The Department for Communities and Local Government has now informed Salford City Council that the cladding and insulation system used at the nine Pendleton blocks has failed their latest tests.

Works have been carefully taking place to remove the aluminium composite material cladding in Pendleton since 23 June.

Deputy Mayor Councillor John Merry said:

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 “I cannot emphasise enough that the priority for the council is the safety of our residents.

“We had prepared in advance for the test results and Pendleton Together, which is  responsible for managing the Pendleton blocks, is already undertaking works to remove and replace the cladding system. We are focusing on doing what it takes to make the buildings safe and decisive steps have been taken to progress a permanent solution.

“Residents need and deserve this reassurance. We are fully committed to ensuring that our buildings meet the highest standards, continuing the commitment to develop a vibrant, attractive neighbourhood.

 “Until the permanent solution is confirmed, the insulation is being protected from the weather with cement boards. This is a temporary measure recommended by technical advisors.

"Testing has been arranged in August to ensure that the permanent replacement meets the necessary safety standards.

"In the meantime, we will continue to work closely with Pendleton Together and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and will implement any further measures recommended in respect of fire safety. We will also respond to any recommendations that emerge from the Grenfell Tower investigation.”

 

Steve Close, Chief Executive of Together Housing (parent company of Pendleton Together), said: 

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“We are testing alternative solutions to the current cladding and insulation system.

"As soon as this has been completed we will act quickly in carrying out remedial works to each block. We have put additional fire safety measures in place and continue to communicate with all residents on a weekly basis, keeping them up to date on fire safety related matters. The safety of our residents remains our absolute priority.

“Residents are encouraged to contact us with any queries via our dedicated email address at firesafety@pendletontogether.co.uk or via social media such as Twitter or Facebook. Or residents can call us on 0300 555 5567 or visit our office on Loganberry Avenue.”

 

Pendleton Together is regularly updating residents on the progress and safety measures that have been put in place. As precautionary safeguards additional steps have been taken to ensure tenant safety whilst this essential work continues.

This includes 24/7 fire marshal patrols who monitor the internal and external areas of all the nine blocks to identify any hazards and take relevant action immediately. 

An updated fire safety policy which changed the ‘Stay Put’ policy to an evacuation procedure in the event of fire.

Increased contact with vulnerable residents and joint home visits with GMFRS.

Equipping fire marshals with sirens to raise the alarm if required in the event of fire and works to make alarms audible.

A series of continuing checks within flats and communal areas – all repairs identified are being actioned.

Daily refuse collections and regular letters and drop-ins for residents to provide information with personal appointments available to anyone who needs them.

At 11.10pm on Thursday 20 July 2017, police were called to Royton Avenue to reports that a man had been stabbed. 

Officers attended and found a 34-year-old man with a stab wound to his neck. 

First aid was administered by officers at the scene before he was taken to hospital where he sadly later died as a result of his wounds. 

A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been bailed (Saturday 22 July 2017) pending further enquiries.

In a touching tribute his mother Janet and his sister Emma have released the following statements.

His mother, Janet Grimshaw, said:

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"My son, Mike, was the most caring, patient and gentle person. A rock not only to his family, but to his many friends. He adored his daughter Erin and cherished the time spent with her. 

“I cannot put into words how much my heart is broken and the sorrow I feel for his daughter, sister, niece, nephew, partner and her family, my extended family and all who knew him. He will be greatly missed." 

 

His sister, Emma Grimshaw, said:

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"Our hearts are heavy with the loss of my amazing brother and fantastic uncle to my heartbroken children. 

“Mike has been my rock since the loss of my dad and I cannot imagine how life is going to be without him, he filled our lives with love and laughter and I am so proud to be able to say that he was my brother.   

“I cannot find the words to explain how much he means to me but there will not be a day that goes by that he will not be missed."   

 

Anyone with information should contact 0161 856 777 quoting reference number 2327 of 20/07/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 
 

A cyclist was riding along Wheaters Street before turning onto Harrison Street when it was involved in a collision with a small silver car, which was reportedly driving at speed. 

The car then left the scene, turning left onto Great Clowes Street. 

The cyclist, a 53-year-old man, was taken to hospital where he requires treatment for serious head injuries. 

Detective Inspector Damian Simpson of GMP’s Salford Borough, said:

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“I’m particularly interested in speaking to anyone who was on Harrison Street at the time of the report, either as a motorist or a pedestrian. 

