Emergency services were called at around 6:20am this morning (Tuesday 10th November) after reports of a house fire at a property on Liverpool Street.

The fire was quickly extinguished by firefighters but sadly the body of a man believed to be in his 80's was found at the scene.

A forensics team remains at the property and police have now launched an investigation into how the fire started.

An area between Horsham Street and Milford Street was taped off and Liverpool Street was temporarily closed but is now partly passable.

A spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said:
 

Quote

 

"Police were called by the fire service to a report of a fire breaking out at a property on Liverpool Street, Salford at around 6.20am this morning (Tuesday 10 November 2020).

"Emergency services attended and sadly found the body of a man believed to be in his 80s.
"A scene remains in place at the property.

"Enquiries into the cause of the fire remain ongoing."

 

I was delighted to receive a book this week by local author, Alan J Denny, entitled, Tommy's Story which is a real Boys Own Adventure story and  the beauty for me is that it's all true and our hero, Tommy is a Salford lad.

It is a book that came about from stories that Alan was told as a child by his Mother, he was so fired by these tales that he took it on himself to speak to Tommy and record his memories for posterity and what a story it is.

Tommy was born in the Lower Broughton area of Salford in 1915, a child born into hardship but a loving family which is richly chronicled and is worthy of a book in itself.

Like so many young men in Salford when war was declared he was keen to enlist aged 24 with a young wife at home. after the phoney war period he found himself on a troop ship heading for North Africa and this is where this, gripping tale, starts.

He finds himself in combat in the Libyan Desert with the 7th Armoured Division taking on the might of the Italian and German Army at Benghazi and Tobruk, the attention to detail is meticulous when it comes to describing the vehicles, guns, machinery used and no punches are pulled either when we get to the combat scenes.

I feel that I shouldn't give too much away here, let us just say that Tommy is taken as a P.O.W and incarcerated in Tripoli but the story doesn't end there, far from it and if this was a work of fiction you wouldn't believe it..

Adventure upon adventure follow with bizarre twists and turns and at times, I burst out laughing at his escapades, an amazing man.

I would urge you to read this book, it is not only a book for the connoisseur of WW2 literature, but a well crafted and researched piece of work, and so obviously written with love and affection, not just a war story but also a in depth look at the man.

All credit to Alan for what is a splendid and thoroughly enjoyable read, first class and a worthy addition to any book shelf.

The book is available online through Waterstones, and Amazon in both paperback and e-book format, the price fluctuates from site but is usually £8.99.

Or it can be purchased direct from Alan for £7.99 + PP and he will sign and dedicate the book for you if required.

tommysstory96@yahoo.com or visit 

https://www.facebook.com/Tommys-story-877110135798925/about/

Despite adverse weather conditions and repeated warnings about mass gatherings with the covid pandemic, it was certain that the people would turn out to pay their respects at Eccles War Memorial today.

Several hundred attended the muted service to lay wreaths, poppies and individual messages of support for the fallen.

Wreaths were laid by The Merchant Navy Association, Eccles Labour Party, British Legion, Royal Air Force, Boy Scouts and others.

A two minute silence was respectfully observed, whilst the poem, For The Fallen by Laurence Binyon was read out with the immortal line, "We will remember them.

The crowd was once again of all ages with children laying crosses and poppies, local motorcycle groups once again attended with flags flying from their bikes and were roundly applauded as they drove away.

A sad day, but heartening to see people attending and lets be honest, they were not going to stay away as other Remembrance Sunday services in Salford testified.

Young people in Salford are looking to the future as the city celebrates National Youth Work week (November 2 to November 8.)

Salford City Council’s youth service, which works with more than 400 young people each week, will be running projects on the skills employers are looking for such as communication and team-work and staying positive and being hopeful as part of the week’s celebrations.

The team has had to move much of its work online because of the pandemic but has continued to work with more than 400 young people every week.

The work ranges from fun activities to help young people develop self-confidence and learn new skills, through art, music, sport and projects such as learning to refurbish bikes to supporting them with school attendance and behaviour difficulties or involvement in anti-social behaviour or crime.

Youth workers also support young mums and dads and young people who are LGBTQ and have helped young people give back to their communities during the pandemic by assisting food banks, delivering food parcels and promoting acts of kindness. They also support the Youth MP, Youth Mayor and Youth Council which campaign for action on issues which matter to young people.

Deputy City Mayor Councillor John Merry said:

Quote

“It has been a tough year for young people, but our youth service has done incredible work in supporting them in a range of different ways. I’m very proud of them.”

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A man and woman have been given £10,000 fixed penalty notices after officers closed down a wedding party in Salford and a house party in Bolton.

