Zog is roaring into Salford this weekend - with performances at The Lowry on Sat 3 & Sun 4 July.

The smash hit stage adaptation from Freckle Productions (the team behind Stick Man and Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales) is flying across the UK and promises to be bigger, brighter and more roar-some than ever before.

With lively songs from Joe Stilgoe and directed by Emma Kilbey, Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s much-loved Zog is a magical production for all ages.

Large in size, and keen in nature, Zog is so eager to win a golden star at Madam Dragon’s school, where dragons learn all the things that dragons need to know.  Zog tries so very hard, perhaps too hard, and he bumps, burns and roars his way through years one, two and three.  Luckily, the plucky Princess Pearl patches him up ready to face his biggest challenge yet…a duel with knight, Sir Gadabout the Great!

Zog was first published in 2010 and won the Galaxy National Children’s Book of the Year Award. It has gone on to become a perennial bestseller. On Christmas Day 2018, Magic Light Pictures premiered an animated film of Zog on BBC One featuring an all-star cast, following their award-winning films The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and Stick Man.

Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler are the UK’s number one picture book pair and are creators of many modern classics, including The Gruffalo which is in 75 languages.

The 2021 cast features Billy Mahoney as Zog, Lois Glenister as Princess Pearl, Benedict Hastings as Sir Gadabout, Asha Cornelia Cluer as Madam Dragon and Danielle Whittaker in various roles. The cast of actor-puppeteers bring the world of Zog to life with handcrafted puppets designed and created by Little Angel Theatre co-founder Lyndie Wright.

Zog is directed by Emma Kilbey with songs by Joe Stilgoe. It is designed by Katie Sykes with lighting design by Ric Mountjoy, puppetry design by Lyndie Wright and orchestrations and musical direction by Paul Herbert.

A new bench and a silhouette of a soldier have been unveiled in a Salford park as a lasting tribute to the UK’s armed forces.

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant Wing Commander Dave Archibald and Ceremonial Mayor Councillor John Mullen unveiled the tribute in Winton Park on Saturday June 26 as part of Armed Forces Week.

The Friends of Winton Park and Winton Festival Committee supported by local councillors raised £5000 to pay for the circular bench in the park as a constant reminder of all members of the armed forces who lost their lives in service and those who are currently serving all over the world for their country.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said:

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“I would like to say a big thank you to the Friends of Winton Park and Winton Festival Committee for their fundraising and for choosing Winton Park for the tribute which is greatly appreciated.

“This is a fitting tribute to our armed forces past and present and has been welcomed by the community.”

 

Councillor Margaret Morris and Councillor Barry Warner, the council’s veterans’ champions, praised the initiative.

Councillor Morris said:

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“The memorial bench and silhouette is a lovely tribute.

“Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic events for Armed Forces Week in the city have been put on hold this year. But we hope to be back next year as normal.

Councillor Warner added: “Our armed forces remain in our thoughts and I’d like to thank them and all their families for all they do to protect our country.”

 

United Utilities have confirmed that they have now plugged the leak in a 15inch mains pipe which caused thousands of litres of water to cascade down Worsley Road early on Friday morning.

Supplies in some areas were suffering low water pressure and UU say it is their plan to increase it slowly over night to prevent any further leaks on the network.

It may be possible that water from faucets may be discoloured or have residue in it, so be sure to run the tap until it runs clear.

See our live-stream from Friday morning (no pun intended) in the video below.

It is still unclear what caused the pipe to burst but the road will remain closed in the morning causing continued disruption around the area.

Drivers are advised to take alternative routes until the hole is filled and the road repaired. 

You may heave read in the news about the sad plight of the ex Leeds and England rugby league, legend, Rob Burrows who has been diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, a degenerative condition, that affects the function of the nerves in the brain and the spinal cord.

Liz Wright a student nurse and a massive rugby league fan, was so touched about reading about his plight that she has decided that along with father they will walk an astounding 127 miles and stopping off at each of the current rugby league stadiums to raise money for the MND in honour of Rob.

She will set out on the 7th July starting at Hull KR ground and finishing in Warrington some 4/5 days later depending on weather conditions, walking an average of 10 - 13 hours a day.

Salford Red Devils fan, James "Jimbo" Hoskison heard about the charity walk and has decided to get involved himself, and told me more.

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"I am a massive, Salford Reds fan and attend the games, both home and away, I have been going man and boy as they say for some 35 years, despite me living in Stockport,

"Rob Burrows was a great player and it's a tragedy what has happened to him, and I felt that as a fan I should help, in any way I could, so when i read about this walk, I knew I had to join in and hopefully raise money for the MND Association.

