Emergency services were called to Salford Quays earlier this morning (Wednesday 9th November) after a report of concern for welfare by a member of the public.

Emergency vehicles including several Fire Engines were seen close to the Lowry roundabout shortly after 10:30am.

Sadly a body was recovered from the water  not long after.

Police say that their enquiries are on going to determine the circumstance of the death.

As with all instances such as this we prefer not to report right away in order for friends and relatives to be informed via the police rather than on social media.

A statement issued by Greater Manchester Police, reads:

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“At around 10.30am this morning, police were called to a report of a concern for the welfare of a person in the water in Salford Quays.

“Emergency services attended, and sadly a body was found.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

 

Our condolences to the family.

Forty Salford residents have celebrated becoming British citizens in a ceremony at Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton.

The new citizens, alongside friends and family, were welcomed to the city’s Council Chamber by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys. The role also carries the title of First Citizen of Salford. The Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Greater Manchester, Sue Lomas, also attended the ceremony. Due to coronavirus, ceremonies had been moved out of the Council Chamber for a brief period, but are now being held there again.

All successful applicants for British citizenship aged 18 years or over must attend a citizenship ceremony where they pledge allegiance to the King and swear loyalty to the United Kingdom. They are then presented with a Citizenship Certificate and are invited to join in singing the National Anthem.

Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys said:

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“This ceremony marks a major milestone in these citizens’ lives. Although some may have lived in Britain for many years, they have now made their life’s longest commitment to the United Kingdom. We are particularly delighted that they have decided to assume British citizenship here in Salford.

“Salford has always been a global city because of trade, and we have always welcomed the diversity that brings to strengthen the Spirit of Salford. We are a city of opportunities and a city where people support one another and I hope our new citizens will make the most of this.”

 

Main Photo - Left to Right: Miss Emma Humphreys, Mayoress; Sue Lomas, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Greater Manchester; Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys, Ceremonial Mayor of Salford; Rebekah Pagnam, Registration Officer.

Today we paid a visit to The Office Bar on Chorley Road, Swinton for a chat with the new owners, two young entrepreneurs, Michael Cooney and Mark Dwyer who have bold new plans for the bar which opens next Thursday, 17th November at 12pm.

The bar which can hold 80 people and 20 seated outside, will be up and running in time for the World Cup and two new large television screens will be installed so that every game can be watched, the canteen has been refurbished and will provide hot food and snacks all day and into the evening.

There are the usual and some unusual drinks stocked behind the bar, bitter, lager, cider, Guinness with a craft ale being introduced on a weekly basis, bottled beers, soft drinks and a variety of shorts.

They are aiming for a friendly and family atmosphere, with children allowed in until 8pm, also pets, as in dogs, will be allowed in but under strict supervision. and I was glad to hear that their is ample parking at the rear of the building with CCTV.

Future plans include a singers night, comedy night, music night to keep things fresh and add a touch of variety to this area of Swinton.

So why not call in for a drink and a chat, and help support your local community bar, who are employing local people and will hopefully if trade grows. even more.

The Brothers Flynn

Finally the boys tell me that they will be opening at 10am this Remembrance Sunday, 13th November with free food and refreshments plus a free tot of whisky or rum for any Veterans wearing their medals

If you have passed down, Parrin Lane, Winton recently you couldn't have helped but notice the highly decorated pillar box, showing a soldiers head, and shoulders festooned with poppies, and hand knitted.

We were delighted to see this and so made it our business to track down this talented artist, so step forward and take a bow, Vikki Johnson who kindly explained all:

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"I started making them during Covid lockdown to make the community smile and hopefully cheer people up, and have made quite a few including one's for the Queen's Jubilee, Queen's Remembrance, The Armistice Soldier and I will be making one for Christmas which is already on the go which will have lights on a Christmas tree and also one for King Charles Coronation.

The first one I made I put over the pillar box outside, Carols Alterations, and I would take it off at night in case it was stolen, Carol too had thought it had been stolen and made a plea for the identity of the mystery knitter!

