A man from Salford involved in a class A drug conspiracy worth over £500k has been jailed for 10 years after the takedown of EncroChat exposed his role in the supply of at least five kilos of high-purity cocaine.

Steven Moodie (32) was unmasked as the man behind the user handle 'Fakehippo' on the encrypted network following an investigation by detectives in our Serious and Organised Crime Group.

Investigators trawled through in excess of 30,000 lines of chat captured from a three-month period in early 2020 that saw Moodie seen to be selling cocaine at £40,000 per kilo to fellow dealers.

This included 27-year-old Jonathan Musgrove (known on EncroChat as 'Big-Tyson'), of The Quays, who was sentenced last month to over 16 years in jail after admitting conspiracy to supply cocaine, ketamine, and firearms.

Forensic analysis of messages involving Moodie revealed images of blocks of cocaine that had been sent to him and Moodie agreed to meet potential buyers and sellers at locations in Salford and Manchester - often retail car parks.

Moodie was jailed for a decade after his life of luxury funded by a £500k drug conspiracy was discovered by detectives

After the takedown of EncroChat and the launch of the National Crime Agency's Operation Venetic - the largest nationwide law enforcement operation in UK history - detectives were able to identify messages sent by 'Fakehippo' as Moodie by using cell-site analysis and personal messages from within the download.

Following over a year of evading police, Moodie was spotted on Regent Road driving a black VW Polo on 28 September 2021 by an officer from our Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit before he was pulled over a short distance away on Ordsall Road where he was found to be wanted by us and subsequently arrested.

A warrant was executed at Moodie's address on Ordsall Lane later that day, where officers discovered around £20,000 in cash and £100,000's worth of men's designer clothing which was also seized.

He became one of over 210 suspects arrests made as part of our strand of Op Venetic, which has seen across Greater Manchester alone over £2.5million in cash seized as well as nearly a dozen firearms, over 1100 rounds of ammunition, over 12 kilos of class A and 25 kilos of class B drugs, and over £300k of assets including luxury jewellery and vehicles.

Yesterday (Thursday 24 February), Moodie was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court (Crown Square) to 10 years in jail after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, cannabis and ketamine.

Detective Constable Dave Moran, of our Serious and Organised Crime Group, said:

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"It's with great satisfaction to see Moodie finally ordered to spend a decade behind bars after what was a prolific and sustained period of high-level dealing that was flooding Salford and the wider area with substantial amounts of class A drugs.

"We know how damaging these drugs can be - particularly how they have a detrimental impact on the vulnerable in our society through its use and exploitation - and what cases like this show is how unscrupulous people like Moodie take no shame in profiting from such misery.

"Now he'll face a good number of years off the streets and will be unable to help the dissemination of illicit drugs in our region, and our work will continue to bring further offenders to justice who had previously hidden behind the EncroChat network to operate in this way."

 

More than 40 speakers and 30 exhibitors are expected at the event at Manchester Central, alongside a global audience of thousands registered online between 12-14 March 2022.

The first two days, a Saturday and Sunday, are open to all, and the final day, Monday, is dedicated to schools and home learners where people will get the chance to meet the people who are shaping the world of science and technology and get up close and personal with immersive scientific activities.

From the fight against climate change and exploring the deep oceans to growing a supermassive black hole, our relationship with artificial intelligence and the mind’s power to impact health and longevity, New Scientist Live will stimulate, challenge and inspire with some of today’s biggest scientific discoveries and ideas.

It will be the first time New Scientist Live has come to Manchester, a world-class hub of scientific and technological learning, research, innovation and industry.

Adrian Newton, commercial and events director of New Scientist Live, said:

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“We are bringing to Manchester a mind-blowing festival of ideas and discoveries for anyone curious about science and technology and why it matters. It’s amazing to host this event in Manchester which is, of course, internationally recognised as one of the leading global science and technology hubs.

