Shopkeepers’ dreams of cashing in on illegal tobacco have gone up in smoke, thanks to raids by Salford City Council.

Council officers, and sniffer dogs Ricco, Lilly, Birch and Billy from Wagtails UK, visited 25 businesses and one residential address as part of this year’s Keep it Out campaign against illegal and counterfeit tobacco.

In the bedroom of a home, which was raided with Greater Manchester police, officers found holdalls and boxes containing 67,950 counterfeit cigarettes and 153 x 50 g pouches of hand rolling tobacco. The haul, with an estimated street value of £40,000 is the single biggest stash of illicit tobacco recovered in Salford.

In one shop officers found dozens of packets of counterfeit cigarettes hidden in a secret compartment behind a shelf full of soft drinks.

In total from all the raids officers seized 4,567 packets containing 91,340 cigarettes and 256 x 50g pouches of hand rolling tobacco all of which were counterfeit or non-duty paid and with an estimated street value of £45,967. They also seized £4,967 under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Councillor David Lancaster said he was pleased to see the majority of shopkeepers were doing the right thing and not selling illegal tobacco but those who were would face further investigation.

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“There are no bargains to be had when it comes to illegal tobacco. This trade is linked to organised crime gangs who also deal in human trafficking, loan sharking and the drugs trade,” he said.

“Illegal tobacco is also robbing the public purse of much needed revenue for vital services including the NHS and these products are often targeted at young people getting them hooked on smoking and damaging their health.

“We will not stop working to stamp out illegal tobacco and anyone who has concerns or information can report it anonymously by visiting keep-it-out.co.uk or calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

 

The raids took place over the last three weeks in Swinton, Eccles and Little Hulton. No further details are being released due to ongoing investigations.

Salford City Council is supporting Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership’s Keep It Out campaign, which is tackling illegal tobacco across Greater Manchester. A crackdown on illegal tobacco is part of Greater Manchester’s strategy to cut smoking rates by a third by the end of 2021 faster than any other major global city which would mean 115,000 fewer smokers.

A 27-year-old man is fighting for his life after being shot several times by hitmen on Manton Close in Higher Broughton last night.

The incident happened at around 11pm and is thought to be part of an ongoing turf war between two rival gangs over the supply of drugs in the area as well as other grievances.

There was gunshot damage to a taxi but the owner is not said to be the target and the vehicle just happened to be in the direction that shots were fired.

Several roads were closed with police cordons in the area and there remains a large police presence at the scene, additionally police have stepped up patrols around the area.

Last week police made an arrest linked to the continued gang related violence in the area which is currently subject to a section 60 order allowing officers to stop and search people.

Forensics officers have been collecting evidence from the scene

Police have said that there have been no arrests made and investigations are ongoing.

A GMP Spokesperson said:

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"At around 10.55pm on Tuesday 15 September, police were called to Manton Close, Salford to reports of a firearm discharge.

"Officers attended and enquiries established that a firearm had been discharged multiple times in the street.

"One man, aged 27 years, was taken to hospital with injuries that are believed to be life threatening."

"An investigation is currently underway and no arrests have been made at this time. 

"Enquiries so far have suggested that this is linked to an ongoing dispute between two local crime groups and there is no threat to the wider public. 

"A scene and road closures remain in place."

 

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the family of a man who lived in Swinton. 

Stewart Thompson, 73, has sadly passed away at his home address on Melbourne Street, Swinton on 14 September 2020.

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

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

Parents driving children to school are being urged to park legally, safely and considerately ahead of new CCTV enforcement from Monday September 21.  

Salford City Council will install new CCTV cameras outside four schools next week to crackdown on drivers who put children’s lives at risk.

The cameras will move around known danger hotspots and those caught breaking the law will be sent a £70 penalty charge, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days. 

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said if drivers park legally, safely and considerately they have nothing to fear from the cameras or enforcement officers:

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“I would be very happy to see no penalty notices issued at all because that would mean everyone is respecting the law and keeping our children safe,” he said.

“Double yellow lines and no parking zones outside schools are there to protect children. It only takes a few minutes to park legally, safely and considerately without blocking driveways or streets for people who live near schools and walk the last few yards to school.

 “We’ve seen a lot of kindness and community spirit during the pandemic. Let’s keep that going and keep our children safe.” 

