Following on from the success of my last history walks around Salford with the Danish students from the Ingrid Jespersens Gymnasieskole in Copenhagen, along Chapel Street and the Crescent and my popular Eccles history walks on a Sunday, here at Salford.Media thought it would be a good idea if I were to do these walks on a more regular basis, with a catch.

I have seen tour guides charging up to £10+ for their walks and I am sure they are good value, however the Salford.Media history walks will be for free! yes you read that correctly, nil, nada, zilch, zero!

Instead of charging people we have come up with the idea that people on our walks donate food or cash which will be given accordingly to the emergency, weekend food bank at Mustard Tree in Eccles and any monies received will be given to Broughton House in Salford, the rest home for armed force veterans.

I have in mind three walks and they are as follows:

1) Chapel Street and the Crescent, Salford were you will learn about the oldest church in Salford, Scuttlers, public hangings, The Manchester Martyrs, Salford Blitz, Salford Cathedral, St Phillips Church, L.S.Lowry, various monuments and statues, debunk the myth of Marx and Engels boozing in the Crescent pub, fire stations and art galleries.

2) Weaste Cemetery were you can hear about the Salford Poisoner, Crimean War veterans, Mill Owners, painters, two Manchester United footballers, Lady lion tamers, world champion wrestler, musicians, life savers, soldiers, priests and paupers.

3) Eccles Sunday Stroll, come for a leisurely stroll down Church Street and be astonished to learn about, the worlds first railway fatality, bizarre deaths in public houses, body snatchers, Engels popping in an Eccles pub, or did he?, Lusitania riots, the meaning of pub names, local characters, Noddy Holder, Eccles cakes and the Eccles Cross, and much more.

Karl and I thought if  you were to donate food, tinned or soap products to say the value of a £5 or donate what you can,  and less than a fiver in cash, basically half what the other guides are charging plus you get to go for a pint on my walks!

So if you are up for it please let Karl and I know, we intend to start doing them in May and afterwards as the weather gets warmer.

City Mayor Paul Dennett has announced a pay boost for Salford’s social care workers to bring them closer to the real Living Wage.

It is part of Salford’s aim to become the first Living Wage City in England by encouraging more employers to pay the real living wage of £9.30 an hour.

One of the areas to be targeted by the City of Salford’s Living Wage Task Force is the health and social care sector, which has been highlighted as a sector facing high levels of employee turnover, poor retention, limited training and development, low pay and zero-hour contracts in addition to friends and families providing care without pay. The Task Force is made up of representatives of local businesses, the council, the University of Salford and the voluntary and community sector.

In 2017 Salford City Council and Salford’s Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) boosted pay to £8.30 per hour for home care workers in the city – well above the national minimum wage at the time. Both the city council and Salford’s CCG are accredited Living Wage employers with the Living Wage Foundation and pay all their direct employees at least the real living wage. Salford City Council was the first local authority in Greater Manchester to uplift its workers to the real living wage in 2013.

Now Mayor Dennett has agreed another pay rise to £9.00 per hour from 1st October 2020 for all care workers in the city as the City Council and Salford’s CCG continue to work towards care workers receiving the full real Living Wage. In addition both organisations will be seeking to identify resources in order to pay the real living wage of £9.30 per hour to those care workers on the supported tenancies learning disability contracts from wage from 1st October 2020 as a progressive step towards bringing all care workers onto the real living wage.

Paul said:

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“This is an investment in people who do one of the most important jobs in our neighbourhoods and communities – caring for the elderly and vulnerable, whilst also making sure they can maintain their dignity and independence.

“The last pay rise was funded three years ago by a one off national government grant after local authorities drew attention to the crisis in adult social care. While local authorities face unprecedented demand for services the sector has been struggling to recruit and retain staff because of low pay.

“We do not have the luxury of that extra funding now, especially with significant ongoing financial uncertainty in local government and after having had £211 million cut from central government funding since 2010 with no let-up in demand for services. It is for these reasons that we cannot move straight to paying carers in our city the real Living Wage but I am determined to campaign, lobby and work towards achieving this as soon as we can. Today’s Health and Social Care Committee’s launch of the Social Care Funding and Workforce Inquiry is an opportunity for the city of Salford to highlight the challenges we continue to face with social care, highlighting the impacts of austerity, notably precept (regressive taxation) increases on council tax bills over the past four years and the importance of paying our care workers a real living wage and providing training and development opportunities.”

