A school uniform recycling hub has been launched by Emmaus Salford with support from Guinness Partnership and Sal’s Shoes.

The Emmaus Salford School Uniform Hub will collect and redistribute school uniforms and shoes to children living in Salford. The hub aims to reduce good quality clothes and shoes going to landfill whilst providing items free of charge to families in need.

The hub has been launched with initial funding from Guinness Partnership and support from local and national partners including Sal’s Shoes, SOCKSHOP and Tesco.

Rachel Richardson, Community Director at Emmaus Salford, said:

Quote

 

“We are delighted to be launching our new School Uniform Hub in the summer holidays, ready for the new school year starting in September.

“There are so many local families struggling to make ends meet and as kids outgrow their uniforms and shoes, replacing these items can be expensive. Our new hub will offer a range of new and used good quality items to families referred to us by Salford Citizen’s Advice Bureau and local schools.”

 

 

 

Emmaus Salford supports 22 formerly homeless people by providing a stable home, meaningful work and individual support for as long as they need it. The new School Uniform Hub will be run by beneficiaries of the charity, enabling them to gain skills and experience whilst supporting local families in need.

Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive of The Guinness Partnership, said:

Quote

 

So many families struggle to buy essentials such as children’s shoes and school uniforms, so we welcome the chance to partner with Sal’s Shoes and Emmaus to ensure that children don’t go without, and don’t feel self-conscious about not having the things that some of their classmates will be able to take for granted.”

 

Helping local families

The hub will stock shirts, sweatshirts, skirts, trousers, socks, pumps, shoes and PE tops. Most of the items will be sourced from collection points and lost property at local schools and individual donations. Tesco Extra in Swinton has donated sets of new school uniforms and legwear retailer, SOCKSHOP, has donated a brand-new batch of children’s socks.

Footwear will be supplied by Sal’s Shoes, a charity that redistributes outgrown but not outworn shoes to children in desperate need. Since 2013, Sal’s Shoes has provided over two million pairs of pre-loved children’s shoes in 46 countries around the world.

CJ Bowry, founder of Sal’s Shoes, said:

Quote

 

“There are 4.2 million children living in poverty in the U.K. That’s nine children in a classroom of 30. With 1 in 10 families going further into debt to pay for children’s school clothes, we’re delighted to be able to help foot the bill for children in need in Salford.”

 

In addition to the new School Uniform Hub, Emmaus Salford operates three charity stores in the city as well as Lucie’s Pantry social supermarket. The charity’s social enterprise activities provide valuable work and training opportunities to formerly homeless people whilst offering essential products and services to housed individuals and families at risk of homelessness.

Learn more about the Emmaus Salford charity and social enterprise. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 0161 737 8279 or visit our Salford charity shops.

The project completion coincides with the Met Office publishing their annual report which stated that climate change was ‘driving UK’s extreme weather’ with northern England suffering from its ninth wettest year in a series from 1862.

Many experts believe that the UK will continue to face multiple flooding threats, many of which are exacerbated by climate change including summer flash floods caused by extreme downpours and extensive autumn and winter river floods caused by persistent heavy rain and storms.

Utilising a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDs) the green space of Dale’s Brow in Salford, Greater Manchester which is vulnerable to flooding was used to show how natural solutions can address issues of not only surface water flooding but pollution.

The space was transformed with the installation of two swales (a sunken, marshy ditch), the creation of a new 64sqm wetland area, a 40m long beech hedge as well as hundreds of new plants and trees.

The system will work as rainwater running off the road will be diverted away from the sewers into the swales. In heavy rainfall events the rainwater will travel along the swales and into a temporary wetland area.

When the swales and wetland area are full, the water will overflow back into the water course via a pipe connection in a clean and safe condition.

The swales and the wetland area will contain a variety of different vegetation types able to cope with wet conditions. Microbes in the soil and vegetation will trap and help to break down any pollutants into harmless compounds.

The project has a number of benefits; not only helping to reduce surface water flooding at a local level but it also eases pressure on the sewer infrastructure as well as providing costs savings with respect to water treatment and reduce the likelihood of pollution incidents in watercourses from overflowing sewers.

As well as the nature-based interventions, other measures include a new footpath, tree planting and the creation of low maintenance ‘biodiverse’ planting areas ensuring the space can be benefit both local people and planet.

The University of Salford will monitor the quantity and quality of surface water entering and exiting the site to determine the amount of water diverted away from the combined sewer and the ability of the SuDS features to remove vehicle-based pollutants.

