Salford City Council wants a rent freeze for residents funded by government in the cost of living crisis.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett has spoken out and published an open letter along with the City’s Members of Parliament after the council took part in the government’s rent cap consultation.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have published its proposals for a cap on social housing rent increases, which will be implemented next year.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) have modelled the savings to The Treasury/DWP and in relation to the unfunded 5% rent cap the figure is between £42m and £49m in the first year across Greater Manchester, and in the City of Salford, these savings are estimated between £5.3m and £6m.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“In Salford we suggest that for these measures to have the positive impact envisioned, government must fully fund these rent proposals ensuring that local authorities and registered providers are compensated for the revenue they would have otherwise received under their business plans for rent increases (generally set at CPI +1%).

“The homelessness crisis remains at the forefront of our minds but with almost 6,000 households on our housing register and 108 bids per property advertised, right now, more social rented accommodation is vitally necessary for the Local Authority to meet its obligations under the Homelessness Reduction Act, to reduce the financial burden to the taxpayer from Temporary Accommodation bills, and to bring much needed affordable housing products into the housing market.

“The situation is more complicated for the City of Salford as the housing stock is managed within a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract which sits outside of these proposals but with the same inflationary pressures that are impacting across the housing sector. The City Council has previously put in measures to help residents with rising rents and we expect a similar government response to support residents in PFI managed homes struggling to make-ends-meet. Shared Ownership rents and other housing costs for low cost home ownership residents are also outside the scope of this consultation.

“Therefore, at this time an unfunded cap on social rents would be disastrous for the very organisations we are relying upon to get to grips with our housing crisis and protect our most vulnerable residents.

“I hope that government will take note of our submission and trust that our concerns will be taken into consideration.

“The government must do all they can to protect residents in these desperate times during the cost of living crisis.  If government are unable to implement a universal freeze on social housing rents then they must look to mitigate the impacts on our most vulnerable residents.

“We are equally concerned of the pressures that these proposals will cause for local authorities and registered providers and their ability to meet the new burdens and work created as a consequence of new building regulations, a new fire safety order and a new regulatory environment including an expanded role for the Regulator of Social Housing and the need to invest in building safety.

“In Salford we are demanding that government fully funds these rent proposals and ensures that local authorities and registered providers receive the finance they would have received if rents has been increased by the customer price index plus one per cent.

“Local authorities and registered providers need vital support from government to compensate them for loss of income if they are going to meet these burdens and build new homes.

“Salford is the 18th most deprived local authority area in England with 22 per cent of children in the city in relative poverty. The city council’s budget has also been reduced by £232m since 2010/11 in cuts to central government grants and unfunded budget pressures – the City Council has seen a 53% reduction in central government support since 2010/11. Further real terms budget cuts are planned for next year owing to significant financial uncertainty in local government financing, unfunded budget pressures, in addition to huge inflationary pressures (including energy price hikes and interest rate rises), which has left a £16m black hole in the City Council’s revenue budget.

“In addition to our concerns around local government financing we are also deeply concerned by the government’s current considerations on welfare provision, which were only uprated in April by 3.1% – linked to the September 2021 inflation rate – despite inflation having soared to about 9.9%. This has resulted in the biggest fall in the real value of the basic rate of unemployment benefits in 50 years and a real terms cut for already vulnerable people struggling to make-ends-meet. Therefore, any decisions to impose a rent increase, whilst not equally uprating welfare provision (including raising the local housing allowance by inflation, given existing challenges we have with people reliant on welfare support not being able to access properties within the private rented sector) by at least inflation will only worsen the cost-of-living crisis for the very people and families we ought to be supporting and helping at this time, pushing them further into poverty and destitution.

“In these times the government must do much, much more to support the poor and most vulnerable in our society.”

 

Emergency services were called to a concern for welfare call at the Michigan Point Tower A block on Michigan Avenue at Salford Quays, just before 7pm last night (13th October).

Sadly despite the best efforts of paramedics a man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

A statement from GMP, said:

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"Last night (13/10/2022) just before 7pm we were called to reports of concern for the welfare of a man on Michigan Avenue, Salford Quays.

"Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he sadly died. Enquiries are ongoing."

 

We reported recently, that Deano, the artist had very kindly donated a piece of his artwork, depicting Stone Roses lead singer, Ian Brown to help raise money for local foodbanks, and very grateful we are.

We did say that the bidding would end at midnight tonight but we are extending the closing time until midnight this coming Monday, 16th October to enable you to dig deep and make us an offer for this one off, unique piece of artwork, which measures 68cm x 68xm or roughly 26 inches by 26 inches in old money.

The bidding stands at the moment at £100, but is worth much more than that and not only would it look a treat in a bar or a mancave as they call them now, but by bidding you are helping those less fortunate, so come on and help out, also we can deliver if you live locally, how good is that?

So if your conscience has been pricked or you want this artwork, please bid on here, if you are shy or on the Witness protection Scheme, contact me on Messenger or at newsdesk @salford.media

Check out Deano's site here and help support your local artist

https://www.facebook.com/deaneryinteriors

Residents in Irlam will have their current level of service (two trains per hour) at Irlam station maintained following the completion of platform extensions by Network Rail.

This will allow a new Liverpool to Cleethorpes train service provided by Trans Pennine Express to stop at the station opening up new travel opportunities for residents. 

Network Rail has confirmed that the upgrade works to Irlam’s platforms are due to take place in mid-December, which means that once they are complete the station will be fully compliant for Trans Pennine Express (TPE) trains.

The announcement comes after a it was revealed in August that the second off-peak train each hour would no longer call at Irlam Station.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Barbara Keeley MP, Irlam and Cadishead Community Committee, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), Hamilton Davies Trust and Local Councillors objected to the proposals and launched a campaign against the diminution of services at Irlam Station, whilst also calling for better services for local people in Irlam and Cadishead.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“It is fantastic news that we have full confirmation from Network Rail that Irlam Station can benefit from this new service, this maintains the two trains per hour schedule. Sense has prevailed in terms of enhancing facilities at Irlam Station given current passenger numbers and our desire to encourage more people to use public transport across Salford and Greater Manchester.

“As we know, Irlam Station is well used by local residents and the business community. It was important we did all we could at the City Council, working with partners, to protect services from planned reductions and enhance this critical station in a part of the city that doesn’t benefit from the same levels of public transport connectivity we see elsewhere across the city-region.

“We were devastated when we heard services would be reduced so launched our campaign to fight for local people and get them a service and station enhancements that they quite rightly deserve. A huge thank you goes to Irlam rail users and local residents for signing our petition and backing the campaign.

“I would like to thank Network Rail for their resolution and local people for standing with us and having their voices heard. Now we look forward to welcoming the new service which will be in place before the end of the year.”

 

And through Access For All funding and local match funding £2.8 million is available for station accessibility upgrades. Irlam is set to benefit from works to provide a new lift in 2023. This will mean accessible routes to and from all platforms.

Salford City Mayor continued:

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“The accessible access to platforms cannot come quick enough. It is just not right that people in wheelchairs and those facing mobility difficulties are not able to fully use the train services in Irlam Station. The funding to rectify this long-standing accessibility issue is greatly welcomed but the works need to take place as soon as possible.”

A £2million upgrade to Irlam the station house was carried out in 2015 which returned it to its former glory.

Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted man from Bolton who has links to Salford.

Christopher Kirby, date of birth 16/12/1990 of Hall i’ th’ Wood area, is said to be wanted in connection with a serious assault, that took place in Bromley Cross on 25 September 2022.

Kirby is known to have links to both Bolton and Salford and may be in the area.

Anyone with any information regarding the whereabouts of Christopher Kirby is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5637, via 101 or by contacting the independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Two 14-year-old boys were attacked yesterday afternoon by a pair of teenage youths brandishing a knife outside of St Ambrose Barlow Roman Catholic School in Wardley, Swinton. Neither of the victims or the attackers are believed to be pupils at the school, although a number of children from the school are said to have witnessed the incident as they waited for the school bus to pick them up.

