The Freedom Fund – Freedom Fibre’s community fund for good and green projects – re-opens for applications on Friday 19 May 2023. The fund is set to invest thousands of pounds in environmental projects in areas where it is rolling out its lightning-fast, full-fibre network.  

Community non-profit groups active within Freedom Fibre’s build footprint can apply for grants of between £250 and £500 to help deliver their environmental projects.  

In 2022, Freedom Fibre provided funds for a range of projects such as community orchards and gardens, solar panels and habitat improvement projects. This year, the Freedom Fund will provide thousands more for community non-profit groups located in: 

·       Atherton, Wigan 

·       Comberbach, Cheshire 

·       Culcheth, Cheshire  

·       Eccles, Salford 

·       Ellesmere Port, Cheshire  

·       Hartford, Cheshire 

·       Irlam, Salford 

·       Leigh, Wigan  

·       Newton-le-Willows, St. Helens

·       Northwich, Cheshire  

·       Stockton Heath, Cheshire 

·       Urmston, Trafford 

·       Walkden, Salford 

·       Weaverham, Cheshire 

·       Whitchurch, Shropshire 

Neil McArthur, Chief Executive Officer at Freedom Fibre, said:

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“Last year, we became England’s first alt-net to establish a community fund that supports the environmental projects in the communities where we are rolling out our network. We’re building on last year’s successes by extending our fund to reach an even broader range of community groups, and I can’t wait to see what applications we receive this time round.”  

Community non-profit groups interested in applying to the Freedom Fund can find out more and apply at www.freedomfibre.com/fund. Applications of grants between £250 and £500 can be made online and must be made before 5pm on Friday 21 July 2023.   

Residents interested in connecting to Freedom Fibre's full-fibre broadband network can register their interest at www.freedomfibre.com and the team will let you know if the network is available now or coming soon to your location. 

Plans have been submitted to Salford City Council by the English Cities Fund (ECF), for a new development consisting of 100 high quality, affordable, sustainable, one and two-bedroomed Passivhaus apartments within a part five and part six storey building, on Peru Street in the heart of Salford. The development forms part of the £2.5bn Crescent Salford regeneration, which is a collaboration between Salford City Council and Salford University.

ECF is a strategic joint venture between nationwide placemaker, Muse, Legal & General, one of the UK’s leading financial services groups and major global investor, and the government’s housing and regeneration agency, Homes England. The partnership was set up in 2001, to bring together the best of the public and private sector, to transform urban areas and create exceptional new places.

Passivhaus buildings are designed in their nature to provide a comfortable environment for residents, but importantly can reduce energy bills by up to 90%. This is achieved through a whole-building approach to efficiency, high-quality construction, which is independently tested and verified.

Peru Street will be the second collection of sustainable, affordable apartments that ECF is bringing forward, following the success of Greenhaus – another pioneering Passivhaus certified development due to complete in March 2024 – ECF’s 96-home apartment development, which is creating affordable homes for local housing association, Salix, and is part of its £1bn, 50-acre Salford Central regeneration. Both developments have been designed by renowned architects, Buttress.

The plans for Peru Street are designed to create cohesive, sustainable, and thriving communities, which:

minimise operational energy to address fuel consumption issues

promote sustainable transport with good transport connections within walking distance and storage for 100 bikes

include open-plan living areas to provide sufficient space for residents to work from home

incorporate Juliette balconies to create a connection between the internal and outside areas

include four fully accessible ground-floor apartments with nearby parking.

Joe Stockton, development manager at ECF, said:

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“Creating places that work for people and the broader environment means looking at how we bring sustainable regeneration forward. With that in mind, we must consider all the ways we can create a positive impact in the places we work. With Peru Street we’ve built on our successes and learnings through delivering Greenhaus to create even more sustainable, affordable homes for the people of Salford.

“As a business and as a partnership, we have both a responsibility and an opportunity to create future-proofed places, neighbourhoods, and communities that respond to the climate crisis. Our work at Crescent will exceed this through a holistic approach that will benefit everyone in the long term, bring people together and connect them to some of the stunning green and blue assets Salford has to offer.”

 

Commenting on the plans Alison Haigh, associate at Buttress said:

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“The scheme will reinforce the Passivhaus principles that are currently being trailblazed, at the nearby Greenhaus development which is due to complete in March 2024. Both schemes are being brought forward by ECF and will create much-needed affordable homes.  Meticulous detailing combined with exceptional build quality will ensure the scheme provides excellent levels of thermal comfort, improves health and wellbeing and addresses fuel poverty.”

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“This application is another step forward in the partnership’s bold vision for transforming Salford Crescent and creating a new district to work, live and play. The inclusion of affordable housing which also considers energy costs is crucial to tackling the national housing shortage, the cost of living crisis and climate change and this scheme supports our ambition to create more affordable homes in Salford to help local people. I will follow the progress of this application with interest.”

Vice-Chancellor at the University of Salford, Professor Helen Marshall, commented:

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“The Peru Street development is another great example of innovative regeneration work as part of the wider Crescent Masterplan to benefit Salford, the wider region and beyond. The plans for Peru Street will develop our local environment and provide vital affordable housing for our growing communities.”

