It has been hard to ignore the problems facing Irlam and Cadishead in recent months, the traffic issues alone have caused huge issues for both locals and those trying to get in and out of the area, as we reported only last week, problems which at the moment look nowhere close to being resolved. With thousands of new homes and warehouses due to built upon greenbelt land over the coming years, the problem in the eyes of many locals looks like only getting worse.

So with that in mind a group of people based in Irlam and Cadishead, have formed a new local party that they hope the community will get behind and support.

Under the banner of CO:RE Community Revolution Party UK), Darren Goulden has today confirmed his intentions to be the first to represent them as a candidate for Councillor in local elections in May 2018.

The announcement was made on the Planning for our future in Irlam and Cadishead Facebook page, stating:

Quote

‼️STOP PRESS PLEASE READ & SHARE ‼️

Tonight, the Community Revolution in Irlam & Cadishead begins.
Darren Goulden has today confirmed his intentions to stand for Councillor in next May’s Local Elections. 
The launching of a brand new political party, with the aim to give the community more control of matters which concern them the most. 
You now have a better alternative, come and join us in what will be a Community driven, revolutionary journey to get you the representation you deserve.

CO:RE

The Party has also opened a new Facebook page available on this link: https://www.facebook.com/COREpartyUK/ and residents of both Irlam & Cadishead are invited to join. You can also follow them on twitter at this link: https://twitter.com/COREpartyUK

 

St James Lunch Club and Food Pantry in Higher Broughton has been given £1,000 from housing association Salix Homes as part of its Springboard fund.

The cash-injection has enabled the organisation to get ready for Christmas Day, when they’ll be providing a hot meal and some festive cheer to people who would otherwise be on their own over the festive period.

The grant has been used to purchase a new display chest freezer, which will allow them to expand the lunch club and food pantry and, most importantly, be able to store enough food to cook on Christmas Day.

Rev Christine Threlfall, who runs the initiative along with nine volunteers, said:

Quote

“For people affected by poverty, Christmas can be a very difficult and lonely time, but thanks to this donation from Salix Homes, we can ensure that some local people in our city can look forward to a brighter Christmas this year.”

The lunch club runs at St James Church every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 11am and 1pm to provide a free hot meal and companionship to anyone who calls by. This is particularly appreciated by people on low incomes, or who are experiencing isolation.

Every week up to 60 people pass through its doors from a wide range of backgrounds, they could be homeless or just experiencing loneliness and it gives them a chance to socialise and make friends.

Margaret Tilsley, who regularly attends the lunch club, said:

Quote

“The lunch club is more than just a place to eat. It’s a place for people to get some much-needed company and have a chat with friends.”

Children can also get in on the action, with the church running a kids lunch club on Friday mornings during school holidays, which aims to ensure children are getting a hot meal when they’re not at school.

The food pantry runs alongside the lunch club which allows members to choose a bag of 10 food items for just £2.50.

Produce and food donations are provided by the charity Fareshare, and local Jewish charity L’Chaim.

Rev Threlfall added:

Quote

“We are different from a food bank in that we look to more long-term solutions for people who come to us. Inclusivity is fundamental to our project, and we are always looking for new volunteers to add to our friendly mix and help isolated people feel valued and welcome.”

The project is one of the first to benefit from Salix Homes’ Springboard fund, which provides cash boosts to local groups and initiatives that are making a difference in Salford.

Since launching Springboard this summer, Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,300 properties in Salford, has donated almost £30,000 to local causes.Ben Cruickshanks, Broughton neighbourhood manager at Salix Homes, said:

Quote

 

“We are very proud to support this fantastic initiative which provides a lifeline for some of the most vulnerable people in Salford.

“We hope this donation will go some way towards expanding the fantastic work done by St James’ Lunch Club and Food Pantry and ensuring that the people it supports can enjoy a happy Christmas this year.”

 

To find out more about how to apply for a Springboard grant, go to:https://www.salixhomes.org/springboard

For more information about the St James’ Lunch Club and Food Pantry, go tohttps://stjamesbroughton.com/place-of-welcome-come-on-in/ or visit their Facebook page. To reserve your place at the Christmas Day lunch or to enquire about volunteering positions, contact Reverend Threlfall on 0161 792 208 or email ctrev@sky.com.