 

The council has said that the location of the new cameras is not being revealed.

Salford City Council has scooped two awards at the prestigious 2020 Housing Heroes Awards.

The Supported Housing Team won the Frontline Team of the Year and the Support and Care Team of the Year awards at the national award ceremony.

The council was nominated for the phenomenal work over the last 12 months of the Supported Tenancies, Temporary Accommodation and Rough Sleeper Teams for their work with homeless households in the city. These three teams work seamlessly together to make up the Supported Housing Team.

And the awards recognise the significant work of officers who support and accommodate rough sleepers through the A Bed Every Night (ABEN) programme and Rough Sleeper Initiative, as well as the dedicated work to support families through their experience of homelessness. 

In addition, the team in Salford has specialist officers to provide housing support to members of the armed forces community, care leavers, refugees and people experiencing domestic abuse.

Due to the coronavirus the ceremony took place online with Salford City Council officers attending from the comfort of their own home.

Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

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“A big congratulations goes to our supported housing team for all the incredible work they do to help people in our city.

“The team work tirelessly against a back-drop of an ongoing housing crisis and I am pleased they have been recognised nationally for their drive and passion.

“As a result of the hard work we have seen an 80% reduction in rough sleeping, a staggering 169 people are currently safe and comfortable in ABEN accommodation (from a target of 110 people) and over 200 people have moved from rough sleeper accommodation into settled accommodation. “

 

Rachel Connelly, Head of Supported Housing said:

Quote

“I’m incredibly proud of the Supported Housing Service. These officers work tirelessly helping some of the most vulnerable members of our community to access accommodation, health services, financial assistance and the support they need to live healthy and happy lives. The team are committed to eliminate the need for rough sleeping and to provide good quality temporary accommodation and resettlement support services.”

Councillor Tracy Kelly, Deputy City Mayor and Lead Member for Housing and Neighbourhoods at Salford City Council, said:

Quote

 

“The officers contribute to the council's objectives by placing the person at the centre of their work and ensuring that their voice determines the services offered. This is truly turning lives around for some of our most vulnerable citizens and creating sustainable and inspiring futures with them.

“I look forward to a time when I can visit them and thank them, once again, for all they do. We are very proud to have them working on our city.”

 

Now in its 12th year the Housing Heroes Awards were organised jointly by Inside Housing and Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) to celebrate the transformative passion and commitment of those who represent the very best of the sector.

The full list of Housing Heroes 2020 winners

·         Apprentice of the year - Emma Mason, Derbyshire Dales District Council

·         Central service team of the year - HR team, Cunninghame Housing Association

·         Communications team of the year - Communications team, Habinteg

·         Customer experience award - Accessible homes team, Kirklees Council

·         Development or maintenance team of the year  Repairs team - Great Places Housing Group

·         Equality, diversity and inclusion team of the year - Equality, diversity and inclusivity advisory group, PA Housing

·         Frontline team of the year (over 5,000 homes) - Emergency flood response team, St Leger Homes of Doncaster

·         Frontline team of the year (under 5,000 homes) - Supported housing team, Salford City Council

·         Inspirational colleague of the year Michael Williams, Look Ahead

·         Inspirational leader of the year - Joanne Bartholomew, Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing

·         Lifetime achievement in housing - Tim Brooke, Emmaus Coventry and Warwickshire

·         Support and care team of the year (over 7,000) - Safeguarding team, Poplar Harca

·         Support and care team of the year (under 7,000) - Supported housing team, Salford City Council

·         Tenant innovator of the year - Stuart Hutton-Brown, Great Places Housing Group

For further information please contact: public.relations@salford.gov.uk

A large police presence and an Army Bomb Disposal Unit are currently on the scene at a property on Goulden Street in the Seedley area which has been subjected to police forensics searches throughout the week.

Police have previously reported that two firearms were recovered from the property and several arrests have been made.

We believe that officers called an alert after finding a suspicious item during continued searches of the property and that the bomb squad were called in to assess the situation, which they now deem to NOT be a threat.

They have stresses that there is no threat to the wider public.

A cordon was placed around the property and at the ends of adjoining streets in the area as a precaution.

Greater Manchester Police have issued the following statement:

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"Officers searching an address on Goulden Street, Salford, found a suspicious item as part of an ongoing investigation.

