Fans of the smash hit CBeebies series HEY DUGGEE are delighting in the ‘joyous’ all-new interactive stage show that comes to The Lowry, Salford next month.

Duggee, the Squirrels and some of their friends star in the musical play Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show, which is packed with non-stop fun, laughs, music, singing and dancing!

This is the first-ever stage adaptation of the hugely popular CBeebies series, which brings Duggee and friends to life through extraordinary puppetry and storytelling – and it’s coming to The Lowry from Friday March 24 to Sunday March 26.

Hey Duggee The Live Theatre Show has been adapted for the stage by Vikki Stone (#zoologicalsociety – Royal And Derngate, Romeo And Duet – ITV) and Matthew Xia (The Wiz ­– Hope Mill Theatre, artistic director Actors Touring Company). Matthew also directs the production and Vikki is musical supervisor and arranger.

Matthew said:

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“My daughter was born in 2014, the same year Hey Duggee started, so we’ve really grown up with the TV series, and it’s been an absolute treat to create this new stage show.

“Without any spoilers, the Squirrels have never been to a show before, and they set out to learn about all the things that go into making a show and earn the relevant badges, with some of our favourite Hey Duggee characters helping them along the way.

“And the children and families in the audience are very much part of the Squirrel gang with some important jobs to do!”

 

Vikki added:

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“Hey Duggee is such a special TV series in the realm of co-viewing, where adults are watching it with their children, not just putting it on to entertain them while they’re doing something else. And it is brilliant to see families come together in theatres on the tour to experience that same magic live on stage – and in many cases it’s the children’s first theatre experience.”

Since bursting onto TV screens in 2014, the BBC Studios and Studio AKA creation has won seven BAFTAs and is an international Emmy award-winning hit.

Photo ©: Pamela Raith Photography

Hey Duggee was the most streamed children’s show on BBC iPlayer in 2022 for the third year in a row and is popular among both children and parents; with fans both young and old, up and down the country now able to join the much-loved character on tour.

HEY DUGGEE THE LIVE THEATRE SHOW is presented by award-winning theatre producer Kenny Wax and theatre and live entertainment promoters Cuffe and Taylor in association with Live Nation.

‘An eccentric delight’ – The Telegraph

‘A riotous adaptation’ – The Guardian

‘A quality piece of family entertainment’ – Time Out

‘A wild and joyous escapade’ – The Stage

‘A big, heartfelt Duggee Hug’ – WhatsOnStage

Amazing success from 76-year-old who jumped out of a plane in memory of his partner, who was cared for by St Ann’s Hospice.

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“I really enjoyed it, it was incredible – but I’m so glad to be back on solid ground!”

Tom Lowery jumped 11,000 feet from a plane yesterday in memory of his partner to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice.

Joan Lyons, Tom’s partner of 24 years, was a patient at St Ann’s Hospice in Little Hulton and was cared for there until she died in March last year.

Joan had been ill for three months with a brain tumour.

Tom, said: 

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“Joan received excellent care from St Ann’s Hospice despite being in the throes of the latter months of the pandemic.”

Tom, a retired HGV driver and Royal Signals veteran – who himself is going through health issues following his own cancer diagnosis – is 76 years old, but was more than ready for his parachute jump in aid of St Ann’s.

Speaking before the jump, Tom said:

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“I think I’m looking forward to it, not long to go now! Thank you very much to everyone who has donated to St Ann’s Hospice, I hope they get lots of money to support them.”

Tom, who had to get the all clear from his doctor for the jump following his diagnosis, said: “I have prostate cancer so the drugs that I’m on have made me too weak to take on a 24-hour walk or a marathon. This is the next best thing I can do; I’ve never done a parachute jump before so I’m very excited.”

 

Tom had lots of his family and friends supporting him yesterday at the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Cockerham, Lancashire.

After jumping 11,000 feet through the air, Tom said:

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“I loved it, but if I do anything else for charity it’ll be marathons, not another jump!”

He has already surpassed his target of raising £500 and has currently raised over £1000.