Bryan Cosgrove, Resilience Co-ordinator at City of Trees comments;

Quote

 

“This project demonstrates that there are natural ways of reducing flooding and cleaning our water, beyond traditional hard engineering solutions.”

“We hope that this type of solution becomes the norm and not the exception.”

 

Adam Chapman from the Environment Agency comment:

Quote

 

“This project shows the value of investing in Green Infrastructure to tackle the issues of today and tomorrow. Through a partnership of local key players, this land has been enhanced, enriching the local environment and providing multiple benefits with respect to flood risk, water quality and amenity value.”

 

Cllr Derek Antrobus adds:

Quote

 

“Climate change poses the biggest threat to our future and so we must act now to increase our resilience to further extreme weather events. This project shows how we can manage our water sustainably whilst improving green spaces for local people – which is especially crucial at this time.”

 

The project has been delivered in partnership with City of Trees, Salford Council, The Environment Agency, United Utilities and the University of Salford. It has been funded by Salford City Council, The Environment Agency and Natural Course.

Hospital staff alerted the police after becoming concerned over injuries to a four-month-old baby boy brought into hospital requiring medical assistance in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A man and a woman from Salford were both originally arrested on suspicion of assault.

The man named as 20-year-old Benjamin Welsh, of Whittle Grove, Walkden, has now been charged with section 18 assault ad detained to appear in court later today 12th of August.

The incident happened shortly after midnight on Sunday 9th of August. The child was found and still remains in a critical condition.

A GMP Spokesperson said:

Quote

 

"A man has been charged in connection with life-threatening injuries sustained by a baby boy from Salford.

"Benjamin Welsh (21/12/1999) of Whittle Grove, Walkden has been charged with section 18 assault.

"He has been remanded in custody to appear before Manchester Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday 12 August 2020.

"Shortly before 12.30pm on Sunday 9 August 2020, police were called by hospital staff to concerns over the injuries of a baby boy who had been brought in for medical assistance.

"The 4-month-old baby remains in a critical condition."

 

If you can aid the police in their investigation into this incident, please call police on 0161 856 3653 or 101 quoting number 1761 of 09/08/2020, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Salford City Council has started the process to appoint a new chief executive.

Chief Executive Jim Taylor has announced he is to retire in January 2021 after almost 40 years of public service.

He will be leaving Salford to spend more time with his family and friends after more than six years in service in his current role – one he says he has been privileged to hold. 

Jim said:

Quote

“Salford is welcoming; a unique city with extraordinary colleagues serving amazing people. It is a city of outstanding opportunity and I am privileged to have been given this role. This is Salford’s time and there has always been a genuine sense of the ‘Spirit of Salford’, especially demonstrated during these last few months.”

The council is now starting to plan for the appointment of it’s new chief executive and a report will go to the workforce panel.City Mayor Paul Dennett said:

Quote

 

“Firstly I would like to sincerely thank Jim for his leadership, commitment and dedication over the past six years.

“During his tenure we have achieved a lot as the city council and with our partners in Salford from recognition of our approach to leadership, establishing our own housing company (Derive) to build truly affordable housing. We have been tackling digital exclusion and being recognised nationally as digital council of the year, to the ground-breaking co-produced work informing policy and practice in the city through our poverty truth commission. Salford Council has also been named amongst the greenest councils in England - with huge amounts of investment into our parks and green spaces, and a radical programme for achieving carbon neutrality.

“While Jim will certainly be a hard act to follow as we look to the future, I am looking for someone to build on all the great work and achievements to date and lead the next phase, someone who is passionate and ambitious for our city and the people of Salford, but who is also people-centred, a team player and rooted in the egalitarian values of our city.

"Salford is a growing city both economically and in size, and we are determined to make sure that every Salford resident benefits from that growth. We need a new Chief Executive up to the task of continuing our journey towards an inclusive economy, with affordable housing and well-paid jobs.”

 

The process to attract and appoint a new chief executive will start in August and will be complete in the autumn to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity of leadership for Salford City Council.

Can you help police find a missing man from Eccles?

Alan Smith, 53, was last seen about 2.20pm on Monday 3 August 2020 when leaving his place of work in the Trafford Park area.

Alan is described as white, around 5ft 8ins tall and of broad build. He has brown eyes, brown hair going grey at the side and a close-cut beard.

He has a number of tattoos on his arms.

