Salford was once a place of forests of tree’s, tranquil village lanes and rolling fields. It boasted wildlife in abundances which we will most likely never see again.

Sadly, things change and the cost of what we humans call progress is often paid by the environment and wildlife which inhabits it. Every day, more of that greenery is lost to development and the price is paid by our native species who increasingly come under pressure.

In the past, our City has seen some of the worst pollution in the country due to its industrial heritage and as our population has grown we have expanded our human domain further into natures territory. 

As a result our greenbelt land has become increasingly under even more pressure at a time in which we are constantly told that we need to do all we can to prevent an impending natural disaster from global warming.

In more recent years we have seen Salford Council make a huge push to create a healthier, cleaner, greener environment and as part of that push we have been lucky enough to see the creation of an amazing dual function wetlands in Kersal which not only acts as a much needed flood defence system but also as a home to countless numbers and species of water-fowl.

Just recently City Mayor, Paul Dennett took to Twitter with great delight to show a photo of an Otter happily taking a dip in the once heavily polluted River Irwell. It shows just how far our once Dirty Old Town has come and how things have changed. That change has come via the hard work and efforts of many people.

Things have changed because the attitude of both council and people has changed.

We now have a dedicated local wildlife champion in Cadishead Councillor, Lewis Nelson, who over the years has relentlessly fought to protect the greenbelt of Salford, even when it has put him at odds at times with members of his own party members.

More recently, Eccles Councillors along with MP for Salford and Eccles, Rebecca Long-Bailey, were instrumental in stopping plans for a septic tank on a patch of land at the three sister’s nature reserve in Elsmere Park.

Salford Council and the R.A.I.D. group led by Councillor Karen Garrido, were successful in fighting Peel Land and Property through the courts, finally putting an end their plans to build homes on fields in the area which would have brought huge impacts to the local roads and schools, not to mention even more destruction of the green spaces which we love so much.

There is always far more to do but when you look back at where we have come from, the difference is staggering.

Our rivers teem with fish, our marshland plays host to both native bird species as well as those from across Europe and beyond, our local woodland home to huge populations of squirrels, rabbits and all manner of other woodland creatures.

A far cry from the dirty smoke-filled days of our industrial past.

Without a doubt, Salford is a much cleaner place to live and during the dark months of the Covid-19 pandemic they have played an equally vital role as being a place where local people can visit whilst maintaining their social distance, which has gone a long way to help maintain the mental health of many a Salford resident.

So it is understandable that when it was recently revealed that the RHS Bridgewater has undertaken the culling of a number of Salford’s much coveted local deer population to limit potential damage to the plants, shrubs and tree’s on their 156 Acre site in Worsley, the local community was not too pleased to hear the news.

It is understood that Councillor Lewis Nelson and Darren Ward confronted the RHS, raising concerns over the situation, which forced their hand in making a statement about it on their social media groups.

In a release on their Facebook page, the RHS state that they could not herd, net or relocate them due to Covid-19 pandemic and the large number of people required to undertake the operation, so instead, the only other viable option was to ‘humanely’ cull what they claim to be a very small number of the animals which occupied the space outside of the deer enclosure.

The statement in full is as follows:

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Many thanks to everyone who got in touch with us today about the management of roe deer on the RHS Bridgewater site.

RHS Garden Bridgewater worked with wildlife experts to assess the impact of the local roe deer population. To limit the significant potential damage to plants, shrubs and trees, a secure deer-proof fence has been installed around the perimeter of the garden and an internal fence has been erected to create a large deer enclosure in the North East quadrant of the site.

A small population of deer remain within the deer enclosure and there is a plan to safely relocate them at a future date to another location. However, a very small number of deer have occupied the space outside the deer enclosure and due to the current COVID-19 restrictions it was not possible to herd, net and relocate them due to the large number of people required for such an exercise. Professional advice was sought, and sadly humane culling was the only viable option to control this small group. This was completed in as humane a way as possible by a fully accredited veterinary surgeon and consultant in the health, welfare and management of deer, licenced through Natural England, during the statutory open season for roe deer.

