The victim, a 30-year-old man, had been in Albert’s Restaurant with a friend before they left and headed towards the car park. 

As they walked to their car, an unknown man approached them and shot the victim in the knee. 

He was taken to hospital where he is currently receiving treatment for his injury. 

The offender, who was dressed in dark clothing, fled the scene in a silver Ford Focus. 

Superintendent Howard Millington, of GMP’s Salford borough, said:

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“A man who had simply been enjoying his Sunday evening with a friend has been left in hospital with a serious injury after being shot. 

“We are treating this as a targeted attack and don’t believe there to be any wider threat to the community, however, you will see increased patrols in the area so please approach these officers with any concerns or queries you may have and they will happily assist you in any way they can. 

“This happened in a busy location and I am hopeful that someone will have seen something that could assist our investigation. If you witnessed the attack or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, please get in touch.” 

Police remain at the scene this morning as they conduct a forensic examination of the area.

Anyone with any information should call police on 101 quoting reference number 2053 of 04/02/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Shortly after 9pm tonight (Sunday 4 February 2018), police were called to reports that a man had been shot in a car park on East Lancashire Road in Swinton.

On arrival, officers discovered a man in his 30s who had been shot in his leg.

He has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.

It has been reported that stunned diners were ushered to safety via the restaurant's back door, although we have been told that there was no panic and everyone remained calm and collected. 

GMP was quick to respond and they promptly established a cordon around the area.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference number 2053 of 04/02/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Photo: Andy Bebbington‏ @TheAndyMan1987

No two nights are ever the same as The Showstoppers take audience suggestions and then spin a brand new comedy musical out of thin air - stories, characters, tunes, lyrics, dances, harmonies and all - with unpredictable and hilarious results. If you’ve thought improv looked difficult before, try doing it in time (and tune) to music!

Having grown since 2008 to become the UK’s most acclaimed and in-demand musical improvisers, The Showstoppers have become a must-see staple of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. With four West End season and an acclaimed BBC Radio 4 series to their name, they have also taken their ingenious blend of comedy, musical theatre and spontaneity around the globe, picking up accolades and awards including The Times Best of the Fringe, Mervyn Stutter’s Spirit Of The Fringe Award and nominations for Chortle Best Music Or Variety Act, MTM Best Production Award and MTM Judges’ Discretionary Award.

The Cast:

The rotating cast features some of the brightest minds in the world of comedy and musical theatre. The company includes:

Co-founder Adam Meggido, an award-winning writer/composer who has improvised at the National, The Royal Court Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and currently holds the world record for the directing the longest impro show - 55 hours without a break.

Dylan Emery, the other co-founder, has been improvising for more than 15 years – including at the National/Royal Court/Shakespeare’s Globe. He created veteran comedy impro group Grand Theft Impro, and the UK’s premier website devoted to the formthecrunchyfrogcollective.com.

Pippa Evans is an Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer nominee and has had great success on TV, Radio and stage – she is a regular on BBC Radio 4’s The Now Show, BBC2’s Fast and Loose, performs regularly with the Comedy Store Players and has had many years of success with her hit character act Loretta Maine.

Ruth Bratt is an improv Fringe regular for the last 11 years whose recent TV credits include Ricky Gervais’ Derek, Sarah Millican’s Support Group and Vic Reeves’ The Ministry Of Curious Stuff.

Sarah-Louise Young won the Best Musical Variety Act in the London Cabaret Awards and was nominated for the Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer. She has performed her critically-acclaimed Cabaret Whore show across the world.

What the press have said about The Showstoppers: 

★★★★★ Time Out London Critics’ Choice

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“Not only is each performance achingly funny, it’s a genuinely new musical every time.  Worth seeing again and again.” 

★★★★★  Mail on Sunday

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“The show is a blast. It makes your jaw drop in impressed amazement and your ribs ache with laughter. Simultaneously a pastiche, a parody and a paean to musical theatre”  

★★★★★ Chortle

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“A shining example of how good improv can be.” 

 ★★★★★Time Out Critics’ Choice

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“They truly are the masters of longform improvisation. These guys have to be seen to be believed! The best musical improvisation group we’ve ever come across. More talent on stage than you can shake a stick at!”

★★★★★ British Theatre Guide

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“Showstopper! is a perfect example of skill and talent combined.” 

★★★★★ One4review

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“Fabulous, fabulous, fabulous. Some creators take years to write rubbish, this team create gems in an hour every night. Simply outstanding.” 

Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

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”An ingenious and engaging mix of improvisation and musical theatre. If you admired the Comedy Store Players for their ability to think on their feet, this bunch do it with the same verve and flair, but set to music. I was left open-mouthed. I can honestly say that I’d opt for this show’s wild, inventive energy of The Sound of Music any day.” 

★★★★★ ThreeWeeks

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“An irresistible whirlwind of energy…Improvisation is being taken to new heights.” 

For more information, visit www.theshowstoppers.org

Listings Information:

10th February | The Palace Theatre Manchester | 7.30pm            

For tickets, visit www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester/

Manchester’s Parklife Festival is back for 2018 with another unrivalled line up playing out over the weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June at Heaton Park. The 2018 festival will host the homecoming performance from Liam Gallagher who makes his first return to Heaton Park since Oasis’ famous shows in 2009, plus headline appearances from grime pioneer Skepta, indie trio The XX, Pharrell's original band N*E*R*D. General tickets (on sale Thursday 1st February at 9 am) are priced at just £109.50 for a weekend ticket, and £65 for a day pass.

With New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde and 2017 Mercury prize winner Sampha, also on the bill, they’ll be joined by New York rapper A$AP Rocky, Bonobo, Chvrches, Everything Everything and Jessie Ware, as well as a stacked DJ bill which includes the likes Carl Cox, Eric Prydz, Annie Mac and MK, with Ibiza’s premier party brand Circoloco set to host an exclusive b2b2b set from Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler and The Martinez Brothers. The festival’s popular Palm House stage will return for a second year to host a slew of in-demand acts that include Four Tet, The Black Madonna and Jackmaster, whilst David Rodigan will be joined by the deep bass sounds of Goldie, Andy C, Soul II Soul, Shy FX and many many more, with the likes of Giggs, J Hus, Bugzy Malone, Not3s, Stefflon Don and IAMDDB just some of the names included in the 100 total acts.

Parklife now in its 9th year is widely considered a Manchester institution and the announcement today unveils the biggest show to date.

Line-up:

THE XX - LIAM GALLAGHER - SKEPTA - N*E*R*D - LORDE - BONOBO - JAMIE XX GIGGS - A$AP ROCKY - JUSTICE - CHVRCHES - J HUS - BUGZY MALONE FOUR TET - SAMPHA - CARL COX - ERIC PRYDZ - ANNIE MAC - SOLOMUN  
MARCO CAROLA - MK - VINCE STAPLES - JESSIE WARE - DAVE EVERYTHING EVERYTHING - TOM MISCH­­­­­
 CIRCOLOCO PRESENT JAMIE JONES B2B SETH TROXLER B2B THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS - ANDY C - AJ TRACEY - GORGON CITY LIVE - THE INTERNET - ELROW PRESENTS EL BRONX - ADAM BEYER - NINA KRAVIZ - JON HOPKINS LIVE - BICEP LIVE & DJ SET JOSEPH CAPRIATI - GREEN VELVET - HOT SINCE 82 - THE BLACK MADONNA PRESENTS WE STILL BELIEVE  JACKMASTER - SIGRID - STEFFLON DON - MARIBOU STATE - THE BLAZE - IAMDDB - KELELA
EATS EVERYTHING - KÖLSCH - DAVID RODIGAN PRESENTS RAM JAM - RICHY AHMED - SOLARDO - MOTOR CITY DRUM ENSEMBLE - MABEL - EARL SWEATSHIRT - NOT3S - RAYE - SOUL II SOUL - YOUSEF - STEVE LAWLER - CAMELPHAT - ALAN FITZPATRICK - DENIS SULTA - MIDLAND - KINK - PEGGY GOU - MALL GRAB - ARTWORK

MY NU LENG - TQDFT ROYAL T, DJ Q & FLAVA D - SHY FX - GOLDIE 92-94 SET -  FRICTION - CASISDEAD - YOUNG MARCO    HONEY DIJON - SHANTI CELESTE - KIM ANN FOXMAN CRISTOPH - HYPE & HAZARD - DONAE'O - LEVELZ  CRUCAST - SKEPSIS, DARKZY, NOTION, MR VIRGO & BRU-C SASASAS - VIRGIL ABLOH - JOE KAY (SOULECTION) - ROSS FROM FRIENDS LIVE  CONFIDENCE MAN - MNEK - DERMOT KENNEDY - JESSE JAMES SOLOMON JAMZ SUPERNOVA - HAAI - DETLEF - ICARUS - RANDAL - YOTTO - OR:LA  MELLA DEE LAUREN LANE -  MELÉ - BONTAN - TONI VARGA - CHANNEL ONE -  BARELY LEGAL - SOSSA LAUREN LO SUNG - CHIMPO - TOM TRIPP - BASTIAN BUX - TINI GESSLER - ANDRES CAMPO - KRYSKO GREG LORD - JAMES ORGAN - BIG HEATH

