At around 7:30pm on Tuesday (26th January) police were called out after reports of a road traffic accident in on Worsley Road in Winton.

The incident, which is thought to have involved a pedestrian and a black Renault Clio, took place between Walker Road and Stableford, resulting in the road being closed off and a police cordon in place whilst emergency services dealt with the scene.

Diversions were put in place and vehicles were advised to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said:

Quote

 

"At 1930 hours on Tuesday 26 th January 2021 Police were called to reports of an RTC on Worsley Road at Eccles.

"A scene is currently in place and police are investigating what has occurred. "

 

Police are appealing for information following the rape of a woman in Salford.

At around 12.15am on Sunday 24 January 2021, police received a report that a woman had been raped in her home in the Walkden area.

An investigation was launched and enquiries have established that, between 10.30pm and 11pm on Saturday 23 January 2021, a man entered the property via an unlocked rear door and raped the female occupant.

The man is described as being white, 6ft tall, 'well built' and 35-40 years old with a ginger beard and tattoo on one of his arms. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black baseball cap with a white tick, a blue jacket, a white t-shirt, jeans and trainers with a silver emblem.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Jenkins, of GMP's Salford district, said:

Quote

"The victim is being supported by specialist officers and partner agencies who will continue to offer her their services in the near and distant future.

"We understand that this news may cause concern but I can reassure members of the public that the investigation team are doing everything they can to identify the man responsible and ensure he faces justice.

"I appeal to anyone with information or who saw a man fitting the description in the Walkden area late on Saturday evening or early on Sunday morning to contact us or Crimestoppers, anonymously, immediately."

Quote

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5168 quoting 61 24/01/21 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
 

Salford IT expert Councillor John Mullen will have a whole new set of commands to programme into his Alexa – ‘manage my diary.’

Councillor Mullen, who represents Barton ward, will today (Wednesday January 20) be sworn in as Salford’s Ceremonial Mayor with his wife Michelle as Mayoress.

The ceremony, which should have taken place last May, has been delayed because of the pandemic. Councillor Mullen paid tribute to outgoing Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Charlie McIntyre saying he had gone ‘above and beyond’ to serve the people of the city. 

“I’m delighted to be taking over the chains of office and I hope to be able to get out and about to meet people later this year as more people are vaccinated and we beat the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Councillor Mullen.

After leaving St Albert’s RC High School in 1976 Councillor Mullen became an apprentice glazer before switching trades and qualifying as a welder. In 1984, newly married to Michelle  and with the arrival of their first son Kelvin, he taught himself computer programming and completed a BTEC at Worsley College.

Councillor Mullen, said:

Quote

“Two years later we had our second son Jonathan and I was working at a private car park. The manager was struggling with one of the first IBM computers, so I offered to help. I re-loaded it and wrote a programme that cut three days off the manual billing programme. He told me I was wasted in that job and found me my first computer job at Provincial Bank,”

From there he went on to work for an American credit company regularly travelling to America, Japan and Europe and complete a degree in computer science and professional qualifications with the British Computer Society. He later became self-employed and worked for the Office of National Statistics, Sainsbury’s, Walmart before semi-retiring last year.

Councillor Mullen joined the Labour party in 2001 to campaign for better health services and has represented Barton ward since 2004.

In his spare time Councillor Mullen enjoys travelling, watching Star Trek and other sci-fi programmes and playing computer games and programming Alexa with his grandson Jack.

Gareth Cumbo, owner of the, Only Sweets and Treats, retro sweetshop on Eccles Precinct has plans to bring a little sweetness into the lives of nurses at Salford Royal Hospital and Care Homes in the area on Valentine's Day this year.

He hopes to repeat his success of last year when he delivered free boxes of sweets to the nurses as a gesture of goodwill for all the hard work that they do.

Gareth Said,

Quote

 

"My aim is to get enough donations from the public and local community, even as little as a £1 will help, to help cover the cost for me to make up and deliver over 100 of my unique pizza style boxes to Salford Royal and local Care homes to show our appreciation for them putting their lives on the line, each day for us.

"100% of the money will be put into the cost of the sweets and boxes which I will deliver personally on Valentine's Day, so if you can please donate and lets help these unsung heroes of Salford"

 

If you wish to help Gareth you can donate via contacting the Only Sweets and Treats shop on Facebook or by popping in and whilst you there help support a local business and treat yourself to some old time sweets.

