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.”
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Police ‘delighted’ after Manchester man is jailed for running county lines drug operation
Emily Sergeant
A Manchester man has been jailed for his part in running a county lines drug operation that exploited vulnerable people.
Following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) County Lines Team, John Joyce, of Stuart Street in Manchester, was identified as operating a county lines drugs network that supplied Class A drugs across Greater Manchester, and was subsequently jailed for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine and heroin.
The investigation – which uncovered extensive evidence of drug supply – found that Joyce was the controller of the “CEE” line – a mobile number used to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.
Among that ‘extensive’ evidence was more than 31,000 text messages and 8,700 calls linked to drug dealing activity, and ‘flare’ messages advertising drugs for sale sent in bulk, as well as forensic analysis linking Joyce to two personal mobile numbers and vehicles used during the operation.
CCTV footage was also uncovered showing Joyce purchasing top-up vouchers for the drugs line.
#JAILED | Man sentenced to over 5 years in prison for running county lines drug operation
Our County Lines Team investigation uncovered extensive evidence of drug supply & found he was the controller of the “CEE” line, a mobile number used to distribute crack cocaine & heroin pic.twitter.com/WAdej9lLxU
And the final nail in the coffin was that a search of the 28-year-old’s Manchester apartment uncovered more than 460g of crack cocaine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, and cash.
Joyce fled the UK and headed to Dubai in an attempt to evade justice, but was arrested upon his return at Manchester Airport in October 2025.
“This case demonstrates our commitment to dismantling county lines networks that exploit vulnerable people and blight communities,” explained Detective Constable Josh Claxton, of GMP’s County Lines Team.
“Joyce’s operation was significant and his sentence reflects the harm caused by class A drug supply in Greater Manchester.
“He evaded justice for a long time, but now we are delighted to have locked him up so he can no longer cause damage to people’s lives.”
Joyce has been jailed for five years and three months after appearing at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court this week (Tuesday 16 December).
Featured Image – GMP
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Popular bar chain The Alchemist to rewind back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 next month
Emily Sergeant
One of the UK’s most popular bar chains is celebrating its sweet 16th birthday next month by winding back to 2010.
Money is always tight in January, right?
Once Christmas is over with, and so is the festive feasting and drinking, many like to use the first month of the new year to lay low and save some money back up – which is why The Alchemist is launching a limited-edition ‘2010 Revival Menu’, bringing back some of its most iconic early cocktails and dishes – all at their original prices from 16 years ago.
For the whole month, you can enjoy the curated throwback selection starting from £6, which i perfectly timed for a month of saving without sacrificing going out.
The Alchemist is rewinding back to 2010 with cocktails and dishes for £6 / Credit: The Manc Group
The 2010 Revival Menu includes the return of the fan-favourite White Chocolate Raspberry Martini for £6 on the cocktail menu, which was an early Alchemist staple, alongside other fan-favourites like the Colour Changing One and Virgin Pornstar, both for £6 again.
When it comes to food dishes for £6, you can tuck into a selection of different refreshing salads, while stretching your budget up to £10 will get you things like Chicken in a Basket, a Cheeseburger, and Fish and Chips.
Other iconic Alchemist cocktails returning for a fraction of the price next month include the popular Smoky Old Fashioned, and Dead Read Zombie – both for £8.
The Alchemist opened its original bar in Manchester‘s swanky Spinningfields district all the way back in 2010, and quickly became a popular and stylish destination with its high ceilings and industrial features, and has since developed into a much larger chain – with not only more Manchester destinations, but others across the UK too.
The Manc -
1st September 2020 
