Council responds after food truck arson victim has trading application rejected
Lekan Kamson Odesanya - who lost his food truck in a targeted arson attack - has been left 'living on handouts' after his trading applications were rejected.
Manchester City Council has pledged it will still do “everything in its power” to support the food truck owner left without a trading license since his business was burned to the ground.
Lekan Kamson Odesanya – also known as David Kamson – lost his Moston Suya food van last year after it was set alight in a targeted ‘racist attack’.
His story led to the community pooling together their money and raising thousands to buy him a new vehicle – but the chef has been unable to use it as his trading applications have been rejected.
A lack of income has apparently left Mr Odesanya living on ‘handouts’ and on the verge of eviction, with another GoFundMe page launched to help him ‘pay his bills’.
A new petition has called on the council to reconsider Mr Odesanya’s application to serve his food in a local car park.
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Responding to The Manc’s request for comment, Manchester Council published a timeline of correspondence with the Moston Suya owner; dating from October 30 until March 9.
A council spokesperson revealed that Mr Odesanya’s initial application was rejected due to missing data, and that his preferred trading site was not suitable at the time of his second application as the area was being considered for potential NHS Covid testing.
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After enquiring about a move to private land in Prestwich, the Moston Suya owner then made an application to trade on Bute Street instead – which was apparently under consideration before he asked for a refund of his application fee.
Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar called the arson attack against Moston Suya “a completely despicable act”, and said that the council had “worked with Mr Odesanya” ever since his successful fundraiser to get a new food van.
The Councillor stated: “We have had two licence applications from Mr. Odesanya, the first of which was incomplete and had to be rejected, and the second in relation to the private car park he did not have permission to trade in.
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“He also enquired about a potential new location in Prestwich, but was referred to Bury Council as Manchester City Council has no jurisdiction in this area.”
Councillor Akbar added: “We have also tried to connect the applicant with a charity who supports start ups, as well as trying to explore another location where Mr. Odesanya could trade.
“During this process Mr. Odesanya withdrew his application and his fees were refunded. If he were to come to us again we would do everything in our power to support another application to trade.”
More than £3,600 has been donated by the public so far to support the chef; with the fundraising page explaining that money will also go towards any future ‘legal fees and human rights appeals.’
The campaign has also urged Greater Manchester police to re-open the investigation into the crimes committed against Mr Odesanya as the culprits have not been ‘brought to justice’.
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Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
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.
The Manc -
23rd March 2021 