Should Peru Street receive planning consent, it is anticipated to start on site early in 2024.

Salford City Council is to invest £3.6 million in providing new facilities for children who can’t attend mainstream schools.

Broadwalk Pupil Referral Unit provides education and support for secondary school age pupils who struggle to cope in mainstream schools and have been permanently excluded.

The plan is to relocate the unit to the former Clifton Green Youth Centre, which has been closed for years but is currently used for some teaching, refurbish the building and add a two-story modular extension. Work has already started.

Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, said:

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“The PRU does a fantastic job and our young people and staff deserve the best facilities to help them achieve their full potential.

“I’m delighted that this development is going ahead and I look forward to seeing young people using the new facility.”

 

Councillor Jack Youd, lead member for finance and support services, said the contract, will also benefit other young people in the city though the council’s policy of maximising social value from its spending.

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“We can get ‘social value’ by making sure any company we contract with is offering opportunities to local people and using local suppliers where possible which puts money back into Salford’s economy and means goods have less distance to travel,” he said. 

“The contractors will offer employment opportunities for Salford residents, including supporting our Build Salford scheme which provides construction industry training for young people who might otherwise struggle to get an apprenticeship.

“In addition, they will work with local schools to offer site visits, taster days and work experience to show the many different careers that construction covers and help young people with mock interviews and CV workshops.”

 

The contractors have also pledged to use materials with low environmental impact, low embodied carbon, re-usable materials and other sustainable options and minimise waste materials going to landfill.

Photo ©: Councillor Jim Cammell - Salford Labour

Police are trying to locate the next of kin of Larry Parke from Salford.

Larry, 63, sadly died at his home address in Salford on Tuesday 16 May 2023.

Officers say that there are no suspicious circumstancing surrounding his death.

Any  with any information  can contact the Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 4687.

Salford City Council (SCC) and The Lowry have announced the appointment of Darren Grice as the city’s new Director of Culture.

Mr Grice takes up the role following his time as Strategic Development Lead for Culture and Visitor Economy at Rochdale Borough Council and brings with him a wealth of experience in the cultural, charitable and civic fields. 

Prior to his current role, Mr Grice has held senior positions at Rochdale Borough Council, Your Trust Rochdale, The Garage Trust and Kings Lynn Arts Centre, as well as undertaking a wide range of voluntary and community roles.

As Director of Culture, Mr Grice will steer the cultural contribution to Salford’s growth via city-wide plans and other regional strategies, acting as an ambassador, advocate and voice for the city with particular responsibility for the delivery of an inclusive cultural offer that meets the needs of residents, visitors and businesses.

Mr Grice will take up the post from June 2023 and will report to Tom Stannard, Chief Executive of Salford City Council and Julia Fawcett OBE, Chief Executive Officer, The Lowry.

On the announcement of his appointment Mr Grice said:

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“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Salford at such an exciting time. The city has so much to offer, from a rich cultural heritage and energetic creative scene to leading organisations and creative partnerships. I am really looking forward to getting started and working with colleagues, artists and residents to help more people to be part of the city’s brilliant cultural offer.”

Julia Fawcett OBE, CEO of The Lowry, said:

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“We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Darren Grice as Salford’s new Director of Culture, leading the development of the city’s culture, heritage and arts and helping us to deliver Salford’s Cultural Strategy. We all look forward to working with him to deliver Salford’s cultural aspirations and ambitions.”

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: 

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“Art and culture are critical elements of Salford’s identity and character that we are immensely proud of and I am delighted that Darren has been appointed to this exciting role. 

“Darren will continue to drive forward the cultural offer for local people while also attracting more visitors. I look forward to welcoming Darren to our great city.”  

 

The facility, managed and operated by Salford City Council, provides more than 100 car parking spaces which can be used for free for rail users opened on Monday 15 May. It also includes electric vehicle charging points, motorcycle bays and Cycle hub for bike storage. 

The Cycle Hub can hold 24 bikes in a secure area which is covered by CCTV and street lighting. It is managed by the council and provide secure storage for registered members, with access via a smart app. Members can register for access (at a cost of £10) to the Hub online at www.salford.gov.uk/Walkden-cycle-hub. In addition there are also free spaces available for bikes.Providing better access to local tram, train and bus services is a key part of the Bee Network – Greater Manchester’s vision for a more integrated, accessible and affordable public transport system.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: 

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“It is fantastic news that Walkden park and ride is now open for local people to use. Now people can park their vehicle there for free and use the train to travel, which will help to reduce road congestion and also pollution. Cyclists can use the Cycle to store bikes for when they return.

“I’d like to thank TfGM, the Friends of Walkden Station and their partners for their work to make this happen.”

 

Ongoing construction continues to provide a £3.8million walking and cycling project that will provide a 6.2km connection for communities between Walkden Station and RHS Bridgewater. This project is now almost fully complete.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett added:

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“Funding has been secured from the Department for Transport’s (DfT’s) Access for All programme to provide step free access at Walkden Station. We have lobbied and pushed for this and I want the works to start as soon as possible. We will continue to lobby and campaign for step free access at all our stations in the city.”

