A Salford housing association has launched a new affordable home-ownership brand to support its bold ambitions to deliver more affordable homes to help tackle the housing crisis.

Salix Homes, which owns 8,000 homes across Salford, has launched Willo Homes in a bid to increase housing choice and deliver more affordable housing opportunities in the city.

As a not-for-profit organisation, any profits will be reinvested back into improving homes and communities across Salford.

Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, said:

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“The launch of Willo Homes marks another major milestone in the Salix Homes journey and will help us deliver our vision to build more desperately-needed new and affordable homes.

“While Salford has been experiencing something of a housing development boom in recent years, the shortage of affordable homes in this area is well documented. Homeownership has become out of reach for many ordinary people, so we’re passionate about creating more affordable housing options.

“As a trusted social housing provider, with our foundations firmly rooted in Salford, we’re confident that we’re perfectly placed to deliver the right type of housing in the right places and ultimately help tackle the housing crisis.”

 

Willo Homes will specialise in affordable homeownership options including Help to Buy, Shared Ownership and Rent to Buy, as well as homes for market sale.

To coincide with the launch, Willo Homes has announced the first properties available for expressions of interest at Artifex – the flagship high-rise development in Trinity.

The £15million apartment block comprises 108 one and two-bedroom apartments, which will all be available under the Rent to Buy Scheme.

Rent to Buy is a government scheme designed to ease the transition from renting to buying a home by providing a subsidised rent at around 20% below the market rate. People will be able to rent the properties for five years at the reduced rate and then have the option to buy it after that period.

Terry McBride, development manager at Salix Homes, added:

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“Our aim at Willo Homes is to offer high quality homes for affordable homeownership to not only help people onto the property ladder, but also to give them a sense of belonging.

“Salford is a fantastic place to live and work and we aim to provide a home for every need, from city centre apartments to family homes, so we’re excited to unveil our first properties at Artifex. It’s a fantastic new development with a wonderfully rich history behind it, offering modern apartment living on the edge of Manchester City Centre.”

 

Artifex is named in honour of the late Canon Peter Green – a much-respected writer and minister at the nearby St Philips Church.

During the First World War and until the 1950s, Canon Peter Green wrote a weekly column in The Manchester Guardian - which was later to become The Guardian - under the pen name ‘Artifex’.

He wrote about pacifism and compassion as well as articles about social injustice and the importance of housing, and is fondly remembered as a ‘real man of the people who loved the Salford people’.

Willo Homes will also soon be bringing to the market the next available properties at the Poets development in Swinton – a mix of two and three-bedroom homes available for sale with Help to Buy.

Contact the Willo Homes Sales Team, based at their Sales Suite at Artifex on Blackfriars Road, on hello@willohomes.co.uk, 0161 537 3123 or visit www.willohomes.co.uk

Officers investigating a burglary in Worsley have released images of stolen goods.

Police were called around 11.55am on Wednesday 20 January 2021 to a report that two men were behaving suspiciously on Fairmount Road, Salford.

Extensive enquiries have since established that two men had gained entry to a house on the street by smashing a bi-fold patio door at the rear of the property.

Then men are then believed to have fled the property approximately ten minutes later carrying a duvet cover filled with items from the house.

The men fled the scene in an unknown direction in a dark coloured convertible Audi TT.

When the owner returned to the house they soon realised a collection of designer handbags, accessories, shoes and jewellery had been taken.

Officers have today released images of some of the missing items in an appeal for anyone with information to come forward and assist police.

Detective Constable Gareth Bannister of GMP’s Salford district said:

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“This burglary occurred in broad daylight and in a residential area so we’re issuing a further appeal to anyone with information to come forward and assist police.

“We’ve released these images of items stolen during the burglary in the hope that someone may have information in relation to their whereabouts. Do you recognise them? Have you witnessed any similar items either online or in person recently? Any information – no matter how small – could be hugely beneficial to our investigation.

“We’re also keen to speak with anyone who may have seen the two men or the Audi TT in the area around the time of burglary.”

