The fully refurbished and modern, freestanding midwifery-led unit in Salford is the only one of its kind in Greater Manchester and will offer women from across the city, the choice to give birth to their baby in a home from home environment, should they be suitable.

Women who have been identified as having a low-risk pregnancy, and who are not expected to require support from a doctor during birth, will be able to give birth at Ingleside.

The centre, which is owned by Salford City Council, has been refurbished with the help of a crowdfunding appeal. Local businesses and members of the public donated over £130,000 to help bring the Victorian mansion back to life.

The service will be run by midwives from Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, who have been providing maternity care in the Salford area for a number of years. This will now provide women in the area with access to their full range of maternity services, which also includes home births or accessing one of the maternity suites at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit, Royal Bolton Hospital.

Set in the beautiful grounds of Oakwood Park, Ingleside is steeped in history. The birth centre itself has four birthing suites each with its own birthing pool. Specialist mood lighting, high definition projectors displaying natural images and sounds and the facility to play your own music are just some of the features that will create a positive and relaxing birthing environment for those women who do not wish to give birth in hospital.

It is intended that the centre will become a community hub to women and their families for the whole area, offering antenatal and postnatal clinics and classes, sessions on hypnobirthing, infant feeding support, a range of complementary therapies and much more.

Sue Ainsworth, Head of Midwifery for Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said:

Quote

 

“We’re so excited to now be able to offer Ingleside as a place of birth for expectant mothers in the city. Where a woman chooses to have her baby is so important to her and her family, and being able to provide our families with wider choices is at the heart of what we do.

“So much work has gone into making Ingleside the centre that we all hoped for, and it’s been a pleasure to work with our partners at Salford City Council and Salford CCG to see it come to fruition.

“Please do keep in touch with our updates on Facebook, and we look forward to welcoming you when we open at Easter.”

 

Councillor Gina Reynolds, lead member for adult services, health and wellbeing, Salford City Council, said:

Quote

 

“People are very proud of coming from Salford and have rallied behind this new centre which will offer pioneering care for families.

I’m delighted we are now able to offer the option of midwife-led births in our city and bring a historic Salford building back to life at the same time.”

 

Dr Tom Tasker, chair of Salford Clinical Commissioning Group said:

Quote

 

“To have Salford as home to Greater Manchester’s only freestanding midwifery-led unit is a real landmark moment for the city, being able to provide women with the widest choice of maternity services.

“To have that unit also become a community hub so women and their families get access to a wide range of support and activities during pregnancy and beyond is also a really exciting opportunity and we’re looking forward to Ingleside becoming a vital community asset for many years to come.”

 

Women who would like to book to give birth at Ingleside should discuss this with their midwife at one of their antenatal appointments. Their midwife will be able to discuss their options with them and provide more information about the centre.

Women can also contact Ingleside@boltonft.nhs.uk or follow the centre on Facebook @InglesideSalford for updates and information.

Ingleside will be available for women to give birth 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The centre will be open to the community between 8.30am-4.30pm Monday-Friday.

Earlier this morning, Thursday 15 February 2018, a number of warrants were executed by GMP officers across Crumpsall, Harpurhey, Salford and Rochdale.

Following this morning’s action, 12 men and 1 woman are in custody after they were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs.

We have also recovered a significant amount of Class A drugs, bringing the total amount recovered as part of Operation Danube to an estimated value of £60,000.

GMP’s Chief Inspector Paul Walker, said:

Quote

“The past three weeks of action are the result of months of hard work investigating organised crime in the area.

“Today’s arrests show our absolute commitment to tackling the issue of drugs on our streets and protecting our communities.  

“I’d like to thank the public, as without people sharing information about drugs in their area, we could not have carried out such an extensive operation.

“Please continue to let us know about any suspicious activity at the earliest possible opportunity- today’s action shows just how seriously we take these reports.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or through the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The Manchester-based international dance company will tell three stories of masculinity, love and self-deception in a brand new triple bill.

The anniversary production features Rites, the male duet that launched Company Chameleon onto the dance scene a decade ago; alongside two new works by the Company’s Co-founders, Imprint by Kevin Edward Turner and Trip by Anthony Missen.

