Over the years we have seen Eccles, lose some of it's finest buildings and shops, mainly in the name of so called progress.

Let's have a look at a list of some of those we have loved and lost...

Monks Hall Museum, The Broadway Cinema. Dolly Craft, Eccles Railway Station, Smiths Restaurant, Top House, Cross Keys, Hare and Hounds, Eccles market, Eddies Sausage Barm, Cafe, need I go on?

Sadly yet another fine Eccles establishment has announced that it will cease trading as from Wednesday, 3rd November at 5pm.

It with is with great regret that I have to inform you that.... Scope Charity Shop, 2 Church Street Eccles has been told by the owners of the property, that the shop is required for, yes. you guessed...development.

This fine establishment has been selling, tat, sorry quality reduced goods from as long as the late 1970s and I can recall it being called The Spastics Society Shop in the 1980s, a name that I am glad to say has been long since banished, there was even a collection box outside of a young lad, with a calliper, staring at you with desperation in his sad, little eyes...

I have to admit that I have had, some cracking bargains from there over the years, rare vinyl albums, by Elvis, Bowie, Hank Williams, bric-a-brac galore including a Troika Pottery Wheel, Scandinavian Glass, Harris Tweed jackets, (not sure why I bought those), books by the shelf load and God knows what else I carted home, or as my Daughter, Rachel so indelicately put it, "about two skip loads"

I had a quick look through a reference book and found that the shop has had several guises over the years, including a wool shop, a drapers and who can recall, Robinson's Cake Shop and Café? I can just about remember it, very genteel, with one half of the shop being dived into a posh café selling cakes and tea's for Ladies who lunched.

Happily, for me there are still quite a few charity shops in Eccles with bargains to be found, if you can get in there before me that is.

So  rush on down to the half price. closing down sale, and pick up, well I don't know what you will pick up, but I'm sure you'll find something.

A sad day for many and as Bob Dylan, so perfectly put it, "Bury the rag deep in your face, for now's the time for your tears".

The two men will appear in court tomorrow (1 September) charged with a number of offences including both supplying drugs and money laundering.

Dylan Whitehead (DoB 18/11/1996) of Regent Square, Salford, has been charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and heroin, and money laundering.

Joseph Minas (DoB 15/08/2001) of Verdun Road, Eccles, has been charged with possession with intent to supply a psychoactive substance, obstructing a police officer, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance and money laundering.

They have been remanded in custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 1 September.

Both men were arrested on Eccles Old Road on Monday 30 August by officers from GMP's Transport Unit working in conjunction with officers from Operation Naseby.

Operation Naseby is a dedicated GMP operation tackling organised crime in Salford.

Delighted to report that the Pearson and Brown, bench takes a further step towards completion following our visit today, to G.E. Robinson's timber yard in Salford.

We have to give a massive thank you, to the fragrant, Hilary Curran, who has family relatives who work there, she told them about our restoration project and they could not have been more helpful.

We were met by the Foreman, Andy Smith who could not have been more helpful, we gave him the measurements of the timber we require, and within minutes we were wearing Hi-Viz jackets and taken around the sheds and work site, which is some six acres in total and shown various stacks of timber.

Andy carefully checked our measurements and advised us accordingly as to the best timber, we could use, he then measured up various lengths of timber, even going as far as to get a stacker driver, to bring down, what he thought was the best quality for us.

If this was not enough, Andy has told us that he will get the timber cut to the correct size and then have it chemically treated, free of charge!

The treating process takes a week, and we have made plans to pick it up next Friday, when it will be ready for cutting to size and assembling.

Karl and I can not thank, Hilary Curran, Andy Smith. Kevin Smith and Gary Smith who all gave up their valuable time to help us, we are humbled!

If we see you boys in the pub and you, Hilary the drinks are on Karl, we owe you a big drink! seriously we can't thank you enough!

Finally in the next few weeks we shall be making our heartfelt pleas to any local joiner/carpenter who can help assemble the bench, worth a try surely?

If you fancy a nice weekend of rugby union, live music, good locally sourced food, real and gin, look no further and travel no further than Eccles Rugby Union Club on Gorton Street, Peel Green, Eccles.

We visited yesterday to a meet the brewers to see what delights there will be on offer, and had a chat with several people from the club and have a pint from the sponsors, The First Chop brewery who are based virtually on the clubs doorstep.