We were really sorry to have to make this difficult decision, but we understand that proactive herd management, including humane culling by rifle, is essential to maintain healthy herd sizes. Roe deer are not a protected species and without any natural predators their population has dramatically increased in recent years; reaching levels where they seriously threaten the habitats other species depend on, causing damage to the health and resilience of gardens and woodlands and placing additional pressure on the health of existing herds.

 

The statement was met with unprecedented condemnation by commenters to their Facebook page, with many pledging never to visit the RHS site when it opens its doors in 2021, others calling for protests with banners outside when they open.

Within half an hour, a petition was set up which has already gained over 2100 signatures at the time of writing.

Petition · Salford City Council, RHS, RSPCA, : Stop the RHS Bridgewater from further culling of roe deer at their site · Change.org

Local councillors joined in by venting their own anger at what had happened.

Walkden South Councillor, Richard Critchley posted:

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“What an awful thing to do.

“Blaming COVID-19 seems like a poor excuse.

“This should never have happened.”

 

Whilst branch secretary of Salford Unison, Stephen North said:

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“Why should these animals (who even have a local village named after them) be sacrificed for a sanitised, prettified version of nature?

“Protect our wild spaces and protect our wildlife.”

 

The cities Conservative councillors also waded in on the issue with a scathing press release condemning the culling of which they say they had no notification was to take place.

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“Following complaints by local residents that deer were being killed by the RHS, local Councillor Darren Ward visited the gardens and spoke to the General Manager Richard Green, who confirmed that culling of Roe Deer had taken place by shooting. This shooting was carried out even though he had previously confirmed in discussions in 2018 that the deer were being relocated.

“At no time were local Councillors advised of the shooting. Had they been told they would have used all their influence to prevent it from happening.

“Councillor Karen Garrido said she was appalled that these deer were killed purely to prevent them damaging plants, trees and shrubs she went on to say that surely there must be a better way of managing these prestigious gardens.

“Councillor Les Turner said that if the RHS wish to have a genuine good relationship with our communities they need to demonstrate it and killing deer is not the way to do this.

“Councillor Bob Clarke said he was astonished that our local wildlife was being decimated by a supposedly prestigious charity who have the patronage of HM The Queen who I am sure would be devastated to hear this news.

“Councillor Jillian Collinson called it a disgrace.

“Councillor Darren Ward has spent a considerable amount of time ascertaining what had happened and complaining vehemently to the RHS that this was a totally inhumane action.

“Councillor Robin Garrido is urging everyone to sign the online petition which will then be submitted to Salford Council. He went on to say that at the first opportunity he, together with his colleagues would be raising this matter with the Council to ascertain what action can be taken and how the deer and other wildlife can be better protected in the future.”

 

Salford Mayor and our Wildlife Champion Lewis Nelson, jointly issued a statement this morning.

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"It has come to our attention that RHS Bridgewater have undertaken a cull of roe deer population which had taken residence outside of the deer enclosure. This news has caused understandable distress amongst the general public - and we will be contacting RHS Bridgewater as soon as possible to clarify the situation.

"RHS Bridgewater have previously committed to safeguarding the Roe Deer population in and around their site, with physical barriers to protect the flora and fauna within the gardens, and when absolutely necessary by relocation. In this instance COVID-19 restrictions have been cited as their reason for not pursuing relocation - we will be investigating this reason with RHS Bridgewater as soon as possible.

"In Salford, we see wildlife as our neighbours. We see it as our shared duty to coexist with our wildlife, and we are proud to have such diverse and breath-taking creatures in all corners of Salford. From the recently spotted otter in the Irwell, to birds of prey in Broughton, to the roe deer that can be seen in their majestic and shy beauty in Worsley. This Council has poured huge amounts of investment into our green spaces and green infrastructure over the past few years - and bringing wildlife back to our once industrial city has been no small part of our objective.

"The RHS Gardens have the potential to hugely increase the biodiversity of this city - but the existing populations of wildlife must always be respected."

 

Our city is heavily populated, and yes it is true that it still has its problems and there is much more to do, the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework has both councillors and public divided over its impact, but one thing is blatantly clear, in Salford we cherish what wildlife we have.