Co-artistic director, Kevin Edward Turner, said:

Quote

“10’ is an opportunity for us to say this is where we came from, and this is where we are now.” Co-artistic director, Anthony Missen adds: “Rites’ is the first work we made, it was fresh, new and powerful, and showed how dance theatre can express and engage audiences in a complex subject matter.”

Imprint by Kevin Edward Turner explores the dynamics of love and romance and the imprint that relationships leave on us. Anthony Missen’s new solo piece Trip examines the dark arena of self-deception and the line between true and false identity.

Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry said;

Quote

“We are really pleased to welcome back Company Chameleon to our Quays Theatre in this special year in their proud history. They first came to The Lowry in 2011 with ‘Gameshow’ and became our first Resident Dance Company soon after. They have since become an Arts Council funded National Portfolio Organisation and enjoyed great success nationally and internationally. We are delighted to be able to celebrate their ten year anniversary with them.”

Company Chameleon will be delivering workshops in local schools, colleges and young people’s groups exploring the themes in 10 as part of the tour. For more information contact Sam Broadbent, Learning & Participation Officer at Company Chameleon.

10 is supported by Arts Council England, Manchester City Council and Dance East.

Dates: Thu 1 & Fri 2 March
Times: 8pm
Tickets: £10.50 - £16.50
 

Bill Kenwright’s ‘Brilliant’ (The Mail) and ‘Stunning’ (The Echo) production of one of the greatest family musicals of all time, The Sound of Music, arrives in Manchester 13 - 17 March.  

Returning to the iconic role of Maria that has won her rave reviews previously is The Voice finalistLucy O’Byrne. Joining Lucy as Captain Von Trapp is former EastEnders actor and West End star Neil McDermott. Neil is delighted to join this production of The Sound of Music having previously played the role of Rolf at the London Palladium.

Lucy O’Byrne who returns to the iconic role of Maria, became a household name when she was the runner-up of BBC One’s The Voice in 2015. With Will.i.am as her mentor, Lucy made history as the first classical singer to reach the final, impressing the nation with her stunning range. She won rave reviews for her performance as Maria Von Trapp in the 2016 UK touring production of The Sound of Music, being hailed as “quite possibly the best Maria since Julie Andrews herself” (The Scotsman).  Following the tour, Lucy won the coveted role of Fantine in Cameron Mackintosh’s world record-breaking musical phenomenon, Les Misérables which she performed in the West End until earlier this year.

Neil McDermott takes the role of Captain Von Trapp, famously played by Christopher Plummer in the much-loved film. Neil played the recurring role of Ryan Molloy in EastEnders between 2009 and 2016. Other television appearances include The Royal, Rosemary & Thyme, Doctors and Casualty. As well as his work on the small screen, Neil is a regular on the stage, with starring roles in the West End including Chief Weasel in The Wind in the Willows (London Palladium); and Lord Farquaad in Shrek(Theatre Royal Dury Lane).

It all began with the story of the Trapp Family Singers and Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, which inspired Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse to create a Broadway musical in 1959.

The Sound of Music tells the true story of the world-famous singing family, from their romantic beginnings and search for happiness, to their thrilling escape to freedom as their beloved Austria becomes part of the Third Reich at the start of WWII.

The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on stage, including ‘Edelweiss’, ‘My Favorite Things’, ‘Do-Re-Mi’, ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, ‘So Long, Farewell’ and of course, the title song, ‘The Sound of Music’.

Produced by Bill Kenwright, directed by Martin Connor, choreographed by Olivier Award winner Bill Deamer, musical direction by David Steadman, this critically-acclaimed, wonderfully lavish staging of the classic and heart-warming musical is the perfect way to welcome in 2018.

Bill Kenwright presents a new production of The Sound of Music

Music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

Suggested by ‘The Trapp Family Singers’ by Maria Augusta Trapp.

Presented by special arrangement with R&H Theatricals Europe www.rnh.com

The Salford housing association is supporting the Take a Seat Campaign, which calls upon businesses and organisations in Greater Manchester to make seats, toilets and a drink of water freely available for older, disabled or vulnerable people.

Salix Homes’ Neighbourhood Teams have been out and about in the city encouraging local shops, cafes, community centres, businesses and organisations in Salford to sign up to the scheme.