“The event is aimed at anyone who has an enquiring and inquisitive mind. The unique mix of demonstrations, discussions and interactive experiences will amaze and inspire. If you’ve ever wanted to travel to space, explore the deep ocean, find out how life on Earth began or understand how your mindset shapes your health, happiness and longevity, then New Scientist Live is for you.

“The scientific and technological heritage of Manchester means it’s the perfect location for the world’s greatest science festival.”

 

Shaun Hinds, CEO at Manchester Central, said:

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“It’s clear from the programme that there will be such a buzz around our venue, as well as the wider Manchester area, as the event gets underway. Added to this, we’re really pleased to be able to offer state-of-the-art digital broadcasting facilities to host this unique event on a global stage; providing a fantastic opportunity to put Manchester on a platform like no other and enabling the audience size to expand immensely as people can attend and view the content online without the need to travel. Events such as this are the lifeblood of our business and we look forward to welcoming delegates very soon.”

Brain and body, the universe, the earth and technology & engineering are the four themes that will run through stimulating talks, interactive performances, workshops and hands-on activities geared towards scientists of all ages.

Talks and discussions will be led by leading academics, entrepreneurs and experts in their field include Radha Boya (Chair of Nanoscience at University of Manchester), Christopher Jackson (Chair in Sustainable Geoscience at the University of Manchester), Dallas Campbell (TV presenter and author) and Jon Chase who is best known for his science ‘raps’ for NASA, BBC and Chester Zoo.

On the Brain and Body stage, Professor Daniel Davis from the University of Manchester will reveal how the latest advances in our understanding of the human body can lead to future technologies such as cognition-improving drugs and bespoke cancer predictions.
Professor Jim Al-Khalili, a science communicator and theoretical physicist at the University of Surrey, will be explaining how we can navigate some of the complexities and unpredictability's of modern life by thinking more like a scientist.

Planetary scientist Dr Suzie Imber and science TV presenter Dallas Campbell will be on The Universe stage as they draw on space technologies, missions and stories to provide a comprehensive guide to space travel. The teachings and mysteries of the solar system’s ice giants – Neptune and Uranus – will be unravelled by Dr Leigh Fletcher from the University of Leicester, who will speak about the planned missions to explore these planets in the near future.

An inquest into the death of former coronation street actor Joseph Wandera confirmed that he has died as a result of suffering a seizure whilst holidaying in Costa Rica on Jan 16th of this year.

Medics were called and attempted treat him at the scene but were unfortunately unable to revive the budding actor.

Joseph of Sussex Street in Salford appeared in the 'Weatherfield' soap in 2018, in which he played the part of a buyer looking to purchase Eileen Grimshaw's car, he had other roles in pilots for the BBC's Comedy Showcase and in reconstructions on the BBC's Inside Out.

Recently he has undertaken training to teach children and young adults at drama workshops.

Bolton Coroner Julie Robertson, heard from officer Kathy Dixon that Mr Wandera had begun to feel unwell whilst at a party on the island.

Ms Dixon said:

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“He had lost sight in one of his eyes as well as loosing sensation in the left side of his body.

“He contacted a friend who picked him up and took him back to their apartment. Joseph then fell asleep on the sofa.

“A few hours later, the friend found Joseph on the sofa having a seizure.

“Medics were called but they were unable to revive him and he sadly passed away,"

 

A 74-year-old man who died at the scene after being hit by a truck on Worsley Road North at around 2:50pm on Feb 8th has been named as Najaf Najafi, formerly of London.

An inquest into Najaf's death has opened at The Coroners Office in Bolton on Wednesday (Feb 16).

The driver of the Lorry remained at the scene and so far their have been no arrests made in relation to Mr Najafi's death.

Police released a statement at the time which read:

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"Officers attended Worsley Road North, Salford, at 2:50pm on 8 February 2022 to reports of a road traffic collision.

