Emergency services were earlier dealing with an incident at Salford Quays after reports that a person had gotten into difficulties in the water but have now stood down after sadly recovering a body.

A number of ambulances and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue technical response aided a specialist water search unit which was drafted in to help with the search.

Police have informed the family of the deceased and are being supported by specialist officers.

No further information has been given at this time.

GMP had earlier released the following statement:

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"We were called at around 6.15pm to a report of a person getting into difficulty into the water at Salford Quays.

"Emergency services and specialist search teams are at the scene. The incident is ongoing."

 

Madchester legend Paul Anthony Ryder (Brother of Shaun) has sadly passed away aged 58.

Little Hulton born (24 April 1964) Paul's iconic baselines became part of the soundtrack of the late 80's and early 90's, a true pioneer of the classic Madchester sound which took the music scene by storm.

Best known as one of the founding members of the Happy Mondays in which he starred alongside his brother Shaun, Gary Whelan, Mark Day and Paul Davis, he also was an accomplished actor, having quit the band to forge a successful career in the states. Paul acted in a number of films which include The Ghosts of Oxford Street, Losing it and of course, 24 Hour Party People.

The band issued a statement on Twitter:

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“The Ryder family and Happy Mondays band members are deeply saddened and shocked to say that Paul Ryder passed away this morning A true pioneer and legend. He will be forever missed.

“We thank you for respecting the privacy of all concerned at this time.

“Long live his funk x”

 

A Salford landscaper who claimed he ran a trustworthy company has been convicted of seven offences relating to work he failed to complete in 2019. 

Patrick Brien (DOB 16/02/1976) of Rosette Walk, Swinton told anxious clients to ‘stop stressing’ him when they texted and messaged trying to find out when their jobs would be done after repeatedly asking them for more and more money for materials.

He failed to complete one job in November 2019, telling the client he would walk away because she had threatened to report him to the police and trading standards, then took on another job in mid-December which he promised and failed to complete by Christmas.

An expert surveyor called in by Salford City Council’s trading standards team to examine the mess he left behind said the work carried out was “minimal, substandard and far from being complete” in both cases and was “not concurrent with that of a competent contractor.”

The surveyor said both jobs were under-priced by £1,855, and £2,600 respectively suggesting Mr Brien intentionally quoted low prices to gain work he had no intention of completing.

Mr Brien appeared at Salford and Manchester magistrate court on Thursday January 27 and Friday January 28 and pleaded not guilty to four offences under the Fraud Act of falsely representing that on receiving £2,126 from one householder and £1,940 from another that materials would be purchased and delivered and landscaping works would be carried out.

He also denied three offences under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008, two relating to professional diligence and one to misleading action in promising that, for £3000, paving and landscaping works would be carried out to a good standard and in a timely fashion.

He was found guilty on Friday 27 May and today (Friday 15 July) sentenced to 36 weeks in custody for Fraud Act offences (three Fraud Act offences for one address and one Fraud Act offence for another address). He was also ordered to pay a compensation order of £2,126 to one client and £526 to another.

Companies House records show that Mr Brien is currently a director of a limited company, Mcr Landscapes Ltd at Foxhill Road, Eccles.

His sister Katrina O’Brien, (DOB 16.02.1976) of Foxhill Road, Eccles pleaded not guilty but was convicted of two offences of money laundering under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, involving a total of £3,190 paid into her bank account. 

She was sentenced with a 12 month community order with 24 rehabilitation days, ordered to pay £350 in costs and a victim surcharge of £85.

The court heard a Salford woman contacted Mr Brien’s company, Acorn Landscapes Paving and Fencing on October 14, 2019. Mr Brien quoted £1,650 to remove and take away the old driveway and rubbish and lay block paving and said the work would be completed by October 24.

On October 16 Patrick Brien asked for £490 for materials to be transferred into Katrina Brien’s account saying she was the company secretary. The following day Mr Brien did not attend site claiming he was on a course and then that he had been to court about a licence.

On October 18 Mr Brien quoted an extra £650 to block pave the back garden taking the total price up to £2,300. He and a colleague cleared the shed and garden of rubbish and laid sand which was already in the back garden.