"Mike Gregory an ex Salford Reds player was also affected with this terrible illness, which killed him in 2007, such a shame and another great player.

"I intend to walk from the AJ Bell Stadium to the home of Leigh Centurions,  on Friday 9th July at 2pm,  which should take me about three hours, I must admit that I have been doing some walking exercises to get me fit, nothing too strenuous, at my age! (44).

"Liz Wright deserves a massive round of applause for what she is doing and hopefully the good people of Salford will, meet her and cheer her on this walk, and don't forget, chuck a few quid in the charity buckets!"

 

salford.media will be there on the 9th July to film and interview Liz and James about the walk and how it's going, we shall be there just before 2pm, so please try and get along or if you see them wave or toot your horn in support.

If you wish to sponsor James you can contact him on Facebook or Twitter. dig deep!

A man has been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries worth almost £100,000 at shops in Salford and Manchester during May 2021.

The 42-year-old is being questioned on suspicion of burglary and remains in custody for questioning.

Among the incidents being investigated is a burglary at Ernest Jones jewellers on St Ann Street in Manchester city centre on Wednesday 5 May 2021 and another at Mays Pawnbrokers and Jewellers on Salford Precinct on Monday May 3rd 2021 as well as an unnamed shop on the same precinct on the same day.

The others are:

An Unnamed Shop on Salford Shopping Centre Precinct on Monday 3 May 2021

Mulberry, The Avenue, Manchester city centre, on Wednesday 12 May 2021

Property stolen from the four burglaries is valued at almost £100,000.

Police and Ambulance Services were called after reports of a man suffering from stab injuries in Walkden, close to the junction with Atkin Street and Walkden Road at around 9:36pm last night (Friday 25th June).

The man was not seriously injured but was taken to hospital to be treated.

Walkden Road was closed at the junction with Atkin Street for some time but has since been reopened.

No one else is being sought in connection.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said:

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"Officers were called at about 9.36pm on 25 June to Walkden Road, Salford, to concerns over the welfare of a man.

"North West Ambulance Service also attended and a 32-year-old man was taken to hospital with stab injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

"Police aren't looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."

 

Police investigating the death of a man in his home on Cook Street in Eccles have arrested two teenagers  on suspicion of his murder.

Police were called to an address on Cook Street, Eccles, at 7.26am on Tuesday 22 June 2021 to a report of a concern for the welfare of a man.

An area along Cook Street was cordoned off by police.

Emergency services attended and discovered the body of a 48-year old man later named as Leigh Smith.

Two males, both aged 17, are in custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Gareth Davies, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said:

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"We are still very much looking to speak to anyone with any information - no matter how small the information may be.

"We are particularly interested to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of Cook Street and Worsley Road in Eccles on the evening of Monday 21 June from  around 7pm and may have seen anything suspicious or unusual."

 

Anyone with information, to contact police via LiveChat, on their website www.gmp.police.uk or call 0161 856 4711 quoting incident number 519 of the 22/06/21.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Worsley Road in Swinton is closed in both directions from the A580 East Lancs Road to the A6 Manchester Road this morning (Saturday 26th June) due to a water mains burst which is causing minor flooding in the area.

Local bus services are being rerouted and drivers are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes if possible. 

We are being told that a mains pipe has blown not far from the top of the road and that some people in the area may be suffering from the loss of supply or low water pressure this morning as a result.

The main flow of murky orangey-brown water cascaded along Worlsey Road towards the East Lancs but some of it had found alternative paths along Eccles Road and even onto Green Avenue and Bourne Avenue.

Drivers were greeted by warning signs and barriers with police diverting traffic at the top and bottom of the road but it did not stop some drivers from ignoring them to drive through the water, prompting workers on the scene quickly turning them back around again.

It is unclear what caused the burst or when it will be fixed but workers are currently on the scene.

A man who was sadly found dead at a premises in Eccles earlier this week has been named as Leigh Smith this evening.

Police say that his death was an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider public.

Officers were called to an address on Cook Street, Eccles, Salford, at 7.26am on Tuesday morning (22 June 2021) following a report of a concern for the welfare of a man. Sadly, the body of Leigh Smith was discovered and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A murder investigation was launched and a number of detectives are continuing to follow up lines of enquiry and are asking anyone who may have been in the area from around 7pm that evening to get in touch.

Detective Inspector Gareth Davies, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said:

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"The family of Leigh Smith are understandably devastated to learn that he has passed away in such tragic circumstances.

"Leigh was a much loved son, brother and father and they are finding it difficult to process what has happened to him.

