Manchester City Council has commissioned a major review of the Gay Village to fully understand what the area means to local people, visitors and local businesses - amongst others - to inform how it can be protected and enhanced in the future. 

For decades, the Gay Village - with a particular focus around Canal Street - has grown to be the hub of LGBTQ+ culture in Manchester and fosters a national and international reputation. 

As a celebrated and unique part of the city centre, the review will look to provide an updated understanding of the importance of the Gay Village as a safe space for the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Hatch, an independent Manchester-based socio-economic consultancy, has been commissioned to consult and interact with local people, businesses and organisations in the coming months to find out what should be protected, how the local environment could be improved, and what opportunities there might be to enhance the area. 

The review is not a development or regeneration plan for the area, and will not lead to a rebranding exercise or a formal strategy for the future of the Gay Village. The review is a listening exercise to gain invaluable insight from the community that can assist the Council’s thinking about how it can support the future of the Gay Village. 

A series of engagement opportunities will be held in February.

To register your interest to be contacted when the online survey is live, please email: village.survey@hatch.com

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

Quote

 

“The historical importance of the Gay Village for the city’s LGBTQ+ community cannot be underestimated. The area is a beacon for tolerance across the UK, and its reputation internationally renowned. There is no question that the heritage of the neighbourhood - and its future - must be protected. 

“We promised that we would undertake this review and it’s important that we do given the significance of the Gay Village to a huge amount of people. To be able to act as guardians, we need to speak to the people at the heart of the community, and listen to their views. 

 “There will be lots of ways for Manchester people to get involved and I would urge as many people as possible to do so. There is so much to celebrate about the Gay Village and we need you to tell us what it means to you.”

 

Ricardo Gomez, Director at Hatch, said:

Quote

 

“Hatch is delighted to be working with Manchester City Council and wider stakeholders on this important study. As a business based close to the Gay Village in Manchester city centre, we recognise how important the area is to the LGBTQ+ community, and to the part the neighbourhood has played in shaping Manchester’s modern identity. 

“At the heart of the study will be a thorough process of gathering views about the Village and what it means to those who live there, work there, run businesses and organisations and visit it.  The wide range of voices who contribute to the study will provide really valuable insights to assist the Council and stakeholders as they think about the future of the Village.”

 

The celebration of the start of the Chinese New Year 2020 - The Year of the Rat, are due to get underway this weekend and this year the much loved dragon parade will travel a new path around the Manchester City Centre streets.

The 175ft long Dragon will depart from Central Library at around 12:30pm on Sunday 26th Jan before snaking along Oxford Street onto Portland Street and turning right for a stretch along Princess Street before turning back on itself to then turn left onto Faulkner Street until it reaches its final destination in the beating heart of Manchester's vibrant China Town.

It is far less complicated and confusing if you just look at the map above.

Accompanying the dragon will be a whole host of performers, dancers, singers and even some giant buddhas.

Road closures will be in place along the route to facilitate the safety of those taking part.

Drivers are being told that they should expect delays and face road closures, if possible avoid the area.

As well as road closures there will be a number of bus diversions between 11am til 4pm.

The annual celebration begins on the new moon that comes between Jan 21 and Feb 20. The Chinese year will start on 25 Jan 2020 and end on 11 Feb 2021, when the Year of the Ox begins.

The year of the rat in Chinese tradition symbolises wealth and the beginning of a new day, however it also brings with it superstitions which are said to dictate how the following 12 months play out.

If you want good look and fortunes for the coming year then avoid washing clothes, using scissors, brushing the floor and even crying children on he 25th of Jan if you can, women are also advised not to leave the house all day, however we're not sure how that one will go down in this day and age.

In Chinese tradition these are all considered bad omens though so fail to adhere to them at your own peril.

We would like to wish all of our Chinese members a very Happy New Year and we hope the celebrations are amazing for you later today.

As we reported over a week ago, their are proposals to increase council tax by £24 per year for Band D properties in the coming tax year and from the response we had on our Social Media sites and SalfordOnline group, not too many were happy at the prospect at another hike. 

The only real conciliation is the planned increase is £9 less than the previous years?

Since the proposals was put forward by the Deputy Mayor, Andy Burnham the Metro Mayor has now spoken on the matter, saying that the GM authority needs to make tough decisions to protect 'vital' front-line services.

The money from the proposed increase will come again in the form of a precept which will go towards bolstering police and firefighters across the whole Greater Manchester region in the face of government cuts, it is hoped that 108 new GMFRS recruits would join the service over the coming year.

Burnham went on to say: 

Quote

 

“I have had to make tough decisions in proposing this budget.

