Some sky-high road signs that have been installed in Radcliffe have become the talk of the town this week.
The tiny blue circular pedestrian and cycling signs have been erected at the top of ’12 foot plus’ poles in the market town.
People have been questioning whether they are designed ‘for giraffes or birds’ and joked that they’re ready for the ‘great Radcliffe stilt race’.
In a hilarious BBC North West news segment that feels like an Alan Partridge skit, a local postman said, squinting up to the sky: “Wow, that’s ridiculous.
“First time in my life I’ve ever seen such tallness. I never knew signs could be that tall.
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“Who’s going to see that? Must be the birds.”
Presenter Phil McCann (he of viral fuel shortage fame) then compared the signs to the height of the world’s tallest man.
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In a post on Facebook, Mike Bower asked: “Please could someone tell us, the council taxpayers of Radcliffe, why and how much these signs cost to erect at the end of Greenbank. 12 foot plus in height with a very small sign on the top. 6 poles in total, there must be a reason hence the question TIA.”
In the comments, one person joked: “Maybe we have giraffes coming to town haha there ridiculous.”
Another said: “Maybe so birds can see that pedestrians and cyclists use the path below and know not to sh1t there. The possibilities are endless.”
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Someone else wrote: “Could be so it’s head height on your penny farthing.”
A spokesperson for Bury Council said: “These signs are required as part of the new Toucan crossing, installed to inform users that the footway is shared use, i.e. for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The signs should be installed at a height of 2.3m, and we have instructed the contractors to adjust any pole that is higher.
“The size of the signs is in accordance with traffic sign regulations, but we have agreed to increase their size.
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“We try to use existing lighting columns or poles where possible to accommodate signs, but this is not always possible due to their location.”
Featured image: Facebook, Mike Bower / BBC North West Tonight
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Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low
Emily Sergeant
Homicide rates in Greater Manchester are now at the lowest they’ve been for 25 years, according to new figures.
Thanks to a major programme introduced by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) to prevent violent crime and keep communities safe, known as the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), it has been revealed that the region’s homicide rate has fallen by 32% in 2025 to what is its lowest level on record since 1990.
If you’re unfamiliar with what the VRU is, it brings together GMP, Greater Manchester Probation Service, health and education professionals, youth justice, local authorities, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to address the underlying causes of violent crime.
It’s this multi-agency approach that’s said to be delivering ‘tangible results’ and driving a reduction in violent crime in Greater Manchester.
As well as homicide rates, the VRU’s partnership work with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is also said to be having ‘major impact’ across the region on issues like knife crime.
Thanks to operational activity helping to disrupt serious violence and remove more weapons from the region’s streets, the police have also recorded that knife crime in Greater Manchester has fallen by 15% in the last year too.
Following a steady decline since 2021, rates of personal robbery have fallen by 17% in the last year in Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester’s homicide rates have now dropped to a ‘historic’ low / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Additionally, A&E attendances due to assault decreased by 3% in the same time period, with a 9% reduction among young people aged 10–24, and ambulance callouts for assault also fell by 9% in relation to this.
GMCA says that the reductions in demand for emergency services, as revealed in the latest figures, prove just how much the VRU’s combined prevention and enforcement approach is working.
“These latest figures show the real progress being made in tackling violent crime and making our streets safer,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham.
“Reductions in knife crime and homicides don’t happen by chance – they come from early intervention, our strong partnership with the police and our work with communities to tackle the root causes of violence.”
Daisy Jackson -
11th August 2022 