"The investigation team are working tirelessly to get the answers the family deserve and they are being supported through this process. They have asked that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.

"I would like to reassure the local community that this is being treated as an isolated incident and we believe there to be no wider threat to the public.

"We're currently following up a number of lines of enquiry but we're still very much looking to speak to anyone with any information at all - no matter how small the information may be.

"We are particularly interested to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of Cook Street and Worsley Road, Eccles on the evening of Monday 21 June from  around 7pm and may have seen anything suspicious or unusual.

"I would urge anyone with information, to contact police via LiveChat, on our website www.gmp.police.uk or call 0161 856 4711 quoting incident number 519 of the 22/06/21.

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

 

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

Social housing tenants in Salford are being invited to join a first of its kind Tenants’ Climate Jury launched by Salix Homes and the Northern Housing Consortium.

The Social Housing Tenants’ Climate Jury will be made up of 30 tenants from Salford-based housing provider Salix Homes and four other northern housing associations: First Choice Homes, Karbon Homes, Thirteen Group, and Yorkshire Housing to consider how residents, social landlords and others can work together to tackle climate change in social housing.

The project is being led by the Northern Housing Consortium which represents the views of housing organisations in the North of England.

In particular, the jury will look at retrofitting energy efficiency measures to understand tenants’ preferences on how this work should be undertaken in their homes.

Retrofitting existing homes is a key priority for the social housing sector, and it is important tenants are involved in how homes can be made more energy efficient as part of the sector’s contribution to fighting climate change.

Retrofitting measures could involve making a home easier to heat with insulation or upgrading a heating system in order to make homes greener and warmer. 

Anne-Marie Bancroft, customer engagement manager at Salix Homes, said:

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“The housing sector has a key role to play in tackling climate change, and as an organisation we’re committed to cutting our own carbon footprint and ensuring our tenants have access to high quality homes that are safe, warm and energy efficient.

“We’re strong advocates for the importance of listening to tenants’ views and opinions, so we’re incredibly proud to be part of the first ever Tenant’s Climate Jury, which will ensure residents are at the front and centre of any refurbishment and retrofitting programmes, which will affect their homes, and ultimately ensure the sustainability of our housing stock.”

 

The initiative is being facilitated by Shared Future - one of the UK’s leading experts in organising citizens’ juries.

Salix Homes is sending out 1,500 letters to its residents inviting them to take part in the initiative. Of those who register to take part, Shared Future will then select six people from each housing association who reflect the diversity of residents living within social housing, both in terms of demographic make-up and their opinions on climate change. 

The Tenants’ Jury will meet 10 times over the summer for 30 hours’ worth of deliberation. They will listen to, and question invited expert speakers, discuss issues with each other, and will work together alongside expert facilitators to develop recommendations that will put forward their preferences, as social housing residents, as to how tenants, social housing providers, and others can work together to tackle climate change in our homes and neighbourhoods.

The final report and recommendations of the Social Housing Tenants’ Climate Jury will be launched at the Northern Housing Consortium’s flagship Northern Housing Summit in November.

Follow the Jury’s progress on the Northern Housing Consortium’s website: https://www.northern-consortium.org.uk/

Police are carrying out investigations in Swinton following the stabbing of an 19-year-old boy which left him hospitalised and in a serious condition.

The youth was stabbed on Sefton Road in Swinton at around 20:40 this evening (23rd June).

A cordon was put in place at the scene as officers carried out doorstep inquiries.

There have been no arrests made so far according to Greater Manchester Police.

In a statement, a spokesperson for GMP said:

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"At around 20.44 on Wednesday, June 23, police were called to a report of a stabbing on Sefton Road, Swinton.

"Officers attended and established that a 19 year-old male had been assaulted.

"The victim has been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"A scene is currently in place and enquires are ongoing."

 

One of LS Lowry’s most famous portraits has been reimagined for the COVID-age by a seven-year-old artist from Salford.

Alishba-Raazia Usman was inspired to update the famous painting following an art workshop at school. (Seymour Park Community Primary School)

Her work was selected as the winner of The Copley Prize, an annual competition for work by children inspired by LS Lowry.Alishba was finally able to make a special visit to the gallery this week now that it has re-opened after lockdown for a private viewing of her work, which will hang alongside the original painting that inspired her for the next 12 months.

The award is named after long-term Lowry donors Noel & Alison Copley.

Commenting on the artwork, Michael Simpson, director of visual arts at The Lowry, said:

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“Alishba’s interpretation of Ann caught the judges’ eyes straight away. The addition of a face mask and the rainbow so closely associated with the NHS places this work very much in the COVID-era.