It is unknown what he was last wearing.

Officers are becoming increasingly concerned for Alan and want to make sure he is safe and well.

Anyone with information about Alan’s whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8351.

GMP’s dedicated operation to tackle illegal large gatherings disperses event in Salford.

At around 7.05pm on Saturday 1 August 2020, police received a report that a group of people were setting up audio equipment on the roof of a property on Worrall Street.

Officers attended and safely dispersed the group. As part of this, a dispersal order has been put place. The dispersal order covers the entirety of the City of Salford.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Superintendent Colette Rose said:

Quote

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the vast majority of people who are complying with the Covid-19 restrictions and reporting those who aren’t. They are providing us with vital intelligence which is allowing us to safely disperse gatherings which we know could result in serious incidents.

“The gathering in Salford this evening consisted of dozens of people. We believe many of these had travelled in to Greater Manchester from a neighbouring county. I am pleased to say that this gathering has been safely dispersed, though officers will remain in the area throughout this evening to ensure that the attendees don’t regroup.

“I hope tonight’s action reassures members of the public that Greater Manchester Police takes reports of breaches seriously and that officers are deployed to follow them up. These specially trained officers attend and, in cases where offences are identified, take appropriate action and work to identify those responsible for this reckless behaviour.”

Anyone with information about the organisation of this illegal large gathering should contact police on 101 quoting 3060 of 01/08/20 or the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Information regarding other illegal large gatherings should be reported via our website, where our LiveChat service is available 24/7.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the next of kin of a man from Salford.

Robert Marshall, 83, passed away at his home address on Marlborough Road on Tuesday 28 July 2020.

There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about Robert’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.

Frantisek Horinek, 54, passed away at his home address at Howe Street, Salford on the 23 July 2020.

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

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

Police were called to the B'Hive Public House on Holland Street shortly after 11:30pm last night (Saturday 18th July) after reports that a woman had received head injuries as the result of an assault.

The area around the pub & nearby cock robin bridge was cordoned off.

Officers say that at the moment there have been no arrests made.

In a statement made by Greater Manchester Police, a spokesperson said:

Quote

 

"Shortly after 11.50pm on Saturday 18 July 2020, police were called to a pub on Holland Street in Salford to reports that a woman had been assaulted.

"Officers attended and a 44-year-old woman was taken to hospital with head injuries. She remains in a stable condition.

"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."

 

If you have any information which could help with this case you should call police on 0161 856 8361 or 101 quoting incident number 3621 of 18/07/2020, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for the public’s help to trace the next of kin of a man from the Eccles, Salford area.

Stephen Roberts, 59, passed away at his home on Liverpool Road, Eccles Salford on Tuesday 14 July 2020.

There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Anyone with information about Stephen’s next of kin should contact the Police Coroner’s Office in Bolton on 0161 856 4687.

 

Police dealt with an incident at Salford Crescent Railway Station earlier this evening (14th July) after it is believed a person had been struck by a train.

Emergency services attended the scene shortly after 4:15pm after a member of the public reported that someone had been hit by a train on a stretch of track close to the station.

NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) were quick to respond and train services in and out of the station were suspended, however, not long afterwards NWAS left the scene having said that no one required hospitalisation.

Police continue to investigate.

A spokesperson for NWAS has issued the following statement:

Quote

"No one has been taken to hospital and the police are now dealing with the incident."

Train services were suspended for a short time but are now running as normal.

Salford organisations have pulled together to help families stay healthy over the summer.

The healthy holidays hub on Salford City Council’s website, has videos from local community organisations and links to everything from cookery and craft to exercise, music lessons and singing, reading and games.

 Each week new videos will be added to help families enjoy their time together over the summer break. And, on a more serious note, the hub also includes links to extra financial support and advice for families which may be struggling with existing debts or the impact of Coronavirus.

Councillor Paula Boshell, lead member for anti-poverty, neighbourhoods, financial inclusion and equalities, said the hub was a response to the challenge of living with COVID-19.

Quote

 

“Last year Salford had a programme of holiday activities which included free healthy snacks and meals to make sure children didn’t go hungry. We also offered £30 shopping vouchers to families eligible for free school meals and were planning to do so again before the government did a U turn and agreed to continue free school meal vouchers over the summer,” she said.

“As the face to face activities are limited because of Coronavirus restrictions, we decided to put information online in a single, easy to find place along with information about support for families which might be struggling.