At around 7.45pm last night (Tuesday 3 November 2020) police were called to a report of a large gathering at a warehouse on Great Clowes Street, Salford.

Officers arrived and dispersed a group of around 200 people who were attending an organised wedding party which had catering, musicians, a MC and sound equipment. Screens had also been put up in an attempt to prevent the event being seen from outside.

Following the dispersal of this wedding party, a man, believed to be the organiser, was issued with a £10,000 fine for the breach of coronavirus legislation.

The previous night (Monday 2 November 2020) at around 10.40pm, police were called to reports of a party at an address on Morris Green Lane, Bolton. 

Officers arrived and dispersed a group of around 40 people.

Following the dispersal of this party, a woman, believed to be the organiser, was issued with a £10,000 fine for the breach of coronavirus legislation.

Superintendent Andrew Sidebotham, of Greater Manchester Police, said:

Quote

 

"It's disappointing to see such blatant flouting of the rules when so many of us are making our own personal sacrifices in order to protect our community and keep others safe in the midst of this pandemic.

"At both parties there were a large number of both children and adults present with no social distancing in place, which not only puts those attending at risk but also anyone in the wider public who may come into contact with any of these people.

"Not only do blatant breaches of this kind put people at risk from a health perspective, but they put pressure on our already stretched policing resources taking them away from people who may be in urgent need of help.

"I would like to warn anyone who is thinking of disregarding the rules that GMP will be working alongside our partner agencies to ensure we keep our communities safe, and anyone caught flouting the legislation risks not only receiving the maximum penalty of a £10,000 fine, but also the potential of prosecution for their reckless actions.

"I know that the majority of people are abiding by the rules and I would like to thank you for the personal sacrifices you are making in your efforts in helping to keep the people of Greater Manchester safe, but those who aren’t should expect to face the necessary enforcement, especially when it’s on the scale as seen here in Salford and Bolton."

 

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, Salford City Council said he was shocked and disgusted at such irresponsible behaviour.

Quote

“I welcome the actions of the police and we wholeheartedly support them,”

Poppies are being painted on the road in Salford to mark Remembrance Sunday.

The move comes after residents were asked to ‘make a sacrifice’ and commemorate Remembrance Sunday at home this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

This year the council will show a service of remembrance and a wreath laying ceremony over the internet from 11am on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November.

And two poppies have been painted on Chorley Road opposite the cenotaph where people would usually attend to mark the significant day.

The poppies were installed free of charge by KAYS Traffic Management Systems Limited after Highways officers approached them about doing something special to mark Remembrance Sunday.  

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“The coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation of Remembrance Sunday parades this year – but it will not get in the way of us marking the special day and paying our tributes. 

“A big thank you goes to KAYS for doing the work at no cost. It is very much appreciated and will be a constant reminder for people travelling down Chorley Road.”

 

The council has two Armed Forces Champions, Councillor Margaret Morris and Councillor Barry Warner. They are asking people to consider donating to the Royal British Legion if they can to support the Poppy Appeal 2020 https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/.

Shaun Hargreaves, commercial director at KAYS said:

Quote

"We're really proud to have found a way to commemorate Remembrance Sunday in a safe and special way. We hope that these poppies remind people of the great sacrifice that was made all those years ago, and a sign that we have all come through challenging times before and will get through them again through hope and perseverance." 

Salford City Council is also displaying memorial banners and a giant poppy on the Civic Centre and has posted ideas on its website under the banner Remember at Home for ways to pay tribute during the day. 

The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Charlie McIntyre, said this year’s remembrance would be different but no less dignified or heartfelt.

Quote

 

“Everyone of us across the country is fighting an invisible enemy this year – coronavirus. As a result, we have seen unprecedented but necessary restrictions on our lives to try and win the battle,” he said.

“Working with the Royal British Legion, we are asking people to remember from home for this year while we remain under attack by coronavirus.

“To support that, we will show a service of remembrance and a wreath laying ceremony over the internet from 11am on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November.

“Many veterans who normally attend the cenotaphs are older and more vulnerable to coronavirus so I would urge people to remember that and participate differently this year. So many brave men and women paid the ultimate price and showed incredible spirit during so many conflicts. Staying home to pay quiet tribute to them instead is our sacrifice this year.

“I know there have been calls for people to stand on their doorsteps and observe two minutes’ silence. It’s a wonderful idea and harks back to the nationwide tributes paid to the NHS and key workers early in lockdown. I’d encourage as many people as possible to take part for our veterans and our NHS.”