Our own Salford Online Facebook page is evident of that as each day our members help us to showcase it and in these times of pandemics and social distancing it has never been appreciated more.

From videos of friendly foxes playing with dogs in back gardens, to photos of Bartons now native colourful green Parakeets, to the bushy tailed Squirrels that live in the trees throughout our city. Wildlife has a home in Salford and it deserves to be protected.

Our group and countless others are filled daily with Salford’s much-loved nature, we surround ourselves with it whenever we can, and although some of us have gardens of our own, it is surrounded by nature and the wild things that we feel at our best.

For the RHS these deer shootings may have been seen as a solution but for many in Salford that solution was unpalatable.

Some on social media have stated that culling in this way is part of population control and the RHS itself states that it has been done to protect the plants and fauna, but it should be remembered that those deer have lived peacefully on the site they now occupy for centuries with the name of their species embedded in the name of the area known as Roe Green.

Salford is an urban city and our local council and rangers have done an amazing job of helping to reinstate a little of that nature for us all to enjoy.

As one Facebook commenter said, "Why are they destroying our native wildlife and an established eco system to make way for a fabricated pay to view fake version of nature filled with none native plant species?"

Floods of similar comments filled social media condemning the actions, with countless commenters pledging to boycott the gardens before it ever opens its doors to the public.

These deer are a reminder that the true natural beauty of our City still clings on, a hark to its past and a symbol of its rise as a green and pleasant place to live once more.

And so, the reaction from a nature loving public was predictable, they felt like a shot had been fired at them too and they are now responding in that unique way that Salfordians do when they come under fire. They stand up, dust themselves off and fight back harder.

If the RHS learns one lesson from this it should be, never underestimate the collective power of the people of Salford, they can make you and just as easily break you should they feel the need.

As part of the opening of the RHS, salford.media was planning on running a series of features to welcome the RHS into Salford and to showcase the site, however, under the current circumstances we feel that in all good faith we can no longer do that. 

Additionally we have removed any previous promotional materials and articles from our pages in protest.

Instead, we have decided that in the coming weeks we intend to run a series of short videos and articles to showcase the true natural beauty of our City, from its urban landscapes to its parks and woodlands.

A FREE gift of nature to us all to get out and explore.

The deer and other wildlife in Salford can not speak but whilst we can use our voices, we will speak for them.

Salford City Council has confirmed that the small-scale trial of Direct LAMP saliva testing has ended and that it is now one of 93 areas which have signed up to roll out locally led testing using lateral flow technology. Thousands of these lateral flow tests will be made available to detect COVID-19 in asymptomatic people in Salford. 

Since September the cases of COVID-19 increased rapidly within Salford and across the region as well as nationwide, meaning that Salford City Council has focused resources on managing outbreaks and containment of the virus.  

Lateral flow antigen tests are a new kind of technology that can be used to test a high proportion of asymptomatic people, better enabling local authorities to identify and isolate more people who are infectious and at high likelihood of spreading the virus. Swabbing and processing of these tests is conducted on-site by trained staff – making it more suited to targeted and more widely available community testing. The use of Lateral Flow testing is being explored by all Greater Manchester authorities working together where appropriate.  

Salford has remained committed to increasing community testing to reduce transmission of the virus for the future. The Department of Health and Social Care has expressed thanks to Salford City Council for being early adopters of one of NHS Test and Trace’s mass testing pilots. The small-scale saliva testing pilot work in Salford increased understanding of the use of direct LAMP in asymptomatic testing. 

City Mayor Paul Dennett said

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“The aim of our trial in Salford was to see if – and how – saliva tests could practically work for mass COVID-19 testing in the community. They were well received as an easy non-invasive test.  All of those who took part can be assured that their saliva was tested with both Direct LAMP and PCR technology, making the results reliable. 

“Unfortunately, timing wasn’t with us for extending this pilot as testing technologies and rates of COVID-19 continued to move after the original discussions with the Department for Health and Social Care. We are now working to bring Lateral Flow testing to the city and city-region in order to provide testing in our communities. 

