Jurors at Manchester Crown Court have found 30-year-old Ben Trigger of Merton Grove in Astley, guilty of causing the death of 70-year-old Abdelkader Dhrif, by way of dangerous driving, after he accelerated his Ford Ranger pick up truck through a crossing at the junction of Ellenbrook and New Earth Road shortly after 3:30pm on Nov 20th 2019, killing both Mr Dhrif and his pet dog Masie who were using the crossing at the time.

Paramedics attempted to treat Abdelkader who was also known as 'Tony' at the scene but despite their best efforts it was to no avail, he sadly passed away.

Trigger has told police he was travelling at 40mph at the time of the accident but computer tracking technology in his car told a different story, it shown clearly that he had been travelling in excess of 60mph as he accelerated through the junction.

He is set to appear for sentencing later in the year and in the meanwhile has been handed an interim ban from driving.

It is said that, Mr Dhrif or Tony as he was known to his friends, loved living in Boothstown and was proud to be a member of the local community.

He was known and loved by everyone who knew him and would stop and talk with many people on his daily morning walk to Costcutter for a newspaper.

He also regularly visited Bexters for an espresso coffee and always had Maisie - the family’s little white dog who also died in the collision - with him wherever he walked.

He is sadly missed within the community.

We extend our condolences to his friends and family.
 

Last month we told that the artist, Brian Gorman had once again kindly donated one of his portraits this time it's Eric Cantona, the Manchester United iconic player, to be auctioned off to raise much needed funds for the Eccles Mustard Tree, emergency foodbank.

Previously Brian's donated portrait of Edison Cavani raised £100, and it was hoped that this stunning image of Eric, would reach if not exceed that figure, an offer of £100 was on the table and seemed likely to win the artwork, until a last minute bid of £150 was received!

The purchaser is our old friend, Steve Roach a Salford born entrepreneur, with a heart of gold and an undying love of his City of birth and always happy to help a good cause.

Steve told us:

Quote

 

"I usually like to keep a low profile, however I saw your article and it stuck a chord with me, I really like Brian Gorman's work and have purchased some before, also I am a lifelong Manchester United fan, despite me currently living in Devon.

More importantly it is good to know that I am in some small way helping people less fortunate than me, and so I am more than happy to help out, and to be fair it's a bonus for me to have a great piece of artwork to be hanging on my wall at home"

 

I think it's only fair to give, Steve's company Onyer Sports company a mention and a link to it. https://www.onyersports.com/

Yet again a massive thank you to the supremely talented Brian Gorman who is currently adding the finishing touches to, New Dawn Fades:  A Play About Joy Division And Manchester, which will be touring the country in September and playing at the RNCM, Manchester 29th/30th September.

Tomorrow I shall be handing over the money to Georgia Breen at The Mustard Tree in Eccles who will be spending the money on vital foodstuffs etc.

Big thanks to everyone who bid for the painting but as in all things there can only be one winner, two actually with Steve and Mustard Tree but give yourself a pat on the bank anyway.  

Cheers!.

https://www.facebook.com/briangormanartwork

A 15-year-old boy, who can't be named for legal reasons, has been charged with possession of a bladed article and possession of a class B drug.

He has been bailed ahead of a hearing at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on Monday 25 April 2022.

At around 12.05am on Saturday 2 April 2022, police received a report of a disturbance at a store on Church Street, Eccles. Officers attended and three knives were found and seized.

A second 15-year-old boy who was arrested has been released on bail pending further investigation.
 

At around 12.05am on Saturday 2 April 2022, police received a report of a disturbance at a store on Church Street, Eccles.

Officers attended and, after boarding a bus, detained five males.

During a search of the group, three knives were found and seized.

Two 15-year-old boys, were arrested on suspicion of weapon and drug offences. They remain in police custody for questioning. Another boy was referred to Youth Offending Services.

Detective Superintendent Chris Packer, of GMP's Salford district, said:

Quote

"I am pleased that we have removed these three knives from our community. We are all well aware of the devastation these weapons can cause.

"This news should build public trust and confidence that Greater Manchester Police is committed to responding to incidents and emergencies to fight, prevent and reduce crime whilst keeping people safe.