THE BEEHIVE CLUB - LA DISCOTHEQUE - OUT OF OFFICE RICH REASON - GRANDMIXXER - NORTH BASE - MARK XTC - NOW WAVE DJS - PIRATE COPY VENUM SOUND - MASON MAYNARD - CAPO LEE - NICOLA BEAR - ZUTEKH DJS - LEWIS BOARDMAN - WILL ORCHARD OLLI RYDER & LUKE WELSH - WILL TRAMP - PETE ZORB -  SIAN BENNETT - MVSON JOSH BAKER - JIKA JIKA - HAZE BEDLAM -  JUNGLE JAM - BOOTS & KATS - JUNCTION 13 - SET ONE TWENTY - LOST - JON JOSÉ & CELINO - FUNSTER BOOGIE NIGHTS - NGHTWRK - TRIPLE COOKED - YOU & ME + MANY MORE

Tickets available here: www.parklife.uk.com/tickets

SATURDAY 9TH & SUNDAY 10th JUNE 2018
HEATON PARK, MANCHESTER

https://parklife.uk.com/

It is part of their commitment to work together with local communities, listen and tackle the issues that affect the community the most and have a direct say in how, and where, public funds can be used to address local needs.

According to police statistics, anti-social behaviour is the key issue affecting Langworthy, therefore, it is essential that funds are used to address this issue. 

Funding can be obtained using an application form.

We are looking to recruit local community representatives and organisations to work with Salford City Council and the Police to distribute the funding.  This will involve being part of a steering group who will need to:

Attend 3 steering group meetings

Think of a project name that is catchy

• Agree successful application criteria (Essential criteria has been set to tackling anti-social behaviour but the steering group are able to add additional criteria)
• Agree min/max amount individuals/groups can bid for
• Agree pick up and drop off points for applications (if not completed online)
• Agree how and where the project will be advertised
• Agree time and date of meeting to review applications and agree which progress to public event (having allowed 3 weeks for applications to be submitted)
•  Attend 3 steering group meetings

The steering groups must be mainly made up by community representatives.

At this stage, we asking for expressions of interest from community groups and agencies who would like to be involved in the process.  Please ensure you are able to attend the 3 meeting dates below and emailgemma.rice@salford.gov.uk or call on 0161 793 3796 to let us know if you’re interested.

Ø  28th of February 6pm – Initial steering group meeting

Ø  21st March 2018,  6pm - Appraisal Panel for funding applications received to ensure they meet the criteria set

Ø 12th of May 2018, 10am – 3pm (exact times to be confirmed) – Event to let people vote on the projects who have applied for funding.

The venue for these meetings will take place in Langworthy, to be confirmed.

If you have any questions, please contact (gemma.rice@salford.gov.uk)  or Marie Shields (marie.shields@salford.gov.uk

It’s all down to a move from Salford City Council which intends to remove rights which allow property owners to convert their homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMO) shared by three to six unrelated people without planning permission.

It will come into force on 25 November 2018 subject to the council considering responses to a recent consultation on its plans.

The new rule will apply to Central Salford (the wards of Broughton, Claremont, Irwell Riverside, Kersal, Ordsall, Langworthy, and Weaste and Seedley) and the wards of Barton and Eccles.

Landlords in these areas will have to seek planning permission after 25 November 2018 if they wish to change a house into a HMO shared by up to six people.

Councillor Paula Boshell, Deputy City Mayor at Salford City Council, said: 

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“We have made this decision in response to concerns from local residents and to ensure we have the right mix of housing in particular areas.

“Some unscrupulous landlords have taken advantage of regulations and the result is communities being made to suffer through a high turnover of residents, increased reports of antisocial behaviour and tenants’ being exploited so a landlord can make a huge profit.  We are now changing that.

 

Councillor Tracey Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods at Salford City council, said: 

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“We decided that a blanket ban was not required across the whole city at this time, but just in the areas where we have strong evidence. We will monitor other areas for evidence and to make sure that the new rules are working properly.”

The consultation can be viewed at https://www.salford.gov.uk/article-4-direction

They are due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 2 February 2018. 