"EOD attended the scene to assess the item and deemed it not to be of any threat to the wider public.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

 

Police in Salford are appealing for witnesses following a burglary at a Co-op in Orsdall.

At around 5.10am on Friday 11 September 2020 police were called to a report of a burglary at the Co-op on Ordsall Lane, Salford.

Officers attended and enquiries established that three men wearing face coverings had attempted to steal a cash machine from the store, causing damage to the shop front.

The offenders are then believed to have fled the scene with money from the cash machine in a blue Jeep Cherokee.

Police say that no injuries have been reported.

So far no arrests have been made and enquiries remain ongoing.

Police Constable Christopher Hatton of GMP's Salford Division, said:

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"Thankfully no injuries have been reported to us but this was a brazen attack in which these men have made off with money leaving considerable damage behind.

"We want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or have dash-cam footage of the robbery or anyone acting suspiciously in the area. We are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have information on the vehicle used during the incident or know the direction in which they fled."

 

This is not the first time that the store has been targeted by thieves, in min December 2019 a Limousine was used to ram raid the shop not long after it opened.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5471 quoting incident number 435 of 11/09/2020. Reports can also be made anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Stephen Ingram, 66, has sadly passed away at his home address on Devonshire square in Salford on 30 August 2020.

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

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

The Lowry in Salford has today confirmed plans to go-ahead with not one, but two Christmas shows this November and December.

The arts centre on Salford Quays will offer theatregoers the choice of the international smash hit musical SIX (27 November 2020– 10 January 2021) and family favourite The Gruffalo (12 December 2020 – 10 January 2021).

Both shows were originally set to take place in the venue’s 450-seat Quays Theatre- but have now moved into the much larger 1,700-seat Lyric Theatre which can allow for 1m+ social distancing between each booking.

All existing ticket holders for SIX and The Gruffalo are being contacted about the new arrangements.

The new seating configuration allows for COVID-secure deep-cleaning of the auditorium between each performance and ensures zero crossover of incoming and outgoing audiences. Temperature checks will be taken of all audience members entering the building and face covering policy will be in place together with sanitising stations throughout the venue and staggered entry times to reduce queues.

Julia Fawcett OBE, chief executive of The Lowry, said:

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“We’re very fortunate to have three different sized theatre spaces under our roof – and moving an audience of 450 into an auditorium that can seat 1,700 has allowed us to accommodate the required social distancing measures as they stand – with any subsequent adjustments to those measures to be implemented as they arise.

“Many venues will not have the physical space to juggle their programme in this way. It’s desperately sad to see so many theatres with no option but to remain closed at Christmas. We just want to do everything we can to ensure ‘the show will go on’.”

 

SIX is returning to The Lowry after a sell-out run last Christmas. The show has become a global phenomenon since its early days as a student production at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has been nominated for five Olivier Awards.

SIX producers Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes and George Stiles say, ‘We have the opportunity to give work to 50 or so actors, musicians, technicians, stage managers, production managers, costume makers, marketing, press, ticketing and office staff.

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"We accept that with social distancing it is unlikely to be economically viable, but we hope to entertain many thousands of theatre goers who have been starved of live entertainment since March.

“We are sure that opening SIX will help to build audience confidence and bring business back to the local economy. We also understand that restarting productions, particularly musicals, remains impossible for most producers for reasons of scale, finance and lack of cancellation insurance. We continue to look forward to the day when social distancing is removed and theatres can play to 100% capacity.”

 

The touring cast for SIX includes: Lauren Drew (Catherine of Aragon), Maddison Bulleyment (Anne Boleyn), Lauren Byrne (Jane Seymour), Shekinah McFarlane (Anna of Cleves), Jodie Steele (Katherine Howard) and Athena Collins (Catherine Parr), with Alternates Jennifer Caldwell, Cassandra Lee and Harriet Watson. Accompanying the Queens are the show’s all female band The Ladies in Waiting.

New bookings for SIX in the Lyric Theatre go on-sale at 10am on Wednesday 16 September. New bookings for The Gruffalo in the Lyric Theatre go on-sale on Friday 25 September.