Today (Saturday 21st) is Rugby Day with the doors opening at 12pm with an admission fee of £2 with teams playing for the prestigious, "Eccles Cup", no ordinary cup this, but a polished, stainless steel bucket, which will be paraded around the pitch perimeter, collecting money for charity, and as an incentive the winner of the tournament get to keep the bucket, sorry trophy and also the contents for their chosen charity, how good is that?

The bar will be serving beers and ciders from eight local breweries also a fine selection of gin including Four Sisters  flavoured gin, , Lime and Thyme anyone?

If you are getting peckish, then fuel up on traditional Salford grub, pie and mushy peas or why not tickle your palate with a Bury black pudding? you know they taste great after a few pints.

In the evening there is live music from Moonlight Rumours who will be covering all the hits which has made them one of Manchester's  hottest party bands.

The bar closes at 10.30pm so don't miss Last Orders!

On Sunday (22nd) admission is free and it will be a Family Day with the doors opening at 12,30pm with family activities all day and yes the bar will be open until 17.30pm.

So, please call along and help support local charities whilst sampling some of the finest beer available in the North West of England.

Enjoy.

Salford City Council is looking for a development partner to provide a high quality, housing-led development in Greengate.

The council has launched a selection process with the aim of appointing a partner by the end of the year.

Greengate sits in the heart of city centre Salford and is experiencing a phase of development activity and growth.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“The Greengate Regeneration Strategy (GRS), adopted in May 2018, provides an updated vision for the area to become a dynamic residential and commercial place with an exceptional public realm.

“It is planned that the scheme will deliver high rise residential development on a number sites at this city centre location. Developers now have the chance to enter the selection process to apply for this unique opportunity.

“As set out with our planning policy we also require developers to provide social value, such as apprenticeships and training opportunities, and using Salford based companies where possible. The aim is that local people and businesses will benefit from the growth that is happening in our city. This is an exciting time to be in Salford.”

 

Developers have until 27th September 2021 to apply for the opportunity. 

The successful developer partner will enter into a development agreement with Salford City Council and prepare a scheme in accordance with the Greengate Regeneration Strategy and SCC Planning Policy to secure planning permission for the sites,  and support the council as it seeks to acquire the stalled sites within the area. 

The council will also continue to work with the successful applicant, so that the consented schemes may be completed to an agreed programme.

Interested parties should login to the Chest to see further details of the opportunity, including instructions for applying and details of selection criteria. It is available at https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=9299bb4f-94fa-eb11-810d-005056b64545&p=e0cc5631-4690-e511-80fb-000c29c9ba21

I told you last week about the amazing collection of books that have been inherited by David Jones, from his late father, Alan and how David was looking for a  good home for them, preferably to a University, College, History Group or a keen local historian.

I am happy to announce that since the article was published I was contacted by, Dr Brian Hall a Lecturer in Military History at Salford University, and Graham Walker an ex-soldier and keen military historian.

We met up at David's house and it if fair to say that both men were delighted at both the sheer number of books and the wide variety of subjects that were covered.

Brian took away several suitcases and boxes of books, mainly about World War One, which he will split between his own personal collection and the rest going to Salford University's Library,

He told me that he was very pleased with what he was able to take home and that it had, made his week and will be a great help with further research and he would like to thank both David and myself for contacting him

Graham who you may know from his Billy Unsworth research, a Salford  man who fought in the Boer War, but then re-joined the army only to be killed at Gallipoli in 1915, which Graham has turned into both a song and a possible book/film venture.

He also took away several boxes of books mainly about the Gallipoli campaign and books relating to local regiments. with which he was delighted.

There are still quite a few books left on the shelves, relating to both WW! and WW2, history's of regiments, autobiographies from men who served in the Armed Forces including the R.A.F. and Royal Navy, maps, brochures and a great deal more.

If you wish to claim some of these books, free of charge, then please contact me on Facebook or via my email address, salfordreds1950@gmail.com and I will arrange a suitable time for to call at David's, but please, no book dealers, these books are for the use of people who are truly interested in military history and would be ideal for history societies, retirement homes etc.

Please hurry as David will be selling the property shortly and needs to clear out the collection as soon as possible, so if you are interested in this once in a lifetime chance to obtain these books, please contact me.

The finalists for Salford’s annual Springboard Heroes Awards have been announced.

For the past year, housing association Salix Homes has been awarding grants to groups and projects across Salford that are making a difference in communities.