Mick Walsh, neighbourhood manager at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“Take A Seat is a fantastic campaign which Salix Homes is very proud to support, and we hope it’ll help make Salford a much more accessible, inclusive and age-friendly city for everyone.

“Sadly many older or vulnerable people are afraid to leave the house in case they get caught short or need to have a sit down. We want to break down these barriers and let people know that, wherever they are in Salford, there will always be a safe, warm and comfortable place they can go to take a seat and have a rest.

“We hope as many Salford businesses as possible sign up to the campaign and make a seat available for those who need it without them feeling obligated to buy anything.”

 

Salix Homes has already introduced the scheme at its offices in Weaste and can also provide chairs to any businesses that want to get involved, but don’t have the facilities.

The campaign was inspired by a similar project in New York, and was first introduced by Southway Housing in South Manchester last year when it was welcomed by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Burnham said:

Quote

 

“This scheme has the potential to make a huge difference to people’s lives; more people will feel able to leave their homes, socialise and interact with others, and lead a much better quality of life.

“I’m determined for Greater Manchester to become the first age-friendly city region in the UK, and simple schemes like this are just the start.”

 

Businesses and organisations who take part are asked to display the Take a Seat sticker in their window and will also be provided with a checklist of ways to make their premises more age and dementia-friendly.

To sign up for the scheme in Salford, contact Salix Homes on 0800 218 2000 or email enquiries@salixhomes.org

The proposal to close five council-run nurseries late last week came as a shock to both those employees and the families which rely on the centres.

Salford Council cites its inability to afford subsidisation of the £1.5m running costs due to changes in its funding from central government, as its reason for the proposed closures.

These latest closures would result in parents currently relying on the centres at Little Hulton, Winton, Barton Moss, Higher Broughton and Belvedere day nurseries, struggling to find affordable alternatives. 

Not only would this lead to job losses for those working within the centres but it would put huge pressures upon parents who rely on them to take care of their children in order that they can hold down jobs themselves. 

A petition against closure has been started and can be found here:

https://www.change.org/p/salford-city-council-save-salford-council-s-five-outstanding-nurseries

Salford has itself seen unprecedented levels of economic growth over the last five years with £1.3 billion private sector investment and £425m public sector, which has seen a rise of 8.3% of those in work. Yet still, the City remains the 22nd of 326 of the most deprived local authorities in England, which has left some asking how this can be?

It is not only those working in the centres that rely on them for jobs but those who use them.

One lady, we spoke to who does not wish to be named, told us:

Quote

“This is simply stupidity, stupidity on a huge scale, it will put people who can’t afford the costs of private nurseries into financial difficulties as unless they can find another affordable alternative then they will simply have to give up their jobs to take care of their kids.

“At a time when money is tight, and the council is talking about raising council taxes later this year, it’s just a step too far for some families and they will no doubt suffer greatly because of the knock-on effect.

“It’s not just the staff at the centres who will be out of work, it will also be many of the parents who will have to leave work too...

“How can this be happening in a City that we are continually told is on the rise? It's like a tale of two cities, one for the rich and one for the rest."

1

Salford Council issued a statement earlier in the week, saying that were being forced to make a further £11.2m worth of budget cuts overall, due to a drop in the funding it receives from the government. 

Combined with government changes on how the Early Years Dedicated School Grant funding can be used, it was considered that consultation on the closure of the nurseries should take place over the next three months.

Meanwhile, a public meeting has been called for Saturday 17^th of Feb, 11am, at Hemsley House on Salford Crescent.

Salford City UNISON, the union which represents all five of the nurseries targeted for closure, has urged all those affected to attend the meeting to discuss possibilities on how to keep them open.

SalfordVoice will be live-streaming the meeting for those who can not attend.

For all those interested in science and the universe, Salford Astronomical Society is to hold a free Public lecture this Wednesday 14th February.

The venue is Swinton Gateway and it will start at 7:30pm.

The talk is to be given by Phil Williams and will be entitled "astrobiology - a toe in the water", an introduction into the science of Astrobiology.

Everyone is welcome and all of their lectures are always free to members and to the public.