 

Branch Secretary, Unison, Steve North said:

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“Our members are absolutely delighted to receive this news.  We want to thank those people who supported the campaign, in particular Paul Dennett, City Mayor and Councillor Gina Reynolds. The success of this campaign shows care workers can have a strong voice. And we in Unison are determined to continue to help them to use that voice and deliver real dignity in social care. Salford Unison is also committed to supporting the council in campaigning central government for a fair funding settlement for Salford, especially after £211 million of cuts since 2010."

Councillor Gina Reynolds, Lead Member said:

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“This has been a difficult process but there has never been any doubt that we are committed to supporting care workers who work tirelessly to protect some of our most vulnerable residents in the city. Care workers deserve to be paid a decent wage and this decision is very much welcomed.”

Dr Tom Tasker, Chair of Salford CCG, said:

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“Social care workers play a critical role in looking after Salford’s most vulnerable people and making sure they are receiving the best care within the community. I’m delighted that they are set to be paid a higher and fairer wage for what can be a challenging and demanding job. We recognise that this isn’t the real living wage, but it is a step in the right direction as we continue to work on providing carers with a wage that is in line with real living costs.”

Photo: Unison

Salford-based housing association, Salix Homes, has launched a new Customer Committee giving its tenants a real voice by allowing customers unfettered access to scrutinise the organisation.

The committee, which officially launches this week, is made up of 12 Salix Homes customers from a range of backgrounds, professions and talents – and will sit alongside the organisation’s board in how it is governed.

The 12 members were hired after an in-depth application process saw 129 customers apply to be a part of the innovative scheme. Applicants included everyone from barristers to baristas. The process included a written application, open day, as well as a face-to-face interview at head office.

As part of the committee, members will be responsible for ensuring that the business meets its high customer standards and that value for money is being achieved across all services areas.

Anne-Marie Bancroft, customer engagement manager at Salix Homes will be overseeing the committee, she said:

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“Salix Homes has always worked closely with its customers, but the development of our new Customer Committee has taken our customer engagement to an exciting level.

“Our tenants are the ones living in our homes and communities, so there is no better voice to help shape our services than our customers. We’re looking forward to seeing what positive impacts the group achieve together with our full support.”

 

All members of the Customer Committee are being remunerated for their time, insight and opinions, giving members parity with the housing association’s board. Two board members will also sit as part of the committee to give the board assurance that the customer voice is being heard.

Maddison, member of the committee and full-time law student fully appreciates the support that the social housing sector can provide, she said,

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“I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Salix Homes was launching a Customer Committee – I think it’s such an innovative and brave decision. After being asked to leave my private rented property due to a change in my landlord’s personal circumstances and having nowhere to go at short notice, I was at risk of becoming homeless with my young daughter before Salix Homes stepped in, so I applied for the committee for the chance to support the sector that helped me and to be able to give back to my community.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have been a successful applicant and can’t wait to be involved in the important decision-making processes that’ll have a direct impact on my fellow customers.”

Lee Sugden, CEO of Salix Homes, said:

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“To get a truly representative and engaged group of residents, we realised we couldn’t continue to rely on goodwill and free-time. It was important to us that our members were paid for their time and insight and given parity in our governance structures – the same way we would recognise an accountant or lawyer on our board for theirs.”

The launch of the new committee also marks five years since Salix Homes became an independent housing association following its tenants voting in favour of the ownership of the homes transferring from Salford City Council to the organisation.

Lee Sugden added

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“As we approach our five year anniversary this month since we transferred from Salford City Council, the launch of the Customer Committee feels like a big step in the right direction for us and honours the commitment we made to enhance how we give our tenants a real say in how we are run.

It’s a real step change for customer engagement within the housing sector and we’re proud to be leading the way.”

 

You can learn more about Salix Home’s Customer Committee and its members here https://www.salixhomes.org/customer-committee.

Two petrol generators have been recovered by police after they were stolen from vans in Eccles last November.

This morning two of Officers from the Eccles Neighbourhood Team braved a trip over the Pennines to Yorkshire in order to execute a warrant to search an address.