On Thursday 1 February 2018, officers executed warrants at a number of properties across Cheetham Hill, Crumpsall, Salford and Bacup as part of an investigation into the supply of drugs in Manchester. 

The following have been charged with the supply of Class A drugs: 

·        Nichola Birchall (17/12/1976) of Rectory Road, Crumpsall 
·        Sydney Duncombe (13/06/1998) of HMP Forest Bank 
·        Leomi Doyle (24/04/1998) of Ormskirk Avenue, Manchester 
·        Mohammed Kulasi (15/05/1982) of Saddlecote Close 
·        Christopher Kelsall (21/12/1987) of Tong Lane, Bacup 
·        Mohammed Ahad Ali (17/12/1973) of HMP Lancaster 
·        Daniel Partington (02/02/1992) of HMP Forest Bank 
·        Kyle Alman (07/05/1995) of HMP Risley 

Adheel Ashgar (21/01/1988) of HMP Berwyn and Katie Baldwin (13/09/1990) of Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester have been charged with being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs. Baldwin has also been charged with concealing criminal property. 
 

At this point, the Vauxhall was involved in a collision with a silver Ford Mondeo, which was travelling the other way.

Emergency services attended and an initial assessment suggested no serious injury but once the 51-year-old driver of the Mondeo had got to hospital, he was found to have internal bleeding, requiring immediate surgery. He remains in a stable condition.  

The road was closed for a couple of hours, near to the Makro store, but all closures have now been lifted.

Police Constable Paul Shore of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“Fortunately, the driver of the Mondeo is doing well in hospital and beginning his recovery however, we still need help from the public to build a clearer picture of what has happened.

“Were you in the area at the time? Did you see the two silver vehicles or witness the collision itself? Do you have dashcam footage you can share with us?

“Whatever information you have, please get in touch.”

 

Anyone with information should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number 2015 of 31/01/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The Environment Agency has marked the completion of its Salford Flood Improvement Scheme to coincide with World Wetlands Day.

The Salford scheme delivers on a long-held vision to not only create a flood storage basin in Salford – to reduce the risk of flooding from the River Irwell – but also to provide a boost to local wildlife populations by including a high-quality urban wetland habitat.

Wetlands provide many benefits to society and help us to be more resilient to the effects of our changing climate. They provide multiple benefits such as slowing the flow of water, reducing flood risk, filtering water and capturing carbon. Their importance is increasing as a result of climate and land use change.

Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the Environment Agency, said:

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“The £10 million Salford flood scheme will reduce flood risk to almost 2,000 homes and businesses. In addition, we have created more than 5 hectares of urban wetland, bringing attractive landscapes for people and wildlife.

“People in the area can also enjoy a new footpath around the site and links to existing footpaths that now provide a green route to and from the centre of Manchester. This excellent partnership project is a fine example of the multiple benefits our work brings to the local community.” *

 

 

In its primary function, the multi-million-pound scheme will provide increased protection to more than 1,900 homes and businesses across Lower Broughton and Lower Kersal. Lower Broughton was affected by the devastating floods that struck the city on Boxing Day in 2015. 

Floods Minister Thérèse Coffey said:

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“How fitting that on World Wetlands Day a new scheme in Salford is opening that will reduce flood risk to thousands of homes and businesses and deliver a lasting legacy for wildlife in this area with five hectares of new urban wetland habitat.     

“I am pleased the government has been able to support this scheme as part of the £39.5 million we are investing in Greater Manchester by 2021.”

 

The entire 28-hectare flood basin sits within a meander loop of the River Irwell and will protect surrounding properties by holding up to 650 million litres of water – the equivalent to 260 Olympic-size swimming pools – during flood conditions.

The new defence is an ‘offline’ storage basin that will work in tandem with the existing flood storage area at Littleton Road, completed in 2005. To create the storage capacity ground was excavated from the site and then reused to build a raised embankment around the periphery to form part of the defence system.

The embankment’s south-west corner features an inlet to allow the controlled spill of water into the basin when river levels are high. Water is then stored in the basin during a flood and released by two outlet pipes back into the river once the water level has dropped.

Making the most of every design aspect, the flood embankments have been planted with 10ha of wildflower habitat, to attract pollinating species such as ladybirds, moths, butterflies and bees – whose population has dramatically declined across the county in recent years.

The scheme not only brings flood risk and wildlife benefits but also leisure and amenity benefits to the local community. 

