A public appeal for information has been made after a car mounted the pavement in Bolton and killed a pedestrian in the process.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a road traffic collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian on Chew Moor Lane, in the Lostock area of Bolton, at around 6:45pm yesterday evening (28 October).
When officers arrived, they found a man in his 40s had been hit by the vehicle, but despite the best efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.
#APPEAL | Investigators appeal for information following a fatal road traffic collision on Chew Moor Lane, #Bolton.
Sadly a man in his 40s died at the scene.
A man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
According to GMP, it’s believed that the vehicle involved in the incident – which was a blue Jaguar XE – was overtaking another vehicle, before appearing to lose control and ending up on the pavement and colliding with a pedestrian walking along.
The driver of the Jaguar, which police say was a man in his 20s, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
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Chew Moor Lane in Bolton, where the incident took place / Credit: Google Maps
Due to the severity of the incident, GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is now appealing to the Greater Manchester public, and asking that anyone who may have witnessed the incident come forward and speak to police.
Police are also keen to speak to anyone who may have any video footage from the area in the moments leading up to the collision.
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Can you help? Anyone with any information is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 4741, quoting log number 2778 of 28/10/24, or heading to the LiveChat function online here.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Greater Manchester to survive key public transport cut as government prepares to scrap bus fare cap
Danny Jones
As the Labour Party prepares to reveal its first budget in nearly a decade and a half, early reports are suggesting that the government is planning to scrap the £2 bus fare cap but, fortunately, the policy won’t affect Greater Manchester.
Set to be delivered on Wednesday, 30 October by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the national £2 cap on bus fares – which was only introduced back in January 2023 and continually extended ever since – has been a big money-saving measure for many commuters and those struggling in the cost of living crisis.
Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer have already warned that Labour’s first budget since 2010 will feature a series of spending cuts and tax rises as they look to stabilise Britain’s economy but for millions across the country, this will come as a frustrating update.
According to The Mirror, this could see the worst affected places see fares jump up as much as £10, meaning affordable buses will no longer be a viable travel option. Luckily for us here in Greater Manchester, it has been confirmed the impending changes won’t apply here.
I can confirm that we plan to stick with a £2 cap on single bus fares for the whole of 2025.
Confirming the news on Tuesday, 29 October, Mayor Andy Burnham detailed that the £2 bus fare cap will remain across all 10 boroughs as part of the ever-growing Bee Network and Transport for Greater Manchester’s (TfGM) wider plans moving forward.
Speaking in an official statement shared on the local Combined Authority website, Burnham said: “Our policy aim throughout has been to create a low-fare, high-patronage system similar to the one that has brought higher growth and productivity to London. This will remain the mission of the Bee Network…
“Because of the decisions we have taken, and the progress we have made, GM is in a different position to other areas across England when it comes to bus funding and bus fares. We are beginning to benefit from similar financial advantages as those long enjoyed by London.”
Meanwhile, the bulk of the country is set to face a number of financial changes when the MP for Leeds West and Pudsey announces the first Labour budget in 14 years in full this week, with the bus fare cap now reportedly set to be increased to at least £3, along with changes to pension tax, the winter fuel allowance and more expected.
In Parliament this week, Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsey Hoyle called out Lewisham-born Reeves for the level of media attention her upcoming budget has received of late:
Fair play to Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle who gave a bollocking to Rachel Reeves for strutting around the world announcing her plan to change the government's fiscal rules before debating it in parliament. pic.twitter.com/IVpC382gx3
As for Burnham, he went on to detail that, “Firstly, the per-kilometre cost of our new contracts are on average one-third cheaper than tenders in the old deregulated system. Secondly, by taking control of the farebox, any profits from rising patronage can be kept and recycled for the benefit of GM residents rather than retained by private operators.
“Thirdly, control of the system allows us to take further steps to help our residents. For instance, by making annual Bee Bus Passes available through our 14 credit unions via weekly payments, residents can cut the cost of weekly bus travel by around £5.”