You can sign up to use the Cycle Hub at https://salford.gov.uk/Walkden-cycle-hub

We called into the Dirty Old Town distillery, for a chat with co-owner and founder, Tommy Gaughan as he told us all about their new and exciting product.

Alongside their Dark Spice Rum, Honey Rum and Dark Spiced Rum they have introduced, Salford White Rum, a rum that is infused with orange, Sicilian lemon and lime peels to give a citrus hit ideal for mojito's and daiquiri, the ideal drink for the summer nights.

The quirky thing about the White Rum bottle apart from the iconic Dave Draws designed label is a concealed LED light in the base which can be switched on/off with mood setting and I do know that people have been converting the bottles into lamps by drilling a hole in them!

The boys have been in the news recently when they raised £7,500 for Salford Lads Club with a one batch of Salford Lads Rum in a dark green glass, already a collectors piece, and they deserve to be applauded for this selfless act.

July 13th this year (2023) will bring a Rum Experience tour of the distillery with a difference, Doodle and Rum will see artist Dave Draws hosting a masterclass where doodling and rum sampling are combined, sounds a winner to me.

For further information of products for sale and tour dates visit https://salfordrum.com/

University of Salford students flexed their entrepreneur skills by pitching for thousands of pounds in funding for their business ideas at the Big Pitch Competition Final.

Eight students took to the floor at the Digital Performance Lab at our Media City campus on Wednesday 10 May to present their business plans to win awards of up to £3,000.

The projects receiving funding included a business called Custom Acoustical which specialises in the design and production of adaptable and artistic acoustic treatments for modern studios and music venues, a sustainable foot health practice, aerial cinematography and specialised online fitness programmes for professional dancers with reduced injury risks.

Calum Smeaton, an Acoustics student who won £3,000 for Custom Acoustical, said: “I’ve been on quite a journey with my business idea and it seems like it’s all coming together now. The competition has really helped me and winning the money will allow me to move forward with the production.”

Podiatry graduate Suzanne Taylor’s sustainable foot health practice idea, called Aspire Podiatry, was commended by the judges for its detailed business plan and was also awarded £3,000.

She said: “It has been fantastic to have been involved in the final and I am just delighted to have been awarded the money. This will be invested in purchasing the autoclave my business needs. This has really helped me.”

In total, £13,000 was awarded on the day. Film production student Joseph Gaughan and English and Creative Writing student Dr Caty Flynn both received £2,000 for their businesses. Fashion student Catherine Watts and Media and Cultural Student Oghomwensemwen Aimie Adeyinka-Edward both received £1,000. Dance student Eleanor Stephenson and Visual Arts & Contemporary Fine Art student Teresa Wilson were also awarded £500 each.

The event was run by the University’s Library Careers and Enterprise Team and presented by Professor Andy Miah, Chair in Science Communication and Future Media at the University, who said: “The Big Pitch was an absolutely inspiring event, with each one of our students demonstrating the characteristics we desire for all of our graduates.

“To stand up and pitch an idea with passion and a business plan is a critical part of making it in today’s world and our students didn’t disappoint. I look forward to supporting this remarkable campaign in the next academic year and am amazingly proud that our Library Careers and Enterprise team are leading this.”

The finalists came from an initial 36-person pool of contestants who had initially pitched their business ideas back in January 2023. The competition was open to all students and a wide range of new and creative ideas were brought forward from the very start.

Ian Boardman, Head of the Careers & Enterprise team that ran the competition, said: “The Big Pitch Competition reflected a culmination of support provided to our entrepreneurial students and alumni this year.

“It showcased new businesses created out of the University and it was amazing to learn about the variety of business ideas and plans as well as the stories of personal exploration and resilience behind them, in areas as varied as visual art, aerial cinematography, children’s media, 3D fashion, athletic dance, well-being consultancy, acoustic engineering and podiatry.”

The judging panel for the event consisted of Liam Bradford, English Literature alumnus and Owner of Melting in Productions, Elisabete Da Silva, Project Management alumna and founder of Atelier Lis Silva, Ria Munshi,  Performing Arts graduate and Artistic Director of Ri Ri’s Dance Academy & Keven Parker, Economics alumnus and Partner at NorthEdge Capital LLP.

Keven added: “It has been a real privilege to return to the University of Salford and see it thriving with such a diverse range of student entrepreneurs. The judging was very difficult given the very high standard of business start-up ideas and I am confident success lies ahead for all the finalists.”

In the final week of her tenure as Salford’s Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys presented local charities with cheques for donations received from fund raising through the Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

Fundraising has been taking place throughout the year at a range of events and through various channels. These included a quiz night at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, the City of Salford Carol Concert and a special event with DJ set by Peter Hook at Seven Brothers Brewhouse at Middlewood Locks. The biggest event was the Charity Ball at The Lowry Hotel. This included a live auction and a silent auction, as well as a raffle, with entertainment by the Pendleton School of Theatre and The Silhouette Band.

A new calendar, featuring images from around Salford was created and then sold at various locations, with all proceeds going to the charity appeal.