 

Anyone with information – or dash-cam footage - should contact police on 0161 856 3777 quoting log 993 of 20/01/21. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

On Tuesday we did a story on a true local hero, Fred Tewson, who some will know better as the chap which many of have you seen walking around the Barton and Peel Green areas in all weathers from 8am - 11am every day picking up discarded litter from the streets, hedges and parks and disposing of them responsibly.

Earlier in the week we gave him a salford.media Community Champions Award which he fully deserved as he represents what our award is all about. Fred does not seek publicity or notoriety for his good deeds, he does it because he truly loves the local community he lives in and he is proud to do his bit.

Many have attempted to get Fred to accept an award in the past and we are immensely proud that he accepted our small token of appreciation for what he does, and appreciation is the key word there as we really do admire him not only for keeping his area clean and tidy but also for the reasons he does it.

Just a few moments in Fred's presence and you become fully aware of the kind of man he is, no nonsense, down to earth and very proud of the area he lives in, and so he should be as he is a huge part of its success.

The story triggered massive amounts of comments from our readers and and every one was complimentary about him, here are just a few:

Alyson Mellor

"Fred passes our house daily come rain, shine or snow thank you Fred you do an amazing job x"

Doreen Martin

"Really pleased Fred accepted this award

"He is such a lovey man. xx"

Kellie Baker

"I love this guy. When real life is occurring I see him most days and always wish him a good morning. Brings a smile to my face. Really appreciate all his hard work."

Vania Burnell-Pack

"A great guy. At long last he has accepted an award. 

Congratulations Fred"

Liz Miller

"So deserved.

"Every community needs a Fred in it

Congratulations Fred."

We were then contacted by Councillor Sharmina August on behalf of Salford City Council who wished to show their gratitude by sending a bouquet of flowers to Fred's beloved wife, Marjorie, which I thought was a really nice gesture.

This evening I received a message from Fred's niece, Debbie Nickisson, which said,

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"Uncle Fred just rang me, Aunty Marjorie wants me to pass on her thanks for flowers they really are overwhelmed by the attention they've received.

"He said all day people have been beeping and chatting with him.. lol.. he said the litter will take longer to pick up ha, ha, ha,!

"You've made their week. he also said you and Karl were lovely guys and it is only because of you two he accepted the award and allowed his picture to be took."

 

So, do you know somebody who deserves one of our much coveted Community Champions Awards, an unsung hero who gets on with helping out without seeking praise or a reward?

If so contact us with their details at tony@salford.media

Outstanding Salford residents, volunteers, and public servants who have helped Salford through the COVID-19 pandemic were recognised at the Spirit of Salford Community Awards 2021.

The winners were announced at a special virtual awards ceremony (Thursday 4 March).

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“These awards are about paying tribute to the people who have made a difference in Salford during the extraordinary challenges of the last year.

“The awards are an important date in the Salford calendar so we can showcase inspirational people working and living in our communities.

“All our winners and finalists exemplify the remarkable Spirit of Salford and I am deeply grateful for everything they have done for the city.”

 

Winners of the awards were:

Chosen by a public vote:

Citizen of the year: Gemma Fish

Gemma is the driving force behind Walkden and Little Hulton Step Into Action, which has made a tremendous difference to the community during the pandemic, helping people with shopping, collecting medicines and dog walking. Gemma has founded a charity shop and community hub to sell clothing, furniture and toys at reasonable prices. The income from these activities is used to provide food parcels, hot meals, and welfare packs to vulnerable people.

Community group of the year: Salford Loaves and Fishes

Salford Loaves and Fishes is a charity that does tremendous work to help vulnerable people and reduce rough sleeping in Salford. The charity warmly welcomes anyone needing their support and offers food, showering and washing facilities, clothes, support and advice.

Public servant of the year: Anthony Lord

Anthony is a dedicated and passionate youth worker who works for Salford City Council. Anthony works tirelessly to ensure vulnerable children are looked after and safe. Throughout the pandemic he has arranged food parcels and arts and crafts activities to be delivered to families in Salford.

