A reckless intruder cheated death after breaking into an electricity substation and stealing metal worth just £2.

The incident, which caused a power cut and surge to more than 200 customers in Salford, caused more than £40,000 of damage, including to people’s appliances inside their properties.

Engineers from Electricity North West, who operate the power network, say the culprit who committed the offence diced with death as they cut through locks and illegally entered the substation, on Fitzwarren Street, which operates at 6,600 volts.

Vincent Cranny, Electricity North West’s area manager for Greater Manchester, said:

Quote

 

“Firstly, I want to start by thanking the residents of Salford for their understanding during what has been an extremely difficult time.

“This is a very serious incident, substations contain extremely powerful electrical assets, they aren’t buildings anybody should be entering and the culprit in this case is lucky to be alive.

“The theft of the assets has caused some of the most damage we’ve seen caused by vandalism. We have yellow danger of death signs on our equipment for a reason, it’s vital people take note and stay away.”

 

Engineers have confirmed the culprit first vaulted the metal gates surrounding the substation before using an angle grinder to break through the lock on the doors.

The theft and damage caused within the substation caused a power surge which led to customers suffering damage to goods such as boilers, televisions, washing machines and other white goods.

Electricity North West have been door-to-door to ensure every property’s electricity supply was safe before restoring power and has a dedicated team on site helping residents by making repairs to their damaged equipment.

Vincent Cranny added:

Quote

 

“Residents have had to deal with huge amounts of disruption because of a mindless act of vandalism.

“We’ve teams on site still carrying out repairs to damaged goods which is a something we’re providing free of charge to those impacted to try and help.

“If anyone has any further questions, we encourage them to contact us for support.”

 

As well as hand-delivering more than 100 letters, Electricity North West has also provided free food and drinks to the affected community.

Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Salford and Eccles, said:

Quote

 

“This is an extremely dangerous incident caused by a horrendous act of vandalism.

“The disruption caused has impacted many residents, and will do for several weeks.

“Electricity North West has acted quickly to support residents in what is a difficult time, by providing a food van for those without cooking facilities and making repairs to damaged equipment where possible.

“Local Pendleton and Charlestown councillors have also gone door to door to check on residents and provide food directly too, however if any residents have further concerns please do not hesitate to contact Electricity North West, councillors or my office directly for further support.”

 

Electricity North West has asked for anyone with any information about the incident to contact the police.

Salford Shopping Centre presents ‘Salford’s Superhero Summer’, a packed programme of free summer activities, which will be running every Friday between 11am and 4pm, between the 5th to the 26th of August.

Whether it be superhero's roaming the centre, face painters transforming locals or craft champions running creative workshops, there truly is something for everyone.

Keeping children busy during the summer months can be tricky (and expensive!) for parents. However Salford Shopping Centre is hoping that the Superhero Summer will help parents keep their children entertained, showing the role Salford Shopping Centre has within the local Salford community.

The itinerary kicks off on Friday the 5th of August, with Spiderman himself swinging by to meet and greet, ready to spread the message: “we are all destined for greatness”. Spiderman will also be available to pose for spidey selfies… so get your camera ready!

Superfans can take it up a notch, with uber-realistic face painting available on Friday the 12th of August. A team of super-artists will be at hand, transforming mini shoppers into their favourite characters.

Need some accessories to match? On Friday the 19th of August, a craft workshop will be in full swing, helping little ones create their own capes.

Finally on Friday the 26th of August, caped crusader will be at the shopping centre to meet fans. Known for tackling crimes, Batman will be there to fistbump and take some aware selfies. Who knows? You might spot a Batmobile in weeks to come!

Police responded after residents complained of two males trying doors and windows in the Queen Street area of Salford on Friday night (22nd July).

Officers conducted an area search and stop and searched two males matching the description given by the residents.

One male was released without charge and sent on his way whilst the other was found to be in possession of an axe, a flick knife and a quantity of cannabis. 

An hour later officers conducted another stop and search where a group of males made off on foot.

After a short pursuit the officers managed to detain one male and found that he had thrown a rucksack containing a kitchen knife, bolt cutters and again, some cannabis.

Both males were arrested for the offences and taken into custody for further questioning.

Residents around the Irlams o' th' Height area are being warned to be vigilante after a number of attempted robberies in the area.

Hats off to Kevin Martin Coen, who somehow single - handedly managed to track down and invite some two dozen or more of his ex workmates from Gardner's Engineering, Peel Green, Eccles, men from the Milling Department for a reunion party at The Eccles Cross, pub in... obviously... Eccles.

For those of you too young too remember, Gardner's was one of the biggest employees in the Eccles area with some 2,200 men and women employed there making what many people consider to be the best diesel engines in the world, until it ceased production in the mid 1990s.

The first time I met Kevin was in the Winter of 1980 when along with Ray Lowry we visited the factory during a workers occupation, protesting at forced redundancies, a fight they won.

