New move on accommodation for people who have been homeless has been granted planning permission by Salford City Council.

The development in Saint Simon Street, Salford, designed by JDA Architects, will provide 40 one-bedroom flats for people working towards securing permanent independent accommodation and two emergency homeless flats which will be managed by Salford City Council.

The scheme will be developed and managed by Moss Care St Vincents Housing. Housing teams from MSV and the council worked with the developer to shape the scheme, which will provide a much needed homes and a platform for life for those at risk of homelessness in Salford.

The scheme also includes support from Mustard Tree, a homelessness charity that creates opportunities for people to help themselves through providing practical support, connections into work, improvements to health and wellbeing and new experiences to encourage aspiration. It will also run a community shop and food club at the development.

Deputy City Mayor and lead member for housing, property and regeneration, Councillor Tracy Kelly welcomed the scheme which also brings a derelict brownfield site back into use.

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“We’ve seen a significant increase in single people presenting as homeless over the last few years, up from 2201 in 2018/2019 to 3398 in 2021/22. This development will meet a growing demand for supported housing which helps people get back on their feet and move on to a brighter future,” she said.

“This is part of a range of developments we are supporting in Salford to provide affordable housing for local people, whether it’s through Derive our housing development company or by working with housing partners like MSV and private sector developers.”

 

I was delighted to see that Martin O' Neill has brought out a book of his photographs, I would call them "street art" as they capture unguarded moments showing children playing in the street, intimate moments in Nightclubs, people shopping, the mundanity of life all beautifully captured in black and white, dare I say on par with Martin Parr?

Martin is one of my favourite photographers and is possibly best know for his iconic photographs taken at Bowdon Vale Youth Club in March 1979 of Joy Division just before their massive rise in popularity and the rest is history.

He has exhibited at The People's History Museum in Manchester, Eccles Community Art Gallery, numerous galleries throughout the North West and soon to exhibit in a gallery in France where he now lives.

I spoke to him today and he explained to me how and why the book came about.

"The book is called 'Photography? There's no money in that, son ..' and is the first of a small series of books I've produced, the title is a nod to my Mum, who still lives in Eccles. 

Let's just say she wasn't too impressed when, at just thirteen years old, I told her I wanted to be a photographer!

The images are from my archive and were taken from the mid 1970s onwards, the majority of the pictures are from Eccles, Salford and Manchester. 

Very few of the pictures have been published before, and the books are partly a response to the many people who have said "You really should make a book".

They also tie in with an exhibition I'm having in France from the end of April. Along with my photographs of Joy Division, the work will be on show for three months in an Abbey in a small French village near Bordeaux.

I grew up on Brookhouse estate, and have been a professional photographer since 1978. After joining a camera club at St.Patrick's RC High School in 1973 I began to take photographs for the Eccles Journal, and got my first job as a photographer on Messenger Group Newspapers in Sale, I went freelance in 1982, and worked for the Manchester Evening News for eighteen years"

People may recognise many of the places in his photographs, including Morrison's, Eccles Bus Station, Barton Air Show, Ordsall, Manchester and a host more.

Favourite photos of Martin's include Doddington Lane, and a shot of a group of kids on a doorstep on Foxhill Road, Brookhouse.

So if you have a love of not only photography but photos which have captured a lost era then I can highly recommend this book to you, my only regret is that he never captured me on Church Street, Eccles in the 1970s, on reflection it's possibly just as well he didn't!

The book is available for just ten pounds at .. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BVTFSV7C

The second book in the series 'Snaps? I'm an artist!' is coming out at the beginning of April.

An Amber warning for snow has been issued for central and northern England, including Salford and Greater Manchester.

It will remain largely cloudy over the coming days, with the best of the clear spells further north which will result in frost on the ground. Outbreaks of rain, sleet and snow will linger across the south of the country but will, gradually move up across the country and the hours pass.

As the milder air moves north, the area at risk of snow transitions north with it. A number of National Severe Weather Warnings are in place across the UK as snow continues to cause disruption through the week.

An Amber warning for snow has been issued covering an area from the south of the Peak District up to the North Pennines, valid from 1500 Thursday to 1200 Friday.

Salford is included in this warning.

10-20cm of snow is likely to fall across much of the area, with 30-40cm in some higher up places, and may possibly be accompanied by strong winds.

Thursday will see the weather turn even more unsettled as another band of rain, sleet and snow moves northwards. With strong winds, blizzard conditions are likely, especially over higher ground. It will feel especially cold with a maximum temperature of just 5 °C.