"A 74-year-old man was in collision with a lorry and emergency services attended but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"The driver of the vehicle is assisting officers as investigations continue. There have been no arrests made.

"Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are in attendance and there will be ongoing activity whilst enquiries continue.

 

Enquiries remain ongoing.

Anyone with information - or footage - should contact GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 1700 of 08/02/22.

Alternatively, details can be passed via their LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Local war hero and former Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment volunteer Tom Jones, was treated to a surprise party to honour his 100th birthday.

Salford born Tom, along with his granddaughters Carmel Jones, Rebecca Liivet and Sarah Thornley, were joined by the 103rd (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) Regiment Royal Artillery and fellow tenants at ForHousing’s Bourke Gardens extra care scheme for an afternoon of live music and celebrations.

The Lancashire Artillery Band, one of just 19 Reserve Army Bands in the UK and Gibraltar, were on hand to add to the party spirit – even playing the regimental march of Tom’s old regiment.

After the performance, the band’s bagpiper led Tom outside in a procession so he and his family could meet more of the Lancashire Artillery Volunteers. He had his photo taken alongside a L118 Light Gun with his medals proudly on show.

Tom, who fought in the Burma War and World War II, is one of just a handful of war veterans with a Burma Star in the UK, and also has two stripes, a Royal artillery badge and a VET badge to his name.

The Ceremonial Mayor of the City, Councillor John Mullen was there to pass on his well wishes, saying:

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“It is an absolute honour to celebrate with Tom after all he has done for his country.

“It’s incredible to think that this brave Salford lad, who gave so much to Britain’s war effort and endured so many hardships, was just 23 years old when the war ended and has now celebrated his 100th birthday. We will never forget the bravery of men like Tom and we are all very proud of him.”

 

Major D M Braddock RA, Second-in-Command of the 103rd (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) Regiment Royal Artillery, said:

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“As a Veteran of the Burma War and World War II, it is right and fitting that we spoil him for a couple of hours.”

Deputy Lieutenant Mrs. Mary-Liz Walker was also there to represent the Greater Manchester Lord Lieutenancy office and show their respect for Tom.

Born in Salford, Bombardier Tom Jones has lived at Bourke Gardens in Walkden, which offers round the clock care and support, for the past five years.

Although still only 17 when war broke out, Tom joined as a volunteer with the 2\8 Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers Regiment before he was called up with the 33rd Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment (Royal Artillery) in September 1939. Stationed with the garrisons at the Princess Dock gun site, Tom defended the Liverpool Docks during the Blitz until 1942.

From there, he was sent to Burma for four years, living on rations of just biscuits, canned meat and a cereal bar – and where he was almost shot while receiving vital radio messages.

In October 1945, Tom received the news he could return home. Just a month later he married his childhood sweetheart Eileen, a local girl with whom he shared his birthday. The only time they spent apart was when he went to war at seventeen; they were married for almost 67 years before Eileen sadly passed away in 2012.

He and Eileen had two children, and Tom now has six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

When asked about reaching his milestone birthday, Tom replied:

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“I don’t feel any different, and the lady from across the way said I don’t look 100! If somebody could just get me a new pair of legs that would be great!”

His daughter, also called Eileen, added:

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“I am incredibly proud of my Dad and love him very much.”

Hannah Ford, the Extra Care Scheme Manager at ForHousing’s Bourke Gardens, describes Tom as a popular tenant, saying:

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“Tom was one of the first to move into Bourke Gardens, and he is very happy here. He always has a great story to tell and frequently amazes fellow tenants and staff with his knowledge when we do quizzes!

“Our team here love working with Tom and all the tenants to help them have the best quality of life possible and support their wellbeing.

“It’s been our pleasure and honour to help him celebrate this special birthday – many happy returns, Tom.”