I did have one stolen but an appeal on social media saw it's safe return.

The soldier one was quite difficult to make, I used a polystyrene head and managed to free hand around it, having no pattern to work on, but I am really pleased with it.

They really are a labour of love and can take three months to make with lots of planning going into each one, but I do love knitting and crochet work, which helps!"

 

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.

Morrisons store in Eccles have contacted Vikki with a view to her making a knitted cover for the pillar box in their foyer, but she will have to work around her busy schedule, working, bringing up young children and making her new creations.

I firmly believe Vikki really is an unsung hero, making these fabulous, knitted designs, in her own time, paying for the materials and working long hours with no pay, her reward ? seeing the smiles on people's faces as they pass by, give this girl a round of applause.

Vikki has a Facebook page showing her creations here.

https://www.facebook.com/MakingEveryoneSmileWithCraft

Police have issued camera footage from both police vehicle dash-cams and the forces helicopter, after a disqualified and uninsured driver tried evading arrest for nearly 30 minutes by dangerously driving through the city after failing to stop.

The driver was no match for the forces eye in the sky which tracked his route across the City using its infrared thermal imaging cameras to guide police who were hot on his trail.

In the end the driver gave up and attempted to abandon the vehicle to make a get-away on foot, only to be brought down by police officers, fortunately for him, just seconds before a police dog was to be sent into action.

Christopher Porter, aged 33-years-old, of Brindleheath Rd, has now began a 2-year sentence for his crimes.

A man in his 30's has been arrested and detained under the mental health act after police were called to reports of suspicious materials being found at Brentwood in Seedley at around 1.30am in the early hours of Sunday morning, (October 6th).

Although after analysis of the materials it was found that they were household products which were legal to own.

The man was detained under the mental health act, the reasons for doing so were not given.

In a statement, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said:

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"At around 1.30am on Sunday 6 October 2022, we were called to reports of suspicious materials found at a property in the Brentwood Area of Seedley, Salford.

"However, following our analysis of the materials they were found to be household products which are not illegal to own.

"One man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of production of explosives and has been detained under the Mental Health Act."

 

A tale of a true Christmas miracle. The Monton Village Community Association has only 24 days to save this year’s Christmas lights. 

For over 25 years Monton has been lit by beautiful Christmas lights from the buildings that are home to some of the best independent shops in Manchester to the trees surrounding them. This year should be no different, yet the pandemic has led to a lack of funding that the community so desperately needs to ensure Monton is back to its full glory this festive season. For two years, due to Covid, there were no MVCA events which led to money being taken out for the Christmas lights, but none going back in.

Residents, committee members, local councillors and the local MP have come together to create a crowdfunding page where every donation comes with a reward. From raffle tickets to dinners for two, the retailers from the small village are offering it all to ensure the community gets some much much needed morale boost this Christmas.

Save Monton's Christmas Lights! - a Community crowdfunding project in Manchester by Monton Village Community Association (crowdfunder.co.uk)

Lisa - Chair of MVCA, said:

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“I want to remind this community that we are all striving towards the same goal. We all want Monton to succeed. We all want Monton to be the best it can be. And none of us want to miss out on opportunities.”

On average, Monton’s Christmas lights cost £4500 per year, however this time, due to a number of logistical reasons and complications, this cost is much higher.

The association is now trying to crowdfund £20000, which, if achieved, Paul Dennet (Salford’s Mayor) would be able to match the funds for up to £10,000.

Lisa continued:

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“We have several elderly residents and a few residents who live on their own. During lockdown we had several socially distanced street parties. One of these was in Christmas 2020. We all had mulled wine, made pies, hot roast pork and stuffing rolls. It was truly magical. It gave a street who were having to face a Christmas which looked very different to their usual Christmas’ a massive morale boost. Do you know what my street remembers most about lockdown? Those street parties. A time where the street worked together to weather a storm. We want to be able to give our community the same morale boost with a free inclusive switch on event that celebrates community.”