The next day Mr Brien and Katrina, whom he introduced as his wife, went to the house and asked for £1,000 to pay for more materials and staff wages. Katrina drove the client to her workplace where she had left her mobile banking device so she could transfer £400.

On October 20 Mr Brien told the householder that the path needed removing, increasing the overall price to £2,900. He threatened to walk off the job if she did not agree, saying the job should cost £4,200. She reluctantly agreed, saying she would have to take out a loan to pay the extra cost.

On October 21 Katrina, Patrick, Nick, his brother and Patrick Eckersley, Mr Brien’s cousin, removed the concrete driveway onto a truck. Mr Brien asked for £236 in cash to pay the truck driver and buy fence panels. The householder transferred money to Patrick Eckersley’s bank account and £1000 into Katrina O’Brien’s bank account saying she would pay the balance on completion.

On October 23 Mr Brien did not turn up at the property as agreed and told the householder to “stop rushing them” when she messaged to find out when the work would be completed. From October 24, the day the work was due to be completed, until November 2 the company did not attend and materials promised did not arrive.

The householder informed the business that she had contacted trading standards and a representative of the business replied that they would not complete the job because she was threatening them. They promised to finish the fencing and give some money back but failed to turn up.

On November 3 Patrick Brian and a man called Michael, whom he described as his business partner, went to the property.  Michael asked for £100 as they were short on materials and when the householder refused, he began shouting at her. Both said they would not finish the job unless she paid more money and threatened to break into the shed to take their tools and her motorbikes. The police were called and Mr Brien falsely claimed the job was finished.

On November 4 Mr Brien texted to say he was at the property taking out the fence posts and putting down £300 worth of stone. He asked for £120 because they needed money to buy materials and would leave the job if they did not get it.

Between November 5 and 7 the company said that as the householder had threatened to contact the police and trading standards they would not do any more work and told her not to ring them again. A complaint emailed to the firm on November 8, 2019 has still not been answered.

On December 9, 2019, a Wythenshawe man contacted the company about block paving his back garden before Christmas. Patrick Brien and Nick visited the property on December 15 and quoted £3000, saying the work would start the next day and be finished by the end of the week. Some work was done and the customer paid £1900 in total.

On December 20 the man and his partner both texted asking when Mr Brien would return to finish the job. He eventually received a message to say: “stop stressing [me] out, I’m busy.” Patrick Brien claimed they were a trustworthy company and would return to complete the job.

The couple messaged the firm on December 24, 26 and 27. They were finally told to stop texting as the company was not working due to Christmas and would be back on January 2. The couple sent a reminder on New Year’s Day but no-one turned up.

On January 3, a representative of Acorn Landscapes Paving and Fencing threatened to cancel the job and refund the difference but then agreed to return on January 7. Nick worked for an hour and the customer received a text from a representative of the business asking for £240 for more stone, saying they would not finish the job unless they got more money.

On January 23 the couple texted the business asking them to return to complete the job but heard nothing more.

Neither they nor the Salford householder have had any refund from the company despite the work being unfinished.

Patrick Brien and Katrina O’Brien were invited to interview to explain their actions but failed to attend. Despite twice being seen on site and receiving money into her bank account, Katrina O’Brien claimed she had nothing to do with the company. One of the three addresses Mr Brien used in connection with the business and another company Groundwork Designs was hers. In court she claimed she ran a waste removal company and the payment she received was in relation to that.

Speaking after the court case Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety, thanked the trading standards team for bringing the legal action and praised the householders for having the courage to speak up. She said their willingness to attend court and give evidence had enabled the case to be brought and justice served.

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“Salford will not tolerate rogue traders cheating residents like this and we will take action to stamp them out,” she said.

“People paid Mr Brien to get a job done. Instead they were fed a series of lies, conned out of more and more money and even threatened before he vanished taking their money and leaving a mess behind him.

“I urge anyone looking for a trader to ask family and friends for recommendations or use established trade associations for recommendations. Get three quotes to compare, and ask the traders for a detailed written quote, which should include the trader’s name, address and contact details.”

 

An incredible outdoor immersive theatre adaptation of the children's book, The Lost Words, is taking place in the grounds of Bolton School in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

The Lost Words: Told in Gold features stunning 3D installations and an impressive goldfinch nest auditorium, set in a giant ten-metre dome across a woodland trail. During the show, the audience is encouraged to seek, find and speak the lost words of nature in the beautiful surroundings.