Updated: A controlled explosion of an item left on a mini roundabout has now taken place and the cordons have been lifted, it is not known what the package was but it is thought at this point not to be a bomb. GMP remain on scene to investigate. Everything is now back to normal in the area and traffic is once more flowing.

A army disposal unit robot carried out the explosion.

GMP have issued the statement bellow:

Quote

At around 11.45am on Wednesday 6 December 2017, police were called to reports of a suspicious package at Tallyman Way in Pendleton.

Officers and the bomb disposal unit are at the scene, where a controlled explosion has taken place.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Police are currently responding to an incident in Agecroft involving what is said to be a suspicious package at an address on Tallyman Way.

No evacuations have been made so far but people are being told to stay away from windows and traffic is being diverted as the road has been taped off and closed.

people in surrounding buildings have been told to remain inside.

Army Bomb disposal officers are now on scene and dealing with the situation.

we will update this article as we get more information.

Investigations are on going.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 790 of 06/12/17.

The app based scheme which launched in June had previously encouraged people to use the bikes then dump them at the side of the road so others could use them, it was sensationally withdrawn last month due to an unforeseen foreseeable snag in the plan, idiotic brainless Vandalism!

Many bikes were set on fire, spray painted in gaudy colours in pathetic attempts to disguise the distinctive and iconic design as normal bikes, or simply dumped into rivers and canals and in one case, dropped from the top of a block of flats without a parachute or a big net.

So after a quick rethink they have now expanded the 6km stretch of area of Salford they had retreated to and now a few more areas of Salford are once more 'In The Zone'.

It can't but be helped noticing that the areas added include the affluent Salford Quays / Media City and the areas around Salford Uni. Other areas of Salford can apparently go swim, as many of their bikes did over the summer.

If the scheme will ever expand to once more cover the whole of Salford, we wait and see, I have to admit though it would be nice to see them back as despite the vandalism they did provide a relatively cheap alternative to travel around the City, its just a shame that those wanting to use them will now have to return them to the allowed drop off areas, which if we are being honest kind of defeats the point and object of the whole thing.

As always in Salford it is a minority that spoil things for the majority.

Our suggestion would be for Mobike to install specific locations around the wider areas whereupon bikes can be returned after use. Smaller zones dotted around would make sense, bikes could be returned to secure spots and everyone would be happy.

So we wish the company all the best in this reboot, we hope they have learned from their mistakes and also that they stick around as when it was going well it was going really well. It was nice over summer to see people using them responsibly and it would be a shame if Salford was to lose that.

The £1.4 million development in Broughton is thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, and will create 14 apartments for LGBT people who may be facing difficult circumstances.

City West, which is part of the ForViva Group, has worked closely with Salford City Council and the LGBT Foundation on the development, which will provide safe and secure homes for LGBT people, including those in danger of being made homeless.

Stonewall Housing, which provides housing support, advice and advocacy for the LGBT community, has seen approaches from LGBT people more than triple in the last five years, including some who were actually homeless.

A recent study from the LGBT Foundation and Manchester City Council found access to affordable, accessible housing where they can be open about their identity is a key issue for LGBT people.

Salford City Partnership’s Equality Strategy claims that Salford had up to 8,100 LGBT residents in 2015. It said that 11% of all hate crimes and hate incidents in the city were motivated by homophobia.Colette McKune, Group Deputy Chief Executive at ForViva, said:

Quote

 

“We all have the right to be able to access a secure home and feel safe in their community.

“It has become clear that some LGBT people in Salford were facing incredibly tough choices on where to live, or even homelessness because their circumstances had left them with nowhere to turn for alternative housing.

“This scheme will go some way to addressing that challenge and will allow people to improve their situations and live independently.”

 

Paul Martin OBE, Chief Executive of the Manchester LGBT Foundation, said:

Quote

 

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people can still face considerable discrimination within social housing services which can result in feelings of exclusion and isolation.

“I welcome today’s announcement about this ground-breaking scheme which recognises that LGBT people are an integral part of society and make a tremendous contribution to the identity of modern Salford.