 Tom, continued:

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"We all want to raise as much money as possible for such a great cause that supported Joan. Her last days were spent peacefully at the hospice and their incredible staff provided our family with kindness, support and a much-needed sense of peace at the end of her life." 

Anne-Marie Wynne, Head of Fundraising and Capital Campaign, says:

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“We are so delighted that Tom completed his amazing challenge to raise money for St Ann’s Hospice – he’s braver than all of us!

“Every single donation makes a difference and helps us to continue providing the vital care and support to all those who visit our hospice.”

 

To donate to Tom for his parachute jump, his JustGiving page can be found here.

Photo ©: Black Knights Parachute Centre

One of England’s longest serving local councillors has been praised for 57 years of dedicated service to local government.

Councillor David Lancaster, MBE, of Salford City Council, who is thought to be the longest serving councillor in England still in office, was presented with a framed map of Salford by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys.

Councillor Lancaster was first elected, aged 21, to Eccles Council in 1965 and served on that council until defeated in the 1968 elections. He was re-elected to Eccles Council in 1969 and to Salford Council on 7 May 1970 to represent Winton – the year the first Range Rovers rolled off the production line and the first Glastonbury Festival was held. Harold Wilson and then Edward Heath were Prime Ministers that year. The current Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who was elected to the role in 2017, was born in 1970.

In 1974, through local government re-organisation, Salford Council became Salford City Council. Councillor Lancaster became a full-time councillor in 1999 and over the years has held a number of different roles with Salford City Council and at Greater Manchester level.

He was awarded an MBE in 2016 for services to the community in Salford and charitable services to elderly people through the Salfordian Hotel Trust, a Southport hotel owned by Salford City Council which provides affordable and accessible breaks for local people.

Councillor Lancaster now represents Barton and Winton, following boundary changes, as well as serving as Executive Support Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety.

Councillor Lancaster is a founder member of The Lowry Trust, which ensures local people, especially schoolchildren, benefit from opportunities connected with the nationally renowned The Lowry theatre and art gallery complex. Opening The Lowry in October 2000 was a key milestone in the transformation of the former docklands into Salford Quays which is widely regarded as one of the most successful regeneration projects in Europe.

He became deputy council leader in 2003 and was part of a strategic regeneration team which secured £450 million in investment for the city and assisted the BBC move to MediaCity. The UK’s largest collection of digital and technology businesses outside London is now based in MediaCity.

Over the years he has seen Salford transformed into the fastest growing city and economy in the north-west of England, with a population and building boom, though the challenges of unemployment, low incomes and housing pressures remain.

Councillor Lancaster, who was working as an area housing manager for Manchester City Council when first elected, said he had not expected to serve over half a century as a local councillor.

He, said:

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“Through my work in housing and as a trade unionist I saw there was real need for social and economic change, and I wanted to be part of pushing that forward. I am proud that Salford has pioneered so many initiatives over the years to improve people’s lives,” he said.

“Having said that we are well aware we still face huge challenges of poverty and low wages, low skills and aspirations and poor health which limit people’s lives and not enough affordable housing, though the council and its partners are doing all we can to tackle those issues. The strength of our partnership working in Salford is second to none.

“One of my proudest achievements was the launch of Project Gulf in 2010 which brought the council and Greater Manchester Police together with housing, justice and health to disrupt and deal with organised crime gangs and steer young people into more positive life choices. Gulf has since been copied up and down the country and has proved invaluable in the fight against organised crime.”

 

Photo ©: The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys, Councillor David Lancaster and City Mayor Paul Dennett with Chief Executive Tom Stannard (standing.) 

After over 110 years of providing City Team football for boys, Salford Schools FA are about to launch their first representative Girls team.

Girls football has been organised in the City for several years at both primary and secondary level, but the opportunity to progress to City Team level has not been there before.

Chairman of SSFA, John Peters said:

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“We are very excited at the prospect of launching our first girls team. This has been months in the planning and we have recruited a talented team to administer and coach the new team.

