John Carson passed away at Salford Royal Hospital on Wednesday 27 September 2017 aged 53.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about John Carson or his family is asked to contact the Police Coroners Office on 0161 856 5496.

On Wednesday 27 September 2017 officers made arrests, as part of Operation Legend which is an ongoing investigation into drug supply. 

The following have been charged: 

Michael O’Leary (10/12/1967) Adelaide Street, Swinton has been charged with conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. 

Jordan Roberts (01/05/1992) of Bradburn Grove, Eccles has been charged with conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and production of cannabis. 

Alan McNally (20/10/1987) of Overdale, Swinton has been charged with conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and acquiring criminal property. 

Adam Ward (12/11/1987) of Mitchell Street, Eccles has been charged with conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. 

Jason Wilson (16/06/1970) of Barton Road, Eccles has been charged with conspiracy to supply a Class A drug, possession of a Class A drug and production of cannabis. 

Robert Foxen (12/12/1987) of Rocky Lane, Eccles has been charged with conspiracy to supply a Class A drug. 

Andrew Booth (10/10/1983) of Sandy Lane, Prestwich has been charged with conspiracy to supply a Class A drug and possession with intent to supply cocaine. 

Christopher Booth (24/01/1992) of Sandy Lane, Prestwich has been charged with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs. 

They all remain in custody and are due to appear on Thursday 26 October 2017 at Manchester Crown Court. 

On Wednesday 27 September 2017 GMP officers searched houses in Swinton, Eccles and Prestwich as part of an investigation into the large scale supply of controlled drugs in Manchester. 

Salford City Council has commissioned a public consultation which will play a major role in re-shaping the city’s homelessness strategy. 

City Mayor Paul Dennett wants local residents to have their say.Mayor Dennett said:

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“Since 2013, Salford Council has worked hard to tackle the issue of homelessness.

“We’ve worked with partner organisations to improve early intervention and support for vulnerable people  which has kept over 1600 people from losing their homes since 2013. We’ve also kept 12 housing options advisors in post despite horrific cuts to our government funding.

“We have almost halved the number of empty homes across the city bringing over 3000 back into use as homes of various types. This includes developing an innovative lease and repair scheme with social landlords which has  turned  140 empty unused properties  into  affordable, well managed homes with another 85 in the pipeline.

“We are also working to maintain and drive up standards in the private rented sector with landlord licensing schemes covering 2,800 homes.”

 

Salford’s current strategy Prevention, Protection, and Place Matters covers the period from 2013 to 2018. The new strategy and delivery plan, which will be published in April next year, will cover from 2018 to 2023.

Under the Homelessness Act 2002, every council by law must set out how it will prevent, reduce and tackle the causes of homelessness and provide appropriate housing and support for people who are homeless. The strategy must be reviewed every five years.

The government has recently implemented the Homelessness Reduction Act, reassessing the statutory duties of local authorities in dealing with this issue, protecting residents at risk of being made homeless.

City Mayor Paul Dennett, who has made tackling homelessness and poverty key priorities, said: 

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“Homeless is a national problem made worse by government cuts to local authority budgets. It is something which we as a council cannot tackle alone.

“However, there are always improvements we can make and I welcome any practical ideas and suggestions for the local authority to adopt.”

 

Comments must be received by Monday October 16:

www.salford.gov.uk/housing/homelessness/homelessness-strategy-2018-to-2023-consultation/

Shortly after 5.15pm on Wednesday 16 August 2017, police were called to a post office on Westwood Park, Worsley Road to reports of an armed robbery.

Two armed men wearing balaclavas entered the post office and tried to force their way in to the locked cashier office where a member of staff was.

Unable to gain entry, one offender threatened a second member of staff with a crowbar if the locked office wasn’t opened. 

After several failed attempts to gain entry to the office, the duo fled empty-handed in a silver Vauxhall Omega estate in the direction of Blantyre Street.

The vehicle was later recovered on Ridgeyard Street after being set on fire.

Police have released CCTV footage of the incident and are appealing for anyone who may have any information.

Detective Constable Danielle McCafferty, of GMP’s Salford borough, said: “No-one should be put through such a terrifying ordeal, particularly in their place of work.

