The skies above Salford turned stunningly red this morning as Britain was blanketed by a fine layer of Saharan dust in the upper atmosphere. The sand was whipped from the desert region in Africa by strong southerly winds which sent it our way.

The phenomenon produces amazing sunrises and sunsets but can also trigger breathing difficulties for those with Asthma and other diseases like COPD. It is also an annoyance for drivers as the abrasive dust settles upon their cars.

As ever, some of Salford's finest photographers were on hand to capture the sight in all its glory.

Tony Barrett who is a regular source of aesthetically pleasing photos, posted these stunningly beautiful photos of the skies above Boothstown to our 37 Thousand strong SalfordOnline group this morning.

Meanwhile the one woman flood warning system otherwise known as Keri Muldoon, captured this image from Lower Broughton showing the tower of HMP Manchester (Formerly Strangeways).

Salford Online regular, Norman Frederickson managed to snap this glorious image of the skies over his home in Irlam, the deep oranges and reds are simply stunning.

Christopher Tsop Hudson managed to capture a fantastic snap of orange skies over Salford and Manchester.

The dust is expected to stick around for a few days before eventually blowing away on the wind again.

Get ready to wash those cars.

You can find more photos and Videos over on our Salford Online Facebook Group: SalfordOnline

Main Photo: Tony Barrett (Boothstown)

Between August and October 2019, Greater Manchester Police received reports of a number of burglaries in Salford and the surrounding areas. 

Investigations were launched and, following extensive enquiries - including CCTV trawls, Gary Spilsbury (23/01/73) of HMP Forrest Bank was arrested and taken in to police custody for questioning, where he was subsequently charged. 

On (Friday 19 February 2021), Gary Spilsbury was sentenced at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to nine years in jail after pleading guilty to 10 counts of burglary, two counts of robbery, five counts of theft and two counts of fraud.

DC David Potter of GMP's Salford district, said:

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"Gary Spilsbury was a serial burglar who, on more than one occasion, entered homes and tied lone women's hands and feet together before threatening them and ransacking their properties. Thankfully, no one was injured but the burglaries were understandably traumatising. 

"I hope this case reassures members of the public that we work hard to identify criminals and their offences, arrest them and bring them to face justice. I also hope it warns offenders that neither Greater Manchester Police nor the justice system will tolerate this kind of behaviour which so often leaves victims scared in their own homes."

Eccles RFC are ambitious, progressive, inclusive community club which pride themselves on offering Rugby for all and have been on the ball since first forming back in 1897.

The club currently boasts a tally of over 300 registered active players and fields 16 teams; four Senior men’s, Senior Ladies, U18 Senior Colts, U18 Girls, Juniors from U7s-U16s. They also offer Walking Rugby and Touch Rugby. 

In February 2021, a member of the Eccles & District History Society made contact with the club to alert them to the existence of a photograph of 1920-21 Eccles Rugby Football Club, which had previously appeared on the online market site, Ebay. 

In the background, visible behind the players and wintery trees, can be seen the distinctive old Vicarage of St James Church, (Hope) which lies along the path of Eccles Old Road, which confirms the location in the photograph as Stott Lane where they once played. 

This fortuitous discovery has shone a light into the club's post-war existence and provided them with the evidence that Eccles RFC have played in the blue and white hoops for at least 100 years.

Before this dated photograph came to light, the earliest documentation of blue and white hoops in the club archives was a letterhead from 1923.

Photographs confirm Eccles RFC wore green jerseys from 1897-1910 and it looks likely the change in club identity can be tied with the the termination of activities in 1914 and upheaval of the First World War.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the clubs distinctive blue and white hooped attire, the club will be producing a limited edition classic Eccles RFC heritage shirt, featuring an embroidered club crest and "1921-2021" detailing. A mock up of the proposed design has been disclosed and advance online orders will be available, via their crowdfunder, from this Friday (26th February.)

For more information about the club and its history as well as to keep up to date on when the shirt will be available, follow this link: Eccles RFC (rfu.club)

Photos: Eccles RFC

Update: At around 6:06am a second power outage occurred. 