“Similarly, if you saw the small silver car driving in the area around that time, please get in touch. It was a busy period of time so there may be dashcam footage that would help us piece together the events before and after the collision, as well as identifying anyone we could speak to in connection with the incident. 

“We believe there were three people in the car at the time of the collision. If you were in that car, I’d urge you to contact me now. This collision has left a man in hospital with serious injuries, some of which he may not recover from for a long time.”   

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5360 quoting reference 1255 of 25/07/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.   

Operation Kersey was launched following reports of sexual abuse and rape, which occurred in the 1970's at two Fosters Menswear stores in Salford and Ashton Under Lyne, both have since closed down.

We are currently in the process of speaking to victims in person and providing them with specialist support.

An 80-year-old man has been interviewed under caution and the investigation is ongoing.

Detective Constable Gary McCarthy of GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said:

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“Our team is working hard to uncover the full extent of this historical sex abuse.

“We understand that reporting traumatic events can be extremely difficult, but I want to reassure anyone who is thinking about coming forward that we will be there to support them.

“I would also like to praise the bravery of those who have already come forward.

“Greater Manchester Police takes allegations of abuse very seriously and continues to do so. We are appealing for anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse to get in contact and call police on 101 as soon as possible.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1486, 101, or anonymously through the independent charity Crimstoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quay House, formerly the old Employment Services Centre on Trafford Road in Ordsall, has been transformed into a modern apartment block thanks to housing association Salix Homes, development company Endeavour and Salford Council’s Empty Homes Team.

The building has been completely rejuvenated and modernised, providing much-needed affordable one and two bedroom homes in Salford.

Councillor Paul Longshaw, Salford City Council’s lead member for housing and neighbourhoods, said: 

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“It is a crying shame to see buildings in Salford that should be lived in but instead are lying empty, so it’s great to see Quay House back in use for local people.

“Reducing the number of empty homes and properties is very important to us and we've had a real hard push over the years to put this right and will continue to do so through our Empty Homes Team and partners. Almost one home a day has been brought back to life over the past six years in Salford.”

 

The building has stood empty since it was targeted during the infamous Salford summer riots in 1992 when several council and government buildings were left damaged.

The building is now owned by Manchester-based development company Endeavour, and Salix Living – the private sector leasing arm of Salix Homes – will be leasing and managing the new homes.

Edward Sawford, Salix Living and leasehold services manager at Salix Homes, said:

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“There are currently 7,000 people on the housing waiting list in Salford, so not only has a landmark building been brought back into use, but we’re also providing much-needed affordable homes for local people.

“Everyone deserves to live in a home that they can afford and the housing sector needs to think smarter and look at bringing more empty properties, like Quay House, back into use and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure empty properties across Salford can be transformed to provide decent homes.”

 

Jonathan Gwynne and Stephen Gray, owners of Endeavour, have plans for around 1,000 new homes in Salford. They added:

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"We’re delighted to complete a challenging project with financial support from Salford City Council and the support of Salix Living, which will be managing the building’s day-to-day business.

“These homes are to a high-quality standard at affordable rent in an amazing location and I’m sure it won’t be long before they are all occupied.”

 

The project was partially funded through Empty Homes Funding from the Homes and Communities Agency.

If you’re interested in leasing one of the apartments at Quay House, contact Salix Living on 0800 218 200 or go to www.salixliving.org

There are few in this City that don't know the name Paul Massey, a well known figure in Salford dubbed 'Mr Big' by the late Salford councillor Joe Burrows in a 1992 town hall meeting discussing public disturbances. A moniker he claimed to hate and something he strongly denied involvement in.

Massey would later go on to run for the position of Elected Mayor in 2012 against Ian Stewart, during his unsuccessful campaign he insisted that he didn't want to be known as Mr Big saying 'People have got me wrong.'

No matter what, he was a man who divided opinion, you either loved him or didn't, however few would deny his love for his home City and some would go further to claim that Paul's influence kept the shady Salford underworld in check. It could be argued they were right as shortly after his death the City was gripped by reprisal attacks as GMP linked two shootings with his death and believe they were connected to a feud between two rival gangs in the Swinton and central Salford areas.

Paul had previously survived an attempt on his life by a man armed with a machine gun, after issuing a public warning, saying: 'I pity the bastard who did it'.