“Thankfully the two members of staff were not injured and I commend their bravery during what would have been a horrifying experience.

“These men also burnt their escape car in an attempt to destroy evidence and this act could have also led to serious consequences.

“I appreciate this happened almost two months ago but if you remember seeing anything in the area at the time of the robbery, or have any information about it that could help our investigation then please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting incident number 1525 of 16/08/17 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Shortly after 2.20am on Sunday 25 June 2017, police were called to reports of a rape on Granby Row in Manchester.

Two male passers-by intervened and the offender ran away.

The 18-year-old victim, who was with her friend at the time, had been approached by two men on Chorlton Street.

These men had walked with them to Granby Row, where the incident took place.

Further enquiries have established that the second woman, aged 18, was sexually assaulted by the other man.

Police have released CCTV images of two men they wish to speak to in connection with this incident.

Detective Constable Emma Cyprien of GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “Our investigation into this incredibly distressing attack, is still ongoing.

“We have released these imagines in the hope that someone recognises the men from their distinctive style, and can come forward and aid with our enquiries.

“This happened after a busy Saturday night in Manchester, and I’d ask anyone who was in the nearby area at the time to share any details with us, no matter how small.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1911 or 101, quoting incident number 358 of 25/06/17. You can also get in touch through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bridget McKeown, 88, was found deceased at her home address on Monday 2 October 2017. 

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. 

Bridget is believed to have been born in Canada before moving to the UK and was a musician before retiring. 

Anybody with information that could help find her next of kin is asked to contact the South Manchester Police Coroners HUB on 0161 856 9677. 


 

We have been updated by GMP that Terrance has now been found safe and well. Thanks for sharing.

Terence is described as around 5ft 7, of slim build, with a full head of straight grey hair. He was wearing a white polo shirt with a horizontal stripe across the sleeve, dark pants and white and red Airwalk trainers which are too big for him and make him walk with an awkward gait.

Despite his age Terence is still fairly fit and agile and may be out on foot, walking in the local area. He also has links to the Salford and Little Hulton areas.

If anyone sees, or has seen a man fitting Terence’s description please call police on 101 quoting log number 1932 of 30/09/17 or reference MP/ 17/0110098.

The three-year project will support more than a thousand eight-to-24-year-olds through the Big Lottery Fund’s Reaching Communities programme in a bid to improve coordination of youth services in Salford and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour by providing ongoing opportunities to keep young people engaged with the local community.

The Youth Alliance (YA) is made up of many organisations including Salford Community Leisure, Salford Council and Oasis Hub MediacityUK plus housing associations (Salix Homes, City West Housing Trust, Great Places and Pendleton Together), youth organisations (Salford Lads and Girls Club, St Clements Church, Manchester United Foundation, Rio Ferdinand Foundation) and other community organisations.

The Alliance will offer opportunities that will improve people’s confidence, raise aspirations and provide skills and experience. The organisation will streamline youth services, which will create a joined-up service, bringing all parties together to deliver maximum benefits to young people.

Those accessing the service will go through a seamless process whereby they can progress from one age-related activity to the next via a leadership track. They will be able to participate in volunteering, training and placements across different organisations building up accreditations for their CVs.

The participants will also be able to take advantage of peer support, leadership development and support for enterprise, which will improve their employability and encourage them to become role models for other local youngsters.

Two full time posts have been made possible including a Youth Alliance Coordinator who will organise, promote and manage the Alliance and a Volunteer Development Officer who will recruit, manage and develop volunteers working with partner organisations and the community.

Back row: Millie Zimmerman (12), Lewis Gregory (17), David Flitcroft (14) and Bobbie Adams (16)  Jayden West (8), Tim Rumley of Salford Council children’s services, Cheryl Kennan of Salford Community Leisure, Jessica Williams (9), Aime Flitcroft (10), Macey Keenan (6) and George Taylor (8).

Cheryl Keenan, assistant sport and leisure manager for Salford Community Leisure, who applied for the Big Lottery funding, said:

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“I’m delighted that we’ve secured this much-needed cash injection for the young people of Salford. Delivering youth services isn't new or innovative but the Youth Alliance will offer a new, joined-up and more sustainable model of delivering youth services. We’re proud to have helped more than 10,000 young people through the SAYO/SPARKY Project in the last 17 years and look forward to working with many more through the new scheme.”