The production is adapted from Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris' book, The Lost Words and is directed by Collette Murray. The spoken word recordings are from some of the North's best-loved voices, including Julie Hesmondhalgh and Maxine Peake.

This family-friendly show is performed by UnderSong Productions and led by three actors, a six-foot-four RAF heron (Pete Williamson), a folk-singing barn owl (Julie Power) and a breakdancing raven (Khagen Douglas) who bring Macfarlane's words to life through song, dance and performance. Some of Bolton's young artists have also been involved - building a willow archway and creating props for the set design - and Jackie Morris's original illustrations inspire the artwork. 

The soundtrack features music from the Spell Songs album, created by some of the UK's most renowned folk music talents interpreting Robert Macfarlane's words. 

As Robert Macfarlane writes: 

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We've got more than 50% of species in decline. And names, good names, well used can help us see, and they help us care. We find it hard to love what we cannot give a name to. And what we do not love, we will not save.

As one of the few species to be on the rise in the UK is the goldfinch, many younger audience members have taken the opportunity to come dressed in gold and red. In the book, the goldfinch represents the hope to be found in children, "leaving their little gifts of light."

Director, Collette Murray:

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There are swathes of activity across the country regarding The Lost Words - but mainly in rural counties and districts. Our production aims to bring the same message of eco-responsibility to urban settings. 

Public performances in the grounds of Bolton School run until Friday, July 22nd, when the production will then appear at several community spaces in the Bolton area in conjunction with Bolton at Home.

To book tickets: https://www.fatsoma.com/p/undersong-productions

For more information, please get in touch with Liam (07976 259 577) or Alison (07818 256 434)

Police are appealing for the public’s help in tracing a wanted Male from Urmston, Greater Manchester.

32-year-old Thomas Kirkup is wanted in connection with a Threats to Kill that occurred on the 22 June 2022.

Police say that Kirkup is known to have links to the Salford, Trafford and Oldham areas of Greater Manchester.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Kirkup is asked to contact police on 0161 856 9580 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Triathlete Danny Hill and Police Diver, Gareth Olley deliver Salford's Summer Safety Message

Listen to Danny and Gareth here:https://vimeo.com/729954247/eed38bbc8b

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"Cold water shock can kill you.  Don't jump into open water."

Salford-born Triathlete, Danny Hill and police diver, Gareth Olley deliver a stark message to anyone who thinks they can cool off in the Quays this summer. 

Danny, 31 grew up in Salford and now lives in MediaCity, a keen and confident swimmer as a child, he remembers saving the life of his friend when a group of them went swimming in the Quays aged 14. 

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"We didn't know what was in the water, it was really dangerous and we were reckless, we didn't think about what could happen, we didn't think we could drown.  But my friend very nearly did and I won't ever forget it."

Gareth Olley is a police officer who works for North West underwater search and marine unit and has recovered the bodies of young people who've drowned in open water.

His message is clear:

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"It's not safe to swim where there is no lifeguard on duty or where it's not set up to safely go swimming." 

"The initial dangers are what's beneath the water that you just can't see.  All kinds of debris can potentially lie under the surface like scaffolding poles, trolleys, bikes which can cause harm and trap you under the water."

 

Gareth continues:

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"the biggest misconception is the temperature of the water.  I've known Olympic swimmers when put into a cold water environment, who physically cannot swim because of the freezing cold temperatures and what it does to your body."

Danny adds:

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"Cold water shock is real. The body goes into shock, you can't breathe and before you know it your lungs have filled up with water and that's how you drown.   

"As an athlete I have trained in how to breathe and use techniques I have learned to acclimatise myself to cold water when I'm competing.  If you want to try open water swimming, join an organised group and learn how to do it.  Don't just jump in the water on a hot day to cool off.  It's deadly."   

 

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety said: 

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"We've seen far too many families shattered by tragic drownings when people have gone into open water to cool off. Please stay out of open water and stay safe."

Deep cold and dangerous – the campaign to keep young Salfordians safe

MediaCity is joining Salford Community Safety Partnership in its campaign to warn of the dangers of open water this summer.