 

KAYS, is a family-run road maintenance business based in Blackburn, working hard to support the North-West’s attempt to keep people safe and the country moving forward. Headed up by commercial director Shaun Hargreaves, KAYS has not only completed typical traffic management tasks with ardour, but the business was also one of the driving members behind the well-recognised series of ‘road rainbows’ and messages of thanks to the NHS - as loved and admired across North-West localities.

A police forensics investigation into a serious workplace injury, coupled with a declaration of an emergency by North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) due to a spike in calls for assistance by the public has lead to the unfounded claims on social media that bodies were seen being taken out of the back of a Maersk truck and loaded into an awaiting ambulance this evening.

A number of people got in touch with us with all manner of purported explanations for the scene, from an alleged gas explosion, a mass stabbing to a government coverup of 'the true extent' of covid-19 deaths, none of which is true.

A source tells us that a worker was seriously injured on site at the Storage Room on Eccles New Road at around 6pm and subsequently taken to hospital at around 6:14pm this evening (Monday 2nd November).

A police investigation has been mounted and a forensics team is currently investigating.

We believe the image posted to social media is of the man being treated by paramedics at the scene before he was placed onto a trolley to be taken to the nearby hospital just a few hundred metres away.

Police were called to Kintyre Avenue in Weaste yesterday at around 5:40pm after reports of a firearms discharge.

A male in his 30's is said to have sustained non life threatening injuries during the attack.

The area remains cordoned off as police investigations take place.

Quote

 

"Officers are currently outside an address on Kintyre Avenue in Weaste after a man arrived at hospital with a suspect gunshot wound at around 5.40pm yesterday (27 October 2020).

"A cordon is in place and a specialist scene examination is due to take place later today.

"A man in his 30s remains in hospital at this time. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

"No arrests have currently been made and enquiries are on-going."

 

Anyone with information should call 0161 856 5976 or 101 quoting incident number 1932 of 27/10/20.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A series of eight short films celebrating Salford’s abundance of beautiful green spaces has been produced to inspire people to get out and about in the borough this autumn.

The #GreenSalford films are a celebration of the significant investment in green space, led by Salford City Council, in recent years helping to improve the natural environment and make it more accessible.

The council’s focus on protecting and improving green locations acknowledges the importance of access to open spaces in making cities more enjoyable places to live and more sustainable. Quality of life and access to green space are acknowledged as increasingly important factors in attracting inward investment from companies seeking to relocate staff or attract a skilled and engaged workforce.

Sixty per cent Salford is green space, from private gardens, public parks, farms to the moss lands. The city includes Chat Moss, which is important for wildlife and the rare lowland bog habitat.

In total, Salford boasts 74 parks, eight of them with Green Flag status; 32 sites of biological importance; five nature reserves; and two flood storage basins including Kersal Wetlands, part of a new £10 million flood protection scheme that has created a new wildlife haven.

Produced by Marketing Manchester in partnership with Salford City Council and the University of Salford, the #GreenSalford films provide a broad overview of the different types of green space in Salford, with interviewees ranging from local families to park rangers to gardeners, community groups, academics and the head of the new RHS Garden Bridgewater in Worsley.

Available to view at https://www.visitmanchester.com/ideas-and-inspiration/countryside/salfords-green-spaces and across social media using #GreenSalford, the films showcase:

Clifton Country Park, a 48-hectare Green Flag nature reserve in the Irwell Valley, which is perfect for family walks;

RHS Garden Bridgewater, a stunning new 156-acre RHS garden under construction in Worsley;

Lightoaks Park, where a community group has introduced improvements including a new Tea’osk;

Peel Park, which was recently redeveloped using Heritage Lottery Funding to restore it to its former glory;

Ordsall Hall gardens, tranquil grounds of a visitor attraction in the heart of Salford’s modern centre;

Kersal Wetlands, part of the flood protection works on the banks of the River Irwell;

Worsley Delph, an industrial heritage site at the source of the Bridgewater Canal in Worsley village;

And Duke’s Drive, a new park sitting at the side of the Bridgewater Canal in Monton.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“Sixty per cent of Salford is beautiful green, open space, and we have such a variety of places, from parks and woodlands to Chat Moss and Kersal Wetlands, our new flood basin and nature reserve.

“This project, working in partnership with Marketing Manchester and University of Salford is all about raising awareness of the city’s green space and now more than ever before, people are recognising the importance of these spaces and the benefits they bring and are proud that Salford is such a green city.”

 

Professor Helen Marshall, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, said:

Quote

 

“I am delighted to see how our partnership with Marketing Manchester and Salford City Council has captured the green and beautiful heart of Salford through these films. It is a real privilege for the University to have all the advantages of being so close to a major city centre, yet whilst being surrounded by stunning parks, rivers and meadows - a side to Salford that has not been well known, but is a wonderful discovery for those who get to know the city.