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

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“We are very excited about this project which gives young people the chance to experience, volunteering, training, placements, apprenticeships and become young ambassadors and role models for other young people. It will help them play a major role in their local community and give something back to Salford for the benefit of others.”

The grant will also fund the SAYO/SPARKY Project for a further three years continuing to provide fun, sporty activities and free and heavily subsidised school holiday, after school and evening activities for children aged 4-15 in Salford.

A Salford street saw scenes of armed police carrying out a raid on the premises of a man wanted on suspicion of drug offences yesterday mid-morning.

Police from the Armed Response Unit along with police dogs were out in force as they attempted to carry out the raid and apprehend the man.

Meanwhile on Eccles New Road an Armed Response Vehicle was apparently rammed by a Volkswagen Golf, bringing disruption to the tram network on the Eccles line. 

People using the trams were forced to use alternative bus routes.

We are currently awaiting an update from GMP regarding this incident.

Image is stock footage of the area: Google

Jeannie Angela Doree Hamilton, (18/06/59), died at her home on Beech Court on 27 September 2017. 

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 4687. 

At around 3.45pm on Wednesday 27 September 2017, police were called to reports of an attempted abduction on Castleway in Clifton.

Officers attended and found that a 10 year-old boy had been walking on the road when he was grabbed by a man from behind who forced him down an alley and onto nearby wasteland.

Thankfully the boy managed to escape and returned to his home.

The offender is described as a black man, around 6ft4 tall, in his late twenties.

Police have launched a full investigation to establish the circumstances around this incident.

Detective Inspector Joe Clarke of GMP’s Salford Borough, said:

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“People in the area will understandably be concerned that this has happened to a young boy.

“We have a team of officers carrying out a number of enquiries and have increased patrols in the area, please talk to them if you have any concerns.

“It was a busy time of day, so I’m really appealing for anyone who heard a disturbance at this time, or saw something that stood out from the norm, to get in touch and help our investigation.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8361 or 101, quoting incident number 1497 of 27/09/17. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Awards, in partnership with Salford Community Leisure, recognises the sporting achievements and the hard work and dedication of voluntary sports clubs and individuals across the city in all sports including football, rugby, athletics, swimming and more.

The event was hosted by BBC Radio Manchester’s Phil Trow and guest speaker, former European, Commonwealth & British Light Middleweight Boxing Champion, Jamie Moore, who both brought their energy and passion to the 120 guests.

88-year-old Don Donohue, who was born in Eccles, won a Changing Lifestyle Award. He did not do any physical activity before being referred to the city’s Postural Support Services following a fall two years ago. He is now a volunteer and helps inspires others, enjoying much improved fitness and balance. Don said: “I am very fortunate to have found this service and I enjoy encouraging others to get active in the community.”

15-year-old Jack Sheffield won the Disabled Sports Achiever award. As part of City of Salford Swimming Club, Jack, who has ADHD and Autism, gets up at 5am every day to train despite being on medication. He qualified for the National Summer Championships this year often competing with swimmers several years older than him always coming in the top 20.

Jack’s mum Pauling Curley, said:

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“Jack is delighted to win this award and has made us all very proud. He doesn’t let his ADHD and autism hold him back and has adored swimming since he was three.”

Nick Hird from IPRO Drinks with swimmer Jack Sheffield and boxer Jamie Moore

Speaker Jamie Moore, aged 38 and from Walkden, inspired the attendees with stories about his rise to success and his hopes for boxing and local young people in the local community.

Jaime Moore, said:

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“Grass-root sports is essential in creating the stars of the future, and coaches and helpers in the clubs are equally as important in the development and progress of those young people, to help them improve as individuals and achieve their goals.”

Paul Thomas, Club Development Officer at Salford Community Leisure, which runs the Salford Sports Network, said:

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“Sport is an essential part of any community and it enables communities to come together, building community spirit and promoting health and fitness.

“This year’s Salford Sports Awards has been biggest event yet and we are delighted with record numbers of nominations. “

 

This year there were three new awards and in total 14 people won 14 awards from over 30 nominations.