One of the victims is said to have suffered a superficial stab wound to the hand, fortunately the other boy managed to escape unharmed after an attempt was made to stab him in the leg which fortunately failed, prompting the attackers to flee the scene.

We wish to stress that neither of the victims or their attackers are believed to attend the school and police have since managed to arrest two teens aged 15 and 17, in relation to the vicious attack.

Both have been remanded into custody on suspicion of having carried out the assault.

Police have stepped up patrols in the area in order to reassure the community. 

An officer for Greater Manchester Police, said:

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"Whilst this is a concerning incident, due to the quick and effective investigation response by Swinton CID, both suspect's were arrested and remain n custody.

St Ambrose Barlow RC High School in Wardley, Swinton. Two 14-year-old boys were attacked by two teenagers armed with a knife near the school.

"Today and over the coming days officers from the Salford North East Neighbourhood Team will be in the area on high visibility foot patrol and will be present at entry and exit times of the high school to provide some reassurance to the community, parents, and pupils at the school."

In a statement Greater Manchester Police said: "We were called at around 3.35pm yesterday (11 October) to a report of a suspected stabbing on Manchester Road, Worsley. Officers attended and established two 14-year-old boys were targeted – one was injured.

"Two teenage boys – aged 17 and 15 – are currently in custody on suspicion of assault. Enquiries are ongoing and any information can be passed to us via LiveChat on our website or by calling 101 quoting incident 2066 of 11/10/2022. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

 

Salford's FREE family fun  weekend is set to still take place with firework displays at Buile Hill Park on Saturday 5th November and Prince's Park in Irlam on Sunday 6th November.

For those visiting Buile Hill, they will sadly be without the warmth of its annual bonfire as the council seeks to cut its carbon footprint, but the good news for those heading their in cars is that it is said this will free up space for additional parking at the venue, which most will agree is much needed.

You can head to Buile Hill Park for three fireworks displays, with Little Sparks and Firecracker shows for young children and families and for older children who don’t like louder bangs, as well as the main display later in the evening. There’s also the chance to discover the new Fire Walk and Fire Garden attractions complete with fire performers and fire drawings.

The traditional funfair complete with smaller rides will be on site, along with food and drink vendors.

A new addition for 2022, will be fire pits where you can buy a marshmallow and toast it over the flames.

Prince's Park will have a smaller event and fire than in previous years.

Head to Irlam and enjoy another amazing firework display, as well as a funfair on site for the kids.

If you intend to visit for the festivities then you should be aware that there is limited public parking at both venues so where possible please arrive on foot or by public transport if possible.

The council has also issued the following information to those attending:

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All events may be subject to change so please keep checking back here regularly for further updates and before setting out to attend these events.

Both events take place in parks, where the ground may be muddy, so please remember to wear appropriate footwear. The events will take place during the evening, so whilst lights will be used to brighten the parks, be prepared that some areas will be in darkness during the event.  Ensure you follow signage around the parks to the event areas.

We urge people to attend an organised event, rather than have their own fireworks in the garden. It is much safer. And remember to keep pets indoors. Bonfire Night can be difficult for armed forces veterans as a number of reactions can be caused by hearing, seeing and smelling fire and fireworks.

 

Both events are supported by funding from local Community Committees and a range of Salford partners in the city which include: ForHousing, MediaCityUK, Peel L&P, Pendleton Sixth Form College, Pendleton Together Trust, Salford Community Leisure, Salix Homes, The Lowry and the University of Salford.

Events will be held at:

Buile Hill Park – Saturday 5 November from 4pm

Prince’s Park – Sunday 6 November from 5pm

Police say that around 8am on Wednesday 12 October 2022, they received reports of 12-year-old boy being assaulted around the area of Cheetham Hill Road in Manchester.

Emergency services quickly attended the scene, and the boy was taken to hospital after being found to be suffering with minor head injuries.

Officers are conducting further enquiries into this incident and seek to reassure the local community that there will be additional high-visibility officers patrolling the Cheetham Hill area and supporting ongoing enquiries into this incident.