Chosen by the judges:

Spirit of Salford Special Recognition Award: the Mask Project

During the early stages of the pandemic, when personal protective equipment (PPE) was in short supply, volunteers at the Mask Project worked tirelessly to provide masks for 5 hospitals across the north west including Salford Royal. By the end of the project, the team had manufactured over 30,000 visors, providing vital assistance to the NHS.

Young person of the year: Beth Pilling and Westley Myerscough

Beth Pilling is balancing the final year of her adult nursing degree with being a mum to her young daughter. Throughout the pandemic, Beth has worked on the Respiratory wards at Bolton General Hospital, looking after very poorly COVID patients.

Westley Myerscough has shown grit and resilience to overcome significant challenges. Westley has overcome a period when he was not in education, employment or training after he left school and – having excelled in a virtual course – has recently been successful in applying for a job with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Volunteer of the year: Alfrieda Kindon and Steve Finbow

Alfrieda Kindon exemplifies the spirit of Salford and has dedicated over 40 years of her life to voluntary services for the diverse communities of Salford. A pioneer and visionary, she created a new community rugby league club in 1980, turning derelict premises in the Peel Green into a valued community facility.

During the pandemic, Steve Finbow has been an inspiring and energetic volunteer, providing help and support to vulnerable Salford residents. Steve has been heavily involved in making welfare calls to residents and has been a volunteer co-ordinator for local food poverty charity That Bread and Butter Thing.

Good neighbour of the year: Sue Hinder and Lynn Cullimore / Gilda Glee Club

Sue is a caring and supportive neighbour who always looks out for the people that live near her. Over the years, she has organised lots of events and activities in her neighbourhood and has been especially supportive of children and young people.

Lynn Cullimore helps to organise the Gilda Glee Club, a network of over 100 households in three connecting streets in Eccles where neighbours simply look out for each other. The group organises annual street parties where people come together to celebrate living in the streets.

Best health achievement: GMCR Runners

GMCR runners is a local, free community running group in Salford. They offer a vibrant community to those looking to make friends and be more active, with over 900 committed members.  The group has adapted to the COVID-19 crisis by setting online challenges for members and have delivered food parcels to vulnerable residents during the lockdown periods.

Best environmental improvement: Salford Litter Heroes 

Salford Litter Heroes are a group of committed volunteers who undertake frequent litter picks in the city, going out in all weather conditions to look after the environment, protect wildlife and make Salford a better place for everyone.

Best community safety project: Taxis Transfers

Taxis transfers is a local taxi firm that has played a remarkable role in Salford’s efforts to tackle the pandemic, providing a transport service to patients requiring a COVID-19 test and members of the COVID-19 home assessment nurses, and delivering meals to NHS staff. 

The awards were organised by Salford City Council, with sponsorship support from , Ladybird Private Day Nursery, TalkTalk, Salix Homes, Salford Royal Hospital, SCC Group, The Landing, the University of Salford and Social 7.

Swinton Civic Centre was lit up in green to mark this years World Wildlife Day this evening.

Earlier today Salford's Wild Life Champion, Councillor Lewis Nelson, made a plea to the public to get more involved in helping our local flora and fauna flourish in the City.

Meanwhile an army of some of Salford's finest photographers got out into nature alongside their amateur counterparts to snap some glorious photos from within the City.

Glen Bradbury took a trip to Salford's new Wetlands in Kersal and managed to take these snaps of some of the feathered visitors to the city, huddled together. We are told by Salford Ranger Team that they have counted 16 Herons on the wetlands which is a new record for the site and clearly shows it has quickly become a thriving ecological habitat.

Meanwhile, Tom Nolan managed to snap these truly magnificent photos whilst on his travels around Salford Crescent. Despite the close proximity to Manchester and a more urban environment, the wildlife is still very much a feature in our city. The detailing on the Kestrel's feathers is outstanding.

Steve Purcell caught this cheeky little ball of fur snacking on an earth worm on his travels around Peel Green in Eccles. Salford's squirrel population is ever present and their acrobatic escapades up in the tree canopies are a sight to behold.