"It is a quite unique experience for students to study and indeed live in a such a spacious and green environment, whilst still having the bars, restaurants, culture and the arts of one of Europe's largest cities right on their doorstep - Salford is Manchester's true campus university."

 

Sheona Southern, managing director of Marketing Manchester, said:

Quote

 

“The ability to access green space is an incredibly important factor for people considering where they want to live, work, visit and study. By helping to showcase Salford’s green credentials we hope to be able play a part in influencing decisions that lead to inward investment, jobs and economic growth.

“Salford has a fantastic story to tell and through this partnership with Marketing Manchester, Salford City Council and the University of Salford will be able to tell it more widely. We’re making these films available to anyone who would like to help us highlight the green spaces that make Salford such a brilliant place and would urge people to support us by sharing this content.”

 

To discover Salford’s Parks and Open Spaces for yourself go to: https://www.salford.gov.uk/parks-and-open-spaces

Plans for one of Salford’s major roads are now open for a three-week consultation.

Salford City Council is proposing new cycling and pedestrian improvements to Oldfield Road, which runs from Ordsall, across Regent Road and up to Chapel Street.

The scheme would include a cycle lane all the way from Chapel Street to Regent Road, separate from traffic and a CYCLOPS junction at the junction of Liverpool Street and Middlewood Street which keeps pedestrians and cyclists separate from traffic and gives them a signal controlled route through the junction.

Other crossings would be improved and new paving, street furniture, lighting, trees, rain gardens and wildflower grasses added. There are plans for loading bays for local businesses and limited waiting parking bays with restrictions to  keep cycleways and footpaths clear, electric vehicle charging points and cycling parking stands and repair hubs.

Councillor Jim Cammell, who leads on cycling for Salford City Council said:

Quote

 

“This is all part of sustaining the huge increase and enthusiasm for  walking and cycling that we’ve seen this year and encouraging more people to swop some of their journeys to walking or cycling. 

“We’ve already improved footpaths and cycleways and planted new trees at Carpino Place, on Chapel Street and the Oldfield Road scheme will make a huge difference to the area as well as linking national cycle routes NCN 6 and NCN 55.”

 

Salford City Council is working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) on the proposals and public comments will support a full business case submission to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to secure funding to for the scheme.

The consultation runs from October 26 to November 16 and you can have your say online via the Commonplace website oldfieldroadcorridor.commonplace.is  or via Salford City Council’s website www.salford.gov.uk/mcf by email to mcf@salford.gov.uk or by writing to FAO Oldfield Road Corridor, Salford City Council, Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, Salford M27 5FJ.

Salford residents are being asked to ‘make a sacrifice’ and commemorate Remembrance Sunday at home this year because of COVID-19.

The Ceremonial Mayor of Salford, Councillor Charlie McIntyre, said this year’s remembrance would be different but no less dignified or heartfelt.

Quote

 

“Everyone of us across the country is fighting an invisible enemy this year – coronavirus. As a result, we have seen unprecedented but necessary restrictions on our lives to try and win the battle,” he said.  

“Working with the Royal British Legion, we are asking people to remember from home for this year while we remain under attack by coronavirus.

“To support that, we will show a service of remembrance and a wreath laying ceremony over the internet from 11am on Remembrance Sunday, November 8.

“Many veterans who normally attend the cenotaphs are older and more vulnerable to coronavirus so I would urge people to remember that and participate differently this year. So many brave men and women paid the ultimate price and showed incredible spirit during so many conflicts. Staying home to pay quiet tribute to them instead is our sacrifice this year.

“I know there have been calls for people to stand on their doorsteps and observe two minutes’ silence. It’s a wonderful idea and harks back to the nationwide tributes paid to the NHS and key workers early in lockdown. I’d encourage as many people as possible to take part take part for our veterans and our NHS.”

 

Salford City Council is also displaying memorial banners and a giant poppy on the Civic Centre and has posted ideas on its website under the banner Remember at Home for ways to pay tribute during the day.

Please see www.salford.gov.uk/rememberathome

Subject to any changes in government coronavirus guidance or restrictions, church services can go ahead with Covid-19 secure measures in place.

GMP has revealed that a man has been charged following the death of a 49-year-old man in Salford.

Shortly after 9pm on Saturday 26 September 2020, police were called to reports of an assault at a property on Leicester Road in Salford.

Police believe that the two men were involved in an altercation which sadly resulted in one of the men being seriously injured.

Emergency services attended and 49-year-old Lee Warren Oates was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.

Unfortunately the man has since sadly died in hospital on Friday 2 October 2020.

His alleged attacker - Jack Kent (21/07/1999), of Leicester Road, Salford, has been charged with murder.