Tony 'StarMan' Flynn took a visit to the observatory a few years back to have a look around.

Salford Astronomical Society holds regular public lectures on a variety of astronomical subjects and is based out of the observatory on Chasley Field, next to Buile Hill School. They welcome both new members and inquisitive minds.

This is the eighth year the council has been hit by austerity with rising demand for services in adult and children’s social care both locally and nationally.

The council has now been forced to make £198 million in savings since 2010, with a 50% reduction in government funding. This is equivalent to a loss of £60,000 each and every day.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“We are prioritising protecting frontline services, social care and support to those in most need.

“Decisions on savings proposals are becoming more difficult every year with no sign of this ending. Nationally, resources are being outstripped by steadily rising demand for child support and safeguarding as local authorities struggle with huge budget cuts.”

 

The council has developed proposed savings which aim to have the least impact possible on frontline services and include:

Reducing the cost of waste disposal by £683,000 without a change in service

A saving of just over £140,000 from a review of the library services which will see extra provision of capital investment whilst expanding access to library services across the city

A saving of £68,000 is proposed by reviewing voluntary severance applications and vacancies in Health Improvement Service and Public Health

The majority of these savings have been made by reducing costs, making one-off savings, redesigning services and bringing in additional income. In addition to this, there is a proposed council tax increase of 4.99%. That increase is made up of 2.99% core funding and 2% adult social care precept. This will equate to around a £1 per week increase for Band A property owners.

Mayor Dennett said:

Quote

 

“The council has reviewed all centrally held funds to support the budget and we have still needed to increase council tax to balance the books.

“It is appalling that the government, who throw rhetoric around about cutting taxes for ordinary working people, are expecting local authorities to increase council tax to pay for their cuts.

“2% of the proposed council tax increase is a precept that is ring fenced for adult social care, the option introduced by central government last year to stop social care nationally collapsing through lack of adequate proper funding. It effectively shifted a national problem to local councils and residents. 

“The lack of a clear strategy from this government to deal with the crisis in health and social care and respond to pressures on children’s services is moving the burden unreasonably onto our residents.

“We’re starting a review of our Council Tax Reduction Scheme so that we can minimise the impact on people with the least means to contribute, but many residents will still see increased costs.”

 

Decisions have been based on the City Mayor’s priorities to protect services and support those in most need, as well as taking into consideration the public views gathered in a wide-ranging conversation about priorities in 2016, in which nearly 600 people took part.

Further to these cuts, government changes in the way Dedicated Schools Grant reduces the use of dedicated schools grants for funding council services.

This means that a further reduction of £1.75 million also needs to be made in early years spending for the 2018/19 budget.  As a result, the council is to start a consultation on the future of five Local Authority Nurseries.

Salford is the 22nd most deprived local authority area and is a city of stark contrasts. 70% of its 249,000 residents live in areas classed nationally as ‘highly deprived’, and 27% of the city’s children live in poverty whilst 18,860 residents claim out of work benefits and 27% of residents have no qualifications.

Mayor Dennett believes that government cuts are disproportionately hitting poorer local authorities, where cuts to certain areas of service provision lead immediately to cost pressures elsewhere as demand increases.

Quote

 

 “Residents are being hit hard by the impact of government cuts but more so in places like Salford.

“This year we have an extra unexpected burden put on Salford, with changes to government policy on Dedicated Schools Grant which limits the use of the grant to fund in-house early years’ services. This has led to the difficult decision to put forward a review of the future of Local Authority Nurseries.

 “Children’s and adults social care services already makes up nearly 43% of our core spending.  And an increase in demand is resulting in an extra £5 million being spent on children’s services this year.

 “The major ray of light for Salford has been from the economic growth of the city, increasing business rates and council tax income by £4.8 million. Without that income stream, our present situation would be much worse.”

 

An overview of proposals has been published on the council’s website to give residents, businesses and organisations the opportunity to consider the wider budget proposals before the Council meeting on 28 February. The Local Authority Nursery consultation will run until September.

Members of the public can give ideas on what the council can do differently online www.salford.gov.uk/talkbudget   before the final decision is made by full council in late February.