Not only is jumping into and swimming in the Quays outside organised, supervised sessions dangerous, it is also illegal to do so. Under 18s identified as jumping from bridges will receive a police warning, delivered to their home; over 18s will receive a £100 fixed penalty notice. Extra CCTV cameras, police and council patrols will be monitoring the Quays this summer.

According to the Royal Life Saving Society around 85% of accidental drownings occur at open water sites. Many of these drownings occur due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of open water safety.

Open water remains cold even on the hottest days 

As soon as you enter cold water you will gasp and breathe faster – cold water shock is an automatic reaction.

Gasping and breathing faster increases the risk of getting water in your lungs and drowning

That risk increases if you've jumped in from the side or a bridge – and if you hit the water badly it's like slamming into concrete

Cold water shock can make you panic, and the cold water quickly numbs your muscles, making it harder to swim and rescue yourself. It can also cause heart failure even in young people.

To encourage young people to stay safe and keep away from open water this summer Salford City Council and partners are offering summer holiday activities for four to 16 year olds and they are free for children receiving free school meals. Please see www.salford.gov.uk/summerfun for details of how to sign up by Wednesday 20 July.

Emergency services are currently attending an incident on Mather Road in Eccles. A cordon has been erected along a section of Liverpool Road which has been closed in bother directions close to the former crown bingo hall.

The nature of the incident is not yet clear but we have asked Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for details and will update this article accordingly.

Photo: Colin Piggott

A Texaco petrol station in Walkden has been praised after it made a significant drop to the cost of both Unleaded and Diesel fuel on its forecourt this morning ,after the owner vowed to help local residents in the area who were suffering as a result of the cost of living crisis.

The Limes Service Station on Manchester Road in Walkden is now listed as among the cheapest stations in the country according to online price checker website confused.com. 

Prices are currently listed as low as £1.69.9p per litre for petrol (£1.91.2p National Average) and £1.85.9p for Diesel (£1.99.1p National Average).

Hassan Mohammed, co-director of the Limes, said that he chose to lower prices in a bid to try and help people save money as the economic crisis bites down hard on the income of the local community.

The station aims to maintain its lower prices for the coming week or longer if it can, but fluctuations in the market are unpredictable and so eventually prices could once more rise.

Eager locals flooded on to the forecourt this morning with a steady flow of vehicles throughout the day, at times backing up along the main road as cash strapped motorists look to get the most for their money.

Whilst we were there we took advantage of the reduced prices and filled up.

Attacks on swimmers and watersports enthusiasts have to stop before someone is seriously hurt or drowned, Salford Watersports Centre has warned.

Groups of youths as young as 15 or 16 have been congregating at Salford Quays and throwing stones and bottles at customers taking part in open water swimming and paddleboarding sessions organised by Salford Watersports Centre.

Some of the group even jumped into the water as if they were trying to land on swimmers.

Staff from the Watersports Centre who asked the group to stop throwing missiles were met with a hail of abuse and threats.

Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Police are now reviewing CCTV footage to identify and deal with those involved. They are asking anyone who saw the group, who arrived on bikes, and congregated near the wake park tower off Waterfront Quay around 7pm on Monday and Tuesday, to pass on any information or phone footage which might help identify those involved.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety, also urged parents to speak to teenagers and make sure they are not involved in this or other risky or anti-social behaviour at The Quays.

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“This is not a game, this is reckless, dangerous and selfish. If someone jumps in and lands on a swimmer both people will get hurt and could even drown before help can get to them,” she said.

“The water in Salford Quays is deep and cold all year round and anyone jumping or going into the water risks cold water shock which can be lethal.

“That’s why swimming and watersports are only allowed as part of organised and supervised sessions where those taking part are properly trained and equipped to deal with the cold water and where we can maintain a safe ratio of customers to lifeguards. Customers should be able to enjoy those sessions without mindless thugs targeting them and the Watersports Centre staff are entitled to respect too.”

 

Salford City Council has carried out extensive work to try and deter young people and adults from jumping from bridges and swimming in the former docks. The area is monitored by CCTV cameras all year round and by joint council/police patrols in hot weather. Under 18s caught jumping from bridges or illegally swimming will receive a police warning; adults will be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.