The force has deployed officers and stepped up patrols to reassure and support the local community as well as keep the public safe.

If anyone has any concerns, they can contact the officers who will be happy to assist.

Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who may have footage from that area is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 1146 quoting Log 640 of 12/10/2022.

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

Police have issued a statement after the body of a man was discovered at around 8am this morning in the courtyard of the Adelphi Weir tower block on Adelphi Street.

Forensics officers have been at the scene since this morning with a blue tent erected as the investigation continues.

The circumstances as to how the man died have so far not been determined.

The alarm was raised to emergency services after it is believed that a member of the public became concerned for the mans welfare.

GMP have issued the following statement:

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"At around 8:20am on Tuesday 11 October 2022, GMP received a report of concern for the welfare of a male in a courtyard on Adelphi Street, Salford. Emergency services are in attendance."

Anyone with information should contact GMP via 101 quoting 606 11/10/22.

GMP Detectives are appealing for any information regarding the assault and suspected drug spiking of two women who were out on a night out in Monton in June 2022.

Police say that at approximately 12:30am on Sunday 19 June, the two women left the bar and got into a silver people carrier taxi to go home.

The next memory the two female victims have is being at one of the victim’s home addresses, both women with multiple injuries.

Neither of the victims can recall how they received those injuries.

Enquiries have suggested that both the victims travelled in the taxi only a few hundred meters before exiting and were then subsequently picked up in Monton by a couple in a Black Mercedes.

Police are appealing for help in identifying the following people and information:

• The Taxi driver of the silver people carrier who collected and dropped off the victims on Monton Road.

• The driver and passenger of the Black Mercedes who collected the two victims.

Anyone who witnessed this incident, saw the two victims, was out that evening in the area, have dash cam footage, CCTV or any information that could assist our enquiries is asked to contact us on 0161 856 5168 or 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity - Crimestoppers - anonymously on 0800 555 111.


"This disease needs to be eradicated ~ we feel duty bound to do our bit to achieve this. Everybody get on board, dig deep, help out, we will win!" (Mani ~ Stone Roses/Primal Scream)     
 
On Friday, 18th November, a very special fundraising event will take place at The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel Ballroom, Manchester.
 
Curated by Manchester music legend Gary Mani Mounfield and his wife, DJ Agent Imelda, the event promises a night of first-class entertainment with live music, DJs, and surprise guests and is hosted by musician, writer and broadcaster John Robb. There will also be the opportunity to win lots of fantastic raffle prizes donated by bands, footballers, actors, venues and promoters. 
 
The event will also be the launch of an online auction featuring an incredible collection of memorabilia, holidays and to-die-for collector's items.
 
Imelda and Mani have received lots of fantastic donations to support the event, including a signed Foo Fighters guitar, David Beckham signed boots (worn from personal collection), a 1966 immaculate Vespa 125, signed gold discs from both Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr, Stock Hotel, Manchester overnight stay and breakfast with the Gary Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes, a hand-painted John Squire guitar, 7-night holiday in The Maldives, signed Roger Daltry & Pete Townsend guitar, Stone Roses gold disc, a 7-night stay in a French country estate, a year's supply of wine from Cork of the North, plus paintings, prints, restaurant dinners...and more! 
 
Anyone can bid for these items online, which will run until the week before Christmas.

All proceeds from the event and the online auction will go to The Christie Hospital and The Stockport Charitable Trust, two charities close to Imelda and Mani's hearts.

As Imelda explains:

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 "Both charities have supported me through my journey. Cancer affects not just the person who has it but everyone around them, and I hope that by investing in some more research, we can help alleviate some of the devastation caused to families."

The fundraising event will feature DJ sets from Mani himself, Clint Boon and Luke Una, PAs and live performances from Rowetta, Danielle Moore (Crazy P), the Tall Faces and other unannounced guests. Plus, some live art will be provided by Art Battle, with finished artwork auctioned on the night.
 