“I very much look forward to working with City West and the ForViva Group on ensuring that the needs of their LGBT residents are better met.”

 

Tina Wathern, Director of National Engagement for Stonewall Housing, said:

Quote

“Home is a particularly important space for LGBT people, it is where they feel safe. We welcome schemes like the one proposed in Salford by City West and know that it will make a positive contribution to housing for LGBT people.”

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Lead Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods at Salford City Council, said:

Quote

“Everyone needs a good quality, safe home. LGBT people have often experienced intolerance and harassment and felt that they could not be their true selves. I’m delighted they will now have the security and comfort they want and wish them many long and happy years in their new homes.”

The homes will be available for affordable rent and are being built with funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Watson Homes has been appointed as developer for the scheme, which is due to be completed in winter 2018.

The Met Office has issues a yellow snow and ice warning for Thursday and Friday as Polar air pushes south across the UK.

Rain will clear early on Thursday after which it will be feeling much colder with blustery wintry showers.

2-5 cm of snow is likely for some, with 10-20 cm possible over high ground in higher areas.

Road and Rail journeys are expected to be subject to delays as the winter weather rolls southwards across the country. 

Motorists are advised to be aware of ice patches forming on roads and to add extra time for journeys.

At around 7.25pm on Thursday 16 November 2017, police received a report that an armed robbery had taken place at Roked Filling Station on Wellington Road, Eccles.

It was reported to officers that a man had entered the petrol station and pulled a large machete from his clothing as he marched towards staff behind the counter.

He demanded the staff open the till before making off with a small amount of cash.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.Detective Constable Dave Cupitt of GMP’s Salford Borough, said:

Quote

 

“The sheer fear the staff in the shop were subjected to is absolutely unacceptable, and all for a handful of notes.

“Please get in touch with us if you saw anything or know anything.

“No-one should be put through the horror of this kind of thing at any time and definitely not when they’re at work, innocently earning a living.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5049 quoting reference number 1871 of 16/11/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Full details of all this year’s events can be found at www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk

The Gruffalo, music and arts activity at Little Hulton Library Sat 2^nd Dec

Join Salford Community Leisure at Little Hulton Library this Saturday 2nd Dec 10am-1pm for a special screening of the film, the Gruffalo. 

The screening will be followed by two hours of music and arts activities, delivered by Louise Clarke and Salford Music and Performing Arts Service (MAPAS). Tickets are £1 per child or £3 per family. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be available for a small charge.

Places are limited and you will need to book. Please contact the library on 0161 790 4201 or email littlehulton.library@scll.co.uk

Christmas Grotto at Ordsall Hall Sunday 10 & Sunday 17 December, 1 - 3pm

Come and meet Father Christmas in his magical grotto at Ordsall Hall and receive a gift. £4.50 per child (plus booking fee), booking required.

The Amazing Thing with Lempen Puppet Theatre, December 20 6-7pm, Eccles Library (part of Salford Libraries Live)\

What is Christmas without a theatre show? Visit Eccles Library for this magical and original tale told with puppets, acting and live music. Storyteller Peter Grimm finds a great big wooden box. Inside is the 'Thing' that takes him on an unusual journey that weaves its way through a medley of well-known Brothers Grimm tales, to ultimately unlock his imagination and free his stories. Suitable for everyone aged 5 and over, a delight for all the family.

Alteri Choir at Ordsall Hall, Sunday 10 December, 7.30 – 9pm

Alteri returns to present performances of Benjamin Britten's magical Ceremony of Carols, with harpist Angelina Warburton and other Christmas music by Peter Warlock, Palestrina, Byrd, Victoria and Marenzio.  £10 (plus booking fee), including mulled apple and a mince pie. Booking required.

Christmas Wreath Making, Sunday 17 December, 9.30am – 12.30pm

Get creative and make a festive wreath to take home using natural

materials such as chillies, oranges and pine cones. For ages 14 +.

£25 (plus booking fee) including mince pies. All materials are provided.