"I need to balance providing the vital services people in Greater Manchester need, deal with pressures from cuts by central government, and make sure the burden on council tax payers is fair.

“This small rise in council tax I’m proposing – which is lower than the increase in 2019/20 - is to ensure we have a fire and police service that can do the job people expect them to do, and provide support to those in our communities who need a little extra help.”

 

However, some have been highly critical as Salford has recently lost its second engine in Eccles during recent cuts which were rubber stamped by Burnham himself as part of his so called 'New vision for the GM Fire and Rescue Services'.

The government recently announced an additional £1.1 billion increase in their direct grant to fund police services, Greater Manchester expected to receive upwards of £40m which will go towards funding a proposed 347 additional police officers for the authority this year.

Deputy mayor Bev Hughes who was first to call for the proposed increased said:

Quote

 

“This announcement is long overdue and we are far from undoing the damage of the last decade that has seen local policing cut to the bone.

“But it’s a small first step in strengthening police officer numbers to a sustainable level and ensuring our police service is fairly funded.”

 

We will find out soon enough as the final budget is to be rubber stamped on Valentines day (Fri 14th Feb) next month.

After successful trials carried out in Southampton during 2018, busses which filter the very air we breathe are soon going to be a REAL thing on the streets of Greater Manchester.

With the topic of air pollution high on the agenda of things we need to tackle if we are to give any seriousness to dealing with climate change - transport company Go-Ahead who will be operating in Salford along with other areas across the region, will be launching its new air-filtering busses in summer this year.

Each of the sky blue single deckers is outfitted with a unique filtration system on its roof which makes uses of three fans which will suck in dirty air and particulates which will then be cleaned using special filters before being blown back out again.

A previous scheme in Southampton was a huge success and the company is hoping to replicated it here in Salford as well as across the whole of Greater Manchester.

Each bus can clean upwards of 3.2m cubic meters of air over a 100 day period and take as much as 65 grammes of harmful toxins and particulates out of the air at a rate of one cubic metre of air passing through its filters per second.

This means that during a single hour of operation it filters the same amount of air as 6,000 people breathing.

The more buses running the more air cleaned which is good news when you take into account the 4.2m deaths attributed to air pollution world-wide. Salford has historically had a terrible track record when it comes to Air Pollution.

Nigel Featham, managing director at Go North West, said:

Quote

 

"We know that improving air quality is a huge priority in Manchester.

"Buses already make a positive contribution to air quality by taking cars off the road, and in addition to the air filtering bus, we've recently invested £1 million in a fleet of 12 low emission buses for Manchester, with further investment to follow.

"This innovation represents a further step we are taking to contribute to cleaner air."

 

A man from Salford has been bailed by police after being arrested on suspicion of raping a 16-year-old girl from Rochdale.

On Monday, January 20, police say that a 44-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape and later also on suspicion of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child.

Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday 15 January 2020, police received a report that the 16-year-old girl had been raped by a man during an incident which took place in a vehicle parked in the nearby Smallbridge area of the town.

Detectives also believe the offender had been communicating with the victim online in the days before the attack took place.

An investigation is ongoing and specialist officers are pursuing significant lines of enquiry.

Superintendent Richard Hunt, of GMP Rochdale, said:

Quote

 

"The welfare of the victim remains a top priority and, as such, specialist officers and partner agencies are continuing to support her and her family at what is, undoubtedly, a distressing time for them.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank members of the public for their response to our appeal and, in particular, the people of Wardle who have been patient whilst investigation work caused disruption in the area.

"I am aware of rumours circulating in the community and on social media and the understandable concerns of members of the public but I would ask that they refrain from circulating these rumours or speculating about what happened as it will inevitably cause further distress for the victim and her family.

“Instead, I would encourage anyone with information that may assist us to get in touch with the investigation team.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 836 4646 quoting 2066 15/01/2020.

Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A member of the public has been commended by Greater Manchester Police after his quick thinking and drone piloting skills led to locating a missing vulnerable 14-year-old girl.

Michael Hooper was presented with a Chief Constable's Citizen's Commendation award on Monday 13 January 2020.

On Monday 12 August 2019, police received a report that a 14-year-old girl was missing from home.

With no defined search area and with the girl missing for just over 15 hours, locating her was proving to be difficult task.

After receiving some intelligence in relation to a potential location, officers set up an area search at Irlam Locks.

When officers arrived at the locks, they came across Michael Hooper on the towpath; he was flying a drone.

As the National Police Air Service and the Drone Unit were unavailable to assist with the search, officers provided Michael with a description of the missing girl, in the hope that he may be able to assist the search by using the drone. Officers then continued with their area search.