Three rapid COVID-19 test centres have opened this week, as part of Salford City Council’s strategy to identify more positive cases and stop the spread the virus.

Frontline and key workers in Salford – those who cannot work from home and who have no symptoms of COVID-19 - are encouraged to be tested twice a week using rapid lateral flow tests. These tests are a new kind of technology with results available usually within an hour so can be used to test a higher number of people without COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who tests positive using a rapid lateral flow test will then be advised to self-isolate and book a follow-up lab-based test, which will confirm the result.

Eccles Old Town Hall, Beesley Green Community Centre and Wardley Community Centre are the city’s first rapid testing sites to open, with additional sites planned across Salford opening over the next few weeks. Appointments must be booked via www.salford.gov.uk/rapidcoronavirustest.

To help launch the roll-out of rapid targeted testing, Salford is one of a number of localities to get support from military personnel, helping get the testing sites up and running and training local staff how to do the tests. 

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

We are at critical point in time as we fight the COVID-19 pandemic in Salford. We have a rising number of COVID-19 infections and a new strain of the virus, which we know is more transmissible. Together with the mass roll out of the vaccine, testing is a really important part of the jigsaw to getting our way out of this pandemic. This is targeted testing at scale, so we're intentionally targeting people who are most at risk of exposure to the virus because they still need to go out to work such as teachers, early year practitioners, care workers visiting people in their homes, taxi drivers, and essential retail.

We're encouraging them to book rapid COVID-19 tests twice a week so they can continue going about their daily lives in the knowledge they are taking every precaution to keep themselves and the people they are in contact with safe.

 

Dr Muna Abdel Aziz, Director of Public Health for Salford, said:

Quote

 

One in three people who test positive for coronavirus have no symptoms at all and can therefore spread it unknowingly; including to people who are more vulnerable and therefore at high risk of becoming seriously ill.

“That is why testing is so important. Although it is not mandatory, by finding out if you are the one in three and taking the right action to self-isolate, you will be protecting your colleagues and your family members, and you will also be helping the people of Salford go about their daily lives with a reduced risk of catching COVID-19. You will be helping to stop the spread of the virus, save lives and play your part in getting the city of Salford and our lives back to normal.

 

Only people who have to leave home to go to work and without COVID-19 symptoms should book a rapid test. Anyone with symptoms that may be the coronavirus must self-isolate and book the lab-based test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test, or by calling 119 as usual.

Police are appealing for information after a teenager was stabbed in Salford.

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance on Cemetery Road in Swinton around 10.20pm last night (Tuesday 12 January 2021).

A 15-year-old boy later presented at hospital with a stab wound and at this time it is believed his injuries were sustained in the earlier disturbance.

He remains in hospital for treatment and his injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Officers are currently at the scene carrying out enquiries.No arrests have been made.

Detective Inspector Thomas Willis, of GMP's Salford CID, said:

Quote

 

"This is a very concerning incident which has left a young boy needing hospital treatment for a stab wound.

"This will have undoubtedly caused some concern in the community, but I would like to reassure members of the public that we are treating this as an isolated incident and we have a dedicated team of officers working to determine the exact circumstances of what happened.

"The investigation is in its early stages and our main priority is to identify those involved, so I would appeal to anyone with information to get in touch with police as soon as possible."

 

If you have any information for police, please call 0161 856 5187 quoting log number 2945 of 12/01/21. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Five reports of robberies in Parr Fold Park were reported to have taken place between 5 January and 8 January 2021 where three males were reported to have threatened victims with a knife and made off with cash, electronics and a mountain bike.

At 4.50pm on 5 January, a teenager was assaulted on the cycle path and his headphones were taken. Over an hour later at 6pm, another teenager was assaulted and threatened before the group of males made off with cash.

The following day on 6 January, between 4.30pm and 4.45pm, two teenagers were also robbed of their cash.

On Friday (8 January 2020), officers also received a report of a robbery and a 33-year-old woman had her blue mountain bike taken. The offenders, who are believed to have arrived on a moped and bike, made off towards Walkden Road.

Inspector Katie-Louise Allen, of GMP's Salford district, said:

Quote

 

"These incidents are extremely distressing for those involved and local officers are carrying out a number of enquiries.