There will be a little respite on Friday as skies clear, but Rain, sleet, but after a dry start Saturday will bring further rain, sleet, with snow possible in the evening into Sunday.

On Tuesday 14 February 2023, officers attended Clarendon Park in Salford over concerns for the welfare of a man.

The victim, John, was left unconscious and badly beaten, before being taken to hospital where he has since remained with life changing injuries.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempt murder on 2 March, he has been released on bail.

Officers continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry and appeal to members of public for information and ask that anyone who may have been in the area, or saw anything suspicious, to please come forward.

The victim’s family have prepared the following words:

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“On Tuesday 14 February, our family’s life was tragically changed forever. Our loving, caring, gentle father, who was loved by all in his community for his huge smile and cheeky demeanour, was the victim of a senseless and cowardly attack.

“Nearing 60 years of age, this brutal attack has left him with life changing injuries and has altered the lives of all our family forever.

“We were used to seeing our dad full of energy, the life and soul of the party. This attack has made him a shell of a person and all we can do is witness him deteriorate right before our eyes.

“We’re appealing to anyone who knows anything to please come forward. It’s been almost a month since the attack, and we just want justice for our father.

“Someone out there has information that could be vital to the investigation.

“Please, if you know anything, we ask that you come forward today. This could have happened to anyone, anyone’s dad, son or brother. We need your help to bring the person who shattered our whole family to be brought to justice.”

 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or through the LiveChat function on www.gmp.police.uk quoting log number 1218 of 14/02/23.

Alternatively, details can be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester Police's Transport Unit are currently seeking the public’s assistance in tracing a man who indecently exposed himself whilst travelling on a bus.

The incident is believed to have occurred on the 67 bus route in Eccles, Salford on 8 November 2022, and the man is understood to be local to the Salford area.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 6758 or anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

We mentioned last month the The Crescent pub in Salford was showing signs of possibly reopening with the news that contractors had moved into the building and were clearing out the inside, and a 10 foot safety fence to keep out vandals etc

Today our good friend Dave Quinn was passing and saw scaffolding being erected at the front of the pub, he asked the workmen if the pub was to be demolished and was told that it wasn't however they weren't certain it was to reopen as a pub... so what could it be?

My guess is that if it's not to reopen as a pub, which would be a crying shame given the pubs history and no I don't mean that old hoary chestnut about Marx and Engels boozing in there, a load of old tosh, it may be prestigious office space.

It is still early days so we can only guess at what the outcome will be and if it is to be offices, well at least that is preferable to the fate of the Black Horse pub which stood a hundred yards away and despite huge protests was demolished to make way or the erection of 400 apartments in 2017, cheers Fred Done!

So watch this space and lets see what transpires.

Many thanks to a proper Salford Boy, Dave Quinn for the photos and keeping us updated.

Photo ©: Dave Quinn Photography

Emergency services have reportedly rescued a person from the water at Salford Quays this evening.

At around 4:45pm this evening (Tuesday 7th March) a man was rescued from the water by emergency services using a rescue boat.

The man was taken to hospital by the North West Ambulance Service, his condition is currently unknown.

A spokesperson for GMFRS, said:

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“At approximately 4.45pm on Tuesday 7 March, firefighters were called out to reports of someone in the water near The Quays, Salford.

“Two fire engines from Salford Fire Station, two rescue units from Leigh and a rescue boat from Eccles all quickly attended the scene and rescued a man from the water who is being treated by North West Ambulance Service.”

 

A new, waterfront dining and drinking destination at Quayside MediaCity is set to be launched as Central Bay – and will become the first of its kind in Salford and one of the biggest in the region.

Named after the original stretch of dock which was once a thriving loading bay during the industrial revolution, Central Bay will offer 25,000 square feet of exciting food and drink experiences, while sitting at the heart of cultural landmarks such as The Lowry, Imperial War Museum North and Coronation Street’s studios.

And with more than 2,000 square foot of south-facing outside terrace space to enjoy, up to 600 visitors to Central Bay will be able to enjoy unrivalled views of some of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks – including Old Trafford football ground.

What’s more, the operator behind the British Street Food Awards 2022 – ‘Food Hall of the Year, Cutlery Works’, in Sheffield and The GPO in Liverpool, has been brought on board to run and develop the food hall, which will be known as Kargo, while the street vendor elements of Central Bay will be branded Kargo Mkt – aligning with the area’s rich history.