“We accept that testing technology that is more mobile with quick results, used alongside PCR testing technology will be better suited to use in a community setting, providing the potential for regular, repeat testing of asymptomatic individuals. 

“We remain committed to increasing COVID-19 testing in the city to contain the virus so we can resume the activities our communities hold dear. As part of this commitment we hope that Greater Manchester, as a whole, will be rolling out Lateral Flow testing to the public in line with the findings and learning from Liverpool’s recent experiences.”

 

Further weapons found in Salford sweep after a spate of shootings across the city in recent weeks.

Officers from GMP’s dedicated operation into tackling serious and organised crime in Salford were in Higher Broughton yesterday in the fifth of a series of action days aimed at disrupting criminal activity in the district.

The action on Thursday (27 November 2020) saw officers recover three weapons - namely a shot gun, a revolver and an imitation firearm. All the items have been taken for forensic examination.

This adds to previous finds in Lower Kersal a week ago (Friday 20 November) where a shot gun cartridge and 11 9mm bullets were found, and in Weaste earlier this month where approximately four kilograms of Class A drugs and 30 unspent shot gun cartridges, which have been submitted for forensic evidence for ongoing investigations as part of GMP’s dedicated Operation Naseby.

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

Since the inception of the disruption hub, there have been 134 arrests, 126 vehicles recovered, and 51 house searches.

Meanwhile three men who were arrested yesterday over road-rage shooting in Kersal, have been released under investigation.

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

Photo: Police search for hidden weapons in Kersal as part of Operation Naseby.

Patrick Brennan, 73, sadly passed away at his home on Hunterston Avenue, Eccles on Wednesday 18th November 2020.

Police say that there are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone  who has any information about Patrick Brennan's next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.

Three men were arrested in Lower Kersal earlier today (Thursday 26 November 2020) after morning warrants as part of an investigation into the shooting of a man last week.

The men - aged 35, 33 and 28 - are being held in custody on suspicion of attempted murder.

The action comes after a man was shot in the hand during what is believed to be a road-rage incident on Littleton Road in Salford on Tuesday 17 November.

A 38-year-old man self-presented to hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand at around 7.20pm that evening and was discharged following treatment the next day.

Detectives have been thoroughly investigating the circumstances behind the incident, which is understood to have occurred after a dispute between two vehicles.

One of the vehicles believed to have been involved was found burnt-out on nearby Whit Lane and recovered in evidence.

The incident is not believed to be linked to two other firearm discharges that occurred that same week - on Anson Street on Saturday 14 November, and near Cromwell Road on Thursday 19 November.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing into those incidents.

There has been an increase in high-visibility patrols in response to the incidents and the public are, as ever, encouraged to speak to them with any concerns they may have, with the knowledge information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Officers from GMP’s dedicated operation into tackling serious and organised crime in Salford were in Kersal last Friday (20 November) in the fourth of a series of action days aimed at disrupting criminal activity in the district.

A shotgun cartridge and 11 9mm bullets were recovered during the search and are still being forensically examined.

Detective Inspector Tom Willis, of GMP's Salford division, said:

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"We have been working tirelessly on this investigation since it was first reported to us and we have made some really positive strides as part of our enquiries into this random and senseless attack.

"The victim on Littleton Road was an innocent member of the public and was very lucky not to have encountered more serious injuries; we wish him well as he continues with his recovery.

"While we have made three arrests, our investigation continues and we urge the public to contact us - or Crimestoppers - with any information they may have so we can catch those responsible and bring them to justice."

 

If you have any information please call police directly on 0161 856 3777. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Broken hearts and mended hearts with messages of hope are being shared across Salford to encourage men and women experiencing domestic abuse to seek help.

The campaign, which will run on social media, signposts people to organisations which can help them and also shares messages from real survivors.

Each one has spoken directly from the heart to anyone experiencing domestic abuse, reassuring them that they will be believed and helped if they speak up and showing it is possible to go on to enjoy a new life.

The messages are part of a global campaign, 16 Days of Action, to raise awareness of the issue and the range of help available. The campaign says 25 per cent of women and 16 per cent of men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes.