The girls will compete in local and regional competitions as well as the prestigious English Schools Trophy on a national level. They will also have the opportunity to trial for Greater Manchester County team"

 

Any girl at present attending any of the Salford Secondary Schools or Independent Schools are eligible for a trial.

Schools will nominate trialist or possible players can register their interest by emailing ssfagirlsfootball@gmail.com.

Please note this opportunity is for existing players and not for girls new to the game.

Earlier in the year it was announced that Salford City Council had acquired Eccles Shopping Precinct from Columbia Threadneedle for a princely sum of £4.1m, with a view to use it as a catalyst to kickstart the regeneration of Eccles town centre.

Concept art produced by Manchester based architects SimpsonHaugh, has been released via the council, showcasing early stage visualisations of what the future town centre could look like.

The proposal would see a more open and far greener town centre than currently exists, with the demolition of pretty much all of the current 200,000sqft site including its adjoining eyesore of a multi-storey car park. 

The residential-led vision would feature new open spaces as well as provision for shops and other amenities.

The council is in consultation with local stakeholders and is set to appoint a development partner as soon as possible.

Ian Simpson and Rachel Haugh, co-founders of SimpsonHaugh, said:

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“We are delighted to have been working alongside Salford City Council to develop a vision for Eccles town centre.

“The vision responds to the public consultation and the community’s expressed desire to establish a sense of place that reinstates the historic streetscape and not only encourages visitors to the town but also achieves a sustainable environment where people work, live, and enjoy leisure time.”

 

SimpsonHaugh is an architecture firm based in Manchester. The firm was founded in 1987 by Ian Simpson and Rachel Haugh, and has since grown to become one of the most successful architecture practices in the UK.

SimpsonHaugh is known for designing a wide range of buildings, including office buildings, residential towers, cultural institutions, and public spaces. Some of their notable projects include Beetham Tower in Manchester, One Blackfriars in London, and the No.1 Spinningfields office building in Manchester.

The firm has won numerous awards for their work, including the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize in 2019 for their design of the Goldsmith Street housing development in Norwich. They are also known for their commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible design, and many of their projects incorporate innovative green technologies and materials.

At around 7pm last night (Tuesday 21 February) , police were called to reports of an assault on Wortley Avenue, Salford.

Officers attended and it was established that a nineteen year old female had been assaulted, during which, a substance was thrown over her. This was later confirmed to be bleach. The victim has received minor injuries as a result of the assault.

Three females, aged 19, 19, and 17 have been arrested on suspicion of assault.

They remain in police custody for questioning.

Chief Inspector Darren Whitehead from GMP’s Salford district, said:

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“Fortunately this incident has not resulted in more serious consequences, but senseless attacks of this nature have the potential to cause life changing injuries.

"Officers responded quickly to this incident and three females have subsequently been arrested. Enquiries are ongoing.”

 

Police are investigating after a woman believed to be in her 20's was reportedly doused with what is thought to have been Bleach during an attack said to have been carried out by three young women.

The incident took place on Wortley Avenue, close to Edward Avenue in Weaste, at around 8pm this evening (Tuesday 21st Feb).

The cul-de-sac is regularly used by pedestrians as a passthrough in order to get to Kennedy Road and vice versa.

It is believed that the victim was taken to hospital via ambulance, although the exact nature of the incident has not yet been confirmed by police. 

Forensics officers were reported at the scene this evening but have since left, a cordon which was put in place at the time, has also been lifted.

We have contacted GMP for further information.

Photo ©: SM Stock

Map ©: Google

The Lowry, Salford, has installed a specialist Changing Places toilet for disabled people and their carers to use.

Changing Places toilet and changing facilities are designed to meet the needs of those who have profound and complex disabilities. Larger than a standard accessible toilet and open to the public, the facilities will make The Lowry and The Quays accessible to even more people.

The new Changing Places facility is now open at the Salford Quays arts centre and has been made possible thanks to a joint application with Salford City Council for grant funding provided by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities in association with Muscular Dystrophy UK.

The project involved the adaptation of an existing toilet with works carried out by RISE, a specialist contractor in disabled adaptations. 