The landlord has donated more than £33,000 to dozens of local groups and initiatives across Salford as part of its Springboard community grant programme.

From gardening groups to grassroots football teams; Springboard has provided much-needed cash injections to local projects that boost community spirit, promote health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and improve the environment.

Now, Salix Homes has picked four fantastic projects from across its neighbourhoods as the Springboard Heroes finalists and it’s over to the public to vote for their favourite, with the winning project receiving a £1,000 cash boost.

The finalists for the Springboard Heroes Awards are:

Buile Hill Mansion Association – This determined group is on a mission to restore the historic Buile Hill Park Mansion and surrounding buildings and bring it back into public use. They’re hoping to use the Springboard Heroes prize money to continue with their restoration project of the site’s sensory garden.

Salford Litter Heroes –This inspiring group of litter-bug busters tackle littering and fly-tipping across Salford. If they’re crowned Springboard Heroes, they’ll use the prize money to continue their mission to make Salford a litter-free city.

Bridgewater Residents Association - This green-fingered group have bounced back from adversity after thieves raided their community garden on East Philip Street in Trinity, which has proved a lifeline for those struggling during the pandemic. If they win, they plan to create more opportunities for people to get involved in gardening.

Salford Pride: Pink Picnic Digital – Determined not to be thwarted by the pandemic, Salford Pride hosted the first Pink Picnic Digital – an eight-hour online celebration which was enjoyed by more than 4,000 people. They’ll use the prize money to continue their fight for equality for all in Salford.

Sian Grant, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said:

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“We’re incredibly proud of our Springboard grant programme, which has provided a lifeline, particularly during the challenges of the pandemic, for many fantastic groups and projects, which are really making a difference in our communities.

“The Springboard Heroes is our way of honouring some of the fantastic work that people in Salford are doing day in, day out; and it’s projects like these that make our communities so special.

“We’d urge you to cast your vote for your favourite and help them win the £1,000 prize, which we hope will enable them to continue the wonderful work they do.”

 

Voting opened on Monday, 9 August and closes on Monday, 6 September, after which the winners will be announced. 

You can watch a video of each of the finalists and cast your vote at www.salixhomes.co.uk

Last week we payed a visit to see, David Jones in Eccles who contacted us with a query regarding a vast collection of books at his late Father's house, so we called in, and we were staggered at what we saw.

Inside the house we were met with pile upon pile of books, on such diverse subjects as World War One, World War Two, coal mining, engineering, mills, canals, buses, and many books on the history of Eccles, Salford, Leigh, Worsley, Wigan, Bury, far too many to count.

Our collective jaws dropped as we were invited to look at the collection in the back bedrooms, once again row upon row of books, mainly about World War One, but what a fantastic collection, Rolls of Honour, for Salford and Manchester soldiers who fell in the war,  bound volumes of The Great War published by the Sunday Times from 1914 - 1918, bound volumes of, Source Records of the Great War, Illustrated War News, books on every major battle on land, sea and air, newspapers, medals, badges, an amazing collection.

Not only books on militaria there are books on virtually anything you can think of, I could live in that room for a month just reading and reading.

David told us, more about his Father and how the collection came about,

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"My Dad, Alan Jones was a lifelong collector of anything military related and would visit the battlefields of Belgium and France to help his meticulous research into that conflict.

"He was a well known figure at the Salford Shows in the 1980s when he would exhibit his uniforms, medals, cap badges, photographs and books on his Local History stall.

"He sadly died a few years back and we have decided that however much we love his collection, we have to declutter and move on, there is just too much for us to store, the uniforms, medals etc have gone into a specialised auction to be held in September in a Cheshire auction house.

"We still have the bulk of his books, which I would say runs into the hundreds easily, and I would like them to go to local history groups or societies who can make use of them for research purposes, as this would mean the books have a lease of life and will help further historians"

 

This is where, salford.media step in to help David, I have contacted one or two local history groups who have shown a keen interest in acquiring some of the books, however we don't want individuals taking books and then selling them on Ebay or wherever, that is totally wrong.

If you are a genuine historian or preferably a member of a Local History group in Greater Manchester, please contact me for a chat and I will see about putting you in touch with David, this is a once in a lifetime chance to acquire some, rare and unique books, pamphlets, badges, newspapers, maps etc.

Contact me on either tony@salford.media or salfordreds1950@gmail.com

A male and female from Eccles have appeared at court accused of possessing a shotgun after being charged by detectives from GMP Salford's dedicated operation to tackle organised crime in the city - Operation Naseby.

