Bury FC’s Gigg Lane put up for sale by administrators
The 12,500 capacity venue - which is one of the oldest professional football stadiums in the world - has been put on the market six months after the club entered administration.
Bury FC’s 136-year-old stadium Gigg Lane is officially up for sale.
The 12,500 capacity venue – which is one of the oldest professional football stadiums in the world – has been put on the market six months after the club entered administration.
No competitive Bury FC fixtures have been played at the ground for two years – with the club being expelled from the football league in 2019 after falling into financial ruin.
Owner Steve Dale remained in possession of the club and Gigg Lane itself following the club’s ejection from the pyramid, whilst a group of supporters splintered off to form a new side: Bury AFC.
Pressure is now being placed on Bury Council to purchase the stadium for themselves.
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Not surprised the Administrator has put Gigg Lane up for sale. Council can have a big part to play now either in buying it themselves or making it as difficult as possible for anyone else to do something other than football with it.
Administrator Steven Wiseglass, of Inquesta Corporate Recovery and Insolvency, has appointed agent Fleurets to make the sale.
The 6.4 acre site includes the stadium itself along with the ticket office and club shop.
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Mr Wiseglass said: “As part of the administration process, I have been liaising with the secured charge-holder over the stadium and have now appointed Fleurets to actively market the stadium for sale.
“My role is to secure the best possible outcome for all stakeholders of The Bury Football Club Company Ltd.
“Bury FC is a club with a rich history and a loyal and enthusiastic fan base, and I do hope that a suitable buyer will be forthcoming to secure the future of football at Gigg Lane.
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“All expressions of interest should be submitted directly to Fleurets.”
Graeme Bunn, managing director of Fleurets, said: ““Fleurets is delighted to have been appointed by Inquesta to bring to the market the stadium at Gigg Lane.
“This is a unique opportunity to purchase a freehold stadium, with an all-seating capacity of over 12,000.
“The marketing of the stadium presents a variety of buyers and occupiers with the prospect of securing the landmark property.
“Offers will be invited on an unconditional basis. We encourage all interested parties to contact Fleurets as soon as possible, as we anticipate significant local and national interest.”
Bury
Tickets now on sale for spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
One of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events is back again this spooky season, and tickets are now on sale.
Generally selling out each year, and with 2024 expected to be no different – especially as there’s set to be “fresh twists and new surprises” to celebrate ‘Year of the Pumpkin’ this year – the heritage railway’s Halloween Ghost Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for “loads of spooktacular fun” once the scariest time of year rolls around.
Those brave enough at lending Zombie Bob and the ‘Monster Squad’ a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
In this year’s event, the railway will be transformed with elaborate decorations and eerie lighting, and visitors are encouraged to ensure that “no ghouls fly under the radar”.
Got the guts for the ride of a lifetime?
You’ll first start off the experience with a pumpkin-themed haunted house walkthrough over the ghoulishly-decorated footbridge at Bury Bolton Street Station, all before you hop on a 60-minute spooky steam train ride to the Irwell Vale and back.
As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and, as it always is each year, screaming and singalongs are to be expected too – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.
Families are also encouraged to “show off your spookiest fancy dress” on the day, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child “full of tricks and treats” awaits.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome visitors back to our Halloween event,” commented Mike Kelly, who is the Chairman of ELR. “This year promises to be our best yet, with new themes and surprises that will delight and frighten guests of all ages.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to create unforgettable Halloween memories together.”
The Halloween Ghost Trains are happening over the October half term from 24-26 October, with special trains running on Halloween itself (31 October), and tickets are now on sale starting from just £14 per person.
Eight GMP officers suspended following reports of ‘racial discrimination’
Emily Sergeant
Eight police officers have been suspended amid internal investigations following reports made of “racial discrimination”.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that seven of the suspended officers are from the Bury district, and one is from the Rochdale district but was working in Bury at the time of the allegations and reports made.
Another police officer has also had their duties ‘restricted’ too, alongside GMP’s suspensions made yesterday (Monday 29 July).
Not only that, but these eight suspensions and one restriction also follows the force suspending five officers and placing two officers on restricted duties, again all from the Bury district, earlier this month (17 July).
Because of these suspensions, GMP says it has temporarily relocated officers to Bury to cover operational duties.
This follows the force suspending five officers and placing two officers on restricted duties; all from the Bury district on 17/07/2024.
We have temporarily relocated officers to Bury to cover operational duties and minimise disruption within the district.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) July 29, 2024
The temporary officers will primarily work to “minimise disruption” within the district.
In light of the suspensions, GMP says it has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to both of these cases – with the independent body currently investigating the first report, but having reviewed the second incident, has now referred it back to GMP to internally investigate.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, who is the Head of GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate, said the reports the force has received are “deeply concerning”.
“I hope to reassure the community of Bury, the wider public, and the GMP workforce that a full and thorough investigation is being conducted into these matters,” DCS Allen concluded.