Blend Family is adept at building new, unique food hall experiences, intricately engineered to become community hubs. With a mix of design and culinary excellence, Blend Family, in partnership with Quayside MediaCity, will showcase the best in up-and-coming food and drink talent, hand chosen and incubated to bring the best in world food under one roof.

Earmarked for a summer 2023 launch, Central Bay will be one of the biggest independent food and drink operations in the North; it will house four new independent restaurants, 13 kitchens, pop-up events, indie markets, live music performances and recreation space for children, with more announcements set to be made in the coming months.

As works progress on the £3.5 million transformation of this waterfront stretch, a new digital impression has been released to give a preview of how Central Bay will look ahead of its opening in summer this year.

Working with local artists, Central Bay’s heritage will be reflected and celebrated across the destination’s design, from the branding, signage and artwork, through to the re-imagined shipping containers, which will utilised by Blend Family to serve as a launchpad for up-and-coming local food stars.

The ethos of supporting local independents and artists is a legacy of MediaCity’s successful Box on the Docks initiative, launched during the pandemic to support local traders and creatives. Sourcing and recruiting, local, emerging talent sits at the heart of MediaCity and Quayside’s strategy and Central Bay is set to continue that legacy.

Stephen Wild, Managing Director for MediaCity said:

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“Central Bay is an ambitious and transformational project for Quayside MediaCity which will be a fantastic place for our growing number of residents, workers, students and visitors to enjoy great food, in a tranquil yet vibrant waterside setting. It will be truly unique and a celebration of local food, drink and art – which is what we know, from the Salford Vision 2030 research piece, local people want to see and access. Central Bay will add another dimension to MediaCity and Quayside and will bolster its growing reputation as a leading leisure and cultural destination.”

Matt Bigland, Founder and CEO of Blend Family, said:

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“This is an exciting development for us and the passion that the Quayside MediaCity team have for creating new, exciting experiences for everyone who lives, works, and visits the area is infectious. We can’t wait to announce Central Bay and Kargo’s first line-up of incredible food vendors and bring our offering to Salford.”

To celebrate International Women’s Day (8 March) The Guinness Partnership is running a week of free DIY and home maintenance training for women, at City Skills in Salford.

Taking place between 6-10 March, the training has 15 female participants who are over 18 years old and unemployed or on a low income, and who wish to learn basic DIY and home maintenance skills, such as decorating, tiling and how to carry out simple plumbing work.

Although provided by Guinness, the training is delivered by Frameworks Social Enterprise CIC and  supported by partner organisations: Salix Homes, Wates, Keepmoat Homes, Jewson Partnership Solutions and Smart Works Greater Manchester - who were involved in coordinating and planning the programme, and helped with funding the course and providing the guest speakers. 

As well as training, participants are also able to get advice on how they can reduce their energy costs and get the support and guidance they need to help them get into work, including taking part in mock interviews.

Krissy Jones who attended the training course, said: 

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“I joined the course after leaving a career I have worked in for 15 years looking to start a new career. The DIY course offers this opportunity and it has been very helpful in learning about apprenticeships in the construction industry, as well as basic DIY skills I can use at home. The staff on the course have been very helpful and knowledgeable, and I am glad I attended.”

Another attendee, Stacie Pilling added: 

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“I have enjoyed the practical sessions using different tools and using different techniques.  Being ambidextrous it has been good to have the time to practice skills using both hands safely. I enjoyed the joinery session making a butt joint.” 

Hollie Heil, a multi-skilled technician and guest speaker from The Guinness Partnership said: 

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“This is a great opportunity to learn new skills and I am thrilled to able to share my experience with others, who one day may wish to take up maintenance work as a career.”

City Skills, part of Salford College, kindly provided the venue for the week, which allowed us to be able to deliver the training.  Also, funded by the training partners and donated by Jewson Partnership Solutions all attendees received a free toolbox and goodie bag - an amazing end-of-course gift.

At around 7:10pm on Saturday 4 March 2023, officers were called to a concern for welfare of a young man on Basten Drive, Salford.

Emergency services attended the scene, and a 15-year-old was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

It is believed that the incident occurred at the McDonalds restaurant in Higher Broughton, Salford.

Police have followed a number of enquires and are now in a position to appeal to members of the public for further information. Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have any CCTV, mobile, or dashcam footage from the area before, during, or after the incident occurred.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 5207 quoting incident 2936 of 4/3/23.

Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers 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.

Crimestoppers also have a dedicated website which enables 11 – 17-year-olds to pass on information anonymously – this can be accessed through Fearless.org

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the next of kin of a man from the Salford area.