He will appear at Manchester Crown Court on Monday 26 October.

Salford community groups have pulled together to help local families have a safe and happy half term, Halloween, Bonfire Night and Diwali.

With new Tier 3 restrictions on households mixing to combat rising coronavirus infection rates and the cancellation of organised firework displays, Salford City Council has created a ‘Celebrate Safely’ section on its website at www.salfordgov.uk/celebratesafely .

It features videos ranging from how to make salt dough, hold a poetry race or make a shadow puppet to gruesome Halloween recipes and even tips on how to make sure wildlife benefits from your left-over pumpkin.

Local crafter Lexi Jones has created a step by step tutorial on how to paint a rock for Halloween that can then be hidden for others to find as part of the Salford Rocks Facebook group challenge.

The page also has safety information around fireworks and a video signposting people to advice on how to help pets cope with Bonfire Night.  The council is also sharing fun ideas every day on its Twitter and Facebook feeds.

Deputy City Mayor Councillor John Merry said:

Quote

 

“We have to celebrate differently this year because of the pandemic but that doesn’t mean people can’t still have fun.

“We know it’s hard to come up with ideas to entertain the children, especially if the weather isn’t great, so we asked local community groups for their ideas. They have created amazing videos and I hope everyone enjoys them.”

 

 The groups which contributed are:

Odd Arts

Art with Heart

Salford Scorpions

Salford CVS

WarmHut

START

The Lighthouse Church

Kids Club Screen Stars

Salford Community Leisure

Oasis MediaCityUK Community Hub

And Lifecentre Salford which co-ordinated the project with support from Salford CVS.

Salford Community Leisure also has a range of events including a half term football coaching camp, spooky afternoon teas, pumpkin painting and a scarecrow trail at Ordsall Hall, a day time trail or an after dark virtual tour of Lark Hill Place and a ‘spooktacular’ Halloween swim at the Helly Hansen watersports centre.

For more details and bookings please see https://salfordcommunityleisure.co.uk/whats-on/

Full listing for Salford Community Leisure events:

October Half Term Football Camp – SCL & Foundation 92 at Salford Sports Village

Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, from 10am to1pm.
£10 per day, £42 for the full week, suitable for ages 7 – 12 years.

A brand-new football camp, operated in partnership between Salford Community Leisure and Foundation 92. Offering children aged 7-12 the chance to get active and out on the pitch for some quality coaching from qualified instructors.

There are also fun prizes up for grabs throughout the week, including SCFC shirts. Kids will have a great time and parents will have peace of mind, with qualified coaches, state of the art facilities and COVID-19 procedures in place.

Family Halloween events

Children’s Halloween Afternoon Tea at Salford Museum & Art Gallery
Saturday 17 October to Sunday 1 November 2020, 1pm to 3pm
£8.95 per person. Book required.
Bring your little ghouls for an afternoon tea treat at Salford Museum & Art Gallery this Halloween. The spooky selection includes sandwiches, a choice of soft drink, gingerbread skeleton, ghostly traybake and a slice of toffee apple cake.

Halloween Scarecrow Trail at Ordsall Hall

Sunday 18 October to Sunday 1 November, various times. £2 per children

Join the hunt for a rag-taggle gang of mischievous scarecrows who have gathered in the gardens at Ordsall Hall this October for their annual meet up. Book a 30 minute slot to find 10 scarecrows hidden in the gardens and draw each scarecrow.

Pumpkin Painting at Ordsall Hall

Sunday 25 October 2020, 11.30am and 2pm
£10 per child, suitable for ages 7 and above.

Get into the Halloween spirit with our annual Pumpkin Painting workshop in the spooky surroundings of Ordsall Hall. Paint a real pumpkin with acrylic paints in a variety of designs, ready to pop outside your house for autumn pumpkin trails.

Spooky Afternoon Tea in Ordsall Hall’s Great Hall

Sunday 25 October and Sunday 1 November 11.30am and 2pm.

Adults £15.00 | Children £7.00 | Deposit £15.00

A frightfully delicious Spooky Afternoon Tea in the Haunted Surroundings of Ordsall Hall, home to most famous resident ghost, Margaret Radclyffe aka The White Lady.

Enjoy sandwiches, Halloween themed cakes and hot pot of tea or coffee for each booker. We also are offering a “Little Terrors” option for children, which will consist of a smaller portion of cakes and sandwiches and a horrifying slime green soft drink.

A Halloween Half Term Visit at Salford Museum & Art Gallery

Tuesday 27 October to Sunday 1 November 2020, 11:30am – 3 pm

FREE, donations welcome | £2 for a spooky trail | Booking required

Explore the Victorian street,  Lark Hill Place all decorated for Halloween, with lots of spooky things to spot! Have a go at our trail – Find Famine!  to spot tiny copies of one of our best-loved paintings ‘Famine’.