I asked Kevin why he had arranged this reunion and a few questions about his time at Gardner's.

Quote

 

"I started work there in 1971 and left in 1983, it was an incredible place to work with so many characters and I made so many friends, many of whom I am still in touch with today.

I  felt that we were all getting, how shall we say, a bit older? and so I decided to track down former workmates and set up a WhatsApp messenger group and I was delighted with the response, everybody that I contacted has come here today, which shows the affection these men have not only for each other but the company.

They have travelled from Cambridge, Yorkshire, Blackpool, Wales, Westhoughton, Stalybridge and the local area to be here, and I am delighted to see so many old faces. perhaps name tags would have been a good idea, as facial recognition to be polite I struggled with!"

 

Many had brought with them scrapbooks full of newspaper cuttings about Gardner's, and other engineering companies, photos were handed around the tables, often to roars of laughter as the memories came flooding back to them, and tales were told of life in an engineering environment, many I can't relate, for obvious reasons.

Watching these men, who I had never met before it was obvious there was a special bond between them, men like Mick Brightman, Terry Dewitt, Dave Walton, Tom Farrelly, Pete Neill, Dave Bowcock, Stuart Ivers, Rob Vincent, Dominick Kelly, Rob Pollock and many more, it would be fair to say it was a joyous occasion and I felt privileged to be sat in their company for a few hours.

Will there be an another reunion? 

Quote

"I am 100 per cent certain there will be, we had a great time and after 30 minutes chatting it was as if there had never been this 40 year gap, when I got home last night I was showered  with messages from those attended, asking when is the next one, so the answer is a resounding, yes!"

Emergency services responded after members of the public raised concerns over the welfare of a man on the Barton High Level Bridge which spans the Manchester ship canal between Junction 10 and 11 of the M60 motorway.

One lane of the clockwise carriageway was closed by police last night (23rd July) at around 9pm but sadly the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

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

A vehicle was seen being recovered from the bridge shortly afterwards and all lanes were reopened.

In a statement Greater Manchester Police, Said:

Quote

"At around 9pm on Saturday 23 July 2022, police were called to a report of concern for the welfare of a man on Barton Bridge on M60 motorway.

Officers attended but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death."

A brave team have completed an immense physical challenge to support a Salford children’s charity – as Georgia’s Children of the World gears up for a special summer event this weekend (Saturday 23 July).

Cycling 500 miles and climbing 12,000 feet, Matt Maxwell (51), Andrew Pierce (59), Eddie Kilfoyle (51), together with a team of supporters from Manchester took on their ‘3PeaksON2Wheels’ challenge to ensure the charity could continue to provide life changing support for 9-year-old Heidi-Lou Decieco from Swinton.

They not only climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon – but incredibly also cycled the route between these three highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, on a journey that took seven days. The team clocked up more than £7,000 in fundraising along the way, with further donations still coming in. It will help Heidi-Lou, who has cerebral palsy, work towards taking her first steps.

The Georgia’s Children of the World charity has been running since 2011 and raised nearly £350,000 to support children locally and overseas. Having been unable to run its major G-Festival event for the past two years due to the pandemic, its team have worked hard to continue fundraising to support its work in the community.

Steve Murray from Worsley, who founded the charity in memory of his daughter Georgia, said:

Quote

“It is amazing to see Georgia’s Children fundraising adventures continue this summer. The 3PeaksON2Wheels challenge was an insane physical challenge and the team did an incredible job – battling through the July heat to reach the finish line.”

The 3PeaksON2Wheels team were joined by Georgia’s friend Hannah Probyn (30), who took part in the climbing aspects of the challenge.

Heidi-Lou recently underwent life changing Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery, which was not available to her through the NHS, and now needs access to specialist rehabilitation.

Steve said:

Quote

“Heidi-Lou is an inspiration and has achieved so much since the charity first got involved when she was five years old. We’re so pleased to be able to help her with the physiotherapy she now needs to retrain her muscles following her operation. We hope it will lead to Heidi-Lou being able to walk with the aid of a frame – a once impossible dream for her and her mum.”

Heidi-Lou’s mum, Kate Decieco said:

Quote

“We were originally told by doctors it was unlikely Heidi-Lou would ever be able to sit, let alone stand or walk. The support and encouragement we’ve seen from the community and Georgia’s Children charity has been amazing. A huge thank you to all those involved in the 3PeaksON2Wheels challenge.”

Heidi-Lou is one of hundreds of children the charity has helped over the last decade. Activity it has supported includes breakfast club and school uniform projects in Salford and Georgia’s schools initiatives in Cambodia.

The charity is now gearing up for G-Festival at The Waterside in Monton on Saturday 23 July, where there will be music throughout the day and into the evening, from 1pm until 11pm.