"I would like to use this opportunity to highlight that intelligence from members of the public is really important to us and encourage anyone who knows or suspect an individual is carrying a weapon to report it immediately."  

Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. Information about crime can be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Following the end of social distancing measures and after two years, the Parr Fold Park Pavilion café is now open.

Located in the centre of Walkden, Parr Fold is a classic Victorian park with landscaped gardens, mature trees and open lawns as well as an outdoor gym, a play park, skate park and tennis courts. The café is located adjacent to the play park and behind the tennis courts.

This Spring, Salford Community Leisure, which manages the café, has revamped the premises and recruited a full time manager to run the venue, which will now be open seven-days-a-week.

The café’s interior has been given an attractive facelift with plush new armchairs, wooden tables and stylish metal bistro stools and guests can sit inside or make use of the spacious outdoor seating space.

There is a new eat-in or take-out menu serving delicious hot and cold drinks, hot snacks (including toasties, toast, crumpets and porridge) plus crisps, cakes and ice cream.

The new opening hours are 9am-4pm weekdays and weekends 10.30am-4pm and pooches are always welcome.

Steve Hassall, chief executive Salford Community Leisure said:

Quote

 

‘We are delighted to reopen the Pavilion Cafe at Parr Fold Park and to finally make it dog-friendly. Parr Fold is a very popular local attraction and the new café will be a much-welcome new addition to the local community.’

The café will be run by Leanne James, aged 36 from Little Hulton who knows the park and the local area well. Leanne says: ‘I am delighted with this new role as my background is in mentoring and befriending and I am looking forward to welcoming the local community and their pooches for a cup of tea and a chat. We want to create a friendly and welcoming environment as it is so important to have somewhere that people can go to in the local community and get out of the house for a bit, and what better than the café at your local park.’

 

Parr Fold Park is one of only two parks within Salford (along with Victoria Park) to have a bandstand, which was first built in 1935. A Cenotaph is also located in the park which each year hosts a Remembrance Day service.

The park is supported by the Friends of Parr Fold Park. Follow the Facebook page or email friendsofparrfoldpark@gmail.com for Easter events.

An appeal has been launched to track down the mindless idiots who through a brick through the window of a train as it passed through Clifton at 70mph.

The injuries suffered by a train driver when his cab was hit by a brick while travelling at 70mph in Greater Manchester have been revealed.

Rail operator Northern has released an image of Ian Birch covered in blood after the shocking incident on the line at Clifton.

He is said to have suffered cuts to his face but could have easily lost his eyesight or even lost his life due to the brick.

Mr Birch was driving a Northern train near Clifton on 4 February when vandals threw a brick at the cab, shattering the window.

The train was doing 70mph at the time.

Mr Birch, who works for Northern at its base in Blackburn, was left with cuts to his face.

Miraculously, Mr Birch was able to bring the train to a halt safely and praised the response of a doctor travelling on-board who was able to administer immediate first aid.

Mr Birch spoke out about the incident as he returned to work.

He said:

Quote

 

“I want the people who did this to see the impact of their actions. I could have been blinded or even killed.

“Someone knows who threw that brick and I urge them to come forward to help ensure the person responsible doesn’t have the chance to endanger more lives with their reckless behaviour.”

 

It is with a heavy heart we have to announce that Tony Flynn and Fredrick Fielder (MBE) have mutually agreed to part ways due to what is described by their manager as creative differences.

The former Club DJ and BBC Radio Presenter along with his Esteemed Local Historian colleague had become staples of Friday afternoons on salford.media with their popular Fred & Flynny Show but frictions behind the scenes painted a different story as tensions off camera started to hit boiling point when Fred demanded Tony and he dress up as beloved characters Sissy and Aida for a show.

A source connected to Tony Flynn who did not wish to be identified said that it was the final straw, Karl said:

Quote

 

"Tony had already explained to Fred five times that he was allergic to makeup, wigs and women's dresses."

 

A spokesperson for Mr Fielder said:

Quote

 

"Fred is obviously very hurt and upset about what has happened, in fact he is so upset he has announced that he would not give Tony the top of his egg, which for Fred is tantamount to physical violence.