Renowned artist Emma Rodgers, who created the Salford Firsts statue in Bexley Square also created a miniature of the sculpture that were sold with 25 per cent of each sale donated to the charity.  An exhibition was held at De Lacey Fine Arts in Manchester and one of these maquettes was sold, with the charity appeal receiving £3,000.

The charity appeal also received donations from other generous sources including local businesses, residents and family and friends, as well as winning funding bids from organisations such as ForViva and All Aboard Charity Shops.

All this fund raising culminated in a total of £ £41,569.22 being raised. This has now been handed over to charities with the Ceremonial Mayor presenting cheques to each charity at Salford Civic Centre on Monday 15 May.

Charities benefitting from this year’s Mayor’s Charity Appeal were Animals in Distress, Salford Loaves and Fishes and the Salford Children’s Holiday Camp.

Animals in Distress is a local charity founded in 1967 to alleviate the suffering of sick and injured animals. Their work includes 24-hour rescue, veterinary treatment and neutering. They focus in looking after strays, abandoned animals and cruelty cases in the city. This donation will help volunteers create a new barn in Irlam to provide support to those animals that have been mistreated or abandoned.

Salford Loaves and Fishes is another Salford based charity that works to support residents throughout the city. The team brings together a wealth of experience and expertise working with homeless, vulnerable and isolated people in the city. They have supported many people, embracing, empowering and offering hope to those in need. Donations are vital to enable them to deliver this work and this contribution will be used to help Salford’s most vulnerable at a time when they need it most.

Salford Children’s Holiday Camp is the ever-popular destination that has been welcoming Salford school children for over 95 years. Located in Prestatyn on the north Wales coast, it was established in 1926, and is affectionately referred to 'The Jam Butty Camp'. It was originally set up to provide respite for the poor children of industrial Salford, and today it continues to help many children living in poverty today to enjoy a well-deserved break by the seaside. This recent donation will go towards the up-keep of the camp to help ensure Salford children can continue to enjoy it for many years to come. 

The Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys said:

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“I’m delighted to have raised these vital funds for three really important local charities that are close to my heart. I’d like to thank everyone who has supported the charity appeal over the last 12 months. From everyone on the charity appeal committee, to all the volunteers shaking the collection buckets, those who attended one of the events and to all the businesses and individuals who have donated, I’m sincerely grateful.

I’m so pleased with the amount we have raised and that the appeal has been able to help them continue to deliver their great work in the city.”

 

The people of Salford turned out today to say there final farewells to Harold Riley the Salford artist as hew was laid to rest in Weaste Cemetery today,

Following a Funeral service at St Luke's R.C. Church the cortege passed Swinton Civic Centre and made it's way to Weaste Cemetery where people who had lined the footpaths spontaneously burst in applause as the hearse passed them, a wonderful gesture to show both their love and affection for him.

I spoke to several people there who told me what Harold meant to them.

John Catterall, said:

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"I have an interest in art and such artists as Valette, Lowry and Riley are amongst my favourites and to me, Harold embodied Salford he painted the good and the great but always had a love for Salford and it's people and in return they loved him, he was the ideal Salfordian and it would be great if there was a statue erected of him as a permanent reminder"

Linda Dempsey who know lives in Clifton but was from St Stephens area of Salford originally told me that in 2003 she was in The Lowry Outlet Mall where Harold had a showroom and gallery, she plucked up courage to ask him for an autograph and he kindly took out a piece of paper and sketched a dog for her, a piece of artwork that she treasures and felt she had to come today to show her respect and say goodbye to him.

Finally, Salford artist Tony Easom explained why he had come to pay his respects:

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"I have always been aware of Harold Riley's artwork and I am a great fan of him both as an artist and as a man, I only met him once and that was in Light Oaks Park, Salford when he opened The Tea Osk serving cups of tea and refreshments, my wife Lisa and I had a brief chat with him, he was a lovely man"

A new campaign called Not Just Men and Muddy Boots is being launched today in northwest England to tackle skills shortages and an ageing workforce in the construction industry.

The initiative, aimed at young people in their teens and twenties, aims to show the wide range of careers available within construction and highlight that the booming area is one of the highest paid sectors in the UK, with average salaries topping £45,000.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram and Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett have given their backing to the campaign, devised by the Save Construction Initiative (SCI) in partnership with local construction companies and Salford City Council. Salford City Council has run its own Build Salford scheme for six years to help young people find apprenticeships and training with local construction employers.

SCI has recruited Jacob Pasquill, a young Tik Tok influencer with 1.7 million followers whose father works in construction, to front the campaign. Jacob, known on TikTok as Jacobpaski, will reach out to young people deciding on a career path or those who are not in education, employment and training or seeking to re-train or upskill.

The video has been released today to coincide with the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UK REIIF) taking place in Leeds. The two-day event is for public sector and key players in investment and real estate to highlight investment and development opportunities and drive economic growth through development and regeneration.

The video, starring Jacob and several young people who work in construction, has been funded by the Save Construction Initiative and will be shared with schools and colleges via local authorities and the Careers and Enterprise network.

The second phase of the campaign will encourage industry professionals to make short videos about different roles and activities and share them on social media under the hashtag #notjustmen&muddyboots. They will also be asked to share the campaign on construction site hoardings to expand people’s knowledge of the range of opportunities in the sector as part of their CSR and social value contribution.

