Salford city council’s legal team is set to contact the Roman Catholic church in a bid to ‘get to the bottom’ of who owns a disused cemetery ‘once and for all’.

Town hall bosses are also appealing for the mystery people, or organisation, who fixed new gates to Barton Upon Irwell RC Cemetery at Peel Green to contact them to ‘establish their interest in the site’.

No one has yet been able to establish who the overgrown burial ground – last used in 1940 – belongs to, or who is responsible for its upkeep.

Yet, after the Local Democracy Reporting Service highlighted how easy it was to gain access, the rusting gates and broken padlock were restored bearing a notice ‘private property trespassers keep out’.

The conundrum over who owns the site prompted amateur historian Craig Ellis to write to Pope Francis over the demise of the graveyard, which he said had become a place where people went to drink alcohol and take drugs.

So far, the city council, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford and land property giant Peel say they do not own the land.

Meanwhile, Craig’s research has revealed that the land was once owned by the de Trafford family who were big landowners in the area for hundreds of years.

It is believed they bequeathed it to the Catholic Church but the paperwork was never completed, leaving the graveyard where many priests, entire families and even some members of the de Trafford family are buried in limbo.

Now, a spokesperson for Salford city council has said:

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“The cemetery has never been in the care of the city council and it is not our land to dispose of. The council has never maintained the cemetery, other than cutting back overhanging foliage which was obstructing a public footpath about five years ago.

“We have instructed out legal team to contact the Roman Catholic church to try to get to the bottom of ownership once and for all. 

“It would be helpful if the people who fixed the new gates would contact the relevant parties so their interest in this site can be established.”

 

Photo ©: Craig Ellis

The Vatican has been forced to respond following Mayor Flynn's claims that it owes Winton Council £20,000 for the upkeep of an abandoned Barton on Irwell cemetery in Eccles.

A spokesperson for the Vatican, said:

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"Francis (His royal popeiness), was shocked to receive a debt collectors letter in the post which threatened to send bailiffs in if the costs were not repaid in full by Saturday 1st of April.

"The shock lead to an over night stay in hospital for the Pope whilst doctors monitored his blood pressure. 

"There were genuine threats to clamp the popemobile until the debt is repaid.

"Francis was furious about the whole ordeal."

 

The Vatican has strongly denied responsibility for the graveyard via a TikTok video collaboration featuring Lizzo.

Dave Tuttle, spokesperson for the The Gendarmerie (Vatican Police), said:

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"I have not heard such rubbish since so called "Historian", Tony Flynn, claimed that John Paul II had lost the Ark of the Covenant betting on a late night online poker match.

"He later made claims that Benedict XVI was his 'Real Dad'.

"They will try anything that lot, have you seen their Miracle Water scam?"

 

Local Historian and self proclaimed 'Famous Salfordian', Mr Flynn, told us:

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"I won the Ark fair and square after beating JP at poker, he also lost the Holy Grail to me after losing a bet on the nags.

"If they (The Vatican), don't pay up then I will be using the Popemobile for tip runs and such.

"Can you imagine how many crates of lager you could fit in that bad boy?"

It would seem that only an act of God will resolve the situation, however the Vatican has told us that people can donated to their fighting fund via their own online payment processor Papal.

The mystery surrounding the ownership of a Roman Catholic graveyard last used in 1940 that has prompted an amateur historian to write to the Pope has deepened after new security gates were fitted.

As highlighted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) last week, history enthusiast Craig Ellis voiced safety fears over how the Barton Upon Irwell Roman Catholic Graveyard was easily accessible and was being used as a drugs den.

Salford city council, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Salford and even property giant Peel all say they do not own the site on Peel Green Road, near the old Barton Bridge.

Yet, the rusting gates which last week could be easily opened to enter the cemetery where many priests and entire families are buried have now been replaced and secured with a new padlock.

Craig, a 52-year-old IT consultant, has conducted extensive research into the background of the overgrown graveyard and has been unable to establish who owns it or who is responsible for its upkeep.

The 30 metre by 30 metre cemetery was formerly owned by the de Trafford family, who were big landowners around Peel Green for hundreds of years. But when the family offloaded the burial ground to the Catholic church in the 19th century, the necessary paperwork for ownership to be secured was never completed, meaning the graveyard is now owned by no one.

A spokesperson for the Salford diocese said:

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“We have not put those new gates and it is not our property.”

They said that a lot of the de Trafford land had been acquired by Peel, but a spokesperson for the company said they did not own the site and had not fitted the gate.

Likewise, a spokesperson for the city council told the LDRS:

Quote

“No, Salford city council didn’t fit the gate.”