He spoke in an unaired BBC documentary filmed in 1998:

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"The only reason that's kept me alive today is because the person who fires that shot knows that they've got to fly the flag and handle the pressure after it... and they won't be able to handle the pressure."

 

No stranger to danger, his Family had received notification of an Osman warning (or threat to life warning) around six weeks previous to the incident at 7.30pm on Sunday 26 July 2015, whereupon 55-year-old Paul Massey was shot at again, this time five times outside his home on Manchester Road in Clifton which unfortunately resulted in the father of five being fatally wounded.

A Home Office post-mortem concluded that Paul died from a gunshot wound to the chest.

Investigators believe it was part of an ongoing feud between organised crime groups in Salford and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry.

Police have now launched a further appeal for information on the third anniversary of Paul’s death. A £50,000 reward is still on offer for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

The offender has been described as white and of slim build and was wearing a hat, possibly fisherman style, a face covering, a green or khaki long-sleeved top and combat style trousers tucked into black, lace-up boots. He was carrying a black gun described as a sub machine gun style weapon.

Witnesses describe the offender coming from the direction of the Clifton Community Centre directly across Manchester Road from Paul’s house. He fired a series of shots and then walked back towards the centre’s car park and was last seen walking in the direction of the side alleyway between this and St Anne’s Church. This alleyway leads out onto an open area leading to Clifton Country Park.

There was also a potentially important sighting two days before the shooting.

Police are appealing for information about a man who was seen at 7pm on Friday 24 July, in Clifton Country Park sat in, what is described as, a white Renault Kangoo van.

He is described as white, in his late thirties to early forties, about 5ft 10in tall and was wearing a black hat, jacket, camouflage trousers and carrying a torch and a gun described as being the same style as an Uzi. Detectives urge him to come forward.

Detective Superintendent Howard Millington, the Senior Investigating Officer, said:

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“On the third anniversary of Paul Massey’s murder we are renewing our appeal for information and offering a £50,000 reward. 

“We want to bring the offender to justice and we need your help. Salford is a close-knit community and I want to reiterate that if you come forward you will have our full support. 

“If you don’t feel you can talk to police but you have information, you can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.” 

Last year family and close friends of Paul's met outside his home in Clifton, Salford to commemorate a year since what is perhaps the most high-profile murder in Salford history.

The Massey Family took time to speak to SalfordOnline and described the heartbreak of loosing a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend in such tragic of circumstances.

Niece Donna Massey said:

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“Paul wasn’t a gangster. He was a mediator. He policed the gangs in Salford.

“You know my uncle was a Salford person, he absolutely loved Salford and loved the community.

“He ran for Mayor [in 2012] because he wanted to be the voice of the community.

“He wanted the best, especially for the most deprived families in Salford.

“I hope people can remember all the good Paul did for them and please, if you know anything, please come forward.”

 

Whilst childhood friend James Blackborough said:

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“I’d known Paul since we were 10. We used to knock about together and we were always laughing.

He was a good man, a great man, one of the safest men I knew.

Signs asking for witnesses are still up on Manchester Road, 12 months on

“The things that are written about him in the media are just wrong.

“He saved a lot of lives.

“He would have been the best Mayor this city’s ever had.”

 

Our thoughts are with his family on this saddest of days, no matter what people think of Paul he was ultimately a man with a family, a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather as well as a good friend to many, who will be missed by them all.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call police on 0161 856 9775, 101, or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Councillor Derek Antrobus, lead member for planning and sustainable development, said the council’s decision to ‘go green’ was the right one – and urged businesses in the city to follow suit by joining the Carbon Literacy Project.

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“Our total carbon reduction for the council’s buildings and vehicle fleet and schools since 2007 is 13,555 tonnes – almost double the weight of the Eifel Tower,” he said.

“That saves us £1,879,389 every year on energy costs which is money that can be better used protecting frontline services.

“I hope local businesses will follow our green example – there are significant savings to be made from simple, easy changes as well as huge benefits to the planet.”

 

The biggest cost reduction came from switching from oil based heating to gas but Salford City Council has also signed up for a green car club. Employees now use the electric and low emission cars for business travel, saving money on travel costs – and the vehicles are available for the public to use outside office hours and at weekends.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett is backing the local Carbon Literacy Project and chairs a Salford consortium where businesses can share information and learn from other organisations already tackling their carbon footprint.