Steve, who is former punk frontman from Manchester band Fast Cars, added:

Quote

“We’re looking forward to getting our line-up of music events back on track after the challenges of the past two years. Providing entertainment from some of the region’s best talent has always played a big role for the charity. Our G-Festival events always prove popular, and funds raised will help kids here in Manchester and around the world.”

G-Festival at The Waterside is limited to 500 attendees and tickets can be booked in advance here.

We Invented the Weekend is a bold and imaginative free festival for the North, this brand new festival, taking place on 10th and 11th September across MediaCity and Salford Quays, will celebrate the invention of the weekend, a world changing moment that took place in Greater Manchester in 1843.

The weekend was invented when campaigners, including Salford based workers’ rights activist Robert Lowes, also Sir Ian McKellen’s great great granddad, won workers the right to leisure time on Saturday afternoons. Today, We Invented the Weekend is championing community and culture as essential elements of everyone’s lives and delivering free and accessible creative, community driven activities for all.

We Invented the Weekend will throw open all of MediaCity and Salford Quays’ spaces and places to celebrate the joy of free time with the first programme announcement including a glorious mix of sports, music, greening and gardening, theatre, dance, workshops, talks, food, charity, wellness, crafts and more.

New research by Ipsos in partnership with We Invented the Weekend has evidenced that the cost of living crisis has impacted spending on culture for nearly 2 out of 5 people, and that the same amount of people are seeking out free activities, with the trend growing on both counts.

This new research has found that in response to the cost of living crisis this year, 37% of people say they have reduced the amount of paid cultural activities they do at the weekend, such as cinema, theatre, museums, concerts or festivals, and a further 16% have considered this but haven’t done it yet.

In addition, 37% have said they have taking part in more free activities, with 16% considering this but haven’t yet.

Two in five say they are cutting down on eating out, travelling and socialising outside of home in response to the rising cost of living.

Wayne Hemingway MBE, Creative Director, We Invented the Weekend:

Quote

 

“We Invented the Weekend was born when we found out that the weekend was invented by a Salford based activist. It seems so apt that this incredible gift to the world has come from a part of the UK that has always known how to celebrate the weekend.

“Working with Ipsos, we’ve found that nearly two out of five people both need and want free cultural activities, so it is the perfect moment to deliver this bold, new, free festival that celebrates free time in all its forms.”

 

We Invented the Weekend and Ipsos will be working with researchers from the University of Manchester before and during the festival to develop our understanding of how people experience the weekend, what they want from it, and its significance for culture and community.

The new festival will harness the power of community. On offer throughout the weekend will be creative workshops for all, taking in screen-printing, painting and poetry, a community Sunday Roast and Saturday Night Takeaway, boat parties, bands, music shows and mass performance, voguing, circus acts and Indian dance, fashion styling and sustainable shopping, plus shows for your fashion, your veg and even your dog.

We’ll be sharing our weekend with the world; the BBC will broadcast radio shows and deliver content from across the festival, in partnership with BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC CBeebies, and BBC Radio Manchester, and much more to be announced.

We Perform:

The spectacular performance strand includes an open invitation to thousands of musicians and vocalists of all levels to perform as part of The Weekend Orchestra, a large-scale, joyful community performance which includes a brand new song, led by the BBC Philharmonic.

The Lowry will bring a series of performances out of the theatre and into the festival including hugely popular, high energy circus performance Circus Flavours (Upswing) and upbeat, playful and energetic Indian dance production Jham! (Nina Rajarani MBE). Meanwhile, festival-goers can learn to ‘werk it’ on a runway and create picture perfect insta poses with Ghetto Fabulous.

We Listen To Music:

The main stage will span performances from neo soul six-piece Lovescene, through to legendary hip hop act The Mouse Outfit. Meanwhile, Twisted Time Machine will take audiences on an interactive journey through time and space landing in all the best musical decades.

Get Your Docks Off has a genre to float everyone’s boat, with boat party themes including House, Disco, Northern Soul and Lovers Rock. Celebrated Salford festival, Sounds From The Other City, will bring its true, sweat drenched, hands-on DIY spirit ethos out of Chapel Street and onto the Quays, whilst Unity Radio will present its own stage celebrating the city’s hip hop scene.

We Eat:

On Sunday, a collective of Manchester-based chefs that provides meals to people living in challenging circumstances, will celebrate the classic Roast with a communal feast for 100 festival-goers, curated and cooked by renowned chef Mary-Ellen McTague and members of the Eat Well MCR Collective. The same meal will also be delivered at no cost to people in our community that Eat Well regularly supports with meals.

There will be a whole host of food and drink on offer, with street food traders, including MediaCity’s own Box on the Docks, bringing food from across the world to the festival – from South American arepas to Afro-Caribbean curries. Drinks partner Seven Bro7hers, will create a special festival beer for the event.