There are lots more photos to be found on our new 'Salford Nature' Facebook group which covers all aspects of nature in Salford, from its wildlife to its stunning scenery, it's parks to its urban back garden oasis and allotments.

The Wildlife is very much present in Salford and in the coming months we aim to help showcase our stunning local beauty spots and the plants and animals which call them home.

If this past year has taught us anything it is the importance of protecting what we have for future generations to behold and enjoy. Get out there and explore what Salford has to offer.

For more, join in and find us at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/salfordnature

Main Photo: Salford Civic Centre - Lewis Nelson

Over the last 12 months the benefits of having time outdoors to enjoy our gardens and greenspaces has been a lifeline opportunity to heal our minds and appreciate the purer things.

With time out in the garden, local parks, Chat Moss or loop-lines and the glimpses of wildlife in a moment of quiet - the year has been a bit more bearable through the most difficult times.

Today, is World Wildlife Day, that is significant, because those seconds with a passing robin, or minutes watching the sparrows play in the hedges makes us feel more humble and human.

We will need to be more humble in the future, because the natural world is changing because of us, at a rate it can't adapt with.

Some scientists are saying that we are living through a mass extinction because of the rate that wildlife and key species are disappearing across the world.

Today, I want to encourage everyone to do an act of kindness for wildlife. It might be ordering some wildflower seeds to scatter, creating a bug hotel or even creating a mini wildlife pond to attract frogs and keep the slugs at bay in your garden.

The small acts we can all make can make a massive difference, our gardens, balconies or even window boxes are our secret weapon in the fight for nature.

Sometimes we might feel helpless and down beat at what's happening around us, but all of us can make change, and turn the tides on what's happening to our wildlife.

We also need to expect better from those in power. A few example of this include the government recently granting emergency use of a bee killing pesticide (neonicotinoids). In other areas we see progress, but at a rate to slow to matter.

The decarbonisation of our economy is happening but needs to be turbo charged, the transition to electric cars is happening but for those who can't afford to move over (which is most of us) we need to see government help to make sure nobody is left behind.

Mosslands and ancient habitats are still disappearing to development and the gardening industry for the peat compost being sold everyday in Salford shops.

The list goes on. The point I'm getting at, is as Salfordians, as people, we have the power to turn this around.

I think that starts with an act kindness for wildlife today - please share your acts of kindness with me on councillor.nelson@salford.gov.uk

Let's do this!

Cadishead Councillor Lewis Nelson was made Salford's Wildlife Champion in 2020 due to his years of relentless campaigning on behalf of wildlife and nature within Salford. Lewis was a regular face at the Barton anti-Fracking protests which ultimately defeated plans by iGas to commit ecological harm on the cities Mosslands as they sought to extract shale gas. He is currently locking horns over plans to build homes in Irlam Moss.

If you live in the Barton, Peel Green area of Eccles you must have seen a sprightly figure with a litter sack and a stick, busily picking up discarded cans, paper, face masks, litter etc and generally making the area an almost litter free zone and if that isn't enough he can be seen in Spring planting flowers on the local verges and grassland.

He has been doing this for some twenty years and has carried on through the Covid pandemic, suitably attired of course and in all weathers.

We were contacted by several people including his Niece, Debbie Nickisson who were all singing the praises of this amazing man and the wonderful work he does for his local community.

So we paid a surprise visit to Barton to meet the man and have a chat with him about his good work and present him with our Community Champions Award.

The local hero is Fred Tewson a youthful 84 year old who it has to be said is one of the most, modest and unassuming people you could wish to meet and has in the past, turned down various awards and quietly gets on with his work.

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"I don't clear up the area for any recognition, there are a few reasons, I do it for my health and to leave a clearer path behind me and hopefully other people will do the same and if it inspires anyone to do the same the same, I will be pleased"

Fred is obviously a man of few words and initially was reluctant to accept the award and we were delighted when he did as this is what our awards are about, local people who do amazing things not for rewards or accolades but because it is something they feel passionate about enough to get involved!

Instead of complaining about a problem, Fred is the type of man who instead looks at how best to solve it.