Meanwhile, Craig has now dispatched his letter to Pope Francis. It has been seen by the LDRS. In it, he addresses the Pope as ‘Your Holiness’ saying: “It turns out that no landowner is documented for the cemetery – I’ve confirmed with the UK land registry – and it’s been left abandoned for 80 years when the local Roman Catholic church stopped funerals there because the cemetery was full.

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“The main issue is the cemetery is abandoned and needing repair…People use the site to drink alcohol and take drugs, which is very disrespectful, especially as Catholic priests are buried there.

“I have pleaded with the local council to secure the site…The [Salford] diocese has told me ‘it’s not our issue’.

“I’ve come to you in desperation and prayer to highlight this sad state of affairs.”

 

Nearby neighbour Peter Mort, 52, said the graveyard had been an issue for local residents for a number of years:

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“You’d think someone would want to tidy it up and look after it,” he said. “It’s such a sad situation.”

Salford Media has spoken with a number of residents in the area who insist that there is no issue with antisocial behaviour, drug taking or alcohol consumption on the site. We have visited a number of times ourselves and have found no evidence of such taking place.

GMP are tracing a wanted from Higher Broughton

Criag Thompson (28/06/1990) was released from prison in February 2023 after being jailed for driving offences.

He is known to have links to Salford

Any details, please ring 0161 856 5625 or Crimestoppers anonymously.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted man from the Eccles area of #Salford .

Damien Yates (08/04/1984) was released from prison in March 2023 after being jailed for burglary offences.

Yates is known to have links to the Salford area of Greater Manchester.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Damien Yates should contact police on 0161 856 5625 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

GMP are tracing a wanted from Irlam

Amir Kamchah (30/03/1976) is wanted on recall to prison after breaching the conditions of his license.

He is known to have links to Salford

Any details please ring 0161 856 5625 or @CrimestoppersUK anonymously.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted man from the Irlams O’ Th’ Height area of Salford .

Cory Rathbone (23/06/1994) was released from prison in March 2021 after being jailed for 5 years for drug offences.

Rathbone is known to have links to the Salford.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Cory Rathbone should contact police on 0161 856 5625 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A celebrity football team featuring stars from Coronation Street, Emmerdale and Hollyoaks will take on a team from Shoosmiths in a unique fundraising day this weekend.

Jet2 Allstars, who are made up of soap stars both past and present and also some ex-footballers and celebrity friends will compete against lawyers and representatives from Manchester based charity Mustard Tree in the special match which comes as part of a family fun day this Sunday April 2.

The community event at Monton AFC, which also features a fun fair, raffle and food stalls, will aim to raise much needed cash for Mustard Tree. Visitors will have a chance to win two flight tickets to travel anywhere in Europe which have been donated by Jet2.

The Allstars only play a handful of matches each year, and their line-up is dependent on filming commitments on the day.

In the past the team has featured a line-up including Corrie stars Alan Halsall (Tyrone), Andy Whyment (Kirk), Sam Aston (Chesney) Hollyoaks’ Nick Pickard aka Tony Hutchinson, Ashley Taylor Dawson (Darren Osbourne) and Owen Warner (Romeo Nightingale).

Mustard Tree, who have been Shoosmiths’ designated office charity for the last year, works to create opportunities for people to help themselves through providing practical support, friendship, connections into work, improvements to health and wellbeing plus new experiences to encourage aspiration.

Recently, the demand for services provided by Mustard Tree has reached an unprecedented level - each month they are seeing footfall of almost 10,000 people. The cost-of-living crisis continues to put pressure on their services, with more people requiring the help of the charity on a daily basis.

Andria Stylianou, Shoosmiths trainee solicitor, said:

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“The Shoosmiths Manchester Charity Committee are extremely proud to support Mustard Tree; an incredible charity in the heart of Manchester that seeks to create opportunities for people, whilst aiming to combat poverty, inequality and homelessness.

“One of Mustard Tree’s key values is ensuring dignity is upheld for all, which resonated with the Manchester Charity Committee on our visit to their HQ. Seeing the operations of Mustard Tree first hand demonstrated how integral and impactful their values are, which played a part in choosing them as our charity partner. We look forward to a fun event ahead but most importantly supporting Mustard Tree and contributing to their fantastic work.”

 

Jack Barton, Mustard Tree Communications Manager said:

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“Our charity has seen an unprecedented rise in need since we kept our doors open during the Covid-19 pandemic. From providing crisis support during the height of lockdown to focusing on homelessness prevention since restrictions were lifted, we are now supporting more people than ever through training, debt advice, vocational courses and access to low-cost food, furniture and clothing.”

“Having the support of Shoosmiths enables Mustard Tree to help more people in more meaningful ways, and we’d like to thank them for all their support in helping our charity combat poverty and prevent homelessness across Manchester and Salford.”