“Families have had a difficult few months with home schooling and children missing out on seeing their friends. Things have eased a little but COVID-19 is still with us and the advice is still to stay home as much as possible so we wanted to offer support with that.”

 

The organisations which have contributed to the hub are: Salford City Council,  Salford CVS, Salford Foodshare Network,  Salford Community Leisure, Salford NHS Clinical Comissioning Group  and the Lifecentre in Langworthy.

The hub can be found at www.salford.gov.uk/healthyholidays

A green Vauxhall Astra was suspected as having caught on fire after a collision with a van and two cars on Trinity Way this morning, this however was a false alarm as it was not on fire when fire crews arrived on scene.

Fortunately none of the occupants of the vehicles were seriously injured and the driver of the Astra had been able to self rescue himself.

Police have so far made no arrests.

There were considerable delays in the area during the incident but these have now cleared and the road reopened to traffic.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said:

Quote

 

"Police were called to a report of collision on Trinity Way, Salford, shortly before 8pm on July 12, 2020.

"The collision involved a green Vauxhall Astra, a van and a grey Mercedes.

"No reports of injuries."

 

Two members of staff at Harrop Fold school in Little Hulton were diagnosed as having contracted the Covid-19 virus on Friday 10th July but after a thorough cleaning over the weekend the school has been able to reopen this morning after following Public Health England guidelines.

Both staff members as well as colleagues and students who may have had contact with them have been told to stay at home and self-isolate. The school has been operating with minimal staff and pupils so exposure has been limited.

Following advice and guidelines from Public Health England the school was able to reopen to children of keyworkers this morning after a thorough deep cleaning took place over the weekend.

Councillor John Merry (Salford Deputy City Mayor and the lead member for Children’s and Young People’s Services) issued a statement explaining the situation:

Quote

 

"The head teacher of Harrop Fold School had permission to take Friday off on unpaid leave for personal reasons but was in constant contact with the school during the day.

"Unfortunately two members of staff have tested positive. The head teacher had not been in physical contact with either staff member.

"Following advice from Public Health England (PHE) those staff and children who have been in possible contact with them have been advised to self isolate. These are limited in number due to the fact that the school is only currently open to a small number of students and staff.

"The situation was managed on Friday with the decision to stay open taken by senior members of staff, including the head teacher in liaison with Salford City Council and PHE.

"Following PHE advice, the school will be suitably cleaned and remain open as usual on Monday for the appropriate priority groups such as children of key workers."

 

Earlier today (Sunday 12 July 2020) at around 0655am, police were called by the ambulance service to Bolton Road in Pendlebury to reports of a serious collision involving two vehicles – a Renault Megane and a Mitsubishi Shogun

On police arrival, two men – who were occupants of the Renault Megane - had very sadly passed away as a result of their injuries. One is believed to be in their 30s and the other in their 40s.  

The driver of the Mitsubishi– a man in his 60s - was taken to hospital with serious injuries. He remains there in a stable condition.

Emergency services remain at the scene whilst investigation work is carried out. The road remains closed.

Enquiries are ongoing and no arrests have been made.

PC Karl Horner of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said:

Quote

 

“This is an absolutely tragic incident, in which two people have very sadly lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their families at this unimaginably distressing and difficult time. Our thoughts also remain with the man who is receiving treatment in hospital – we hope he makes a recovery as soon as is possible. We have specially trained officers supporting those family members who have been affected.

“The investigation will be led by GMP’s Serious Investigation Unit, who specialise in investigating devastating incidents like this one. We hope that we can provide a measure of comfort to the distraught family members, by meticulously investigating the circumstances that led to two people losing their lives this morning.

“I would appeal directly to anyone who saw either vehicle in the lead up to the incident – do you have dash cam footage or any information that could assist us? I would urge you to get in touch as soon as possible, so we can further progress our investigation.”

 

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741, quoting incident number 923 of 12/07/20. Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Our condolences to the families at this time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all as we seek to keep ourselves and those in our community safe and free from the virus. We have all seen how this has been particularly the case with care homes, and like many others Ecclesholme closed its doors to all but essential visitors at the start of the pandemic to protect its residents.

To counter any feelings of isolation that the lack of visitors could bring, the staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that residents have had regular contact with their families by phone or video call and this has been a great comfort to the residents and their families.

However, close up, face to face conversations have not been possible. That is until now.

This has all changed as the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution care home in Eccles, Manchester, has become one of the first in the country to install a COVID secure visitor pod thanks to the generosity of the Association of Friends of Ecclesholme.