Letters warning of the dangers of unsupervised open water swimming have been sent to parents via local schools and posters and postcards distributed signposting people to free, safe, alternative summer fun activities. The council is also supporting Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s Safe4Summer campaign which highlights the dangers of swimming in open water.

Councillor Bentham added:

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“With very hot weather predicted this weekend, there will be even more contrast between the temperature of the air and the temperature of open water in the Quays, lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Please stay out of the water, we don’t want to see any more tragedies”

A huge emergency service response took place close to a rail bridge at Kelso Place on the Salford border with Manchester at around 8:05am this morning.

Police erected a cordon as forensics officers focused their investigations around the bridge with the aid of the Fire & Ambulance services.

Steps which lead to a path alongside the river Irwell had been taped off and there were reports of what appeared to be a search boat in the water along the stretch of the river.

Tragically police have reported that they recovered a body from the River Irwell after being called with a report of concern for the welfare of the individual.

Police say that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

GMP have now released a statement:

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"At 8.07am this morning, police were called with a report of a concern for the welfare of a person in the water in the River Irwell close to St Georges island.

"Emergency services attended, and sadly a body was found. Enquiries are ongoing but the circumstances surrounding the persons death is not being treated as suspicious."

 

As always in these circumstances we offer our sincere condolences to the persons family and friends.

University of Salford lecturer Tim Pigott completed the Montane Spine Challenger in just over 23 hours, smashing the existing record by 50 minutes.

As a child, Tim remembers spending all his time outdoors, being active and competing in all manner of different sports. Not especially focussed on competing at running, he nevertheless represented his county at 1500m and won a few local races.

But everything changed back in 2000, when a terrifying accident meant Tim spent five days on life support and was left in a wheelchair.

Tim was interested a career in the military and at the start of selection for a T.A. Special Forces unit when he was hit by a car on the wrong side of the road on a blind summit.

He explains:

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“The accident left me with fractures to my left tibia and fibula (lower leg), right femur (thigh), both pubic rami and right ilium (pelvis), a few ribs, my right radius (forearm), and my jaw.  I’d ripped all the flesh off my right elbow, smashed my head so hard my inner ear had been stretched and torn (resulting in now reduced hearing), but worst of all my lungs filled up with fluid (A.R.D.S.). Quite simply I was lucky to be alive.”

Following multiple surgeries, Tim spent six months in a wheelchair before beginning to learn to walk again. He was told at the time that it was unlikely he would be able to return to running.

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“Over the next six years I gradually rebuilt myself and eventually got back to running enough to complete the London marathon to raise money for the intensive care department who saved my life.”

Tim joined the University of Salford in 2015, having had some teaching experience as an instructor for the Army on topics such as battlefield first aid. He now teaches two days a week at the university, while the rest of his time is split between clinical work and coaching.

Tim’s latest race, the Montane Spine Challenger, covers 110 miles following the Pennine Way National Trail, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s toughest endurance races. 

Tim put his name forward after an unsuccessful attempt at another 100-mile race last year in the Alps (the Ultra Tour Monte Rosa) which he was unable to complete due a chest infection, being forced to pull out at mile 86.

Tim completed the race in first place with a time of 23:06:47, breaking the course record by 50 minutes.

He said:

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“I live almost on the Pennine Way itself, so this race was perfect for me as I could recce the route in detail and prepare sufficiently to give a really good performance. I’m certainly not looking to do the full 268-mile route though, at least not yet!”

Salford residents are invited to pay their respects on the 78th anniversary of the Lancaster Bomber crash in Pendlebury.

A service will take place on Sunday 31 July at Agecroft Cemetery in Langley Road, Pendlebury to honour the seven-man crew of the Lancaster Bomber PB304 and the two local residents who were killed on July 30, 1944 when the plane went down following an aborted bombing run during the Second World War.

The bomber was part of No. 106 Squadron conducting a raid at Cahagnes in Normandy, France to support the allied invasion but cloud cover blocking the target meant that the aircraft had to circle overhead, facing intense anti-aircraft fire from the German forces.

The crew were told to return home to their base at RAF Metheringham, Lincolnshire and were conducting a wide sweep via Blackpool when it lost height over Pendlebury and in attempting to land on the Littleton Road playing fields, crashed on the bank of the River Irwell.  In addition to instantly killing the crew, the crash resulted in injuries to 70 civilians on the ground, with two residents later dying of their injuries.