If you are waking up due to a missed early morning wakeup alarm, then it should be known that a brief overnight power disruption across some parts of Salford left house alarms ringing and circuit breakers tripped.

The later being especially unfortunate if they happen to be the ones which control power to your fridge/freezer as was the case in my home.

I would urge you to check that your fridges and freezers are powered as soon as you awake this morning so as to avoid food spoiling.

Flickering lights and reset electrical devices were reported by people across a range of areas including Walkden, Little Hulton, Swinton and Eccles.

It is unclear as to what caused the brief outage but this is just the latest in a number of similar instances to occur over a period of the last few months.

In late January 79 properties were left without power and in the previous December, 90 homes were left in the dark for hours after disruptions to their supplies, to name a few..

Residents across Salford have reported power fluctuations and unstable supply for several months on our community Facebook Group - SalfordOnline.

We have contacted Electricity Northwest for comment.

Officers were called around 8pm on Friday 19 February 2021 to Liverpool Road, Irlam to a report that two males on a motorcycle had been involved in a collision and a firearm had been located at the scene. 

It is believed a second vehicle was involved in the collision. 

Two men, both aged in their early 20s, were taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening. They were subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm or ammunition with intent to endanger life.

They remain in hospital at this time. 

Officers received a further report around 8.15pm of a vehicle fire on Cutnook Lane, Irlam.

Emergency services attended and the vehicle – a black Chrysler – was safely extinguished. Initial enquiries suggest five males had set fire to the vehicle before fleeing the scene.

An investigation is ongoing into the collision and vehicle fire but officers are treating these incidents as linked. 

It is also believed that the motorcycle was involved in a firearm discharge on Kings Road, Irlam minutes prior to the collision. 

Detective Inspector Zoe Nightingale of GMP’s Salford district, said:

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“Our investigation is in its early stages but we are currently treating all three incidents as linked and we have two men in custody for questioning. I fully understand the concern that events like these can cause for the community but I want to assure the public that we are doing all that we can to ensure all those responsible are identified and located.

“We would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with witnessed any of last night’s incidents or has any concerns to get in touch with police. Any information, no matter how small, could prove crucial to the investigation.”

Anyone with information, or dashcam footage, is urged to get in touch with police on 0161 856 2079 quoting log 2611 of 19/02/21. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The legacy of one of Salford’s most revered sons will be immortalised in a new apartment block, which will bring more than 100 affordable homes to the city.

Housing association Salix Homes has announced its new high-rise development in Trinity will be named Artifex in a nod to Canon Peter Green, who was a rector at the nearby St Philips Church, as well as a published writer and pacifist who was passionate about fighting social injustice.

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 women’s suffrage and is fondly remembered as a ‘real man of the people who loved the Salford people’.

The 11-storey residential building forms part of the £22.5m Canon Green Campus development in Trinity, which has seen 1960s tower block Canon Green Court completely transformed and modernised for its existing residents, along with neighbouring apartment block Westminster House.

Sue Sutton, chief executive at Salix Homes, said:

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“The legacy of Peter Green is already recognised in Salford, with Canon Green Court being named in his honour back when it was built during the 1960s.

“We wanted to pay our own tribute to this much-respected Salford son whose fight against social injustice represents our own beliefs and values at Salix Homes and our ethos to deliver high-quality, affordable housing for everyone. This is even more pertinent in an area of Salford that has seen little to no new affordable housing for decades.

“The Artifex will bring 108 desperately-needed affordable homes for people in Salford, at a time of a housing crisis. Peter Green was incredibly progressive for his time and very vocal against social injustice. He was passionate in his calls to prioritise housing for all and much of what he said all those years ago, still resonates today, so we felt naming the tower block in his honour is a fitting tribute to his memory.”

 

Canon Peter Green was born in 1871 and served as the Rector at St Philips Church from 1911 – 1951, serving through two world wars in what was then a deprived dockyard community. He died in 1961.