For an alternative article about this please read: http://salfordstar.com/article.asp?id=4353

The Community Clean-Up are looking for as many people/groups from the Claremont community to get involved

You/your group can choose to do one day or both days, all of the planned route or a section of the route, or just your street!

All litter picking equipment will be provided on the day

Sturdy footwear & warm comfortable clothing to be worn

There will be refreshments to start you off and to welcome you back at the end of the cleanup

The finalised clean up route will be shared nearer the time once we have a more definite idea of groups/numbers taking part and particular litter hotspots. But provisional areas agreed are:

Saturday 10am-1pm – collecting around the Height towards Pendleton College - assemble at the Vine Cafe on Bolton Road to collect equipment and be assigned an area. Collecting from the Vine Cafe along the Height towards top of Langworthy Road, on the streets behind the shops, towards and around the College

Sunday 10am-1pm -  collecting around the Height towards Lancaster Road– assemble at the Vine Cafe on Bolton Road to collect equipment and be assigned an area. Collecting around Irlam Square, along the Height from the Vine Cafe towards Aldi, onto surrounding streets behind shops, a big clean up needed particularly in Oakwood Park, then around some of the streets adjacent to Lightoaks Park and then finishing in the Lightoaks Park

If you would like to take part, please confirm to friendsoflightoakspark@outlook.com your name/group, day you’d like to take part and area you would like to join.

Whether you're planning to go at it alone, or join in with the planned Clean Up Claremont event, register today for the Great British Spring Clean and together we can make a difference.

Jordan West (30/12/1992) of Bolton Road, Atherton and Richard Johnson (13/07/1987) of Anaconda Drive, Salford have both been charged with burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, attempted theft from a motor vehicle and robbery. 

Dean Hampson (04/09/1978) of Parkway Grove, Little Hulton has been charged with robbery. 

They have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Wigan Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 9 February 2018. 

These charges relate to an incident which took place shortly before 9.50am on Thursday 8 February 2018 on Warrington Road, when three armed men robbed a sporting lodge and fled in a stolen car. 

The offences are happening at the times people are commuting to and from work; between 6.30am and 8am and 4pm and 9pm.

Robberies with similar circumstances are also happening on the outskirts of Manchester City Centre near to Victoria Station and the Manchester Arena.

A CCTV image of an attempted robbery that officers are treating as linked to the series has been released. It happened around 5.45pm on Wednesday 17 January 2018 on Blackfriars Road, Salford.Police Constable Chris Jackson of GMP’s Salford Borough, said:

Quote

 

“As the reports have come in, we’ve noticed a pattern and want to make people aware of what is happening while we try to put a stop to it.

“It’s so important that if people witness a robbery or become a victim of a robbery that they contact us when they can, even if the offenders aren’t successful.

“I know the image is taken from a long distance but you can see the rider is wearing a white helmet and hi-vis vest, which would stand out in the dark time the offences are happening.”

 

1

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6471 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Photo: Stock Footage

At around 4pm on Monday 5 February 2018, police were called to reports of a man performing a lewd act in public on Broughton Road in Pendleton. 

Two days later, on Wednesday 7 February 2018, police were called shortly before 3.30pm to reports of an indecent exposure on Littleton Road in Lower Kersal. 

An investigation was launched into both reports and a 35-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency and explosure. He remains in custody for questioning. 

Detective Sergeant Chris Doggart of GMP’s Salford borough, said:

Quote

“This issue has caused a lot of distress and upset as innocent people going about their day were confronted by a man in an indecent state.

“Although we have made an arrest, our investigation into these incidents continues and we are appealing for the public’s help. 

“If you have been around Lower Kersal or Pendleton and have any information about these incidents then please get in touch and share anything that could help our enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5361 or 101, quoting incident number 1590 of 07/02/18. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the next-of-kin of a man from Salford.

Douglas Murray Bradley, 69, died at his home in Little Hulton in Salford and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information should contact the police coroner’s office on 0161 856 5746.

If you do and they live in Salford, then Salford City Council would like to hear about them.

Three of Salford’s most inspiring under 25s are being sought to star in a film to mark International Youth Day which celebrates the achievement and contribution of young people.

Youth Day is celebrated around the world on Saturday, August 12 and will be celebrated in Salford with a range of activities organised by young people for young people and their community.