He really is a great example of a community champion, an unsung hero who fully deserves a round of applause if not a standing ovation and it was a pleasure chatting to him and his wife Marjorie.

If you see Fred doing his rounds why not offer him some encouragement or a cheery word even better, follow his example, grab a sack and get tidying up!

Update: Police have now scaled back the operation and have lifted the cordon after the items have been deemed to be safe.

Police are saying that there is no evidence of any explosive material and that the devices were part of what is thought to be a firework.

The arrest is unrelated to the incident.

An army bomb disposal team is currently attending an ongoing incident focused upon a grey coloured SEAT Leon vehicle which was stopped by police on Park Place in Salford this evening (28th Feb).

An area has been cordoned off and there is reportedly a large police presence on the residential street close to Salford Royal Hospital.

Officers say that they stopped a vehicle just before 3.40pm in Park Place in Salford and arrested a man.

Following a search of the vehicle, two suspicious items were found and a cordon has been put in place as a precaution.

A bomb disposal unit is attending the scene to determine of the devices are viable using a remotely controlled robot for safety. An ambulance from NWAS is on standby at the scene should it be needed.

Nearby residents in the surrounding homes have been evacuated as a precaution and officers remain at the scene.

An 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault.

He remains in custody at this time.

Greater Manchester Police are appealing for help to trace the next of kin of a man from the Salford area.

David Baird, 74, passed away at Epsom Mews, Salford on 21 February.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances.

Anyone with information about a next of kin should call 0161 856 5746.

The city has formally backed the campaign which aims to make good, nutritious food a legal right for all its citizens.

The backing from Salford was announced at Greater Manchester Combined Authority Meeting on Friday 12 February.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett will now be sending a letter to the government, indicating the need for drastic change to the National Food Strategy, and the importance of introducing a new policy which includes the goals of the Right to Food campaign.

Salford City Council joins other councils across the country who are continuing to lobby for change.

Paul Dennett, the City Mayor of Salford, said:

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“People should not have to go without food in 2021 in this country - one of the richest countries in the world. So I am backing the Right to Food campaign, a lobbying effort calling on central government to make access to food a legal right in the UK as part of the National Food Strategy. I will continue the fight for a better and fairer city for all.

“Since the beginning of the pandemic the council has worked tirelessly and even provided the provision of food for anybody in the city our is struggling. This has been backed by support from businesses, community organisations and volunteers. I am so proud that the whole city has come together to support each other in these extremely difficult times and see the true Spirit of Salford in action.

“The statistics surrounding food poverty across the country are heart breaking; the number of families who contend with these difficulties, alongside the daily struggles of coping with a pandemic.

“The Spirit of Salford helpline set up in March 24, 2020 has provided almost 3,500 food parcels so far and in Salford alone in October when the government wouldn’t support hungry families over half term, we gave out over 2,000 vouchers to prevent holiday hunger. Salford Food Bank, the main provider in the city issued 358 parcels to 228 people in January and they have been working with Bethany church in Littlle Hulton to feed around 70 families every week.

“This is a shocking indictment of a government that fails to support those who require it most, during the most trying times in public memory.”

Councillor Sharmina August, Executive Support Member for Equalities, Communities and Social Impact at Salford City Council said:

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“Having delivered food parcels around the city during lockdown, I’ve witnessed the need for a new approach to resolving the very real problem of food poverty in the UK. It’s disgraceful that so many are unable to provide sufficient food for their families, and that the government has done so little to help.

“The need for Marcus Rashford’s repeated campaigns to secure sufficient food for children during school holidays makes it clear that the Conservatives simply don’t understand the struggles faced by people in this country. The Right to Food seeks to change that, and, more than simply change it, completely remove this issue once and for all.

“At the City Council we are committed to defending the rights of our residents, and, when those rights need to be extended, we’re committed to that too. No one, of any age or in any circumstances, should go hungry. At Salford City Council we will continue to do everything we can to support anyone who requires assistance, while working hard to change the law to ensure that food poverty is resolved once and for all.”

Greater Manchester Police are appealing for help to trace family of a man from Eccles.