Police were able to ping GPS locators on the two stolen generators which subsequently identified an address where they were located.

Both generators have now been recovered and have been returned to the owners. 

Greater Manchester Police are currently looking for a thief who took the opportunity to steal a bag from a woman who had been struck by a car last Sunday (1st March).

At around 7pm a young woman was struck and knocked to the floor by a motor vehicle on Trinity Way Salford close to the traffic lights next to the New Bailey car park.

As she lay seriously injured someone decided it was a good thing to steal the ladies handbag which contained her mobile phone and other items within it.

The phone had all her emergency contacts in and was urgently needed.

If anybody has any information on who may have the bag and phone could they please contact GMP on the 101 number and reference crime number cri/06ff/000

This evening we received reports of a collision between two cars, one of which was a police vehicle, the collision resulted in the temporary closure of the junction of Bury New Road (A56) and Great Cheetham Street West (A576) in Higher Broughton.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area due to heavy congestion which formed around Albert Park but the road has now been cleared and reopened.

Two police officers were taken to hospital after the roof was cut off their vehicle to rescue them, fortunately they are said to have non life threatening injuries.

A female driver of the second vehicle was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs and was taken to hospital before she was later detained into custody.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said:

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“At around 4.15pm today, a collision took place on Bury New Road in Salford between two cars- one of which was a police vehicle.

“Emergency services attended and the road was closed whilst officers and emergency services staff worked at the scene.

“The driver of the second vehicle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs. She has been taken to hospital to be treated for pains, before being taken into police custody.

“Both the driver and passenger of the police vehicle have been taken to hospital with injuries.

“They are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing at this time”.

 

Photo: Keenan Louis Sheffield

Salford City Council has pledged its support for this year’s Great British Spring Clean, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy.

The campaign, which runs from 20 March to 13 April, will see up to 600,000 people taking action to clean up streets, parks and beaches across the country.

The Great British Spring Clean, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, brings together individuals, community organisations, businesses and councils to show they love where they live and in 2019 more than half a million #LitterHeroes collected more than 900,000 bags of rubbish.

Last year, Salford City Council supported local people to run 52 events, collecting 1500 bags of rubbish.

Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, is encouraging local people to join in.

He said:

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“Last year there were more than 50 events in Salford to pick up litter which saw tonnes of litter collected. It would be fantastic if more people took part this year, to help us look after our city and the people. We are very proud of the city and we want to make it an even better place to live and work.”

This year’s campaign will not only see tonnes of litter being removed from the environment but also aims to rescue thousands of the plastic bottles and aluminium drinks cans that a could very easily be recycled.

Volunteers will be asked to separate the litter they pick into three bags: one for plastic bottles, glass and aluminium cans and another for the rest of the rubbish.

The council will then collect these bags to ensure they are recycled appropriately.

Keep Britain Tidy Chief Executive Allison Ogden-Newton OBE said:

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“The overwhelming response to last year’s Great British Spring Clean showed that there are many hundreds of thousands of people out there who love where they live and are prepared to take action to make it better for themselves, their families and their communities.

“We are delighted that Salford City Council is supporting this year’s campaign and would like to thank them for their support.

“Without councils across the country giving the campaign their backing, our volunteers would not be able to do the incredible job they do.”

 

Please register your event with Salford City Council at www.salford.gov.uk/communitycleanup so the council can provide litter picking tools, gloves and bin bags, collect the rubbish and say a huge thank you for your support.

Please also register your event with Keep Britain Tidy www.keepbritaintidy.org

To find out more about being a Salford street champion go to www.salford.gov.uk/streetchampions

To find out more about the Great British Spring Clean visit www.keepbritaintidy.org

Broughton House, the Salford care home for ex-servicemen and women, has received a grant of £18,000 towards the cost of looking after veterans who served in the Royal Air Force.

The cash boost has come from the RAF Benevolent Fund, a welfare charity which supports current and former members of the service, their partners and dependants.

Over the past year, Broughton House has cared for 23 former RAF personnel.

The home receives local authority funding but has to find an additional £300 per week per resident.

Rhys Edwards, fundraising and marketing manager at Broughton House, said:

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“The support of the RAF Benevolent Fund ensures that residents who have previously served with the RAF are able to spend their later years in comfort and with dignity among their peers.