 

From Mon 25 Jul - Sat 30 July 2022

The first ever stage adaptation of Dan Brown’s best-selling thriller, The Da Vinci Code starring Nigel Harman as Robert Langdon,  Danny John-Jules as Sir Leigh Teabing, Hannah Rose Caton as Sophie Neveu and Joshua Lacy as Silas has started it's major UK tour - coming to The Lowry from Mon 25 to Sat 30 July 2022. This World Premiere production is directed by Luke Sheppard, who also directed the award-winning West End musical & Juliet.

The cast also includes:  Basienka Blake (Vernet), Alasdair Buchan (Remy) Alpha Kargbo (Fache), Leigh Lothian (Collet), Andrew Lewis (Saunière) and Debra Michaels (Sister Sandrine/Marie).

New photographs by Oliver Rosser, taken at The Temple Church in London,  one of the locations featured in Dan Brown’s story have been released, and can be downloaded here.

Producer Simon Friend said:

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“We have a truly stellar cast and creative team bringing The Da Vinci Code to life on stage for the first time, and with Dan Brown’s full endorsement of the show and the talented director Luke Sheppard at the helm, we’re confident that we’ll please devoted fans as well as newcomers to this magnificent story."

"Dan Brown’s epic thriller has been read by millions worldwide, and seen by millions worldwide on the big screen, and we are all looking forward to taking our brand new stage version to audiences all over the UK."

 

Author, Dan Brown added:

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“I am thrilled that The Da Vinci Code is being adapted for the stage, and excited to see the unique potential of live theatre enhance this story. The team making the production has been faithful to the book, but will also bring something new for the audience, in what is certain to be a gripping, fast-paced stage thriller and a thoroughly entertaining show.”

Nigel Harman played Dennis Rickman in EastEnders from 2003-5.  His other TV work includes Downton Abbey, Miss Marple – The Mirror Crack’d, Hotel Babylon, Lark Rise to Candleford and City of Vice.  His theatre credits include Glengarry Glen Ross, I Can’t Sing at the Palladium, Shrek – The Musical at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane (for which he won an Olivier Award), Three Days of Rain co-starring with James McAvoy, True West at Sheffield Crucible, Guys and Dolls at the Donmar and Piccadilly Theatres,  Mamma Mia in the West End, Damn Yankees at the Adelphi and The Who’s Tommy at the Shaftesbury.  Nigel’s film work includes Patience, Telstar and Blood Diamond.  Nigel also directed Big Fish at the Other Palace, starring Kelsey Grammar and a UK tour of Shrek the Musical.

Danny John-Jules is probably best known for his role as Cat in Red Dwarf and has appeared in every episode of the 13 series. He also made the character of Dwayne Myers in BBC’s hit series, Death in Paradise, his own. Danny has also appeared in many other film and TV roles across his 40 year career as an actor.Danny has appeared in Barnum at the London Palladium, Cats at the New London Theatre and Time at the Dominion Theatre. He created the role of ‘Rocky 1’ in Starlight Express at the Apollo, Victoria, and was Dink in the first West End production of Carmen Jones at the Old Vic Theatre for director Simon Callow and musical director Henry Lewis.

Hannah Rose Caton makes her UK theatre debut in The Da Vinci Code.  Hannah is based both in London and New York and is a recent graduate of The Juilliard School’s Drama Division. Her theatre credits (off Broadway and in theatres across the US) include: Mrs. Christie at Vermont Theatre Festival, An Octoroon for Chautauqua Theatre Company and Hay Fever for West Fulton Theatre.

Her TV and films include: The Falling, Last Knights and Wizards vs Aliens.

The Da Vinci Code is described as follows: The curator of the Louvre has been brutally murdered, and alongside his body are a series of baffling codes. Follow the pulse-racing journey as Professor Robert Langdon and fellow cryptologist Sophie Neveu, attempt to solve the riddles, leading to the works of Leonardo Da Vinci and beyond, deep into the vault of history. In a breathless race through the streets of Europe, Langdon and Neveu must decipher the labyrinthine code before a shocking historical secret is lost forever.