 

The family fun day will take place from 12noon to 5pm at Monton Amateur Football Club Granary Lane, New Worsley M30 8JN and the match will kick off at 2pm.

Tickets can be purchased here.

90% of participating young people now understand what they want to do for a career. 

The Rio Ferdinand Foundation and The Guinness Partnership celebrate a year of creating opportunities for young people, following a successful 12 months of their skills and progression community programme. The programme, which benefits from the support of Construction Companies Wates and Kier, and low carbon energy provider EQUANS, was launched in March 2022 and has been well received by communities in Oldham, Salford, and the London Borough of Lambeth. 

The skills-based initiative engages young people aged under 25 years old and living in a Guinness home in a six-month skills-based programme. The young people participate in a weekly schedule of activities to tackle youth unemployment, develop young people's skills, and raise aspirations.  

Matthew, aged 19, from Royton, Oldham, completed the programme and then was supported to apply to the Guinness Aspire Awards to request funding to purchase camera and lighting equipment to help him start a small local photography business.  

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"This has been an amazing opportunity and has given me a chance to get back on the right path. I know what I want to do now and can't wait to start. This programme has helped me hugely, and I would recommend that other people in my position get involved with it in the future."  

The aspiration-raising programme has achieved a 90% increase in participant health and well-being, giving participants the confidence to explore opportunities. 100% reported feeling more confident since the start of the programme, with many pursuing opportunities with local businesses and Rio Ferdinand Foundation partners Warner Music, Kiss FM, The Jockey Club, and the Gym Group. 

Year two of the partnership programme will be entirely youth-led and will see The Guinness Partnership and Rio Ferdinand Foundation initiative extend further across Greater Manchester and into the London Boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth.  

Rio Ferdinand, Founder of The Rio Ferdinand Foundation said: 

Quote

“The Rio Ferdinand Foundation is committed to working with young people at the heart of their communities to offer support, training, and opportunities to those that need it. Housing providers are a key part of communities and can help embed our work in a wider structure of support for their tenants and the residents in their areas. As such the opportunity to engage with the Guinness Partnership has provided a great boost to our reach and our work in both Greater Manchester and Lambeth.”

Alistair Smyth, The Guinness Partnership's Director of External Affairs and Social Investment said:

Quote

"We are delighted that the first year of our partnership with the Rio Ferdinand Foundation has been such a great success. The programme has helped create opportunities for young people to improve their lives, and to help them progress along their chosen career path. We look forward to continuing to work with all of our partners, to achieve even greater success in the future.” 

Empowered Brands, the leading UK fitness franchise investor, is bringing the UK’s first UBX Boxing + Strength club to Media City, Salford, on Thursday the 30th of March; local co-owners and franchisees Ben Waldron and James Worrall to launch the first UK franchise, which will provide locals with access to the world’s fastest growing boxing and strength training concept in an ultra-flexible format.

Empowered Brands, the fitness franchise investor spearheading the growth of the UK’s leading gym franchise, Energie Fitness, which has over 80 clubs and 114,000 members across the UK and Ireland,  is introducing UBX Boxing + Strength to Media City, Manchester for the first time on Thursday 30th March. Co-owned by local franchisees Ben Waldron and James Worrall, who are also the co-founders and directors of the Manchester based Whitworth Leisure Group, UBX Media City is an inclusive fitness club that will deliver a unique mix of non-contact group boxing and functional strength training to those in the local area.

The concept itself co-founded in Australia by four-time world champion boxer Danny Green, and fitness and tech entrepreneur Tim West, as a fitness franchise like no other, UBX is the world’s fastest growing boxing community with more than 90 clubs across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

The expansion to Media City, Manchester, is the first club of its kind to launch in the UK, as part of an expected 250 club nationwide rollout within the next six to eight years, accelerating the brand’s mission to take boxing and transform it from an individual pursuit, into a team culture.

The UBX concept removes class timetables and bookings, disrupting the traditional gym format to provide ultra-flexibility, and so, members will be able to arrive whenever they want with a world-class coach always on hand to provide full support from start to finish.

With new, dynamic workouts offered daily to suit different skill and fitness levels, UBX’s easy-to-learn, full-body, science-backed workouts, can be completed in under 45 minutes, and combine boxing and functional strength training across a 12 x 3-minute round circuit, with 30 seconds rest in between.

UBX Media City Franchisee and Co-Owner, Ben Waldron describes how it feels to be opening the first UBX in the UK:

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"Being the first UBX in the UK makes us both proud to be at the forefront of this innovative brand and excited to be part of something new. Media City is an incredibly exciting place, that's all about creativity and innovation, which is exactly what UBX is about.”