All tickets will be available at: www.thelowry.com

A taxi driver has died following a road traffic collision in Salford last week (Thursday 10th September)

Police are appealing to the public for information after a 46-year-old taxi driver died two days after a serious road traffic collision in Salford.

At around 9am on Thursday 10 September 2020, a grey Renault Megane taxi was travelling northbound on Trafford Road before turning right onto Phoebe Street.

The taxi collided with a brown Audi A3 which was travelling southbound on Trafford Road.

The driver of the taxi – a 46-year-old man – suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital, where he sadly died on Saturday 12 September.

The driver of the Audi A3 – a 22-year-old man – suffered minor injuries and is assisting police with their enquiries.

A third vehicle – a black Audi A5 – was also travelling southbound on Trafford Road when the incident occurred but failed to remain at the scene.

The driver – a 27-year-old man – was later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation.

Officers are appealing to anyone with dash cam footage or who witnessed the collision to contact them as part of their ongoing enquiries.

Sergeant Andrew Page, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

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“Firstly, my thoughts are with the man who sadly passed away this weekend as a result of injuries sustained in this awful collision.

“We are working to ascertain the circumstances behind this incident and are appealing to any members of the public who may have been driving through the area at the time to come forward and assist our enquiries.

“This collision occurred at a busy time of morning and I’m confident there will be people out there who saw what happened or who have dash cam footage of the moments prior to the incident that can significantly help us with this investigation.”

 

Anyone with any information or dash cam footage should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 680 of 10/09/2020. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A man was rushed to hospital this evening after emergency services were called to his home on Church Road, Walkden, after reports of a car on fire.

Fire Engines from Farnworth and Eccles were sent to the scene and quickly brought the blaze under control.

The man was taken by air ambulance to the burns unit at Wythenshawe Hospital.

Police say that the incident is not being treated as serious.

A GMP Spokesman said:

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"We were called at 6.05pm to reports of a fire on Church Road in Worsley.

"One fire engine from Farnworth and one from Eccles attended the scene.

"We have extinguished a fire involving a vehicle. "

"One man has been taken to Wythenshawe Hospital suffering from burn injuries.

"We're still at the scene along with police and North West Ambulance Service."

 

Salford City Council is sending an urgent, critical message to the local community and businesses to avoid further restrictions as coronavirus cases are escalating in the city.

Letters are to be sent out to every home in the city.

Further government restrictions could include food and drink businesses opening only for takeaways, limited venue opening times, and a blanket restriction on meeting outdoors.

https://youtu.be/iAEnz3uir9o 

Salford’s infection rate has seen a sharp increase with cases continuing to rise – positive coronavirus cases now stand at around 80 per 100,000 people (as of 10 September 2020), with transmission across all communities, different age groups and in all areas of the city.

The council’s Director of Public Health for Salford, Dr Muna Abdel Aziz is asking residents to:

Wear face coverings in shops and all public places, as much as possible

Keep two metres apart from people outside of households at all times

Avoid physical contact with anyone outside households, including shaking hands

If unwell to stay at home and if coronavirus symptoms develop, then get tested

Follow Track and Trace advice and if notified, to stay at home for 14 days 

Dr Muna Abdel Aziz added:

Quote

“These steps will protect residents from the spread of the virus, keep social settings and workplaces open, as well as schools so that they are safe to continue to provide education for young people.”

Salford has remained part of the Greater Manchester local restrictions but the city leaders are concerned the measures are not working and could be increased by government to reduce social interaction in venues such as pubs and restaurants.

The council is stepping up information on the basic preventative actions needed to ensure people clearly understand what’s required. 

City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“I am really concerned about the levels of COVID-19 positive cases in the city and especially concerned that cases are now showing up across all our communities and across age groups.

“There is the potential for the spread of the virus to vulnerable residents which could have tragic consequences for families and loved ones.

“I am calling for local people to show the Spirit of Salford in protecting each other – following all the basic advice, abiding by the Greater Manchester restrictions and voluntarily to:

Avoid non-essential journeys on public transport

Wear face coverings in all indoor public venues at all times unless medically exempt.

“We will monitor businesses:

To enforce the tightening of track and trace responsibilities in the hospitality sector.

To ask restaurants and pubs to operate advanced booking systems.

“We will also robustly challenge applications for events and gatherings and have taken the decision to reluctantly cancel major events for this year's Bonfire Night.”