"Flynny likes to be seen as a nice person but in reality he was always jealous of Fred's good looks and thick head of hair, also his ability to pull the birds on a night out.

"Fred was always the real talent behind the show and Tony just hung on to his coat tails in a bid to get free beer and notoriety. Fred knew he was just using him for fame and fortune when he refused to interview the Krankies. No one refuses the EFin Krankies, said Fred, it's career suicide.

"Tony got too big for his boots and was cramping Fred's style, so the only option for them both was to sell the pig and go their separate ways.

"Fred drove past the bus station in Eccles the other day in his customised purple E Type Jag and Tony was lay on the floor with a bottle in a paper bag looking for his next big meal ticket, Fred has no sympathy for him and would like the return of his Freddy & The Dreamers records or he will seek legal action.

"I am authorised to tell Tony on Fred's behalf that he is not getting that Effin moon watch either."

 

Tony could not afford a spokesperson, so himself said:

Quote

 

"I had been drinking the night before and all of that day and I really needed to sober up a bit as I had to drive home.

"I tried to reason with Fred but he threatened to have Karl and I banned from the Wooden Hut club where all the stars frequent.

"He loves a bit of dress up but it was when he insisted I wear silky knickers and open an OnlyFans page that I knew things had just gone too far."

 

Before the split there were rumours that the show was to be picked up for the US market but sources in the American Media say that industry bosses wanted both parts to be recast with Sean Connery tipped to replace Fred and Paul Reubens of Peewee Herman fame to play Flynny.

The project fell flat on its face though when the production company blew the budget of £1.3m to bag Leonardo DiCaprio to take on the role of Karl the cameraman.

The pair do not look to be reunited anytime soon with Mr Fielder threatening to have him replaced with a block of lard as he claims the lard has more stage presence and is less harmful to his health and wellbeing.

Meanwhile Mr Flynn has announced plans to return to DJ'ing in the clubs of Ibiza.

This weekend, McDonald’s franchisees, restaurant teams and customers were joined by sports legends Freddie Flintoff and Gareth Thomas, and presenter Roman Kemp, in the UK’s biggest ever litter pick – organised by McDonald’s as part of its Keep it Clean campaign.

The week-long event saw 1365 volunteers, from over 150 McDonald’s restaurants, reality TV stars, sporting legends, radio presenters and music artists, work together to collect a total of 1092 bags of litter. Showing support for the cities and towns they love, celebrities were out in force, getting stuck into the local litter pick events organised by McDonald’s to help rid streets and parks of the plight of dropped litter.

Former cricket star and Top Gear presenter Freddie Flintoff was on hand in Salford to help with the pick. Donning a high viz jacket to help staff clear the area around the branch at Riverside Retail Park.

The events followed a week of rallying from the celebrities and McDonald’s restaurant teams across the UK, encouraging the public to get involved in the biggest ever UK litter pick, either through organised events or with friends and family. As further incentive to get picking, McDonald’s is proud to continue its partnership with LitterLotto – which encourages everyone to pick up litter when they see it and share a picture of their litter pick to win a prize. With a jackpot of up to £25,000, picking up litter could really pay off.

McDonald’s has organised the UK’s biggest ever litter pick as it hits the 40-year milestone of formally collecting litter in local communities. With three litter picks organised by every restaurant team each day across the UK and Ireland, McDonald’s crew collect on average 27 tonnes of litter every year, covering a total of 5,000 miles each week.

In addition, McDonald’s has recycling units in over 1,100 of its restaurants, it recycles coffee cups from all coffee retailers and continues to develop a new industry standard for paper straws.

Download the LitterLotto App

Photo: McDonalds

Two stolen vehicles and eight arrests have been made thanks to officers and some 'pawsome' work by PD Eddie last night (30 March 2022).

At around 2.45am this morning, patrolling officers were alerted through ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) to a report of a cloned vehicle in tandem with a BMW in Salford.

Shortly afterwards, officers were called to a report of a burglary where a BMW was taken from an address on Swinton Park Road  - the one believed to be with the Volvo. It's believed the lock was snapped at an address and a BMW and keys were taken.