The three-minute film will be made by local students from the UTC@MediaCityUK and will be shown at the Youth Day launch party after its three young stars are chosen from public nominations.

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

Quote

 

“We’re looking to recognise the young people who inspire their family, friends, teachers and communities because of who they are and what they do. It could be anything that makes a difference and makes you proud of them.

“We want to show the public just how amazing young people are in Salford and how much they achieve and do for their family, friends and community.”

 

 Nominations are now open and will be taken until Friday, February 16 and can be made online at: www.wuu2.info/youthday/  where you can also see last year’s film.

Housing association Salix Homes has been working alongside residents at Canon Green Court in Trinity to develop proposals to modernise the 1960s building.

The eight-storey building on Canon Green Drive dominates the Salford skyline with its distinctive blue balconies; and has provided the backdrop for several television dramas including ITV’s Prey and Channel 4’s No Offence.

Now Salix Homes is planning to renovate the building and create modern, attractive, energy efficient homes fit for the future.

Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,300 homes across Salford, has been consulting with residents on initial designs of how the building could look after undergoing the ambitious regeneration project, which includes the development of an additional 100-unit apartment block on the expansive site.

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

Quote

 

“We have been working very closely with residents to ensure they’re involved in this much-needed improvement work every step of the way.

“This is an exciting time for Salix Homes and for our residents. We’ve listened to what our residents want and we will continue to work closely together to develop proposals that benefit everyone and creates modern, energy efficient homes we can all be proud of.”

 

The proposals will transform the appearance and living facilities of the block and includes the construction of an additional 100 units on the site to help fund the essential improvement work residents have been calling for.

The initial designs propose an additional multi-storey apartment block is built within the grounds, while the current block will undergo a major facelift including new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems and external wall insulation.

The Salford-based housing provider promised to carry out the essential investment work at Canon Green Court when tenants voted to transfer their homes from Salford Council to the ownership of Salix Homes in 2015.

Ms Sutton added:

Quote

 

“We made a promise to our tenants during the stock transfer that we would carry out a significant investment project at Canon Green Court, and we are 100% committed to delivering that promise.

“Not only will our ambitious plans transform the homes and hopefully the lives of the current residents of Canon Green Court, but will also provide the opportunity for Salix Homes to build around 100 desperately needed new homes for local people.”

 

Salix Homes is currently considering possible tenure options for the new apartment block.

The final proposals for Canon Green Court are currently being finalised and will be submitted to Salford Council for planning permission after they’ve been given the green light by residents and the Salix Homes Board.

It is hoped that work will begin on site later this year and will be completed in 2020.

Mobile technology has helped GMP introduce place-based policing, where officers are located within communities, solving the root cause of problems and making decisions ‘on the go’.

Alongside its partners, GMP has provided 9,000 smartphones and tablets to officers and staff across the Force. In addition, a suite of apps was also made available enabling GMP to complete a range of activities while interacting with members of the public and victims of crime, allowing officers to spend more time in the community without the need to return to the station to complete paperwork.

Further highlights of the project also include:

• Over 85,000 witness statements recorded digitally instead of handwritten
• Over 120,000  crimes created on mobile, which would have previously been recorded by a Crime Recorder
• 90% of users feeling more confident using the devices to problem solve in their communities

Chief Superintendent Phil Davies from Greater Manchester Police said: "I’m delighted the work of our multi-agency team has been recognised by wider public sector leaders.

“The team dedicated themselves to the launch of our mobile platform and took a problem-solving approach to deliver the project. The resulting technology now provides a platform for further innovations, investment and improvements once it is further incorporated into other systems."

Shelley Heckman, Director of iNetwork, said: “We had a really high number of quality submissions this year and we are delighted to see our police colleagues get the recognition they deserve for the hard work they do.”

ForViva and JobSkilla are proud to offer this fantastic course for unemployed people to help them gain the confidence to get online! Learners must be 19+, on a benefit and a legal UK resident.

On day one of the course, learners will be presented with their own laptop which they will use for the duration of the course. On the final day, learners will be able to take their laptop home with them to use as their own resource to continue to build their skills.