 

Councillor Gina Reynolds, Lead Member for Adult Services and Health and Wellbeing added

Quote

 

“We know people have enjoyed more social freedom, such as having a meal out with their immediate family or meeting family and friends in outdoor spaces. If we are not to lose this, we need to act now. 

“It’s also imperative to support local businesses which are the lifeblood of our communities and keep them open so that the Salford economy can recover.”

 

Oasis Academy in Ordsall has joined Salford City Academy, Harrop Fold, Buile Hill Academy, Co-op Academy and Ellenbrook Primary in reporting cases of pupils forced to self-isolate, making them the sixth school within Salford to do so.

Pupils from within the year-8 group have been told they will need to stay at home and self-isolate for 14 days under government regulations.

Pupils will continue their education virtually, online.

Across Greater Manchester there have been 65 schools with reported cases.

Pupils in other year groups have been told that they should continue to attend the school.

Meanwhile there have been a further seven more deaths across the region today as Salford sees another rise in cases which bring the rate to 82.3 per 100,000 people.

A small number of children are at home self-isolating from Salford City Academy in Eccles after a positive case of Covid-19 was identified at the school within its year-11 group bubble.

Thanks to the clever way that the academy has set out classrooms and seating plans, only a small number from the year group have been exposed, which means that those who have not will be able to resume their education.

Affected pupils will have to remain at home for 14 days until they are given the all clear to return to school, inline with government regulations.

The academy joins Harrop Fold, Buile Hill Academy, Co-op Academy and Ellenbrook Primary in reporting cases of pupils forced to self-isolate, making them the fifth school within Salford to do so.

Across Greater Manchester the number of schools with reported cases has reached 55.

Schools are doing all they can to ensure the safety of their pupils and the fact that these incidents are being picked up and dealt with so swiftly shows that their measures are clearly working.

Despite immense pressures put upon both schools and teaching staff, Salford has a relatively small amount of pupils that are affected and currently out of school when all things are considered.

Meanwhile infections within the City have risen again and now stand worryingly at 82.3 from 70.7 per 100,000, the third highest level in Greater Manchester, behind Bolton and Tameside.

Salford's City Mayor Paul Dennett today called for the publics help to bring the infection rates down by maintaining social distancing and adhering to the rules set out.

Sadly another death was also recorded at Salford Royal Hospital today, with fourteen more deaths across England.

Although still considered to be low, an exponential rise in cases across the country could cause that to change rapidly, sparking fears of a second wave as we head into the colder months.

Our thoughts go out to the family of the deceased.

We are being asked what the funny smell in the air is around Ordsall?

Salford folks have been reporting a smell of burning rubber and that is exactly what it is, as someone has set alight a number of tyres on waste ground near to Robert Hall Street.

Black smoke could be seen rising above the area and drifting towards the area.

There is no risk to life or property.

Firefighters are currently on scene and tackling the blaze.

GM Fire said:

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"At around 7.40 pm this evening (Thursday 10 September), one fire engine from Salford fire station was called to reports of a fire involving a large quantity of tyres on open land near Robert Hall Street, Salford.

"Firefighters arrived quickly and are currently tackling the fire using one hose reel. The crew remains at the scene."

 

Photo: Twitter

A project spearheaded by thirteen leading performing arts organisations across Greater Manchester has been awarded £60,000 by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to support independent artists and creative freelancers in the area.

GM Artist Hub was formed in April 2020 to help independent artists access support, advice and opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis.

The project has now offered nearly 300 private advice sessions to local artists and a number of larger opportunities for artists to learn about specific funding streams and connect with chief executives and artistic directors across the city region.

Participating venues and arts organisations are: Community Arts North West, Contact, HOME, The Lowry, Manchester International Festival, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Royal Exchange Theatre, SICK! Festival, STUN (Sustained Theatre Up North), Waterside Arts and Creative Industries Trafford, hÅb/Word of Warning and Z-arts.

This funding from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation will allow the project to offer a range of new opportunities to local artists including creative care and wellbeing support, opportunities to develop new skills and co-commissions offered across a range of local partners.