Greater Manchester was the first area in the UK to propose the bus fare cap to begin with and set an important precedent for other counties to push for the national policy.
The 54-year-old is also set for an “emergency meeting” with the Rail North Committee on the same day that the government’s budget will be revealed after slamming the “embarrassing” state of the current regional network.
People looking to use the train service this past Sunday, 27 October were advised not to travel in now-deleted social media posts after yet more warnings regarding the possibility of last-minute cancellations.
We have called an emergency Rail North Committee for Wednesday to require a plan to bring an immediate end to this.👇🏻
“Do Not Travel” notices between UK cities are embarrassing.
Transport is critical to growth and right now Northern is damaging local economies across the North. https://t.co/QO8iYOLNkX
Back to the buses, Burnham went on to add: “We hope that the measures we are taking will continue the increase in patronage we have seen since the introduction of the original £2 cap in September 2022 and the launch of the Bee Network in September 2023.
“The more people use the system, the easier it will be for us to sustain the low-fare structure. This said, it is only by mid-2025 when we have completed Phase 1 of the Bee Network, and we know the level of funding we have, that we’ll be in a position to judge the financial outlook for the new system.”
While they have promised that the £2 cap bus fare will remain for the whole of 2025, the figure will be subject to a mid-year review that could potentially see the decision to up the price in the future.
Put simply, he signed off by assuring that the local authorities remain defiant on the issue and “will keep [the bus fare] as long we can.”
In the grander scheme of things, Greater Manchester is edging ever closer towards an Oyster card-esque set-up as mentioned above, with the first of the key steps in this process set to be rolled out in January next year. Find out more below.
The big Manchester guide to Bonfire Night – everything you need to know
Thomas Melia
Remember, remember the fifth of November, when spots around Manchester will be lighting up the night sky for Bonfire Night.
Dazzling fireworks displays, roaring bonfires, hot chocolates and loads more will be on offer in the coming week as the nation turns fully autumnal.
Although the Manchester City Council-run Bonfire Night celebrations have been called off once again, there are plenty of places you can still celebrate.
Listed below are some of the top bonfires happening in and around Greater Manchester in 2024 including some viewing spots where you can immerse yourself in a world of free fireworks atop the Manchester skyline.
Although we can’t list every single event occurring over the next week, here is a summary of upcoming firework displays across Greater Manchester and its many boroughs.
The UK’s highest altitude distillery is hosting a night of luxury drinks and spooky stories in their cosy establishment this Bonfire Night.
Joined by David Atkinson from Dark Chester Ghost Tours, there will be eerie tales told as you sip on a cocktail that is smoked right in front of you by the bartenders.
How can you possibly go wrong, especially when there is a charcuterie board on hand to soak up your liquid courage and take you to food heaven.
The landscape even overlooks Buxton and Macclesfield meaning guests have a chance to gaze at the fireworks while tucking into the finer things in life.
Guests wanting to take their Bonfire Night to the next level with this unforgettable experience can purchase tickets here.
Manchester’s world of entertainment situated right in the city centre is even getting involved with the firework frenzy presenting a jam-packed night of free fun – though these fireworks have a big twist.
They’ll be showing a fireworks display on that huge new digital ceiling, meaning you can enjoy all the wonder of a classic display while staying warm and dry.
Special guest Nigel Clarke, known for his work on CBeebies and various kids channels is treating little ones to a ‘Relaxed hour’ with some campfire stories.
Two firework displays are taking place at 6pm and 7pm with two DJ sets from Kai Ryan in between at 6.15pm and 7.15pm to dance your heart out to.
Tickets aren’t required for this event and a free toffee apple will be handed out to each child that attends.
When: Tuesday 5 November, 5pm – 8pm
Where to find: 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS
The Fireworks Extravaganza at Mayfield Park
The Fireworks Extravaganza at Mayfield Park
The skies above Manchester city centre will be sparkling this autumn, when a huge Bonfire Night event takes over the city’s newest park.
The huge fireworks display comes from Freight Island and the acclaimed Walk the Plank, and is set to take place over several evenings of Bonfire Night weekend.
