Greater Manchester Police has issued a statement addressing the “concerns” it has around crowds gathering at one of the city’s most popular green spaces.
Images of hoards of crowds gathered were seen posted to social media.
Although it still remains unconfirmed, police estimated that up to 3,000 people could have gathered there on just Tuesday alone, as the mini heatwave saw crowds continue to grow throughout the day.
After images and footage of crowds gathering began to emerge, many local residents took to social media to express their opinions.
Opinions were voiced from a number of perspectives.
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While many pointed out that the gathering of socially-distanced groups is permitted now that up to six people from various households can meet outside, others were not suitably satisfied that necessary restrictions were being stuck to.
Most of the complaints and issues voiced by local residents at The Manc audience alike, however, were in relation to the litter strewn across the park that was left behind by revellers.
Amongst the piles of litter were said to be beer bottles, canisters and disposable BBQs.
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Volunteers from across Greater Manchester help clean up Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield. Around 3000 people gathered, neighbours report no social distancing or facemasks. Hundreds queued to urinate and defecate against residents garden fences. pic.twitter.com/fmx4jEgvY6
Now, officers from Greater Manchester Police’s Fallowfield, Withington, Levenshulme & Burnage team have spoken out about the concerns raised in a statement issued yesterday afternoon.
Superintendent Richard Timson said: “Following the upturn in weather, we have received reports of large groups of people gathering in Platt Fields Park in Fallowfield.
“We continue to work in line with the 4 Es, so engaged and explained to those who were believed to be in breach of the current COVID restrictions, and no FPN’s were issued.
“Despite the easing of rules earlier this week, restrictions remain in place… [and] this is to ensure the reducing infection rate does not, once again, rise and mean that the lockdown period has to be extended further than the dates already provided.
“We understand that people will want to head outdoors to parks and other public spaces to enjoy the weather – especially those that don’t have access to a private garden – and that the continuing restrictions can be difficult and discouraging, however, what might seem like an innocent outdoor gathering could lead to the spread of the virus”.
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Following the upturn in weather, we've received reports of large groups of people gathering in Platt Fields Park. We continue to work in line with the 4 E's, so engaged & explained to those believed to be in breach of current restrictions. Details here: https://t.co/ACmcvpC53Cpic.twitter.com/4t4w7HFHuw
He continued: “It is also important to be mindful of those around you, and the local communities.
“We have all sacrificed so much as a result of the restrictions, and we don’t want all this to be undone. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the easing of restrictions, but we must do so in line with the current rules, and as not to let those few who have complete disregard for these to ruin it for others.
“Over the coming weeks on warmer days and lighter evenings, please avoid gathering outside in groups of more than six people (from separate households) or two different households (linked households are counted as one).
“Fines are still being issued for people who those that show a blatant disregard for the regulations.
“We’d like to thank the vast majority of people who continue to follow the restrictions in place – it’s really important we all continue to work together to keep our communities safe and ensure we can continue with the further easing of the restrictions”.
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Elsewhere across Manchester, reports of large crowds gathering at Castlefield Bowl in the city centre yesterday evening began emerging, with footage posted to social media showing hoards of people sing and dancing on the concrete steps, while a live DJ and soundsystem played popular dance tunes.
Greater Manchester Police is yet to issue a formal statement on this matter.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
Government announces homebuying overhaul to fix country’s ‘broken’ housing system
Emily Sergeant
The Government has announced what it’s calling the biggest shakeup to the homebuying system in this country’s history.
In a bid to ‘rewire a chaotic system which has become a barrier to homeownership for thousands nationwide, the Government has today (Monday 6 October) unveiled proposals that it says will speed up the long-drawn out and costly process of buying a home by four weeks.
The Housing Secretary says this will not only save people money, but unnecessary stress too.
The proposed new plans would see sellers and estate agents required to provide buyers with ‘vital’ information about a property upfront – including the condition of the home, leasehold costs, and chains of people waiting to move.