Waldron adds:

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“Home to some great companies, Media City is a destination for entertainment with restaurants, art, and culture, but most importantly it's a diverse community of amazing people. For us it's the perfect place to bring real results to people who will be as excited about UBX as we are!"

UBX Training co-founder Danny Green explains:

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“As you never have to book in for your workout, you’ll no longer be at the mercy of waitlists or late class charges – a barrier many people usually find across traditional gyms. The sessions are designed to be convenient, effective and addictive, to be enjoyed by anyone at any level.”

John Jempson, managing director of UBX, UK & Ireland, and chief financial officer at Empowered Brands, adds:

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“Convenience, variety and trainer support are among the top three priorities when it comes to selecting a fitness activity, and UBX delivers on them like no other concept.”

Jempson continues:

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“UBX is an environment where results are just an additional benefit to pure enjoyment – through the combination of team-based training and coach interaction, our Media City club will be a community where anyone can learn new skills, working with each other towards a collective goal, and going away with a sense of achievement following every session.”

Members will have 360 access to UBX’s team of in-house sport scientists and world-class coaches whenever they visit the club, the professional athlete inspired, science-backed sessions adapted to individual needs to deliver results.

From action-packed bagwork, to 1-to-1 padwork, and strength rounds spanning functional strength, cardio, conditioning movements and form, heart rate tech is also available during sessions to track real time feedback, with the option to compete on the club’s leader board.

Beyond the UBX club experience, members will also have access to workouts at any time via the Train: On Demand App, with a new workout uploaded every day.

UBX Manchester is located at 7b The Garage, Media City, Salford, with foundation memberships starting from £30 weekly. For more information, visit www.ubxtraining.com/gym/MediaCity.

Salford City Council and the LTA have announced a partnership to invest in and refurbish public park tennis courts in Salford. In total, eight park tennis venues will be renovated, with investment of £662,743 helping ensure that quality facilities are available for the local community. 

The project is part of a nationwide investment by the UK government and LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain, and open up the sport to many more people. This investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

Park tennis courts are vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active, delivering significant physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits to participants. Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to opening up the sport to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and women and girls.

In addition to investment of £456,091.64 from the UK government and LTA Tennis Foundation, £206,652 will also be invested by Salford City Council.

Alongside the investment, Salford Community Leisure and We Do Tennis, which will be delivering coaching in the parks, will also work with the LTA to deliver a range of activity across the park sites. This will include weekly organised free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience. Equipment will be provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or have their own racket. Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition. 

The park venues being renovated are: Albert Park, Boothsbank Park, Buile Hill Park, Eccles Recreation Ground, Lightoaks Park, Parr Fold Park, Princes Park  and Victoria Park.

All courts and sessions at all sites will be available to book online via the LTA website https://www.lta.org.uk/play/

Work on site is anticipated to start in March and be completed by May.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, Salford City Council, said:

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“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to promote tennis in our communities particularly amongst those who wouldn’t usually play.

“This fantastic investment in facilities, together with a new operating model, easier booking and free coaching will ensure the tennis courts can be maintained for future generations.”

 

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:

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“We are delighted to be working with Salford City Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active. This investment is part of the UK government and LTA’s Parks Tennis Project, and will mean that courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with Salford City Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court and open up our sport to many more people.”

The Barton upon Irwell Roman Catholic cemetery on Peel Green Road has been in the news the past week or so following the claim by local historian, Craig Ellis that not only is the graveyard being used as a drugs den, and the walls in danger of falling down but more controversially that nobody owns the graveyard which last saw an internment in 1948.

Over the weekend new gates have appeared at the entrance to the cemetery and a padlock fitted to stop entrance into it, but who has fitted the new gates?

We spoke to John Mullen the Labour Councillor for the Barton and Winton ward who was as equally confused as us, but he could confirm that Salford Council who have no jurisdiction over the cemetery haven't fitted them. but is interested to find out who has.

I spoke to Lawrence Gregory the Catholic historian who runs the Lancashire Catholic Past and Present site, he had never heard of Craig Ellis until he saw the newspaper headline, he states that the De Trafford family did bequeath the land to the Catholic Church.

He, said:

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"The land is no-man’s land. It was given by the de Traffords to All Saints Barton as a catholic cemetery, but the registration of the deeds got lost and never took place, So it should belong to the Salford diocese.

"The only one's with legal rights to fit the new gates are Holy Cross Church, perhaps they have read the article and had them fitted"

Holy Cross Church confirmed today that they, hadn't fitted the gates either which all adds to the mystery.

We have filmed and reported on the cemetery several times over the years and we are as confused as anybody as to who is actually responsible for the cemetery and its upkeep, it certainly needs cleaning up on that we all agree and welcome any plans to clear it up.