Irlam Endowed School won the Primary School Award and will go on to represent Salford in The Greater Manchester Sports Awards in November. Salford Mets won Club of the Year.

The winners of the Salford Sports Network Awards 2016/17 are:

Coach of the Year – Jack Carney – Salford Mets AC

(Jack is a very passionate coach and mentor and he’s instigated various sports initiatives and is well respected within his field. He works with schools, clubs and obesity awareness groups, chairing groups and working with GPs to highlight the benefits of health and fitness).

Volunteer of the Year – Ged McDermott – Salford Mets AC

Unsung Hero – Linda Guy – Cadishead Rhinos ARLFC

Sports Achiever – Liam Byrne – Cadishead Rhinos ARLFC

Disabled Sports Achiever – Jack Sheffield – City of Salford Swimming Club

Special Recognition Award – Richard Green – Roe Green CC

(Richard has dedicated 50 years to Roe Green Cricket Club managing teams and coaching people in the community).

Primary School Award – Irlam Endowed Primary School

Secondary School Award – Oakwood Academy

(Oakwood Academy is committed to providing the highest quality PE and school sport curriculum. This process involved vigorous planning, monitoring and evaluation management systems that promote the highest standards of opportunities for all the young people at the school; as a special needs school this is paramount to the school’s ethos).

Junior Team of the Year – City of Salford Swimming Club Junior Team

(The City of Salford Junior Team was crowned Age Group Top Club at the Lancashire County Championships for the fifth consecutive time, 2013, 14, 15, 16 and 2017 - something that no other team in the North West has ever achieved. At the National Championships in 2016 the team came 2nd in the Top Club Championships in England, our swimmers gaining 13 medals from eight different swimmers at this National meet which was a truly remarkable achievement by all concerned. This shows the strength and depth that our junior programme has at present.)

Senior Team of the Year – Irlam FC

(The team completed an unprecedented treble this season, winning the Cheshire premier Division league title, The Cheshire Premier League cup and the Cheshire u21’s League Challenge cup. The club have established strong links with the 6th form college at irlam & cadishead High school to recruit players, and are one of the few clubs in the area to have a u21 team, making the transition from youth to adult football).

Changing Lifestyle Award – Don Donohue

(86-year-old Do did not do any physical activity before being referred to the Postural Support Services following a fall two years ago. He is now a volunteer and helps inspires others; enjoying much improved fitness and balance).

 Club of the Year – Winner – Salford Mets AC

Main Photo : A L-R Mike Melling from sponsors Pelican Rouge with Don Donohue and Jamie Moore.

Story Supplied By Alison Short - Consultant - PR, Social & Communications

Shortly after 8.50am on Tuesday 26 September 2017, police received a report that a 17-year-old boy had been stabbed at a bus stop on Chorley Road.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and, after consultation with the CPS, he has been bailed until 24 October 2017, pending further enquiries. 

The 17-year-old boy who was stabbed remains in hospital in a stable condition. 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police as soon as possible on 101 quoting incident number 463 26/09/17 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Today (Wednesday 27 September 2017) GMP officers searched ten houses in Swinton, Eccles and Prestwich as part of an investigation into the large scale supply of controlled drugs in Manchester. 

Code-named Operation Legend, over £130,000 worth of drugs were seized today as part of the ongoing investigation, which has recovered £3million worth of drugs in total. 

The operation has been carried out by officers from the Serious and Organised Crime Group who are committed to tackling organised crime in Greater Manchester. 

A total of eight men were arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A controlled drugs.

Detective Chief Inspector Gwyn Dodd of GMP’s Salford division, said:

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“Over the past few months, we have had a dedicated team working through intelligence to uncover the source of these controlled substances. 

“Our team are committed to preventing people using Class A drugs and a big part of this is to stop those who supply the controlled substances themselves. 

“Our investigation into these controlled substances continues, as we seek out people who supply drugs across Greater Manchester.

“Please continue to report anything suspicious to police and make sure that people who benefit from supplying these dangerous substances are stopped.”

 

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

The brave men and women who run towards danger to save lives are increasingly coming under attack with an incident last Wednesday seeing youths launching bottles at Crews.