Councillor Barbara Bentham, lead member for environment, neighbourhoods and community safety said:

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"The Salford Bomber crash is a significant moment in our city's history and we should always take the time each year to remember the crew who gave their lives to protect this country and we will never forget them."

A memorial stone is in Agecroft Cemetery to remember the crew, which includes Pendlebury resident Raymond Barnes.

The Friends of Salford Cemeteries Trust will be holding the service at 11am. The short service will be followed by light refreshments and an opportunity to speak with Joseph Bamford, the author of the book 'The Salford Lancaster.'

Police arrested the driver of a Skoda for drug driving and driving whilst banned after he reversed his car into the police station gates in Eccles ion the early hours of Saturday morning.

After a short pursuit the driver was pulled over and was taken into custody as he failed a roadside drugs test as well as for driving whilst disqualified, having no insurance and aggravated taking without owners consent.

No serious damage was done to the police station gates.

This summer Salford Museum & Art Gallery welcomes a new exhibition by the internationally recognised, Salford-based artist Rachel Goodyear.

Co-commissioned by University of Salford Art Collection and Grundy Art Gallery, Blackpool, Stirrings is the artist’s first major solo exhibition in Salford, which includes new large-scale drawings and a new animation.

Rachel has been an artist in Salford for 20 years and is based at Islington Mill studios where she is a board member, and co-director and strong advocate for the wider artist community across the city.

The exhibition runs from July 15^th 2022 until 26^th February 2023 and there is a launch event and opportunity to meet the artist on Thursday 14^th July 5.30-7.30pm at a free event attended by the City Mayor Paul Dennett and John McCarthy, Associate Chief Operating Officer, University of Salford.

For Stirrings, Rachel has experimented with scale, making her largest and most detailed drawing to date. With heightened detail, bodies contort, a wolf-pack is tangled into a single entity of snarls and fur and figures explore sensations that hold an ambiguous balance of pleasure and discomfort. The exhibition also includes a new animation exploring structure, space and sound. With nods to mythological journeys into the Underworld, Dante’s levels of Hell and our continuous scrolling through social media, Hole takes the form of a never-ending descent. With a specially commissioned soundtrack by Matt Wand, Goodyear’s frozen moments are locked in time to be repeated forever.

Rachel Goodyear said:

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“There are so many aspects of this commission that have been very special for both me and my practice. It has given me the opportunity to push the boundaries of my drawings - exploring a larger and more immersive scale than ever before - whilst realising and producing the animation Hole which has been a vision running through my mind for a number of years. It has been so meaningful to produce this exhibition with the collections, curators, collaborators and writers who have all been a part of my 20+ year journey as an artist in Salford at different points over the years. It is incredible to have the support to create such significant new works, and also for them to be showcased in the city where they were created and the place where I have grown both as an artist and a person.”

Claire Corrin, Exhibitions Manager at Salford Museum & Art Gallery says:

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“We are delighted to be working with Rachel, the University Art Collection and the Grundy Art Gallery to bring Stirrings to Salford Museum & Art Gallery. It is really important for us to promote Salford based artists and display high quality contemporary art, and we are excited to be showing work by a national and internationally recognised artist who is based in our city.”

Tickets to the launch of Stirrings are free and people are asked to book tickets online before they arrive. For free tickets, which include refreshments, please go to https://salfordmuseum.com/event/opening-goodyear/.

Image Captions:

Left: Spectre (Hyena), 2021, 90cm x 125cm, pencil on paper. Image courtesy Michael Pollard 

Right: Rachel Goodyear: Trance, 2021. Courtesy and copyright the artist. Photo: Michael Pollard

Today saw around 20 people attend the inaugural meeting of the campaign to save the Mortuary Chapel at Agecroft Cemetery in Salford.

Local man, Alan Henry Whitehead who is a passionate supporter of Salford and it's rich heritage has become increasingly alarmed at the number of buildings in Salford which are under threat off demolition or permanent closure and has taken a defiant stance.

The Chapel which was built in 1903 is in admittedly a shocking state after having lain empty for the past 40 years ago, however Alan is adamant that it is not too late for the building to be saved, but admits that it will cost several million pound to do this, money he is convinced that Salford Council do have.