He dedicated his life to supporting impoverished communities and used his platform as religious commentator at The Manchester Guardian to speak out against war, hate, injustice and racism. He also wrote 38 books and served as a Chaplain to the King.

During one column he penned in 1944 he spoke about the importance of prioritising housing as part of the Government’s post-war recovery and rebuilding plans.

In it he said:

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“What is the good of building magnificent schools in which children can spend five hours a day for five days a week if the rest of their time when awake has to be spent in the street because their houses are holes to sleep in not homes to live in.

“When the time comes for action, let stately civic centres and the repair of cathedrals and churches, and large hotels, and super cinemas, and everything else, give place in the competition for money, man-power and materials, to homes for the people.”

 

This year marks the bicentenary of The Guardian, and The John Rylands Library, which houses The Guardian archives, will be celebrating the 200th anniversary with a special exhibition.

Dr Janette Martin, modern history archivist (special collections) at John Rylands Library, which is part of The University of Manchester, said:

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“The University of Manchester Library Special Collections is proud to hold the archives of The Manchester Guardian. These include letters from the much-admired religious correspondent ‘Artifex’ - a well-known champion of social justice, compassion and decent housing.

“Canon Peter Green’s weekly column under the pseudonym Artifex ran from the First World War to the 1950s shedding light on some of the hardships faced by Salford people in the first half of the twentieth century.

“This year The Guardian celebrates its bicentenary, so the naming of the Artifex building by Salix Homes is a very fitting tribute to his memory during a very special anniversary year.”

 

The Canon Green Campus enjoys an incredibly rich history, and the new Artifex block is built on the site of the old Blackfriars Road Baths, which were demolished during the 1970s.

Ms Sutton added:

Quote

“The site’s rich history means it’s played a central role in the lives of Salford people over the years and the next chapter for the site will deliver the largest affordable housing scheme in the area, so we’re proud to be building the much-needed homes that Salford desperately needs.”

Salix Homes contractors Willmott Dixon are currently onsite and the Artifex block is expected to be complete this Spring. Once complete, the block will comprise of 108 one and two-bedroom affordable apartments, which will be available under the Rent to Buy scheme for expressions of interest from March.

Willmott Dixon also carried out major improvement works to the refurbishment of Westminster House and Canon Green Court, which included new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, sprinkler systems and exterior re-facing and insulation.

The new Artifex apartment block has been partially funded thanks to a £3.8million grant from Homes England.

Salix Homes will be paying homage to the history of the site and the story of Canon Peter Green with a display in the lobby of the new block.

I was contacted by a concerned Eccles resident who told me that the Eccles Coffee Stall  in the middle of the precinct which has been run by Yvonne McGarvey for the past four years is facing possible closure with the news that The Salford Veterans Community Group will be opening a café and drop in centre in the empty premises which has been used by Bacon and Cheese, Ringwood's and Kenton's Cards over the years.

I spoke to Yvonne who told me her fears about losing her pitch in the precinct.

"I have been serving my regular customers for the past four years and have built up a good and reliable trade and for many of them the coffee stall is not only a meeting place for them but helps give a community feel, where they can meet in safety with friends and chat.

" There has never been a problem with me renewing my 12 month contract with the precinct owners and my current licence expires at the end of March, yet talks seemed to have stalled on me renewing it for some reason.

"The proposed new cafe doesn't bother me as there is room for two cafes in the precinct, and I feel that we both have or will have different clientele, I was told that I will not be able to put my tables alongside their windows which I fully understand, and they have only been there since the premises became empty and they are not obstructing the footpath.

"So at the moment I'm not certain if I will get a licence renewal, if I don't I will be heartbroken as I have a special bond with my customers, a kind of extended family, so I will just have to wait and see, fingers crossed.

One of the cafe's regulars David Teasdale spoke to me and expressed his concerns.