A short time later, Michael called GMP to inform us that he had located the missing teenager by using the drone to search inaccessible areas. She was found sitting behind trees on the bankside, which had hidden her from the sight of the officers on the ground.

Michael approached the girl to check on her welfare, but she would not engage with him. He retreated so as not to startle her, but kept her within his sights while he remained in contact with police.

When officers arrived at the scene, Michael directed them to the girl’s location. After a brief stand-off, the girl was safely detained by officers and led away from the waterside. She was returned safe and well to her parents, who were understandably worried.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, presented Michael with his award, and said:

Quote

 

“Without Michael's assistance with the aerial search, officers would have had no idea the girl was there and the search would have been much more challenging.

“It was a cold day with a strong wind and it was getting dark. The girl had been sitting incredibly close to freezing water; the risk to her life was extremely high and only increasing.

“Michael's diligence, skill and generosity with his time, bridged a vital gap in air support resourcing.

“Well done Michael, and thank you.”

After being presented with the award, Michael said: “To be honest, it was a stroke of luck; all I did was fly the drone along the side of the canal. I was just really glad that we managed to find the girl.

“I actually feel quite embarrassed receiving the award, as it was just something that was done by reaction – something that anyone else would have done. Despite being embarrassed, I have placed my award on my desk in my office.

“I was really impressed with the awards ceremony; it was short, sweet, and a very enjoyable evening.”

 

#heroesdontallwearcapes

Two members of the public have been given a commendation for outstanding bravery after coming to the aid of a police officer who was stabbed during an attack.

Adam Ward and Miah Uddin were presented with Police Public Bravery Awards on Monday 13 January 2020.

On 31 December 2018 at Victoria Station in Manchester, members of the public were making their way into the city to celebrate the New Year.

British Transport Police officers - Sergeant Lee Valentine, PC Marsha Selby, PC Ashleigh Williams and PC Tom Wright – together with two Metrolink Travel Safe staff - Adam Ward and Miah Uddin - were on patrol at Victoria Train Station that night, when they heard screams coming from the station’s Metrolink platform.

As the officers, along with Adam and Miah rushed towards the scene, they were confronted with a man – who was later identified as Mahdi Mohamud – wielding a knife. They could see that two passengers had already been attacked by the suspect.

They immediately confronted Mohamud where a struggle ensued, during which, 31-year-old Police Sergeant Lee Valentine was stabbed in the shoulder.

The attacker was very quickly detained by officers with the help of Adam and Miah and was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

On Tuesday 27 November 2019, Mahdi Mohamud was sentenced to life with a minimum of 11 years in prison on three counts of attempted murder and one count of possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.

The awards come after Adam and Miah, as well as the BTP officers, received Chief Constable's commendations for their bravery back in 2019.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, who presented Adam and Miah with their awards, said:

Quote

 

“Adam and Miah ran to support the BTP officers and assisted in detaining Mohamud, without regard for their own personal safety.

“Without their valuable assistance there could have been further or more life-threatening injuries and their actions can only be described as brave, selfless and highly commendable.

“As soon as they heard the screams they demonstrated extreme courage and assisted in bringing a horrific attack to an end within seconds.”

 

After receiving the award, Miah said:

Quote

 

“On the night of the incident I didn’t think about what I was doing, I just instantly knew I needed to help.

“The officers were quickly on the scene and were great in keeping the gentleman under control until further support arrived.

“I really enjoyed the award ceremony; it was a proud night for me and my family.

“I would also like to thank Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, for presenting me with my award on the evening.”

Speaking about receiving his award, Adam said: “During the incident on New Year’s Eve, I just heard a scream and knew I had to try and help somehow; I ended up running towards the incident.

“I can only thank my colleague and fellow BTP officers for having the same reaction.

“The ceremony was great and was a good bit of final closure to what had happened on that night.”

 

Police are asking members of the public to remain vigilant after a number of armed robberies in Greater Manchester.  

A number of victims have been targeted through false car advertisements on the online auction website Ebay.

Between Tuesday 19 November 2019 and Wednesday 22 January 2020, police received 10 reports of armed robberies across Manchester and Oldham.

Having reviewed several lines of enquiry, detectives are now treating the incidents as linked and are investigating a further six incidents which have been reported as suspicious circumstances.

On most occasions, offenders falsely advertised a car on Ebay and organised to meet the buyers at a given location for the car sale. On arrival, the potential buyers were threatened with weapons, including with a gun, a hammer and machetes and offenders fled with a large quantity of the victim’s cash.

On one occasion, a victim and his girlfriend arrived to buy the advertised car. Two men – one of which was wielding a gun –approached the victims and held the weapon to the woman’s head as they stole a large quantity of cash from the victim. 