There’ll even be free sparklers for kids when the festive event takes place between 1 and 3 November.
Bowdon Bonfire 2024 at Bowdon Cricket Hockey and Squash Club
This Altrincham sports venue is spoiling its guests with not one but three fireworks displays and a traditional bonfire.
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There will be stalls, refreshments and a BBQ with a stall selling everybody’s favourite sweet treats.
Three showings will be held at this site with children and young people advised to attend the 7pm and 8pm displays as the 8:45pm slot will contain louder fireworks.
Where to find: South Downs Road, Altrincham, WA14 3DT
Fireworks at the Farm – Cockfields Farm Park
This Ashton farm is hosting a ‘low bang’ night perfectly designed for children and animals with lots of fun activities to get involved with including a bonfire.
There will be everything from a mini disco to an LED robot light show and in typical farm fashion, kids are also invited to the cuddle corner where they can see all the smaller animals up close.
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An array of food will also readily available from your typical jacket potatoes to pizza, hot dogs and donuts to tuck into as well.
If this has caught your attention, tickets are onsale here.
When: Saturday 2 November and Sunday 3 November, 5pm – 8pm
Where to find: Lees New Rd, Oldham, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 8AR
Cavendish PTA Bonfire Night – Cavendish Community Primary School
Chorlton Fireworks are teaming up with a local primary school to create an incredible light display set to go off with a bang.
Get transported back to your childhood days as this event has its own tuck shop on site for snacks and drinks to enjoy while you marvel over the fireworks.
There’s also festival glitter on-hand meaning guests can soak up the action while shining as bright as the sky in front of them.
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Anyone interested in attending can find tickets available here.
When: Friday 1 November, 5.00pm-7.00pm
Where to find: Cavendish Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester M20 1JG
Bonfire Night at Ashton on Mersey Sports Club
Gates open at 5.30pm for this event with the bonfire lighting at 6.15pm, visitors at this sports club can expect a family-friendly night as thrilling as ever.
A selection of food and drinks will be served at this event including all your typical Bonfire feasts to more gourmet options.
Parking at this event may be limited and anyone attending is being urged to walk where possible as no spaces are available on-site.
This local Greater Manchester town’s amateur rugby league football club is presenting its attendees with a bonfire night they’ll never forget as it won’t have a bonfire!
Their fantastic entertainment and fireworks will still be there as well as some tasty delights in the form of Rochdale street food and restaurant favourite, Bombay Brew.
If you are intending on popping down for a funfilled night, guests are being encouraged to respect neighbours and their driveways.
Tickets are available as your arrive with both cash and card accepted at the gates.
When: Friday 1 November, 6.30pm – late
Where to find: Keswick Street, Castleton, OL113AG
Littleborough Cricket Club Bonfire & Firework Display
Not too far from Rochdale, Littleborough cricket club are entertaining locals with a night of fireworks, food and fun.
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There will be a fun fair, food stalls and two outdoor bars to cut down on those pesky queues that us Mancs always get caught up in.
What’s also special about this display is that little guests who are two and under even get into the venue for free here!
When: Saturday 2 November, 4.00pm – onwards
Where to find: Denhurst Rd, Littleborough OL15 9LD
Shaw Cricket Club Bonfire Night & Firework Extravaganza 2024
This annual event promises to be one to remember especially with the name ‘Extravaganza’ in its title.
Gates open at 4.00pm with rides and attractions starting at this time too in preparation for the bonfire and show later on in the evening.
Anyone planning on paying a visit are guided to take public transport such as the tram or walk to avoid congestion in the area.
For those who wish they had a clone, fear not, this Manchester skyline spot might just give you free access to multiple firework displays all at once.
With views across Manchester, Liverpool and beyond, curious travellers are sure to see some incredible sights especially across the firework-packed week and weekend.
There’s a pub not too far from this spot so you can really soak up the action with your phone recording the view in one hand and a pint fixed in the other.
Emily Sergeant -
29th October 2024 