Officers from the Tactical Vehicle Interception Unit (TVIU) found a Volvo driving at speed on Manchester Old Road which made off. However, officers later found it parked up on on a carpark at the junction with Moston Lane and Kenyon Lane in Moston.

Three males were arrested nearby on suspicion of burglary before being joined by Police Dog Eddie who tracked down two other males. All five were arrested on suspicion of burglary and remain in custody at this time.

Equipment and tools believed to be used in 'lock snapping' burglaries was also found and seized.

Over an hour before, officers chased down a stolen Ford Fiesta, reportedly stolen from an address in Lancashire before driving at speed across the M66 and onto Bury Old Road where it was stopped. With the help of NPAS (National Police Air Service) and officers from GMP, three males were arrested at the scene on suspicion of burglary.

Inspector Paul Bray, from GMP's Specialist Operations unit, said:

Quote

 

"These arrests are a result of the quick-thinking of officers and PD Eddie and are a huge step in our efforts to make the streets of Greater Manchester a safer place.

"This is just some of the great work that our officers achieve regularly and is just a snapshot of one night in the region where we're going after those causing the most harm to our communities and arresting suspected burglars.

"We'll continue to work round the clock to catch those committing crime and will always aim to return suspected stolen property to its rightful owners.

"We will continue to work to bring offenders to justice, but I would ask that residents help us to help them by following our simple advice - do not leave your car keys on show or where they can easily be reached when at home, always keep your windows and doors locked and for anyone who has a steering lock, I would encourage you to use it.

"There are also other ways to help keep your car safe such as investing in a tracking device.

"Anyone with information about crime can report it online at www.gmp.police.uk or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

 

Last year, GMP announced it would attend every report of burglary under Operation Castle, pledging to send an officer physically to every incident and ensure that all reasonable lines of enquiry are pursued. For more information on Operation Castle, visit: Operation Castle | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)

Listening, understanding, practical help and support to break the cycle of domestic abuse. Those are the commitments at the heart of the new Safe in Salford service, a new domestic abuse support which launches in Salford today.

A new partnership of four charities launches today to provide domestic abuse services in Salford. The new service is funded jointly by Salford City Council, Salford NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and Greater Manchester Police. Salford Foundation, Pankhurst Trust, TLC: Talk, Listen, Change and Trafford Domestic Abuse Services (TDAS) have come together to create ‘Safe in Salford’. Services have previously been delivered separately and the new service will have a ‘one front approach’ so that support is delivered seamlessly. Safe in Salford will provide a range of complimentary services including support, group activities, safety planning and training for professionals. Collectively the four charities have over 140 years’ experience delivering services to people in Salford and the surrounding boroughs.

Independent domestic violence advocates (IDVAs) will help people get to safety and rebuild their lives with a package of support from services and organisations. Advice and support sessions, often delivered by people who have lived with domestic abuse, will cover safety planning, practical, emotional, health, housing, welfare, debt and legal issues. Training for all GPs in Salford will continue to help them recognise domestic abuse, and quickly refer patients to specialist support. Support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse will help them form positive, healthy relationships. Support is also offered to young people displaying harmful behaviour in their own relationships. And group or one-to-one sessions with perpetrators will challenge them to address and change their behaviour.

Phil East, CEO of Salford Foundation said

Quote

“I am delighted we are launching ‘Safe in Salford’ today, building on the different strengths and specialisms of our induvial charities. Domestic abuse continues to be a significant issue in Salford, affecting people from all backgrounds and contributing to a wide range of harms, disadvantages and poor outcomes. Collectively, we are determined to create a step-change in tackling domestic abuse in Salford.”

Sam Fisher, CEO of TDAS said

Quote

“We have designed Safe in Salford’ to be flexible and accessible, offering person-centred, trauma-informed safety and support. We will achieve this by working collaboratively with all our partners in the public, private and voluntary sectors. After a successful two years’ of supporting children and young people in Salford, we look forward to continuing to deliver the Harbour project and strengthening our relationships within the City to actively address domestic abuse enabling survivors to break free.”