"It's extremely disappointing to receive these reports in a time where people are simply trying to enjoy the fresh air in a local park during a nationwide lockdown.

"We're aware that local residents are planning to attend the park to conduct their own patrols and though we appreciate their concerns and it's with the best intentions, I would strongly advise against this for the sake of our on-going investigation and their safety.

"An investigation into these robberies is on-going and I would ask anyone with information to get in touch as any information may assist with our enquiries.

"Anyone that may have seen anything or has any information should call 0161 856 5429/5285/5283 or email SalfordNorthWest@gmp.pnn.police.uk.

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

 

Liverpool Street Corridor is set to benefit of £3.1m of funding to benefit walkers and cyclists. 
 
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett made the decision to award the contract at the Procurement meeting on Wednesday 6 January. 
 
It will see more attractive and improved routes for walkers and include segregated cycle lanes for those on bikes. The proposals also recognise the continuing importance of general traffic and will maintain existing vehicle capacity.
 
The overall project is valued at £3,106,170.70, comprising of; £2,500,000 of Growth Deal 2 funding, £100,000 of Local Match and £506,170.70 of Mayors Challenge Fund (MCF).
 
Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

“It is great news to be able to formally approve the contact for the Liverpool Street Corridor and improve transport options for our residents. 
 
“Liverpool Street lies between Albion Way and Oldfield Road and is one of the three key transport routes into the city centre from the west.
 
“Salford has seen tremendous growth and predictions show by 2040 the city accommodate 40,000 more homes and 40,000 more jobs. The majority of these will be based in the city centre region of Salford as well as Salford Quays and MediaCityUK.
 
“The design of the corridor makes it future proof and it will act as another catalyst for regeneration in the area.”
 
Councillor Jim Cammell, who leads on cycling at Salford City Council, said: “This is fantastic news and all part of our vision to make it easier and safer for those who choose cycling and walking, which we saw a big increase in last year. 
 
“Capacity on the roads remains the same for motor vehicles on this scheme but it will make it much easier for people to travel on foot or by bike – which is something we aim to do in as many locations as we can across the city.
 
“The hard work does not stop here, we are already working on plans and proposals for other areas. Watch this space.” 
 

The main components of the scheme are: 
 
•    Introduction of 1.36km of Footway level cycle track 
•    Raised plateaus at junctions, with cycle priority 
•    Tighter road junction radii to slow turning vehicles whilst allowing for turning movements. 
•    Existing ghost islands in central reservation removed and space re assigned to footway/cycleway to provide a 2m wide footway and a 2m wide footway level cycle track 
•    Green infrastructure to increase the segregation space between carriageway and the cycle track wherever possible 
•    Improved pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities, relocated to points adjacent to bus stops and the introduction of a controlled centrally located crossing
•    Improved bus stops to support increased bus flows and patronage in the future. 
•    Bus stop bypasses to reduce conflicts between buses, pedestrians and cyclists and allow for increased flows in the future.
You can read the full report at https://sccdemocracy.salford.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=146&MId=2544&Ver=4

 

Two men have been arrested and dozens of weapons seized from a house in Prestwich by officers dedicated to GMP's operation to tackle organised crime in Salford.

Around 45 weapons, including bladed weapons, imitation firearms and a crossbow, were recovered during a house search in the Rainsough area on Sunday afternoon.

Patrols from Operation Naseby - GMP’s dedicated operation into tackling serious and organised crime in Salford - were driving through the Swinton area on Sunday 3 January when they stopped a vehicle suspected of being involved in class A drug supply.

A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

A subsequent house search in the Rainsough area of Prestwich was conducted and numerous weapons were recovered - 32 swords and knives; 12 imitation firearms; and a crossbow.

Also seized were a large quantity of class A drugs estimated to be worth between £15,000 and £20,000.

A second man - aged 55 - was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs.

Both men have been questioned by officers and released pending further enquiries.

Forensic examinations of all the items recovered by police are underway.

The work is part of Op Naseby's disruption hub - formed in April 2020 to reduce the activity of local organised crime groups.

Since the inception of the disruption hub, there have been 144 arrests, 147 vehicles recovered, and 59 house searches.

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

Quote

 

"This is a substantial recovery of weapons and class A drugs, as we continue to tackle the serious and organised crime that can have such a devastating impact on our communities in Salford.