The father of an 11-month-old baby says his family home in Salford has been riddled with mould and damp for EIGHT years.

Andrew Cooper says it is only now that the Pendleton Together housing association is starting to try to sort the problem out.

Andrew, 51, and his 33-year-old wife Kirsty say they have been offered lodgings at a hotel but have turned it down because they have two dogs and four cats at their two-bedroom Woolpack Green flat.

The couple would like to be moved to alternative housing but Pendleton Together says there is the only other alternative is a move to a high-rise flat.

The Coopers are meeting with Salford and Eccles MP Rebecca Long-Bailey and a representative of the housing association tomorrow (Tuesday, March 28).

He, said:

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“We’ve had this problem for eight years,” said Andrew. “Last week, they [Pendelton Together] came out with damp-metre reader, but I was later told the readings had been lost.

“So went out and got my own damp-metre and all readings are well above the recommended minimum of 14RH (relative humidity).”

Andrew, who works as an events security manager, said there had been numerous visits to the home by Pendleton Together to look at the problem over the last eight years.

“At one point there was team of people here, and I heard them arguing about whose responsibility it was to sort it out.” 

 

Pendleton Together’s senior operation manager Julie Blagden told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS):

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“We were sorry to learn of the issues and concerns our resident has been experiencing. 

“The resident contacted us in February with concerns around damp and mould and we immediately sent an inspector the same day. 

“The inspector could see some work was needed to remove and deter mould from around some windows, but that a further more intrusive inspection was needed in order to ensure the root cause of the mould could be addressed. 

“This inspection work is comprehensive and difficult to fully complete while the family are in the home.

“Additionally, it is likely that any follow on remedial work would be less disruptive to complete successfully if there was no one residing in the property.”

 

Ms Blagden continued:

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“Initially, we offered to place the family in a hotel and to put their pets in kennels.

“We have a very limited stock of properties but also offered a move to a property in our high-rise blocks. 

“The family were concerned about the stress of being separated from their animals and declined. We found a hotel that would accommodate the pets too however, but the family did not feel this hotel to be suitable.

“Finally, we offered to seek temporary private rental accommodation, but the resident felt this would cause them undue stress as we are unable to specify how long this arrangement would need to be in place.  It will not be possible to indicate this until a full inspection is completed.” 

Asked by the LDRS why it had taken eight years to sort the problem out, Ms Blagden said: “We were made aware of the damp and mould last month and have responded immediately. 

“While the resident has not raised concerns with us for some years, we are currently investigating what work has been carried out historically. 

“If our investigation indicates a failure on our part we will speak to the resident directly about this and their options.

“Any Pendleton Together resident with a concern about damp and mould should call us on 0300 555 557 or report it directly at https://togetherhousing.co.uk/dmc where they will receive a response within three working days.”

 

Empower Youth Zones has been awarded a £6.2million Youth Investment Fund grant to build a new purpose-built youth centre in Salford.

This critical funding means that the project has now secured all of its building costs and will now focus on fundraising its annual running costs, which will come from private sector and philanthropic contributions.

Subject to plans being approved, the Youth Zone is expected to open in early 2025 and will be located adjacent to Belverdere Rd and Broadwalk in Pendleton. It will provide thousands of young people with opportunities to engage in activities and access support from skilled youth workers, helping them to develop their skills and reach their full potential.

Salford Youth Zone is being delivered with the support of Salford City Council, by Empower Youth Zones which also operates HideOut Youth Zone in Gorton (Manchester), in partnership with national youth charity OnSide and local businessman and philanthropist, Fred Done.

Salford City Council is contributing £1.5m towards the construction costs and £300,000* of its annual £1.5million* running costs. The Youth Investment Fund grant will also go towards the Youth Zone’s site preparation and pre-opening costs.

Once opened, Salford Youth Zone will join HideOut Youth Zone, and the two sites will be managed via the single umbrella charity – Empower Youth Zones. It will be part of the OnSide Network of 14 Youth Zones nationwide, supporting over 50,000 young people. Youth Zones are open to young people aged between eight and 19 (up to 25 for those with additional needs), seven days a week, for just 50p a visit. Members will have access to an indoor climbing wall, four court sports hall, training kitchen, music room with a recording studio, fully equipped gym, dance and drama studio, 3G kick pitch, arts and crafts room, enterprise and employability suite, combined with support from skilled youth workers.

In addition to the incredible facilities, trained youth workers and dedicated volunteers will be available 7 days a week to offer guidance and support to help Salford’s young people to thrive. It will create a number of full and part-time jobs as well as volunteering opportunities. 

Salford Youth Zone is one of 43 youth services in England to benefit from the first wave of Youth Investment Fund grants, announced by the funder, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the charity Social Investment Business, who is delivering the grant programme in partnership with Key Fund, National Youth Agency and Resonance.

