The clean-up process as began after a “mini tornado” hit an estate in Widnes yesterday afternoon.
Residents took to social media to complain of damaged buildings and uprooted trees in the area as extremely high winds battered the Cheshire town after midday on Wednesday.
Both CCTV footage from a house camera on the new build estate off Moorfield Road and residents’ phone camera video posted to social media showed the aftermath of the havoc caused by the storm, with contents of gardens – including fence panels, a trampoline, and childrens’ play sets – seen strewn across the street.
The mini tornado also caused brickwork to collapse and windows to smash due to the strong winds, while tiles were ripped from roofs, trees were torn down, and several cars were dented by flying debris.
Another video showed toppled bins flying down with contents were thrown out.
Resident Claire Earnshaw said she walked back from the shop and “came back to devastation” like a “warzone”.
Another resident John Hatton – who lives on Greenwich Avenue, where the tornado passed through – described the ordeal as “madness”, telling CheshireLive that th extreme winds came out of nowhere and shook his house for around 30 seconds, causing damage to his home and car.
He explained: “I was in the back kitchen preparing my lunch and it just seemed to get windy really quickly, and then everything was blowing in air, there was fence panels blowing round, noises, the house seemed to shake for 20-30 seconds and then calm all of a sudden.”
But after the trail of destruction was left, a clean up has now begun and some road closures were put in place as a result.
A spokesperson for Cheshire Police issued a statement after the incident occurred yesterday, explaining that: “At 12.25pm on Wednesday 20 October, police received reports of damage in the Widnes area [and] the damage includes a wall falling down, windows of cars smashed and debris on Camberwell Park Road.
“A number of road closures are in place, including Camberwell Park Road at the junction of Moorfield Road.
“Damage has also occurred to the garage of a property on Kensington Close.”
The force said there had been no reports of any injuries.
The Met Office also acknowledged that the tornado took place, but added on Twitter that despite how shocking the initial news of it may seem, “they’re not uncommon in the UK”.
There have been reports of a #tornado in the Widnes area this lunchtime
A spokesperson went onto explain that there had been several reports of funnel clouds and tornadoes across the UK over the past few weeks, and the narrow, spinning columns of air are formed when the weather is “unstable” and showery.
The Met Office claims that the UK gets more tornadoes per square kilometre than the US, but not more tornadoes in total.
Salford Red Devils have assured that their next game will ‘go ahead as scheduled’
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils have assured their supporters that their next game is set to go ahead as planned following the cancellation of their previous match over the weekend.
The local rugby league club is set to take on fellow Greater Manchester outfit Leigh Leopards this Friday, but there remain lingering doubts as to whether or not this latest fixture will be played either.
Nevertheless, Salford Red Devils have now issued a statement assuring those watching Super League round 23 at home and, more importantly, those travelling to nearby Wigan for the clash that “will go ahead as scheduled.”
Then again, the meeting against Wakefield Trinity RLFC was only called off two days prior, so many are still opting for a ‘touch wood’ mentality.
Sharing a statement on social media at the start of the week, the Red Devils said: “We can confirm this Friday’s Betfred Super League Round 23 clash between Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils will go ahead as scheduled.
“The Club, in consultation with the Rugby Football League (RFL), RL Commercial and Rugby League Cares, reluctantly decided to cancel last Sunday’s scheduled fixture versus Wakefield Trinity due to significant concerns regarding player welfare.
“However, with first-grade players back from injury this week, and others with Super League experience set to join on loan, this Friday’s fixture will proceed as planned.
“Your support this season has been incredible, both at home and on the road – thank you for backing the boys in such a tough period.”
While there were no issues on Wakefield’s end last Sunday, 17 August, it was made apparent that the home tie simply had to be cancelled, as the Salford side were effectively unable to raise a team.
Only two players were said to be actually available for the match, with the Devils having to depend on loanees for others in the division to stay afloat following several individuals departing this year.
So much passion as fans of Salford Red Devils came together to peacefully protest against the owners of the club.
Pretty special to also see supporters of rivals Wigan, Warrington & Widnes here to support the rugby league community ❤️
— Nick Hope – the athlete’s journalist (@NickHopeTV) August 17, 2025
Against the backdrop of yet more woe for the 125-year-old organisation, more than 500 fans decided to march outside the ground – led by passionate supporters group, The 1873 – with a clear message regarding problematic ownership and their equally ever-troublesome finances: “enough is enough.”
The board insist that the recent and increasingly decisive decision-making hasn’t been “taken lightly”, but the climate around the Salford Community Stadium is nevertheless turbulent, with some deeply distressing claims being made behind the scenes.
Perhaps one of the most alarming allegations came on Thursday, 14 August, when now former COO (chief operating officer) Claire Bradbury resigned within less than a year with the Devils after an ownership figure suggested she “sleep with someone at the RFL” to help their struggles.
She shared details of incidents in a lengthy open letter via LinkedIn; we sincerely hope the toxicity and lingering air of uncertainty abate soon, not just for the fans’ sake, but for the evidently long-suffering staff and everyone who has kept the club going this long.
Cooking classes aimed at getting students ready for university are taking place near Manchester
Thomas Melia
A cooking workshop has launched just in time to teach students kitchen hacks as they prepare for university, and it’s less than an hour from Manchester.
With September just around the corner and the inevitable bedroom-packing, car-cramming, finance-faffing action already underway, there’s only one thing left to box off – cooking.
That’s where Saddleworth Cookery School steps in, with a five hour culinary experience that hopes to teach aspiring academics how to chef up some budget-friendly foodie feasts.
Located in Diggle, this cooking class will not only provide you with some essential cooking skills, but also aim to boost your confidence in the kitchen environment ahead of university.
A cooking workshop aimed at university students is taking place near Manchester / Credit : Brooke Cagle via Unsplash / Adbulmajeed Hassan via Pixabay
Throughout the session, you will learn how to prepare meals for yourself that are healthy and cost-effective, and also tailored to students and their lifestyles.
This cooking class doesn’t just show you how to batch cook a meal or two either, they also provide reassurance for students who may be anxious about food safety, storage, and preparation.
The dishes made within the workshop can be adapted and modified to suit all dietary requirements subject to prior notice – meaning veggies and vegans, this one’s for you too.
Anyone looking to advance their kitchen knowledge or start from scratch must be 16 years or older, and you can also attend without a parent or guardian.
Each participant will leave the session with a selection of recipes, as well as a shopping list, and even a goody bag containing some starting essentials to becoming a kitchen conqueror.
Cooking for yourself may seem daunting, but this kitchen has lots of positive feedback – with one user noting: “Thank you so much Pam and her wonderful, helpful and welcoming team,” while another added: “Kate taught us tons of recipes in a super relaxed and friendly setting.”
The ‘Get ready for University Cooking Class’ is taking place at Saddleworth Cookery School in Diggle across a range of dates, and you can find key info and get in touch with them directly HERE.
The Manc -
21st October 2021 
