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.”
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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
Greater Manchester’s heritage railway issues statement as it’s forced to cancel services this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway has been forced to cancel its services this weekend due to the heatwave.
In case you hadn’t heard, Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.
Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions.
Current forecasts indicate that the peak temperatures for Greater Manchester this week will be tomorrow and Thursday, with highs of 33°C in the city centre.
Despite not reaching the heights of the south, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has still had to act in advance and has taken the decision to cancel its scheduled services for the next two days as the forecast is ‘too severe’.
Taking to social media to share its decision today, ELR wrote: “Due to the current weather warning for the UK, the decision has been taken to cancel all services on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2026, including the afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences.
“The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services.”
As things stand, ELR says its current plan is to have services resume with the evening dining train on Friday 26 June, but this will still be ‘subject to review’, and further updates on this will be issued later in the week.
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Visitors who have already pre-booked services over the two cancelled days will be contacted via email to have their options explained to them.
“We apologise for any inconvenience,” ELR closed out its statement.
Featured Image – ELR
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.
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Featured image: The Manc Group
Danny Jones -
28th September 2022 