We Shop:

This is a creative retail offer with a sustainable twist, from an interactive retail space from Manchester Fashion Movement featuring responsibly sourced brands, fashion shows, styling challenges, workshops and exhibitions, through to a more traditional riverside makers market featuring independent crafts, vintage fashion and local produce. Also on offer is the Charity Super.Mkt, a sustainable retail super group taking charity fashion to the next level, featuring finds from a selection of six local stores and national brands.

We Get Green:

With a focus on gardening and greening, We Invented the Weekend and the RHS will reach out to aspiring gardeners of all abilities and ages across Salford. Find out how to transform your balcony or small space with the help of Lee Burkhill aka Garden Ninja. There will be interactive workshops for all the family ideal for little nature explorers. From first steps into this classic weekend hobby to expert gardeners we will be inspiring everyone to grow throughout the festival. Meanwhile, for the less green fingered there will be a fruit and veg tombola, along with a medley of vegetable games and even a smoothie bike.

We Think Big:

This will be a weekend of big thinking hosted by the University of Salford at their MediaCity campus, where we will discuss the history of the weekend, learning about the workers’ fight for the right to free time and the history-making impact of Robert Lowes with the University of Manchester and The Working Class Movement Library. We’ll hear the findings of the Ipsos survey and discuss the ways in which free time is changing and evolving.

We’ll also debate big topics, from how what we eat shapes who we are and the important role food plays in communities with Incredible Edible, HM Pasties and OOM, to looking at how we can continue to travel the world without costing the earth, hearing from experts from Flight Free UK and the Open University. Also on offer will be a series of workshops looking at ‘Re-Inventing the Weekend’, held by climate specialists.

We Get Creative

From Lowry by Lowry workshops from Gogglebox star and Salfordian artist, Helena Worthington teaching you to paint a self-portrait, your pet or the Salford landscape, to the Manchester Street Poem inviting all to unleash their inner poet, to make your own merch workshops, there is something creative for everyone.

MediaCity and Salford Quays will be filled with colour and art, from hundreds of fun, imaginative We Invented the Weekend themed flags and closing event, The Free Time Parade, offering a moment for everyone to come together to celebrate free time and work life balance and how this can mean different things to different people. A chance to hope, dream and make a pledge for what the weekend could look like in the future.

We Play

From classic street games to workshops and learning through play, We Invented the Weekend will be filled with family activities for children of all ages and BBC Children’s will bring live activity, including CBeebies Bedtime Stories Live. For families who love to get creative, the Science and Industry Museum will bring Mega Makers, a large-scale, hands-on activity, where aspiring world builders can meet the people behind our urban environment and work with them to design the ideal future city and a playful new skyline using big blue blocks.

The University of Salford will be throwing open its doors for young people (8+) to come into its ground floor event space and explore new fun and creative technologies, whilst HOST, the Home of Skills & Technology, will be holding Esports World, the first-ever immersive esports festival in the North West, and an AWS DeepRacer launch event and tournament for organisations and the community.

We Get Sporty

The Manchester United Foundation, which uses football to engage and inspire young people and unite local communities will bring its hugely successful Street Reds programme to the festival, giving young people the chance to learn new skills and get active.

Salford’s Colour Swim will return to Dock 9 with its unique fusion of urban swimming, music and dance both in and out of the water, all courtesy of USwim, Manchester School of Samba and Ghetto Fabulous. Other activities include a zen start to the day with Carly Tong’s Vinyasa Yoga session, tailored to everyone and every ability and Salford Boxing Club, a local fitness boxing centre, will be doing boxing taster sessions with professional boxing coaches.

Salford Community Leisure (SCL) will be delivering a range of multi-sports taster sessions, a football tournament for a range of ages, cheerleading workshops, plus Watersports activities from Salford Watersports Centre.

We Give Back

We Invented the Weekend’s volunteer programme will create a wide range of opportunities to get involved behind the scenes at the festival – from looking after artists to working with partners. The volunteer programme is managed by Salford CVS and in return we’ll be raising money for their community grant fund, which supports grassroots organisations to do incredible things.

The festival will also support a donation drive for Salford Foodbank and our food and drink traders are all running a ‘pay it forward’ scheme.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a road traffic collision between a truck and a car on the Eastbound carriageway of Eccles New Road at around 4:45pm yesterday evening (21st July).

The Eastbound carriageway of the road was closed for a short while as a fire engine from Eccles station attended the incident and firefighters helped make the scene safe.

Fortunately there were no serious injuries, however one driver was arrested on suspicion of driving without due care and attention.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police, said:

Quote

 

"At around 4:45pm on Thursday 21 July 2022, we received a report of a two vehicle RTC on Eccles New Road, Salford.

"The eastbound carriageway was closed for a short while whilst emergency services attended.

"There are believed to be no serious injuries of those involved with one driver being reported for driving without due care and attention."

 

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:

Quote

"Just before 5pm on Thursday 21 July, fire crews were called to reports of a road traffic collision on Eccles New Road, Salford.

"One fire engine from Eccles station quickly attended the incident, which involved a car and a lorry.