On another occasion, a victim arrived to buy the advertised car. On arrival, two men threw a vehicle jack through the passenger window of the victim’s car, smashing the window and hitting the victim in the face. The offenders attempted to assault the victim and steal his bag, but the victim managed to escape and no money was stolen.

On a third occasion, a victim arrived to buy the advertised car. The offenders – who were wearing balaclavas and wielding machetes – approached the victim and threatened him with the weapons before stealing a large quantity of cash.

No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Kat McKeown, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said:

Quote

 

“These offenders are targeting innocent members of the public via the internet and have no compassion at all for their victims who they have subjected to a number of terrifying ordeals. 

“They are devious and ruthless and need to be caught. For this reason, we have a dedicated team of detectives working around the clock to identify those responsible. Though, I would like to take this opportunity to remind people to say alert and vigilant and report anything suspicious to police immediately.”

 

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4409, quoting incident number 1926 of 21/01/2020. Reports can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police are appealing for information after a man died and a woman was seriously injured in a collision in Leigh which saw both carriageways of the A580 (East Lancs) closed this afternoon.

At around 10.20am today (Tuesday 21 January 2020), officers were called to reports of a collision involving a HGV and a car on the East Lancashire Road near the junction with Atherleigh Way.

Emergency services attended and found the HGV was travelling towards Manchester when it collided with a Toyota Corolla that was turning right on to the A580.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, a 58-year-old man, who was driving the Toyota, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A 56-year-old woman, who was also in the Toyota, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital where she remains.  

A 28-year-old man, who was driving the HGV, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody for questioning.

The road remains closed whilst investigation work is carried out, but is expected to reopen in the next couple of hours.  

An investigation is underway and police are asking witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to contact them.

Sergeant Darren Hancock, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

Quote

 

“This was a devastating incident - our thoughts are with the victims’ family and specialist officers are supporting them.

“We know the East Lancs is a busy road so we are hoping members of the public can assist us with our enquiries by providing us with vital information and/ or dash cam footage.

“I would also like to thank members of the public for their patience as we have responded to this collision. I appreciate that closing a busy road for a number of hours can inconvenience people, but I hope the public understand that it is necessary in order us to properly and thoroughly investigate, providing those affected with much needed answers.”

 

Anyone with information should contact GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting 890 21/01/20.

Alternatively, the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111

Police investigating a series of sexual offences on trams in Manchester City Centre have released further CCTV footage of a man they’d like to speak to.

At 6.25pm on Thursday 31 October 2019, a 16-year-old girl reported that she’d been sexually assaulted on a tram between Piccadilly Gardens and Cornbrook.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTw2tZaaSvQ 

At 3.20pm on Friday 15 November 2019, a 12-year-old girl reported that she’d been sexually assaulted on a tram between

A few hours later, at 6.40pm, another young girl reported that she’d witnessed a man behaving inappropriately on a tram between Market Street and Old Trafford.

In December 2019, police released four images of a man police want to speak to in relation to the offences.

Officers have now released moving images of the man.

Sergeant Nick Bamber, of GMP’s Transport Unit, said:

Quote

 

“I’d like to thank those who have already been in touch following our previous appeal.

“However, despite a good response from the public, the man in the image remains outstanding and we are therefore releasing further footage today.

“We remain committed to speaking to this individual in connection with these offences and believe someone out there will be able to identify him.

“If you recognise him, or have any information that may assist us, please get in touch.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 3115 quoting 1005 20/11/19.

Alternatively, the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police investigating the attempted abduction of a child have released an e-fit image of a man they want to speak to.

The incident happened in Sale but it is possible that someone in Salford may be able to identify the man.

Between 3.15pm and 3.45pm on Monday 13 January 2020 a girl aged 14 was walking close to the junction of Norris Road and Derbyshire Road South in Sale.

She became aware of a parked dark grey 4 x 4 type vehicle. The driver, who was the sole occupant of the car, asked while still seated in the car for the girl to get in.

She refused and walked away.

In addition to the E-fit, the man is further described as white, of pale complexion, around six feet tall, aged 25 to 40. He had long black hair, scraped into a ‘man bun’ or ‘top knot’, held in place by a black bobble, but some hair came down to his shoulders.

He had a slim face with defined cheekbones. He spoke with a Mancunian accent. He was wearing a long-sleeved grey round-necked cotton T shirt with a pocket on the left breast.

Police are treating the incident as isolated.

There will be increased police patrols in the area while officers continue their investigations.

Detective Constable Oliver Barton of GMP’s Trafford District said:

Quote

 

“Do you recognise the image we’re releasing today?

“Perhaps you were in the area at the time and saw something that looked out of place?