"Our dedicated officers have been working thoroughly as part of the Op Naseby disruption hub for the last nine months in order to gain results such as this and we will not relent while perpetrators of such crime remain at large.

"While we have been working immensely hard as part of this operation, it is important not to forget the importance of members of the public continuing to contact us in confidence with any information about suspicious or concerning activity so we can act on it and take the necessary action."

 

Anyone with information is encouraged to directly contact police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

At around 2.50pm on Monday 28 December 2020, police were called by paramedics responding to a report of two injured males in Buile Hill Park off Eccles Old Road.

Officers attended and established that three males, aged 18, 17 and 14, had been assaulted.

They were taken to hospital and are expected to make a full recovery.  

Police have now launched an investigation and are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident to get in touch.

DS Roger Jones, of GMP's Salford district, said:

Quote

 

"Thankfully the victims weren't seriously injured. Nevertheless, enquiries are ongoing to identify the person responsible.

"We know that there were a number of people in the park at the time so I would appeal to them to contact us or Crimestoppers, anonymously.

"I would also encourage anyone else with information which may assist us with our enquiries to do the same."

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 2079 quoting 1474 28/12/20 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

I came across this story from December, 1920 in the pages of the Salford City Reporter and it tells what happens when love breaks down and tempers get frayed.

Lucy M Roberts who resided at Albany Street, Salford appeared at the Stipendiary Magistrates Court asking for a separation from her husband, Thomas who was a commissionaire at Salford Town Hall, Bexley Square.

She told the Magistrates that he was her second husband and they had been married since June, 1917, but she had left him, last Tuesday because of his persistent cruelty.

At the end of November he didn't give her any housekeeping  money until the Sunday at 9.30pm which meant she was unable to buy any food for the house.

The following day she purchased bacon and bread and made a breakfast, with her daughter from her first marriage sat beside her, the girl had the temerity to put her cup of tea, close to Thomas's plate, who with the back of his hand pushed it away spilling tea over the table and the girl, saying he was not going to allow people to do what they liked at his table.

Lucy told him that her daughter was allowed to sit at the breakfast table, that her own Father bought, this obviously touched a nerve with Thomas, who said that they wouldn't be able to do as they liked at the breakfast table.

As if to prove his point he chucked the contents of the table into the open fire, and smashed the cups and saucers, then added that he was going out for a policeman to witness what had happened and stormed off.

No policeman appeared so Lucy went looking for one, and showed him the scratch marks on her face which she said he had caused, would appear no action was taken so she decided to pursue the matter in the courts.

Back in the dock she told the Magistrate that he talks in his sleep all night, and hardly sleeps, but when he is awake accuses her of seeing other men.

In March this year she had him at court on a summonses for putting her daughter's only costume and hat up the chimney whilst they were out, adding that he threatened her and promised worse was to come.

Mr Desquesnes for the Defence asked if things were unpleasant between Thomas and her daughter, she told him that she hadn't spoken to him since June, six months ago, and he had told her that he didn't want her living there, also it was her Fathers home and I have said I will keep a home for her.

Things got a tad, heated when Mr Desquesnes suggested that she was more attached to her daughter than her husband, and that if she left, she would follow her, she vehemently denied this and said he was the one causing all the trouble, also he gave her £2.15 shillings a week and accused her of being  extravagant whilst he had bought two suits of clothing and spent £7 on a new gramophone.

The daughter, Gladys May took the stand and said that when Thomas tipped the table into the fire, she had to stop him from beating her mother, such was his temper.

At last, Thomas took the stand and said that he was living at nearby Florin Street and was a Commissionaire at Salford Town Hall earning £3- 12 shilling a week he also received a pension of three shilling a week and told a tale of woe.

He said that home life was very unhappy and that his wife was constantly knocking him about, and had called him, "A dirty old pig" and that he had to report for duty at The Town Hall with scratches and bruises ion his face.

As for the breakfast table incident he said that Gladys had told him that the table was her father's not his to which he had replied that the things on it, were his and pushed it into the fire.

The Stipendiary granted a separation order and ordered Thomas to pay 30 shillings a week to Lucy.

Not sure what to make of this case, obviously both, better off not being under the same roof, possibly the marriage may have survived if there was no third party, lets hope they both lived happily ever after.