The Da Vinci Code is adapted for the stage by Rachel Wagstaff (Flowers For Mrs Harris, Birdsong) and Duncan Abel (The Girl on the Train).  Director Luke Sheppard, who most recently directed the acclaimed new West End musical, & Juliet and What’s New Pussycat at Birmingham Rep is joined on the creative team by Set and Costume Designer David Woodhead, Video Designer Andrzej Goulding, Composition and Sound Design team, Ben and Max Ringham, Lighting Designer Lizzie Powell and Casting Director Stuart Burt CDG.

Luke Sheppard said:

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“Cracking The Da Vinci Code open for the stage reveals an epic thriller steeped in theatrical potential, rich in suspense and surprising at every turn. Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel’s brilliant adaptation leaps off the page and demands us to push the limits of our imagination, creating a production that champions dynamic theatrical storytelling and places the audience up close in the heat of this gripping mystery.”

The Da Vinci Code is produced by Simon Friend.

30 British Armed Forces veterans with brain and spinal injuries will receive a funded place at a specialist rehabilitation centre in 2022 thanks to Veterans’ Foundation funding.

A £21,700 grant to BASIC (Brain and Spinal Injury Charity) allows the charity to provide veterans in need with the complex rehabilitation needed following neurological damage.

Based at their Salford centre, the ex-service personnel will receive both physical and cognitive rehab through CAREN (Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment), a life-size video game that teaches the basic skills to recover quicker from brain and spinal injuries.

Veterans whose PTSD symptoms prevent them from reintegrating into their community will also be able to access EMDR trauma therapy, providing mental relief from the invisible scars of service.

“All grants and support are important to BASIC, but we’re particularly proud of our work with the nation’s veterans,” said BASIC CEO, David Keane.

“We have seen time and time again the unique struggles that veterans with brain and spinal injuries face, and how hard they are willing to work to get back to a better way of living.

We’re here to support them on that journey and couldn’t do any of it without the help of the Veterans’ Foundation and Veterans’ Lottery players.”

Those affected by brain and spinal injuries may have lost the ability to walk or stand, move their arms or balance, and alongside invisible issues such as memory problems, personality changes and problems with pain, it all contributes to the loss of key relationships, social and work activities - the very things that make life worth living.

However, BASIC’s work provides a wide range of targeted rehabilitation that helps those affected by these conditions live in the best way possible.

One previous client said; “You have all been a revelation to me and my treatment, I’ve not received any help since the Army with my physical and neuro recovery!”

“You are making a huge difference to me and in turn my family, I can’t thank you all enough.”

While there are many success stories, the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly made things a lot harder in recent times - David explained why the Veterans’ Foundation’s funding is so important in helping them to provide BASIC support in 2022:

“It’s been a difficult couple of years for many veterans and charities including BASIC.

The support we are currently receiving helps us stay strong to support veterans taking the next step on their recovery journey,” he explained.

“Many thanks to the Veterans’ Foundation and Veterans’ Lottery players for their help in providing bursaries to help make sure every veteran can access the support and rehabilitation they need.”

This grant is one of 50 awarded by the Veterans’ Foundation in the last round of grants, totalling a huge £1.1 million – the first time the Foundation have given a seven-figure sum in a quarter.

It means that the Veterans’ Foundation have now given over £9.1 million in grants to more than 290 UK-based military charities since inception in 2016.

All of the grants are made possible by generous donors and the players of the Veterans’ Lottery, who not only support our veterans in need, but also are in with a chance to win £35,000 every month.

To play the Veterans’ Lottery and contribute to helping many other brilliant causes just like this, click here.

To find out more about BASIC and their life-changing programmes, please visit https://www.basiccharity.org.uk.

Six people have been arrested and 72 offences have been recorded following an Operation Vortex day of action in Salford yesterday (Tuesday 22 February 2022).

