Greater Manchester Police has confirmed how it is planning to tackle any “lockdown tourists” from Bolton who travel to the city or other parts of the region with the intention of flouting the rules.
The constabulary has stated that it has diverted extra personnel to Bolton to help local officers enforce the new lockdown restrictions put it place to combat the steep increase of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the town, and more police resources will also be sent to neighbouring Bury and Wigan in the event that Bolton residents travel the short distance to take advantage of more relaxed rules there.
It’s also been confirmed that senior officers in the town are meeting with council leaders and Public Health England officials every morning to assess the latest “clusters” of infections to help police decide where to focus their attentions.
It comes after latest figures revealed that Bolton currently has more than 130 positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases per 100,000 – which is the highest proportion in the UK.
It’s believed that 75% of the town’s cases are people aged between 18-39.
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Bolton Lockdown Restrictions
All hospitality venues (restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs) are restricted to takeaway only.
Restriction of operating hours meaning all venues, including takeaways, are required to close between 10pm to 5am.
A ban on mixing outside households/support bubbles in homes, gardens and public settings.
Additional restrictions on visitors at care homes and hospitals in the borough.
Greater Manchester Police has said that a minority of residents in the town are knowingly disregarding the rules, while some act in ignorance of the rules.
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According to senior officers, most shops, restaurants and pubs of all sizes have been rigorous in sticking to the rules, and in the instances where police uncovered poor practice, matters are usually put right immediately and enforcement isn’t required.
It’s been confirmed that going forward – backed up by health and licensing officials – police officers will first try to engage with people who have breached the rules, and then enforcement action is usually taken as a last resort.
Extra patrols – whose sole task will be to respond to reports of lockdown breaches in Bolton – will also be deployed.
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Rick Jackson – Superintendent of Greater Manchester Police in Bolton – said: “It’s really clear in Bolton that the public have voiced their concern and I can say that because of the demand and reports we are getting within the community.
“People are clearly concerned about people breaching the existing measures and it’s important we give confidence back to the community that we will enforce it and protect them together with our partners.”
Chris Sykes – Assistant Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police – added: “We understand that the news of additional restrictions is disappointing for Bolton but they are necessary to fight COVID-19 and people in the borough have a responsibility to comply to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“People in Bolton should be aware that, in response to breaches, GMP will be taking enforcement action.
“Officers will also continue to engage with people, explain the restrictions and encourage them to comply going forwards.
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“If you are in Bolton and are unsure what you can and cannot do, it is essential that you read the guidance on Bolton Council’s website.”
You can find more information via the Bolton Council website here.
News
Four rare African ducklings have been hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time
Danny Jones
More conversation celebration down the road at Chester Zoo, as the award-winning wildlife park has welcomed four African ducklings who belong to a rare breed.
As is so often the case with the work they do all year-round, their arrival could help signal the species’ survival in the long run, whose status was sadly upgraded from vulnerable to endangered on the official IUCN Red List.
The particular type of fowl we’re referring to is the Maccao duck, a stiff-tailed bird that typically belongs to the fresh and brackish inland waters of Eastern and Southern Africa.
Medium-sized, chunky, with big bills and subtle striping around their heads, they’re gorgeous creatures as is, but especially so as ducklings…
If you didn’t say ‘awww’ out loud, then you’re just lying.
As the Zoo itself put it, they are “rare, fluffy and VERY cute.” Celebrating what is “a breeding breakthrough for one of Africa’s rarest ducks […] so these little guys are kind of a big deal.”
These little delightful little duckies are known for diving down to the bottom of lakes and riverbeds to forage for aquatic invertebrates and plants; in fact, given the choice, they tend to prefer going underwater over flying pretty much full-stop.
As a resident species that doesn’t migrate like many other birds, they are native to nations like Namibia, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. They’re identifiable by their dark black heads, blue bills (among the males, at least) and presence within the wetlands.
However, their estimated numbers continue to drop, and unfortunately, just 14 of their kind currently remain in Kenya and only 100 in Tanzania, with fewer than 5,000 believed to be left across the entire African continent.
Not only is this the first time the species has ever been successfully bred by bird experts at Chester Zoo, but conservationists hope ducklings will put a spotlight on the threatened species.
Their scientific name is ‘Oxyura maccoa’.Just like human babies, they prone to stuff all over their face.As far as ducklings go, these adorable little African variants are pretty special. (Credit: Supplied)
The zoo’s Head of Birds, Andrew Owen, said of their birth: “As one of just seven zoos in Europe – and 12 zoos globally – that care for Maccoa ducks, these ducklings are very special as they’re the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo – making it a really historic moment for our team,
“This success gives a real boost to the future of the species, and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.
“To see them now out on the water inside our new Heart of Africa habitat, which is dedicated to helping Africa’s most threatened species thrive, makes this milestone even more special.”
Nothing short of brilliant news, we’re sure you’ll agree; better still, in addition to the crucially charitable and conversation-based tourist attraction being named one of England’s most popular destinations once again, but these are the only rare birds welcome by the zookeepers this month.
Vogue’s immersive ‘Inventing the Runway’ show is coming to Manchester
Thomas Melia
A Vogue immersive show titled ‘Inventing the Runway’ is coming to Manchester, and it’s even co-created by Anna Wintour herself.
Ever fancied learning more about the fashion world? Well, now’s your chance to hear everything you need to know from global fashion leaders and lifestyle magazine Vogue.
The Anna Wintour-approved immersive experience comes alongside the announcement of Factory International‘s Winter lineup, which features another new event all about voyaging to the moon.
This Vogue-fronted experience will incorporate interviews, visual media and more to help attendees visualise fashion shows of the past, present and future.
As well as understanding how fashion shows became the pinnacle of a designer’s vision, this runway-themed display also includes looking back at iconic moments of fashion and pop culture.
‘Inventing the Runway’ by Vogue is focusing on outfits worn by models and A-listers alike, with narration from the one and only Cate Blanchett.
You can expect to see curated pieces by significant creative minds in fashion history like Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood and lots more.
Throughout the Vogue experience, as well as coming visually face to face with fashion, you will also hear a soundscape that perfectly reflects this innovative industry with a fusion of classical and pop music.
This fashion exhibition uses the same Lightroom technology behind the impressive David Hockney experience that opened back in December.
Vogue is using this show to honour anyone who has made an impact in the fashion world.The Met Gala has become a staple in everyone’s calendar year in and year out.First Northern Quarter’s Chanel show, now this… Très chic. (Credit: Wikimedia Commons/GoodFon)
Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer, Condé Nast, and Global Editorial Director, Vogue said: “At Vogue, we’ve been lucky enough over the decades to see many incredible runway shows, which have often told the story of fashion as much as the clothes themselves.”
“This Lightroom experience is a wonderful opportunity for a lot more people to experience first-hand the thrill of watching the history of fashion unfold right in front of them.”
You can experience Vogue’s ‘Inventing the Runway’ immersive show from 18 December to 10 January when it visits Aviva Studios this winter.
Find out more information and grab your tickets HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
10th September 2020 