It is accessed by a RADAR key and features height­ adjustable, adult sized changing bench, ceiling track hoist system, space for up to two assistants, toilet with grab rails, privacy screen, and a height­ adjustable washbasin.

Cllr Robinson-Smith, Executive Support Member for Social Care and Mental Health, Salford City Council said:

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“It’s really wonderful to see another addition of Changing Places facilities in Salford - at The Lowry, a venue visited by many each year. It’s great to see it opening in a public gallery and theatre in the heart of Salford Quays making the area further accessible to all visitors.”

Zack Kerr, campaigner for Changing Places, said:

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“It’s really great that the Lowry now has a Changing Places Toilet. I’ve been a campaigner for Changing Places for about 8 years. I love coming to the theatre and I’ve been here many times with my family but trips out anywhere are always difficult when there aren’t any accessible toilet facilities which meet my needs. There aren’t many theatres which have Changing Places toilets and this will make such a huge difference to so many people! Well done The Lowry and thank you!”

Tony Smith, Commercial Director at The Lowry said:

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“We want to make visiting The Lowry as easy and comfortable as we can for all of our visitors and this new facility will enable more people the freedom to take part in and enjoy everything that we have to have to offer.  We are delighted that our joint bid with Salford City Council was successful and has resulted in the opening of this new Changing Places toilet.”

To find out what’s coming up at The Lowry including access performances visit thelowry.com and for specific access queries contact The Lowry’s Access team on 0161 876 2183 or access@thelowry.com

A vacant site which was once home to the former 16-storey Hanover Court located at the junction between Bury New Road  and Northumberland Street in Higher Broughton, has been earmarked to become the home of a new hub for the jewish community.

Proposals would see the Ezra Care charity located within the new hub which would provide services for the local jewish community from the purpose built facility as part of a 250-year lease.

Additionally, up to 23 specialist housing units could accompany the hub at the site which is expected to see approval in the coming weeks.

The infrastructure is said to be required due to the rapid increase in members of the jewish 'Charedi' community who have moved into the area.

The Jewish community in Higher Broughton can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when a small number of Jewish families began to settle in the area. Over time, the community grew and became more established, with the founding of synagogues, schools, and other community institutions.

The new facilities will be a welcome addition in the area.

Kantos Chamber Choir’s latest spine-tingling performance, In Your Dreams, will aim to wow new audiences by pushing the boundaries and expectations for choral music, exploring the theme of dreams and sleep in the neon nightclub setting of Lurid Ultra Hybrid in Salford's Islington Mill on Saturday 25 February.

Featuring soft and sleep-inducing lullaby music alongside songs inspired by the nonsense dream world, audiences are invited to join us on our quest to discover what happens when we close our eyes.

Audiences will be taken on a journey through improvised soundscapes, poetry by Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe, and music by Eric Whitacre, Laura Mvula, Vaughan Williams and many more.

Tickets can be booked here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kantos-in-your-dreams-luridultra-hybrid-islington-mill-tickets-499451883027

Kantos are committed to ensuring choral music is accessible to a wider, more diverse audience.

Their events are for keen classical music fans and brand new audience members alike and therefore the tickets for this performance operate on a Pay What You Can basis; individuals can choose the ticket band that they are able or happy to pay for.

They aim to shake up the tradition of choral music and perform at a professional level in the North, where there are currently no full-time professional chamber choirs. 

It's been 54 days since Peter Baglin left his home in Boothstown to clear his head, something that was not suspicious or uncommon and what he would regularly do, only this time he seemingly vanished without trace.

He was last seen on CCTV footage captured at a garage in Mosley Common near Worsley, Greater Manchester, on 28 December, whereupon he bought a small bottle of whiskey before heading out of the shop.

Shortly afterwards he chatted on the phone to his wife and promised to be home shortly, telling her: "I love you, you're my world."

The 55-year-old's phone, hat and headphones were found on a towpath beside the Bridgewater Canal the following day (29th December 2022).

