Manchester City Council confirms it has shut down a house in Crumpsall that was said to be “a nightmare for locals” after alleged criminal activity.
The North Manchester property, on Seymour Road in Crumpsall was linked to possible violence, drug supply and exploitation of women, but has now been shut down and a three-month ban will be placed on anyone returning to it by Manchester Magistrates Court.
For years the dwelling had been “a blight on the community” and local residents frequently complained that its owner was, not only failing to maintain the premises, but was also failing to prevent its use for criminal activity.
The house was declared “a significant drain on resources for both the police and Manchester City Council”.
Greater Manchester Police are said to have responded to at least 86 phone calls since 2014 relating to issues at the property, with evidence of drug use and possible links to exploitation and drug supply having been found during police and Council visits.
A string of waste offences were also connected to the property since 2016.
Following an application made by Manchester City Council, a Premises Closure Order was granted by Manchester Magistrates Court on 2nd July, following a two-week adjournment.
We have successfully shut down a house in Crumpsall that was a nightmare for locals – with regular anti-social behaviour & criminal activity.
— Manchester City Council #StaySafe❤ (@ManCityCouncil) July 8, 2020
Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council,said: “This property has been nothing short of a horror show for the people living in this neighbourhood [and] as a Council, we always want to try and engage with people before we go to the courts but in this case our attempts have been futile.”
“The owner has failed to address the litany of problems, so we were forced to take this action.”
“Officers from across the Council have diligently collected evidence that have resulted in this order and I am incredibly grateful for their efforts. This has been a long and complex case and I am glad to have secured a victory for our residents.”
“The Council wants to ensure that everyone in Manchester can enjoy a healthy and happy life, free of anti-social behaviour.”
The premises are now closed for three months, with it being an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period of up to six months, an unlimited fine, or both, if anyone other than the owner, employee, or agent acting on behalf of Manchester City Council, or the emergency services, enters.
The Council has the authority to extend the order by a further three months.
A long-term solution is still being sought for this property to ensure that the people of Crumpsall can have permanent respite from the anti-social and criminal behaviour linked to the address.
For more information, visit the Manchester City Council website here.
News
You can star in your own series of Taskmaster in a castle near Greater Manchester this summer
Clementine Hall
Are you ready to channel your inner comedian? Great, because Taskmaster is coming up north.
Well…sort of.
The beloved (and hilarious) show is bringing a family-friendly version to Beeston Castle and Gardens, which is a picturesque English Heritage site in the rural Beeston area of Tarporley in Cheshire, and you are invited to try your hand at the wacky tasks yourselves.
From now right up until Sunday 31 August, visitors can take part in the ridiculous challenges inspired by the hit TV show.
In partnership with English Heritage, it’s appropriate for all ages and a fantastic day out for all the family.
Contestants will pick up their score card on arrival before exploring the site and getting involved in tasks along the way.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the popular comedy show or a complete newbie, this Taskmaster experience guarantees a hilarious day out in the Cheshire countryside… and don’t worry, Greg Davies and Alex Horne won’t be judging your efforts along the way either – phew.
“We are delighted to be collaborating with the Taskmaster team this summer,” commented Beth Stone, who is the Head of Visitor Engagement and Experience at English Heritage.
You can star in your own series of Taskmaster near Greater Manchester this summer / Credit: Jim Holden (via English Heritage)
“From tasks such as becoming a monarch and making your own laws, to creating your own solstice, our visitors can expect a host of fun with a history twist at many of our properties, and of course, plenty of rubber ducks.”
Alex Horne, creator and star of Taskmaster, added: “It’s nice to go to nice places, but it’s even nicer to do fun things in those nice places – and this should ensure you can do just that for this summer at least.”
To find out more, take a look at English Heritage’s website here.
Featured Image – English Heritage
News
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year
Thomas Melia
Croatian cellist and former member of classical band 2CELLOS, Hauser, has announced a tour including an arena date in Manchester this year.
World-class musician Stjepan Hauser, known professionally as Hauser, is getting ready to pack his cello and cheeky smile as he embarks on ‘The Rebel Is Back’ tour.
Hauser has amassed a worldwide cult following of classical music lovers, by not only respecting the genre, but evolving it too by intertwining his cello skills into modern day pop hits.
The cellist has covered lots of current pop songs while part of musical duo 2CELLOS like ‘We Found Love’, ‘Despacito’, and ‘Viva La Vida’.
You can also expect to hear covers of some of music’s greatest compositions, including the timeless opera classic ‘Nessun Dorma’, and highly-adored ballet piece ‘Swan Lake’.
Recently, Hauser has teamed up with London Symphony Orchestra to reimagine Ennio Morricone’s ‘Le Vent, le cri’, taken from the 1981 French film Le Professionnel.
Hauser has performed in over 40 countries and played at some of the most prestigious venues across the world – including Royal Albert Hall and Sydney Opera House.
He’s also become a social media sensation, capturing people’s attention via his videos playing his cello in a variety of interesting locations like a swimming pool, at the desert, and even on the famous Brooklyn Bridge.
Classical musician Hauser announces huge arena gig in Manchester later this year / Credit: Stefan Brending (via Wikimedia Commons)
You’ll be able to identify a lot of the tracks played out when Hauser visits AO Arena, as his upcoming album titled Cinema, features a wide variety of soundtracks and film theme tunes.
The highly-anticipated LP from Hauser contains ‘What Was I Made For?’ from Barbie, ‘Mission: Impossible’, ‘A Time For Us’ from Romeo and Juliet, alongside lots more motion picture melodies.
The musician is quite familiar with Manchester city city centre too, Hauser studied at Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester before taking the classical world by storm.
The Manc -
9th July 2020 