“It also ensures that we can continue to support the ever-growing demand from the younger serving and ex-serving military community through our Armed Forces Support Hub, which currently provides assistance to eight ex-RAF personnel.

“We’re extremely grateful to the RAF Benevolent Fund for the grant, which will have a real impact on the care we provide.”

 

Paul Hughesdon, director of welfare and policy at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: 

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“Broughton House offers invaluable support for RAF veterans in their twilight years, as well as veterans from other Armed Forces, so it’s a pleasure to give our backing to this honourable cause.

“This work echoes the RAF Benevolent Fund’s commitment to caring for all Royal Air Force veterans, as well as their partners, to ensure they can live their later life in comfort and with dignity.”

 

Photo: Broughton House resident Joan Jones, 94, who was a teleprinter in the Women’s Auxilary Air Force (WAAF).

Police were called at around 5.35pm on Thursday 5 March 2020, to reports of an assault by shoplifters having been carried out during a robbery at the Tesco supermarket on Monton Road, Eccles.

It is thought that no one was seriously injured during the attack.

If you witnessed the attack or have any information which could help with police enquiries then please contact GMP via 101 or online.

Shops in Salford are being warned to steer clear of illegal cigarettes and alcohol by Salford City Council’s trading standards officers.

Recent raids on 14 corner shops in Broughton, Eccles, Walkden, and Worsley over the last two months have led to thousands of pounds worth of illicit goods being recovered and nearly £5000 in cash being seized from one shop alone.  

Yesterday 5,680 illegally imported cigarettes on which duty had not been paid were seized from a shop in Irlam after being sniffed out by Ted the sniffer dog.

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

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“Illicit sales are not a quick and easy way to make money. They are a recipe for disaster for both traders and customers because you don’t know what they contain. Counterfeit alcohol often contains antifreeze which puts drinkers at risk of going blind while smuggled, non-duty paid goods deprive the public purse of vital funds for health and other services.

“We are cracking down hard on this dangerous trade and traders will not only find themselves out of pocket as we seize goods and cash but could end up in court facing further penalties.”

 

Including yesterday’s raid trading standards and police officers have seized 18,560 illicit cigarettes and 2.45kg of hand-rolling tobacco. They also seized £4948.88 in cash, under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 from one shop in Eccles.

Officers, working with HMRC, also seized a total of 21 litres of wine, 168 litres of beer and 137 litres of vodka on which no duty had been paid.  Investigations are still ongoing into the offences.

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.

Anyone who suspects illegal alcohol or cigarettes are being sold can report it anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.keep-it-out.co.uk.

GMP's Salford North-East Neighbourhood Team discovered a cannabis farm in Kersal this morning after they executed a search warrant at an address in the area.

The crack down is part of an ongoing effort to tackle crime in the area.

The team have also been out in force in Lower Broughton where for the next two weeks they will be tackling crime on the Heath Avenue Estate.

Over the last few weeks multiple stop search's have been carried out and various troublesome youths have been identified and are in the process of being dealt with.

Earlier this week a burglar was locked up at the scene and wanted person located thanks to the proactive work of officers.

On Monday night, police say that they were called to reports of a burglary in the Lower Broughton area.

The male was caught red handed by officers and was charged with two burglaries and one attempt theft of a motor vehicle.

He was remanded in custody and will be appearing at court today (Thursday 5th March).

Housing association, Salix Homes, has featured in the second series of a BBC documentary series, Britain’s Housing Scandal, demonstrating how it is tackling the housing crisis.

The series, which is presented by popular broadcaster, Matt Allwright, focuses on how repurposing empty buildings can play an important role in providing affordable homes for people in housing need.

The Salford-based housing association which manages around 8,000 properties around Salford also featured heavily in the first series of the documentary in 2019.

Jonathan Drake, who looks after Salix Homes’ private sector leasing-arm Salix Living and features in the programme, said:

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“At a time of a housing crisis, and with more than 6,500 people on the housing waiting list in Salford alone, Salix Homes is committed to bringing empty buildings back into use as affordable housing so we’re honoured to be able to show the work we’re doing on the BBC.”

