News
Greater Manchester Police reinvesting seized criminal money back into local communities
A common sense initiative that will hugely benefit areas across the Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police have announced that they will be reinvesting more than significant amounts of money seized from criminals back into local communities across the region.
Issuing a press release on Monday, 26 September, GMP confirmed that funds secured through shutting down illegal activity will be redistributed via the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).
As explained in the statement, non-profits in the Greater Manchester that can benefit large numbers of people in local areas can once again apply for as much as £20,000 to fund 12 months’ worth of community activities.
Last year the scheme helped dozens of organisations make a direct impact on the local community.
Last year, successful applicants included GetAway’N’GetSafe, which used the money to fund a project which uses sessions delivered directly in schools to encourage young people from Manchester to turn away from a life of crime and inspire them to take control of their futures and achieve their dreams.
Sadly, for all its charm, Manchester currently sits as the second ‘most dangerous’ city for burglaries and while we look after each other around here, some crime is always going to be inevitable. That’s why initiatives like this are so important.
To be eligible, the activities “must support GMP’s objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims.”
Read more:
GMP Superintendent and Head of the Economic Crime and Cyber Unit, Estelle Mathieson, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the many projects which benefit Greater Manchester’s communities.
“Offenders often commit crimes for their own financial gain so this is an important part of the criminal justice system and ensures we can give back in one way or another.”
Mathieson and her specialist Greater Manchester Police task force helped recover over £360,000 of stolen money after shutting down a fraudulent social media company back in June 2021.
She went on to state how excited local authorities are to see “how this money helps fight, prevent and reduce crime… Ultimately, making Greater Manchester a better place to live, work and visit.”
Applicants should apply via Giving back: Investing in our community | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)
News
TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
- Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
- Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
- If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
- Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
- Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
- Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Read more
Featured image: The Manc Group
News
Manchester’s ‘busiest’ road set to close for annual safety inspections this weekend
Emily Sergeant
The Mancunian Way is set to close for its annual safety inspections this weekend.
As Manchester City Council looks to ‘improve’ what is, by far, one of Manchester’s busiest and most-used roads, given the fact it is the main thoroughfare in and out of the city centre, it has been confirmed that a two-day closure of Mancunian Way is set to take place this weekend so that essential inspection works can be carried out.
With an estimated 15 million journeys taken along this road annually, the Council says it’s vital that inspections are conducted to keep traffic flowing.
Taking place over the weekend, both carriageways and their slip roads will be out of use from 6am on Saturday 27 June until 6am on Monday 29 June.
The closure will run from the Chester Road roundabout and Fairfield Street.
Fully signed diversions will be in place during this time for vehicles travelling in both directions, the Council has confirmed – with diversion routes planned for Trinity Way, Great Ancoats Street, Bridgewater Viaduct, Whitworth Street West, Whitworth Street, and Fairfield Street.
Of course, this does mean that some disruption to the public is expected, with anyone travelling in and out of the city centre told to plan their journeys ahead of time, however the Council has chosen for the closures to be overnight so that any disruption is kept to a low a level as possible.
“Because of the tens of thousands of vehicles we see use the Mancunian Way every day, ensuring its proper maintenance and upkeep is essential”, commented Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, who is the Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport at Manchester City Council.
Read more:
“There will be a level of disruption which is why we’d urge people to plan their journeys ahead and find an alternative route which avoids the closure.
“Thank you to everyone ahead of your patience as we carry out these essential works.”
Featured Image – Geograph