William Pritchard, 78, died at his home address on Franklin Street, Eccles on 2 February.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about William Pritchard's next of kin should call 0161 856 4687.

This coming 4th of March it is time once more for the city to pay tribute to the outstanding members of the public and public services that make a huge difference in Salford, with this years awards especially so much more important as our City has battled through some of the most difficult times in living memory.

The awards are spread over seven category awards and four overall awards which have been sponsored by Salford based UK telecoms and internet provider TalkTalk Group, Lady Bird Nurseries, Salix Homes, Salford Royal Hospital, SCC Group, Social 7 and The Landing.

To check out the list of finalists please follow the links below.

Overall - Chosen by public vote

Citizen of the Year

Community Group of the Year

Public Servant of the Year

Category Awards - Decided by a panel of judges

Spirit of Salford Special Recognition Award

Young Person of the Year

Volunteer of the Year

Good Neighbour of the Year

Best Health Achievement

Best Environmental Improvement

Best Community Safety Project

With the deadline for nominations now passed it is time to announce and hand out the awards to the winners. We wish all nominees the best of luck.

We will be publishing the names of all the winners on our website next Thursday.

Officers from Artic Enforcement Team executed a drugs warrant in Higher Broughton as they continue to tackle the cities drug problem

Earlier this morning officers made the discovery of over 600 mature cannabis plants being grown throughout a 4 story house. The crop would eventually make its way into the supply and distribution chain and into the hands of users.

An eastern European male was arrested at the scene and remains in custody for questioning.

Once again the police have spoilt somebody's day, saying:

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"Your criminal activity will not be tolerated here at Salford."

Officers are searching for wanted man Harrison Foster, who has been recalled to prison.

Foster, 31, was jailed for threatening behaviour last year. He was released on licence in January, but has since been recalled to prison for breaching his licence conditions.

Foster has links to York and South Yorkshire, and also has family connections in the Salford area of Greater Manchester.

If you see him, or know where he is, contact North Yorkshire Police immediately, quoting reference number 12210054081.

Police have released E-fit images of two men they want to speak to following an assault in Salford.

At around 7pm on Wednesday 12 August 2020, police were called to reports of an assault at the tennis courts in Boothsbank Park, Boothbank Avenue.

Enquiries established that the victim - a man aged in his 30's - had been playing tennis when he was attacked by a group of approximately ten people. The offenders pushed the man over before punching and kicking him and striking him a number of times with his own tennis racket.

Emergency services attended and the man was taken to hospital with injuries to his head, shoulders and arms which required hospital treatment. He now suffers from permanent hearing loss in one ear as a consequence of this assault.

Officers are now able to release E-fit images of two men they would like to speak to.

One offender is described as being white and of a slim build with short brown hair and pocked-marked skin on his face. He is aged in his late teens and is around 5ft 8 or 9ins tall. At the time of the assault he was shirtless and wearing tracksuit bottoms.

A second offender is described as being white and of a stocky build with dark brown hair that is long and cut into a shaggy haircut. He is aged in his late teens and is around 5ft 7 or 8ins tall.

The other eight offenders are described as being white and aged in their late teens. They are all male and at the time of the assault, the majority of them were wearing black t-shirts with shorts or tracksuit bottoms.

No arrests have been made and an investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Jones, from GMP's Salford district, said:

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"This was a brutal assault which has sadly resulted in a man suffering from permanent hearing loss. 

"Our dedicated team of detectives have been tirelessly investigating a number of lines of enquiry which has now led to us being able to release E-fit images of two men, who we are asking for the public to help us identify, so that we can speak to them in connection with this assault."

"If anyone has any information at all about the identity of these two men, or any of the men involved in this assault, please speak to police. Even the smallest piece of information could help us to complete our investigation and find justice for the victim."

 

Anyone with any information about this assault should contact police on 0161 856 2079 quoting incident number 2575 of 12/08/2020.

Information can be passed on anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Officers were called around 11.55am on Wednesday 20 January 2021 to a report of two men behaving suspiciously on Fairmount Road, Salford. 

Extensive enquiries have since established that two men had gained entry to a house on the street by smashing a bi-fold patio door to the rear of the property.
 