With exactly 2.5km of new footpath skirting the periphery, runners and cyclists can enjoy the improved scenery and the links to existing footpaths that now provide a green route to and from the centre of Manchester.

Within the basin area, a number of multi-use sports pitches have been given improved playing surfaces and better drainage systems, making them more resilient to flooding than the pitches that were in place before the scheme.

Area Director, Lee Rawlinson said:

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“Perhaps unexpectedly for a city flood defence system, more than 5ha of wetland habitat have been built into to the scheme to attract bird and mammal species to the area. Wetlands have an important role to play in the protection and conservation of local wildlife and finding opportunities to create new habitat is vital to ensuring the survival of the country’s low-count and endangered species.”

The two kiosks on site were decorated by renowned Manchester graffiti artist, kELzO, who observed the wildlife on site to create the vibrant designs. 

As a longer term, economic benefit, the scheme will help Salford Council’s regeneration plans by enabling development in areas previously not viable. More than 90 hectares of development land has been protected as a direct result of the scheme which will allow increased opportunities to develop land within the river corridor.

Throughout the 3-year construction term, the Environment Agency worked closely with Salford City Council, the local community steering group, the Broughton Trust, Salford Friendly Anglers, Kersal Vale Allotment & Horticultural Society and the University of Salford.

Funding for the scheme came from a number of sources. £5m came from Government Gant-in-Aid, £4.1m came from a Government growth fund and the remaining £1.2m came from Salford City Council.

Councillor Derek Antrobus, lead member for planning and sustainable development at Salford City Council said:

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“The new flood basin realises a long-term ambition of the city council to reduce the risk for local communities. The council is delighted that it will also provide an excellent amenity and we have invested in the bridge from Kersal Dale so the site is integrated into the walking and cycling route along the Irwell Valley.”

The scheme’s completion will officially be marked with the unveiling of a plaque by the Environment Agency’s Chair, Emma Howard-Boyd and the city’s Mayor Paul Dennett, on Friday, 2 February at 13:30 pm.

The government is investing £2.6 billion to better protect over 300,000 properties from flooding by 2021.

*The flood basin will be opened to the public once essential work to the path network has been completed. Dependent on dry weather conditions, this is scheduled for early Spring. The flood basin is already fully operational and will be used during a flooding event as required.

Today, Thursday 1 February 2018, officers from GMP executed warrants across Cheetham Hill, Crumpsall, Salford and Bacup.

As part of Operation Danube, 11 people were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs. They all remain in custody. 

GMP’s Chief Inspector Paul Walker, said:

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“Months of hard work have gone into this morning’s action, which was part of our ongoing investigation into tackling organised crime across Greater Manchester. 

“I’d like to thank the public for their help in sharing intelligence. With this vital information, we’ve been able to work with partner agencies and ensure that people who supply drugs are brought to justice."

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

It's going to be another cold one this evening as a yellow ice warning has been issued for Salford and surrounding areas by the MET Office,  starting from this evening until after 10am tomorrow morning.

This Evening and Tonight:

It will remain cold and windy overnight with blustery showers. These will bring snow to some areas, mainly on higher ground. Most places becoming drier by morning, with the showers only around coastal areas.

Minimum temperature 1 °C.

Thursday:

A cold day with northerly winds across the region, but mostly dry with some good sunny spells. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Friday frosty with winds easing and sunny spells. Rain overnight. Saturday, breezy with sunshine and showers, after early rain or snow, clears. Sunday, frosty start, mainly dry with sunny spells.

Oh go on then, here is the video as you know you're humming it.

Housing association Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,300 properties in Salford, has worked alongside partner contractor Emanuel Whittaker to transform Carmel Avenue in Ordsall.

Externally, the block, which houses 12 apartments, has been given a new lease of life with new windows, gutters and fascias, replacement fencing and freshly painted panels.

Internally the once-tired communal areas have been given a major makeover, with new flooring and decorating, plus new front doors for all the apartments.

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

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“Carmel Avenue now looks fantastic following its recent makeover. The block was beginning to look a little tired and dated, but for a relatively modest investment we have been able to deliver a complete transformation in how it looks.

"It’s really changed the appearance for those who live here and we hope the residents can enjoy living in new and improved homes that they can be proud of.”

 

The work was part of a wider £300,000 improvement project to 174 homes in the area, which also includes Brighton Court and Croyden Court.

John Millward, site manager for Emanuel Whittaker, said

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“We have enjoyed working with the residents at Carmel Avenue on another successful scheme with Salix Homes. 