"I live in Cremer House and to be quite honest I have terminal cancer and have no family to speak off, for me the cafe provides a valuable service and offers a lifeline to not only me but many other people, this is my family and is the oxygen for the community and the thought of it closing, fills me with dread"

It should be mentioned that Yvonne raises money by playing bingo with the customers with prizes she has paid for, and with the profits takes her customers out for a day, four times a year to Southport, Blackpool and Morecambe where they get a free meal in a hotel and  free transport there and back, for which she deserves a round of applause at least, a real unsung hero.

Another customer, Lee Clare has organised a petition to keep Yvonne in the precinct and the signatures are rolling in he tells me.

I do hope that she stays and continues with her work which is more,, much more than a coffee stall and that this can be solved amicably and is nothing more than a storm in a teacup!  You must have known I was going to chuck that one in...

So if you are passing support your local community trader and have a brew,, well worth it.

We have tried to contact  The Salford Veterans Community Group for a comment and are awaiting a reply.

Police are appealing to the public for information after a woman was left with serious head injuries following a collision in the Lower Kersal area of Salford yesterday afternoon.

Officers were called at around 5.50pm on Saturday 13 February 2021 to a report of a collision involving a black Ford Fiesta and a pedestrian at the junction of Kingsley Avenue and Cheadle Avenue.

The pedestrian – an 18-year-old woman – was left with serious head injuries and remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and possession of cannabis. He remains in custody.

Investigators are appealing to anyone with information to contact police with information or dash cam footage of the incident.

Police Constable Simon Venguedasalon, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

Quote

 

“Our thoughts are with the victim as she remains in hospital for treatment to what are serious head injuries and we wish her well with her recovery.

“We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time of this collision or who may have dash cam footage of the proceeding moments leading up to this incident – your information may prove to be crucial evidence as we piece together what happened here.”

 

Anyone with information or dash cam footage can contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 2094 of 13/02/2021. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

We made a return visit to Clarendon Road School, Eccles today after being contacted about their recent novel fundraiser.

The teachers and parents of pupils at the school had arranged to walk/run a mile for every pupil in the school, in a week with 326 pupils that meant a distance of 326 miles in five days.

The walk/run was done following the Covid secure way following Government advice with the participants walking in pairs or solo.

They set themselves a target of £2,000 with donations flowing in from parents and ex pupils, this was met and of today stands at a whopping  £2,734.

All of the cash raised will go towards the wellbeing of the pupils, in this, the third lockdown they have had to endure.

We spoke to Mr Lowry, the Deputy Headteacher and Year 5 Teacher who told us more about the fundraiser and his participation.

Were you aware that Eccles once had it's own football team, Eccles United who were formed in 1907 as Eccles Borough then changed their name to Eccles United in 1919, they had their own ground on Bradburn Street, Patricroft and could attract crowds of several thousand people and played against such teams as Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers, before folding in 1929.

However thanks to a few local lads the mighty Phoenix is about to rise from the proverbial flames and proudly fly the name with pride once more.

Ashley Croft as Chairman, Harry Boardman as Secretary and Daniel Anderton as Treasurer had the idea of making an Eccles named club. which initially was called Grapes FC after the pub on Church Street they used to meet in.

I spoke to Ashley who has a Degree in Coaching and Sports Development from Manchester Metropolitan University, who told me about the future plans for the club.

The Grapes FC started because a group of lads wanted to play football. Ashley moving back from Crewe/Nantwich decided to get the ball rolling. Less than 6 month later, Ashley, Harry and Daniel decided that a rebrand was the best thing for the club to attract players and more people from the local area. We found Eccles United were in the FA Cup in the 1920s and decided it's a perfect fit to restart a club with a history already.

We have had the name change verified with the FA and it will be official in May this year and we have be been accepted by the committee to play in Lancashire and Cheshire Saturday League, although the clubs still have to accept us. It's all coming together nicely. After playing in Manchester amateur Sunday football league for the Grapes FC.

There is a core of about 30 or so players and we plan to have an A team and a B team with pre season training starting at the end of May/Start of June. Our pitch is on Brookhouse Estate, everything is looking good so far. We have had some players come and ask to be involved already.