Zoe Brooke, Chief Executive Officer of the Save Construction Initiative, and a volunteer with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Careers and Enterprise Company said: 

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“We need to open people’s eyes to the amazing range of jobs and careers that construction offers.

"No-one knows the industry as well as those employed in it and we need to show the world how great our sector is. It’s been fantastic to have so much support from people in the industry, the campaign has been a real team effort with a common goal to address the skills shortage.  

“Construction is booming, as we can see clearly in Salford and Greater Manchester, and offers huge opportunities, but the industry needs to act now to mitigate further risk of a a serious skills shortage which would hamper growth in the sector and the economy.” 

 

Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, said: 

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“We’re pleased to be working with the Save Construction Initiative on this great campaign to showcase the construction industry to young people in our city.

"We are committed to providing opportunities for young people in this sector and linking them with the tremendous growth that’s taking place across the city. Our Build Salford scheme has brought together over 20 industry partners who share our passion to create as many opportunities in construction for young people as possible.

"The scheme has supported over 100 young people to get into the industry so far and is going from strength to strength.”

 

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

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“Having trained as an apprentice bricklayer myself, I remember a time when a job in the construction industry was seen as the preserve of men in muddy boots. Thankfully, the world has moved on a lot since then, and the industry is now bursting with opportunities for young people.

“I loved my time as a brickie – it taught me a valuable set of transferable skills that I have carried with me throughout my life and helped to build the foundations for the rest of my career. Now, as Mayor, I want to help remove the barriers that have previously stood in the way of people fulfilling their potential – and ensure every young person in our area is given a chance to build a better future for themselves.”

 

For more information please contact Zoe Brooke, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Save Construction Initiative Ltd, at zoe.brooke@saveconstruction.uk or 07876 341507

New foster carers are being sought to help change children’s lives in Salford during Foster Care Fortnight 2023, 15 to 28 May.

The fortnight is a UK-wide foster care awareness raising campaign led by charity The Fostering Network.

Salford City Council is using this fortnight to highlight how important foster carers are and how rewarding a role it is, as well as recruit new foster carers. There are currently not enough foster carers available in the right location, at the right time to meet the needs of the children in care, both in Salford and across the UK. This means some children do not have all their needs met or have to live far away from everything familiar to them.

The theme of this year’s campaign is #FosteringCommunities. People can get behind the campaign by sharing their support on social media, using #FCF23 and #FosteringCommunities.

Paul Dennett, Salford City Council City Mayor said:

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“I’m delighted we’re supporting Foster Care Fortnight. Our foster carers play a vital role in giving vulnerable children safe, loving and supportive homes so they can have positive futures. They, and our Foster for Salford team, go above and beyond to support and give back to our local community and our most vulnerable young people. We want to use this fortnight to celebrate how foster carers, and the people who support them, transform lives. We encourage everyone in Salford to show their support and help raise the profile of fostering and its transformational power in Salford’s communities.”

As well as attending events to promote fostering to the public, the council’s Foster for Salford team will be holding the following events where people can come and ask any questions about fostering:

Friday 19 May – There will be an Advan (mobile advertising van) in Salford and anyone is welcome to visit to find out more about fostering. The events will be at Tesco Extra Irlam 11am to 12.30pm and Morrisons, Eccles 1 to 3.30pm.

Tuesday 23 May - 4.30pm to 8pm, Salford Suite, Salford Civic Centre, Swinton. The fostering team and foster carers will be happy to answer any questions. The team is looking for four foster carers to support children supported by the council’s Route 29 team. The children the Route 29 team work with are aged 12 and over, who are at risk of coming into care and need short-term help, while their families are being supported.

Thursday 25 May - 10am to 2.30pm, Woodland Suite, Buile Hill Park. The fostering team and foster carers will be available to offer information on fostering and answer questions. This event is for anyone who is interested in finding out more about fostering generally and information will be available on all the different types.

There are two online events where anyone can join to find out information about fostering and ask questions.

Wednesday 17 May - online event 1pm to 2.30pm

Friday 26 May - online event 10.30am to 12pm

For the in-person events, we encourage people to book a time to speak to someone, but they can also drop-in. To book on either the in-person, or online events, and for more information, please email: emily.garner@salford.gov.uk

For more information about fostering with Salford City Council visit: https://salford.gov.uk/foster

Over 36,000 illegal products, including vapes and e-liquids which contained more than legally permitted levels of nicotine have been seized from a business in Salford.

Salford City Council’s trading standards officers raided the company following information from the public and is now investigating.

The team has taken more than £150,000 worth of non-compliant e-cigarettes off sale in the past few months and the council has now issued a stern warning to local companies.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment and community safety, said:

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“The message is clear – we will work with businesses to help them understand their legal responsibilities but if they are selling items they shouldn’t, if they are selling to people who are underage, if they are breaking the law, we will take action and they may end up in court.

“In addition to prosecuting we will also investigate their finances and look to recover any money made illegally as proceeds of crime.

“This is about keeping the public safe and making sure that products they buy are legal. There are robust laws in this country and most business owners do comply but if people are aware of any that are breaking the law, they can report information to the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.”