Claire Symonds, senior producer: artist development at The Lowry, says:

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“Through GM Artist Hub, we wanted to demonstrate our collective support for the passionate and vibrant freelance community that sits at the heart of Greater Manchester’s creative scene. Artists are the lifeblood of our industry. What’s more, their creativity and ability to adapt will be absolutely critical as we all look for new ways of reaching out to audiences while social distancing is in place.

“Over the last six months we have been listening to artists as they make sense of things and begin to work out what their new needs and priorities are. This award from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation means we can start offering opportunities that are relevant to our local community right now.”

 

Details about the new programmes on offer will be announced in mid-September.

For more information about GM Artist Hub, visit www.gm-artisthub.co.uk

Salford City Council is sending an urgent, critical message to the local community and businesses to avoid further restrictions as coronavirus cases are escalating in the city.

Further government restrictions could include food and drink businesses opening only for takeaways, limited venue opening times, and a blanket restriction on meeting outdoors.

Salford’s infection rate has seen a sharp increase with cases continuing to rise – positive coronavirus cases now stand at around 80 per 100,000 people (as of 10/09/2020), with transmission across all communities, different age groups and in all areas of the city.

The council’s Director of Public Health for Salford, Dr Muna Abdel Aziz is asking residents to:

·         Wear face coverings in shops and all public places, as much as possible

·         Keep two metres apart from people outside of households at all times

·         Avoid physical contact with anyone outside households, including shaking hands

·         If unwell to stay at home and if Coronavirus symptoms develop, then get tested

·         Follow Track and Trace advice and if notified, to stay at home for 14 days 

Dr Muna Abdel Aziz added:

Quote

“These steps will protect residents from the spread of the virus, keep social settings and workplaces open, as well as schools so that they are safe to continue to provide education for young people.”

Salford has remained part of the Greater Manchester local restrictions but the city leaders are concerned the measures are not working and could be increased by government to reduce social interaction in venues such as pubs and restaurants.

The council is stepping up information on the basic preventative actions needed to ensure people clearly understand what’s required. City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“I am really concerned about the levels of COVID-19 positive cases in the city and especially concerned that cases are now showing up across all our communities and across age groups.

“There is the potential for the spread of the virus to vulnerable residents which could have tragic consequences for families and loved ones.

“I am calling for local people to show the Spirit of Salford in protecting each other – following all the basic advice, abiding by the Greater Manchester restrictions and voluntarily to:

·         Avoid non-essential journeys on public transport

·         Wear face coverings in all indoor public venues at all times unless medically exempt.

“We will monitor businesses:

·         To enforce the tightening of track and trace responsibilities in the hospitality sector.

·         To ask restaurants and pubs to operate advanced booking systems.

“We will also robustly challenge applications for events and gatherings and have taken the decision to reluctantly cancel major events for this year's Bonfire Night.”

 

Councillor Gina Reynolds, Lead Member for Adult Services and Health and Wellbeing added

Quote

 

“We know people have enjoyed more social freedom, such as having a meal out with their immediate family or meeting family and friends in outdoor spaces. If we are not to lose this, we need to act now. 

“It’s also imperative to support local businesses which are the lifeblood of our communities and keep them open so that the Salford economy can recover.”

 

For the latest information and advice please visit www.salford.gov.uk

Residents of Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford will move into their new accommodation next week following the completion of the first stage of a £15m redevelopment.

Military veterans will move into a three-storey building which has been named The Stoller Wing in honour of north west businessman and philanthropist Sir Norman Stoller, whose charitable trust has provided substantial financial backing for the scheme.

The building features residential care and nursing care accommodation, with a total of 32 beds over two floors. Each floor of accommodation has an activity room, a lounge, a kitchen and a balcony.

The nursing care suite is named after Col Sir William Coates, who founded Broughton House in 1916 to care for soldiers and sailors injured during the First World War. The residential care suite is named after Charlie Fox, the first Broughton House resident.

On the ground floor is a café for residents and their families, staff and the general public, along with the Broughton House museum, a reception area, hair salon, physiotherapy and treatment room, conference facilities and, for the time being, the Armed Forces Support Hub.

The hub will be relocated after the next stage of works, and the space it currently occupies will become a gymnasium.

Work on the next stage of the scheme is due to begin in October. This will see the construction of The Jellicoe Wing, which will feature a total of 32 residential care and residential dementia care beds and six independent living apartments alongside the Armed Forces Support Hub.