Kie Connor (02/03/2002), of Thorp Street, and Aimee Paterson (02/12/1997), of Fir Street, were held in custody to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court earlier today (Tuesday 10 August) before being further remanded for a hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 14 September 2021.

Connor has been charged with the following 10 offences: possession of cannabis, possession of codeine, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, dangerous driving, possession of an offensive weapon, handling stolen goods, driving with no license, driving with no insurance, and possession of a shotgun without a certificate.

Paterson is accused of possession of a shotgun without a certificate.

On Sunday 8 August, a police patrol pursued a suspicious vehicle and brought it to a stop before a police car was damaged and a machete was allegedly discovered at the scene.

Connor was arrested on suspicion of driving offences and in connection with a warrant in July 2021 at an address in the Eccles area of Salford where a quantity of suspected drugs, ammunition and a firearm was recovered by officers from Operation Naseby.

A suspected shotgun was subsequently recovered at a second address in Eccles on the morning of Monday 9 August for which Connor was further arrested for, as well as Paterson.

Two men have been charged with section 18 assault after an attack carried out upon two prisoner officers as they left work at Sodexo's troubled HMP Forrest Bank prison in Agecroft on Tuesday 20th July.

Jordan Taylor aged 26 from Chomlea Manor, Claremont Road, and Jack Thompson aged 26 of Withing Road in Whalley Range, have both been charged with section 18 assault and criminal damage.

A third man was released without charge pending no further action.

The attack took place shortly after 8pm as the officers were ending their shifts. They were attacked by a masked gang carrying baseball bats. One officer sustained an injury to his arm and an attempt to mow down the second officer was made with a car which they used to crash through a security barrier.

The visitor centre of the prison also sustained damage to windows during the attack.

Police are currently looking for Ben Devlin (04/03/1995) who is wanted in connection with grievous bodily harm that took place in Wigan on Wednesday 14 July 2021.

During the assault, Devlin inflicted serious injuries on two victims and the public are urged not to approach him and to call police immediately if they have information that could assist in locating him.

Devlin is known to have links to the St Helens, Billinge and Haydock areas of Merseyside but could be hiding out anywhere within the region.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Ben Devlin is asked to contact police on 0161 856 3622 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Young people’s positive contribution to Salford will be recognised and celebrated as part of International Youth Day next week (from Monday August 9).

And, one of the highlights of the week is the launch of a new youth centre, The Den, in Walkden which will be officially opened by the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Councillor John Mullen on Thursday August 12. 

Salford has joined in the world-wide celebrations held on and around August 12 every year for the last 10 years and took events online last summer to make sure young people didn’t completely miss out.

This year’s theme is “Dream big, achieve big” and plans are being drawn up for films, murals, music, art projects, celebration meals and picnics, confidence boosting workshops and fun such as trampolining and making dream catchers. Former members of the Youth Council will also be taking part in a “where are they now?” session to show their achievements since being members. 

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

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“Normally our young people put on community events such as afternoon tea and invite adults in, so they can see all the great work that goes on in local youth groups.

“This year, as Covid is still around, they are staying safe by just meeting in their groups but I’m sure they will celebrate the day to the full as they should. Young people are carers, achievers, people who give back to their community all year round and we are incredible grateful for the huge contribution they make to Salford.

“We are committed to investing in and supporting young people with The Den, which has been created from the former Quality Save supermarket unit in the Ellesmere Centre, Walkden, a new BMX track at Peel Park, Little Hulton and helping 16 to 24 year olds find the jobs, skills and training they need to launch their careers. We’ve not forgotten their younger brothers and sisters too as we are upgrading children’s play facilities in every park across the city.”

 

Councillor Mullen added:

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“Opening The Den will be one of my first Mayoral visits since Covid restrictions were eased and I’m looking forward to seeing what’s on offer now and hearing what ambitions young people have for their new space.”

1950s women’s campaigners in Salford and Eccles today issued a qualified welcome to the Parliamentary & Health Service Ombudsman’s finding of maladministration against the Department for Work and Pensions and called for a fair and fast solution. 

The Ombudsman has ruled that the Department was guilty of maladministration from 2004 onwards when it failed to contact 1950s born women in person to inform them of the changes to their State Pension Age after its own research revealed that the majority of women did not know their State Pension Age had changed, despite a publicity campaign. 