Despite numerous searches of nearby woodland and a stretch of the canal close to where his belongings were found, no sign of him has been seen since, leaving his family heartbroken and in a state of limbo without answers as to what happened to him.

As each day passes with no further information coming forth, his loving wife Michelle and her devastated family continue to remain positive and hopeful that he is safe and well and will soon return home to them.

Someone must know of his whereabouts, a man does not simply vanish without trace.

His loving family deserve clarity as to what happened on that day in December and if anyone has even the most minute of details that could help, please contact the police immediately.

Officers are asking anyone who may have seen Peter, or anyone with any other information regarding Peter's whereabouts, to contact them on the switchboard 0161 856 8351 or 0161 856 7857, via 101 or by speaking to the independent charity – Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Photo ©: The Baglin Family

My good friend and ace photographer, Dave Quinn contacted me today with some news about The Crescent pub, Salford and several photographs showing a new steel security fence to deter vandals.

The Crescent pub dates back to the 1860s when it was known as The Red Dragon a name it continued with until the 1970s when new owners changed it.

The old myth that Engels and Marx drank in there, is just a myth, way back in 1978, Neil Richardson, author and pub historian and I were contacted by the new owners, two brothers from Salford who paid us to do research on the pubs history and provide period photographs for the pubs walls, which we did.

We went through period newspapers including The Salford City Reporter and The Manchester Guardian looking for useful stories and not once did we find any mention of those two cheeky, communist chappies having a pint in their and discussing The Communist Manifesto.

Photo ©: Dave Quinn Photography

So how did this myth come about? I believe that when Salford University purchased the pub that they possibly started it, a clever ploy to lure students in which certainly worked and the myth is still being printed in newspapers and magazines.

I digress the Crescent pub a Grade II listed pub closed it's doors in 2017 and has lain empty apart from visits by"urban explorers" and vandals ripping out fireplaces and anything of value.

There have been rumours that the new owners, Chinese businessmen were set to reopen the pub after a massive refurbishment and revert the pubs name back to The Red Dragon, a plan I welcome, we have lost far too many pubs and listed buildings in Salford as it is.

Photo ©: Dave Quinn Photography

Dave Quinn spoke to the workman who told him that he was being employed to clear out all the rubbish left in the pub and erect a steel fence at the rear of the pub, making it ready for workers to move in and start renovating the pub.

Only early days but fingers crossed for a sympathetic restoration project on this fine old building and we shall be keeping you updated on any news that we hear.

Main Photo ©: Dave Quinn Photography

We told you last November about Vikki Johnson and her remarkable crochet skills when she decorated the pillar box on Parrin Lane, Winton with as Armistice Soldier complete with poppies, and she has now added a new creation.

We spoke to Vikki, who told us:

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"It has taken me a few months to make as I did it on and off with other commitments.

I'm hopefully going to leave this one out as it can be a pain taking it on and off so hopefully it'll be left alone, going to get it shared so hopefully it will be too hot to handle as I had one stolen last year.

I just wanted something brighter and more cheerful to go out as it's a difficult time for a lot of people with so many bills etc going up so I just wanted to be able to make someone smile when they see it.

Hopefully it'll bring some joy and smiles to all that pass it."

 

What a lovely thought and a equally marvellous piece of crochet work, Vikki doesn't rest on her laurels she has knitted several hundred "crochet fidgets and worry worms" for children at Westwood Park School, she initially made them for her children who attend there, and soon she was making them for other pupils to help with worry and stress and all free of charge.

Vikki your a credit to Winton and keep up the good work!

We reported earlier that Glenn Kennedy the premier genealogist had donated the entire fee he received from doing a family tree research for Joan Fielder who bid £420 for his services, Glenn then rounded it off to £450 with £30 out of his own pocket, this was boosted to £500 with a £50 donation from Stephen Whitehead.

This week we have have been distributing the money to worthwhile local causes.

We called into The Emmanuel Church on Langworthy Road and gave £100 to their foodbank which will be spent on purchasing both food and much needed toiletries for the people who use their facilities.