Monton is now at risk of losing its Christmas lights. As well as avoiding that happening again, the MVCA want to create a whole new Monton Christmas light legacy. 

Monton used to have the Christmas Lights that every other village aspired to.  With your support, they can again.  

Save Monton's Christmas Lights! - a Community crowdfunding project in Manchester by Monton Village Community Association (crowdfunder.co.uk)

Under new proposals put forward by the Boundary Commission for England, both Kersal and Broughton Park wards look set to fall within the Bury South Parliamentary Electoral Constituency.

This will mean that both areas will no longer fall under the Salford Parliamentary Constituency as far as voting for their MP is concerned. This is being done to 'rebalance'  the number of electors in each ward and is set to be finalised not long after being submitted to Parliament on the 1st of July 2023.

Under the current proposals these are the only areas within Salford not to be represented by a Salford MP.

Salford City Council, acting as the local authority will still be responsible for provision of local services and the collection of council tax. These changes only effect which MP and Parliamentary Constituency you fall under.

The BCE are currently consulting until 5 December 2022 on their revised proposals for new constituencies.

For more information regarding this, please follow THIS link.

London-based Q Developments is proposing to build a 29-storey building on the former regional HQ of McDonald's on Cross Lane, as part of the emerging £2.5 billion Salford Crescent masterplan. 

Planning permission is being sought from Salford City Council to demolish the existing HQ to build a single block hosting up to 550 student beds across 182 flats. 

Planning consultant DPP say that the Q Developments’ Cross Lane site is:

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“Uniquely positioned to provide connected living accommodation close to a mainline rail station and Metrolink stop, as well as the central campus of Salford University.”

The development is part of a plan to overhaul the Crescent train station, with a potential delivery of an extension of the Metrolink along the A6 corridor between Salford Quays and the Crescent forming a transport hub in the area. 

https://publicaccess.salford.gov.uk/publicaccess/caseDetails.do?caseType=Application&keyVal=RKM5T0NP07U00

Belinda Neild from Salford achieved the Guinness World Record at the 2022 London Marathon.

Belinda Neild, an incredible art teacher from Salford, achieved the Guinness World Record as the fastest woman to run a marathon dressed as an item of stationery in September at the London Marathon, while raising money for St Ann’s Hospice.

At the end of October we celebrated Belinda’s achievements by gathering those who have supported her at our Little Hulton hospice alongside her family to recognise her incredible fundraising effort. Belinda was delighted to find she had raised over £20,000 for the hospice – something she only found out on the day!

Belinda has been raising money for St Ann’s over the last few years in memory of her mum, who was a patient at our Little Hulton site and died there in 2011.

Speaking at the event to celebrate her success, Belinda said:

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“Emotional is not the word, I’m absolutely blown away by all the support. Every penny really does make a difference, I can’t believe I’ve raised my target of £20,000. It really goes to show how every single donation makes a difference.”

From the London Marathon alone Belinda raised £5,395, and gained the title of ‘the fastest pencil in Salford’ from many of her supporters along the way!

After losing her father-in-law, Kevin Neild, and aunt, Sandra McStravick, shortly after her mum passed away from cancer, Belinda decided to run to help her cope with her grief.

Emma Dixon, Director of Clinical Services, was delighted that Belinda could be celebrated for all the fundraising she has done for the hospice.

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We are so grateful that Belinda has raised such a phenomenal amount of money for us. It means the world to us that supporters like Belinda dedicate so much of their time to supporting us and raising awareness of our services. Not every charity can say they have a Guinness World Record holder as one of their supporters! 

The event to celebrate Belinda’s achievements was a way to recognise the incredible amount of money that she’s raised and to show how thankful everyone at St Ann’s is. Her husband Steve is hoping to run the London Marathon next year in aid of the hospice as he’s determined to beat the amount that Belinda has raised!