Our long term plan is for Eccles United to be playing in the North West Counties League in ten years or so alongside Irlam F.C. and make it into a real community club, where you can go and have a pint, watch the match, meet friends and support your local team"

I have to say I was impressed speaking to Ashley a young man with a vision for the team, also he tells me that the team strip will be yellow, the reason being that since the death of Alan Henning he feels that the the colour yellow will be forever associated with Eccles, a nice gesture I thought.

The badge is based on the Crest of Eccles with our own spin on it.

So with a full squad, sponsors (Taxis Transfers & Focus Recruitment, both from Eccles), a pitch and along term plan the future is looking bright for Eccles United F.C.

Prosecutors told Manchester Crown Court that on Saturday 26 September 2020, during an argument at a property on Leicester Road, Jak Kent (21/07/99) punched 49-year-old Lee Oates several times causing him to fall and sustain a serious head injury.

Lee was taken to hospital, where he sadly died  on Friday 2 October 2020.

Kent was arrested, taken into police custody for questioning and, later, charged.

After pleading guilty to manslaughter, today (Thursday 11 February 2021), Kent was sentenced to eight years and four months imprisonment.

DC Katie Halstead, of GMP's Salford district, said:

Quote

"In this case, an argument escalated and resulted in a man's death. Kent was undeniably  violent towards Lee. Our thoughts remain with Lee's loved ones, who have been devastated.  

"I hope this case warns violent individuals that their behaviour can have devastating consequences and won't be tolerated by the Police, Crown Prosecution Service or the Courts."

I (Tony Flynn) was contacted by Lorraine Hibbert at the weekend with a some what unusual request, she asked if I could source her, seven shillings and sixpence in pre-decimal coins to honour a family debt and keep the tradition of a family joke going.

"My Uncle John Dixon Goodwin, was my mum's older brother and very protective of her, growing up in Seedley, Salford.

He joined the Army when he was 16 and served in the Royal Mechanical Engineers and saw active service in Korea and was there for several years, when he left the army he worked for British Rail and drove steam trains until his retirement.

He gave my Mum away at St Luke's Church on Liverpool Street, Salford and this is were the seven shillings and sixpence comes in, my parents were only young and had very little money so Uncle John lent them the money which was the cost of a wedding certificate in those days.

It then became a standing joke in the house for, many many years with John telling my Dad that he still owed the money and my Dad's reply was always, that he wasn't sure if it would work out and if so didn't have to pay him!

John died recently at Heath Cottage Care Home in Swinton aged 92, he was due to go in Broughton House but was to ill to go, he lost his wife last Christmas and had no children, which is sad because he would have made a lovely Father.

So to keep the family joke going I intend to place, seven shillings and sixpence on his coffin and tell him the debt has been paid, and I know he would see the funny side of it.

It will be a very poignant day for me as my mother passed away a while back and the date of john's funeral will be on what would have been her 59th wedding anniversary"

Since being contacted by Lorraine, yesterday, she tells me that a lady only known as Emma  from Wardley called to her house in Swinton with the money after reading Lorraine's pleas on Wardley Community Page, what a marvellous gesture.

John's funeral will be held at Agecroft Crematorium on Wednesday 17 February.

A man from Salford has been charged with driving offences after a man was driven at.

Kevin Mannion (02/11/77) of no fixed abode has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, disqualified driving and driving without insurance.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear before Salford Magistrates Court on Monday 8 February 2020.

Shortly after 7.30pm on Thursday 31 December 2020, police were called by the ambulance service to a report that a man had been driven at on Heathland Terrace, Cale Green, Stockport.

Enquiries established that a car was driven at a man following an altercation between two men.

A 56-year-old man was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury. He has since been discharged.

Police are continuing to appeal for information in relation to this incident and anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9821, quoting 2411 of 31/12/20.

Alternatively, reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Yesterday the country learned the sad news of the passing of a national hero. A man who with every step forward carried our country with him upon his shoulders, during the worst of the Coronavirus pandemic.