Get the help you need

If you need help urgently or are in any danger, please call 999.
Safe in Salford staff are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0161 793 3232 or email info@safeinsalford.org.uk. They aim to respond to phone messages within 24 hours and emails within 72 hours. Visit https://salfordfoundation.org.uk/safeinsalford for more information.
You can call the national domestic abuse helpline free at any time on 0800 2000 247 or visit https://www.salford.gov.uk/domesticabuse for details of a wide range of support.
 

Salford Lads Club say they are pleased to share news that they have received funding thanks to the government’s Culture Recovery Fund. Thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the government’s Culture Recovery Fund delivered by DCMS the club can continue to serve the local community. 

Salford Lads Club continues to provide opportunities for local young people to participate in sports and creative activities.

Leslie Holmes, Project Manager said:

Quote

“This is really great news after our struggles during the pandemic. We were able to continue with young people’s activities outdoors, but without visitors attending our weekly open days we lost over £90k of our income during the 2 years. International visitors are now beginning to come back to the city – it will be a slow process to recover and this funding will help us survive.” 

The funds will help to protect and share the clubs unique heritage – the building and archive tell stories spanning nearly 120 years, with photos, membership records, newsletters and film reels.

The archive also helps people trace their family trees, with over 22,500 members appearing on our ‘Wall of Names’ created by Why Not Associates in 2016. They will also be able to continue welcoming culture lovers and music fans from all over the world, sharing their place in Manchester’s music scene thanks to a very famous photo of one of Manchester’s iconic bands.

Mike Joyce, drummer from The Smiths and native Mancunian said of the award:

Quote

“Wonderful news to hear Salford Lads Club has been recognised by the Historic England and Heritage Fund in continuing its original purpose and passing on the working class traditions of the club. It’s a magnificent and well deserved accolade for all who have helped along the way. The first time I went to the club was for that photo, but didn’t actually meet the folks involved until 2003. Since then it’s been great to see the club going from strength to strength.”

The Lads Club motto has always been ‘to brighten young lives and make good citizens’ and in these challenging times and with this investment through the Culture Recovery Fund, they can continue to weather the storm of coronavirus, come back stronger and continue their mission. 

You can learn more about our history and work in a new series of short films on Culture Made in Salford from Marketing Manchester, Salford City Council and the University of Salford.

Police were called to an incident involving five men on Regent Street in Eccles shortly after 11:20pm last night (30th March).

During which one man in his 20's received injuries said to not be serious.

Staff at the Eccles Cross Pub said that two groups of customers were involved in the incident which happened outside of the premises. Staff are helping police with their enquiries and CCTV footage has been supplied to officers undertaking the investigation.

It has not been revealed as to if any arrests have been made by police so far.

The area surrounding the pub was cordoned off overnight and into this morning to allow investigators to examine the scene.

Police forensics officers have been scouring the area both within and outside of the premises for most of the morning and the pub is expected to reopen as soon as they are able to do so.

A spokesperson for GMP has made the following statement:

Quote

 

"Officers were called to a report of a disturbance involving around five males on Regent Street just after 11.20pm last night (30 March 2022).

"A man in his 20s was injured, taken to hospital and has since been discharged. His injuries are not thought to be serious.

"Enquiries are on-going and anyone with information is asked to report it online or via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.

"Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

 

A spokesperson for pub chain JD Wetherspoons said:

Quote

 

"We are aware that there was an incident outside the Eccles Cross pub on Regent Street last night.

'Two groups of customers' were involved in the incident.

"Staff alerted the police and are supporting in terms of statements and CCTV"

 

Last week week we posted a story about the artist, Brian Gorman who has kindly donated a portrait of Eric Cantona, the Manchester United legend, captured in all his Gallic arrogance and lets face it, we could do with him now...

We have been offered a £100 for it, but we think it's worth a bit more, it will look a treat on your wall or the ideal present for a loved one who supports the Reds, and by purchasing the portrait you will get a warm inner glow by knowing that you have helped feed a family who are less fortunate than you.

Brian told us:

Quote

 

"I am more than happy to help the foodbank out, when I heard that you had sold the Cavani painting, I genuinely felt humbled knowing that in some small way I had helped feed a family for a week or so.