Around ten minutes later the two men are then believed to have left the property via the front door carrying a duvet cover filled with items from the house. The men fled the scene via the property’s drive and then in an unknown direction.  
 
They are believed to have fled the scene in a dark coloured convertible Audi TT. 
 
When the owner of the property returned, they realised designer handbags, accessories, trainers and jewellery were all missing. 
 
Enquiries are ongoing and officers have released images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with the burglary. 
 
Detective Constable Gareth Bannister of GMP’s Salford district said:

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“During the burglary a large quantity of items were stolen from the property and we’ve released these images in the hope someone may be able to identify these men as we’re keen to speak to them as part of our enquiries. 
 
“We’re also appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and witnessed anything suspicious or saw an Audi TT being driven around the time. 
 
“We urge anyone with information to get in touch with police and assist us with our enquiries.”

 
 
Anyone with information – or dash-cam footage - should contact police on 0161 856 3777 quoting log 993 of 20/01/21. 
 
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are asking for the publics feedback on proposals for planned improvements to existing cycle lanes on Eccles Old Road.

They say that the route will provide improvements of the links to Salford Royal Hospital and Salford University as well as employment opportunities in the town of Eccles and at MediaCityUK / Salford Quays.

Whilst at the same time making cycling safer and easier around the area.

They hope this will be achieved through the provision of light segregation to existing advisory cycle lanes.

They would like public feed back on the following:

Install light segregation features (reflective bollards and delineators) onto the existing advisory cycle lanes on Eccles Old Road. There will be no impact on traffic capacity.

The proposed light segregation will look similar to what has recently installed on Liverpool Street and Oldfield Road, see image below.

The cycle lanes on Eccles Old Road to be mandatory except where there is existing on-street parking provision.

You can have your say and leave feedback on the following link: Have Your Say Today – Eccles Old Road – Commonplace

Police have made an arrest this afternoon after increasing patrols in the area due to reports of anti-social behaviour on the Linnyshaw Loop Line.

A 27-year-old male from Wicheaver Crescent in Little Hulton was arrested after a member of the public alerted police after spotting a man who was firing an air weapon close to their location. 

Two PCSO's responded and were able to locate the man as he was bagging the weapon and attempting to walk away, however he refused to engage with them and so with concerns for his welfare and that of the wider public the officers followed the man who then became abusive and threatening towards them. At which point they requested support from their Neighbourhood Beat Officer colleagues.

The man was later detained and arrested for a public order offence. All officers are said to have been safe and suffered no injuries during the pursuit and arrest.

The individual remains in police custody for questioning.

Police are urging anyone who witnesses such behaviour on the Loop Line to report any incidents or suspicious activity to them via 101 or their website and its Live Chat service. You are also able to report anonymous via Crimestoppers.

Salford Council and City Mayor Paul Dennett will present its budget proposals for consideration during Wednesdays Full Council Meeting (Weds 24th Feb) and decisions will be made on increasing council tax by 1.99% and the adult social care precept by 2% after a challenging year.

Since 2010/11 Salford has seen a staggering £222 million stripped from the cities budget due to savage cuts which have had huge impacts on the city and the local services it provides. Impacts which the council has tried hard to limit as best it can.

The added burden of the Covid-19 Pandemic has not been kind and it is expected that it will continue to affect the councils budget for at least a further three years, adding more misery and uncertainty to an increasingly painful future.

In order to achieve a balanced budget position for 2021/22 the council had to address a £10.9m funding gap. This gap has been driven by the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and changes that have affected funding streams such as the New Homes Bonus.

The gap is to be covered by a combination of previously approved savings, use of non-recurring funds and reserves.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“In setting this year’s budget Salford City Council will have seen its budget cut by £222 million since 2010/11 as a consequence of cuts to the central government grant and un-funded budget pressures, with the Local Government Association (LGA) also highlighting that councils have seen a £15 billion cumulative cut in Whitehall grants since 2010.