Lark Hill Halloween: The Darkness and Dangers Virtual Tour

Saturday 31 October 2020, 6:30pm – 7:30pm. £5 per person

Close the curtains, lower the lights and log on for a virtual tour through to the darker side of Lark Hill Place. Delve into the terrors of yore in this humorous and macabre walk down the street decorated with Halloween objects from within the museum’s collections. With a Museum tour guide to show all the sights and sounds from the comfort of your own home, it’s the perfect socially distanced solution for those looking for some history with their scares.

Spooktacular Halloween Swim at the Helly Hansen Watersports Centre Thursday 29 October £20

Spooktacular Open Water Swim in the dark at Salford Quays. 300m and 500m course. Price includes Spooky Halloween Swim Cap, glow stick, hot drink, hot soup/roll. A safety team will be keeping you safe in the water.

Earlier in the week a majority of Conservative MP's voted to reject measures which would have seen help offered to struggling families over the school holiday period.

Salford has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the country due to having suffered some of the harshest cuts in living memory and with the pandemic seemingly growing by the day, thousands of people across the city are waking to the prospects that they may be pushed closer to the poverty line.

It is a stark truth that families across Salford face a bleak future ahead and as usual those affected the most are those who can least afford it.

It is sad to say but thousands of children face losing what for them is the most important and sadly far too often, the only real meal they will get as family budgets are stretched and parents are faced with mounting bills and decreasing finances.

With that in mind, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett has announced that families in receipt of free school meals can claim them during the half-term holiday next week.

The quick decision was made following news that government has rejected Marcus Rashford's proposals to feed impoverished children over the holidays.

Salford City Council has committed to providing the generous holiday hunger package to families during half-term and also over Christmas.

Parents who claim free school meals should now take identification to their local gateway or hub and they will be given a free voucher. Residents can find the locations of gateways and Broughton Hub here https://www.salford.gov.uk/council-buildings-and-venues/gateway-centres/

Any parents with children in reception, year one or two and claiming benefits* - or in a non-mainstream school should also visit their nearest gateway or hub with identification to see if they are eligible to claim.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

"I, like many others across the country, was shocked to hear about the government's refusal to back Marcus Rashford's proposals - proposals which themselves were based on government's own commissioned policy recommendations.

"Salford City Council will not be letting children go hungry over half-term or the Christmas holidays. So today I am committing to find £10 a week for all children on free school meals in our city for that period. I’d also like to thank the organisations providing grab bag meals in the city too – it is really appreciated.

"When billions can be found for private sector contracts - often contracts which fail and have to be subsequently bailed out - it is remarkable how callous government can be when considering the plight of vulnerable British children.”

 

To help finance the campaign, the Spirit of Salford Network plans to launch a fundraiser to find resources from the community.

Spirit of Salford representative Councillor Sharmina August said:

Quote

 

"To help the council, we have set a target of £20,000 to raise from the community towards this project.

"The council already has a programme in place to deal with holiday hunger in Summer, through Salford Assist. Our scheme over the last two years provided £5 a week for all schoolchildren on free school meals in summer - this time we're trying to double that.

"Just like we did at the start of this pandemic, the Spirit of Salford will bring our communities together to support one another and help through these hard times. This will be a very hard Christmas for thousands of families in Salford, and across the country. I know that we are ready to look out for each other, and keep the Christmas spirit alive.

"Keep an eye out for the fundraiser - we will be kickstarting the campaign soon!"

 

Cllr Paula Boshell, former Deputy Mayor and anti-poverty champion for the city has also made comment on the proposals. Cllr Boshell said:

Quote

 

"Salford Assist has been providing holiday hunger support for several years now, a priority of the City Mayor since he was first elected in 2016.

"Making sure our city's children don't go hungry during the school holiday is our number one priority. The City Mayor has given us a clear steer to get in front of this problem and we'll be working flat out until the holidays to get it done."

 

*The full criteria is:

If your child is in reception, year 1 and/or year 2 and in receipt of free school meals, or attends a non-mainstream school,  to claim Health Holiday shopping vouchers you must be in receipt of the following benefits: Please tick the benefit that applies:

Income Support                                                                                                                                                                                             

Income based job seekers allowance                                                                   

Income related Employment and Support Allowance                                           

OR

Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit) and your annual income is £16,190 or less or;

Guarantee Credit of Pension Credit or;                                                                 

Universal Credit ( if you applied after 31 March 2018 your earnings from work must be less than £616.67 in the previous assessment period.