Joseph Creegan, 81, sadly passed away at his home address on Talavera Street, Salford on 05/03/2023

Police say that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about Joseph’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 8564687

Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed that human remains found in Salford on Saturday 4 March 2023 belong to Peter Baglin.

Peter, 55, was reported missing when he didn’t return home from a walk along the canal towpath in Boothstown on Wednesday 28 December 2022. His belongings were found nearby the following day.

It is not believed there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and a file is being prepared for the coroner for the purpose of inquest proceedings.

Paying tribute to her “Pete”, Peter’s wife, Michelle said:

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“Today is a day we wished would never come and our family is absolutely devastated at the news of Pete’s passing.

“When I think of Pete, I think of him as my best buddy and after being together almost 30 years, we complemented each other perfectly.

“He was a fantastic father, grandfather and great-grandfather; to our three children, our four grandchildren and our great-grand child.  Pete was also a great brother to his two brothers. He was a much loved son and his mum and dad are being comforted at their home down south by Pete’s brother Paul and Paul’s wife, Katie.

“Over the last nine or so weeks, we have been endlessly searching for Pete.  I would like to pass on a huge thanks from our family to friends and members of the community who have turned out time and time again trying to help us find him.

“We would also like to thank Greater Manchester Police for maintaining contact with me every day since Pete went missing; and also for the constant support they have given me.

“We don’t know how we are going to move on from this day, but whilst we try and come to terms with our loss, and grieve Pete’s passing, we would ask that our privacy is now respected.”

 

Photo ©: The Baglin Family

The Lowry’s 2022 Festival Appeal raised over £50,000 which will help young people in Salford access life-changing opportunities via the arts.

The final total of the appeal, which ran from November 2022 to January 2023, was £50,236.75, with donations raised via bucket collections at the end of performances, a staff raffle and donations in The Lowry’s Pier Eight restaurant and bar.

Neighbouring bar and resturant The Alchemist at Media City also generously supported the appeal by collecting donations from diners over the festive period, raising over £1,500.

The money collected will help fund The Lowry’s life-changing programme of creative engagement work with children and young people across Salford who are living with some of the most complex and challenging circumstances.

Many of these young people have been particularly adversely impacted by the pandemic, and these challenges are now being intensified by the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Jennifer Riding, The Lowry’s Director of Learning and Engagement said:

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“We would like to say a huge thank you to everybody who supported our Festive Appeal. The final figure surpassed expectations and shows the true generosity of our audiences. From customers who donated money, to our staff, volunteers and visiting companies who supported and helped run the appeal, the money raised will make a real difference to the lives of young people in Salford and we are so grateful for everyone’s support, during what we know is a challenging time for people financially.

“Thanks to the money raised, young people from Salford will take part in regular creative activities both at The Lowry and in the community, developing key life skills, working towards qualifications and enjoying world-class visual and performing art. Most importantly we focus on supporting the young people to nurture good self-esteem and raising aspirations to build a better future for themselves.

 

Officers from GMP’s Tactical Aid Unit made the discovery on Saturday 4 March 2023 at around 10:48am, following a further search of the area around the Bridgwater Canal in Boothstown, Salford.

The remains have not been formally identified, however Peter’s next of kin has been informed and specialist officers are continuing to support the family and their loved.

The death is currently being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing to establish the surrounding circumstances.

Detective Inspector Michael Sharples of the GMP Salford District said:

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"Though we are not currently in a position to confirm this is Peter, our thoughts remain with his wife Michelle and his loved ones.

"We understand that the last two months have been extremely difficult for them and this continues to be a distressing time for all of Peter’s loved ones.

"Search teams, made up of GMP personnel and colleagues from partner agencies - such as the National Police Air Service, North West Underwater Search Team and Mountain Rescue – have worked extensively to try and find Peter.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has assisted to date, and also to confirm that our enquiries will not stop until we have found the necessary answers for Peter’s loved ones, for our investigation and for coronial proceedings."

 

Local hero John Brierley has finished his charity fundraising walk for St Ann's Hospice in their 100KM steps for February appeal

John has raised a whopping £635 for this most worthy of causes and I am delighted to say that through the generosity of Genealogist, Glenn Kennedy who donated all money raised from his family tree research we were able to give John £100 instead of the £50 we had planned.

John an Engineer works all over the country with his job yet took time out after work to pound the streets often with hilarious results.