"Firefighters helped make the area safe before handing the scene over to colleagues from Greater Manchester Police. GMFRS crews were in attendance for around half an hour."

Just before 10.30pm on Wednesday 20 July 2022 emergency services were called to a report of a collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Worsley Road North in the direction of Bolton.

Sadly, it has been confirmed that the pedestrian, a man aged 32, has died. The pedestrian was stood at a bus stop and has possibly had a medical episode which has caused him to fall onto the carriageway.

Following the collision the driver of the vehicle failed to stop and continued northbound on Worsley Road in the direction of Bolton.

PC Horner of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

Quote

 

"Our thoughts are very much with the man's family who are understandably devastated by the tragic event that occurred on Wednesday 20 July.

"We have launched an investigation into the circumstances of this incident and are appealing to anyone with information or dashcam and CCTV footage of the incident to contact officers in the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting log 3710 20/07/2022

"Alternatively, information can be shared online using the Live Chat function on www.gmp.police.uk. If you are unable to report online, call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

 

A 17-year old teenager from the Irlam area has tragically died and a second teen aged just 13-years-old has been left with serious injuries after the motorcycle they were travelling on crashed on Holcroft Lane (B5212) which crosses the M62 between Irlam and Culcheth.

It is unclear as yet which of the teenagers was in control of the bike at the time and which was the pillion passenger.

The teens next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Police in Cheshire have issued the following statement:

Quote

 

"Police are appealing for information following a fatal collision in Warrington. At around 9.30pm on Monday 18 July, officers were called to reports of a collision on Holcroft Lane.

"Sadly, a 17-year-old boy from Irlam died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. A 13-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"Enquiries in relation to the collision are ongoing and officers are appealing to anyone who may have seen a moped and another motorbike around the time of the incident to come forward. The same goes to anyone who may dashcam footage from the area around the time of the incident to come forward."

 

Meanwhile police officers from the Eccles, Cadishead, Barton and Irlam branch of GMP have denied claims made on social media that their officers were involved in the collision. Cheshire police who are investigating the accident have confirmed that there was no police involvement in the collision.

A statement on their Facebook social media page, reads:

Quote

 

We are aware of rumours on social media that one of our officers was involved in this collision in the Warrington area of Cheshire.

Cheshire Police, who are investigating the incident, have confirmed that there was no police involvement in the collision.

 

The body of a woman has been found on New Bailey Street, close to the border between Salford and Manchester.

Police were called to reports of concern for the welfare of a woman at around 6:45pm yesterday evening (Wednesday 20th July), unfortunately despite the best efforts of the paramedics, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death according to police, who have referred the case to the coroner.

Forensics officers attended the scene which was close to the New Bailey NCP car park.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police, said:

Quote

 

"At around 6:45pm on Wednesday 20 July 2022, we received reports of a concern for the welfare of a woman on New Bailey Street, Salford.

"Despite the best attempts of the emergency services sadly the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene. It is believed the death was not suspicious and a file has been passed onto the coroner."

 

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett has revealed that Greater Manchester Police have agreed to fund an additional six new police officers for the Quays ward, after teenager Kalen Waugh lost his life whilst swimming with friends at Ontario Basin on Saturday (16th July).

Mr Dennett announced that he had called for a third party safety review to explore suggestions and ideas to improve safety in the area.

Addressing this mornings council meeting, the City Mayor said:

Quote

 

"Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have agreed to fund six new posts for Salford Quays in recognition that the area requires more resource.

“Not only will this additional resource benefit The Quays and the City of Salford more generally but it will also ensure that policing resources are retained in adjacent wards of Pendleton & Charlestown, Blackfriars & Trinity, and Broughton.

“Unfortunately, we cannot prevent all instances of jumping into the water and jumping from bridges in the area and ultimately the tragic loss of this young man’s life has been the consequence in this instance.

“Moving forward we await the outcome of the inquest and coroner’s report into this tragic incident but I’d also like to inform the City Council today that I have requested officers to commission a third party review, to explore all ideas and suggestions for improving safety at Salford Quays, reviewing what we currently have in place, whilst also considering what potential improvements could be made.

“However, my advice is clear, outside of organised and supervised activities in open water please, please, please don’t swim or jump into open water in The Quays. Our rivers, canals, reservoirs and lakes across Salford and Greater Manchester the dangers of doing so are far too great."

 

Mayor Dennett went on to pay tribute to Kalen who died aged 16-years-old:

Quote

 

“Tragically, many of you will be aware of the young man, Kalen Waugh, who tragically lost his life in Salford Quays after diving into the water.

“I am sure that across this Council Chamber we each extend our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayer to Kalen’s family and friends who must be going through a truly terrible ordeal.

“However, this tragic event reinforces our commitment to limit the numbers of those swimming unsupervised in the Quays, which also follows a substantial amount of resource this City Council, along with partners, have committed to discouraging such behaviour.”