“The project involved renewing the roof, windows, apartment doors and communal doors as well as decorating and flooring the communal areas. These works have greatly enhanced the appearance of the place, making it an inviting and welcoming place for residents and their visitors”.

 

By 2020, Salix Homes will have invested £75million into improving homes and communites in Salford, since tenants voted to transfer ownership of their homes from Salford Council to Salix Homes as a stand-alone housing association in 2015.
 

You can read the full report which is available at https://www.salford.gov.uk/tacklingpoverty

That’s the finding of pioneering research into the private rented sector which has expanded by 70% in the last six years in Salford.

While some tenants praised their excellent landlords and spoke very positively about renting from them, many others said they feel trapped in awful conditions but dare not complain for fear of eviction and because they couldn’t afford to access alternative accommodation or felt they had no chance of being able to access social housing.

The report was completed by the Salford Anti-Poverty Task-force, a collaboration between Salford City Council and the University of Salford to provide high quality research and analysis to support Salford’s anti poverty strategy No-one Left Behind.

It follows on from the DWP Benefit Conditionality and Sanctions in Salford report which highlighted the impact benefit sanctions were having on vulnerable people in the city (http://www.partnersinsalford.org/documents/DWP_Benefit_Conditionality_and_Sanctions_in_Salford_-_One_Year_On..pdf)

Researchers interviewed 29 renters from across the City and 19 staff from front line services and voluntary and community groups dealing with housing, advice, health and neighbourhoods to provide a snapshot of experiences in the private rented sector in Salford.

The report comes after national research (https://www.jrf.org.uk/report/uk-poverty-2017) showed the biggest group in poverty is now working households which rent privately.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“Britain has become a nation of private renters once again, due to the lack of social housing provision. Renting from a private landlord is now the second most common form of housing, behind home ownership.

“Five thousand new private rented sector (PRS) homes have recently been built in Salford and another 20,000 are in the pipeline. We’ve also seen more and more existing private homes converted into properties for let. Yet there is very little research drawing on the direct experiences of people who, increasingly, have no choice but to live in private rented accommodation.”

 

Housing staff, who were interviewed for the report, said that schemes such as landlord licensing had improved the condition of many properties, but there was huge polarisation between high quality ‘top end’ properties and poorer stock at the bottom of the market. They said the conditions in many properties were poor enough to affect people’s health and well-being and the worst homes were getting worse.

Many reported seeing increasing numbers of people affected by benefit changes. One staff member spoke about a ‘quantum leap’ in the amount of debt people were falling into. Another said for some people it was going beyond choosing to pay rent or eat and that they feared some people would not be able to afford housing at all.

Salford private rented tenants interviewed in the study were concerned about the high cost of moving with agent fees varying between £70 to £300, plus four to six weeks rent as deposit and the first month’s rent all required up front. One tenant, who moved from a European country to Salford, said he had to pay £10,000 up front because he had no-one in this country to act as guarantor, while another had to pay £3,200 – six months rent up front.

Some tenants said they have opted for less secure one month rolling contracts just to avoid paying tenancy renewal fees every six to 12 months. All said they were concerned about the rising cost of rents – with one tenant saying he was paying up to 70% of his monthly income just on rent - and their future if their circumstances changed or the property was sold.

Most tenants – even those living in ‘high end’ properties said getting repairs done or issues addressed quickly was sometimes hard work because letting agents and landlords just saw properties as ‘assets’ rather than recognising they were actually people’s homes.

However, five of the renters interviewed said they had positive relationships with their landlords and were in good tenancies. They said their properties were affordable, gave them stability of tenure and rent levels through long-term contracts, landlords responded quickly to issues and repairs and they were allowed some control over decoration and the space, allowing them to make it feel like a home.

Our shower is a hosepipe

One couple spoke of living in awful conditions but dared not complain for fear of eviction and having nowhere to go.

Dan, 31, Cassy, 26 and their two children aged one and two, moved into their Salford home two years ago, renting through a letting agency.

They paid £1,760 in total in administration fees, a deposit and the first month’s rent just to move into the property. Paying rent of £585, plus bills and council tax brings their outgoings to just under £800 a month.

From the start they found the roof leaked in their daughter’s room. Despite repeatedly asking the landlord to fix it the landlord did nothing until a large section of the wall came down. The landlord then called in a builder to patch the roof and wall, instead of replacing the back roof as advised. The leak continues and the new plaster is visibly saturated after rain.