Find more details of the project and the next meetings at www.carbonliteracy.com  

At 11.35pm on Sunday, 23 July police were called to reports of a collision between a green Suzuki motorbike and a parked red Renault Clio and a grey BMW 320i on Bolton Road in Kearsley, Bolton. 

Police and ambulance attended and 30 year-old Ryan Davies, the rider of the motorbike, was taken to hospital where he sadly later died. 

His family said:

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“Ryan was a devoted father to his two boys, a loving husband, son and brother. He was loved by many. 

“Ryan enjoyed the freedom of his motorbike and has been taken far too soon. 

“He will be sadly missed by all of his family and all that knew him.” 

 

The family have asked that they now be given time to grieve privately.

Police Constable Edward Lister from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

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“My thoughts are with Ryan’s family, what they are going through is heart breaking. 

“We are continuing to investigate and we would still like to hear from anyone who may have any CCTV or dash-cam footage of the incident.”

 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741, alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Bridgewater – Canal, Coal and Craft, inspired by the Salford stretch of the canal featured a 20 feet long wooden boat, which took volunteers 700 hours to hand build, and giant letters spelling #FLOATIEST which were covered with hundreds of knitted squares made by local residents.  Volunteers also greeted people at the RHS Tatton Flower Show, telling them stories about the canal’s history.

Designer Tim Denton created a series of wooden arches that echo the structure of the underground mines from which coal would be brought to the surface at Worsley Delph and transported by boat along Britain’s first true canal to Manchester. And all the plants reflected the canal’s unique orange colour – due to iron oxide in the water.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, congratulated the volunteers and team from Salford City Council said:

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“This installation celebrates the uniqueness of the Bridgewater Canal in Salford. It’s an important piece of Britain’s history, the superhighway of its time and a catalyst for the Industrial Revolution, which has now softened into a  wonderful place to boat, walk, cycle and enjoy wildlife,”

“Our many volunteers  give so much time in so many different ways and I’m delighted they have won this award. Since the regeneration of the canal started volunteers have given over 5,500 hours of their time to plant trees, create flower meadows, develop a community orchard, improve paths and build benches. They make it the special place it is today.”

 

Both the boat and giant letters were created as part of Est.1761, a programme of activities to inspire and engage local communities with the story of the Bridgewater Canal in Salford as it undergoes a £5.5 million transformation with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Salford City Council.

The wooden boat was inspired by the boats used to carry coal from the flooded underground mines which were known as starvationers due to their exposed ribs. The modern tribute was built by nine local volunteers using wood felled from Worsley Delph and was launched on the canal in autumn 2016.

The four feet high knitting installation was created by dozens of local knitters, the youngest aged just seven and the oldest 93. Their first creation was the word #SWINGIEST which was on display beside the Barton Swing Aqueduct for five months earlier this year.

The informal planting, reflecting the canals change from industry to a haven for leisure, wellbeing and wildlife,  was designed by RHS Young Designer of the Year 2016 and Chelsea Gold Medal winning garden designer Caitlin McLaughlin from Thrift Landscapes.

The plants are now being re-used in local parks, and both the boat and the knitting installation will be on display at locations in Salford later this summer. 

For more info you can visit the Est 1761 website on this link.

Not really Salford News but still nonetheless it is on our border and people passing to and from work may have witnessed it. If you can help please contact police on the numbers bellow.

Police and ambulance attended and a 30 year-old man, the rider of the motorbike, was taken to hospital where he sadly later died. 

Police Constable Edward Lister from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: 

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“My thoughts are with the man’s family at this devastating time, I can’t imagine what they are going through. Our specially trained officers are supporting them. 

“As this was late at night, there were very few people around who witnessed the collision so we are appealing for anyone who may have CCTV or dash-cam footage of the incident to get in touch. 

“I want to be in a position to give the man’s family the answers they deserve.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 4741, alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 
 

Officers were quickly on the scene and established that although this was believed to be a targeted attack, it was deemed not to be a terror attack. 

A man was struck by the truck but made off from the scene in a BMW before police arrived. He was later found, however did not have any serious injuries. 

The truck chased the man in the BMW for a short time and the window of the car was smashed. 

Chief Inspector Gareth Parkin from the City of Manchester team: “When this call first came in we were obviously concerned but we quickly established that this was not terror related. 