 

The Mayor also revealed that 34 people under the age of 18 were given warning letters and received home visits from police officers since the tragic accident on Saturday.

Additionally, four adults have been handed fixed penalty notices.

A new report has been published by Salford City Council today highlighting some of the many outcomes achieved in tackling social and economic inequality across the city.

The Salford Way Outcomes Report marks the council's achievements after more than a year on from the launch of The Salford Way initiative and sets out an updated vision for further transformation.

Watch: Council - Wednesday 20 July 2022 at 9:30am - Salford City Council Webcasting (public-i.tv)

This innovative initiative, first launched in March 2021, encompasses different inequality issues by interlinking three strategies: Tackling Poverty Strategy, Inclusive and Green Economy Strategy and The Equalities and Inclusion Strategy to challenge and tackle inequality by taking proactive action.

The report sets out the direction for the next three years of the initiative and highlights the achievements delivered within the last year which have all formed part of the council's important work to address poverty and inequality.

Councillor Sharmina August, lead member for the inclusive economy, anti-poverty and equalities, said:

Quote

 

"Tackling inequality will always be a top priority on our agenda here in Salford.

"The cost of living crisis, the climate emergency and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic have made things extremely tough people here in the city and it's vital that our residents can access the support they need.

"The Salford Way is a truly innovative approach that combines three strategies to address a variety of inequality issues collectively, enabling us to make sure our residents are supported in the best way possible.

"We have made some great progress so far, but Salford will continue to rise to this challenge to tackle inequality by taking proactive action that truly embodies The Salford Way as we aim to build a fairer, greener and healthier city for all."

 

Some of the key highlights from 2021/22 include:

Boosting the wages of over 4,000 Salford care workers

Increasing the number of Real Living Wage employers in Salford to 83

Targeted support provided to over 60,000 residents through Salford Assist, the council's Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Service, the Spirit of Salford helpline, holiday activity clubs, the Household Support Fund and other initiatives.

The successful launch of the Salford Women and Girls' Commission

£1.5 million committed to skills and work opportunities for young people and adults

£7 million secured to decarbonise the city's public buildings

To read the full report, visit:https://www.salford.gov.uk/your-council/the-salford-way/

Photo: Councillor Sharmina August - Eccles Ward

Anthony Leather aged 46 of Southway in Eccles, has plead guilty to the charges of intent to cause grievous bodily harm and possession of a knife, via a video link to Manchester Crown Court this morning (19th July).

He is set to be sentenced on the 6th September.

Emergency services were called on the 6th of June to the scene at the grounds of St Mary's Church, Eccles, in which a 31-year-old man had been slashed across the face with what is believed to be a Stanley Knife. The victim was treated at the scene before being taken to Salford Royal Hospital where he was required to have 20 stitches to his face.

Leather was remanded back into prison whilst a presentence report is compiled, the judge telling him that he can expect a lengthy prison sentence.

Art teacher Belinda Neild, from Swinton, is certainly creative when it comes to wearing fancy dress costumes in running events.

Her eye-catching outfits have attracted lots of attention – and donations – with Belinda having raised more than £15,000 for St Ann’s Hospice over more than a decade of fundraising.

Her next party piece is a pencil outfit for the London marathon on October 2 when she attempts to beat her own Guinness World Record set in 2019.

Bizarrely, that was for the fastest female dressed as a ‘stationery item’ when she wore her crayon creation.

Students at Fred Longworth High School, Tyldesley, where she teaches art and design, admire her non-stop determination to raise funds for St Ann’s where her late mum Joyce Bolton attended day care in 2011.

Belinda Neild, said:

Quote

"The students are inspired by my marathon challenges. The sumo outfit was the funniest, most entertaining and hardest to wear. I try to think of something different each year. Training is hard work, especially with a family, teaching and marking GCSE art work, but I enjoy running. I only started after mum died and decided to put my grief into running. My coaches Jack Carney and Mike Race are unbelievable, training me hard to reach my goals." 

Belinda, a member at Salford Met Athletics Club, has completed nine marathons, including three on successive weekends, a feat which raised £5,500.

She now has her sights set on taking her fundraising total for hospice to more than £20,000.

Husband Steve, who completed his first marathon last year, and daughter Lucia Belle (15), who enjoys track running, are also members of the same club.

St Ann’s also treated Belinda’s late father-in-law Kevin Neild and auntie Sandra McStravick at their Little Hulton hospice.

When Belinda met Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester, at a recent St Ann’s Hospice function she was quick to remind him he once judged a fancy dress competition at her school.

She also invited Andy to the opening of the new building at Fred Longworth High School.

To sponsor Belinda visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/belinda-neild6

Homelessness charity Emmaus Salford has teamed up with the University of Salford and construction firm Casey to develop new energy-efficient sleeping pods for people who are street homeless.

The University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 research facility has a leading reputation in developing low carbon technologies in the built environment sector and have been evaluating a pod working in partnership with Emmaus Salford.