Their shower consists of a hosepipe connected to the boiler. The bath seems to be slowly sinking through the floor and the ceiling beneath is bowing while the kitchen sink does not sit properly in the counter and it feels to them as if it could fall through. There is black mould in every room in the house affecting both their physical and mental health.

Yet they have never contacted the council’s environmental health team for fear of being evicted. Instead they are struggling to save money for another expensive move and hoping to secure social housing.Dr Lisa Scullion, Reader in Social Policy at the University of Salford, who leads the University’s involvement in the Task-force said:

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“Our research revealed people living incredibly precarious lives, in which a slight change in circumstances could tip them over the edge.

“While the interviews often focused on conditions within the sector, it has provided important insights into the complexity of people’s lives, particularly within a backdrop of welfare reform, skyrocketing rental prices, insecure labour market, etc. We found people who were forced to put up with appalling conditions – or who simply did not know who to complain to when things went wrong. We also have to acknowledge the separation that exists between those renting the ‘high end’ properties and other Salford residents who do not necessarily feel the benefit of such development.  

“I hope government policy makers will be able to look at this research to get a better understanding of the experiences of the ever growing number of people living in private rented accommodation.” 

 

Christopher Parker (29/02/1984) was sentenced to four years and three months at Manchester Crown Square today (Tuesday 30 January 2018) after pleading guilty to two counts of theft, one count of fraud and breaching his bail. 

He has also been banned from Manchester City Centre for ten years as part of a Criminal Behaviour Order.

On May 22, 2017, Parker had been near the Manchester Arena when an explosion took place inside the venue just after 10.30pm which tragically killed 22 people.

Among the hundreds hurt was a woman who was near the ticket office at Victoria Station.

Parker went through her handbag and passed her mobile phone to her so she could speak to her partner. But while looking inside the bag he then stole her purse.

The victim, who thankfully survived the attack, thought her bank card had been destroyed in the explosion but it was only when her partner checked her statement in June that a fraudulent transaction had been made.

The day after the explosion Parker also handed a silver iPhone 6 to a police officer. He had stolen the phone of a teenage girl who was also at the venue on the night of the attack and was injured during the explosion.

The 33-year-old, who was often sleeping on the streets at the time of the offences, was arrested by officers on15 August 2017 in Crumpsall.

When interviewed he originally provided no comment responses before eventually claiming he took the phone and purse for safe keeping.

He was bailed to appear at court but did not turn up for his trial.

A warrant was issued for his arrest and he was located by officers in West Yorkshire on 2 January 2018 hiding in a loft.

Superintendent Chris Hill from GMP’s City of Manchester team, said:

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“No matter what personal circumstances you might find yourself in, to steal from injured and terrified innocent people is deplorable.

“Parker exploited these people when they were at their most vulnerable and needed the help of those around them.

“I cannot begin to imagine what they have been through and I want to thank them for their courage.

“We continue to offer our support to all those affected.” 

Shortly before 1:45pm emergency services were called to reports that a man had been struck by a train at Clifton Junction in Salford.

British Transport police attended alongside Greater Manchester Ambulance service but sadly the man died at the scene.

Trains were temporarily halted between Salford and Bolton and temporary bus services put in place but trains are now running again.

There are no suspicious circumstances behind the man's death and BTP said they are working to inform his next-of-kin.

We send our condolences to his friends and family.

Mohammed Shakil Khan (04/12/1974) also known as Mohammed Ali, is wanted on recall to prison.

He was released from prison in December 2017 after serving part of a sentence for burglary but has since breached the conditions of his license.

Officers working to trace Khan believe he knows he is wanted and is actively evading arrest.

Anyone with information about Khan’s whereabouts should contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Lee, of Allenby Road in Irlam, first started his approach on a social media site called BeBuddy, later moving his perverted pursuit to WhatsApp whereupon he sent sexually explicit messages asking who he thought was a girl called Becky to stay at his house and go to bed with him. Not all was as it seemed though as the girl was actually a decoy set up by a group called darklight in order to snare perverts who prey on young children via social media.

The group monitored Lee for several days and set their trap after he asked the girl/decoy to meet him at Irlam Train Station later that week. However, instead of meeting the fictional Becky he was met by members of darklight who live streamed the meeting onto their Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/Darklighthunt/

A video of the sting can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/Darklighthunt/videos/1994940864128080/

Police were called to the scene whereupon Lee was taken away for questioning, later plead guilty and sentenced to two years imprisonment for a number of offences including attempting to meet a child following grooming, attempting to sexually communicate with a child and three other offences involving attempting to cause a child to view a sexually explicit image.