 

We all love to hear of Salfordians doing well and we are pleased to hear the news about 16 year old, Megan Holmes from Broughton who won a Gold Medal yesterday in the Great Britain Wrestling Championships which were held at Leigh Leisure Centre.

Megan won the Under 17s Gold medal in a tightly fought contest, consisting of two by two minute rounds with a 30 second break between rounds against a competitor from Bolton who was five kilos heavier.

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"I have been wrestling for eight years and I take it seriously with training and competitive bouts, my tutors at the British Wrestling Academy in Broughton were I train are great with me, and I would like to thank, David Ong, Olga McLoughlin and Oleg Druzhynets for their patience and helping me achieve my goals"

It is fair to say that Megan seems to have a great career ahead as she has already won a haul of wrestling medals including:

Four times British Champion, Four times English Champion, Scottish and Derbyshire Open Wrestling Champion and a host of other trophies, an incredible amount for such a young girl.

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"My dream is to compete in the Olympics and bring further medals back to Salford and after that hopefully a career in training female wrestlers of the future"

We wish Megan all the all the best and for bringing Gold back to Salford we salute you!

 Aspire for Intelligent Care and Support, are partnering with the RHS Garden Bridgewater to host a ‘Forget Me Not’ Dementia Remembrance Celebration event, to mark Dementia Action Week on Friday 19^th May 2023.

The not-for-profit organisation supports people living with Dementia and their families / carers, as well as those living with learning disabilities, Autism and / or complex needs, across the Salford area with day support services, specialist accommodation and a wide range of dementia friendly activities held at the Humphrey Booth Resource Centre in Swinton.

“Dementia Action Week takes place each year, with the aim of raising awareness of Dementia and encouraging people to act on it. We hosted our first ever ‘Forget Me Not’ event with the RHS last year, with great success, and wanted to offer people the opportunity to remember and celebrate their loved ones again this year. We hope this meaningful and uplifting event will offer people strength, as we stand together to reflect on happier times and remember those we love” said Lisa Dickinson, CEO of Aspire for Intelligent Care and Support

“Everyone is welcome to attend, you do not need to have been supported by Aspire. We are all united in our loss to, and our fight against, dementia and encourage you to join us for an afternoon of reflection and hope.”

Starting at 11am, guests are invited to join the team from RHS Garden Bridgewater to plant their own forget me not seeds in takeaway plant pots, to grow at home in their own garden or larger pots. The forget me not flower is a symbol of remembrance and often associated with Dementia, blooming year on year to give a gentle reminder of those no longer with us.

Following the seed planting activity, a short service will be held in the grounds of the Wellbeing Garden with readings from Lisa Dickinson, and carers from the Dementia Friends group, along with Reverend Karen Owen. A two-minute silence will also be held for reflection and remembrance. 

“This event is not only for those who wish to remember, but also an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones doing something meaningful together too” said Chris Seward, Dementia Lead at Aspire. “Horticulture has proved to be a great activity for people with dementia, helping to focus concentration and reduce anxiety, so it seems very natural to partner with RHS to do something to support Dementia Action Week. We hope people will enjoy joining in the activities and the remembrance service, as well as enjoying the grounds of the gardens too.”

Entry to the Dementia Memorial Service is free and is open to anyone who would like to attend. Guests must pre-register for a ticket.  To register please visit : https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forget-me-not-remembrance-celebration-tickets-619743889657 alternatively please email leanne.taylor@iamaspire.org.uk or call 0161 6077101.

For more information on the support available from Aspire Care and Support please visit iamaspire.org.uk

Residents, organisations and visitors to Salford Quays are being asked to air their views on ways to improve the outdoor space at Mariners Canal.

Salford city council has sent out the call as previous consultations show people would like to see more green spaces, more variety of uses and a stronger emphasis on telling the heritage story of the area. 

Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development, said: “Salford Quays is one of the most successful waterside regeneration projects in Europe and is an attractive place to live, work and visit. 

“As part of its continuing development, there is an opportunity to change some of these outdoor spaces and improve their connections with each other. This will benefit local residents and people who work there as well as making the area more welcoming for visitors.

 “Mariners Canal is a very popular and well-used location and we’re considering how to introduce softer landscaping to support biodiversity, as well as reviewing how people use the space and find their way through the area. All views are welcome and will be used to shape proposals for further consultation later in the summer.”

 Landscape architects Exterior Architecture are working with the council to develop design proposals for Mariners Canal. 

To get your say online go to https://salford.gov.uk/marinerscanal from Monday (May 15) to Monday 12 June or  give your views in person at the Mariners Canal stand on June 4 at Salford Quays’ free summer festival We Invented The Weekend where you can also join in with gardening activities and get advice on your own outdoor space from landscape experts. 

Alternatively, people can join a more in-depth discussion at a design workshop at Salford Quays on Wednesday June 7 from 3pm to 5pm. To join, email engage@marinerscanal.co.uk by Friday 26 May. Booking is essential as spaces are limited.

Salford’s city-wide organisation for the voluntary sector is to receive a £2.25million donation from the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation (AGCF), set up by the late Welsh businesman who made his fortune with the Kwik Save retail chain.