A prototype pod has gone through a series of tests to measure energy efficiency and will be refurbished to the highest thermal standards. Casey has been working in collaboration Emmaus Salford to develop the prototype pod with support from Protectal Ltd.

Joe Flanagan, Project Manager of Energy House 2.0 at the University of Salford, said:

Quote

 

“As a University, we ensure that all our research meets our social responsibility agenda and that innovation developed has a positive impact on the community.  We have been proud to work with Emmaus Salford on this project that will make a real difference to the lives of people who are homeless.  

“The University of Salford’s Energy House 2.0 has two large environmental chambers that can replicate over 95% of the world’s climate and has allowed us to test the pod by simulating different weather conditions. Our aim is to ensure that not only are the pods energy efficient but also offer a safe and comfortable environment for the occupants."

 

The Emmaus Salford pod is the first research project to be carried out in Energy House 2.0. The facility opened in February 2022 at a cost of £16m and is the largest test and research facility of its type. The construction of Energy House 2.0 is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and follows on from the success of its Energy House facility which has been open for more than a decade and has built a renowned reputation for the University being known as the home for net-zero research. 

Emmaus Salford supports formerly homeless people by providing them with a stable home, meaningful work and support for as long as they need it. As well as a residential community, Emmaus Salford also has on-site pods to provide a safe and comfortable night’s sleep for people who are street homeless.

Jackie Smith, Business Development Manager at Emmaus Salford, said:

Quote

 

“Our first four pods opened in May 2020 and have helped many people off the streets, access support and into more permanent housing. Casey has kindly donated eight more sleeping pods which we plan to refurbish to a high standard, both for the people who will be using them and for the planet.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with the University of Salford and their Energy House 2.0 team to help us develop the specification for a prototype pod. These insights will provide Casey and Protectal Ltd with a strong foundation to develop our new prototype pod.”

 

The Casey Group is a Rochdale-based construction company that has provided support to Emmaus Salford over a number of years. The company has provided work experience and apprenticeship opportunities to people supported by Emmaus Salford. Casey has also offered in-kind building expertise to improve the charity’s residential community and install the first four pods.

John Walmsley, Direct Services Manager at The Casey Group Ltd, said:

Quote

“We are delighted to be supporting this initiative, the whole essence of which fits our company purpose of Improving lives. Homelessness is a major issue in Greater Manchester and helping those people affected is something we feel passionately about. Following the partnership’s work, the pods will provide a decent level of comfort for those using them. This is great news and something we are proud to be a part of”.

To find out more about Emmaus Salford visit: https://emmaus.org.uk/salford/

Children and staff at Fiddlers Lane Primary School are now the proud owners of a solar-powered stopwatch, having received grant funding from Greater Manchester Community Renewables (GMCR). 

Ann McQuirk, Business Manager at Fiddlers Lane Primary School said:

Quote

“The solar-powered stop watch has been well received by children and teachers alike - we think it’s wonderful! The children use it every day going around the track to time themselves. The solar-powered stopwatch is an ongoing partnership with GMCR who have once again supported our school by funding these environmental projects which otherwise would not have happened.”

The school was previously awarded funding from GMCR in 2020 for an in-school recycling scheme and cameras for the bird boxes. 

Ian Whitehouse, Site Manager at the school said:

Quote

“We spent our first grant from GMCR on recycling facilities and two camera bird boxes; one to replace the broken one for the Nursery and another for the older children to see.”

The school had community-owned solar panels installed by GMCR back in 2016.  Since then, the panels have generated 140,000 kWh - that’s enough green electricity to charge over 14 million smartphones. Having solar panels means the school has also saved thousands of pounds on their energy bills, as well as showing the children real life solutions to the climate crisis.

Kate Eldridge, Director of GMCR, said:

Quote

“We’re delighted to be able to make a further award from our Community Fund to Fiddlers Lane Primary School.  The school has embraced all aspects of sustainability from looking at the efficiency of their building to engaging the pupils in environmental issues.  It’s really inspiring and we are happy to support them where we can.”

GMCR is a community energy scheme, run entirely by volunteers and owned by members of the community.  Their community fund comprises GMCR’s profits and donations from GMCR members. GMCR’s Community Fund is open to applications for carbon reduction and environmental education projects in the local area.

GMCR is also offering energy saving advice to anyone in the local community who is looking to save some money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.  They’ve teamed up with  Groundwork, a charity providing free support, which ranges from advice on reducing your energy use, advice on damp, mould and condensation, and help to access any grants you may be entitled to. You can contact the Groundwork Green Doctors free on 0800 090 3638.

A fundraiser has been set up to help the family of a 16-year-old teen who tragically drowned whilst swimming with friends at Ontario Basin on Salford Quays on Saturday (16th July).