The residents have been overjoyed to be reunited with their loved ones after months without visitors and staff and residents have had a real morale boost as the pod enables residents to meet safely with their families again. These newly created partitioned spaces have airtight, toughened glass screen to ensure the safety of residents, their families, and the home’s staff. Visitors can now enter and exit the room from outside the home to minimise the risk of infection. While resident’s access the room from a different door inside the home. Both sides of the pod are deep cleaned between each visit.

Among the residents thrilled to be able to have visitors again was Olive Marshall, who was overjoyed to see her daughter, Susan Rees, for the first time four months.

Daughter Susan said:

Quote

“We are really grateful for the care, attention and love that Ecclesholme have given to mum, especially over these last four months of lockdown. We have been able to speak on the phone, and the home have sent photos, but there is nothing better than actually seeing a loved one at close quarters. The pod that has been installed provides this much needed opportunity.”

Home manager, Bev Niland said:

Quote

 

“It means the world to our residents to be able to have their loved ones visit and chat to them. In normal times, they are able to have visitors whenever they like, so not being able to do that has been heart-breaking for everyone.”

“We’re all looking forward to the day when they can hug each other, but until then, we hope that our new secure pod will make it a bit easier for our residents and their families.”

 

Photo: Ecclesholme resident, Olive Marshall, is reunited with her daughter, Susan Rees, in the home’s new visitor pod.

Story: Wayne Devlin

Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously injured in a collision on the M60. 

At around 8pm on Thursday 9 July 2020, police were called to reports of a collision. It is believed that the driver of a HGV tractor unit suffered from a medical episode before colliding with the central reservation just past junction 13 on the clockwise carriageway of the M60. 

The driver – a 49-year-old man –was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing. 

Police Constable Adam Scott, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

Quote

“This tragic accident has left a man in a critical condition, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this very difficult time. 

“Our enquiries are still in their early stages but due to the location of this incident we are hopeful that there are a number of witnesses who may have dash cam footage or information that could assist us. 

“If this is you or you were on either side of the carriageway at around 8pm last night, please do not hesitate to get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2600 of 10/07/2020. 

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

Riot gear clad police officers attended an incident on Castle Way in Swinton in the early hours of Wednesday morning following a report from the public of a man claiming to have a gun during a disturbance at a property on the street.

Witnesses described a man smashing windows and throwing items from the window of a property at around 3:30am on Wednesday morning (8th July).

A spokesperson for GMP said:

Quote

 

"Officers were called to Castle Way, in Swinton, at 3.30am yesterday to reports of a disturbance.

"A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray and criminal damage."

 

Emergency services were called after a 28-year-old man received injuries after an attack with an 'acid like substance' at around 11:50am on Brierly Road East in Swinton.

Police, Fire and Ambulance services were in attendance after being made aware of the incident by residents.

The young mans injuries are said not to be serious and he was treated by paramedics at the scene.

Police are not linking the incident to any related crimes and so far there have been no arrests made.

A spokesperson for GMP said:

Quote

 

"Shortly before 11:50am on Tuesday, July 7, police were called to reports of a disturbance on Brierley Road East, Salford.

"Enquiries suggest that an acid like substance was thrown at a 28-year-old man.

"The victim has received minor injuries that did not require hospital treatment.

"Officers believe that this is an isolated incident."

 

Anyone who has any information regarding this incident is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5127, quoting incident number 1122 of 7/7/2020.

As always, as an alternative, reports can be anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A mystery artist who left his or her work on the steps of Salford Civic Centre is being urged to come forward so the city can say thank you.

The 1.5metre high painting, titled The Frontline 2020, was left by two men last Friday without any details of who was responsible.

The bright and bold artwork pays tribute to key workers who have kept the city going through the Covid pandemic, including nurses, cleaners and bin crews, set against a Salford background.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said he was baffled but delighted by the donation.

Quote

“It is absolutely stunning, a really powerful piece of art and I am so grateful to whoever is responsible,”

“It captures the real spirit of Salford and the dedication of our key workers who have kept the city going through these difficult times. I’d love to say thank you directly to the artist and we can do that anonymously if they prefer.  It’s beautifully painted and really captures a moment in our city’s history.

“The coronavirus pandemic has affected this city greatly and it is important that when the time is right we have a fitting tribute to remember those who have lost their lives to the virus in the city.”

Arrangements are now being made to put the painting on public display in the city.