This event also happens during Mani's 60th birthday week, so it will be a night of celebrations as well as fundraising, as he says: 

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"When life deals you a pair of twos, you have to get your game face on! These past two years since Imelda's diagnosis have been brutal in so many ways, but it's also opened our eyes to so many things as well. This disease needs to be eradicated ~ we feel duty-bound to do our bit to achieve this. So, everybody get on board, dig deep, help out. We will win!"

Tickets for the event at Kimpton Clocktower go on sale on Monday 10th October at 9am via https://gigsandtours.com
 

Described as being a "National Treasure" (which can sometimes be a millstone around the persons neck), will be performing at The Kings Arms, Bloom Street, Salford this Saturday 8th October promoting his new album,  “You Are Not Your Past"

His sound once described by Nitin Sawney as “a melting pot of sonic bliss”, Kirk himself calls it urban folk, whilst his songs and delivery have an uncanny ability to capture people’s hearts and move minds and bodies.

He will be joined by two other musicians, Andy Hay on drums who has recently released his second album after the acclaimed “Many Rivers”made its mark on the British music scene and long time collaborator John Ellis who has worked with The Cinematic Orchestra, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lily Allen, Tom Jones and too many more to mention.

Tickets available at https://www.ticketweb.uk/event/the-kirk-mcelhinney-trio-the-kings-arms-tickets/12380705?pl=kingsarmssalford

We paid a visit today to the Constellation Mill in Radcliffe to see Deano, the owner of Deanery Interiors and Design, a chap wo is not only an extremely talented artist and furniture restorer but a splendid chap.

Deano had seen the articles on Salford Media regarding the essential work that foodbanks are doing in the area, and felt compelled to help by donating a piece of his artwork to be auctioned off to raise money for them.

Not just any artwork this is a special one off portrait of Stone Rose's, lead singer, Ian Brown capturing him in his early days, with a nod to the John Squires designed album cover, which to me reminds me off Jackson Pollock.

It measures 68cm X 68cm and is painted on reclaimed and recycled plyboard and it has to be said looks awesome, the ideal gift for the Manc music lover.

Peter told us at his studio in the Mill,

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"I saw that you held an auction for some artwork recently and to be honest I had no spare money to bid for it, but I thought if I can help in some way, then I will and so I have decided to donate the Ian Brown artwork, I would expect to sell this for about £100, hopefully it will raise much more, fingers crossed.

It is only for the grace of God that more people aren't using the foodbanks, and it saddens me to read of families queueing outside them for the basic essentials, truly heartbreaking in this day of age, and I am happy to help in any way I can".

 

Yet again my spirits have been raised by the generosity of people who have seen the hardships people are suffering and have stepped forward to help, I thank you most sincerely.

We shall sell the Ian Brown artwork to the highest bidder, and I think we should start the bidding at £100, it is worth much more, and as a bonus if the winning bidder lives local we shall deliver to your door.

The auction will close next Thursday, 13th October at Midnight, so get bidding and get that warm inner glow of knowing you are helping the less fortunate...winner, winner in my book.

Check out Deano's site here and help support your local artist

https://www.facebook.com/deaneryinteriors

A new play by Libby Hall, the writer in residence at Salford Arts Theatre, Please Let Me Get What Want, premieres this week at Salford Arts Theatre, Kemsing Walk, Salford.

Described as being an emotional and comedic exploration or friendship, ambition and morality it tells of two friends, Ellis and Jack, one an orphan the other a neglected boy. who find their lives entwined,  performed By Joel Hill and Vincent Purcell.

Set against a backdrop of Salford, life seems to deliver blow after blow, can they ever really get what they want? Who will they become in the search for happiness?

How can you resist a play that combines those two good things, A Smiths lyric for a title and set in Salford?

So support your local arts theatre and it has to be said that Roni Ellis and Scott Berry are doing a fantastic job in not only keeping the Salford Arts Theatre going, but involving the local community in so many events there, cap doffed.