Sleepy Stories and Christmas Cheer at Ordsall Hall, Thursday 21 December

6pm & 7 pm

Join Sleepy Steph for some Christmas cheer & winter tales. Grab your favourite teddy, a cushion and a cup of cocoa before bedtime to hear stories in our Great Hall. Suitable for those aged 3+. £7.50 per ticket or £25 for a family of 4 (plus booking fee). Hot chocolate included in ticket price. Booking essential.

Festive Afternoon Tea at Salford Museum & Art Gallery - Throughout December, 12 - 3pm

For a special seasonal treat, enjoy a delicious selection of sandwiches including turkey and stuffing, pigs in blankets and brie with cranberry.

Tempting sweet treats follow, with scones, stollen, Christmas cake and yule log, all served with loose-leaf tea or fresh ground coffee.

£12.95 per person or upgrade and enjoy a glass of festive fizz for an additional £5. All bookings must be made in advance.

A Christmas Killing – Interactive Murder Mystery by Highly Suspect, December 13, Eccles Library 7-9pm

When world-renowned businessman Sir Alan Scrooge is found dead in his parlour on a snow-covered morn, you'd think there'd be no shortage of suspects who'd want to see the miserable miser murdered. But why are there no tracks in the snow outside? Why is there a wound but no weapon? Any why has spiritualist Charlie Dickens been seen snooping around the premises? Can Scrooge really have been killed by a ghost of Christmas past? This great night out before Christmas gets people working together to solve the crime over a festive drink. Fun, fatalities and frivolities guaranteed! 

All events are at www.salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk and you can book online, by phone or by popping in to some venues.

The Green Wheels travel plan won the Contribution to Sustainable Transport category at the 2nd Annual North of England Transport Awards.

Introduced two years ago, the plan has seen the introduction of Salford’s first eco-friendly car club for council staff and members of the public in a city where up to 55% of people in some areas do not have access to a car.

Councillor John Ferguson, lead member for workforce and industrial relations, said:

Quote

 

“When we launched the plan staff were travelling 1.7 million miles a year on business – that’s the equivalent of 40 times round the earth every year. Clearly that was not sustainable or good for the planet.

“We linked up with the Co-wheels car club which provides and maintains a fleet of 39 eco-friendly cars at 13 sites across the city, including eight electric vehicles. These are used by council staff during the day for business travel and are then available for  residents to hire during evenings and weekends.

“We have also trialled eight pool bikes for staff who want to cycle to meetings which may become permanent and staff can get pre-paid bus tickets for business travel. We’ve cut business miles travelled by car, saved over £150,000 a year and 478 tonnes of carbon every year.”

 

Part of the plan also included supporting staff to cycle to work, with the introduction of improved shower and drying facilities, a salary sacrifice scheme to enable staff to buy bikes and encouraging the use of public transport and car sharing.

Councillor Ferguson added:

Quote

“With more and more cars coming onto the roads in Greater Manchester every year, we all need to think about the way we travel. These ideas could be copied by other organisations whatever business they are in and all help save money, save the environment and ease pressure on our roads.”   

Richard Falconer, Co-wheels Managing Director, said:

Quote

 

"We are very pleased to be working with Salford City Council and to see the success and on-going expansion of Co-wheels and the Green Wheels travel plan.

“Salford Council is leading the way in embedding sustainable transport as part of its HR and staff travel policy and it is excellent that they have been recognised for this.

“We are pleased to see good uptake from members of the public benefiting from the scheme as well."

 

Shoppers can use eight pay and display car parks in Eccles, Monton, Pendleton and Swinton for free on three Saturdays (9th, 16th and 23rd) in December.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: 

Quote

“This is our way of spreading a bit of festive cheer and encouraging people to shop locally. I hope it gives our shops and local traders even more business in the run up to Christmas. We launched our social value impart report recently and every pound spent in Salford really does make a difference.”

The car parks included are:
Partington Street, Monton
John William Street, Eccles
Eccles Precinct
St Mary’s Road, Eccles
Irwell Place, Eccles
Barton Lane, Eccles
Hankinson Way, Salford
Church Street, Swinton

Notices will be posted on site during the week prior to the first Saturday. All other conditions of use of the car park, such as parking within properly marked bays and displaying a Blue Badge if you have one, still apply.

