alongside other legendary figures such as Henning, Lowry, Riley and even Mandela to name but a few. To us those who love him, he is still just Clarky.

The next step as Flynny quite rightly says, Poet Laureate.

Photos ©: Bill McLaughlin

Two new pedestrian crossings for Little Hulton have been approved in response to residents' and ward councillors' concerns.

In the last eight years there have been several accidents along Cleggs Lane, four of them involving children as people use uncontrolled crossing points to reach local schools, shops, Cleggs Lane Medical Practice and local places of worship.

Now a new crossing is to be installed near the junction with Amblecote Drive West and another crossing, which is also suitable for cyclists, near the junction with Old Lane. 

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, said:

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"Research showed a lot of pedestrians in this area, particularly young children and older people and over 400 vehicles an hour during peak times turning into and out of Coniston Avenue onto Cleggs Lane. There was a positive response from the community for proposals for new crossings.

"Transport for Greater Manchester secured funding for the design work on crossings across Greater Manchester and we felt that this road in Little Hulton had to be a priority.

"The crossings will provide safe crossing points for the local community and encourage more short and local journeys by walking or cycling, which have huge benefits. They will also improve access to the Roe Green loopline as part of the Bee Network which is part of the Bee Network, the UK's biggest walking and cycling network linked to public transport."

 

The upgrades of the crossing points will see footpaths near the crossing widened, kerbs improved, resurfacing of the road and new Keep Clear red marking to help avoid vehicles blocking the junction when signals are on red. The work will start on Monday 7 August and will last for around 12 weeks.

Councillor Jack Youd, lead member for finance, support services and industrial relations added:

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"Work is expected to start this summer and the contractor, which is Real Living Wage accredited, will create work through the contract for someone who has been long-term unemployed and will spend more than £107,000 with local suppliers.

"They have also agreed to donate £1000 worth of support for City of Trees and to support local voluntary organisations and will support local school or college site visits to help students learn about construction careers. This is all part of delivering social value in Salford and getting benefits for the city from every pound the council spends."

 

Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said:

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"Following collisions involving pedestrians along Cleggs Lane, I am very pleased to see the two new crossing points that Salford City Council have planned for this road.

"When I refreshed the active travel mission for Greater Manchester last year, two of the five priorities were to improve home to school travel via sustainable modes and to address road danger. More recently, it was also announced that the city-region was taking its first steps towards adopting Vision Zero next year.

"Crossings like these are able to support a number of different priorities with the most important being that they allow those walking, wheeling and cycling to remain safe on their short, local journeys."

 

Plans to convert a large Edwardian mid-terraced house on the ‘real’ Coronation Street in Salford into a house of multiple occupation (HMO) have been submitted.

The applicant is the current occupant of the property, built as part of the Co-Operative development of an infantry barracks between 1901 and 1904.

It is part of a set of buildings locally listed as non-designated heritage assets and is near to the iconic Salford Lad’s Club and former church of St Ignacious, which are actually listed buildings.

The buildings belonged to Salford city council until the 1980s when they were refitted and sold to private owners.

The application is to convert the current private home into an HMO where three or four people can live.

A heritage statement accompanying the application says that ‘the buildings are locally listed as an example of late Victorian/Edwardian architecture and one of the first national social housing enterprise’.

It goes on:

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“In itself the building is not worthy of listed status…

“The impact [would be] negligible as a number of houses on the street already have this status, we will continue to maintain in good order and protect the integrity of the property. 

“We do not foresee any impact to the property’s significance as we propose no structural / aesthetic alterations. We intend to retain the properties(sic) appearance in keeping with the area and continue its purpose as a residence for Salford constituents as was originally intended. 

“No alterations will be made to the property which would affect its local listing.”

 

Former Manchester United Footballer and Co-owner of Salford Football Club, Ryan Giggs, was this morning sensationally cleared of assaulting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville after she reportedly declined to co-operate with a retrial.

The retrial was due to begin towards the end of the month but the chargers were withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The retrial was ordered after a jury previously failed to reach a verdict after 22 hours and 59 minutes' deliberations following an 11-day trial last year.

At a hearing held this morning, Judge Hilary Manley said:

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'I formally enter not guilty verdicts in respect of each of the three counts.'

Giggs of Worsley in Salford, had pleaded not guilty to controlling or coercive behaviour over a three-year period towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville.

Peter Wright KC, prosecuting, said Ms Greville had 'indicated an unwillingness' to give evidence in a re-trial as the previous trial had 'taken its toll' on both herself and her sister, adding that the decision was not taken lightly.

During Giggs's tenure at Old Trafford, United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies as well as four FA Cups and three League Cups.

Giggs stepped down as Welsh national team manager following a period of leave since November 2020.