Salford Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) has formed a three-year partnership with AGCF as it looks to provide a range of services to support, train and prepare people ‘furthest from the job market’ to gain skills and employment.

A spokesperson for AGCF said the foundation had awarded grants to many impactful projects run by charities across the country, with Salford being ‘a particular area of focus’.

They said: “We were very impressed by what Salford CVS has developed with its partners and how this will feed in so well to Salford city council’s wider strategy to help those furthest from the job market on their journey toward work.

“We are committed to funding high-quality initiatives such as this and look forward to seeing the difference it will make to so many people in Salford.”

“After a meeting with Tom Stannard, the chief executive at the city council at  Mustard Tree, which is one of the charities that AGCF has supported, it was clear that there was an opportunity for a major step change by linking in with the council’s focus on tackling unemployment through partnership working. 

“The ambitions of both organisations were aligned given that Albert Gubay’s overriding principle was to help those most in need.   Alison Page, chief executive of Salford CVS, jumped at the chance to work with us and immediately identified the charities who were reaching the people that others weren’t and developed a strong programme and partnership proposal.”

Coun Philip Cusack, executive support member for skills, work and business at Salford city council, said: “The skills and work programme is a key priority not just for the council, but for the whole city.

“This programme, led by Salford CVS, will be a key component of our new skills and work strategy, particularly in reducing the skills and labour market inequalities and disparities that we see across the city. The funding will make a real difference to people who are most in need of our support.”

Salford city council are funding the coordination of the programme by Salford CVS, which will provide the glue to make all elements of the initiative work to their fullest and to ensure that the programme remains responsive and flexible to those who most need support.

Delivery will be undertaken by five ‘core’ charity partners: Groundwork Greater Manchester, Mustard Tree, Salford Foundation, Salford Loaves & Fishes and The Broughton Trust. Their work will be augmented by spot-purchased specialist provision. In addition, there will be a small grants fund for charities that can deliver in support of this programme.

A controversial plan to build 450 homes on green belt land in Worsley has been submitted to Salford city council.

Residents turned out in force a year ago to register their opposition to the plan for the 42-acre plot on land known as Hazelhurst Farm between the busy A580 East Lancs Road and the slip road to the M61.

Following that consultation process, property giant Peel L&P has now tabled the £54million plan, but the Conservative opposition leader and local Worsley councillor Robin Garrido is already voicing strong objections to the move.

He accused Peel of ‘jumping the gun’ ahead of the deliberation of the Greater Manchester’s Places for Everyone (PfE) joint development plan which is still under public examination.

Coun Garrido said: “The PfE plan has not yet been approved by government inspectors. Until that has happened, they can’t build on green belt land.

“Peel are entitled to put in a planning application which will then be considered by the planning panel [on Salford city council] but even if they approve it, they would not be able to proceed until PfE is approved.

“Once again, we are seeing Peel bulldozing local communities. Their plan takes no account of the extra 1,200 -plus cars on a single-lane road in an area already severely congested with traffic. It’s a histor of Peel thinking they can do what they want.

“There’s still a lot of fight left in the local people and we saw that in the elections where, against the national trend, they returned Conservative councillors who are supporting them.”

However, Nick Graham, associate director for planning at Peel L&P responded by saying the site proposed for development was to help address the ‘chronic shortage of family and affordable homes in Salford and Greater Manchester’.

He said: “We recognise that the land is currently green belt, but it has been identified for housing in each version of the PfE and the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework as it has progressed over the past seven years. At each stage the proposed release of the sites from green belt for housing has been supported by Salford city council.

“The examination hearing sessions closed in March, and the Inspector’s initial findings are expected in the next few weeks. We are therefore working on the basis that PfE is likely to proceed to adoption in the near future so are gearing up for early delivery to help tackle the housing crisis, as soon as planning permission is granted. The plans are fully in line with PfE.

“We understand that some local people will be concerned about extra traffic and pressure on local services. We have consulted with the local community, listened and responded, and would encourage anyone concerned to read and understand the proposals and supporting evidence, then make their comments to the council.”

The Hazelhurst Farm plan has been tabled alongside another application from Peel to build 350 homes off Leigh Road, east of Boothstown and adjacent to the RHS Garden Bridgewater.

Peel says the new homes would be ‘high-quality, modern and energy-efficient homes’.

Plans for Hazelhurst Farm include new community parks with areas for play and ‘habitat and wildlife enhancement’, improvements to Wardley Woods and a site for a new primary school.

A press release issued by Peel said of the two applications: “We have committed to creating mixed communities which provide 20 per cent affordable housing on each site as well as providing an additional contribution equivalent to 30pc of each site towards further affordable housing across Salford – resulting in 50pc affordable housing overall.”

It said both schemes would include homes that ‘are accessible for all, suitable for first-time buyers, up-sizers, down-sizers and for multi-generations to live under one roof’.

Northstone, Peel’s homebuilding arm, will construct the first phases – 65 homes at the east of Boothstown site and 157 homes at Hazelhurst Farm, which are being applied for in detail.