Five people have been arrested after police executed warrants in Salford.

On Wednesday 23 December 2020, officers searched five properties as part of an investigation into the supply of drugs. 

Two men, aged 24 and 55, and a 17-year-old girl were arrested on suspicion of drug offences. Two men, aged 19 and 21, were arrested on suspicion of firearm offences. They remain in police custody for questioning. 

Suspected class A and B drugs, a taser, CS gas as well as offensive weapons and a large quantity of cash were seized.

Enquires are ongoing.

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

Quote

"Officers from specialist teams across Greater Manchester Police executed these warrants as a result of intelligence regarding the supply of drugs.

"I hope today's action gives members of the public confidence that the force is proactively investigating this type of crime to protect communities.

"I would also like to use this opportunity to say that intelligence is a key element of our investigations and encourage anyone with information about the supply of drugs or firearms to contact us or Crimestoppers."

Anyone with information should contact police or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

A tattooist from Salford, who was found guilty of raping a client and sexual assaulting five other women at his parlour between 2013 and 2019, has been jailed.

Paul Little (10/07/1964), of Cutnook Lane, Irlam, was sentenced today (Tuesday 22 December 2020) at Manchester Crown Court, Crown Square, after being previously found guilty of sexual offences against a total of eight women – aged between 19 and 49.

The court heard how Little had inappropriately touched the women when they had come in the store to have a tattoo done on them and, on two separate occasions, he exposed himself to them.

The worst of Little's offending occurred in May 2014 when he raped a 49-year-old woman after completing a tattoo for her.

Little was originally arrested by police in December 2019, after a report was made that he had sexually assaulted a female client at the parlour.

Initially, Little was arrested and charged for sex offences concerning four women, but further victims and witnesses came forward after seeing the news in the media.

He denied all charges against him and the case was taken to trial with Little being found ‘guilty’ on Monday 23 November 2020 of the following:

- One count of rape;
- Five counts of sexual assault;
- Two counts of indecent exposure.

Little has now been ordered to serve eight years and six months in custody.

All of the victims have been, and continue to be, supported by specialist officers from GMP and partners agencies including St. Mary’s.

Detective Constable Stefani Matthews, of GMP’s Salford CID, said:

Quote

“Paul Little is a depraved individual who abused his position of trust and committed atrocious sexual offences against innocent women, who have since bravely come forward to ensure that he now spends a lengthy time behind bars.

“We, alongside our partners, continue to support the victims of Little’s crimes and hope that today’s hearing can bring an element of closure on what has been an exhausting pursuit for justice – going back as far as seven years for some of these women.

“Little seemed to think that he could deny his way out of these shocking and serious allegations, and we are pleased that the jury delivered the guilty verdicts and saw through this man’s deceptive lies. He is yet to show any remorse for the gross impact he has had on these women’s lives, which further compounds his offending.

“Little’s acts towards these women were abhorrent, but the common finding during this investigation is how uncomfortable he would tend to make women feel while they were in the shop as his client, and some of the things these women were subjected to hear were completely unacceptable; I hope others who are victims of physical or verbal abuse feel they can contact police and information will be treat with the strictest confidence.”

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

-Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives.  Call us on 0161 273 4500 or email us at help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk

-St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

- Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
 

Police were called just after 8am on Thursday 19 November 2020 after a report of a 39-year-old man attending hospital with a gunshot wound to the foot.

The shooting took place earlier that morning around 5am, near to Cromwell Road in Salford.

Detectives launched an investigation and yesterday (Monday 21 December 2020) officers executed a firearms warrant at an address in Salford and arrested a 35-year-old man on suspicion of section 18 assault, firearm offences and money laundering.

He has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Five further firearms warrants were executed in Salford and Lancashire in relation to the investigation.

Detective Inspector Chris Horsfield, of GMP's Salford CID, said:

Quote

 

"We are treating this very seriously and a team of officers are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident.

"We have made great strides in this investigation, which is thanks to the hard work of our detectives on the case, and the support of officers who helped to execute the warrant.

"However, our work does not stop here, and I would encourage anyone with information about this shooting to get in touch with us as soon as you can, as your information could be vital."

 

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5290 or 101 quoting incident number 552 of 19/11/2020. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Emergency services are currently attending a scene on Liverpool Road in which at least one person is thought to have been injured after a large boom was heard across parts of Salford this morning.