A 22-year-old man is in custody on suspicion of assault and money laundering after being arrested at Manchester Airport last night in connection with disorder at Barton Aerodrome on Saturday 15 July 2023

At around 8pm, a disturbance is said to have broken out near one of the event's stages following a reported attempted robbery by a group of men. Five people are said to have received injuries, which are not currently believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Police investigations into the incident continue.

Police officers have been conducting a number of search warrants in the Eccles and Winton areas of Salford this morning as part of the continuing Operation Avro, which is targeting criminal activity across the whole of Greater Manchester. A team of officers from trading standards as well as immigration officers, assisted police in the joint operation this which started early this morning (18th July).

Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle, said:

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"This is a large scale operation involving hundreds of staff from Greater Manchester, coming together to conduct a number of activities such as the execution of warrants, roadside operations and community engagement.

"Today we are in Salford, we are supporting the communities of Salford against what they told us by taking large scale police action."

 

A warrant was served upon a property on Rydal Avenue in Winton with police using a cutting tool to gain access.

A battering ram was also used to gain entrance to a property within and Eccles apartment block.

Chief Inspector Darren Whitehead of GMP's Salford Division, said:

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"Today we welcome force resources to assist us with our Operation Avro. the overarching principles for GMP are to fight, prevent and reduce crime, keep people safe and care for victims.

"Of course these are things that our officers are doing every single day but Operation Avro is an opportunity to enhance that activity.

"Operation Avro is about more than just one day, because the difference that our officers make today, will have a long term impact on the quality of life of the people that live in, work and visit Salford.

"We have undertaken a number of warrants today and made several arrests, and these are going to continue throughout the day."

 

Meanwhile, police deployed one of their canine 'sniffer dog' officers to a business property on Cawdor Street in Eccles, alongside what appears to be a trading standards officer. They entered the shop via the front door as additional officers scaled a fence to access the property from the rear.

So far this morning, police say that ten arrests have been made with the operation set to continue throughout the day.

On Wednesday 19th July, the renowned poetic genius that is Dr John Cooper Clarke, is to be awarded the prestigious honour of the Freedom of the City of Salford at a ceremony within the council chambers at Swinton Civic Centre.

Our very own Tony Flynn has received a personal invitation to attend as one of a handful of Clarky's chosen guests.

John's rise to prominence came during the punk and post-punk era of the 1970s and 1980s. Sporting a distinctive appearance, with his lanky frame, dark sunglasses, and shock of black hair, Clarke became a recognizable figure on the UK's alternative scene. His performances were legendary, combining his sharp-tongued delivery with a punk rock sensibility that captivated audiences wherever he went.

One of his most famous works, "Evidently Chickentown," is a powerful and profanity-laden piece that resonated with a generation. It shed light on the struggles of working-class life, punctuating the reality of the daily grind with poignant expletives. The raw honesty of Clarke's poetry struck a chord with people from all walks of life, cementing his place as the "Bard of Salford."

Aside from his electrifying performances, John Cooper Clarke's poetry collections garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following. Works like "Ten Years in an Open Necked Shirt" and "Snap, Crackle & Bop" showcased his versatility, tackling a myriad of themes ranging from social issues to love and everything in between. His language was dynamic, combining urban slang, dark humor, and a keen eye for detail.

Throughout his career, Clarke collaborated with various artists and musicians, including the likes of Joy Division, Elvis Costello, and Arctic Monkeys, among others. His influence reached beyond the poetry world and into music, where his spoken-word performances added a distinctive layer to songs and tracks.

Despite battling personal struggles, including battles with drug addiction, Dr Clarke continued to inspire with his writing and performances. His resilience and unwavering passion for poetry earned him a place as a cultural icon but for those who truly know him, he is foremost just 'Clarky', a good friend and true Salford Lad.

We will be at hand of course to capture the occasion on video for prosperity and I am sure Tony will be writing a full no holds barred account of the after party.

The good Doctor has also very kindly offered a number of items of signed merch to be raffled in order to raise funds for our upcoming VIP (Very Important Pensioner) Winter Warmer this coming November.

Following a major community consultation exercise, plans have been submitted to Salford City Council by our JV, The English Cities Fund (ECF), and the University of Salford to bring forward Crescent Innovation North – a key part of the wider £2.5bn, 252-acre Crescent masterplan.

Crescent Innovation North will bring forward up to 933 new homes, as well as 1.7m sq ft of new commercial innovation floorspace, academic and research floorspace, active ground-floor space, a new movement hub, along with significant improvements to public spaces.

Crescent Innovation North is where people, industry and academia will meet and will focus on creating a research, development and innovation campus at the university. Work has already completed at three world-leading university facilities – the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre, the Science, Engineering and Environment (SEE) building and Energy House 2.0.

Julian Stott, Development Director, said:

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”The vision for Crescent is unique and we’re working hard for the people of Salford to turn that vision into reality.

People make place and Crescent Innovation North, as an important stage of major regeneration, will connect communities across the city to opportunities to enable them to thrive and prosper.”