 “Ann is an elusive figure that features in many of Lowry’s work. Whether she was a real person or just a figment of Lowry’s imagination, I think it’s pretty remarkable that she’s still inspiring artists like Alishba and making headlines years after Lowry’s death.”

 

The Lowry galleries are named The Andrew and Zoe Law Galleries in recognition of the couple’s £1m donation to the arts centre, which is a registered charity.

Mari Isdale, 37, turns to Salford MP and fundraising in her fight for cancer drug

Salford resident and fertility unit doctor Mari Isdale, 37 is having to fight on two fronts, not only from the reoccurrence of the cancer she beat three years ago, but now having to fight for funding to continue receiving the life-prolonging bowel cancer drug cetuximab on the NHS.

Mari was first diagnosed with cancer in 2015, and after two years of successful treatment with chemotherapy and cetuximab it went into remission in 2018. Sadly, Mari was diagnosed with a reoccurrence in November 2020, but even though resuming cetuximab treatment was recommended by her oncologist, the funding is not available on the NHS.

Under NHS England rules, there is a six-week treatment break policy for those who are treated with cetuximab, however for NHS Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, who all adhere to NICE Guidelines, they do not have a six week treatment break rule. 

Cetuximab is a type of targeted cancer drug. It is also known by its brand name Erbitux. It can be used in the treatment of advanced bowel cancer as well as some head and neck cancers that start in the mouth and throat.

It is a type of monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) are laboratory made copies of a single antibody which seek out cancer cells by targeting particular proteins on the cell surface.

Bowel Cancer UK have questioned the reasoning for the treatment break policy in a letter to the Government in 2018, in which they said:

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“it is unclear what the rationale, reasoning and evidence base is for the treatment break policy”. 

Mari is now having to fundraise the expensive treatment herself and has reached out to her local MP, Rebecca Long-Bailey for help.

The MP for Salford and Eccles said:

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“I have written to the Health Secretary about the awful position Mari and her family are in, having to try to self-fund the treatment that might save her life or give her important extra time with her family. This goes against both NICE guidance and the NHS Constitution. Getting medical treatment should be a right for absolutely everyone, not a privilege for those who can afford it.”

A copy of the letter in .pdf format is attached here: Letter to Health Secretary Matt Hancock from Rebecca Long-Bailey re Six week break policy for cetuximab treatment - Isdale.pdf

Mari’s family have set up a Go Fund Me for donations to help her pay for her cetuximab treatment: https://gofund.me/6ee44a6c

Police were called to an address on Cook Street in Salford at 7.26am this morning (Tuesday 22 June, 2021) to a report of a concern for the welfare of a man.

Emergency Services attended, and sadly discovered the body of a 48 year old man.

Police quickly cordoned off an area on Cook Street and Madeira Place, whilst forensics officers carried out searches of the area.

A murder investigation has now been launched into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Patrols have been stepped up in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Cottam, from GMP's Major Incident Team said:

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"Detectives have now launched an investigation and are following a number of lines of inquiry to try and piece together what has happened and to find and bring to justice whoever is responsible.

"There will be an increase in officers in the local area, while the initial stages of the investigation progresses.

"I would urge anyone with information, to contact police via LiveChat on our website www.gmp.police.uk or call 0161 856 5194 quoting incident number  519 of 22/06/21.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

 

Police have cordoned of an area around an address on Cook Street in Eccles after reports of a concern for welfare from a member of the public this morning (22nd June).

Unfortunately the body of a man was found at the premises.

The cordon covers parts of Cook Street and Madeira Place with members of the public asked to avoid the area.

As yet the circumstances surrounding the death have not been released, crime scene investigators are currently on scene.

A spokesperson for GMP:

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"At around 7.26am this morning (Tuesday, June 22) police were called to a report of a concern for welfare of a man at an address on Cook Street, Salford.

"Officers attended and sadly the body of a man was found inside the property.

"Enquiries are ongoing and officers remain at the scene."

 

We will update this article as further information comes to light.

Police were called just before 11.30pm on Saturday 19 June 2021 to a report of a firearm discharge at a property on Anson Street, Eccles.

Police attended and following enquiries located damage to the door of a property that was consistent with that of a firearm discharge.

No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.

Enquiries are ongoing and a scene remains in place.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Mills of GMP's Salford district, said:

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"Thankfully those inside the property at the time of the discharge were left unharmed but this could have had a much more serious and devastating outcome.

"A full investigation has been launched into this incident and we're following multiple lines of enquiry to identify those responsible and ensure they're brought to justice.

"We're currently appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time or witnessed anyone or any vehicles behaving suspiciously at the time of the incident.