By no means am I a rich artist, possibly the poorest and lowest paid in the country if the truth be known, so if I can help in any small way, perhaps others may consider doing the same.

And I will continue to donate a portrait every month as I promised, perhaps your readers can choose who they would like a portrait of, I was considering doing Thomas Shelby from Peaky Blinders he is quite topical at the moment, it's up to you"

 

If you wish to purchase this portrait and I hasten to add that we will have it framed for you, this is what you have to do....

Send your bid in either after the story on Facebook or if you wish to remain anonymous being filthy rich or if you are on the  Witness Protection Scheme email us at newsdesk@salford.media

The for offers closes next Monday April 4th at 12pm.

For further information on Brian's artwork which is all for sale click on this link https://www.facebook.com/briangormanartwork

The Healthy Active Cities research team at the University of Salford are inviting TalkTalk employees to take part in their new survey looking at e-scooters in Greater Manchester, including but not limited to the current share schemes in Salford and Rochdale.

They want to know what YOU think about them!

Your responses will help shape local and national decision making on the future of e-scooters in the UK. 

Link: https://salford.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/gm-e-scooters?x1=1018&xx

To participate, you need to work, live or study in Greater Manchester. You do not have to have used an e-scooter at all to take part. 

 Please take 10-15 mins to complete their survey by 15th April and you will have a chance to win £100 in shopping vouchers!  

Link: https://salford.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/gm-e-scooters?x1=1018&xx

Six people have been arrested and a number of stolen vehicles recovered as part of a Greater Manchester Police operation to reduce anti-social behaviour in Salford.

A number of tenancy warnings have also been issued by housing association Salix Homes as part of Operation Kinetic, which was launched in Kersal after disorder in September 2021.

In total, three stolen cars and 18 stolen motorbikes have been recovered by police.

Also as a result of the operation, Michael Lowe (DOB 08/01/1983), of Kingsley Avenue, Kersal, has been charged with handling stolen goods and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on 27 April 2022

Four other people at a separate address have been released under investigation after being arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, while Phan van Dien (DOB 25/10/1986), of Littleton Road, Kersal, was jailed for 18 months in December 2021 at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to cannabis cultivation.

Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Lomas, of GMP's Salford North East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:

Quote

 

"Kersal suffered from widespread public order in September 2021.

"Operation Kinetic was launched in partnership with Salix Homes and has gone a long way to restoring community confidence.

"Several stolen and abandoned vehicles have been seized, dramatically reducing calls to the police for associated anti-social behaviour.

"Highly visible patrols will continue, as well as fly-overs with the drones, and is an ongoing priority for my team."

 

Claire Taylor, community safety manager at Salix Homes, added:

Quote

 

“Salix Homes is committed to ensuring our neighbourhoods are safe and pleasant places to live, so we have been working closely with police as part of a long-running campaign to help tackle anti-social behaviour in the Kersal area.

“This has been an ongoing issue caused by a small minority of people that has caused fear, distress and upset for people living in the area, so we hope the success of Operation Kinetic will serve as warning that we will not hesitate to take enforcement action against those who are found to be causing anti-social behaviour and committing crimes in our communities.”

 

Police have set up a cordon around the JD Wetherspoons owned Eccles Cross Public House on Regent Street in Eccles after what we believe to have a fight between two groups of men.

It is unknown if anyone was hurt during the incident.

Police officers are said to have arrived on scene at around 11:20pm yesterday evening.

They remain on scene this morning as they carry out their investigations.

We have approached Greater Manchester Police for more information.

This is the second time within a week that the road has been cordoned off as on Sunday 27th March, a male and female were arrested for assault after an incident outside the same pub.

It is fair to say that Salford has witnessed a property boom across parts of the city over the past few years, with a new high-rise or housing development seemingly given the go-ahead every other week.

However, despite boasting more affluent areas like Salford Quays, MediaCityUK, Boothstown and Worsley, it has its fair share of areas that are in dire need of a little assistance to level up.

You only have to take a trip into Little Hulton, Eccles, Walkden or Ordsall, to name but a few, in order to understand the challenges people living in the less affluent areas of Salford face on a daily basis.