Belinda Neild, Supporter & Guinness World Record Holder, said:

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“This Guinness World Record is for my mum and Kevin that got me through it. The staff do an amazing job; I remember walking into St Ann’s to see my mum and she had the biggest smile on her face. That is a memory I will never forget. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who’s supported me, I couldn’t have done it without your donations.”

Story By Jenn Hughes

Police officers in Salford responded to reports of a firearms discharge taking place during a burglary which occurred on Ashfield Close in Seedley at around 11:45pm on Friday November 4th.

The cul-de-sac which is located off Seedley Terrace and close to Seedley Park, was cordoned off by police whilst forensics officers scoured the area.

Fortunately there were no injuries reported and sadly no arrests.

It is believed the firearm was discharged in order to threaten and intimidate the occupiers of the property.

DI Rebecca McGuigan of GMP’s Salford District. said:

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“Firstly, I would like to reassure the local community that upon initial enquires, we believe this incident to be a targeted attack and there is no risk to the wider public.

“We believe that four to five males attempted to gain access to the property on Ashfield Close and discharged a weapon in their attempts to intimidate the residents of the property. The males were reported to be dressed in dark clothing.

“I would like to reassure members of the public we are doing everything we can to ensure the local communities safety. We have increased the number of patrol officers around the local area both on foot and in patrol cars. If you have any concerns about this incident our officers will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to your concerns.

“We would like to urge the public to come forward if they have any information that could assist our investigation, whether it be CCTV footage, doorbell footage, photos, or descriptions of the suspects or events, we would ask that you report it to us directly.”

 

If you have any information or footage that could assist our investigation into this incident, contact GMP Salford on 0161 856 5261 quoting log 3834 of 04/11/2022.

You can also report information via Greater Manchester Police’s website or through the independent charity Crimestoppers – anonymously – on 0800 555 111.

We have reported several times on the recent demolition of Church Street Eccles which include Scope Charity Shop, Top House pub and Booths Store, to make way for,   three interlinked blocks of four, six, and 23-storey buildings, amounting to 272 one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

I have been keeping a keen eye on the demolition, filming it and taking lots of photographs for posterity and also I have struck up a rapport with the site agents and demolition men, and asked them to keep an eye out for certain items to save them from the bulldozer.

Booths Store the largest retail shop on that part of Church Street was originally called Fryers Store, and was owned by William Fryer and dated back to the early 1920s, staring as a small shop and then expanding into other premises until it was half the length of the block.

I can recall in the late 1970s walking past the store and noticed that there were several iron, air vents set underneath the windows, but only one had the Fryers name written on it, I mentioned this to a contractor and he told me if it could be rescued he would do it, but it looked a difficult task.

This morning he phoned me and said that one of the bulldozer drivers, Mark a chap from Salford had somehow managed to retrieve it slightly battered and covered in several layers of paint but intact, and it is now in my safe hands.

A few weeks ago I was gifted a Fryers perspex sign which was used as an entrance sign to a side door dating from the 1970s, far better in my house than a builders skip, finally they saved for me the letters from The Top House pub.

Karl reckons that I am slowly saving Fryers Store bit by bit in my house...

It was suggested that I sell these items to the highest bidder with the money going to our Foodbank appeal, to be honest that isn't a bad idea, and lets see if we get any bidders.

High winds and heavy rain have caused some damage to buildings around Salford Quays which has lead to the tram service between Eccles and Cornbrook being affected as well as this evenings performances which were scheduled to take place at The Lowry Theatre.

The theatre released the following via Twitter:

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Unfortunately due to high winds and building damage on the Quays there are road closures affecting The Lowry. The Eccles to Cornbrook tram (light blue line) has also been suspended but the Cornbrook to Trafford Centre (red line) is still running.

Metrolink confirmed there was an issue with overhead power cables which was being dealt with, meaning the service for the rest of the evening will be disrupted.

