Trafford Council has announced the launch of a specialist hotline dedicated to reporting acts of fly-tipping after rates soar in the borough over lockdown.
Members of the public who witness fly-tippers dumping rubbish can now report them directly to the council’s tip-off line on 0161 912 4152.
The authority’s Environmental Improvement team will then take action against the fly-tippers.
If convicted, they could face a £200 fixed penalty notice, or a fine up to £50,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment.
The tip-off line will be launched on 28th September, and those who call are encouraged to give as much information as possible including descriptions of those involved, where the crime is taking place and information regarding the vehicle type and registration.
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Callers are also encouraged to take photographs and videos of the crime taking place if it is safe to do so.
Trafford Council is launching the hotline after recording a huge increase in the number of fly-tipping incidents over the last six months and particularly during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown period. The council’s Environmental Improvement team have been working hard catching fly-tippers in action with the use of CCTV cameras.
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The hotline is seen as a “major boost to the campaign”.
Trafford Council
Since the 1st September, Trafford Council is confirmed to have issued more than 90 fixed penalty charges – which have resulted in hundreds of pounds of fines – and there are also two cases of fly-tipping listed for the magistrates’ court, with 62 further cases under investigation.
Speaking on the launch of the hotline, Cllr Stephen Adshead – Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Air Quality, Environment and Climate Change – said: “Our Environmental Improvement team works tirelessly week in week out in a bid to eradicate fly-tipping in Trafford.
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“Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated in any part of the borough – and therefore I welcome this additional support that will help deter offenders from blighting our streets and neighbourhoods with their rubbish.
“If you witness a fly-tipping incident, do not turn a blind eye, call the tip-off line.
“These environmental law-breakers must be stopped and held accountable for their actions. Every call will be taken seriously and acted upon immediately.”
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The tip-off hotline and email [email protected] are only to be used for reporting fly-tippers, where members of the public witness people fly-tipping.
If residents want to report dumped rubbish they should call 03330035865.
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Council announces return of FREE firework displays in Manchester parks
Emily Sergeant
The skies over Manchester will light up once again, as free firework displays are set to return to several of the city’s parks.
You may remember that major fireworks events throughout the city had been paused following the COVID-19 pandemic, due to funding challenges, with Manchester City Council choosing to invest in a range of other community-focused events across throughout the autumn season instead, rather than one-off firework celebrations.
But now, once this November rolls around, all of that is set to change.
That’s because, on Saturday 7 November, free fireworks events will return to Heaton Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Platt Fields Park.
First up, there will be a reduced-noise, low-impact display at 5pm for families and SEND audiences, and a main fireworks display then to follow a little later at 8pm.
The Council has announced the return of free firework displays in Manchester parks / Credit: Unsplash
Each of the three parks will host lantern making workshops in the weeks leading up to the events too, with family-friendly lantern parades taking place ahead of the 8pm firework shows.
The Council says that the return of the free fireworks events reflects residents’ recent feedback about what they want to see in their community and how they want funding to be distributed.
“It’s a chance, at the start of the shorter days and beginning of the dark winter months, to come together and resume a much-loved annual tradition as well as enjoying an evening of safe entertainment and spectacular fireworks displays,” Manchester City Council said in a statement.
Councillor Basat Sheikh, who is the Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, added: “We are delighted to announce and welcome the return of our much-loved fireworks celebrations.
It’s the first time they’ve returned since the COVID-19 pandemic / Credit: Elisha Terada (via Unsplash)
“Our parks should be shared spaces that create opportunities for Manchester people to gather, which is why bringing back the fireworks displays was top of our agenda. And we also recognise the importance of community which is why we will also continue to invest in a wide range of activities in our parks throughout the year.
“The return of these events is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to create lasting memories and enjoy the long-standing tradition of fireworks in our parks in a safe way.”
Additional entertainment will be announced for each park in the coming weeks too, so keep your eyes peeled for more.
Featured Image – Alex Jones (via Unsplash)
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Stockport man admits to drugging and raping his wife without her knowledge for more than 20 years
Emily Sergeant
A man in his 60s from Stockport has admitted drugging and raping his wife in a ‘horrific’ 20-year campaign of abuse.
According to Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the man – who cannot be identified in order to protect the life-long anonymity of the victim – previously admitted five counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, six counts of assault by penetration, and one count of sharing intimate photos or film.
And now, during an appearance at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court yesterday (14 September), he pleaded guilty to a further 45 charges.
This makes it 60 charges in total the man has now pleaded guilty to.
Some of the charges he pleaded guilty to yesterday include a further 16 counts of rape, nine counts of assault by penetration, seven counts of sexual assault, and four counts of attempted rape, amongst several others.
Speaking following the court appearance yesterday, GMP’s Assistant Chief Constable, Rick Jackson, said: “Our focus remains on supporting the victim of this horrific campaign of abuse through what is a very complex investigation.
“Specialist support continues to be provided to the victim at the centre of this case.
“If you are concerned you or someone you know may be affected by drug-facilitated sexual abuse, please know that you do not need proof, certainty, or a clear memory to be taken seriously.
“You are not expected to understand exactly what has happened or who was involved in order to be taken seriously. If you feel that something has happened, then please report it or ask for help.”
GMP reiterates that anyone who does choose to report sexual abuse does not need a full account or clear memory, can share as much or as little as they feel able, and will be supported by trained officers, as their ‘immediate’ safety and wellbeing will be the ‘priority’.
They may also speak to a support organisation first and decide later whether to involve police.
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – Services are available on a 24-hour basis, and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Emily Sergeant -
24th September 2020 
