The heartbroken family of a teenager motorcyclist who died in an off-road crash in Wigan have paid tribute to him.
Josh Sharpe is being remembered for his “empathy and generosity”.
The 19-year-old “much-loved son, brother, and partner” sadly lost his life following a fatal collision at Astley Raceway, close to the Wigan town of Tyldesley, this past Saturday (22 June), despite the best efforts of all emergency services who attended the scene.
The “very sporty” teenager developed a love for motorbikes at a “very young age”, according to his family in their touching tribute paid to him.
#TRIBUTE | Family pay tribute to a much-loved ‘son, brother & loving partner’ Josh Sharpe.
Josh (19) sadly passed away following a fatal collision at Astley Raceway on Saturday.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) June 26, 2024
“Josh was very sporty and excelled naturally in football,” the family’s tribute begins.
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“He played for Rishton United Football Club Juniors and Hyndburn Youths. Josh’s love for motorbikes developed at a very young age and he often rode them with his Dad on weekends. Although he has always loved motorbikes, it wasn’t until he was financially independent that he was able to enjoy this hobby more frequently with his friends.”
Josh’s family highlighted his “kindness” as being the quality that stood out the most.
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“He had an ability to sense when someone needed a friend, a kind word, or a gentle smile,” their tribute continues.
The family of a ‘beloved’ teenage motorcyclist who died in an off-road crash in Wigan have paid tribute to him / Credit: GMP
“He was always the first to offer help, never asking for anything in return. His empathy and generosity were beyond his years, qualities that made him beloved by everyone who knew him. In his short life, he touched more hearts than many do in a lifetime.”
Following the tragic incident, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched an investigation and is appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident at the track, but has not yet been spoken to, to come forward to provide information.
Anyone with information can contact police via 0161 856 4741, 101, or alternatively, online at gmp.police.uk quoting log 1673 of 22/06/24.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Police appeal launched as woman dies after being hit by lorry in Bury
Daisy Jackson
A woman has tragically died after being hit by a lorry in Bury yesterday afternoon.
At around 3.45pm on Tuesday 6 October, emergency services were called to a road traffic collision in Radcliffe.
The collision was between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West.
Tragically, the pedestrian – a woman in her 50s – passed away at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services.
A large cordon was in place yesterday and road has remained closed this morning.
Officers from GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are now appealing for information.
They said: “At around 3.45pm yesterday (Tuesday 6 October 2026) we were called to reports of a road traffic collision between a pedestrian and a lorry on Church Street West, Radcliffe.
“Emergency services attended but sadly the pedestrian, a woman in her 50s, passed away at the scene.
“No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
“Anyone with information including CCTV, Ring doorbell or dashcam footage is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 2299 of 06.10.26. Reports can also be made via our website of the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
New measures announced to tackle ‘rogue’ landlords across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
A cohort of trained enforcement officers are set to hit the streets in all 10 boroughs to help improve the lives of the region’s renters.
Forming part of Greater Manchester‘s commitment to the highest-quality housing standards alongside the Good Landlord Charter, the newly trained enforcement officers will be tasked with protecting tenants, joining Council teams in checking rental properties, bringing enforcement action against bad landlords, and cracking down on illegal practices.
The introduction of the new enforcement officers comes after what has been ‘years of sustained pressure’ on local budgets.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) says it is working with the 10 councils across the region to strengthen local teams, rebuild in-house skills and expertise, and ensure that powers can be applied with consistency in all boroughs.
As mentioned, this all forms part of the Good Landlord Charter – which is GMCA’s ‘bold approach’ to drive up standards for renters across the region.
Landlords of more than half of rented properties in Greater Manchester have now signed up as supporters of the Charter, and as supporters, they have committed to going above and beyond legal minimums to improve the renting experience for hundreds of thousands of people.
“A safe place to call home is the cornerstone of a happy, healthy life,” explained Mayor Bev Craig. “But for years, people have felt trapped in poor-quality housing, and cash-strapped councils were unable to step in to help. I’m putting an end to that.
“We know there are plenty of good landlords in Greater Manchester, and many of them have already signed up to our Good Landlord Charter, but too many are just not good enough.
“That’s why we’re deploying a new generation of expert housing officers onto the streets of our towns and cities.”
Mayor Bev Craig declared that she ‘won’t stand by and let rogue landlords take advantage of people’.
She continued: “By empowering renters, working with responsible landlords, and using our powers to crack down on the bad ones, I will make sure everyone in Greater Manchester has the foundation for a good life.”
Emily Sergeant -
27th June 2024 