Peter Simms told us:

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"We would like to express our gratitude to Glenn for this magnificent donation which will certainly help feed local families and provide other so called luxury items such as soap, toothpaste etc, things we take for granted, and a thank you to Salford media for your continued support."

We then called into the Eccles Unemployed Resource Centre, Liverpool Road, Eccles to see Ellen Barker who runs The Breakfast Club there, a drop in facility which provides not only a hot meal but a chance for people to meet up for a brew and a chat and provides a life line for many, needy people.

Ellen Barker said,

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"We are extremely grateful for this money and we would all like to thank Glenn for helping out, this money will provide a hot meal for our users over the next few weeks, and for many this is possibly the only cooked meal they get all week, and if you are passing Glenn please feel free to call in so that we can thank you in person"

A visit to The Salford Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club in Winton was next on our list as we gave £100 to Wayne Fox who along with Glenn Croston do a magnificent jog of not only fundraising but run the Breakfast Club in Winton on a Saturday which provides a traditional English Breakfast for it's members.

Happy to say the lads tucked into their breakfast with gusto and sent their thanks to Glenn for his kind donation and also thanked Salford Media for their all their help.

We shall be giving John Brierley £50 as a donation to his sponsored walk for St Ann's Hospice in Little Hulton, who provide so much care and attention for people suffering with cancer.

Also we shall be calling into Swinton Hub this week to see Candice who organises both a foodbank and a Veterans Lunch each week and give her £100 towards both these deserving causes.

The good news doesn't end there as we still have £50 left and Glenn has helped raise even more money, £100 by selling potted family histories with a coat of arms with a full description of it's armorial meanings and a list of names of people with same surname, all fascinating stuff.

We shall keep you up to date with our latest fund raising and where the money will be going, if you have any suggestions please contact us as newsdesk@salford.media.

In the meantime if you have any spare tins of food, pasta, rice, soap, toothpaste, etc lying spare in the house, please give them to your local foodbank, they are really needed in these difficult times.

Finally a massive thank you to Glenn Kennedy for his continued support and generosity a proper nice bloke and if you want your family tree researched and presented in a full keepsake book/file, with full research done on your Ancestors including all census including the forthcoming 1921, plus event reports and original documents, then this is the ideal present.

Contact Glenn on familyancestry044@gmail.com or via his Facebook page.

Salford's South East Neighbourhood Team are continuing to investigate following a series of theft from motor vehicle offences which have taken place within the Charles Town and Pendleton areas.

They are looking to identify the offender involved in the above video’s after he was caught on CCTV trying car doors to see if they have been left unlocked.

Do you know who the offenders involved are?

You can report this information completely anonymously to Greater Manchester Police.

Please report any information via “GMP Online report” There is no requirement to provide any personal information. You can simply put refused in the report.

Any information provided with be completely anonymous and not used in anyway in the criminal investigation.

Once you have documented your information on the report please state “For the attention of PS 13490 – Ref: CRI/06FF/0004789/23

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are investigating a robbery that took place on Thursday 2 February 2023 between 18:20-18:30pm.

The victim was targeted at a cash machine at the Go Local on Littleton Road in Salford.

She is reported to have been approached by a black male who was wearing all dark clothing and who had no shoes. He attempted to steal £20 that she withdrew from the cash machine before he ran away in the direction of Stamford Road in Salford.

 

Officers are now appealing for help from the public in identifying a man captured on CCTV and who officers would like to speak to in connection with the robbery.

If you were in the area of Littleton Road or Stamford Road in Salford on 2 February between 18:20 and 18:40pm, or if you have footage - including dashcam or CCTV - that could help with enquiries please make contact.

Likewise if you can help identify this man please call 0161 856 5063 quoting log 2810-02022023. Reports can also be made via the LiveChat function on the website: https://gmp.police.uk

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

The University of Salford is pleased to announce that we have been awarded Gold accreditation in the Hedgehog Friendly Campus (HFC) scheme. 