The Youth Investment Fund is part of the Government’s National Youth Guarantee to transform and level up opportunities for young people in England. The Youth Investment Fund, of over £300 million, aims to build, renovate, or extend youth service facilities, providing a minimum of 45,000 additional positive activities for young people between 11 and 18 - in the parts of the country where new spaces and new opportunities are most needed.  

Adam Farricker, CEO of Empower Youth Zone commented on the announcement:

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“We are grateful to have received the full grant from the Youth Investment Fund in this first round.

With the cost-of-living impacting planning and production of Salford Youth Zone by increasing price of labour and materials in the initial build, having these costs secured through the Youth Investment Fund means we can begin to focus on kickstarting major work to fund annual running costs.

We’d like to thank the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and Social Investment Business for accepting our application. This is a great start to the Salford Youth Zone story.”

 

Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer said:

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“I want every young person to have the opportunity to access the kinds of life-changing activities which expand their horizons and allow them to develop vital life skills.

“The National Youth Guarantee will provide these opportunities and support young people with access to regular club activities, adventures away from home and volunteering opportunities.

“We are supporting this today with an investment to create or renovate spaces for youth clubs and activities to support opportunities for thousands of young people across the country who would otherwise miss out.”

 

City Mayor Paul Dennett welcomed the funding which will add to the investment in the Youth Zone being made by Salford-born businessman Fred Done and Salford City Council.

He said:

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“This extra funding will help deliver Salford’s Youth Zone, which will offer a range of services, experiences, activities, and opportunities for socialising and having fun seven days a week.

“It’s so important we help young people achieve their potential – they are our future and they will work with us to shape this exciting new development.

“The youth zone will be a positive addition to other youth facilities and services in Salford and will also bring jobs and volunteering opportunities.”

 

Empower Youth Zones is waiting for plans to be approved for the new Youth in Salford Zone and if successful, work is due to start on site in August 2023.

Officers in Salford have authorised a Section 60 Order after they were called to reports of an incident on Cromwell Road, Salford at around 7pm today (26/3/2023)

Police attended and it was established that an altercation had taken place and two men had suffered serious but not life threatening injuries that were consistent with knife wounds.

No arrests have been made at this time and an investigation has been launched to understand the circumstances of this incident. 

A Section 60 Order will be in place until 8am tomorrow morning and will give officers extra powers to stop and search individuals.

Inspector Stephen Corless of GMP's Salford District said:

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“We have authorised stop-and-search powers in the area in response to the incident this evening.

"This type of incident will not be tolerated and GMP will take robust action to ensure that our communities feel safe and that offenders are brought to justice.

"While an investigation continues at pace to understand the circumstances behind this incident, we are determined to do whatever is in our power to prevent any further incidents like this taking place in Salford.

“That is why heightened stop-and-search powers have been introduced in the Broughton area of Salford to allow officers to prevent anyone found carrying weapons to be free to walk our streets.”

"I would urge members of the public who saw anything suspicious or witnessed the incident to come forward and report information to us immediately."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5187 quoting log number 2545 26/3/23. You can also make a report via the LiveChat function on GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk

Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We all have a part to play in fighting, preventing and reducing knife crime. If you know or suspect someone is carrying a knife, please report it immediately - before it is too late. You can contact GMP via gmp.police.uk or 101.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers also have a dedicated website which enables 11 – 17 year olds to pass on information anonymously – this can be accessed through Fearless.org

The next edition of Manchester’s live art concept Art Battle is set to take place on Friday 5th May in MediaCity – with tickets on sale now.

The unique concept will see the entrance of dock10 studios in MediaCity turned into a colourful battle ground for one night only, as 10 artists go head-to-head to create a masterpiece in just 30 minutes. From painters and illustrators to street and tattoo artists, contenders take to the stage armed with nothing but brushes and their imaginations, as up to 1,000 spectators circulate the action and cast their votes round after round, leading to knockouts as the battle goes on.

Having already made a splash of colour across a number of well-known city-centre venues, Art Battle MCR is making its debut in Salford this spring. With 20 sold-out events under their belt, the live action art organisers are set to bring an eclectic blend of artists, styles, and skillsets into this full-of-energy affair, as well as a mix of local independent traders and entertainers.

As it marks a first for Salford and MediaCity, it won’t go without a special appearance, with Gogglebox Star Helena Worthington confirmed to take part as well as more well known faces from MediaCity to be announced. The show will run alongside a soundtrack provided by Manchester DJ duo The Soul Twins, who will be playing soul, hip-hop, disco, house, funk, reggae and all the bits in-between with a firm eye on the dance floor, as well as DJ Peter G, who will also be spinning ambient tunes, with more surprise entertainment yet to be announced.