Updated: Keith has now been found safe and well.

He left the hospital about 3.30pm in the direction of Stott Lane and was wearing a dark grey trilby hat and a camel-coloured suit. 

Keith is white with short grey hair and wears glasses. 

He suffers from dementia, is not familiar with the area and officers are extremely concerned that he has been outside all night in the cold weather. 

We want to make sure he is safe and well and are worried he might be alone and frightened. 

We are urging anyone who recognises Keith, or believes they may have seen someone matching his description, to please contact police. 

You can call us on 101 quoting incident number 1732 of 1 December 2017. 

Live Stream Available on our Facebook Page: Here

Also find another article covering this by the Salford Star: Here

At a packed public meeting held in the sports hall at Irlam & Cadishead College, Ben Dolan (Strategic Director of Salford Council) and Shoaib Mohammad (Head of Highways) attempted to convince the public that they were on top of the debacle that is currently causing misery for residents, not only in I&C but further afield into the surrounding areas.

The previous meeting had been shelved due to fire safety concerns after the Committee was taken by surprise at the number of people attending to vent their views. Despite the rather 'bad' timing of the new meeting which started at 6:00pm when many were still stuck in the very traffic this meeting was to deal with, it was still very well attended.

As we live streamed the unfolding events, a member of the public asked what the costs of operating and maintaining the new bridge would be year on year. This was revealed to be £150,000 but it was added that this would rise as the bridge aged and increasing maintenance was required. Dolan was quick to note that from the outset it was understood by the Council that this would be solely the responsibility of Peel Holdings, citing a single letter which refers to highways infrastructure and stating "Highways infrastructure is not the bridge, it's the highway"

Another local resident asked if the Council had a Plan B which they could enact should Peel dig in and refuse to open the bridge, Dolan told the audience that "If necessary the Council will take appropriate legal action", when further pressed he admitted that there was NO Plan B and reiterated that "We have instructed our lawyers to see what opportunities there are to get the bridge open as soon as we can." He then went on to say that the Council has proposed to Peel that in the meantime the bridge be opened as in their view there is nothing to prevent it from being put into service, he added that "The Council is quite happy to sit down with Peel and talk".

The question of the possibility of Peel imposing a Toll upon the bridge was raised, Dolan confirmed that a discussion had taken place with Peel but outlined that the Councils position is that this would be unacceptable, citing the £30 million in grants and loans invested into the bridge from public funding. He added that there would be legal mechanisms Peel would have to go through in order to impose a Toll and both Trafford and Salford Council's would oppose them. The millions of pounds invested mean that "It's got to be open free of use for the public".

Other residents were quick to point out that the added delays caused by the new road system were having adverse affects on local residents and businesses, not to mention emergency services. One lady brought up the topic of children getting to school late in the mornings because parents were stuck in traffic jams, she was concerned at the accruing of late marks upon their children's records. Another argued that people were at risk of loosing their jobs as they were late to work in the mornings whilst another resident was quick to add that the new road system was more suited to the needs of Peel and its Port Salford operation than the REAL residents in I&C.

Dolan and Mohammad replied by stating that the opinion of the Council was that the traffic issues were as a direct result of Peel not opening the bridge but added that once open if it did not relieve congestion then the Council would have to "Go back to the drawing board". Words which were met with disbelief as by some attendees, one of whom later told us that it clearly shows that the Council has no faith in its own traffic models. Dolan and Mohammad however were convinced that their traffic modeling was correct.

By far the most upsetting turn of events was when the owner of the much loved Moss Farm Fisheries took to the microphone to reveal that...

Quote

"As from this week we have had to put our fishery up for sale through this road

So whoever is in charge of it at Salford Council and the Highways can I say off me and my family,

'Thank you'..."

Upon failing to get any response from either Dolan or Mohammad he tore up his copy of the meeting agenda and threw it to the ground, after which he promptly walked out. This left many assembled in the room shaking their heads in disgust at the clear impact this has had upon the lives of local people, misery which seems to have no clear end in sight.

The feelings of the evening were perfectly summed up by one lady who pretty much encapsulated the public feeling and anger towards all parties involved.