It’s hoped this will help end any last-minute chain collapses and ultimately give greater confidence to first-time buyers when they’re making one of life’s most important decisions.
The Government has announced plans to fix the country’s ‘broken’ housing system / Credit: Benjamin Elliott (via Unsplash)
Binding contracts could also be introduced to stop people walking away from agreements after buyers painstakingly spend months in negotiations to hopefully halve the number of failed transactions.
The new reforms are also proposing that prospective buyers are provided with side-by-side information on estate agents and conveyancers, including their track record and expertise, alongside new mandatory qualifications and Code of Practice to drive up standards and work to rebuild trust in the industry.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer took to Twitter this morning to address the proposed new homebuying overhaul, commenting: “I promised that my Government would fix the broken housing system.
“Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives. That’s national renewal.”
I promised that my government would fix the broken housing system.
Buying or selling a home will be faster, unlocking the dream of homeownership and allowing hardworking people to focus on the next chapter of their lives.
“Through our Plan for Change, we are putting more money back into working people’s pockets and making a simple dream a simple reality.”
Featured Image – James Feaver (via Unsplash)
News
English rugby legend Lewis Moody reveals MND diagnosis
Danny Jones
Much-loved English rugby legend Lewis Moody has revealed his heartbreaking MND (motor neuron disease) diagnosis.
The Leicester Tigers and Bath icon, who was captain of the Rugby World Cup-winning England squad back in 2003, unfortunately announced to the world that he is now suffering from MND, also known as ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Moody, 47, is just the latest well-known rugby player to have developed the progressive neurological disorder, with both former players and others being forced to retire due to the condition.
The Ascot-born rugby union veteran has admitted that the news has come as a ‘sudden shock’ to him and his family, but has been left moved by the overwhelming wave of positivity he has received since making the health update public.
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Lewis Moody's MND diagnosis and join the entire rugby community in getting behind Lewis and his family at this extremely difficult time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/46doNRQFvq
Sharing a lengthy message online, Moody wrote: “I’m writing to share some tough news. I have recently been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Motor Neurone Disease (MND). This has been incredibly hard to process and a huge shock to me and my family.
“I feel fit and well in myself, and I’m focused on staying positive, living life and dealing with the changes / will experience as they come.
“I am being well supported by my family, friends and medical professionals, and I’m truly grateful to those who, in their time, helped progress research to support others, like me, living with this disease.”
Notable ex-pros who have sadly passed away from the disease in recent years include Doddie Weir and, of course, Rob Burrow MBE.
There is currently no known cure for MND at present, but as Burrow’s best mate and inspirational teammate, Kevin Sinfield has famously, the belief is that this is because it remains “underfunded” and a breakthrough could still be found.
Speaking to BBC Sport with his long-term partner on Monday, 6 October, ‘Mad Dog Moody’ gave a very open and honest interview about the last few weeks, going from noticing some weakness in his shoulder at the gym to having now been given the tragic diagnosis.
Lewis’ statement continues: “Since retiring from the sport I love, and alongside my wife Annie, I’ve been able to dedicate much of the past 12 years to fundraising for The Lewis Moody Foundation in support of those affected by brain tumours.
“My plan is to continue with this, but to also create an opportunity to support a charity closer to my current situation. I would be so grateful for your help with this and look forward to sharing more, once l am clear on what this looks like.
“For now, please know I feel your love and support; all l ask is that I am given some space to navigate this with my wife and sons, and those closest to us – but without doubt, I will continue to embrace life and grasp opportunities in the same way I always have.
Sharing a post of their own on social media this morning, the Red Roses wrote: “Everyone at England Rugby is saddened to learn that former captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
“All of our thoughts are with Lewis, his family and friends as they come to terms with this diagnosis. We will be offering both practical and emotional support, and know the entire rugby community will stand with them at this incredibly difficult time.
“We encourage people to show their support through the fundraising initiatives now being set up and available through GoFundMe.”
Sending our strength and support to Lewis Moody, as well as his family, friends and fans; you can donate to his fundraiser down below.