A lorry reversed into scaffolding bringing overhead lines down onto the tracks near Anchorage tram stop, Salford Quays, there are closures on The Quays between the Duet Building and Broadway.

Ticket acceptance is in place on bus services 10, 18, 29, 33, 50, 52, 53, 67, 79, 100 for the Eccles line.

In addition to public transport, there are several destinations on this line that can be easily reached by walking.

Traffic on surrounding roads was also affected with heavy congestion on Regent Road and most other surrounding roads in and out of Manchester.

For more details on Metrolink services follow this link: Metrolink disruption: Eccles line | Transport for Greater Manchester (tfgm.com)

Photo: The Lowry

We told you how the artist Deano had kindly donated a piece of his artwork, an Ian Brown painting for our charity auction to raise much needed cash for local foodbanks, it was purchased by Joan Fielder the CEO at Helping Hands, Irlam for £100, a bargain if I say so myself.

Today we dropped the money at our three designated foodbanks, The Salford Unemployed Community and Resource Centre, Mustard Tree, Eccles, and Emmanuel Church, Langworthy Road, Salford foodbank.

It looks like we appeared just in time at the Unemployed Community Centre, the Breakfast Club organiser, Helen Barker told us that their food supplier, FareShare in Trafford Park, were having troubles with their refrigeration units and were unable to deliver their food today.

Happily the cash donation solved the problem for today, supplies were sourced and it's all back to normal as breakfast's were served up.

John Howard the Manager tells me that they have been donated warm winter coats by Salford Rotary Club, there are 10 Ladies and 20 men's available on a first come first served with strictly one per person.

Onto Mustard Tree, Eccles were Branch Coordinator, Georgia Breen accepted the money and told us,

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"I would like to give a massive thank you to Deano and Joan Fielder for their kindness, this money will go straight into purchasing food for the foodbank, sadly we are seeing more and more people coming through our doors, we are serving on average, about 60 people a day and we are being stretched to our limits, so every donation is invaluable, many thanks"

Finally we called in at The Emmanuel Church to see Peter Simms another unsung Salford hero to hand over the money, again the queue for the foodbank was huge with more people arriving all the time.

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"We are so grateful for this money as we are quickly running out of food and we would all like to thank Deano and Joan for their much needed help, as you can see by the number of families we are helping, the situation is getting worse, and if anybody can help in any way, no matter how small we would be delighted and thankful to receive"

To be honest it was quite depressing to see all these people in need of help, but we can't give up on them, and we wont, so if you can donate any tins, pasta, toiletries etc to your local foodbank, please give it to them, things are serious and not getting any better.

A display featuring local soldiers who fell in The Great War is currently on display in Eccles Gateway thanks to Customer Service Advisor, or Librarian as I prefer to call them, Elizabeth Perrin.

The display boards tell stories about the life and sadly deaths from men in the Eccles area from all branches of the armed forces, men like Joe Baines aged 21 from Silk Street, Eccles who despite having defective eyesight was determined to do his bit, he managed to join The Manchester Regiment as a catering assistant but within six months of joining up, he was killed by a German shell, leaving a grieving widow and a newly born son, who Joe never got to see.

The mystery of Jack Bailey who lived at Lane End, Eccles, his wife received letters from the Army saying that he had gone missing in action and was possibly a prisoner of war if not killed in action, is explained, and a strange story it is,

These and many other stories are the work of Elizabeth Perrin, I called in to see for a quick chat.

Elizabeth, said:

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"Each year I make a display board for Armistice Sunday, this year I decided to make it a bit more personal, and so I decided to research stories of local men who had fought in The Great War, and I found it fascinating, and hopefully this exhibition will help keep these men's memories alive.

The exhibition has proved very popular especially with elderly people who have stopped to read the stories, also schoolchildren are being encouraged to read about these men, so they can learn about not only the bravery of these men, but the futility of war.

Each Wednesday we have craft lessons with local schools and the children will be knitting and embroidering Poppies which will decorate the exhibition table, which will add that extra poignancy"

 

It really is a fascinating exhibition and well worth calling in to read about these brave people and well done to Elizabeth for her time and effort in displaying this.