First established in 2013 by Mancunians John and Sophie Macaulay, Art Battle has kept its original format of a live painting competition, while each event always offers something unique thanks to a mix of tailored entertainment and never using the same venue twice.

John Macaulay, co-founder of Art Battle MCR, says:

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“We can’t wait to get the see the sun set over the docks as the artist go into battle. We’ve got some superb Salford based independent food and drinks traders, so we’ll help raise awareness of them as well as our amazing artists. It’ll be a special evening.

“The event in MediaCity will be our 21st Art Battle and we couldn’t be happier with how far we’ve come – we were even called ‘Manchester’s most energetic art event’ once! We have had over 250 local artists come and compete over the years, and it’s led to some of them turning what used to be a side passion into a full-time job – it has been magical to see them grow.”

 

Sophie Macaulay, co-founder of Art Battle MCR, adds:

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“One of our artists described the concept as ‘Art for the people, by the people,’ and I don’t think I could have put it any better. We love bringing local talent together and always have a few extra ‘tricks’ up our sleeve too – think fire breathers, skateboarders, live bands… so it’s not to be missed.”

Josie Cahill, MediaCity Place Director, adds:

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“It’s an exciting time for us at MediaCity with lots of new events, such as We Invented the Weekend, a huge new festival for MediaCity and Salford Quays, as well as the evolution of activations such as Box on the Docks with a summer programme of events. We also have new businesses opening, such as the ambitious new food hall at Central Bay so it’s a brilliant to have Art Battle MCR on board too.”

Salford’s brand-new free festival, We Invented the Weekend, which will be hosted at MediaCity on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June, will also see some action from Art Battle – as the first ever Junior Art Battle MCR takes place at the Lowry Theatre. Local residents and those who have come for the weekend will get to witness young artists compete in live painting competitions on the Sunday afternoon of the festival.

Recently announced, We Invented the Weekend is a bold and imaginative free festival for the UK, which will be taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June 2023. The brand-new two-day culture-led event in Salford will see festivalgoers getting involved in all sorts of free activities and at its core, celebrate differences in how people spend their leisure time, situated where the weekend was originally invented in Greater Manchester, 1843.

Art Battle MCR will take place at The Open Centre, dock10 studios, M50 2NT, 7-11pm on 5th May 2023. 

For tickets please head to http://artbattle.co.uk/next-battle. 

We invented the Weekend will take place across MediaCity on 3rd and 4th June 2023, for more information please visit https://www.weinventedtheweekend.com/ .

One man was arrested this morning (Friday 24 March 2023) after officers discovered a suspected cannabis farm on Glendore Avenue in Weaste.

The early morning warrant was executed by officers from Salford South East’s Neighbourhood Team.

The man, in his 30s, was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis. He remains in police custody for questioning.

Approximately 150-200 plants were discovered in the property.

Police Sergeant Philip Metcalfe said:

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“This was a great result from our neighbourhood team and reinforces our commitment to tackling criminal factions on our streets.

“We will continue to shut down these dangerous farms, which can endanger those in the community with their dangerous and unsafe set-ups. We are committed to keeping the public safe and will do what we can to clamp down on illegal activities.”

 

GMP is aided by intelligence provided by local communities, who can help police investigate illegal activities.

You can make a report by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report via the LiveChat function on GMP's website: https://orlo.uk/dRjWf

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

GMP also recently rolled out a new Neighbourhood Policing model which means there will be more officers on the streets taking action against the crimes that matter to you the most.

Click the link below to sign up to #BeeInTheLoop and receive free email or text alerts, get involved in shaping local priorities and be amongst the first to know about incidents/emergencies and receive targeted crime prevention advice.

Bee In The Loop is your direct line to your neighbourhood policing team and will keep you in the loop about what is happening on your street and in your local community. Sign up today – https://orlo.uk/AoGAQ

A brand new play area will open next month on Campbell Road, with climbing frames, slides, play castles, roundabouts, an aerial runway, an activity trail, a tyre swing and traditional swings.

With an emphasis on accessibility, the new footpaths and safety surfaces will be fully accessible for wheelchair users, prams and buggies.

The play area is part of the planning agreement for the Bellway Homes development and has been fully funded by Bellway through a section 106 agreement. This commitment, which is about giving something back to the community, ensures local children have a safe and well-equipped place to play.

On the edge of Swinton Greenway, a recently upgraded 7km off-road path that runs from Monton to Swinton and one of the city’s key cycling and walking routes, it will be easy to get to, without having to rely on a car.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, Lead Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety said:

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“This will be a great new facility for young children in the local area and I’m looking forward to seeing it in use. It’s fantastic to have another addition to our collection of parks and play areas across the city.”