Under Operation Vortex, officers from GMP's Specialist Operations Branch are deployed to proactively target drivers and vehicles to make Greater Manchester's roads safer for all who use them.

Nine vehicles were seized and a further two were given roadworthiness prohibitions.

Chief Inspector Danny Byrne, of GMP's Roads Policing Unit, said:

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"Making Greater Manchester's roads safer is a priority for us. Last year alone, there were 67 fatal road traffic collisions which resulted in 71 deaths.

"Hopefully, yesterday's day of action builds public trust and confidence that GMP is focussing on fighting, preventing and reducing crimes committed on our roads to keep people safe.

"I would like to use this opportunity to say that Operation Vortex doesn't stop here. We will be running this operation targeting illegal drivers and vehicles in areas across Greater Manchester on unannounced dates."

 

From Tuesday 22 - Saturday 26 November 2022

Devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne, with music by Tchaikovsky

The UK tour comes to The Lowry from Tuesday 22 November to Saturday 26 November, with tickets on sale on Friday 4 March. Further tour dates for 2023 and casting to be announced shortly.

Matthew Bourne’s “Sleeping Beauty” reawakens in 2022, celebrating 10 years since its premiere at Sadler's Wells, when it became the fastest selling production in the company’s history.

Now established as a firm favourite in the New Adventures repertoire, the award-winning “Sleeping Beauty” has enchanted international audiences throughout the UK and across the globe.

Matthew Bourne said today:

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“Ten years ago, I fulfilled a long-held ambition to complete the trilogy of Tchaikovsky ballets following my Nutcracker! in 1992 and Swan Lake in 1995. It’s no secret that this particular ballet was a daunting task and one that I approached with trepidation. It did, however, turn out to be a richly rewarding experience with the entire creative team on glorious form and, in my opinion, it remains one of New Adventures greatest achievements. I look forward to new generations of dancers rising to the varied challenges of this much-loved production and bringing its magic back to audiences throughout the UK”  

Enter a wondrous world of magical fairies and vampires, where the timeless tale of good vs evil is turned upside-down, creating a supernatural love story that even the passage of time itself cannot hinder. Will Princess Aurora ever find her true love again?

With an unforgettable score by Tchaikovsky, sumptuous sets and costumes, evocative lighting and masterly storytelling, the beloved fairy tale is brought to life by the uniquely talented New Adventures company. Get ready to be transported in time from the halcyon days of the late Edwardian era through to the modern day in this dazzling gothic romance.

“Sleeping Beauty” is directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne working with his regular collaborators and New Adventures Associate Artists; Lez Brotherston (Set and Costumes), Paule Constable (Lighting) and Paul Groothuis (Sound Design). 

The inquest into the death of Alan Sylwester Szelugowski heard that the 17-year-old was fatally stabbed in the back during the incident which claimed his life.

The teen was found at Clowes Park, not breathing and in an unresponsive state, on the morning of the 30th of Jan 2022, less than a month after his 17th birthday.

After two post mortems were carried out, it was established that the provisional cause of death was due to having sustained multiple stab wounds.

His death having been diagnosed at the scene by attending paramedics.

The inquest was indefinitely adjourned pending the conclusion of the murder investigation into Alans death.

A teenage boy of 16-years and another aged 15 have been arrested on suspicion of murder, they have since been released on bail.

As always our thoughts are with Alans friends and family at this tragic time.

A 15-year-old boy was injured during what police are calling a 'disturbance' on Park Avenue in Swinton.

Police responded to the incident at around 9:30pm on Sunday evening (20th Feb).

The 15-year-old self attended at hospital with a minor wound to his arm but was subsequently discharged.

A police investigation is now under way and anyone with information relating to the incident is asked to come forward.

A spokesperson for GMP, said:

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"At around 9.30pm on Sunday 20 February 2022, police received a report of a disturbance on Park Avenue, Swinton.

"A 15-year-old boy self-presented at hospital with an arm injury. He has since been discharged.