The recent episode which aired on Thursday, 27 February showcased Salix Homes’ NHS key worker development Alexander Gardens. A 26-home scheme which now houses doctors, nurses and other clinic staff for Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust. The development began as a former sheltered housing complex and cost more than £2m to convert.

Jonathan continued,

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“This if the second time the BBC has chosen to visit us, so we’re very proud to be able to showcase some of the positive examples of how empty properties and buildings can be utilised to create more desperately needed homes.”

Salix Homes’ Joan Lestor development, which opened its doors last year having previously stood empty for a number of years, will feature in episode eight of the series, which will air today (Wednesday, 4 March) at 9:15am on BBC One. The development appeared in series one before work had started.

Matt Allwright said “It’s repurposing schemes just like this one that can make a real difference to communities in desperate need of affordable homes”

Today it was my privilege to show a group of 18 students and their teachers from the Ingrid Jespersens Gymnasieskole in Copenhagen , around the Chapel Street and Crescent area of Salford to learn about our city's history and culture.

They arrived at Victoria Station from Liverpool were they are based and soon they were outside Salford’s oldest chapel, the Grade II-listed Sacred Trinity Church were they learned about the history of the church and the significance of the war memorial and the link to Edith Cavell, who was shot in 1915 by the Germans who suspected her of being a spy.

Denmark was neutral in World War One and so it was new to them to hear about the appalling losses the Salford Pals regiments suffered on the Somme and the significance of the poppy on the war memorials.

They were both delighted and puzzled that the church held regular Goth music nights,  Samba classes, Viking re-enactment nights, art classes and LGBT meetings, all of this seemed anathema to their experience of churches in their homeland.

The Salford history walk took us to the site of the New Bailey Prison where the students were horrified to learn that public hangings were still taking place in Salford as late as April 1868.

I spoke about the Manchester Martyr's, Allen, Larkin and O’Brien who were hanged here in November 1867 for the role in the murder of Sergeant Brett.

It came as quite a shock to them to hear that these barbaric spectacles were considered days out, with crowds of 10,000 people attending, mothers and fathers bringing children to watch and with food and drink available all day.

Quite a few of the students were football fans and so I had to mention George Best and the numerous love trysts that he held at the now closed Brown Bull pub.

A visit to Bexley Square was next as they were regaled with the tale of the "Battle of Bexley Square" in October 1931, I have to admit they looked confused as I explained what went on that day and the police brutality that was meted out to the marchers, I also mentioned the importance of the Red plaque on the town hall.

Sadly Salford Cathedral was closed and so we moved swiftly on to the statue of the Lancashire Fusilier soldier and the Boer War memorial, they must have thought I was obsessed with war memorials as I [pointed out the one to the nurses killed at Salford Royal Hospital in the blitz.

They were interested to know about Marx and Engels and was it true if they had both drank in the Crescent pub...I tactfully explained that they both did meet in Manchester and yes they did have a drink together but not in this pub,  it was not even licenced then.

I have to say the pub looks a real eyesore, filthy windows, peeling paint, really shabby looking and an embarrassment to stand outside it and discuss it's history.

The walk ended at Lark Hill Place the Victorian Street at the Museum and Art Gallery, were some of the more adventurous students donned Victorian clothing and got into the atmosphere and mood of the street.

I have to say a massive thank you to Karen Marie and Karolina for their kind translation work, having to listen to me and their marvellous present, I was truly touched!

Many thanks and I look forward to doing it again, I really enjoyed it.

Emergency services attended a home on Blantyre Street in Swinton after the body of a woman in her 50's was discovered.

Police were called by the ambulance services and say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

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"Police were called by the ambulance service to a report that the body of a woman had been found at a property on Blantyre Street, Salford .

"Emergency services attended and sadly found the body of a woman in her 50s.

"There are believed to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

"A file will be passed to the coroner."

 

We wish to extend our condolences to her family.

A member of the public came across the dying dog in some trees on Four Fields between Little Hulton and New Bury in Farnworth on the morning of Friday, February 21.

The woman took the emaciated tan and white Staffordshire Bull Terrier-type dog back to her home in Saint James Street in Bolton and alerted the RSPCA.

Inspector Angela Paxton-Taylor was called to the scene and could see the dog, which she named Oscar, was in poor health and had all his bones protruding. She described him as “barely alive”.

She rushed him to a nearby vets for emergency treatment but he sadly died later that evening.