Preview Performance: Wednesday 5th October

Performances Thursday 6th, Friday 7th & Saturday 9th October 7.30pm

*Limited Availability on Early Bird Tickets *

Special Preview Price Tickets

Produced By Salford Arts Theatre in association with To The Left Productions

Directed By Roni Ellis.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett has called for a temporary export ban and has launched a campaign to save a painting by L.S Lowry.

‘Going to the Match’ is due to go on sale in an auction at Christie’s London on Wednesday 19th October. The painting is owned by the Professional Footballer’s Association’s Players Foundation and is expected to sell for up to £8 million.

Going to the Match was painted in 1953 and depicts the former Bolton Wanderers ground, Burnden Park on match day.

Salford City Mayor said:

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“We need to do all we can to save this critically and important L.S. Lowry painting for people to access free here in Salford.

“If this work is bought by an international collector, I would urge the U.K Government to place a temporary export ban on this important piece of art to prevent it leaving the country. This will allow time for the campaign to gather momentum and help to raise funds to buy it.”

 

Last week the City Mayor also appealed to wealthy football clubs, players and individuals to help buy the painting.

In an open letter he warned the painting could be purchased by a private collector and moved out of the public eye, and potentially lost from our city or even our country forever.

Salford’s City Mayor continued:

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“A new owner may choose not to have it on display at The Lowry. It has been proudly on display in Salford for the past 22 years which also houses the world’s largest collection of his works.

“L.S. Lowry, Salford’s greatest and most iconic artist, made his name depicting working class life, reflecting our industrial history and heritage. In a world of celebrities and status, L.S. Lowry’s work  chronicles the mundane, the gritty, the coarseness and realism of life in northern industrial towns and cities.

“The very essence of L.S. Lowry’s work is to engage with the lives of the working people - it would be a travesty were this work to be removed from spaces where working people can see it.

“If our great pieces of art and culture, crucial to our social history, heritage and sporting communities can be privatised in this way, what becomes of our country - what binds it together?

“Salford City Council has always been proud of its approach to art and culture and has worked hard to retain artwork to enable the public to view and enjoy such historic pieces which captures our heritage. The continuing cuts and intense pressure on local authority resources have made it impossible for us to buy this iconic piece and that is why we are reaching out to influential people in the city who share our vision of providing access for all to historically important pieces of artwork such as this one.”

 

The letter reads as follows:

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Dear Colleague

I’m writing to you regarding the news that one of L.S. Lowry’s most significant painting - ‘Going to the Match’ from 1953, is to be sold at public auction by Christie’s London on 19th October 2022 following the decision by the Professional Footballer’s Association (PFA) to sell this iconic painting.

The painting depicting the former Bolton Wanderers ground Burnden Park on match day is taught about in schools and colleges up and down the country. For 22 years, it has been on long-term loan to the Lowry Theatre & Art Gallery, free to access on by the public and visitors to the City of Salford and Greater Manchester. With the announcement of this sale, there is no guarantee whatsoever that the paint will not be purchased by a private collector and moved out of the public eye, potentially lost from our city and city-region forever.

L.S. Lowry, Salford’s greatest and most iconic artist, made his name depicting working class life, reflecting our industrial history and heritage. In a world of celebrities and status, L.S. Lowry’s work chronicles the mundane, the gritty, the coarseness and realism of life in northern industrial towns and cities. The very essence of L.S. Lowry’s work is to engage with the lives of the working people - it would be a travesty were this work to be removed from spaces where working people can see it and more specifically from the largest collection of L.S. Lowry’s paintings and drawings in the world, held by the Lowry Theatre & Art Gallery.

I am writing to you as a person of means, and of known generosity and integrity, to ask you to join me and help to save this critically important and iconic L.S. Lowry painting for people to freely access here in Salford, Greater Manchester and beyond. As the Leader of Salford City Council my resources are limited, Salford like other Local Authorities continue to experience significant reductions in national funding - since 2010/11 we’ve had to cut £232m from our budget and are currently working on cutting millions from next year’s budget.  All this at a time of unprecedented energy costs and high inflation, which has significantly impacted revenue and capital budgets across the entirety of local government.  In short, we cannot do this alone!