“If you have any information or dash-cam footage that may help our enquiries, please contact police.”

 

Police can be contacted on 0161 856 7747 quoting incident 2383 of 13/01/20. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A man from Openshaw has been jailed for child sex offences.

In August 2019, police received a report that a young girl had been sexually assaulted by a man.

An investigation was launched and it was found that another young girl had also been abused.

Police arrested Isaac Andoh (25/07/76) of Toxteth Street.

During questioning, he denied raping or sexually assaulting either child.

Andoh was subsequently charged with two counts of raping a child under 13 and four counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13.

Andoh pleaded not guilty but, following an 11 day trial at Manchester Crown Court, a jury found him guilty of three counts of rape of a child under 13, three counts of assault by penetration of a child under 13, 10 counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 and one count of causing a child to watch a sexual act.

Today (Monday 20 January 2020), Andoh was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court to 25 years imprisonment.

Detective Constable Emma Cooper, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said:

Quote

 

“Thanks to the brave testimony of the girls involved, we have brought the perpetrator of these sickening attacks to justice.

“The psychological impact of crimes such as this can be considerable but we hope  todays sentence brings some degree of closure now that Andoh is behind bars – where he belongs.

“We will always take reports of this kind of crime extremely seriously and we’d encourage anyone who feels they have been the victim of such offences to get in touch with police.”

 

Greater Manchester Police arrested a staggering 372 people for drink and drug driving offences over December including the Christmas and New Year period as part of its ‘None for the Road’ operation.

Officers across the Force breathalysed or drug tested 1,414 drivers between 1 December 2019 and 1 January 2020, tackling the potential spike in drink and drug driving in the run up to the festive season.

Of those tested, 261 were arrested for being over the legal drink drive limit with an additional 111 arrests made for drivers who tested positive for illegal drug substances.

Chief Inspector Matt Bailey-Smith who has led this year’s operation, said:

Quote

 

“Results from this operation highlight the importance of the ‘None for the Road’ message and I want to reassure the public that although the festive period may have ended, police vigilance has and will remain at the same level throughout 2020 in a bid to crackdown on drink and drug drivers.

“Drink and/ or drug driving can have serious consequences and following on from an increase in serious and fatal collisions in 2019, we have stepped up patrols to tackle individuals who get behind the wheel when they are over the limit.

“I would urge motorists to consider their actions and the impact this can have, to not only their loved ones, but also the loved ones of those who may be innocently caught up in collisions. Make this year the year you pledge #NonefortheRoad.”

 

Area Manager Paul Fearnhead from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, said:

Quote

 

“Our firefighters are all too often called to serious road traffic collisions, and unfortunately witness life-changing injuries or death – caused by distractions while driving – of too many people.

“Collisions often occur as a result of distractions like driving too fast, mobile phones, and drink or drug driving, and working closely with Greater Manchester Police we continue to urge people not to take the risk of drink or drug driving – the consequences can be devastating and wreck lives.”

 

To report a drink or drug driver, contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Keep up-to-date with GMP Traffic on Twitter: @gmptraffic

A man and woman from Dukinfield who conspired to sexually abuse young girls have been jailed for 26 years.

Peter Taylor and Keeli Burlingham appeared for sentencing at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday January 17th 2020.

The court previously heard how Taylor and his partner Burlingham had abused several young girls and used their phones to film and photograph their victims.

Several phones and a computer were seized from Taylor’s address on Friday 6 April 2018 following intelligence received by the police that he was involved in the downloading of indecent images.

Messages on the devices revealed that Taylor had sickeningly encouraged Burlingham to sexually assault a young girl.

Burlingham then carried out the assault and sent indecent images of the girl to Taylor.

Other videos and films that were taken by Taylor and Burlingham of assaults they carried out were also found on their phones and a computer.

The pair were found to have abused five children in total.

Peter Taylor (10/08/1986) of Kendal Terrace Dukinfield was found guilty of the following offences:

Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence

Sexual assault of a child under 13

Taking indecent photographs of a child

Making indecent photographs of a child

Intentionally encouraging the commission of an offence

Encouraging the commission of an offence believing it to be committed

Taylor was sentenced to 15 years, plus three years extended sentence.

Keeli Burlingham (08/08/1986) of Kendal Terrace, Dukinfield was found guilty of the following offences:

Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence

Sexual assault of a child under 13

Taking indecent photographs of a child

Making indecent photographs of a child

Assault of a child under 13 by penetration

Distributing indecent photographs of a child

Burlingham was sentenced to 11 years, plus one year extended sentence.

Detective Chief Inspector Judith Holmes of GMP’s Public Protection Unit said:

Quote

 

“Taylor and Burlingham knew how old their victims were. They have absolutely no excuse for their grossly inappropriate and predatory behaviour towards children.