John, said:

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"I was determined to reach my goal of the 100KM steps and hopefully more, each evening after work I would get changed and walk the local areas to reach the 100KM.I was working in Sterling, Scotland when I went out for my walk, however I got lost and took a wrong turning which resulted in me walking almost eight miles by mistake! but it all added to my target.

I am glad that I have done the walk and even more pleased that I reached a total of over 150KM, I have been asked if I would do it again....lets wait and see but probably yes.

I would like to thank Glenn Kennedy for his fundraising efforts to ensure that I received £100, and Salford Media for all their support and the good work they do in the community"

 

John's wife works at St Ann's Hospice and she will take this money into work tomorrow along with all monies received.

Your a top man, John Brierley and we doff our oversized caps!

At around 7:10pm on Saturday 4 March 2023, officers were called to a concern for welfare on Basten Drive, Salford.

Emergency services attended the scene, and a 15-year-old male was taken to hospital with serious stab injuries.

It is believed that the incident occurred outside the McDonalds restaurant in Higher Broughton, Salford.

Officers remain at the scene to conduct further enquiries and to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.

A Section 60 Order has been authorised in the local area which allows officers in a prescribed area to stop and search individuals.

Superintendent Mark Kenny, GMP said:

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“I have authorised a Section 60 within the local area to ensure enhanced stop and search powers are in force to provide extra reassurance to the local community and to prevent further offences.

“We will also be increasing our patrols across Higher Broughton area this evening to provide reassurance to the local community.

“I would urge members of the public that saw anything suspicious around 7pm this evening outside McDonalds on Bury New Road or witnessed the incident, to please come forward and report this information to us immediately.

“Your information no matter how small it may seem could be a huge help in our investigations going forward and will help us secure justice for the victim of this attack.

"We are also appealing for any witnesses to come forward and contact us on 101 or 0161 856 5207 quoting Log 2936 of 04/03/2023 or on our website using our reporting tool: https://www.gmp.police.uk/

“If you have any concerns about crime within your area, we urge that you speak to our officers who will be patrolling around the local area or talk to GMP online via our Live Chat to discuss your concerns.

"Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

 

Yesterday (Saturday 4th March), Police in Swinton attended a property for the execution of a Section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act Warrant.

A male was arrested under suspicion of Cultivation of Cannabis and Abstract of Electricity.

Being in possession, supplying or cultivating cannabis are all offences in which police will proactively locate and disrupt.

Abstraction of Electricity poses many risks to both personal safety as well as causing a fire hazard to those around you.

If you believe any electrics have been tampered with report this to both GMP and Electricity NorthWest.

Following a number of misguided and sometimes blatantly untrue statements which are being spread online regarding the listing status of what remains of the hot-house which lies within Buile Hill Park, Salford council has released a statemen.

The statement reads:

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Following various comments on social media the Council consider it would be helpful to clarify the current position with regard to the remaining  hot house structure in the former depot area adjacent to Buile Hill Mansion.

Buile Hill Mansion, alone, was listed on 18 January, 1980. The depot and buildings, including the hot house are not mentioned in the listing description and at that time of listing the mansion was being used as a Mining Museum and was operating separately from the council parks depot where the hothouse structure and other buildings are situated. As the Mansion and Depot  uses were independent at the date of listing, the depot buildings, including the hothouse structure,  are not curtilage listed buildings.

The hot house is mentioned in the Historic Parks and Gardens designation, but this is not the same as ‘listing’ and is a non-statutory designation. Therefore it is for Salford City Council Planning and Conservation officers and other statutory consultees including Historic England to determine the significance of buildings and structures within the former council parks depot. 

We note the speculation regarding the hot house and whether it is the original structure and would like to clarify that the structure was extensively refurbished / upgraded in the 1970’s and then again in the 1990’s, during which time the glazing was removed and structural steelwork erected to support the central lantern structure (This was done to prevent its collapse) . As a result very little now remains of the original structure and surveys undertaken in 2008 identified that refurbishing the in-situ frame and re-glazing would be unviable due to the building regulations in force along with the poor condition of the structure. The condition in the intervening 15 years has further deteriorated.

In summary what remains on site is not able to be re-instated through refurbishment and if a replacement facility were to be provided it is estimated that it would  cost circa £2Million to deliver. That estimated  Capital cost plus the high levels of estimated running costs and maintenance mean that it is outside the reach of the Council to look at the re-provision of the facility given our focus on delivering the refurbishment of the Mansion and the substantial costs associated with that.