Oscar was not microchipped and now the RSPCA are appealing for information to trace his owner and for anyone who recognises him to get in touch.Angela said:

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“The poor dog looked close to death and I was worried he was going to pass away as I rushed him to the vets.

“He has clearly been neglected and had all his bones protruding. It has obviously taken a long time for him to get in this state - and then to callously dump him and leave him alone to die is just beyond words.

“He was a lovely boy and it is terribly upsetting that he passed away. The vet said he was severely dehydrated and malnourished.”

 

“I am hoping someone will recognise him so I can trace his owners or someone may have seen something suspicious which may help with my inquiries.

Anyone who can help should call the RSPCA appeals line number on 0800 123 8018.

Police responded to reports of a firearms discharge upon a property on Broadgate Meadow in Swinton at approximately 11:05pm yesterday evening (March 1st).

Officers discovered damage to a door of the property which they say is consistent with the discharge of a firearm.

The area around the property was temporarily taped off whilst forensics officers carried out searches.

We are told that there were injuries reported.A GMP Spokesperson said:

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"Police were called at 11.05pm last night, Sunday, March 1, 2020, to reports of a firearm discharge on Broadgate Meadow in Swinton.

"Officers attended and confirmed evidence of a discharge on the door of an address.

"No injuries have been reported.

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

 

There have been a series of shootings in Salford over the past few months, most recently a dog was shot at a property on Lissadel Street.

Any who witnessed the attack or who have further information can contact GMP on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Ambitious, creative and determined to make a difference – that’s the official verdict on Salford’s services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Inspectors from Ofsted and the Care Quality Commission carried out a joint inspection of the services run by Salford City Council and NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) which pooled their budgets for children’s services last year.

Deputy City Mayor Councillor John Merry said he was pleased that inspectors recognised Salford’s vision and determination that all children and young people with SEND are given every opportunity to be happy, healthy and achieve their full potential.

And Steve Dixon, Chief Accountable Officer, Salford CCG said praise for the  creative, ambitious, targeted and effective work of education, health and social care services and positive feedback from children, young people and parents interviewed during the inspection was welcome news.

Both leaders said that areas for improvement highlighted in the report are already being addressed and promised parents that there would be no complacency when it came to delivering first class services.

Inspectors said both organisations have a ‘balanced and accurate understanding’ of strengths and weaknesses and ambitious plans for the services. They praised the strong partnership working, that parents and children/young people are put at the heart of decision making about how to meet their needs and that work to strengthen that involvement is ongoing.

The report says that improved early intervention means an increasing percentage of children are achieving a good level of development, while parents of children in    special schools “speak in glowing terms” about the quality of provision and support.

Inspectors also praised the quality of services, including support for children with additional needs, educational psychology, learning support, information and advice and the virtual school. They singled out a number of innovative areas of practice including dedicated clinics for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and Salford’s supported internship scheme, supported by Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, the BBC, Marks and Spencer and the University of Salford which helps young people with SEND to gain paid employment

Areas for improvement include more consistency in assessing and meeting needs, tackling waiting times for some services and timely health assessments, tackling rates of absence and exclusion from school and improving the range of leisure opportunities for SEND children and young people.

“There are many, many positives in the report which is welcome and testimony to the hard work and commitment of all staff involved with these services. As we expected, the report highlights areas for improvement which we are already aware of and working hard to address because we want the very best for all our children and families,” added Councillor John Merry.

Steve Dixon said:

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“We are never complacent and know that we still have work to do, but this report is affirmation that we are moving in the right direction to give our children and young people the best start in life.” 

Officers from GMP Salford discovered a cannabis farm with around 90 plants following a raid on a property in the Weaste area, over the weekend.

The plants will now be destroyed and enquiries are ongoing.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact GMP on 101.

Five  fire appliances were called to Le Cassi's, restaurant within the Vimto Gardens complex, Chapel Street, on Sunday evening March 1st , after reports of a fire caused by a faulty electrical appliance.

The restaurant was closed and Chapel Street temporarily cordoned off for an hour whilst fire crews dealt with the incident.

A spokesperson for GMFRS confirmed the cause of the fire was a faulty dishwasher, and no injuries were reported.

Photo:  MancTraffic Twitter