Annabel Baker, Peel L&P’s associate director of development planning, said: “We are delighted to be submitting planning applications for these two sites. 

“The east of Boothstown site is a special location, able to provide some of the largest and highest-quality housing in Salford and Greater Manchester. 

“We are excited to be able to bring forward such a strong landscape-led scheme that reflects its proximity to RHS Garden Bridgewater and the Bridgewater Canal and includes homes that are not just attractive but are sustainable to both build and run, with low energy costs. 

“Hazelhurst Farm is an opportunity to provide much-needed family housing for Salford, also sustainably built and with low running costs. 

“The scheme will not only benefit new residents but also the existing neighbours through the creation of accessible open spaces and play facilities which will improve habitats and access to Wardley Woods. 

“Land for a new primary school will also be provided, to meet the growing school demand identified by the council, alongside funding for school places.”

She said the combination of affordable homes in both developments would address the council’s housing need waiting list and help those seeking help to get on the property ladder.

Ms Baker added: “A lot of work has been carried out to assess the potential transport and other impacts of these sites, including speaking to local people at our consultation events and we’re confident that the applications address the concerns raised.”

The Lowry, Salford is pleased to be introducing a Relaxed Hour in the Lowry Galleries every Sunday morning from Sunday 14th May.

The Lowry welcomes over one million visitors every year but recognises that many individuals and their families with additional access requirements, would prefer to experience the Galleries in a calmer and less busy environment.

As such, 10am-11am each Sunday morning will be a dedicated Relaxed Hour in the Galleries. Visitors will be able to enjoy all the exhibition spaces - including The Lowry’s permanent L.S Lowry exhibition and temporary exhibitions, currently Hew Locke’s The Ambassadors – as well as enjoying a quiet space to relax with sensory seating, toys and books, and The Carole Nash Lookout, a space to play and create.

Additionally, ambient music and announcements will be reduced throughout the building, ear defenders will be available from the Galleries Welcome Desk, and capacity in the Galleries will be limited.

Michael Simpson, Director of Visual Arts at The Lowry said: “We are happy to be introducing our Relaxed Hours in the Galleries at The Lowry, creating a space where everyone can access art, as we continue responding to the needs of all our visitors. We look forward to welcoming and developing this experience with our visitors.”

The Lowry Galleries are FREE to visit. For the Relaxed Hour pre-booking is recommended but limited walk-in tickets will be available from the Galleries Welcome Desk, subject to availability.

Book a spot here: https://thelowry.com/whats-on/galleries-relaxed-hour/

 On the first Sunday of the month, there will also be Relaxed Crafty Families an activity workshop hosted by a professional facilitator. Artist Michelle Leigh will lead the sessions that have been developed with families who would prefer a quieter, more relaxed session in mind, specifically those with additional needs, including those who are autistic, are neurodivergent, or have anxiety. Each month Michelle will focus on a different piece of artwork within our L.S Lowry Collection and support children and their families to become artists in a calming relaxed environment. The first Relaxed Crafty Families will take place on Sunday 4th June. Tickets will be bookable from The Lowry website soon.

Food or drink is not allowed in the Galleries however the Pier Eight Restaurant will be open for drinks at 10am and food will be available from 11am. Visitors can also bring their own food and drink to enjoy in the Carole Nash Lookout.

Additional information for visitors including restaurant menus, information about car parking and travel information, toilets and our Changing Places Toilet, and a visual guide is available at thelowry.com/whats-on/galleries-relaxed-hour/

For more information about The Lowry and its accessibility please visit here: https://thelowry.com/visit-us/access/

If any visitors would like to contact The Lowry in advance of their visit or to share feedback, please e-mail: accessandinterpretation@thelowry.com

PC Paul Spinks, who serves on GMP’s Trafford district has been recognised for his outstanding act of courage as he tackled a man waving a machete outside a school in Salford during term time.

PC Spinks, who was off duty at the time and was not wearing any protective uniform or equipment, put his own life on the line to ensure that members of the public were kept safe.

On Wednesday 10 May 2023, he received the prestigious Emergency Services Award at the Pride of Manchester Awards ceremony, held at the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel. 

PC Paul Spinks, who won the award, said:

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"I am humbled to receive this award.

“The safety of the public was paramount, and I took action to detain the man to prevent any injuries to any other person.

“At the time, protecting others was my priority and accepting the risk posed to myself.

“Knives have no place within our community's and taking a knife off the street is one less in the right direction.”

 

Chief Superintendent Colette Rose, of GMP’s Trafford District, said:

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“Paul showed an amazing act of courage and bravery.

“Paul’s actions meant that members of the public were kept safe from harm, disregarding his personal safety and putting others first. He went above and beyond in his duties as a police officer.

"On behalf of the people of Greater Manchester, I would like to thank Paul for his actions that day and of the many officers in our force that continue to put others first when conducting their duties.

“He is an outstanding police officer and peer leader to newer recruits who look up to Paul and his distinguished career to date.

“It is this outstanding showcase of bravery that inspires others in their roles in our police force. Our officers pride themselves in protecting the public, supporting victims and keep dangerous individuals off our streets.

“Paul is a credit to Greater Manchester Police.”