"An investigation is underway.

"Anyone with information should contact police quoting 3161 20/02/22 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

 

Update: The centre has now reopened

The Ellesmere Shopping Centre in Walkden remains closed today after suffering damage to it's roof during Storm Eunice.

Large sections of the roof line on the Tesco store and other areas of the roof were seen to lift as the strong gusts from Eunice whipped across the country yesterday.

Fast acting staff evacuated the building and it has remained closed since, pending an inspection today which will determine if it is safe to reopen with a priority on the safety of shoppers.

Motorists are being advised to avoid a stretch of Liverpool Street between Weaste Lane/Road and Derby Road after a sink hole opened up in the middle of the road this morning.

The carriage way has been cordoned off in both directions as work is carried out to assess and repair it.

The recent heavy rains have eroded the road foundation causing a depression which has caused a small section of the road to collapse.

Drivers are being told to avoid the area with diversions in place on to Eccles New Road and Chandos Grove.

It is unknown as to when the carriageway will be reopened.

Salford’s iconic tribute to local miners is back on his bench outside Salford Civic Centre after a thorough cleaning.

The wooden sculpture of a miner sitting eating his lunch, nicknamed Woody by his fans, was taken away just under three weeks ago for some minor repairs and wood treatment after spending the past five years of sitting outside Swinton Civic Centre in all weathers.

He was created in 2016 by The Friends of Agecroft Colliery to pay tribute to local miners and the many who died, including 178 men and boys who lost their lives in the Clifton Hall Colliery disaster of 1885.

The installation also includes a stone commemorating those who worked in the Irwell Valley pits.

Now the much-loved miner and his bench are back to carry on keeping alive the memories of Salford’s proud coal-mining past.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“Huge thanks to Powershift Blast Cleaning Ltd who have made Woody look great and made sure he can continue enjoying his lunch for many more years to come. I’m sure everyone will be delighted to see him return.”

Police have recovered a high quantity of items whilst carrying out a warrant at an address in Eccles, which are believed to have been stolen.

It is said that two of these items have already been returned to their owners.

Items found at the address included

A large quantity of Laptops

Several Bikes

A number of Televisions

A Selection of Tools

Various Make-up, Aftershaves, Perfumes

Sunglasses,

A Petrol Generator

AND a Personalized signed football shirt from Marus Rashford.

If anyone has any recent crimes that any of these items may be linked to please email 11462@gmp.police.uk

Time to get your fashionable leg warmers n sweat bands on and dig out that old Sony Walkman this Feb half term.

Local shoppers will be dancing on the high streets as the Salford High Streets Tour comes to the city, encouraging everyone to shop local, support local and enjoy local.

There’ll be a great mix of live music as well as DJ sets at some of the city’s neighbourhood high streets to entertain the shoppers. There’s a real flavour of Salford, with a variety of local performers including vibrant duo Dischi, kora player John Haycock and soulful singer and guitarist Bee Rosebud; DJ’s Jenna G and Acid Rephlux in the ‘discobug’ trailer; and a brass trio from the international renowned BBC Philharmonic.

The tour will be rolling into Swinton, Cadishead, Irlams o' th' Height, Langworthy Road, Eccles, Monton and Little Hulton from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 February bringing a touring programme of music, colour and vitality to the city.

The tour will be celebrating the identities of the city’s unique neighbourhoods and providing residents with another reason to visit their local high streets. There also be collaborations with local community events Irlam & Cadishead Community Festival, Langworthy Live and Little Hulton Big Local.

It’s all part of Salford City Council’s programme to encourage locals to rediscover everything their local high streets have to offer and supporting local businesses at the same time. This all started with the ‘Home is on your high street’ campaign which began in December and promoted the warmth, variety, value and welcome that you can only find on your local high street.

The tour is the next phase of the campaign to champion Salford high streets, which sees organisers from music festival Sounds from the Other City and fellow Salfordian creative powerhouses, Walk the Plank commissioned to deliver the events across the city.