He raised Millions in support of our NHS during his legendary 100 laps of his garden but much more than this, he raised a nations spirits during the worst of times and for that a nation truly weeps upon his passing.

In recognition of the heroic efforts of both he and our cities NHS heroes, Salford City Council will turn the Civic Centre Red, White and Blue in their honour.

A poignant touch and a fitting tribute to a man who fought on not only the battlefields of Burma but in the more recent battle against the virus which would ultimately take his life.

This evening the PM, Boris Johnson, has urged everyone in the country to stand on their doorsteps at 6pm to clap in his remembrance of his life.

A truer Knight there is yet to be, even in his frailty he stood tall and proud and shone a light to a better future with every step forward he took.

Our nation mourns a true legend this evening.

Photo: Salford City Council

Police investigating an assault in Salford, where a woman was attacked with a wine bottle last summer, have released images of four women they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

At around 4am on Saturday 1 August 2020, a woman in her 20s was approached by a group of four women - one of whom was brandishing a wine bottle - near the Shell petrol station on Regent Road.

The woman was attacked by the group, during which she was hit over the head with the bottle and suffered significant injuries that required hospital treatment.

Detectives have today (Wednesday 3 February 2021) released images of four women they wish to speak to as part of their enquiries, and encourage anyone with information to get in touch with police.

Detective Constable Craig Shannon, of GMP's Swinton CID, said:

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"This was a brutal assault on an innocent woman in the early hours of the morning and we are keen to bring those responsible to justice.

"This incident occurred some months ago but we have been exhausting all available lines of enquiry ever since to establish the full circumstances of this incident and who was involved.

"We wish to speak to the four women pictured as part of our enquiries and I urge anyone with information about our identity to get in touch with us as we believe it will significantly aid our investigation."

 

Anyone with any information about the assault should contact police on 0161 856 3777 quoting incident number 831 of 01/08/20.

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

Today we were delighted to visit the Victory Outreach Church on Liverpool Street, Salford to meet Senior Pastor, Paul Lloyd and Joy Moore from Community Grocery who told us about their new community grocery store.

In response to the Covid-19 crisis they have joined forces to open the community shop using surplus foods from local supermarkets to help families who need to save money in these troubled times.

The shelves are well stocked with canned food, cereals, pasta, rice, soup, tea, coffee, toiletries, freezers with frozen meals and a huge amount of fresh fruit and vegetables, everything a family need to live on.

There is a £5 membership fee for the year with £3 paid on each visit, for this you can fill up your basket with a selection from the goods on display and you can make two visits a week.

Members will also have access to the range of free support services including, Job Clubs, Money Management, Mental Wellbeing Courses, Fitness and Nutrition, Youth Groups and a Drama Workshop,

Speaking to Pastor Paul, I was impressed with his honesty. genuine concern and welfare for people who need these services, he used the word, "dignity" several times when we were chatting, and I firmly believe that he meant it and it was refreshing to hear this.

So if you need help with your shopping bills or curious to see what is on offer, then why not call in, you will be assured of a friendly and warming welcome.

They are based at 19 Liverpool Street, Salford M5 4LY ( just before Oldfield Road) and can be contacted on 0161 737 6624.

Open Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Links:

Church | Salford | Victory Outreach Manchester (vomanchester.org)

Community Grocery | Website

Community Grocery | Facebook

Both private hire and black cab drivers say abuse, hate speech, violence and fare dodging happen too regularly and it’s time to call a halt.

As part of national Hate Crime week (February 1-7) Salford City Council is offering every driver a permanent sticker for their car asking customers to be kind and polite and reminding people that there is no place for hate in the city. 

It is also launching a reporting tool for drivers to log abuse, violence and non-payment of fares so the council can support drivers and encourage reporting of such crimes to the police. The initiative has also been funded by money seized by Salford City Council’s trading standards team under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and from Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Police’s hate crime week funding.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said drivers should be respected as valuable front-line workers.

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“Many people rely on taxis and private hire vehicles to get around so drivers should be treated with the same respect as any other key worker doing an essential job in these difficult times,” he said.