GMP's dedicated operation to tackle serious and organised crime in Salford has launched the first in a series of action days to continue the disruption of criminal activity across the district.

Officers from GMP's Salford division will be undertaking regular action in the coming weeks as part of Operation Naseby's disruption hub - formed in April earlier this year to reduce the activity of local organised crime groups.

Today (Wednesday 22 October 2020), a dedicated team are searching Buile Hill Park for any firearms and other dangerous weapons that may be present in the area and need removing from the streets - potentially to be used later as evidence for ongoing investigations.

Other similar searches are expected to take place across the district sporadically over the next six weeks and officers are reassuring the public not to be alarmed if they see such activity taking place.

The public are encouraged, as ever, to speak to high-visibility patrols with any concerns or information they may have with the knowledge that information will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Since the inception of the Operation Naseby disruption hub in April, there have been 126 arrests, 109 vehicles seized and 48 house searches.

GMP have also been working alongside partners in Salford City Council as part of Project Gulf, an initiative dedicated to tackling organised crime in the city with a view to deter reoffending as well as taking down criminal groups.

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

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"Today is the start of a series of action days across Salford where our officers are increasing their methods of disrupting criminal activity by serious and organised crime groups in the area.

"This is part of our ongoing Operation Naseby disruption programme which has seen some significant advances made in tackling the type of crime that causes such risk and harm to those who are most susceptible in our society to such activity.

"I'd like to reassure the public that the work going on in the commencing weeks is part of this ongoing operation and there is no known risk to the wider public.

"We do urge anyone with information regarding organised crime in Salford to contact police or our high-visibility patrols that operate in our communities - as the greater the information we have available to us, the more successful our work in tackling these groups will be."

 

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 quoting Operation Naseby. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Salford City Council has appointed a new chief executive after the up to £164,108 per year position was advertised early last month to replace Jim Taylor who will retire from the job after almost 40-years at the council at the end of January 2021.

Tom Stannard, the current Corporate Director for Regeneration and Economic Growth at Wakefield Council, will take on the role from 1st February 2021 under the elected City Mayor, Paul Dennett.

Tom joined Wakefield City Council in 2018 and has responsibility for a wide range of the Council’s regeneration, economy and place services. He has been closely involved in securing and delivering the £1.8BN West Yorkshire devolution deal, and leading major programmes of growth and regeneration across the region, focusing on job creation, skills and progression, housing delivery and city centre regeneration.  Tom has pioneered approaches to inclusive economic growth throughout his 23 year career, alongside leading improvement programmes in children’s services, health and wellbeing partnerships, and many areas of public service reform.

Tom was previously Director of Economy and Skills at Oldham Council in Greater Manchester, leading a wide range of the Council’s economic regeneration, skills and employment programmes and services, working across Greater Manchester, and was heavily involved in the devolution and city deal agenda.

Tom is a former Deputy Chief Executive of the UK Learning and Work Institute, and his local government experience also includes high performing councils across the UK in Blackburn with Darwen and in the London Boroughs.

Tom is married with two children. He is a Chartered Surveyor, sits on the board of the UK Institute of Economic Development and the Centre for local Economic Strategies (CLES), and is a National Spokesperson for Economic Prosperity and Housing for SOLACE, the UK local government CEOs professional body.  Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“I’m delighted to announce that Tom has been appointed chief executive here in Salford, to build on the achievements and great work under Jim Taylor’s leadership. I’m really looking forward to working with Tom and would like to take this opportunity to also thank Jim for his dedication and passion over the past six years and wish him the best in his retirement.

“In Salford we have seen unprecedented private and public investment in the city in the past ten years and our focus remains on reducing inequalities and creating a better, fairer city for all. Whilst we work through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic we must continue to support resilience.

“People are at the heart of our priorities and we want to make sure that every resident benefits from the growth and success of the city. It was very important we found the right person to provide leadership to create inclusive social and economic growth.

“Here at the council we have a culture that is inclusive, values and welcomes diversity, fosters innovation, flexibility, learning, and empowerment. From the interview process it was clear that Tom’s leadership will be invaluable to take us on the next step of this journey.” 

 

Tom Stannard said:

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“I’m delighted to be appointed as the new chief executive at Salford City Council, and energized at the opportunity to return to Greater Manchester and join Salford’s City Mayor Paul Dennett leading one of the most progressive and high achieving City Councils in the country

“I have been so impressed with the Council’s positive community focused culture, and I’m looking forward to joining the City Mayor, councillors, staff and partners to support communities in the city, fight through the COVID-19 pandemic and continue the journey towards an inclusive economy, with affordable housing and well-paid jobs.

“It is a hugely exciting role and I cannot wait to get started.”