Funded by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS), the national campaign provides a framework that supports universities, colleges, students' unions and primary schools to create positive change for hedgehogs and other wildlife on their campus and enables staff and students to recognise their own impacts on nature. Since its launch in 2019, HFC has involved over 1,000 volunteers in 250 institutions across the UK; nearly 5,000 hedgehog-friendly actions have been completed, providing over 3,000 students with learning and development opportunities.

The HFC team at the University of Salford have been working hard to achieve Gold accreditation after being awarded Silver in January 2022. By completing a list of 30 actions; the team has succeeded in reaching this next major milestone. These included: running hedgehog surveys and awareness campaigns, hosting a Hedgehog Coffee Morning where they raised over £50 for BHPS, working with the local community to litter pick, as well as setting up hedgehog houses and a litter picking hub on campus.

The submission received excellent feedback, with the judges calling it:

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"a strong and varied Gold application" and highlighting the "activities around staff, student and community engagement, particularly the litter picking hub which had a strong legacy aspect to it."

Marta Strzelecka, Sustainability Engagement Officer and Hedgehog Champion at the University, said: "I am thrilled that The University of Salford is now officially a Gold Accredited Hedgehog Friendly Campus! It's a huge step towards creating a safe habitat for wildlife on our campus.

“A massive thank you to all our dedicated student and staff volunteers for their hard work and support - this would not be possible without you. We are now looking for more volunteers to join us as we work towards the Platinum award, so please get in touch if you're interested."

 

If you would like to get involved and help the team reach Platinum accreditation, please get in touch.

Callum Shelton, (9/4/2000), no fixed abode, has been charged with attempted murder.

He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates court today (Friday 17 February 2023).

This charge is a result of a fast-paced investigation by Salford detectives into a stabbing last week at around 5pm on the 15 February 2023 at Oakhill Court, Mandley Park Avenue, Salford, a man in his 30s remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers are still appealing for witnesses of this incident and anyone with information or footage relating to this - including CCTV or dashcam - is encouraged to make contact with officers on 0161 856 5345 or report via the LiveChat function on the website: www.gmp.police.uk.

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

Hairdressers and barbers are being asked to cut out 30 minutes of their time to help tackle domestic abuse.

Salford Community Safety Partnership is launching a new Cut It Out campaign, offering free training to people in the hair industry.

Delivered by the Safe in Salford service, which provides free, confidential advice and support to anyone suffering domestic abuse, the 30 minute online or in person session will help those taking part to understand domestic abuse. It will advise on how to gently raise concerns with a client or how to respond and where to signpost them if someone confides in them.

The idea, devised by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, has been successfully tried in other areas of Greater Manchester.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety at Salford City Council, said:

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“Hairdressers and barbers build up a relationship over time with their regular customers and can tell if something is wrong, as well as spotting any signs of physical abuse.

“Getting their hair done might be the only time someone is free from an abusive or controlling partner so it’s a golden opportunity.

“We want to make sure men or women experiencing domestic abuse get the right advice and information about services which can help them and with over 200 hairdressers and barbers in Salford this could go a long way to spreading that message. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone but no-one should have to live with it.”

 

The training sessions start from Monday 6 March and are available Monday daytimes and Wednesday evenings. For more information or to book a slot please email chris.wood@salford.gov.uk.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse please call Safe in Salford Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm 0161 793 3232 or email info@safeinsalford.org.uk or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline 24/7 on 0808 200 0247 (translators available if needed.) In emergency always call 999.

Emergency Services have been responding to a fire which broke out at a property on Liverpool road in Irlam at around 10am this morning (Friday 17th Feb). 

Police present in the area are not confirming any Injuries despite an ambulance being present on the scene.

However, it is believed that one man was forced to make his escape onto the roof to avoid the thick smoke which could be seen billowing out of the property, it is believed that at least one person was taken to hospital after suffering smoke inhalation. 

Photo ©: Submitted

Liverpool was temporarily closed to both foot traffic and vehicles in both directions towards cadishead between the St. Teresa of Avila RC church and Alan Miller optometrist, but it has since been reopened.

Main Photo ©: Alex Gartside