For these families, it comes as a huge smack in the mouth when you consider it just so happens that Richmondshire has been placed into category 1 and rather coincidentally Richmondshire is also Chancellor Rishi Sunak ’s parliamentary constituency. Is Salford really in less need than a North Yorkshire district which was named as the happiest place in the UK, according to the governments own measure of wellbeing.

The whole fund seems very clearly to be skewed towards Tory held areas.

Continual cuts to the local authorities budgets have not helped matters with a £232m stripped away since 2010/11. Those cuts have had a huge impact locally and that is hard to notice.

As the cost of living crisis bites hard, people in those areas are looking at poverty never seen in modern times, as the cost of heating and eating dramatically rise.

Unfortunately the Government doesn't seem to agree and has placed Salford in category 2 within its Levelling Up Fund index, which makes it the only region of Greater Manchester that has not made it into the top category.

Rather absurdly, this shocking decision comes as Salford is placed 18th in the list of most deprived local authorities within the country and this is according to the Governments own index.

Something about this just clearly does not add up and should be amended right away.

However, the government says the system used to calculate the Index is "to quote", one which is  ‘fair, robust and transparent’.

One of the reasons given for placing the city into category 2 is unbelievably, £6m in funding awarded to Salford for early infrastructure works at Port Salford.

A spokesperson for the department said:

Quote

 

“The metrics used to calculate the Levelling Up Fund Index is fair, robust and transparent and are published online. They fully consider the objectives of the fund, which are to invest in local transport, regeneration and growth to level up areas which need it the most.

“Salford has received £13.17 million from our Levelling Up Fund so far to help drive regeneration and boost the local economy. There will be further funding opportunities for Salford through the second round of the fund which will open shortly.”

 

It was a long distance transatlantic romance which would end in tragedy for one couple, after Tennessee born Selena Mystera Meyers was killed whilst mistakenly looking in the wrong direction whilst crossing Worsley Road, close to its junction with Walker Road in Winton.

23-year-old Selena was visiting her boyfriend Stephen Buckley whom she had met on an online chatroom in 2016. He had visited her during July 2019 in Tennessee and the pair quickly fell in love after experiencing a magical time together.

Selena was tragically killed in January 2021 during her first visit to the UK after being hit by two cars.

During an inquest held at Bolton Magistrates Court it was determined that she had been mistakenly looking in the wrong direction before stepping into the road as she was not used to vehicles in the UK driving on what to her would be the opposite side of the road to what she was accustomed to. The weather conditions at the time were also described as being misty with low visibility.

Heartbreakingly she was planning to return home to the US after having to extend her visit due to the Pandemic and disruptions to international air travel.

Her death was recorded as being the result of a road traffic collision. 

She was initially hit by a Skoda before being hit again by a Renault travelling in the opposite direction after being thrown into its path, black box data revealed that the Skoda was travelling at 30mph at the time, due to lighting only being on one side of the road, both driver and passenger in the Skoda were unable to see her before the collision. 

A passenger in the Renault described how she seemed to be looking in the wrong direction before stepping out into the path of the oncoming vehicle.

Selena's family made a posthumous tribute to her, saying:

Quote

 

"Selena Mystara Meyers, born in Summit regional hospital in Hermitage, Tennessee to her parents Salem Ann Meyers and Ross LeRoy Meyers.

"My first beautiful daughter, quiet, sweet and loving - a good daughter. She was an artist with an empathetic and a kind soul, always creating, singing, painting and a writer of books and poetry.

"She always did charity work and was a loyal friend to Elizabeth Grogan - they were the best of friends through thick and thin all the years of her life.

"She lived with and was cared for by her great grandparents, Donald and Florence Lee up until she became a young lady. Her name Selena meant Moon Goddess - Mystara meant my stars.

"So she takes our moon and stars from us as she goes. RIP my entire night sky - my first baby girl."

 

Note: Thanks to Sarah Woodward for the corrections.

A dad of two is set to take on an epic challenge as he prepares to run 100 miles over four days - visiting ten local hospices on his route to raise awareness and valuable funds for the specialist care they provide.

Martin Foster, 38, from Urmston, works as programme lead for GM Hospices, and his job means he is all too aware of the invaluable role hospices play in providing a unique, holistic approach to palliative and end of life care. 