"Thankfully there were no serious injuries, we could have been dealing with a much more serious situation. 

“We are appealing for witnesses to help us identify the driver of the truck. 

“This was the city centre and there were lots of people in the area who would have witnessed the commotion.” 

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting the reference number 2337 of 23/07/17 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

In February both Mary-Kate and Irene were making their way home, having finished a day’s work at the children's hospital.

Mary-Kate Gilmartin, 36, from Higher Blackley who works as a fundraising clerk, and Irene White, 63, from Blackley, who works as a nursing assistant, were in the Piccadilly area at around 5pm when they noticed a clearly distraught young woman acting erratically.

Concerned for her wellbeing, both Mary-Kate and Irene approached the woman and quickly intervened when she stepped into the road and was narrowly missed by a number of oncoming vehicles, including a bus.

As Mary-Kate and Irene spoke to the woman in an attempt to calm her, it became clear she had been drinking. After talking to her for some time, the woman said she had been raped. As one of the hospital workers continued to talk and reassure the woman, the other quietly rang the police.

When a police officer attended the scene the woman became extremely agitated once again and wouldn’t engage with the officer at all because he was a man. At this point the lady attempted to head-butt the glass panel of a nearby bus stop, leaving the officer no choice but to restrain her for her own safety. 

The officer decided that the best course of action would be to take the woman to Longsight Police Station, where she could be interviewed by a female C.I.D. officer and receive the appropriate assessment and support. The woman refused to cooperate unless both Mary-Kate and Irene accompanied them. 

Without hesitation they Mary-Kate and Irene decided to help and, after travelling to the police station, they stayed with her until she had been interviewed by a female officer.

Irene said: “Both Mary-Kate and I knew we could not leave this distressed girl as she was clearly a danger to herself and for me, it was the right thing to do. 

“Receiving the award came as a complete surprise and was totally unexpected. My family are very proud of me.” 

Mary-Kate added: “It was an honour to receive the award and I hope it helps people realise that there are plenty of people out there who are willing to help others and not turn a blind eye. I just hope that if it was myself or any of my friends or family in that situation, that someone would help them.”

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, who presented both Irene and Mary-Kate with their awards, said: “When most people at the end of the day just wanted to make their way home and not deal with a potential volatile situation, both Irene and Mary-Kate showed an unprecedented level of compassion in stopping and helping a vulnerable young woman who presented an imminent danger to herself.

“When the GMP officer arrived on the scene to deal with the situation, both Irene and Mary-Kate could have continued on their way, but they decided to stay.

“Their presence helped to calm the vulnerable lady and allowed officers to make the necessary enquiries and provide the appropriate care and support.”

The vulnerable female was later admitted to a psychiatric ward as a voluntary patient, where she continues to receive treatment as an outpatient.

Upon further investigation by GMP, no further action was taken into the rape allegation. 

Updated 13:34 - Police have issued an image of a T Shirt worn by the man in the hope someone will recognise it.

A Volkswagen Passat was travelling along the M61 when it was involved in a collision with a pedestrian. Just seconds later, a Toyota Avensis was also involved in a collision with the pedestrian.

Sadly, the pedestrian, a man, was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers have been carrying out extensive enquires to identify him and have now released the following description in the hope that someone recognises him. 

He is described as white, aged between 30 and 50, of slim build and around 5’8”.

He has short, neatly cut brown hair receding slightly at the temples.

He was wearing black adidas tracksuit bottoms with three white stripes down the leg and a distinctive khaki green t-shirt with a large graphic of a woman sat in a car on the front.

The tips of his left index finger, middle finger and little finger are missing which police are hoping will be a distinctive feature that can help to identify him.

Sergeant Brian Orr of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

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“We have done everything we can to try and identify this man who sadly hasn’t been reported missing to us.

“We have quite a detailed description of him which we hope someone might recognise, whether it’s a friend or a loved one.

“We are desperate to find out who this man is, trace his family and inform them of these tragic circumstances.

“If you have any information that can help identify him, I would urge you to get in touch with us.

“Anyone with any information about the collision is also encouraged to contact us.”

 

Anyone with information or dashcam footage should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting reference number 284 of 16/07/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The aim is to make it easier for people to register while reducing the amount of paperwork after the system was changed from household to individual registration in 2014.