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

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“Domestic abuse affects both men or women and sadly, happens in every community and every neighbourhood.

“If your partner is controlling who you see, where you go and what you do, checking every move or phone message you make, taking charge of your money or isolating you from family and friends, that’s domestic abuse.

“If they are constantly criticising you, threatening you or using actual physical violence, that is also domestic abuse. No-one should have to live in fear and misery and this campaign aims to show people can break away because the help is out there.”

 

A spokeswoman for Salford Independent Domestic Advice Service (SIDASS) said:

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“It does take courage to tell someone about what’s going on but the relief of being listened to and believed is incredible. Once they have opened up we and other organisations can work with them to decide what they want to do.

“We work with both men and women and I have so much love and respect for all survivors who overcome the most horrendous circumstances. I have seen so many of them move on to have safe and happy lives and I hope this campaign helps others to speak up and get the help they need.”

 

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and want to speak to someone about it you can contact the 24/7 national helpline (which also has translators for people whose first language is not English) on 0808 2000 247 or see www.salford.gov.uk/domesticabuse

Happy Christmas from The Lowry: Arts centre to live-stream performance of The Gruffalo to EVERY primary school in Salford

The Lowry in Salford has announced plans to live-stream a performance of Tall Stories’ hit show The Gruffalo into every primary school in the city. 

The performance, which will take place at 1.30pm on Friday, 11 December, will be available free of charge to all 99 primary schools in the city.

The first 50 schools to register for the special broadcast will also receive £50 worth of art supplies for their school as a gift from Alison & Noel Copley, patrons of the art centre’s Copley Prize for children.

Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry, said: “COVID-19 has caused untold disruption to the academic year and the wellbeing of millions of children– not least of all the opportunity for children to come together to experience live theatre.

“Had it not been for the pandemic, we would have expected to welcome some 15,000 children to our building this year – visiting one of our theatres, galleries or taking part in our Learning programme.

“By live-streaming this performance exclusively to Salford primary schools, free of charge, we hope to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to more than 10,000 children across Salford.”

The Lowry worked with Salford City Council to contact all primary schools in the city. Any schools wishing to discuss the broadcast should contact: GetCreative@thelowry.com

The Gruffalo had been scheduled to run on The Lowry’s Lyric Theatre stage from Friday, 12 December to Sunday, 10 January, but has been forced online in light of the impracticalities of widespread touring during the pandemic.

The Lowry is currently closed in-line with the national lockdown. Live performances are due to resume on Friday, 4 December and the galleries are due to re-open (weekends only) from Saturday, 5 December. 

Both dates are dependent on the Government announcement on Thursday (26 Nov) of regional tiers and what level will be applied to Greater Manchester.

Homeowners and landlords have two chances to turn their home green with new grants available

The local authority Green Homes grant allows homeowners who earn less than £30,000 and whose home is energy inefficient to apply for grants of up to £10,000.

The scheme is also open to residential landlords to apply for grants of up to £5,000.

The grant can be used for low carbon heating measures such as air source heat pumps as well as different types of insulation.

The local authority scheme is delivered in partnership with E.ON which will source all installers to carry out the work.

The national Green Homes grant scheme is also open to homeowners or residential landlords and offers a voucher to cover two thirds of the cost of installing energy efficient home improvements up to a maximum government contribution of £5,000.

If someone in the household receives certain benefits, they may be eligible for a voucher covering 100% of the cost of the improvements up to a maximum of £10,000. Landlords are not eligible for low income support.

Costs that are covered by the national scheme include labour, materials and VAT. Those applying must find their own installers and meet certain criteria.

If eligible, the national scheme covers energy efficient measures, such as:

•           External wall insulation

•           Air source heat pumps (low carbon heating)

•           Door improvements

•           Smart heating controls

•           Cavity insulation

•           Loft insulation

All improvements under both schemes must be completed by 31 March 2021 and full details are available at www.salford.gov.uk/warmsalford along with information about other available support.

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

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“This is a great opportunity for people to improve their home comforts, save money on energy bills and help cut Salford’s carbon footprint.”