Together with the community, the university and the city council, we’re forging ahead with our collective vision to create a robust and resilient Salford that’s seen on a global stage as a leader of innovation, collaboration and placemaking.”

 

Vice-Chancellor at the University of Salford, Professor Helen Marshall, commented:

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“This is another exciting step in bringing greater prosperity to our pioneering city, through innovation and applied research.

“This development will help facilitate collaboration across the region and help build a network of innovation support and development, to help businesses grow and become even more successful

Specifically for the university, it will offer a new way to engage with our long-standing partners and to develop and attract new partners.”

 

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said:

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“It is fantastic news to see that our ambitious plans for Crescent Innovation North are moving forwards.

“With our Crescent partners – the English Cities Fund and University of Salford – we are pushing ahead with our vision to create world-class research and development facilities that local people and businesses can benefit from.

“The Crescent Innovation North proposals are a key element of the wider vision for the Crescent area and will change the face of the area through the creation of a high-quality innovation environment, where people can achieve their full potential.”

 

The Crescent masterplan brings together the best of the public and private sector to bring forward a truly connected, sustainable and inclusive Salford for the future, through the delivery of over 3,000 homes, over 1m sq ft of space to innovate and collaborate, alongside 1m sq ft of offices, retail, leisure, a new multi-modal transport hub with active travel at its heart, set within vast areas of green space.

In May, ECF and the university submitted a planning application for a new development of 100 high-quality, affordable, sustainable, one and two-bedroomed Passivhaus apartments within a part five and part six storey building, on Peru Street in the heart of the city.

ECF is our strategic joint venture with Legal & General, one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and major global investor, and the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England. The partnership was set up in 2001 to transform urban areas and create exceptional new places.

Police are appealing for information following a serious collision on the Loop-line adjacent to Bridgewater Road in Ellenbrook, Worlsey.

At around 2.05pm yesterday (Sunday 16 July 2023) officers were called to reports that a motorcycle had collided with a tree.

Crews from North West Ambulance Service attended and took the injured motorcyclist, a 24-year-old man, to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

The man is said to have suffered serious injuries which are believed at this time to be life threatening.

Police are now appealing for people who may have seen anything, or anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage, to please get in touch.

Information can be shared by calling GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 1859 of 16/7/23. You can also report information to GMP's website using the ‘report’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk, or by calling 101.

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

It's a dreaded but familiar phrase at Wimbledon – rain pauses play.

Now the soggy summer and a backlog of construction work has put the covers on  – temporarily – on Salford's plans to re-open 21 refurbished tennis courts.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods, sports and leisure, said it was extremely frustrating that the Great British Summer had gone from hot to horrible just as the courts were nearly ready to re-open.

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"In some parks there is still quite a bit of construction work to finish and court resurfacing to complete which the weather isn't stopping but it isn't helping," she said.

"In others, before we can open the courts to players, contractors have to finish the hard court painting. That's no small job and they need a consistent spell of dry weather for that because the paint has to be applied to a dry surface. The courts are due to be inspected in the next few weeks to get their safety certificates and, if all goes well, should be open very soon after that.

"The tennis open day showed how much people are looking forward to these new courts and we had hoped to finish the work soon after that. We're very close and our aim is to get as many as possible open in the next few weeks but with the weather behaving so unpredictably, we can't put a precise date on that. We will keep people updated so please bear with us."

 

Twenty-one tennis courts across Albert Park, Boothsbank Park, Buile Hill Park, Eccles Recreation Ground, Lightoaks Park, Park Parr Fold Park and Victoria Park have been improved.

Salford Community Leisure (SCL) and We Do Tennis will offer free public coaching and work with children, young people and schools to encourage youngsters to try tennis.

Salford City Council has worked with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) using government funding, its own investment and Section 106 money from developers to carry out the project. 

Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities providing a significant boost to sporting facilities. This funding is part of the UK government's and LTA's joint investment of over £30 million, to bring thousands of tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life across Britain, and support a new generation of players to get active by trying the sport.

Officers are appealing for witnesses following an incident at the MVSON WORLD event at Barton Aerodrome last night (Saturday 15 July 2023).

At around 8pm, a disturbance is said to have broken out near one of the event's stages following a reported attempted robbery by a group of men. Five people are said to have received injuries, which are not currently believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

The men are believed to have left shortly after via the main entry route to the event, heading onto Liverpool Road and turning left.

Police are now seeking witnesses to the incident as they progress their investigation.

Detective Inspector Kellie Lawson, of GMP's Salford district, said:

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"We are currently pursuing multiple lines of enquiry and are building a comprehensive timeline of events. This was a shocking incident at an event in which people were there to enjoy themselves – and we are doing what we can to find those responsible.

"I would ask anyone who saw anything last night to please get in touch with us. I would also ask anyone nearby who may have dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage, to contact us."

 

You can do this by calling 0161 856 5049 or 101, quoting log number 3149 of 15/7/23 . Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.