The redevelopment of the two-acre site is being carried out in phases to minimise the disruption to the veterans living at Broughton House.

It will create the UK’s first Veteran Care Village at the only home in the north west for ex-servicemen and women. Outdoor features of the redevelopment will include memorial gardens, a bandstand, landscaped gardens and a bowling green.

So far, Broughton House has raised £11.5m towards the total cost of the scheme.

Significant funds in addition to those given by the Stoller Charitable Trust have come from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the Garfield Weston Foundation, The Band Trust, Lord Glendonbrook and from LIBOR funding, a government initiative created to redistribute the proceeds of banking fines.

Broughton House is running a Buy-a-Brick appeal to raise further funds.

Eric Wright Group is the main contractor for the project, which is being managed by Dooley Associates. Levitt Bernstein is the architect.

Tom O’Brien, chairman of the Broughton House Executive Committee, said:

Quote

 

“We are thrilled that the commissioning of The Stoller Wing at the Veteran Care Village will be taking place this month. It will be an iconic building where our veterans and families will receive the care and service they richly deserve.

“We could not have achieved this important milestone without support from a variety of sources, and we are extremely grateful for the commitment of all those organisations and individuals who have contributed and for the belief they have shown in the concept to help bring our vision to reality.”

 

Simon Williams, author, poet, charity fundraiser, radio DJ and now a songwriter has turned his talents to penning six songs on a new CD, "Winds of Salford" and it has to be said he talks and writes in the voice of the streets he grew up in and still lives in.

We met up with him and he told us how it came about:

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"The covid lockdown affected me badly in quite a few ways, I was due to perform some of my poetry at the 40th Anniversary of St Anthony's Heritage centre in Trafford Park, I was invited by Vincent Sheedy and Paul Frost who had heard my stuff and were presumably impressed, sadly that gig was cancelled along with the Wigan Diggers Festival this year which I was really looking forward to playing.

"I decided to write some songs and sent them off to Paul and Vincent who sprinkled their musical, magic on it and I am delighted with the finished product, and the strangest thing is, I have never met them and yet we somehow click".

 

As can be imagined coming from a man who has a passion for his place of birth. the songs are a love song to growing up, working, falling in love, passion, heartbreak and memories of life in Salford and can't be faulted.

There is one standout track for me, "Homeless" a collaboration with Vincent and Paul which pulls no punches and was almost used in a television documentary this year, once again the covid curse struck.

So ten tracks in total which provides a nice blend of Simon, Vincent and Paul's lyrics and an easy listening musical backup, hats doffed to everybody concerned.

Simon has had an initial 100 copies run off and has so far sold 70 copies, on it's first day of release, which is some going and if you would like to purchase a copy.

The cost of the CD is £5. and if Simon says so himself, it's ideal for a Christmas stocking filler, or for exiled Salfordians, missing 'The Winds of Salford'.

You can buy the CD, at

TGI VAPOURS 524 Liverpool Road Eccles near the little Adsa

TGI VAPOURS 38 b Market Street Heywood OL10 4LY

or Jill Bowyer at Salford City Radio.

Failing that contact Simon on Facebook and he will do the rest.

All profits of the CD, will go to our local radio station Salford City Radio 97.4FM, a community radio station that both Simon and salford.media are huge supporters of.

However here at salford.media we have a copy of Winds Of Salford which can be yours by answering this simple question:

Which radio station will not give Karl and Tony their own show?

Send your answer to SOL comments Facebook page and the first one one drawn out of our fabled lucky hat will be the winner, Winner will be announced on Saturday at 11 am.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/18058321757/permalink/10158041135626758

Police were called after a crash involving a blue Renault and a Grey Vauxhall vehicles outside of the Wellington Pub on Worsley Road in Eccles on Tuesday (8th September).

One of the vehicles is suspected as being stolen and the occupant is said to have fled the scene before the arrival of emergency services.

Fortunately the occupant of the other vehicle who was on his way home from work, was not seriously injured.

Officers from GMP Tweeted:

Quote

 

"Our Traffic PCSO attended on Worsley Road. A two vehicle RTC (road traffic collision) involving an outstanding stolen and someone on their way to work.

"Occupants fled the scene. Vehicle recovered for CSI to examine."