Officers in Eccles are currently out looking for a missing person.

Faaiza ASHAR described as an Asian female, 52 years old, about 5'6, of large build with short blonde hair.

She was last known to be wearing a pink / peach scarf as well as a cardigan, the female was last seen on foot around Milton Street, Eccles. Its unknown if she is still wearing her glasses or not.

If you see her call 101 and quote log 1166/24112020

Updated: Police have brought an end to this incident after over more than seven hours of negotiations with a man for which they had concerns for welfare, who had locked himself inside a house.

Police say that at around 2pm today (Monday 23 November 2020), they were called to a report of concern for welfare of a man on Westminster Street in Swinton. 

As a precaution the surrounding roads and cemetery have been closed off to the public whilst police deal with the incident.

Northwest Ambulance Service deployed a rapid response vehicle and an ambulance along with members from its Hazardous Materials Response Team (HART) to the area.

It is understood that Police are currently locked in a standoff with a male who is threatening to jump from the window of a property on the road.

GMP have released a statement, saying:

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"At around 2pm today (Monday 23 November 2020), police were called to a report of concern for welfare of a man on Westminster Street in Swinton.

"Emergency services attended and the street has been cordoned off as a precaution."

 

The forces helicopter was seen hovering overhead and members of the public reported armed officers making a visible presence at the scene which remains taped off this evening.

Residents in the area are being denied access to their homes and being advised to seek alternative accommodation until the incident is dealt with.

Details are still hazy but we hope to have more information soon.

If you are travelling through Irlam and Cadishead this evening, you should be aware that there has been a serious road traffic collision on Liverpool road close to the Leisure Centre which has resulted in the road being closed by emergency services as they deal with the incident.

A stretch of Liverpool Road is closed between Lathom Road and Victoria Road.

We are told that the incident thought to have involved 3 vehicles happened shortly after 5:20pm.

It is being reported that traffic is being diverted along Cadishead Way (A57) and Fairhills Road.

Additionally bus service provider 'Go North West' have diverted the number 67 and 100 busses.

Please avoid the area if you can for the time being as delays are expected and at present it is unclear how long the road will be closed for.

Earlier this morning (21st November) there was another report of a another vehicle being involved in a collision with a stationary van close to the current scene. The occupants of the vehicle fled the scene before emergency services arrived.

We are trying to obtain more information and will update accordingly.

A horrific vehicle collision in Irlam overnight has left a wake of destruction behind as two women occupants said to be responsible fled the scene on foot towards Glenmuir Close.

Local 'Core Party' councillor, Darren Goulden, told of how he had been awoken at around 1am in the early hours of this morning (Saturday 21st of November), to what he describes as carnage outside of the 'Cakes by P' shop on Liverpool Road which he owns with his wife.

It would appear that a silver Honda estate car collided with his next door neighbours work van, with the resulting impact being so forceful that it shunted the van into the neighbouring garden, damaging a wall and another two other vehicles in the process.

It is unbelievable that the occupants were able to free themselves from the wreckage and flee the scene as the impact was so energetic that it sent the traffic calming sign on the street flying over a quarter of a mile along the road and the badge from the silver Honda was found in the BACK garden of the house.

Councillor Goulden said that it is a miracle that no one has been killed, adding that anyone with information or CCTV footage should contact the police.

Officers are currently on scene and investigating the collision, this morning.

If you can help with CCTV footage or were witness to the incident or saw the two women leaving the scene then please get in touch with GMP via 101.

Photos: Barry Briggs

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the family of a man from Eccles.

Frederick Harris, 80, passed away at his home address on Rydal Avenue in Eccles on Monday 16 November 2020.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

If anyone has any information about Frederick’s next of kin they should contact the Bolton Police Coroner’s Office on 0161 856 4687.

Police are currently appealing for the public’s help to trace a wanted man from Salford.

Dean Mark Parker (23/02/1986) was released from prison in September 2020 after being jailed for two years in 2019 for breach of a restraining order.

He has failed to abide by the terms of his licence and is now  wanted by the police.

Parker is known to have links to the Stockport area of Greater Manchester as well as Eccles and Salford.