But together with others, I believe we can preserve this iconic piece of L.S. Lowry’s work, with a commitment to keeping it free to access for people in Salford, Greater Manchester and beyond. The piece, depicting the crowds, the people attending the game on a wintry day, should be touring the country - not occupying the hallway of a private residence, available only to a select few.

If we save this painting, it will not sit idly in any basements out of view - or even static in a gallery. We will take the work around the country and beyond - and the story of how it was kept for the public will become part of its legacy.

If our great pieces of art and culture, crucial to our social history, heritage and sporting communities can be privatised in this way, what becomes of our country - what binds it together?

I sincerely hope that we can urgently work together to safeguard this iconic L.S. Lowry painting for the people of Salford, Greater Manchester, The North and beyond.

Please don’t hesitate to contact my office further if you can be assistance.

Yours sincerely, 

Paul Dennett                                                             

City Mayor of Salford                                     

 

We reported last week that a local businessman had read our reports of the much needed help that foodbanks in our area were receiving through the auction of artwork donated by Brian Gorman which was purchased by John Mottershead for £250, the money being split three ways, and he generously donated £230 cash to help the foodbanks.

Today I called into the  Salford Unemployed Resources Centre, on Liverpool Road, Patricroft, to hand over the money to the Centre Manager, John Howard, who told me.

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"We are extremely grateful for this money which will go towards the purchasing of food, for our Breakfast Club, which is delivered by Fare Share, thanks to this persons generosity we shall be able to feed all of of the club members this week, with some left over for essential food stock.

Sadly we are seeing more and more clients who need our help not just with the foodbank but needing information on benefits, housing law, disability etc and donations like this today, makes me realise that their are still good people out there"

 

Second call was at Mustard Tree in Eccles, were the queue for the foodbank was stretching out of the door, I spoke to Marvin Odubanjo, the Service Development Manager for Salford who told me a similar story and that some days a 100 people would be using their foodbank, think about it a 100 people per day... that is staggering and an indication of just how needed these services are.

Sadly the money we handed over today is just a proverbial drop in the ocean, but it means a lot to the people who it will help feed this week, next week however is another story.

On Wednesday we will be visiting the Emmanuel Church, Langworthy Road, to hand over the rest of the money to their foodbank, again another vital need for so many people in that area of Salford.

Once again I ask you,, if you have any spare tins of food, pasta, toiletries, please donate it to your local foodbank, no matter how small the donation, it will be gratefully received and go to a needy family.

Finally, many, many thanks to our anonymous cash donor, you have helped ensure that many local people will eat this week, I doff my cap!

Over 77,000 illegal e-cigarettes have been seized in a single raid in Salford – one of the biggest hauls ever made in the UK.

The vapes were taken from a business in Broughton in a raid by Salford City Council’s trading standards team which has now launched a criminal investigation.

It’s the thirteenth such raid in a year amid growing sales of non-compliant e-cigarettes. Salford City Council’s trading standards team has seized more than 120,000 non-compliant e-cigarettes, worth an estimated £1.2 million from businesses in the city.

As well as being unsafe, some of the products were also found to be counterfeit and a number of criminal and financial investigations into proceeds of crime are ongoing.

E-cigarettes must meet minimum standards for safety and quality, with clear and accurate safety warnings and instructions for use.  They must be correctly labelled, with UK based producer or importer details displayed.  E-cigarettes cannot have a tank size in excess of two millilitres (equal to roughly 600 puffs) and nicotine strength must not exceed 20mg/ml.

A spokesman for Salford City Council said:

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“Switching to vaping can help some smokers quit completely but we strongly discourage any non-smokers from taking up vaping, particularly young people.  

The e-cigarettes that have been seized have not gone through the required safety checks.  Businesses in Salford selling e-cigarettes and e-liquids must make sure they fully understand and comply with the law including not selling them to under 18s. Our trading standards team will continue to take action against any who put public health at risk by ignoring or flouting the law.”

 

Information on anyone selling illegal vapes can be reported via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. 