In terms of next steps the Council will shortly submit planning applications for the Mansion and associated proposals for the external works and proposed car park in the depot area. This will included a listed building application for the mansion works reflecting its listed status and a “standard” application for the depot area and other external works ( as we do not believe the depot area nor the structures within it to be listed) . This approach will however, in the event that it is determined that the depot or a building(s) within it are considered to be listed, allow the application to be considered reflecting that scenario.  The applications  will include proposals to demolish all buildings on the Depot site including the former hothouse structure. This follows the extensive public consultation that has taken place with regard to the proposals for the mansion and depot.

The application seeks to use an improved  depot area for car parking to serve the mansion, banqueting suite and wider park area

Part of the , proposed, cleared depot area has been identified as being suitable for other uses supporting the mansion and wider park uses and this was the subject of a informal tender opportunity that was publicly marketed on the council’s website and via Rightmove in Feb- April 2022.

On the back of that tender 3 proposals were received with the one submitted by BMHA being selected as the preferred option for further discussion.

Those discussions are ongoing but just to be absolutely clear the marketing was undertaken on an assumed cleared site basis.

In terms of the Councils approach to the Mansion and associated works all those matters have been discussed at the monthly working group meetings with BHMA and have been fully detailed at the Community consultation events held

 

Sight loss charity, Henshaws, is spearheading a digital revolution for those with visual impairments by shifting some of their services into local libraries in Greater Manchester - including in Salford.

After successfully bidding for access to Manchester Central Library, Henshaws have been given the green light to extend some of their services to other libraries across Greater Manchester. These are: Wigan Library, Tameside Library, Sale Library and Salford Eccles Gateway Library. They are also in special hubs in Bolton and Oldham and share the premises with another charity in Bury.

Henshaws provides access to print texts for visually impaired people using specialist technology, and since the revolution of the internet, smartphones, and tablets, they have been doing the same but for the digital and online space. It’s part of their digital enablement programme. They can give visually impaired people access to magnifers, specialist text-to-speech devices as well as other gadgets and tools.

Henshaws hopes the move of their digital services to libraries will mean more visually impaired people have better access to the online world and will be able to use the digital skills they gain to shop, manage their finances, and find information online. These are all things many sighted people take for granted but are much harder for those living with a visual impairment. Henshaws services help improve confidence and accessibility, enabling people to live more independent lives.

Mark Belcher, Head of Enablement (Community Services) at Henshaws, says:

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“Many people don’t realise that visual impairment is a spectrum and with a little help many visually impaired people can use technology to enhance their independence. 

“Moving some of our services to libraries is a game-changer. It allows visually impaired people better access to help and support and allows Henshaws to offer more to a wider group of people. We hope those with visual impairments will be encouraged by this and will want to come along to see how they can be best supported.”

 

And Henshaws has already begun skilling up staff in libraries so they know and understand the services visually impaired people may need. Twenty colleagues from libraries across Greater Manchester came together at Manchester Central Library in January to learn how to guide visually impaired people through the services offered at each and so they understand how to better support those who are visually impaired. Simulation glasses were used by staff.

Mark adds:

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“We hope the day was beneficial to those who attended, and we also hope to provide more staff with the tools and knowledge so they can support those who come into their library and are visually impaired.”

You can find out about Henshaws digital enablement service by visiting the dedicated webpage on Henshaws’s website.

Drivers using Worsley roundabout have been given an urgent safety warning by Salford City Council.

New, part-time temporary traffic lights have been installed on Worsley Brow but give way road markings have not changed.

That means drivers moving forward when the lights turn green must still pause at the give way line and only enter the roundabout when they are certain it is safe to do so. 

Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning and sustainable neighbourhoods, said the council was speaking out after concerns were raised locally about drivers misinterpreting the lights.

He said:

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“These lights should not be interpreted as giving drivers any right of way. They must continue to observe all the road markings which have not changed on the roundabouts.

“The lights have been placed ahead of the give way line where there are also give way signs. When the lights turn green that’s the signal for paused traffic to move forward to the give way line and check if it’s clear to pull out before doing so. It’s just the same as when you get the green light to join a motorway…. you move forward and check it is safe before joining the moving traffic.

“The road markings are correct and legal but, as these lights are part of a six month trial, we will add extra road markings to make it as clear as we can that there is a give way requirement in place.”

 

The lights, which are monitored by cameras and sensors in the road, do not run during the morning rush hour but activate as traffic begins to build up on Worsley Road and Barton Road during the afternoon. They are designed to pause traffic coming from Boothstown and Walkden to give traffic on Worsley Road and Barton Road a fair and equal chance to get safely onto the roundabout.