He has posted a video on his Facebook page this week, showing the condition it is in, a home for nesting pigeons, rotting floorboards and joists, plaster crumbling off the walls and gaping holes in the roof leaving it at the mercy of the elements.

However there are still some beautiful stained glass windows left, which have miraculously survived, religious murals painted on the walls as a reminder of it's former use.

Alan's plans are to renovate the Chapel back to it's former use as a functioning Mortuary Chapel, build a conservatory on the side from which visitors to the Cemetery can purchase meals, drinks etc whilst visiting loved one's graves, a flower concession shop, a History heritage Centre, all of which can generate income to help pay for it's upkeep and provide employment to local people.

Local Councillors were invited to, todays meeting, sadly it has clashed with the annual Durham Miners Gala at which they are attending, but some have promised to be there next Saturday to discuss the matter with Alan and concerned supporters of this most worthwhile of causes.

Alan has vowed to be there for the remaining Saturdays with his protest until a satisfactory conclusion can be reached and we wish him well, if you have met the man you will understand his passion to keep the Chapel from further decay and possible demolition.

It would be nice to see Salford's councillors and Mayor showing the same passion and commitment.

Photos: Hilary Curran & Jelena Wilson

Police have launched an investigation after a number of staff vehicles parked in an unsecure car park outside of HMP Forest Bank in Agecroft, were targeted by vandals.

Three vehicles were damaged shortly before midnight on Sunday July 3rd by persons unknown and prison sources say that the motivation for the attack is unclear.

Earlier this year, the inspectorate of prisons condemned the prison as unable to fulfil its role successfully. 

Officers from GMP Salford’s South East neighbourhood team took part in a covert operation, alongside campus security staff, to disrupt gang-related crime.

As part Operation Sycamore, a force-wide operation to tackle violent crime, officers arrested two males on suspicion of drug offences, possession of a bladed article and driving offences.

A knife, suspected drugs and cash were also seized.

Officers dressed as builders so they could blend in with their surroundings, avoiding detection.

Sergeant Matthew Atherton, of GMP Salford’s South East Neighbourhood Team, said:

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“The arrests made at the university campus are just one example of our proactive response gang-related crime in our communities. Fighting drug and knife crime remains a top priority for us, to ensure that Salford is safe for all who live and work here. We will continue to work closely with the security staff at the University, monitor the situation and take action accordingly.”

A spokesperson for Salford University said:

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“Salford University, like other campuses has sadly seen an increase in the use of e-motorbikes by gangs involved in criminal activity and anti-social behaviour. It has caused worry and concern to our students and the wider Salford community. We have a great relationship with our local police team and working together with them for an operation on the campus was planned and implemented carefully. It was a great bit of policing and really proved our joint commitment to keep the campus and community safe.”

Radio 1's coveted afternoon show will be broadcasting from the BBC's base at Salford Quays from September as former host Scott Mills steps down after 24-years at the Beeb.

New hosts Dean McCullough and Boltonian Vicky Hawkesworth are set to replace Mills who is heading to BBC to replace veteran broadcaster Steve Wright who announced that he too is heading on to new adventures within the BBC.

Vicky is a regular host on Radio Manchester and Dean has presented his weekend morning show on Radio 1 since last September.

The new afternoon slot will be the latest high profile show to come from outside of London as the broadcaster seeks to outsource its content across the UK.

Dean and Vicky will co-host the show together, Monday to Thursday, between 13:00hrs and 15:30hrs.

Announcing the Across the UK plans, director general Tim Davie told staff the scheme would make the BBC "a genuinely UK-wide organisation", adding: "People must feel we are closer to them."

Photo: BBC

Purple clad women born in the 1950s from all over Salford and Eccles congregated at Buile Hill Park yesterday to reaffirm their demand for the compensation due to them.  

Almost a year ago, on 20th July 2021, the Ombudsman announced that there had been maladministration in the way that changes to the State Pension Age for women born in the 1950s were implemented. Since then the Ombudsman has been investigating whether this maladministration led to injustice and, if so, to recommend compensation. 

Judith Robertson, Co-ordinator of the Salford & Eccles Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI) campaign, organised a special picnic in the park.