A brand-new identity for council operated nurseries in Salford has been created. The new Salford Family Nurseries brand includes a new, attractive website as well as Facebook and Instagram social media accounts where parents can keep updated with the latest news from their local nursery.  

Barton Moss, Belvedere, Winton, Higher Broughton and Little Hulton nurseries provide a range of fantastic facilities, with affordable prices, allowing children to explore, create, play and learn. Sensory rooms, forest schools, adventure playgrounds, Mud gardens are just some of the fantastic facilities on offer.

A curriculum which supports children, babies and toddlers with the first steps and later their transition to school is on offer and tailored to the child’s age. Staff are qualified, dedicated professional, with accreditations including five-star hygiene ratings, WeAreFed, WeAreClean and Forest School Association award.

Higher Broughton and Winton nurseries have continued to maintain their excellent Ofsted ratings whilst the remaining have improved year on year, meaning all nurseries are rated Excellent or Very Good.

All nurseries proudly offer fully funded places for one-, two- and three-year-olds, helping those families who need support as the cost-of-living increases. However, support goes a lot further as parents are encouraged to reach out to staff, whether that be supporting those whose English isn’t their first language, to those who are in need of some quiet time, with some parents using sensory rooms to their advantage.

The nurseries truly go above and beyond for their community whilst also catering to their staff. Last year, they won the large public sector of the year award at the National Apprenticeship Awards and have had many successes with students taking their career to the next level. Training is encouraged to all staff members, giving opportunities to develop their skills, knowledge and stay up to date with the latest early years tools and techniques.

All this makes for exceptional, affordable and inclusive childcare for families across the city.

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

Quote

“Our goal has always been to provide exceptional childcare for families in Salford, with quality and affordability being at the forefront. Now we have a new exciting and dynamic brand, which really reflects the amazing work that happens on a daily basis. Our staff are so passionate about providing the best care for their communities and it’s great that we can now showcase this on more platforms, hopefully reaching a larger audience to ensure no one is left aside. I’m so proud to be a part of this and want to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all our dedicated nursery staff and those working for Salford City Council Early Help & School Readiness services.”

To find out more about Salford Family Nurseries and to arrange a visit, go to https://www.salfordfamilynurseries.uk/

Caption: Children and nursery staff were joined by Councillor Jim Cammell and Councillor Teresa Pepper at Higher Broughton Nursery in Salford.
Nursery manager: Val Worrall  

Caption for the photograph in the article: Children and nursery staff were joined by Councillor Jim Cammell and Councillor Teresa Pepper at Little Hulton nursery in Salford.
Nursery manager – Joanne Kirk 

Sometimes, just sometimes as I think we all do, I despair when I read the news and the despondency it brings with-it, ever-growing numbers of foodbanks, rising energy bills, senseless wars, and a government which seems to only reward the rich and has scant regard for the needy.

However, my heart soared today when I received a phone call from a local businessman who wishes to remain anonymous, asking me to meet him for a coffee and a chat.

He told me that he had been reading the articles in Salford Media about the plight of the local food banks, and that he had no idea that, things were so bad and that he wished to help.

He handed me an envelope with £230 in it, he said that he had donated a sum of money and his staff had all voluntarily donated sums of money and wanted it to be spent on helping those less fortunate who needed foodbanks.

We chatted for a while and as we spoke, I could not be humbled by his gesture, I do know for a fact that he is far being a rich man but felt the need to help out and stressed that he remain anonymous saying that if you do charitable deeds there is no need to attract attention, simply do it.

I cannot thank him enough and would love dearly to say who he is, but I have to respect his wishes, but what a great gesture.

The money will be split three ways between foodbanks in Salford and Eccles who are in dire need of help and support, so if you can see it in your heart to donate food or toiletries to a local foodbank and sadly there is enough of them, please help out. Cheers.

Police are appealing for help from the public in finding the next of kin of a man from Salford.

Neville Mcleggan, 65, is reported to have sadly passed away at his home on Saturday 24 September 2022.

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

Anyone who has any information regarding Neville's next of kin should contact the Police Coroner's Office in Bolton on 0161 856 5496.