Dramatic photos released by the fire service show the scale and aftermath of a devastating blaze ripping through a primary school in Bolton yesterday.
With only a few weeks of the summer holidays left to go, and thousands of children across Greater Manchester gearing up to start a new school year at the start of September, the return for a new term may sadly look a little different for the pupils and parents of S S Simon & Jude C of E Primary School in Bolton.
It comes after the popular primary school caught fire yesterday morning (17 August) at around 8:30am, and saw a significant blaze rip through the building.
Plumes of thick smoke were reportedly seen by local residents for miles.
🚒 GMFRS crews have worked tirelessly throughout the day to extinguish a major fire at a primary school in Bolton. At the height of the response, 17 fire engines from across Greater Manchester were in attendance.
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) August 17, 2023
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that crews from 10 different branches and a total of 17 fire engines from across the region attended the scene at the Great Lever-based school once the first reports came in, and got straight to work battling the blaze and eventually managing to bring the situation under control.
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Several surrounding streets were cordoned off for a number of hours while crews tackled the blaze, with locals urged to stay away.
GMFRS said in statement that crews “worked tirelessly throughout the day”.
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Photos released by the fire service also show the shell of the school building as the blaze was close to being fully extinguished.
The shell of S S Simon & Jude C of E Primary School after the blaze took hold / Credit: GMFRS
Sharing the shocking drone pictures with the public on social media yesterday, GMFRS explained in a statement: “Our crews have worked tirelessly throughout the day to extinguish a major fire at a primary school in Bolton.
“At the height of the response, 17 fire engines from across Greater Manchester were in attendance.
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“The fire was brought under control by late afternoon [and] crews will be at the scene overnight damping down any remaining hot spots.”
Parents of pupils at the school – which converted to Academy status in 2012, and is now operated by The Vantage Academy Trust – were said to be “devastated” by the fire, and understandably left concerned about the near future and the return for the new school year.
The front of S S Simon & Jude C of E Primary School in Great Lever, Bolton / Credit: Google Maps
The Vantage Academy Trust reassured parents that they will be continuously updated moving forward.
In a public statement shared online on Thursday evening, the Vantage Academy Trust wrote: “We would like to reassure everyone who’s seen the fire at SS Simon and Jude CE Primary, Bolton, today that no one has been hurt.
“Firefighters have worked tirelessly to bring it under control.
“The Principal will keep in touch with parents with further updates – school can be reached if needed via the office email.”
Featured Image – GMFRS
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No trams to run on major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend
Emily Sergeant
Travel disruption is expected across the next couple of weeks as ‘essential engineering’ work begins on a major Metrolink line.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has confirmed that a reduced service will run on the Bury line this weekend, as work to replace ‘defective’ beams supporting the roof at Whitefield Tunnel means that no trams will run between Crumpsall and Bury on Saturday (10 May), or between Whitefield and Bury on Sunday (11 May).
Some weekend and overnight working is said to be ‘necessary’ to secure and protect the overhead line equipment, so that the beam replacement work can be completed as ‘safely and quickly as possible’, according to TfGM.
A crane is planned to be in use for the beam replacement work at times.
Closures on the line from this weekend come after the successful completion of preparatory work at the site, following the discovery of a defective beam.
No trams will run on a major Metrolink line as ‘essential’ work to repair Victorian-era tunnel starts this weekend / Credit: TfGM
As well as the suspension on services this weekend, as mentioned above, several other chances throughout this month and into the next on the Bury line are also to be expected.
No tram services will operate between Crumpsall and Bury on Sunday 25 May, and no again from Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, while no trams will run between Whitefield and Bury from Monday 26 to Thursday 29 May.
For the duration of all closures, replacement bus services will run between the affected stops on all the above dates.
Any so-called ‘noisier’ work is set to take place during daytime and evening working hours where possible, and several noise reduction measures – such as acoustic blankets and enclosures – also to be put in place during this.
Essential upgrade work to protect the historic Whitefield Tunnel means no trams will run between Crumpsall–Bury (Sat 10 May) and Whitefield–Bury (Sun 11 May).
We're replacing a defective beam to keep the line safe and reliable.
As always, the Greater Manchester public is being advised to ‘plan ahead’ if they are travelling.
“Whitefield Tunnel dates back to the 19th century,” explained Ian Davies, who is TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, “and this essential work will ensure tram services can continue to safely pass through it for decades to come.
“This is a complex job, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption to passengers, residents and businesses.”
He added: “I would encourage people who use the Bury line to plan ahead and check the Bee Network website, app, and social media channels for the most up-to-date travel information.”
AO Arena to host huge Europa League Final fan zone after Manchester United victory
Daisy Jackson
Manchester’s legendary AO Arena will once again host an almighty football fan zone later this year, welcoming in fans for the Europa League Final.
The huge venue previously hosted a Road to Victory fan zone for the Euros, and is now ready to replicate all the atmosphere and excitement of the beautiful game once again.
This time it’s in honour of Manchester United, who romped their way into the Europa League Final this evening with a spectacular 4-1 victory (7-1 on aggregate) over Athletic Club.
The Red Devils will be heading to that same team’s home stadium of San Mamés in Bilbao in Spain on 21 May 2025, and you’ll be able to watch all the action right here at home in Manchester.
The AO Arena Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be presented by Red Square.
If you think that name rings a bell, you’re right: they’re the same folks behind the regular events held over at Victoria Warehouse for any big United games, and 21 May will be no different – other than being arguably their biggest date ever.
There’ll be space for thousands upon thousands of football fans who’ll be able to watch Ruben Amorim’s side potentially take home their first piece of silverware since his arrival.
If you saw the scenes at Road to Victory in the AO during Euro 2024, you’ll know how unbelievable a venue this is to watch the footy.
As the promoters have billed it: “Get ready to immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of the Europa League Final, presented by Red Square.
“Join us for an unforgettable event as we bring together passionate Manchester United fans for the largest indoor fan park extravaganza ever witnessed!
“MANCHESTER UNITED head to the UEL final on Wednesday, 21st May – Secure your tickets now!”
The Europa League Final Screening & Fan Zone will be at the AO Arena on 21 May.
Emily Sergeant -
18th August 2023 