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"This month WASPI women all over the country are holding events to show we are not going away," she said. "5,000 women in Salford and Eccles are victims of DWP maladministration. We need fair and fast compensation. Failure to give 1950s women proper notice of the changes to our pension age had disastrous results.  

"All our financial planning for life after 60 went out of the window. Some had to sell or re-mortgage their homes, others had to continue working despite ill health, and others had to abandon commitments they had made to their families to provide care for grandchildren or elderly relatives."  

 

The women also collected toiletries and hygiene items for the local food bank. 

A hospital manager, who had cancer treatment where she works, at The Christie, will do a skydive next month, just 12 months after the shock of being told she had breast cancer.

Marie Hosey (54), from Swinton, will do a parachute jump to raise money for The Christie charity as a thank you for the lifesaving chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment she received.

Mum of two Marie, who is an assistant chief operating officer at The Christie, will be doing the skydive along with her stepdaughter Alice McLaughlin (30) and friend Louise Wood (50). She was inspired to do the skydive after watching her daughter Ellie Hosey (20), niece Niamh Hosey-Roberts (22) and nephew Matthew Morys-Edge (19) raise over £1,700 for The Christie at a parachute jump in April.

Marie was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 2021 after discovering a breast lump.

“I called my GP, who was fabulous,” said Marie.

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“I had an appointment within 24 hours and a full triple assessment for breast cancer within the same week at my local hospital. My initial reaction was utter shock and disbelief, after losing both of my parents to cancer. I was angry at first and didn’t want my girls to see me suffer.”

Marie had surgery to remove the lump at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust in July 2021, followed by six cycles of chemotherapy at The Christie in Withington from September 2021 and radiotherapy at The Christie at Salford from 1 February 2022.

She is now cancer free and feels that everything possible has been done to reduce the risk of a reoccurrence. She remains under the care of the oncology team at The Christie and breast care nurse in Bolton and will have annual mammograms for at least the next five years.

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” said Marie.

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“I know I might be biased, as I have worked at The Christie for 19 years, but the staff who treated me were amazing, nothing was too much trouble and they made me feel exceptionally well looked after. I felt incredibly safe in their hands. Everyone was helpful, friendly and exceptionally professional.

“The Christie is a very special place and people from Greater Manchester are very lucky to have it. No one ever wants to have to come to The Christie as a patient, but when they do, they are looked after so well. The chemotherapy team arranged for me to have appointments at convenient times and the radiotherapy team scheduled my appointments first thing in the morning, so I was able to continue to work during treatment.

“My girls and my friends helped me get through the last year, they have been my rocks. My daughters have handled the situation exceptionally well and I’m incredibly proud of them. And I’ve had friends who checked in with me every day and got me out for walks, even if I didn’t feel like going. My team at The Christie and work colleagues generally have also been incredibly supportive and helped me get through the treatment.

“The Look Good, Feel Better workshops for cancer patients helped improve my self esteem and being with other cancer patients, and doing something fun was really helpful.

“The experience of having cancer has made me a stronger person. I’ve got a much better outlook on life. I’m spending more quality time with my girls and the people who make me smile, and my motto is live for today as tomorrow is not guaranteed.”

 

Despite being a bit nervous, Marie is looking forward to the skydive on 13 August.

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“It’s the first time I’ll have jumped out of a plane,” she said. “I’ve got colleagues who have done it before though and loved every second. Doing the jump is my way to give something back to the people who helped me through my cancer journey.

“The money raised for The Christie goes into enhanced patient care and treatment over and above what the NHS can afford. I now know from personal experience why this is such an important cause. Having cancer is tough, both mentally and physically, and takes a lot out of you. Anything that makes it better for patients today and in the future is so important."

 

The skydive isn’t the first time Marie has raised money for The Christie. Seven years ago, with a work colleague, she raised more than £500 walking on fire and ice. And she has also run in the Great Manchester Run over 10km.

Following the skydive, Marie is planning a Mexican carnival cruise with her best friend in September along with a visit to Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans in the USA.

Both of Marie’s parents were also treated at The Christie but she lost her mum to ovarian cancer and her dad to lung cancer.

Anyone interested in doing a skydive for The Christie can visit https://christies.org/skydive for further information.