Shortly after 11am this morning (22nd Dec), police fire and ambulance services were seen arriving at a premises on Liverpool Road in Cadishead, a man said to be in his 30's was later rushed to hospital in a serious condition after suffering chemical burns.

A hazardous materials team (HART) are on site and dealing with the situation and an investigation into the incident is underway.

A NWAS spokesperson said:

Quote

 

“We called about an incident 11:07, and we have attended with multiple resources including an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and members of Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).

“We have taken one male patient to hospital.”

 

Greater Manchester Police have released the following statement:

Quote

 

"Officers were called around 11.20am today (Tuesday 22 December 2020) to a report a man had suffered chemical burns at a premises on Liverpool Road, Cadishead.

"Emergency services are in attendance and an investigation is ongoing.

"A man in his 30s has been taken to hospital in a serious condition."

 

Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Services, said:

Quote

 

"At 11.16 this morning, 22nd December 2020, we received a 999 call reporting that a chemical explosion had occurred at an industrial site on Liverpool Road, Irlam.

"Firefighters from Irlam and Cheshire responded immediately and are on the scene currently. One man has been seriously injured and conveyed to hospital by North West Ambulance Service with significant burn injuries.

"Firefighters have rapidly established a cordon and made safe all other structures and hazardous materials on the site and a Hazardous Materials Officer is making an assessment of the scene.

"Greater Manchester Police are at the incident and the Health and Safety Executive have been notified.

 

We will update this article as we know more.

Wheelchair users and pushchair pushers will be able to get closer to nature thanks to improvements to an Eccles nature reserve.

The work at Three Sisters, off Rutland Road, Ellesmere Park, will also improve the home of the creatures which live on site, is being funded by Salford City Council through Section 106 funding which is paid by developers to mitigate the impact of housebuilding.

The work will replace an old jetty over the ponds with a more accessible bankside jetty and pond dipping platform and replace two damaged boardwalks with gravel footpaths which will be more ‘wheel’ friendly. Overgrown vegetation will also be cleared from the ponds and a nearby drainage channel to control the water level and prevent flooding and some of the trees overhanging the ponds will be trimmed to allow more light to reach the water.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said funds for the improvements had come from building new houses in Monton:

Quote

 

“The site is very popular with local school children and volunteers and this will improve access for them as well as for visitors.

“The ponds have breeding populations of frogs and other amphibians as well as some small fish so the work will also improve conditions for them.”

Part of the site, which has the old Roman road from Manchester to Wigan running through it is classified as a site of biological importance.

 

A man who stabbed a woman and threatened to stab others before claiming he was a terrorist in the Arndale Centre last year has been given a hospital order.

Ali Algdaner (08/01/1993), of Talbot Street, Eccles, was sentenced today (Friday 18 December 2020) at Manchester Crown Court (Crown Square) to an indefinite order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

He had previously admitted affray, section 47 assault and communicating false information causing a bomb hoax.

The court heard how Algdaner had entered a restaurant in the centre, as it was beginning to close for the evening, on Friday 18 October 2019.

He made his way to the centre of the restaurant before suddenly grabbing a handful of knives and forks and stabbing a 20-year-old waitress in the back.

Algdaner proceeded to approach other members of staff and remaining customers – all of whom fled the scene unscathed – before he moved on to a restaurant next door and threatened more staff and members of the public.

By the time Algander paced down the mall, a majority of those inside the Arndale had been evacuated, but members of staff - who he had earlier threatened - bravely tried to stop him before police arrival.

Armed officers soon attended the scene and Algander was arrested.

While in police custody, Algander made false admissions that he was a terrorist and that he had planted bombs in the centre; a thorough search of the building ensued and no suspicious items were found.

Algander continued to state he had committed a terrorist attack and was subsequently assessed by mental health specialists before being detained under the Mental Health Act. He has since been remanded in a specialist hospital.

After being charged with affray, section 47 assault and false information causing a bomb hoax, Algander pleaded guilty on Tuesday 24 November 2020 and will now spend an indefinite time in hospital - requiring an assessment before he can be ever considered for release.

Detective Constable Annabel Lewis, of GMP’s City of Manchester Central Division, said:

Quote

“The actions of Ali Algander on that Friday evening last year caused great distress to all those that were targeted and involved in this frightening ordeal.