That insight and knowledge that, with only around a third of funding (or less in some hospice cases) coming from the NHS, the ten hospices in Greater Manchester have to raise £20million a year to continue providing care, spurred him on to come up with his very special challenge.  

Martin will start his challenge at Derian House Children’s Hospice, running 40km a day over the four days, visiting each of the other hospices in the area – Bolton, Bury, Dr Kershaw’s, East Cheshire, Francis House, Springhill, St Ann’s, Wigan and Leigh, and Willow Wood –  before ending his epic run at Piccadilly Place in Manchester city centre. 

Martin began his training six months ago and is looking forward to seeing his wife Lucy, and children Freddie (5) and Tilly (2) waiting for him on the finish line on Friday 1st April, along with colleagues and friends from some of the hospices he has visited on his run. 

To sponsor Martin, please visit https://www.gofundme.com/gmhospices

Fundraiser Martin Foster, said:

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People have a preconceived idea about what hospices are like, and I have to admit I did too before I worked in this sector.  It’s an expectation that they’re really sad places and only exist to support those who need care at the very end of their life. 

But, while obviously there are very sad times and end of life care is such an important part of what hospices offer, there’s so much more goes on too. 

Patients are cared for right through their journey and there’s a whole range of services that local people simply wouldn’t have access to if hospices didn’t exist. 

They rely heavily on their communities fundraising, and having worked so closely with them I just had to put my trainers on and do my bit to support them. I used to run before my children were born but haven’t really done much since. 

I’m a bit nervous about the scale of the challenge and how my body will feel to be honest, as I’ve never really put it through anything like this.  After the first day we’re in uncharted territory, but I’m hoping that the support of the hospice staff and patients I see on route will really spur me on – as will the knowledge that all the money raised will be split between the local hospices and hopefully help them make a difference to people’s lives. 

I can imagine I’ll feel quite emotional when I get to the end to be honest.  It’s been a lot of hard work and long hours to get to this point, and I know there are lots of people cheering me on.  Any of us could need hospice care, or know someone who will at some point in their life, so if local people could spare even a couple of pounds in sponsorship I’d be hugely grateful. 

It would mean so much to patients across Greater Manchester, and it would help me continue putting one tired foot in front of the other for the 100 miles too. 

Thanks in advance for your support. 

GM Hospices is a unique, first of its kind partnership, comprising the Greater Manchester area’s adult hospices, plus Derian House and Francis House children’s hospices. The group works together to help influence and improve the provision of specialist palliative and end of life care for people in the area, sharing resources, creating standards for equitable care, and building infrastructure to enable those standards, ambitions and aspirations to be delivered locally. 

Hospices in Greater Manchester need to raise £20million a year to continue providing their care, with money raised via a huge range of initiatives – from high street shops to events, lotteries to donations left in Wills – and is only achieved thanks to the generosity and support of the local communities they serve. 

St Ann's Hospice has received a welcome £15,000 boost from bereaved families in Salford.

The money has been raised from metal which is recycled after cremations and with the full consent of the families of the deceased. It is all part of a charitable scheme operated by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM), of which Salford Council Bereavement Services is a member.

St Ann's Hospice cares for and helps thousands of patients across Greater Manchester and Cheshire who are affected by cancer and non-cancer life-limiting illnesses.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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"It is a great honour to be able to present this cheque to St Ann's Hospice on behalf of all the bereaved families in Salford.

"I would like to send my thoughts to all the families and thank them for allowing us to make this donation.

"The process of collecting and recycling the metals is done with great dignity by our bereavements service team and we have two crematoria at Agecroft and Peel Green cemeteries.  We have been part of the scheme for some years now, and have made several donations to local charities over these years totalling over £70,000.

"At St Ann's Hospice only a third of the funding comes from the NHS and they need to raise £20,000 a day to keep their door open, so we are glad to help in this way. The 350 staff members and 700 volunteers at St Ann's Hospice do an fantastic job and are dedicated to improve the lives of their patients and we are proud to have them in our city."

 

Photo: Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett presents a cheque for £15,000 at St Ann's Hospice's district centre in Little Hulton