“Government is once again forcing local authorities to use regressive forms of taxation to hopefully balance their budgets rather than restoring Whitehall grants, which have been stripped away since 2010/11. The other week we were informed that 12 councils in England are in rescue talks with the government over their finances, with the Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) suggesting that 12 councils is probably the “tip of the iceberg” in terms of the precariousness of local government finances following 10 years of austerity and the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for councils up-and-down the country.

“In addition to this we have still seen no green paper from the government on proposals to hopefully resolve the social care funding crisis, despite it being promised back in March 2017, and now nearly four years on local authorities are being forced again to increase the adult social care precept to raise necessary finances to fund social care. It’s truly shocking that government hasn’t prioritised resolving the social care funding crisis, especially given the critical role that our care workers have played in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, with government seemingly favouring spending time and resources on further NHS reforms and planning reforms, rather than tackling the scourge of poverty pay amongst our country’s care workers.

“I’ve always been very clear, simply de-funding local government and passing the burden of funding services onto our residents, many of whom are themselves struggling is no way to fund local government and it certainly doesn’t demonstrate a commitment to re-balancing the economy and levelling-up, despite the government’s rhetoric!  Government should at least be fully compensating local authorities for the last 12 months and urgently resolve the social care funding crisis, nearly four years on from the government promising a green paper back in March 2017.

“Any decision we take to increase council tax we know will negatively affect the residents in our city, who have already sacrificed so much in the last twelve months. The government have once again failed to recognise the important role of local authorities and given us little choice, as we must continue to do all we can to protect services for the people of our city.”

 

Councillor Bill Hinds, Lead Member for Finance and Support Services said:

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“The COVID-19 pandemic has created additional pressures on council budgets up-and-down the country. It is only through the prudent financial decisions of politicians and officers, our use of reserves and the benefits of growth in the city that this year Salford City Council is not faced with more difficult choices.”

“Salford is ranked the 18th most deprived local authority in England according to the 2019 government’s Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) with approximately 30% of the population living in areas classified as highly deprived. The City Council recently responded to the consultation on the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2021/22, as the government’s proposals were once again insufficient to address the needs of our residents, families and communities and the hardship faced by vulnerable people within the City. Similarly the Settlement for 2021/22 did not seek to reverse the scandalous budget reductions imposed during the period of Tory-Lib Dem and Tory government’s austerity, which has disproportionately impacted local government since 2010/11. Moreover, the recent central government Settlement for local government in 2021/22 has assumed a council tax bombshell for Councils in England to raise £1.9 billion from council tax payers in England, thereby shifting the burden yet again onto local council tax payers, with 87% of the projected additional core spending in 2021/22 coming from local council tax payers.

“The reluctance by government to recognise that their calculations have forced councils in England to increase council tax and precepts by burdening local council tax payers is abhorrent. Our deep concerns led to the passing of a Motion at Council in January 2021 highlighting our position and we have yet to receive a response from government. Despite our best efforts we have been given no alternative but to propose the increases in council tax and the adult social care precept to Budget Council.”

 

The Online meeting will be live steamed from 9:30am tomorrow morning (Weds 24th Feb) via the following link: https://salford.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/545921

Five wings of the Category B HMP Forest Bank prison in Agecroft have been put on a 28 day lockdown after a small number of staff and inmates tested positive for Covid-19.

The knock on effect has led to delays in trials due to take place as prisoners in affected areas are unable to travel to local courts across Greater Manchester for hearings.

Sources say that at least one serious trial has suffered from delays already due to the outbreak, as even virtual hearings are affected as prisoners are unable to be moved to the live video link suite due to precautions in place to stop the spread of the virus to other prison populations at the 1,460 capacity Sodexo ran prison.

Plea hearings and sentences are said to have been adjourned to later dates.

A similar outbreak was reported at HMP Manchester which adding to the problem and backlogs in the court system.

A spokesperson for HMP Forest Bank said:

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“A small number of staff and prisoners on five of the sixteen wings within Forest Bank recently tested positive for COVID-19.

"The current situation is well controlled and under constant review.

"We continue to liaise with Public Health England and the local authority to limit transmission of the infection and keep staff and prisoners safe.”