Link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/conrad-asquith

The young teen, known as Kalen Waugh, found himself struggling and in difficulties in the water, prompting a huge response from emergency services, whom sadly were to recover his body later that evening. His death is not being considered as suspicious.

Meanwhile, Eccles taxi firm operator Conrad Asquith has set up a GoFundMe page to help Kalen's mother (who is an employee with the company), with the costs of Kalen's funeral. The link to which can be found above. So far at this time the fund stands at almost £2000.

Both Salford Council and Greater Manchester Police have repeated urgent warnings calling for the public to keep out of the water at the Quays.

Despite the warnings, sadly within less than 24 hours of Kalen's death, people both young and old had returned to the same spot to take to the water once more.

Salford Council have warned that the area is monitored by CCTV cameras all year round and by joint council and police patrols in hot weather - which are now being stepped up.

Any under 18s caught jumping from bridges or illegally swimming will receive a police warning and adults will be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.

This summer, Salford Libraries has developed its own summer reading challenge called The Big Salford Summer Read.

Independent of any nationwide schemes the libraries team has designed the new reading challenge specifically for children aged 4-12 across Salford in a bid to boost summer learning ahead of back-to-school in September.

Young readers are encouraged take the trip of a lifetime into the land of books by taking part in fun activities to spark imaginations and win exciting rewards along the way. The Big Salford Summer Read follows the National Literacy Trust report about children's attainment  after the disruption of the pandemic, and the importance of reading for pleasure to support literacy development, learning and well-being.

Children can take part in the reading challenge from Monday July 18 at any of the 16 libraries across Salford, which are free to join and offer all the latest book titles.

On joining the challenge all participants receive a passport, sticker and a map of the Land of Books. On the map are a number of islands that offer various challenges to expand children's reading horizons.  

Each time a child visits the library they will have their passport stamped and as they progress on their reading journey they receive rewards including stickers, badges (six to collect) and medals.

Every child who completes their personalised reading goal will receive a certificate of achievement.

Library staff will be encouraging participants to complete book reviews and artwork related to the books they are enjoying and there will be a prize draw for all reviews and art submitted.

Chris Farey, Head of Libraries at Salford Community Leisure, said: 'We are proud to launch our very own Salford reading challenge. By developing our own challenge we have been able to offer the children of Salford a more flexible and fun experience. Rather than focusing on how many books a child reads, our game encourages children to explore different types of books, discovering new genres and authors that they may not have encountered before. They are able to personalise the game by setting their own reading goal and are offered great incentives and rewards as they work through the challenge. Our message to children is clear: we want you to love reading and in Salford you can love reading whatever and however much you want.'

The Big Salford Summer Read aims to work with parents to develop a reading culture which improves the wellbeing of families through reading as a recreational activity, one that also supports learning.  Reading over the summer holidays can help children maintain their reading skills and can counteract the dip often seen during that time, especially critical this year following the detrimental effect of school closures on children's learning.

As families across the city are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis this summer, Salford Libraries hopes that visiting the library offers a fun and free activity that the whole family can enjoy.

Children can choose to read any books they like and Salford Libraries have a wide range of stock in different formats including physical books, e-books and e-audios through the Borrowbox app, to meet a wide range of needs and abilities.

The Big Salford Summer Read is supported by a wider event programme across Salford including Zog Storytimes, Oh, The Places You'll Go (Dr Seuss), science, theatre and sing-along events, which integrate educational and social opportunities. Events are priced from £1 per child.

Participating families can also visit the fantastic book benches of the Salford Literacy Trail, twenty book-shaped sculptures to discover around the city.

For a full list of Salford libraries and events go to https://salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/libraries/

The body of a teenage boy has been recovered from Salford Quays after we were called to reports of a person getting into difficulty in the water yesterday (Saturday 16 July).

Shortly after 6.15pm police were called and emergency service colleagues from GMFRS and NWAS attended.

Sadly, a body was located in the water later that evening and was recovered by specialist partners overnight.

Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the body is believed to be that of a 16-year-old boy who was last seen struggling in the water after swimming with friends.

His family has been kept updated and are being supported by specially-trained officers at this extremely distressing time.

Enquiries are ongoing but detectives from Swinton CID are – at this stage – confident that there aren’t any suspicious circumstances, and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

Detective Inspector Joanne Johnston, of our Swinton CID, said:

Quote

 

“Yesterday evening’s events are nothing short of devastating and my thoughts are with the friends and family of the young boy who lost his life in such awful circumstances.

“We are doing all we can to support the boy’s family at this incredibly difficult time, and we are focused on ensuring they get the answers they deserve as to how this tragedy occurred.

“From our enquiries so far, we are confident that there are no suspicious circumstances and that this is such a sad reminder of the dangers of entering open water, whatever the weather.”

 

 In the weeks leading up to the predicted heatwave, Salford City Council embarked on a campaign to bring attention to the risks of open swimming and to avoid being tempted to cool off in reservoirs, rivers, canals or ponds.