 

Tom’s appointment is subject to ratification at a special meeting of the council on Wednesday.

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

Jean Turner, aged 90, sadly passed away at The Broughton Care Home in Salford on Monday 19 October 2020.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

If anyone has any information about Jean’s next of kin they should contact the Bolton police coroner’s office on 0161 856 4687.

A 50-year-old male cyclist was injured during a collision with a vehicle around Salford Crescent this afternoon.

The accident happened at around 1:45pm and the westbound carriageway was temporarily closed with traffic delays and restrictions, however, these have now cleared.

Paramedics attended the scene and treated the man for approximately 45 minutes before they were able to transport him to hospital.

His condition is currently unknown.

A daredevil grandma in her late 60s leapt from a plane at 15,000ft to raise money for Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford.

Retired nursing sister Brenda Cogswell, 67, from Eccles, Greater Manchester, was making her fourth tandem skydive when she took part in the event at the Black Knights Parachute Centre in Lancaster along with her sister and teenage granddaughter.

Brenda made her first jump when she was 50 – a birthday present from husband Alan, a retired education welfare officer.

Her sister Jackie Bevan, 54, who is also a grandma, and granddaughter Ally Cogswell, 19, were making their first skydives.

The family trio were among a group of seven who raised more than £6,300 for the UK’s first Veteran Care Village.

The others taking part were Jenni Conning-Wild, who is a Broughton House ambassador and an assistant careers adviser with the Royal Navy, Broughton House supporters Amanda Higginson and John Broadbent, and Sally Carr, mother of the care home’s community and events fundraiser Laura Carr.

Broughton House is being transformed in a £15m redevelopment which when completed will feature a 64-bedroom care home, up to 30 independent living apartments, a military support hub, memorial park and landscaped gardens with a bowling green and bandstand.

Brenda, who reached a speed of up to 175 miles per hour during her skydive, helps out at Broughton House as a volunteer.

Her late father Frank Blackburn was a Royal Marine Commando who took part in the D-Day landings during World War Two, helping to liberate Port-en-Bessin in Normandy. He later earned the Pacific Star military campaign medal for further bravery during the war.

She said:

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“I’ve always had an interest in veterans’ stories, and when I was a district nurse I used to treat patients at Broughton House.

“When I retired, I thought it would be nice place to volunteer. It’s a wonderful place where our veterans are well-cared for.”

 

Brenda added:

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“I was frightened of heights before I made my first skydive at the age of 50. But if you can face jumping out of a plane and falling to earth, you can do anything.

“It was an amazing experience doing my latest jump, and it was made all the more special because Ally and Jackie were taking part too.”

 

Ally, an administrator who lives in Irlam, said:

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“I thought I had to take part once my nana told me she was going to do it. It was really fun.

“The public’s support is vital in securing the funding to complete the building work at Broughton House.”

 

The next adventurous challenge Brenda plans to undertake is to climb Ben Nevis.

Jackie, a housekeeper at Monton Medical Centre in Eccles, said:

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“Why couldn’t I have a sister who did knitting and sewing. She’s like a female Bear Grylls.”

Laura said:

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“It was a brilliant day for skydiving and we are hugely grateful to the group who all did amazingly well. They are now part of a growing Broughton House skydiving family!

“As the development of our Veteran Care Village progresses, it’s such a thrilling time to get involved.”

 

Two puffin crossings in Salford have been given a new lick of paint to celebrate Pride in the city. 

The crossings on The Crescent, outside The University of Salford have been painted in rainbow colours after a request from local resident Kevin De Vulder

Councillor Sharmina August picked up the request from Kevin, and the markings, including the safe closure of the roads, was arranged by the council’s highways team. 

Kevin said:

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“I’m very proud that my idea to have the rainbow crossing incorporated into the Salford landscape was taken up by Councillor August and the council. It isn’t just about promoting the LGBTQ+ community, it’s also something colourful to help brighten the landscape during these current times.

“Salford in my opinion is the best city in the country at being inclusive and supportive to all races, religions and backgrounds, bringing us all together."

 

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

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“Many thanks goes to Kevin for making contact with the suggestion, it was a great idea. The coronavirus pandemic has challenged so many of us in different ways but the Spirit of Salford continues in this city.

“Although we could not all get together in person this year for the annual Pride celebration – the puffin crossings are a visual reminder and a mark of solidarity with all our LGBTQ+ residents.

“We are all together in spirit.”

 

Salford Pride is held in June and the event was held digitally this year.  Salford City Council flew the rainbow flag to show support with LGBTQ+ residents.

Earlier in the year the council had ‘Thank you NHS’ road markings painted outside Salford Royal Hospital to bring a smile to ‘heroic’ health staff.