Quote

 

"I really feel that you're not listening

That poor guy has lost a business

This hasn't just been going on for a few weeks, this has been going on for months

I've heard of countless people that have been warned in work because they are late on a regular basis

Is anyone bothered? Because we should be!

Peel Holdings has got the Council, putting it crudely, by the 'short and curlies'

They are basically holding the Council to ransom and we are sitting here doing nothing about it

We need a road to get in and out of Irlam, it's been going on for thirty odd years, it's ridiculous."

 

The sports hall erupted with cheers as Dolan and Mohammad looked blank faced.

In summary

We have spoken to a number of people who attended and the majority seem to have left the room with the view that the Council clearly has made a huge misstep here.

One local resident told us that it was his impression that "They are all running around like headless chickens, the Council are relying upon the mercy of Peel Holdings to take the costs of maintenance on board", something that in his view would never happen. "Peel are money men, they like making it but they don't like spending there own, Salford Council has dealt with Peel in court many times before and unlike Peel they don't have deep enough pockets".

Residents from outside of I&C have also contacted us to explain how the road problems have impacted upon their businesses.

One lady who runs a Dog Grooming service remarked that she has lost customers in affected areas as she can not physically get to them and then onwards to her next appointments in time.

She states that she had many customers in the area and the loss of income has affected her. "It's not only the people in I&C suffering, its those who service those areas". 

Words echoed by another man who told us that he is a taxi driver and getting in and out of the area has seriously started to impact upon his ability to make a living, so much that he has refused to go into the area to pick up and drop off fares as in his words "I would get stuck going in and stuck going out, its just not worth it". 

Another lady told us how she used to make regular trips into the area to visit the local farm shops, sadly due to the work being carried out she no longer can justify sitting in traffic jams and so has been sadly forced to shop elsewhere, she states that "I really feel for the people who are relying on out of area customers, the area has always been congested but in recent years its has all just become too much" she added "It is no wonder the people of I&C are at breaking point, its also totally irresponsible of both Peel and Salford Council to be leaving them in limbo with nothing looking set to change until after it has been heard in court, by which time it will be too late for many businesses".

In my view this meeting achieved nothing in the way of assuring local people that this would soon be over, talk of court action and a seemingly inability to accept that the matter of operational costs should have all been put down onto paper from the onset, it has done little to encourage those affected that the situation is under control.

As I packed up and made my exit the words of one elderly gentlemen pretty much summed up the whole night.

"A lot of hullabaloo, spin and shirking of responsibility, but as usual us lost souls in I&C are still left in the dark."

On a final note I wish to say a huge thank you to those who attended, their behavior was impeccable under the circumstances, it did get a little rowdy at one point but the people wanted to get their views across and have their say. The chair of the meeting wanted people to only speak when they had hold of the mic, sadly in reality the meeting would have gone on far far longer if that were the case as there was only one properly functioning mic for both the speakers and the public and it was being passed back and throw. On the whole it was a very well behaved meeting.

I also wish to thank the chair and committee members for making us welcome and allowing us to live stream. 

As hundreds are expected to fill a local council meeting in Irlam this evening, Paul Dennett issues at statement explaining the current situation with regards to situation with the new lifting bridge in Barton.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“I totally sympathise with local residents and commuters. It has been an incredibly frustrating time for them and it is totally unacceptable that Peel have still given us no date for opening of the bridge

“I’d like to reassure residents that the matter is our highest priority and we are using all our available resources to get the new road and bridge open as swiftly as possible.

“The council’s most senior officers and politicians are meeting daily to seek an urgent resolution and we are also working very closely with Trafford Borough Council.”

 

The works on the A57 were formally approved in August 2009 for the development of Port Salford and have taken longer than anticipated due the collapse of the lifting bridge and the contractor getting approval from Highways England.The City Mayor continued: 

Quote

 

“We have used our legal powers around highways, restricting hours of works and using traffic management as much as possible, while enabling works to continue. But residents have still felt a massive impact.

“The network will only work as designed when the new road and bridge are open and at the moment we do not have a date for its opening. We are expecting Peel to open and operate the bridge as soon as it is complete and are working hard to achieve that.