Jim Taylor, Returning Officer for Salford, said: 

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“I’m proud that Salford is leading the way nationally and trying new ways to encourage people to register to vote.

“I hope it is much easier for our residents and they support what we are doing. But we do understand that it’s not for everyone and they may want to register through the traditional routes – so we’ll be keeping those options open.” 

 

The councils electoral services office have recently been sending out letters to all households in Salford, checking on the those eligible to register to vote, the letter needs to be responded too by the 31st of July. If your email address is registered with the council then they will send it out electronically.

The new Safer Roads Targeting Team at Greater Manchester Police will be on hand for community officers if off-road bikes are being used illegally in their area, equipped with a fleet of on and off-road bikes and unmarked cars to help catch offenders.

As well as introducing the Safer Roads Targeting Team, GMP is also launching a community ‘toolkit’, giving people information on how they can help police and other agencies tackle the issue.

The toolkit will be readily available on the GMP website to all those who need it with details on what information police and their partners need to take action against those who ride off road bikes illegally. It is designed to help tackle an issue that many say is top of the agenda for residents in some areas.

Chief Inspector Tariq Butt, who heads up GMP’s Road Policing Unit, said:

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“Off-road bikes being driven illegally are a big concern for us and also for the people of Greater Manchester.

“This new team will help us tackle the issue as effectively as we possibly can, but the toolkit we’ve put together will also enable people to help us do this – we can all take responsibility for our communities and letting the appropriate authorities know what’s happening in them. We need people to be active in looking after themselves and their neighbours and this toolkit gives people the information that they need to do this when it comes to off-road bikes.”

 

Greater Manchester Police currently works with local authorities and residents to tackle the problem of off –road bikes being used illegally. Measures include gating off areas that are used, putting up warning signs or, if the problem is persistent, ultimately seizing a bike that is used illegally, taking it off the streets for good.

The Safer Roads Targeting Team will consist of seven off road bikes based at Eccles but covering the whole of Greater Manchester. View the toolkit at www.gmp.police.uk/reporting/offroadbikes.

Peel's (Peel Investments (North) Ltd) latest application to bulldoze the greenbelt in order to build 165 new homes in Worsley has been rejected at a planning meeting held this morning and chaired by Councillor Ray Mashiter .

Council Officials, Councillors and members of the Public heard, in what seemed to be more of an appeal, why the application should be allowed from Peel's team.

Local Councillors Karen and Robin Garrido both spoke strongly in opposition of the application, whilst retired school teacher Mrs Jean Barnes gave an impassioned speech calling for a dismissal of the application which gained huge applause from the room, as too did a speech from another gentleman who challenged the validity of Peel's assertions in their application.

Peel are set to square off against Salford Council and local members of the Public as well as local campaign group RAID (Residents Against Inappropriate Development) this coming October 3rd, after it won an appeal at high court for another public enquiry into previous refusals for a development of 600 homes in the same area.

As reported twice already, the application was refused previously by both the council and again in 2015 by the then secretary of state for communities and local government, Mr Eric Pickles MP, who said that it should not be allowed to go ahead.

When you consider the importance of the ever dwindling green spaces within Salford we think Salford Council planners got this decision right.

We will keep you up to date with this as it rolls on.

For further info see our previous articles here

Thanks to Bob Goodall and Noel Gaskell for the photo and updates.

A man has been charged in connection with fraudulent use of a bank card after cards were stolen from a woman being treated for injuries during the aftermath of the Manchester Bomb attack.

Michael Popik (10/09/1992), of Rodney Street, Salford, has been charged with possession and control of a card for fraudulent use. 

There is no evidence to say that Popik took the cards but he plead guilty to having been in possession and control of the card for fraudulent use. It has not been established how and who passed the cards onto him.

He was remanded to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court today, Thursday 20 July 2017, whereupon he received a 20 week sentence for fraud, 20 weeks for possessing an article for use in fraud, and six weeks for breaches of a previously suspended prison sentence. Sentences are to run consecutively, totalling 46 weeks imprisonment.

Michael Popik was also told to pay £75 compensation to the bank.

We have added this appeal as he may have family within the Salford area due to its close proximity.

Paul lived in Northenden. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. 
 
The Police Coroner's Officer is now appealing for help to locate any of Paul’s next-of-kin.

Anyone with information should call Paul Devine Coroner's Officer on 0161 856 6496 or email paulj.devine@gmp.police.uk.