“While one woman was stabbed during this incident, it is fortunate that Algander’s actions did not result in any further casualties, and this is in-part due to the swift response of staff at the Arndale in evacuating the premises, and the subsequent work from our specialist officers at the scene.

“I would also like to thank the dozen or so witnesses who assisted us with this investigation to ensure that we gathered insurmountable evidence that left this offender with little option but to admit the serious acts he committed that evening.

“It is clear that Algander was, and remains, a danger to the public and we are satisfied that today’s verdict keeps the streets of Manchester a safer place until he is deemed fit enough to return to society.”

Greater Manchester Police have chosen not to release a photo of the man.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted from Manchester.

Carl Phillips (19/9/75) was released from prison in July 2019 after being jailed in February 2017 for burglary.

He has since breached the terms of his license and is now wanted on recall to prison.

Phillips is known to have links to Salford and also has links to Basingstoke and South East London.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Phillips should contact police on 0161 856 5420 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Two consultations on plans to make Salford’s streets quieter, greener and cleaner will be launched this Friday (December 18.)

Residents are being invited to have their say on plans for low traffic areas in central Salford and designs for an ‘active neighbourhood’ in Ordsall as part of Greater Manchester’s Bee Network.

Councillor Mike McCusker, executive support member for planning, housing and sustainable development, said consultation on the Ordsall proposals was held from mid-November last year to the end of January 2020 and received very positive comments, he said.

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“We now want people to have their say on the design proposals and be involved in any changes to their area,

“The idea of an ‘active neighbourhood’ is to slow or remove through traffic in residential areas to encourage more street play, walking, cycling and use of public transport and to make local trips to school or the shops safer. Vehicle access to all homes and for emergency services will be maintained.

“The Bee Network plans in central Salford are also about creating better local connections to shops, schools, medical centres, jobs, parks, public transport and the city centre, quieter streets with cleaner air where children can play and measures to tackle problem parking by commuters.

“It could mean new and improved pedestrian crossings, environmental improvements and new cycle lanes, bike parking and repair stations.

“Funding is not yet guaranteed for either scheme so every comment will help with our business case.”

 

The Ordsall proposals include creating quiet streets at Colman Gardens/Phoebe Street, King William Street, Howard Street and part of Hulton Street which would mean new and improved pedestrian crossings particularly near schools, wider footpaths, tree planting, seating, cycle parking and sustainable drainage systems.

The mini roundabout at Phoebe Street would be replaced with a four-way junction and a bus gate added to Robert Hall Street to filter through traffic.

Salford City Council is working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on both sets of plans and will ask for funding from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).

The consultations run from Friday 18 December 2020 to Friday 22 January 2021, and people can leave as many comments as they wish online via Commonplace at https://ordsallfilteredneighbourhood.commonplace.is or https://citycentrebeenetwork.commonplace.is

Both projects along with other walking and cycling schemes are listed on  www.salford.gov.uk/mcf where comments can be left.

Anyone without internet access can or phone 0161 686 6286 or write to

FAO Ordsall Active Neighbourhood or FAO Bee Network

Salford City Council, Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, Salford M27 5FJ and plans will be sent to them for comment.

An industrial-sized unit containing a large amount cannabis plants has been uncovered by officers in Salford.

Officers were called just after 11pm last night (16 December 2020) to a report of three men acting suspiciously at an industrial unit on John Street.

On attendance, one man made off from the scene in a vehicle and following a short pursuit, officers arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of burglary in east Manchester. Two more men, 20 and 22, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of burglary. Two of the men have been released under investigation pending further enquiries and one remains in custody.

When officers arrived at the premises, a large industrial unit was found fully stocked with a large number of cannabis plants in multiple rooms. A sophisticated filtration system and a large amount of fertiliser was also uncovered.

A 28-year-old man was found by officers in the property and arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis. He remains in custody at this time.

Inspector Eamon McManus, of GMP's Salford district, said:

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"This is a significant find and fantastic work by our officers who managed to detain all those believed to be involved.

"The property is in the process of being made safe and due to the scale of the find, officers may remain at the scene for a day or two.

"We will continue to bring offenders who blight our communities with drugs to justice. Anyone with any concerns or has any information about drugs in their area can call 101.

"Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."