"If you believe you have information, no matter how small, that could assist our investigation then please get in touch."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 1442 quoting incident 3586 of 19/06/21. Details can also be passed to police via our online live web chat function at www.gmp.police.uk. 

Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Eight Salford organisations are joining together to help young people find their future.

Youth employment has fallen by eight per cent nationally due to the pandemic and hundreds more young people are due to leave school, college or university this summer.

Now careers organisations in Salford are banding together to offer advice to parents and young people on where to find training, jobs, apprenticeships and paid work experience to get them on the career ladder.

Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services, said people may not be aware of some of the options open to them.

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“Salford is a fast-growing economy and there are lots of options available which people may not know about,” he said.

“Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries, from our booming construction industries to traditional manufacturing or the latest digital technology and they can take you all the way to degree level, if you want.

“The council is currently managing 80 Kickstart vacancies – six months paid work experience and training for young people at risk of long-term unemployment – and these range from working with children in school classrooms, outdoor learning and nurseries, to caretaking, security, gardening and industry.

“Some are with Salford City Council, others are with local private sector employers. Many of them pay above the national minimum wage too but every single one will give young people confidence, training and experience to help them get the next job.

“And, if young people don’t feel ready to go straight into the world of work we can help them find further training and support.”

 

The free, 45 minute Zoom session runs on Wednesday July 7 from 6pm to 6.45pm and is open to anyone over the age of 16. Registration is free on EventBrite: 

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/find-your-future-jobs-and-careers-tickets-158891553915

Anyone with specific questions or who would like more information on a particular topic can email Salford City Council’s Skills and Work helpline on SAWhelpline@salford.gov.uk in advance.

The session has been organised by Salford City Council’s jobs, skills and work service and is supported by Connexions (careers service for young people),Salford Employ (careers and job hunting for adults)  the National Careers Service, JobcentrePlus, Salford City College, the Growth Company, Salix Homes and Pendleton Together

Salford’s ambition to become the first Living Wage City in England has been recognised with three awards.

At the Living Wage Champion Awards, Salford CVS was recognised for using their funding and grant-making process to promote the real Living Wage in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. This has included supporting a number of local charities to become accredited with the Living Wage Foundation in the last 12 months.

The Living Wage Foundation awarded the Salford Living Wage City Action Group, launched in 2019, the Places Champion Award for its success in increasing the number of accredited Living Wage employers in the city from 38 to 49 despite the pandemic. That has boosted the number of jobs in the city which pay the accredited Living Wage from 9,433 to 12,146.

And Worsley-based Anchor Removals, whose managing director Chris Smallwood is part of the Living Wage City Action Group also won the Against All Odds industry award for being the only real Living Wage, no zero hours removals company in the UK.

Many Salford companies also pay the equivalent of or above the real Living Wage, which is calculated to meet the actual cost of living but have not yet accredited with the Foundation.  

Salford’s aim is to encourage more employers to become accredited, double the number of workers receiving the real Living Wage from 10,000 to 20,000 to lift people out of poverty pay and encourage employers in traditionally low paid sectors such as hospitality and social care to boost pay for their employees.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“Winning three awards is welcome but the real credit goes to every Salford based organisation which recognises the value of paying the real Living Wage.

“It is especially heartening to see an increase given the difficulties businesses have faced over the last year but every organisation which pays the real Living Wage reports increased productivity and better staff retention because their employees feel valued, easier recruitment and a positive reaction from customers. 

“It also puts money back into the local economy and allows people to live in dignity without worrying about making ends meet.”

 

Alison Page, Chief Executive, Salford CVS, said:

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“We’re proud to actively promote payment of the real Living Wage as an accredited living wage employer and a recognised living wage funder. We believe that all those working in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector are entitled to a fair rate of pay for the tremendous work they do for the benefit others.”

Mr Smallwood said:

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"We are delighted to be recognised and win this national Against All Odds Living Wage award.

“It will help us to promote the best possible employment practices within an industry that is renowned for poor terms of employment, especially considering its physically demanding nature.

“This is very much a team effort, and everybody in the company has bought into our challenging project to show us leading by example of how being good for your employees is also good for your business.”

 

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Police searching for a missing woman from Salford have sadly found a body believed to be that of Malgorzata Swiatlon.

Officers became concerned for the 37-year-old who was last seen on South Radford Street in Salford at around 1pm on Monday 14th June.

A body is said to have been recovered from the River Irwell in Lower Broughton earlier today (Weds 16th June).

Her next of kin have now been informed.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances around her death and a file has now been passed to the coroner.