The ‘Home is on your high street’ campaign and Salford High Streets Tour have been developed with support from Salford City Council using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Welcome Back Fund. The fund supports additional measures to create and promote a safe environment for local trade and tourism, particularly in high streets as their economies reopen.

Salford City Councillor David Lancaster, who is Lead Member for Environment, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said:

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“We’re delighted to be bringing the Salford High Streets Tour to the city and it further highlights our commitment to supporting local businesses and communities across Salford. This funding from the Welcome Back Fund and European Regional Development Fund means we’ve be able to make this special collaboration with Sounds From The Other City and Walk the Plank possible and provide some amazing entertainment whilst people do their shopping.”

Siân Roberts from Sounds from the Other City said:

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"Salford high streets have always provided residents with a warm welcome and now we’re just adding another reason to come down and support independent local businesses. It’s going to be a great celebration of both local music and the city’s high streets."

Join the tour and enjoy live music on Salford high streets this February half term.

Full tour details:

Wednesday 23 February

Swinton: 11.30am to 1.30pm
Cadishead: 3.30pm to 6pm
Plus local events from Irlam & Cadishead Community Festival: 7pm to 11pm

Thursday 24 February

Irlams o' th' Height: 11am to 1.30pm
Langworthy Road: 3.30pm to 6pm
Plus local events from Langworthy Live: 6pm to 10pm

Friday 25 February

Eccles Church Street: 11am to 1.30pm
Monton Village: 3.30pm to 6pm
Plus local events in Monton: 7pm to 11pm

Saturday 26 February

Little Hulton: 11am to 2pm

For more information head to www.visitsalford.info/Salfordhighstreetstour

For further information please contact: public.relations@salford.gov.uk

Salford City Council is continuing to underline its commitment to tackling climate change in 2022 as plans for a new hydro weir move forward in an attempt to become carbon neutral by 2038.

Councillors on Salford City Council’s Procurement Board yesterday (Wednesday 16 February) gave permission for the council to go out to open tender to secure a contractor to start building the scheme at on the River Irwell at Charlestown Weir this summer.

Alongside the new state-of-the-art solar farm in Little Hulton, which is also currently open for tender, the two projects are the city’s leading green infrastructure projects in 2022 and combined will generate power equivalent to the amount required to run over 600 homes.

Councillor Mike McCusker, Lead Member for Planning and Sustainable Development said:

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“We are committed to taking the urgent action that is needed now to address the climate emergency and to deliver the infrastructure that will help make Salford a greener place to live and work.

“In 2022, we will deliver this ground-breaking scheme and build the new solar farm in Little Hulton. Together, they underline our commitment and determination to tackle climate change and deliver new sources of renewable energy to the city.”

 

The £1.5m hydroelectric scheme will be built off Riverside Drive. It will consist of a single Archimedes screw to generate renewable electricity and will allow fish and eels to swim further up the river with additional passes.

The scheme has been possible through funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is part of the pioneering Unlocking Green Energy in Greater Manchester project that is delivering several renewable schemes across the region through Energy Systems Catapult, a not-for-profit centre of excellence that is helping the council make the most of clean growth opportunities.

Overall the council is investing £128m in green spaces across the city and delivering core new infrastructure such as the 5,000-panelled solar farm in Little Hulton and the hydro weir in Charlestown.

Sci Zhen Xie (08/11/1979) who resides at Lower Broughton Road in Salford, has been charged with two counts of possession of a bladed article/pointed article in a public place and section 18 assault - wounding with intent.

He has been remanded into custody ahead of an appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court today (17 February).

At 5.20pm on 15 February 2022, police were called to a report that a man had been stabbed at an address in the Rockley Gardens area of Salford.

Emergency services attended and a man in his 30s was found with slash wounds to his arm, hand and thigh. He was taken to hospital for treatment.