“This pair subjected innocent children to sickening abuse. Prison is absolutely where they belong. Discussions between the two planning the sexual abuse found on their phones were some of the most appalling conversations I have seen in my career.

“I hope today’s result helps the victims and their families move on from what must have been an incredibly traumatic experience.

“This case should highlight just how seriously we take reports of this nature and our absolute commitment to seeking justice for those affected by such heinous acts.

“Please, if you’re struggling and need support - we are here to listen.”

 

For information on protecting children from Child Sexual Exploitation and how to seek support or report concerns visit www.itsnotokay.co.uk

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Hughes wants to consult with the public on the matter of adding an additional £2 per month to a Cat D band properties council tax bill in order to bolster police services across the authority.

The increase would be rolled out to all homes in the region along with those in Salford.

Greater Manchester residents are being asked their views on police funding, as Government silence fuels budget uncertainty and jeopardises the safety of local communities.  

Because of the late general election, Greater Manchester has yet to receive the proposed police grant allocation for the next financial year. Despite this, the Government are insisting that local areas are ready to make proposals on the policing element of the council tax by 1 February.

As a result, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester have been left with no choice but to ask local people now, if they support an increase in council tax - up to an additional £2 per month for the average band D household.

This is based on the assumption that – as last year - Greater Manchester will receive no additional grant funding from central Government, and will help ensure that the extra police officers recruited over the last 12 months are able to continue tackling crime and keep communities safe.

Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime Bev Hughes said:

Quote

 

“Chaos in Whitehall means that we have yet to receive our police grant allocation for the next 12 months. This makes it extremely difficult to finalise the police budget and the Government has put us in an impossible position as we struggle to balance the books.

“This means that until the Government provides the essential information we need to finalise the police budget, we cannot make any firm proposals on what should be the precept contribution to police funding and how this should be spent. This has left us with no choice but to ask local people if they are willing, in principle, to pay up to £2 extra a month, as last year. This will enable us to ensure that police officers remain on the frontline.”

 

The additional money raised through local council tax last year has been invested in recruiting 320 extra police officers and improvements to the 101 non-emergency number. The additional officers have bolstered neighbourhood policing, a dedicated transport unit launched late last year and new detectives have been recruited to deal with the most serious crimes.

Deputy Mayor Bev Hughes added:

Quote

 

“I want to thank the public for supporting their police service, as the Government continues to shunt the financial burden on to local taxpayers. Last year, we promised to invest the additional money raised through the council tax in recruiting extra officers and that is what we have done.

“However, the Government’s silence on police budgets for the coming year jeopardises the progress we have made in putting extra officers on the front line in Greater Manchester, and undermines the Government’s promise of an additional 20,000 officers nationally. In the absence of the Government’s decision, we have no alternative but to consult local people on the same basis as last year.”

 

Around 80% of GMP’s budget comes from a central Government grant, but this has been cut by £215m since 2010, which has seen the loss of 2,000 police officers and 1,000 non-police staff. This is against a backdrop of increasing crime and complex demand such as cybercrime, child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Have your say on the council tax proposals at gmconsult.org. The survey closes at 11.59pm on Monday, January 27, 2020.

Police have cordoned off part of Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester after a third incident has taken place in as little as a week, this time a teenage boy who fortunately only suffered a very minor laceration to his head by what police now suspect to have been a broken bottle after a fight broke out between two groups.

Police were called to reports of a stabbing incident having happened close to Primark and Burger King at around 9.20pm on the 16th of January 2020.

Officers found the injured boy at the scene but fortunately his injuries were not thought to be serious.

This latest incident happened after what police say was a targeted confrontation between two groups of youths.

Police wish to stress to that there is no wider threat to the public and no arrests have so far been made.

A GMP spokesperson said:

Quote

 

"Officers were called to Piccadilly Gardens at 9.20pm tonight following a report of a male stabbed.

"On attendance it was a very minor laceration injury to his head so the scene will be lifted.

"This appears to be targeted confrontation between two groups and there is no wider public threat."

 

Police were called to the same area just four days ago on the 12th of Jan after four men were injured in an attack.

Greater Manchester Police have arrested a man after a 39-year-old female pedestrian was seriously injured following a collision in Farnworth yesterday.

Officers are appealing for the public’s help for further information about the incident.

Police were called at around 3.50pm on Wednesday 15 January 2020 to reports that a Silver Renault Traffic van had collided with a ‘Stop’ sign on Albert Road, close to the junction with Wellington Street.

The sign then collided with a 39-year-old pedestrian who was walking on the pavement. She was taken to hospital with serious head injuries and remains in a serious but stable condition.