A spokesperson for the group said:

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 “We are very pleased that, after a long and thorough investigation, the Ombudsman has found that maladministration took place when we were not properly notified of the changes to our State Pension Age, “ said Judith Robertson from Salford and Eccles Women Against State Pension Injustice (WASPI).  

“This is a very welcome step in the right direction. We hope the Ombudsman will now complete the next stage and decide that an injustice has taken place that deserves compensation. The government will then have a moral duty to put things right. We are looking for a fair and fast solution.” 

 

Over the past two years many/hundreds of women in Salford and Eccles have lodged complaints with the help of WASPI members.   

The Ombudsman’s final ruling will apply to all 1950s born women affected by the changes, not just those who have lodged a complaint. 

A talented footballer from Ardwick has been named after losing his life on Salford Quays on Sunday.

Despite multiple attempts from bystanders to rescue him, Ngapee Merenga tragically lost his life after diving into the inviting looking water to cool off after having played in as football match earlier in the day for the East Central Falcons FC in Ardwick.

The team has set up a GoFundMe page for his family to help with funeral costs. (Link Below)

Fundraiser by Yahya Mazhar : In memory of Ngapee Merenga (gofundme.com)

A huge search operation conducted by GMP, GMFRS and assisted by the police helicopter, swung into action.

Unfortunately the outcome was not a good one with police confirming that sadly, his body had been located and subsequently recovered from the water shortly after 7:40pm.

 An investigation is under way and a file passed to the coroners office in Bolton.

A police statement released yesterday said:

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"At about 4.40pm today (Sunday 18 July), officers were called over concerns for a man in the water at Salford Quays.

"NWAS and GMFRS also attended but, sadly, the body of a 19-year-old man was recovered from the water at about 7.40pm.

"An investigation is under way and a file passed to the coroner."

 

Analysis by the Health Foundation has revealed significant regional variation in COVID-19 deaths among people aged younger than 65 in England. The North West has seen among the highest rates of deaths in this age group (22 deaths per 100,000) - surpassed only by London (25.5 deaths per 100,000) - and over three times as many compared to the South West of the country (6.4 per 100,000). 

The research, part of the Health Foundation’s COVID-19 impact inquiry, shows a strong relationship between deaths among under 65s and local patterns of poverty and deprivation. People aged younger than 65 in England’s poorest areas were almost four times more likely to die from COVID-19 than those in the wealthiest areas, compared to twice as likely for those aged 65 or older.

Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley and St Helens were among the local authorities with the highest rates of under 65s deaths from COVID-19 in the country (the second, fifth and twentieth highest, respectively). In the second wave of the pandemic, under 65s mortality in Blackburn with Darwen was three times higher than the England average (52 deaths per 100,000 compared to the England average of 17.7 deaths per 100,000), in Burnley it was 2.7 times higher (47.8 deaths per 100,000) and in St Helens it was twice as high (34.6 deaths per 100,000). These areas have lower life expectancy, lower employment rates, more overcrowded housing, and higher rates of deprivation and child poverty, than the England average.

The Health Foundation explains that inequalities in COVID-19 mortality rates among under 65s partly reflect worse underlying health in the most affected areas, which existed prior to the pandemic, as well as higher levels of COVID-19 infections. They say the findings highlight the need for the government’s levelling up strategy to prioritise the nation’s health and narrow the health gap across different areas of the country. 

Further analysis by the independent charity shows that several areas of the UK where healthy life expectancy is significantly lower than the national average have currently not been identified as priority areas for the government’s Levelling Up Fund. Of the 93 local areas with healthy life expectancy in the lowest 30% for England, only 58 are included in the priority group – in other words, 35 local authority areas with very low healthy life expectancy are not considered a priority for investment via the Levelling Up Fund. 

In the North West, for example - Salford, Halton and Copeland are not currently considered priorities for levelling up funding despite having below average healthy life expectancy and high levels of deprivation. On average, people in Salford can expect to live 57.9 years in good health, in Halton 59 years, and in Copeland 61.7 years - all below the England average of 63.5 years.

Dr Jennifer Dixon, Chief Executive at the Health Foundation, said:

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‘The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on the country but particularly on those living in the poorest areas. As the country recovers, we have a once in a generation opportunity to address the underlying ill health and economic inequalities that contributed to some areas of the country experiencing more COVID-19 deaths than others. 