Anybody with information regarding the whereabouts of Parker should contact the police on 0161 856 5238 independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Gardening club volunteers have been thanked for brightening up two Salford locations.

The Peel Park volunteers recently completed a course in sustainable urban planting and, as part of their coursework, were asked to design and plan a number of flower beds.

Four of the circular beds in the quatrefoil shaped planting areas at Peel Park’s historic core and two empty L shaped flower beds outside Salford Civic Centre in Swinton were chosen.

Volunteers were asked to submit two linked designs to fill the circles and one for the Civic Centre using all year-round colour from perennial herbaceous and bee-friendly plants. The inner circle is filled with annual bedding plants as in Victorian times.

Salford City Council staff chose designs from Jamie Turner and Wendy Kelly and a joint design between Laura Clavin and Jamie Turner and gave feedback to the volunteers.

The volunteers have also been funded to do other training courses including Level One City and Guilds practical horticultural certificates thanks to the Heritage Lottery funding for Peel Park

Jamie, who hopes to work in wildlife conservation, joined the club earlier this year to get hands on experience.

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“I always loved gardening and never had the chance to expand my knowledge until I joined the Peel Park Gardening club. I was eager to see what I could come up with when asked to design a flower bed for the Civic Centre,” he said.

“It is a real honour to say that I contributed to making a central hub of a community look a little bit more colourful and interesting and great for bees. I have enjoyed the courses and experiences so much that I am even considering going into a horticulturally based career.”

 

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said the original design for the park was chosen from a competition won by Joshua Major and son, landscape gardeners from Leeds.

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“Our volunteers do a fantastic job helping our staff to maintain and enhance Salford’s parks and green spaces which have been appreciated even more this year,” 

Police are currently responding to an incident on Cromwell Road close to the Shell petrol station this afternoon after reports of another shooting in Salford.

Officers were called after a 39-year-old man self reported to hospital with a gunshot wound to his foot, echoing a similar incident which happened just days ago on nearby Littleton Road, when a man also self reported with a gunshot wound to his hand.

However, police are saying that both incidents are not being considered as being linked.

The area around the garage has been taped off and Cromwell Road is closed in both directions as search teams scour the area, although the garage itself is still open to the public on foot.

A spokesman for GMP said:

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"Police were called just after 8am this morning (Thursday 19th November) to a report of a 39-year-old man reporting to hospital with a gunshot wound to the foot.

"Enquiries are ongoing but this is not believed to be linked to any other incidents at this time.

"No arrests have been made."

 

This makes this now the third shooting incident in Salford within a week after shots were fired at a 20-year-old cyclist in Winton.

Photo: Rob Siddall

Police were called at around 7.20pm on the evening of Tuesday 17 November 2020 after reports of a firearms discharge which resulted in a 38-year-old man self-presenting at hospital with a gunshot wound to his hand. 

The man has since been discharged from hospital after it was determined his injuries were non life threatening.

An investigation is currently underway and police have established a scene on Littleton Road, Salford.

The road is closed between Hillside Avenue and South Mesnefield Road, diversions are in place.

So far there have been no arrests made and enquiries are ongoing. 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3777, quoting incident number 2484 of 17/11/2020. 

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Photo: AndyAP

One of Salford's most iconic buildings is under threat of closure unless a dramatic reversal of fortunes can be found.

St Luke’s with All Saints, Weaste is affectionately known as the ‘the church on the hill’. Designed in 1865 by the renowned Victorian architect George Gilbert Scott, it takes an historic role in the Manchester suffragette movement with Emmeline Pankhurst (nee Goulden) marrying Richard Parkhurst at the church in 1879.

The grade II listed building was placed onto the Historic England ‘at risk’ register in 2018 but this has been exacerbated by the Covid 19 pandemic, meaning that this Christmas could be the last for St Luke’s.

The Team Rector, Reverend Daniel Burton and Team Vicar, Reverend Charlie Gorton have issued the following statement

At St Luke's Church, Weaste we have faced a number of challenges over the last decade, but the Covid19 Pandemic has been by far our most serious, cutting off essential income from parish hall lettings. With no certainty about when normal activities can resume, 2021 may well be the last year for St Luke's unless new sources of income and community support can be found. Without serious intervention, we shall run out of money by next Easter.