The van failed to stop at the scene but was found a short time later abandoned nearby.

A 30-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop within three hours of the collision taking place.

Initial enquiries have found the vehicle had been involved in a minor collision moments earlier on Gas Street before making its way along Wellington Road.

Investigators are appealing for further information from the public in relation to the incident and are particularly interested in obtaining any dashcam footage from those travelling close to the area at that time.

Sergeant Matt Picton, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

Quote

“I’d firstly like to send my best wishes to the injured woman in hospital while she is being treated for her serious injuries and our officers are making sure she has the best support possible while we investigate this incident.

“Despite making an arrest, we are keen to ensure that we maintain a strong sense of urgency and thoroughness with this investigation and are keen to assemble all the details we can to ensure the perpetrator of this incident is brought to justice.

“We are confident there will be people who were on the roads around the Albert Road/Wellington Street junction on Wednesday afternoon at around 3.50pm who will have dashcam footage of the incident or the proceeding moments of the incident.

“I urge anyone with such footage or other information regarding this incident or the collision on Gas Street to get in touch with information.”

Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 1794 of 15/01/2020. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Plans for Manchester City Council’s once-in-a-lifetime project to refurbish, partially restore and upgrade the city’s iconic Town Hall have been approved with the cost for the refurbishment estimated to be in the region of £330m.

The Our Town Hall project, which is due to be completed in 2024, will safeguard the long-term future of the Grade I-listed building - which was designed by the celebrated architect Alfred Waterhouse and opened in 1877 - while increasing public access to its heritage features and treasures and enhancing its Albert Square setting.

895 documents were submitted by the project’s architect and heritage consultant Purcell, on behalf of the council, to cover plans for the Town Hall in minute detail, including applications for the listed building consent required to ensure that any necessary alterations to the nationally-important building are carried out in an appropriate way.

The plans include:

-          Full restoration of parts of the building with the highest heritage importance, including the Great Hall.

-          Refurbishment and repair work to the building’s fabric, doors and windows and roof.

-          Improved accessibility, with extra lifts and sloped ramp access from the Albert Square and Cooper Street entrances

-          Improved lighting inside and out, as well as the repair and restoration of lights with heritage importance

-          Replacement and upgrade of the building’s heating – linking it into the new low-carbon Civic Quarter Heat Network – and other infrastructure to reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption

-          The creation of a dedicated visitor centre within the Town Hall and improvements to catering facilities

The planning applications have also secured approval for scaffolding to be erected during the works, plus additional protective measures for the building and its special contents while the project is carried out.

Separate plans to turn Albert Square into one of Europe’s finest civic spaces, which would see it increase in size by around 20 per cent with only one side (Princess Street) remaining open to traffic, have also been approved at a meeting of the council’s Planning and Highways Committee on Thursday 16 January.  The plans were submitted on behalf of the council by public realm specialists Planit-IE.

In advance of the works starting on site, the project is already providing employment and training opportunities for local people, including a group of 15 “M-Futures” apprentices.  M-Futures is an apprenticeship scheme run by Manchester City Council, ManLife and Manchester College, which is focused on construction disciplines.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said:

Quote

"Approval for our plans to secure the long-term future of Manchester's civic centrepiece is a great milestone in the progress of this hugely complex, once-in-a-lifetime project. 

"The detail and care which has gone into the work so far cannot be overstated and while there is much more to do, we're excited to take another step forward in the journey towards the Town Hall reopening to Mancunians and to the next chapter in its rich history."

Mark Goldspink, CEO of Purcell, said:

Quote

“It is 143 years since the iconic Manchester Town Hall opened and over time this much-loved site has been a public landmark. Our aim is to help keep the Town Hall and Albert Square at the cultural heart of Manchester City as a flagship destination.  We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with Manchester City Council and our project partners on this incredibly important project for the city.”

The scheme will be delivered by management contractor LendLease on behalf of the council.

Simon Gorski, Managing Director - Construction, Lendlease Europe, said:

Quote

“Our Town Hall is a project with the local community at its heart, and it is incredibly important that they see the benefits of this scheme from day one. That’s why we’ll be providing more jobs and apprenticeships for local people, offering training and work placements for school and college-age children, and continuing to work closely with local stakeholders.”

Image: Purcell

Police have confirmed that four men have been charged with conspiracy to supply firearms with intent to endanger life after they were arrested during raids carried out in Manchester in which police recovered firearms and ammunition which they say was destined to be used on the streets across the region.

On Wednesday 15 January 2020 a team of officers executed warrants at three addresses in Moss side and Beswick.