“I’d also like to quash any rumours about plans to change access to junction 11 of the M60. Detailed plans would need to be submitted and there is no prospect of this happening in the near future.

“Please be assured, Salford City Council wants this bridge to be opened imminently and is doing everything possible to make this happen.”  

 

Three men smashed through an elderly couple’s patio door before one robber held them in their bathroom whilst the other two men ransacked their home. 

A quantity of cash and sentimental Chinese jewellery was stolen and a significant amount of damage was caused to the property. 

The stolen jewellery included a pair of peony flower Chinese gold earrings, square-cute diamond white gold earrings, white gold and white freshwater pear earrings and a man’s Chinese yellow gold necklace. 

The victims fortunately weren’t injured. 

Detective Constable Jim Wakeley, of GMP’s Salford borough, said:

Quote

“I am truly horrified at how this elderly couple were victimised in their own home, the place they should feel safe. 

“Thankfully the victims weren’t injured but they have been left extremely shaken by this and I would like to appeal to anyone that may have any information that could assist our investigation to please come forward. 

“The jewellery that was stolen is of huge sentimental value to the couple and we are working hard to recover it for them. It is very distinctive looking and I would urge anyone that happens to come in to contact with any jewellery that they believe could be connected to this incident to please get in touch. 

“I would also ask anyone who saw people acting suspiciously in the area around the time of the robbery to please get in touch.” 

Anyone with any information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 1976 of 30.10.17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

 

Shortly after 8.30pm on Tuesday 28 November 2017, police were called to reports of an assault on Rodney Street. 

The 33-year-old victim was arriving at his home when he was dragged from his car by one or two offenders who began attacking him with a machete. 

After repeatedly striking the man with the weapon, the offenders have then fled from the scene. 

The man was taken to hospital for treatment of his extensive injuries, where he remains in a serious condition. 

Detective Inspector Mark Toker of GMP’s Salford borough, said:

Quote

“This was a brutal and sustained attack on a man who was returning home after a long day. 

“I cannot imagine how terrified he must have been when he was dragged from the security of his own car and repeatedly attacked by these offenders. 

“Their decision to flee from the scene means that we need the public’s help to identify who these people are and understand how this assault could have happened. 

“If you were around Rodney Street at this time last night, or know anything that could help with our investigation, please get in touch.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2019 of 28/11/17. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Shortly after 2.30pm police were called to a property on Liverpool Road to a report of concern for the welfare of a man.

Emergency services attended but sadly the man died.

There were reports by members of the public on social media that he had been involved in a stabbing but this has been dismissed by GMP.

Enquiries are ongoing.

The Salford-based housing association has supported community clean-ups on the Whit Lane Estate in Charlestown and around Duchy Road, which saw residents come together to clear their neighbourhoods of old furniture, dumped rubbish and fly-tipped waste.

In Duchy, more than 20 local children rolled up their sleeves and lent a hand, clearing two tonnes of waste from the area.

Mick Walsh, Salix Homes’ neighbourhood manager for Duchy, Kersal and Langworthy, said:

Quote

“It was great to see so many kids getting involved with the clean-up session. The dedication they showed to the community was really heartening and demonstrated a strong understanding of the importance of maintaining a clean community environment.”

The children were rewarded for their hard work and enthusiasm with some fruit bags donated by McDonalds.

Over in Charlestown, residents and Salix Homes staff joined forces to clear two-and-a-half tonnes of rubbish, leaves and debris from the Whit Lane estate.Mick added:

Quote

 

“A big thank you to all who came down and gave up their valuable time to support the community. The area is looking better than ever and it’s great to see residents taking such pride in their communities.

“Beyond the clear health and environmental benefits associated with keeping an area tidy, doing so can also help keep community relations strong and create a sense of belonging.”

 

The clean-ups were funded thanks to a £200 boost from Salix Homes Springboard grant, which provides funding for local projects and initiatives that improve the environment, boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing or reduce isolation.

Since launching Springboard this summer, Salix Homes, which owns more than 8,300 properties in Salford, has donated almost £30,000 to dozens of local causes.