‘The government has said that improving health will be at the core of its plans to level up the UK, but as yet there is no direct meaningful action or investment to make this a reality. Initiatives are currently skewed towards boosting financial and physical infrastructure and don’t prioritise health or the wider factors that influence health directly. Measures of health and wellbeing – such as healthy life expectancy – should be a major influence on the allocation of funding and used to assess the government’s progress. 

‘There’s still a chance to fix this in the government’s White Paper on levelling up, due later this year. With inequalities set to widen even further in the wake of the pandemic, it is vital that we recognise the importance of health to the country’s future prosperity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to have a healthy life, regardless of where they live.’

 

A stretch of Eccles Old Road close to the entrance of Buile Hill Park between Chaseley Road and Castleway has reopened this morning after what is being described as a 'Police Incident' having happened in the early hours of this morning (Monday 19th June).

Motorists were advised to seek an alternative route around the area at the time but the road has since fully reopened.

As yet the nature of the incident has not been disclosed.

Police had sadly confirmed the death of a man who ran into difficulties at Erie Basin on Salford Quays.

At about 4.40pm today (Sunday 18 July), officers were called over concerns for a man in the water at Salford Quays.

NWAS and GMFRS also attended but, sadly, the body of a 19-year-old man was recovered from the water at about 7.40pm.

An investigation is under way and a file passed to the coroner.

Detective Inspector Helen Bagnall, of GMP's Trafford district, said:

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"Firstly our thoughts are with this young man's family and friends, and the people who witnessed the tragic events.

"Sadly, this proves how dangerous going into unfamiliar water can be, especially when you can't see below the surface of what could be very cold water."

 

A major search operation is underway after reports of a 19-year-old male seen struggling and in dificulties whilst in the water in the Erie Basin at Salford Quays.

The forces helicopter was dispatched to the scene to aid in the search from the air.

Specialist crews used an inflatable dingy to search the water, whilst a police cordon was put into place in the area.

A diving team were seen to be conducting an underwater search and a tent has now been erected within the inner cordon.

Despite an active police search taking place, youngsters continued to take to the water at the other end of the basin as well as the adjoining canals on what is one of the hottest days of the year so far.

Salford City Council has repeatedly warned of the dangers of unsupervised swimming in the area due to the strong currents and hidden risks beneath the surface. There are signs dotted around the Quays warning of the dangers and yet they are continually ignored.

A number of safety devices have been placed around the waters due to previous incidents and for the safety of the public.

Wild swimming unsupervised like this is highly dangerous.

Colin and his wife Trish, who were visiting the area from Sale told us:

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"There have been people swimming in the basin for most of the day, at one point we witnessed kids jumping from the bridge.

"On days like this the bridge should be closed off to the public as the risks are just to high and it is clearly a mecca for the daredevils and those seeking to dice with danger.

"We have a similar problem at the lake in Sale, on hot days you have kids using the metrolink to get to it so they can swim in the water."

 

A spokesperson for GMP said:

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"At about 4.40pm on Sunday 18 July, officers were called over concerns for a man in the water at Salford Quays.

"North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are also in attendance and the scene is ongoing."

 

A spokesperson for GMFRS said:

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"At 4.35pm we received the first of several 999 calls in relation to a person needing to be rescued from water in Salford Quays.

"We have been searching the water for more than 30 minutes using fire service boats, divers and under water cameras - but we have not yet found the person.

"We continue to search the water supported by colleagues from Greater Manchester Poliec and North West Ambulance Service."

 

A man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after police officers were called to Broadway on Salford Quays, on 15 July at 1.30am to reports of vehicles being driven dangerously whilst racing each other.

This is not the first time such incidents have been reported by angry locals as the area has become a mecca in recent times for boy racers in high performance vehicles recklessly racing each other.

One man we spoke to this morning told us that he has lived on the Quays for the past 4 years and he has witnessed a sharp increase in expensive high performance sports cars being driven dangerously in the area in more recent months.

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"I think a lot of it is because they were pent up during the lockdowns, now set free they are back on the roads and causing problems, it's only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt.

"A lot of what they are doing is showboating to impress the girls.

"They don't seem to see the danger to either themselves or the wider public."

 

This is not an isolated incident, with residents having complained about car horns, tyres screeching and rampant antisocial behaviour during the night.

The council has previously stated that its CCTV network extensively covers the Quays and that footage will be reviewed and available to assist in bringing offenders to justice.