It was at 5.56pm on Wednesday, September 20, when crews from Salford were attacked, having been surrounded by 10 to 15 youths in Ordsall Park, Salford, three of whom became aggressive.

Missiles and fireworks were thrown at firefighters but luckily caused no injuries and didn’t damage any fire service equipment. The crew were able to make it safely back to their fire engine before leaving the incident.

Later that evening, another, unrelated attack occurred. At 9.49pm firefighters from Leigh responded to an emergency call in Westbourne Avenue but on arrival there was no emergency and the crew was met by another group of youths, who were again using fireworks to attack the fire engine.

Once firefighters had established there was no fire and the call had been malicious they found the road had been blocked by the group, with wheelie bins blocking their exit.

Area Manager Paul Etches, GMFRS’ Head of Prevention, said:

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“During 2017 we have seen a substantial increase in attacks on firefighters whilst attending emergency incidents and protecting the public of Greater Manchester.

“The use of fireworks in these recent events is an extremely dangerous escalation and we will be working with partners to examine where these are currently being purchased.

“Premises are generally only licensed to sell fireworks between October 15 and November 10 and anyone selling outside this period are liable to prosecution.”

 

The attacks have a wider effect on the community, occupying the time of valuable resources that may be needed elsewhere and potentially putting lives at risk.

Beverley Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, said:
 

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“These attacks not only affect the firefighters mentally and physically but they can also have a really negative impact on the community.

“This type of hostile action takes up valuable time and resources that might be needed at serious incidents elsewhere – it is totally unacceptable and we will pursue anyone making those malicious and dangerous calls.”

 

Police were called to a report of a stabbing that had happened on Chorley Road in Swinton. 

At 9am police were called to a school on Sefton Road in Pendlebury, after two boys tried to gain entry to the school. At the school officers discovered there was a boy in possession of a knife. 

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder. 

A 17-year-old boy was taken to hospital to be treated for stab wounds.

Detectives are investigating and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. 

Chief Inspector Glenn Jones of GMP’s Salford Borough said:

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“Sadly a teenager has been stabbed today, and it is only fortunate that his injuries are not considered to be life-threatening. 

“I know that this news will cause concern to people living in the area, particularly people with children at the school, and I want to assure you that we are working with the school and have launched a full investigation.   

“If you witnessed the stabbing, or have any information that might help our investigation, I urge you to get in touch with police.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 463 26/09/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Photo courtesy of Gillian Mahon

The legendary actress who played much loved street favourite Vera Duckworth for over 30 years sadly passed away surrounded by her family at her home on Monday night.

A statement from the family of Liz Dawn

We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn.

Liz died peacefully last night at home with her loving family around her.

She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing.

A statement from Coronation Street

It is with the greatest sadness that we have learned our beloved Liz Dawn has passed away last night. Her family at Coronation Street are heartbroken.

We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this very sad time to Liz’s devoted husband Don, her loving children Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie, their families and her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives, as she was such a kind, considerate and caring friend and colleague. As Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth for 34 years, Liz brought so much joy and happiness to so many. She was a wonderful actress who will forever be a true Coronation Street legend.

On behalf of ITV and the programme Coronation Street’s Executive Producer, Kieran Roberts said:

"Liz Dawn was a true Coronation Street legend, a brilliant actor and a wonderful person. Everyone lucky enough to have worked with Liz during her thirty-four years playing Corrie icon Vera Duckworth will remember her with huge affection."

In mid-2004, Dawn was diagnosed with the incurable lung disease emphysema. On 22 July 2007, Granada Television (makers of Coronation Street) announced that Dawn was to be written out – at her own request – before Christmas, because of further complications with the disease.

Vera was a much loved character on the show set in the fictional town of Weatherfield, which was based on the backstreet terraces of Salford, she stared alongside long suffering on screen husband Jack (Bill Tarmey) who sadly passed in November 2012. the pair had what could be described as a wild and stormy relationship filled with fun and laughter and a bit of drama thrown in for good measure.

The on screen husband and wife shared the screen for over three decades, and are were the nations favourite publicans when they took over the running of the soaps local pub, the Rovers Return.

Liz played the role until 2008, when an episode featuring Vera's death attracted more than 12 million viewers.

Actresses like her come once in a generation and she will be sadly missed by all.