The indie rockers are performing at the legendary venue to celebrate the launch of their new album, Ribbon Around The Bomb.
The Manchester Evening News has reported that a member of staff inside Stockport Plaza asked people to leave ‘due to circumstances beyond our control’ adding: “Unfortunately I’m not joking.”
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Blossoms posted on Twitter: “Sorry about the fire alarm that went off at @StockportPlaza1. All sorted now. False alarm. The venue’s letting everyone back in now so we’ll see you on stage very shortly x”
One person said: “The most British fire evacuation ever as everyone piles from Stockport Plaza and straight into the pub opposite.”
Someone else Tweeted: “Couldnt make it up! Cant wait to see you!”
The hotly-anticipated homecoming gig for the Stockport five-piece comes just days after their intimate concert at Band on The Wall.
Featured image: Publicity picture / Flickr
Stockport
GMP detective handed 26 years behind bars for rape and child sexual offences
Emily Sergeant
A former Greater Manchester Police (GMP) detective has been handed a lengthy jail sentence for rape and child sexual offences.
Detective Constable Stephen Hardy, who had been posted within GMP’s Stockport district prior to being convicted back in July, and had been on remand following such conviction, was found guilty of 20 offences – including rape and child sexual offences – following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday (13 September).
The 46-year-old began being investigated by officers back in June 2020 following what GMP has referred to as “a brave victim disclosure”.
A “meticulous” formal investigation into DC Hardy led by DS Abigail Thomas and Tameside CID was then launched, and GMP officers were able to gather evidence that resulted in him being charged with several offences in 2022 – which were all committed whilst he was off-duty.
As Hardy appeared in court yesterday for his sentencing, he was described by Judge Robert Trevor-Jones during as having a “devious” personality with a “sinister streak”, while prosecutor Vanessa Thompson referred to him as “a controlling and manipulative man”.
Jo Palmiero, for CPS said: “Hardy grossly abused his position of trust as a police officer, by grooming a child and taking advantage of her in the worst way.
"I hope the victim can find some comfort from knowing that Hardy will now face the consequences of his actions.”
Hardy was sentenced to 26 years in prison for his crimes.
The 26 years includes an additional six years on extended licence, and as he has been classed as a dangerous offender, he will not be automatically released after two-thirds of his sentence.
He has also been issued with a restraining order and will be on the sex offender’s register for life.
Speaking as Hardy was convicted, Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Allen, who is the head of GMP’s Professional Standards Branch, said: “Given Hardy contested the indictment he faced at the Crown Court, we were unable to proceed with hearing such matters within the regulated police disciplinary system.
“Now that Hardy has been convicted, he will face disciplinary proceedings in connection with those matters, and as the public would rightly expect, in the time it takes to conclude these proceedings he will not now be paid by GMP.”
Featured Image – GMP
Stockport
Two Greater Manchester towns named among UK’s best places to buy your first home
Emily Sergeant
Two Greater Manchester towns have been named among the best places in the UK to buy your first home in 2023, according to The Times.
There’s no doubt the property market in our region has been booming over the last decade or so, with average house prices seeming to rise year-on-year, and more and more areas becoming viewed as the places to live.
You may remember that earlier on this year, two unexpected Greater Manchester areas were named ‘property hotspots’ for 2023 by Rightmove based on last year’s data, while only a couple of months back, neighbourhoods such as Bramhall, Broadheath, and Bowdon were identified as being the places where houses prices were shooting up the most.
It was only back in June that a new national ranking by Savills singled-out two of our region’s neighbourhoods as being some of the “most desirable” Britain has to offer.
And now, The Times has compiled a list of what it believes are the top 12 best areas in the UK for first time buyers looking to get their foot on the property ladder in 2023 – and another two of our local gems have made the cut.
Prestwich and Stockport named among UK’s best places to buy your first home/ Credit: The Manc Group | Stockport Market
This time, it’s Prestwich and Stockport’s time to shine.
According to the publication, Prestwich – which is nestled between Bury and Manchester – and the southern Greater Manchester borough town of Stockport offer some “vitality and value for money” for those keen to buy their first home before this year is out.
Attractive to buyers with a wide range of needs, both areas have been recommended for their attractive house prices, as well as recent reinvention projects, and future investment plans.
“Once just another mill town, famous mostly for its hat museum and massive brick viaduct, it has reinvented itself as a funky alternative to Manchester’s hippest quarters,” The Times wrote, adding that the town’s mix of red-brick terraces and the “occasional flat in a converted mill” prove to be ideal picks for first time buyers.
While Prestwich, on the other hand, has been called “the new Didsbury” by the publication – which it says is “with good reason”.
“This urban village on Manchester’s northern fringe has a lot more to offer than the supposedly more desirable suburb to the south – and for a lot less money.”
Some of the other areas joining Prestwich and Stockport on the top 12 list include Heaton in Newcastle, Stirchley in Birmingham, Bedminster in Bristol, Barking in London, Tottenham Hale in London, and Reading in Berkshire.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd May 2022 