“There’s no place for hate in Salford full stop and stealing from self-employed drivers by running off without paying the fare is a very low blow. I hope drivers will make use of the new reporting tool so we can fully understand the issues they face and work to support them.”

 

Tom Rook, Chair of City of Salford Private Hire Association said he had been lucky enough to provide the police with evidence to convict several ‘customers’ but abuse and crime could have a devastating impact on drivers.

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“It’s very hard for drivers to get over. As a self-employed driver I need to earn a living and I’m away from my family working long enough as it is without feeling unsafe or experiencing abuse, hate, theft or damage to my vehicle,” he said.

“At the moment drivers are asking customers not to ride beside them in the front seat. It’s amazing how many people react badly to that simple and polite request even though it is government guidance designed to keep them and the driver at a safe distance and minimise the health risks of catching and spreading the virus.

“All we’re asking is that people show some understanding and consideration for our drivers and their families; a friendly smile and chat makes everyone’s journey far more pleasant.”

 

Hackney cab driver Stuart Ryan said:

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“I left driving private hire after people put a knife to my throat and stole money. Some of the abuse drivers get is terrible.”

Each child from Clarendon Road, Primary School, Eccles were today given a breakfast boost when staff arranged for them to receive a special wellbeing pack as part of the Children's Mental Health Week initiative.

Each pack contains  a family breakfast in with croissants, jam, butter, juice, breakfast quiz to do, cornflakes, choc and cake cases to make cornflake cakes , wellbeing activities and handprints to send back to school.

Headteacher, Mrs Gallagher and High Level Teaching Assistant and Community Lead, Megan Dwyer kindly spoke to Salford.Media to explain more.

https://youtu.be/x2haVvN5eXg

Officers are appealing for information after a man was left needing surgery following an assault in Worsley.

At around 5.45pm on Monday 25 January 2021, the victim - an 18-year-old man - was driving along Bridgewater Road, Worsley before pulling his grey Volkswagen Polo into the car park of Worsley Leisure Centre to stop and answer his mobile. 

Whilst in the car park an unknown male offender has opened the passenger side door brandishing a 12 inch blade before demanding the victim get out of the car. 

The two males became engaged in a verbal altercation leading to the victim reversing his car in an attempt to flee the offender. Whilst reversing, the offender assaulted the victim with the knife, leaving him with a deep wound to his left arm. 

The victim was subsequently taken to hospital where he required surgery. His injuries are not believed to be life changing. 

No arrests have been made. 

The offender is described as a male, wearing all dark clothing and gloves. He is believed to have fled in the direction of a wooded area nearby to the leisure centre.

Detective Constable Darren Lowe of GMP's Salford District said:

Quote

"This was a violent and seemingly unprovoked attack which has left a man with a particularly nasty injury to his arm and for which we wish him a speedy recovery. 

"We are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and either witnessed the assault or saw the offender prior to or post assault. We urge anyone who witnessed anything suspicious at the time to come forward and assist police in their enquiries."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5194 quoting incident number 2147 of 25/01/21. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

The family of a woman who sadly died following a collision in Salford have paid tribute to her.

At around 7.30pm on Tuesday 26 January 2021, officers were called to Worsley Road, Salford following a report of a road traffic collision involving a pedestrian.

Emergency services attended and enquiries established that a Skoda Citigo had been travelling in a north westerly direction along Worsley Road before it was involved in a collision with a pedestrian close to the junction of Walker Road.

The pedestrian was then involved in a further collision with a Renault Clio travelling in the opposite direction.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the pedestrian - who has since been formally identified as 23-year-old Selena Meyers - was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Paying tribute to her, her family said:

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

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

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

"She lived with and was cared for by her great grandparents, Donald and Florence Lee up until she became a young lady. Her name Selena meant Moon Goddess - Mystara meant my stars. So she takes our moon and stars from us as she goes. RIP my entire night sky - my first baby girl."

 

Anyone with information, or dash-cam footage, should contact GMP's Serious Collision Investigation unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2330 of 26/01/21. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.