Councillor Jim Cammell, Lead Member for Children’s and Young People’s Services and ward councillor said:

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“I’m really pleased to see this new space for children to enjoy. It’s important for young children to stay active and get plenty of fresh air and this new play area has a whole range of equipment to keep them busy. I’m sure it will be well used by local children and those who come via the Swinton Greenway.”

The play area is due to open in April, once the flooring has been completed.

Salford city council and residents campaigning to prevent a former golf course becoming a housing estate are celebrating victory in their bid to get the green land designated an ‘asset of community value’ (ACV).

A first-tier tribunal has dismissed an appeal by Wain Estates Ltd to overturn the council’s decision to list land at Swinton Park Golf and Country Club 2017 as an ACV.

The golf course and clubhouse were closed in 2020 with various developers expressing interest for housing development.

Salford city council says that ‘with the full support of residents’ it has always maintained that the land currently designated in Salford’s Local Plan should remain as recreational land.

The golf course was designated as an ACV in November 2019 which determined that the golf club is land of community value and should be added to the council’s list of assets of community value.

City mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“The city council’s position on the land remains unchanged in that we wish to see the site remain as a venue for golf and recreational purposes for the people of Swinton and Salford. This position is reaffirmed within our Local Plan document, which has been consulted upon with residents and other stakeholders across the city.

“I have made representations to developers in advance of any potential purchase outlining our position.  I hope that the decision taken by the court will secure this vital piece of land as recreational.”

“The ACV was put in place for the golf course given the clear public interest in the future of the site and the strategic importance of the site as articulated in the city council’s Local Plan. 

“It’s unfortunate that we’ve had to commit public money to defending the city council’s position in the court, especially given the public support for retaining the land for the purposes of recreation.

Coun Jim Cammell, speaking on behalf of the ward councillors for Swinton, added: “We know that our residents want the Swinton Park Golf Club site to remain as recreational land and I would like to thank “Save Swinton Park Golf Club” for their hard work and dedication to this campaign, and the officers at Salford City Council for the extra work they have had to do to defend the decision to register the site as an Asset of Community Value.  The land remains at the heart of our ambitions to retain recreational land in Swinton and the decision of the court is welcomed.”

 

Meanwhile, members of the Save Swinton Park Golf Club (SSP) group have welcomed the decision. Dave Marsh from the group said: 

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“This is a great decision for the residents and local democracy.

“Because the appeal was dismissed it makes it harder for any developers to build on this recreational land.

“Our thanks must go to Salford city council’s legal team, the local councillors, the administrative staff and also the continued support of the mayor and MP [Rebecca Long-Bailey] .”

 

Wain Estates have declined to comment.

Photos ©: Nick Jackson

A woman says she’s been told she cannot join Salford city council’s waiting list for social housing because she’s not in enough debt or in danger of eviction.

Partially-sighted Maxine Ford, 51, lives in a privately rented flat in Peel Green, but has been told her rent will rise by £25 a month from £675 to £700.

Single Maxine works as an occupational health scheduler but says after outgoings, she’s left with only £200 a month to pay for travel-to-work costs and groceries.

She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS):

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“After I received the letter to say my rent was going up, I thought with the cost of living and everying else, I can’t afford to maintain my flat the way it’s going. 

“I thought if I applied for the Salford housing list, I might be able to get a cheaper home.

“I took my document to the office at the council offices and thought I was on the list. 

“But when I went back a couple of weeks later, I found I had been removed. The told me I can’t go on the emergency housing list because I’m not in danger of eviction and I’m not in serious debt.”

 

She went on:

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“The whole point of me applying for social housing was to try to avoid getting into serious debt. This doesn’t seem fair.”

Deputy city mayor and lead member for housing, property and regeneration, Coun Tracy Kelly said:

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“These are very difficult times for residents with the rising cost of living and my sympathies go out to everyone who is struggling at present. 

“There is a lot of support available for residents which is listed on our website at www.salford.gov.uk/costofliving or they can visit our Gateway centres at Eccles, Swinton, Pendleton and Walkden or the Broughton Hub and ask about our Better Off service to check if there are benefits they could be claiming and find out about other sources of help. 

“Every request to join Salford’s housing register is assessed in line with government guidance about eligibility for social housing and an affordability assessment is carried out to see what level of rent people can manage. If people are deemed to be adequately housed then we do not accept them onto the housing register. 

“Even if someone is accepted onto the register it could be many months before they are able to secure a property due to the national shortage of affordable housing. We already have 3704 people on the register. Salford city council is trying to address the shortage of affordable housing by building new homes and working with partners but sadly, there is no quick fix for this.”