Emergency meeting could change decision on restrictions in Bolton after cases double
The restrictions - which were imposed on July 31 and forbid residents from meeting other households indoors or in gardens - were set to be lifted in Bolton tomorrow (2 September).
An emergency meeting is being held today to determine whether restrictions should be lifted in Bolton as planned following a sudden surge in cases.
Last week, it was announced that Bolton would be one of three boroughs to have the shackles of the indoor ban removed – along with Trafford and Stockport.
Wigan had already been freed from the tighter rules days before.
The restrictions – which were imposed on July 31 and forbid residents from meeting other households indoors or in gardens – were set to be lifted in Bolton tomorrow (2 September).
But a recent surge in coronavirus cases has resulted in an emergency meeting being held between the government and council to determine whether the town should in fact be released.
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An emergency meeting is taking place today between the government and Bolton Council after a sharp rise in #coronavirus cases. Restrictions are due to be lifted in the borough later this week, but the number of recorded cases in Bolton doubled at the end of last week. pic.twitter.com/ivuIIYtpGK
Despite a comparatively low rate of infections in mid-August, Bolton has rapidly turned into the second-worst affected borough in Greater Manchester – with 44.9 cases per 100,000 people.
The rate of infection has doubled week-on-week – rising 200%.
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Currently, only Oldham has a higher number of cases in the region.
Bolton Council leader David Greenhalgh said the figures were “concerning”.
In a statement, he clarified: “I have been in direct communication with council officers this morning about the concerning, sudden unpredicted rise in positive cases in the borough.
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“Health officials are collating the current data to provide the full picture for an emergency meeting for officers and the cabinet, set for first thing in the morning, to examine the data in detail and look at the implications.”
Trafford has also experienced a rise in infections; adding to credence to the council’s argument that the borough was not ready to be released from lockdown.
A statement from Trafford Labour read: “It is apparent that for all of their claims of working in collaboration with local authorities, the Government has decided to overrule the Council and lift restrictions in Trafford.”
News
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 -
1st September 2020 