The warrants were executed as part of an operation into reducing gun crime in Greater Manchester when police seized four firearms and a large quantity of ammunition between April and August 2019.

Zico Reid (24/09/1986) of HM Prison Forest Bank has been charged with conspiracy to supply firearms with intent to endanger life.

Ali Ismail (12/10/1991) of HM Prison Forest Bank has been charged with conspiracy to supply firearms with intent to endanger life and possession of a bladed article.

Omar Berryman (31/01/1989) of HM Prison Forest Bank has been charged with conspiracy to supply firearms with intent to endanger life.

A 17-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons has been charged with conspiracy to supply firearms with intent to endanger life.

They are all appearing at Manchester Magistrates Court later today.

Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police - Ian Hopkins, has released the following statement in response to recent media reports on the Independent Assurance Review of CSE which have revealed the failures of Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Council and Social Services in safeguarding young vulnerable girls that had been systematically abused by a one hundred strong Asian grooming gang whilst they were in Council care homes.

One girl tragically died within months of being hospitalised after being forcibly injected with heroin.

Her abuser, Mohammed Yaqoob then aged 50-years old, was cleared of her manslaughter after forcibly injecting her, he was instead jailed for just three and a half years for the administration of a noxious substance.

Hopkins released a statement this afternoon denying that the force had been involved in attempting to prevent the publication of a report into the case, saying nothing could be further than the truth, this is what he had to say on the matter:

Quote

I want to be clear in affirming my commitment to doing all we can to ensure that these victims receive the justice today that they were denied 15 years ago. This is an absolute priority for Greater Manchester Police and we are determined to pursue every line of enquiry available to us in order to prosecute those responsible for these crimes.

As has already been stated, we have referred Greater Manchester Police’s role in Operation Augusta to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to make their own assessment as to whether there are any criminal or misconduct matters by police officers which need to be investigated.

As I said yesterday, I am personally disgusted by the awful abuse that these children suffered. That is why I immediately commissioned a police review of Operation Augusta as soon as I was made aware of the early findings of the Independent Assurance Review.

There have been claims that Greater Manchester Police has tried to stop the review of Operation Augusta being published. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Contrary to these reports, we have cooperated fully with the review team and acted with transparency and integrity throughout. At no time has there been any effort from us to prevent the publication of the report and any suggestion that states otherwise is categorically untrue.

On 15 January 2018 I attended a meeting with Deputy Mayor Beverley Hughes and Malcolm Newsam, one of the independent reviewers, along with legal representatives. At this meeting I personally cut through the issues around sharing victims data with Malcolm Newsam to ensure there was no delay to the start of the review. As a result of the actions at this meeting, I signed on behalf of GMP the data sharing agreement.

By doing this, I set the standard and led the way for other agencies to support the review, which was acknowledged by the Deputy Mayor during yesterday’s press conference. Manchester City Council followed later in 2018 and Rochdale Borough Council in 2020.

On 12 April 2018, following the police review, the Chief Executive of Manchester City Council and I agreed independently of the Mayor’s review to set up a multi-agency review led by the Director of Children’s Services and an Assistant Chief Constable. The purpose of this review was to assess any risks that may exist from potential offenders from Operation Augusta, and importantly to assess what we may need to do to support any of the victims we knew about at that time.

On 10 May 2018, Operation Green Jacket was set up as a result of that review and the initial indication from the Independent Assurance Review that there were concerns in relation to the original Op Augusta investigation.

Operation Green Jacket has developed further as a result of Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council meticulously reviewing historic files and speaking to victims and perpetrators. This work has uncovered additional historic information and victims that were not previously seen by the original operation in 2004/05. This is why the scope of the Green Jacket investigation has grown from the original 25 victims reviewed by the GMCA review team, to the current 53 victims we are now working with.

I would like to once again apologise on behalf of Greater Manchester Police to all those victims who were let down in 2004 by police not thoroughly investigating the offences that had been committed against them.

Understandably many of them have been left upset by the findings of the report and to hear the full extent of the failings by authorities to protect them from harm as children. Our multi-agency Operation Green Jacket team are doing all that they can to provide them with appropriate support from specialist agencies at this difficult time.

Although this report makes for difficult reading and will understandably raise concern, I want to assure members of the public that the attitude towards investigating this type of crime has completely changed since Operation Augusta was concluded almost fifteen years ago.

Our multi-agency approach places the victim at the heart of everything that we do and ensures that proper support is provided by the right agencies and any safeguarding concerns are addressed.

With this support from partners, it provides a stronger footing for police to effectively prevent, disrupt and investigate these crimes. In the last 12 months, Greater Manchester Police has seen 58 offenders convicted of child sexual exploitation related offences and receive sentences totalling more than 170 years imprisonment.