Following Manchester City Council’s “reluctant” announcement last month that it is cancelling its eight organised firework displays and bonfire events across the borough, citing that the decision was based on current government advice that large-scale outdoor events with close density crowds should “require attendees to prove their COVID-19 status”, Salford City Council has also followed suit.
Salford City Council and Greater Manchester Police issued a joint statement yesterday confirming that its two bonfire events at Buile Hill Park on Friday 5 November, and at Prince’s Park in Irlam on Saturday 6 November, are called off after “extensive consultation”.
The Council confirmed in the statement that this decision has been taken after “consideration of advice from public health colleagues, the emergency services, event professionals and Transport for Greater Manchester.”
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The statement continued: “Factors included the possibility of unanticipated levels of attendance after other events in the area were cancelled, capacity of services supporting the event and the local area, including access for emergency medical help which is under huge pressures currently.
“That coupled with high COVID rates across the city and Greater Manchester, it was agreed by all city partners that cancelling was the right decision.”
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Giving further insight into the decision taken, Tom Stannard – Chief Executive at Salford City Council – said: “Whilst we regret to have to make this late decision, the safety of our residents at events like this is at the forefront of our thinking and of utmost importance.
“We have hosted successful bonfire events in the city for our residents for over 20 years and hope to continue to do so in the future.
“But for this year, we need to follow advice to keep people safe. Please ensure you stay safe if you celebrate at home.”
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Shaun Donnellan – Salford Division Chief Superintendent at Greater Manchester Police – added: “After much deliberation with all organisations involved, cancelling these events is unfortunate, but is the right decision to take.
“With the additional pressures of increased attendance, it would simply be impossible to make these safe events for all attendees.”
Featured Image – Flickr
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‘Stop and search’ powers introduced after several incidents of violent disorder in Oldham
Emily Sergeant
Police in Oldham have been given extra ‘stop and search’ powers following several incidents of violent disorder overnight.
As of 8pm yesterday evening (Monday 6 May) up until 4am today (Tuesday 7 May), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had authorised the use of Section 60 and 60AA powers across an extensive area of the Royton area of Oldham.
This tactic had been introduced following what police have called “a number of incidents of disorder” overnight in the community.
These include reports of a group of men with weapons, and an incident which has left a man with “life changing injuries”.
Under Section 60, officers have extra powers to ‘stop and search’ people in the area defined within the specific times listed, while a section 60AA allows police to require people to remove face coverings which are used to disguise or conceal their appearance.
Superintendent Phil Hutchinson, of GMP’s Oldham District, says he understands why members of the public would be concerned at “the nature of these incidents”, but has assured the Oldham community that there will be an increased police presence within the coming days as a measure of safety in response to this.
“Please be assured that we are working round the clock to ensure the safety of the local community, and to do this, we have increased visible officers across the district to provide added reassurance to the public,” Superintendent Hutchinson explained.
“If you have any concerns, or would like to share some information with them, please do not hesitate to speak to them, as they are there to help you.”
He also added that police will “continue to have a presence in the area beyond the conclusion of the additional powers” and urged the public to continue coming forward with any information that will allow officers to “take action to keep our streets safe”, as they are “keen” to gather as much information as possible in relation these incidents.
“We would encourage anyone who may have seen anything, or have information concerning this. to contact us,” Superintendent Hutchinson concluded.
You can contact GMP by calling 101 and quoting log number 1242 of 06/05/2024, or alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can report information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Council calls on public to suggest names for new public square in Stretford
Emily Sergeant
The Greater Manchester public is being called on to help name a brand-new public square in the heart of Stretford.
Could we have another ‘Boaty McBoatface’ on our hands? As far as public naming competitions go, the comical suggestion for the name of a new RMS ship back in 2016 – which was then given to a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) instead – will probably always lead the way as the most well-known entrant.
But now, it’s Greater Manchester‘s turn to give it a go and get creative with their naming suggestions, as Trafford Council inviting the local community to name a brand-new public square that’s set to open in the heart of Stretford next year.
Connecting the newly restored King Street and Pinnington Lane, Trafford Council says the new public square will play “a key part in the transformation of the area” and be a “focal point” for the area – with lots of greenery, seating areas, and spaces to “meet, rest and play” and host events too.
Residents are being encouraged to “put their imprint on the Square” by putting forward their suggestions for its name.
All the entries will be condensed into a shortlist and the public will then vote on their favourite.
With the naming competition fully underway, Trafford residents now have the opportunity to talk to the Stretford town centre team, get creative, and post entries into the voting box that’ll be in place in Stretford Mall up until Sunday 19 May, as well as submit their ideas via the Stretford town centre website.
To come up with their names suggestions, the Council wants residents to take inspiration from these three themes:
Heritage – celebrating the fascinating history embedded into Stretford’s identity
Culture – showcasing the rich and vibrant cultural tapestry that defines the essence of the town and its residents
Community – reflecting the strong sense of unity among Stretford’s residents, making the town a welcoming place to live, work, and socialise.
After submissions are closed, the Stretford town centre forum will then decide on three entries that “best represent the area” and have made best use of the inspiration topics to go to the public vote for the final decision.
A town centre polling station will be open for residents to cast their votes in person, or they can do so online via both a Google form or a range of social media polls.
The public vote will officially close on Sunday 16 June, and the unveiling ceremony will take place at The StretFest on Saturday 6 July, where the winner and name of the new public square will be announced.