Please help us develop a sustainable future by supporting our campaign and following us on social media at St Luke's CE Church #savestlukes #churchonthehill

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXcjZTHzuQc&ab_channel=salfordmedia

Police officers were called at 8.15pm this evening (Saturday 14 November 2020), after a report of a firearm having been discharged on Anson Street in Winton, Eccles.

Officers remain in attendance this evening and initial inquiries suggest that a man on a bike was shot at by an occupant in a passing vehicle.

The surroundings streets have been cordoned off as police forensics scour the scene.

Police say that a 20-year-old man has been taken to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life threatening.

So far no arrests have been made and enquiries are still ongoing. 

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident number 2676 of 14/11/2020. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Two members of a Salford organised crime group have been sentenced for conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm. 

In 2015, there were a number of incidents as a result of a dispute between two Salford organised crime groups who called themselves the 'A Team' and 'Anti-A Team'. The incidents were all investigated as part of 'Operation Leopard', led by detectives from GMP's Major Incident Team.

These sentences are the culmination of Operation Leopard: Phase Three. Under phases One and Two, 11 members of organised crime groups were jailed in connection with linked incidents including the murders of Paul Massey and John Kinsella and the shootings of seven-year-old Christian Hickey Junior and his mother, Jayne.

The first incident investigated as part of Operation Leopard: Phase Three happened on Wednesday 18 February 2015 on Doveleys Road. Three men were in a parked car when three shots were fired - at point blank range - into the driver's door. Police later found a hidden tracker on the Mercedes.

The second happened on Friday 21 March 2015 on Brattice Drive. Two other men were near one of their cars when they were attacked with a machete and a baseball bat. One of them was seriously injured and could have been killed if it was not for an off duty nurse who administered first aid. Police later found a hidden tracker on the Volkswagen.

The jury was told how both incidents were planned ambushes of members of the A Team by members of the Anti-A Team. 

Key to the investigations were the forensic examinations of the trackers found on the vehicles - the DNA of Aaron Parkin (08/12/1987), of HMP Manchester, was found on one of the devices.

Telephone analysis also linked Parkin to the purchase, deployment and monitoring of both devices.

CCTV from Parkin's home showed Mark Fellows (05/09/1980), of HMP Wakefield, was there when a tracker was monitored in the lead up to one of the incidents. 

Following a six week trial, a jury found Fellows guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm in connection with the second incident. Parkin previously pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm in connection with both incidents. 

Today (Friday 13 November 2020), a judge at Manchester Crown Court sentenced Fellows to life with a minimum term of nine years and Parkin to 14 years.

Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, Senior Investigating Officer for Operation Leopard, said:

Quote

"The men, convicted under the three phases of Operation Leopard, were from both sides of the dispute but had something in common - violent, dangerous behaviour and disregard for the safety of the public as well as the law. I hope that this case has demonstrated that no one is untouchable - even organised criminals, who - naively - believe they are.

"Today's result is of great significance to communities in Salford, many of which have been blighted by violent incidents over the years. GMP will not tolerate this and I would like to reiterate our commitment to fighting organised crime across all 10 boroughs.

"Operation Leopard has been complex and, at times, placed unprecedented demand on the investigation team - OCGs rely heavily on a "No Grass" culture which they try to enforce by putting people in fear of violence. The investigation has not only focussed on gathering evidence but also on protecting individuals who we felt were particularly at risk. A tremendous amount of this work was completed by the Salford district's safeguarding team - to put that in to context, they safeguarded more than 300 adults. I proudly commend them for their dedication.

"Finally, I would like to use this opportunity to say thank you to everyone who has helped us with Operation Leopard. As well as colleagues from GMP, this includes Salford Council; the Crown Prosecution Service; and both HMP Manchester and Wakefield. Most importantly, courageous members of the public who came forward and provided vital evidence - to date, they have enabled us to prosecute and secure the convictions of 12 dangerous criminals."