This two-week course will gain you the following qualifications:

· HABC Level 1 Personal Development for Employability (Tailored to IT)

· HABC Level 2 Customer Service

· HABC Unit: I.T Fundamentals

· HABC Unit: Using the Internet

· HABC Unit: Using Email

You will learn how to confidently use the following:

· Shop safely online

· Use Skype

· How to use Universal Job Match and send a CV

· How to use eBay and Paypal

· Create and use a job searching email address

· How to use social media and much much more!

BOOK NOW by contacting hello@citywest.org to reserve your place and start training at 9:30 am on the next start date below.

The training will run Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 2.30 pm, for 2 weeks, starting at 9.30 am on Monday 5th February 2018.

Please ensure that you take proof of benefit, your birth certificate or photo ID to the induction to prove your eligibility for the course.

Ironically the weather today seemed to echo the events of that fateful day as snow started to fall on the approach to Old Trafford.

Many supporters gathered outside the Munich Memorial Plaque to lay wreaths, scarves, photographs, football shirts and even an old-style football in memory of their fallen heroes.

United had opened the East Stand which I still call the Scoreboard End for fans to attend the service which was led by club’s chaplain, the Rev John Boyers.

The Manchester United Foundation Choir, sang, "I watch The Sunrise" as the players past and present were warmly welcomed by the crowd as they made their way to their seats.

Executive director Michael Edelson and Ferguson gave short readings before the Roll of Honour were solemnly read out by John Boyers, followed by a minutes silence which was impeccably held. 

An exceptionally poignant moment,  was looking across at the crash survivors, Harry Gregg and Sir Bobby Charlton it was sad to see the sorrow on their faces, whilst around me, grown men openly wept.

Salford's own Pete Martin sang the Manchester United anthem, The Flowers of Manchester and you could have heard a pin drop such was the silence around the stadium.

Wreaths were laid by Michael Carrick and Jose Mourhino as the brass band played, Abide With Me, however, my gaze was drawn to Gregg and Charlton, both very dignified men and great servants to the club' God knows how they held it together under the circumstances.

The players left the ground to rapturous applause with players waving their appreciation to the crowd, the highlight for me was seeing Sir Alex Ferguson punching the air with clenched fists.

All in all a sad day but a journey each United fan should try and make, it really is an emotional day which shows the love that people still have for the beautiful boys who perished 60 years ago.

God BlessThe Busby Babes.

The fateful collision between Oliwia and a turning lorry happened at a 'tight' junction from Eccles Old Road onto Lancaster Road on September 1st last year, she was quickly rushed to the nearby Salford Royal Hospital whereupon she underwent surgery and received a blood transfusion, sadly her injuries were too extensive and she sadly passed away the following day.

The court heard how the traffic lights at the junction were set to green at the time and that the lights of the zebra crossing were on red as she rode into the path of the lorry.

Earphones were found close to where she was hit, but it was ruled that there was no evidence to suggest she was using them at the time of the fatal accident. The inquest also heard how she had traces of cannabis in her bloodstream but again there was no evidence to suggest this contributed to the collision in any way.

It was most likely that Oliwia had misread the manoeuvre the lorry had to make in order to make the tight turn onto Lancaster Road and had assumed it was going straight on along Eccles Old Road instead. That ill-fated miscalculation sadly led to her death.

Insp Paul Rowe, of GMP’s serious collision unit, informed the inquest:

Quote

“If she has seen the vehicle in the second lane, she may well have surmised that it was going straight on.”

The official cause of death has been recorded as death by road traffic collision, whereupon she died of ‘massive haemorrhage’ after suffering severe pelvic injuries.

Bolton Coroners’ Court heard how the driver of the lorry Krzysztof Charewicz -  was not to blame as it was impossible for him to see her as she made the turn. The court heard that he has not been behind the wheel since that tragic day.

Oilwia was on her way home from working at Smiths Restaurant in Eccles at the time of the accident and was a popular and sociable young lady who was well liked by those who knew her.

Shortly after her death tributes were quickly laid at the scene, a 'Ghost Bike' painted white still adorns the crash barrier along with floral tributes.

Elzbieta, the mother of Oliwia told the inquest:

Quote

“She was very sociable and had lots of friends, she spoke perfect English, was much-liked and well respected.”