The, "Lest We Forget" exhibition runs until the end of November.

25-year-old John Hawkins of Manchester Road in Westhoughton has been charged with rape following an incident at Regents Retail Park in Ordsall on Sunday 30th October.

At around 7:55am, police were alerted to an alleged rape having occurred close to the Costa Coffee store on the site. The area was taped off as forensics officers conducted their investigations.

Mr Hawkins has now been charged with one count of rape and was scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates court today (1st November).

Police are appealing to anyone with information, if you can help with the case then please call 101 quoting incident 1087 of October 30 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

On Sunday night (30th October) police were alerted to vehicles ‘racing’ along Stadium Way in Barton by a member of the public who flagged down a patrol on the way back to the station.

Transport Unit Officers attended and found a number of vehicles present including two vehicles which were in the process of engaging in a drag race.

Both vehicles, a black Volkswagen Polo and a White Seat Ibiza, were stopped and the drivers were arrested on suspicion of Dangerous Driving, additionally having their vehicles seized.

Callum WILLEY of Landseer Mount in Leeds and Connor ALDRED of Barton Road in Bolton, have both been charged with Dangerous Driving and bailed to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on the 29th November 2022.

Both men have conditions not to attend any organised car meet in the Greater Manchester Area.

Another person was arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour and has been released under investigation.

Operation Marshall is Greater Manchester Police's dedicated response to unauthorised car meets which involve people engaging in reckless and dangerous driving.

The car-cruise, held on Sunday 30 October 2022, was spread out across four districts – Cheadle, Trafford, Wigan and Salford. By employing the specialist resources GMP had at hand under Operation Marshall, including traffic drones, police evidence gatherers and a large police presence, they were quick to stop the event in its tracks.

Superintendent John-Paul Ruffle of Specialist Operations at GMP said:

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“Operation Marshall was instigated to effectively manage this car cruise event and was dealt with swiftly and proactively by departments across Specialist Operations, the force gold reserve and district officers.

“We were aware that the event was taking place in Stockport, a town that benefits from a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), and there were 100+ cars at this particular site. Once there, we became aware that there were 200 other vehicles gathering on Trafford Retail Park.

“This quickly escalated into a further 30 cars on Westwood Way in Wigan and another 40 being reported at AJ Bell stadium in Salford. Through our effective resourcing and first-class planning, we were able to attend all of these events and quickly shut them down.

“This was a great achievement for GMP and our partners, sending a clear message to anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to organise and/or attend these kinds of events, that Greater Manchester police will stop you – and deal with you.

“This intervention met all Operation Marshall objectives, and I would like to thank everyone involved on the night, including our colleagues at the Cheshire Constabulary, who provided us with invaluable support.”

 

Other results for GMP on the night included six vehicles being seized from drivers who were driving in an anti-social manner and nine others receiving S59 warnings – meaning if they are caught again, their vehicles will be seized.

Two other vehicles were also taken from drivers, due to them having invalid insurance or no driving licence and multiple people are now facing fines for breaching the PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) in Stockport.

If you know of any proposed car cruise events, then Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

Several hundred people gathered today at Swinton Civic Centre for the unveiling of the the Salford Veterans garden which has a plaque on the wall giving the names of 29 servicemen who have lost their lives in conflict since 1945, and also the new benches for each of the recipients of The Victoria Cross.

The project was the brainchild of Glenn Croston and Wayne Fox who run the Salford Veterans Club in Winton, which provides meals and refreshments each Saturday morning, but also a meeting place for local veterans.

A marquee was provided for family and friends of the veterans to sit in as the order of service began with the Salford in Harmony Choir singing, Stand by Me and I Vow to Thee My Country.

Ceremonial Mayor, Councillor Ann-Marie Humphreys thanked everybody for attending, with Diane Hawkins, His Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester also in attendance.