Representatives from the group were present in court to give witness statements and present evidence as part of the case against him.

In a statement after the sentencing, they thanked GMP and the CPS for their swift work in dealing with the case and said:

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“Stephen Lee was a danger to children and this has now been proven by a court of law.

- Plans being developed to extend Housing First programme to provide places for more than 450 people

- New business network launched

New funding of at least £7 million covering the next three years has been secured to help people across Greater Manchester, bringing the total investment in the city-region to approximately £9 million.

In a separate development, a new business network is being launched which will make it easier for Greater Manchester businesses to contribute to the growing city-wide campaign to end rough sleeping. 

This next phase of help for homeless people across the city-region follows:

£1.8m Social Impact Bond granted to help entrenched rough sleepers, with 50 currently in the process and another 200 referred for help

More than £135,000 raised for the Mayor’s Homelessness Fund, which has helped fund a wide variety of projects which help homeless people, such as the opening of a new shelter in Cheetham Hill

More than 500 people registered with their GPs to access vital medical support

A new cold weather plan which sees emergency support given as soon as temperatures hit freezing in a national first

1,000 emergency beds available and used as part of the cold weather plan

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said:

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“We have made a start to helping those who need it most, but these new places will enable us to deal with the scale of this growing problem.”

Figures released today show an increase in the number of people living on our streets nationally has risen by 15%. In Greater Manchester, the number of people living homeless has increased 42%.

Andy continued: 

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“These new figures show that Manchester, like all cities, is facing a growing challenge. But while the figures are getting worse, our response is getting better. 

“Greater Manchester is pulling together and the fact that our businesses are joining the fight will help us go up a gear. Nowhere else are public, private, voluntary and faith organisations pulling together in this way to tackle one such an important issue.”

 

The new chair of the Business Network is Tim Heatley, co-owner of Manchester-based property developers Capital&Centric.

Tim said: 

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“Manchester is a global city with community spirit, we’ve proved that we come together when needed the most. Yet, despite efforts, so many of Manchester’s vulnerable people are still sleeping on our city’s streets. While it weighs heavy on our collective conscience that we’ve got to this point, it’s brilliant to see so many organisations – led by the Mayor – pulling together to help.

“The public sector and charities are leading the charge, but Manchester’s private sector will play a pivotal role too. Our business leaders have had the creativity, determination and ingenuity to put Manchester’s industries on the world stage. Hopefully, they can apply these talents to, together, transforming the lives of our people without homes. It’s a big ask, but one I’m sure we’re capable of.”

 

Greater Manchester Combined Authority lead for housing, planning and homelessness, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“£7million in new funding from the government is a welcome contribution, but we need to keep a sense of perspective on the government's contribution to Greater Manchester's homelessness problem.

“Many local councils across Greater Manchester will likely be cutting £7million or more worth of services from their budgets this year. In Salford we have lost £186m from our budget since 2010, with a further £11.2 million to cut this year with more government cuts to local council budgets planned for future years.

“The current epidemic of homelessness and rough sleeping across Britain has been created by a precarious labour market and vicious cuts to benefits payments in the middle of an economic crisis - when people are already struggling to make-ends-meet. Austerity and government cuts to local councils has further entrenched the problem, which has also been exacerbated by the failure of planning and housing policy to build truly affordable homes.

“The £7million is a welcome lifeline - but not one that we should have needed in one of the richest nations in the world.”

 

Andy, along with Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Bev Hughes, visited Centrepoint Manchester today (January 25) to see the work being done to help people who are homeless, especially young people.

Bev said:

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“Too many people are released from prison homeless. We know that having a home to go to helps to reduce offending behaviour and that is why we are committed to working together with our criminal justice partners to make sure that offenders are offered the right support at the right time.”

Balbir Chatrik, Director of Policy and Communications at Centrepoint, added: 

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“These figures are shocking, but they only attempt to count the number of people sleeping rough on one night. We know there are thousands more young people who are hidden homeless – sofa-surfing for months on end, sleeping on public transport, or staying with strangers just to find a bed for the night.

“If the government is serious about breaking the cycle of homelessness it must start by measuring the problem properly and then providing adequate funding to solve it.”

 

To make a donation or find out more about the Mayor’s Homelessness Fund, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/GM-Mayoral-Fund

There are concerns for the welfare of Christopher Williams who is known to the Swinton area and has family living there. 

His family are said to be very concerned about his wellbeing and ask that if anyone spots him then please call 101 non-emergency services.