I was particularly moved as Glenn Croston read out the names of the 29 fallen servicemen, and the names on the memorial benches, several people were seen to be moved to tears, such was the emotion on the day

A two minute silence was impeccably observed at The Last Post played by Christopher Harrison rang around the gardens followed by The Kohima Epitaph, then finally the National Anthem performed by the Salford in Harmony Choir.

Paul Dennett finished the event by thanking everybody for attending with a special mention for families of the fallen and the ex servicemen who turned out in force.

The gardens will provide an all year round area for quiet reflection around the existing Cenotaph and is a fitting tribute to these men whose names will know never be forgotten

Thanks to Councillor Maria Brabiner (Broughton Ward) for some of the photos used.

A man received injuries after suffering pellet wounds which appear to have been discharged from a moving vehicle in the Douglas Green area, shortly after 6pm on Sunday evening (30th October).

Police firearms officers are said to have descended on the area with the aid of the police helicopter, which was called in to try and locate the vehicle and the gunman.

The victim was taken to hospital but was later released.

Investigating officers have since determined a Ball Bearing gun was used in the attack.

A police spokesperson, said:

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"After further investigation we can confirm that a genuine firearm was not used, rather the evidence suggests that the suspect used an imitation firearm."

Any information should be passed to GMP via LiveChat or by calling 101 quoting incident 2761 of 30/10/2022.

Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford has been boosted by a £40,000 grant towards the care of heroes who served in the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines.

The financial support has come from the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity in partnership with Greenwich Hospital.

The grant has been awarded through the RNRMC’s Through Life Pathway programme to improve the health, wellbeing and quality of life of veterans living at Broughton House, and towards providing counselling and welfare benefits advice to those living in the community through its Armed Forces Support Hub.

The RNRMC is a long–standing supporter of Broughton House, which has been redeveloped in a £12.5m scheme to create the UK’s first Veteran Care Village.

Broughton House has cared for more than 8,000 veterans since it opened its doors to the ex–service community in 1916.

It has been transformed into a modern complex featuring a 64–bed care home and independent living apartments, an array of modern facilities, a museum and the hub.

Mandy Lindley, the RNRMC’s director of relationships and funding, said:

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“Broughton House provides excellent care for Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans in the north west, and the RNRMC is pleased to support this service once again.

“Ensuring that our elderly veterans enjoy dignity, care and comfort is part of the RNRMC's core commitment to the Royal Navy community, and our continued partnership with Broughton House is an important part of this.”

 

Among the beneficiaries of the RNRMC’s backing is Broughton House resident Andrew Dinning, 78.

He enlisted in the Royal Marines when he was just 17 and rose to the rank of major, serving in the 3 Commando Brigade, which deploys troops from Royal Navy ships to conduct operations on land.

Andrew said:

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“My favourite thing about Broughton House is how the staff motivate us every day with quizzes and activities and encourage us to join in. They are a delight to be with and make sure that the home and our days here are really great.”

Royal Navy and Royal Marines veterans who suffered life–changing injuries while serving in Afghanistan are among those to have received help from Broughton House’s Armed Forces Support Hub.

Jim Legard, a support officer at the hub, said:

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“I’m in regular contact with them and have helped in relation to their benefits and medical assistance by signposting them to the relevant agencies, liaising with them and filling in forms.

“As a support hub, we try to be there for veterans whenever they need us, be it just as a friendly, non–judgemental ear, or to provide practical advice and support.”

 

Karen Miller, chief executive of Broughton House, said:

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“We are incredibly pleased to once again be receiving a grant from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Greenwich Hospital to enable us to continue to support our residents who served in the Royal Navy or Royal Marines.

“Our new Veteran Care Village allows us to provide care of the highest quality to the ex–forces community, and support from armed forces charities such as the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Greenwich Hospital is crucial in ensuring that our work can continue. We are eternally grateful for their continued support.”

 

Photo: Kevin Feddy