It’s been confirmed today that parts of one of north Manchester’s oldest buildings have been demolished over fears it could become a “danger to the public”.
Hough Hall in Moston – a now-dilapidated timber-framed Grade II-listed farm house that dates back to the early 16th century – is thought to have been built in 1502 for a Moston merchant called Hugh Sherlock, and has been used as a butchers shop, doctors surgery and a lipstick manufacturer over the years it, but has since stood empty for some time.
Local historian Alan Hampson once described the hall as “representing a snapshot of life in a north Manchester village as it was 400 to 500 years ago”.
It is not clear who currently owns the hall, as it was sold at auction by its long-term owner for £150,000 last March, and is believed to have been sold once again last October, although Land Registry records for the property have not been updated.
Mr Hampson added that: “It would be a huge shame if, having lasted all this time, it were lost now”.
But sadly, a spokesperson for Manchester City Council has revealed that, after building control officers were called out on a “emergency response” following reports that the gable end was buckling, sections of the gable end and chimney stack at 500-year-old building have now been knocked down.
Manchester Libraries and Archives / Geograph
Speaking on the decision to carry out emergency repair works to the historic building, a Manchester City Council spokesperson said: “Hough Hall in north Manchester is a privately owned property, and the council has attempted to work with successive owners due its poor state of repair for a number of years.
“The council’s building control team were called out as part of an emergency response following concerns that a gable end of the property had buckled and could be a danger to the public.
“A notice was served on 23rd February to make the building safe and part of the gable end was cleared to ensure safety. Another notice was served at the end of last week which required the chimneys to be taken down and the site secured, and a partial road closure has been put in place next to the property.
“A council structural engineer and conservation officers have attended the site and building control are awaiting further information on the structural integrity of the building.”
Hough Hall Road is currently closed while the work is being carried out.
News
Jet2 and Greggs is offering Mancs the chance to win a luxury holiday for the price of a sausage roll
Thomas Melia
Jet2 has teamed up with Greggs to announce a new competition where you can win a holiday for the price of a sausage roll.
If you didn’t know by now, ‘Nothing beats a Jet2 Holiday’, and as the British budget airline launches its latest collaboration where you can win a holiday for the same price as a sausage roll, we’d say that’s pretty accurate.
Fancy laying down in the scorching heat and baking yourself just like a trusty Greggs sausage roll? Well it’s a good thing these two iconic companies have teamed up then, because now you can do just that.
Jet2 and Greggs are giving away a three-night all-inclusive holiday to Marbella for the same price as everyone’s flaky-pastry favourite priced at £1.30.
In a video shared to social media, internet personalities Charley Marlowe and Luke Hamnett announced this brand-new offer in an extremely on-brand way.
The video sees the pair taking on very different roles, quite literally, as Hamnett dresses as a sausage roll while Marlowe tries her hand as a cabin crew member.
This exclusive campaign sees you in with the chance of winning a three-night all-inclusive holiday to the luxury Spanish destination, staying at Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach from 2 October – 5 October 2025.
Jet2 and Greggs is offering a luxury holiday for the price of a sausage roll / Credit: Laura Barry (via Unsplash) | Greggs
On top of this, you’ll also get a handful of Jet2 and Greggs co-branded goodies sent to your door before take-off, and there may even be a present or two in your hotel room as well.
I think it’s safe to say there certainly will be carbs in Marbs.
Police ‘stop and search’ powers authorised following double stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens
Emily Sergeant
Section 60 ‘stop and search’ powers have been introduced in Manchester following a double stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens last night.
Beginning this morning (Thursday 3 July) and set to be in place for 24 hours, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has authorised a section 60 in the city centre, with powers effective on Ring Road between Great Ancoats Street and Trinity Way, and Irwell Street between Trinity Way and New Quay Street.
Police will have the right to stop and search anyone they have suspicions over within the area during the authorised time frame.
The section 60 powers come under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, and after having run for the full 24 hours, is set to expire at 12:53am on Friday 4 July 2025.
The section 60 authority comes after GMP says it received multiple calls of an ‘ongoing disturbance’ where weapons were ‘seen and had potentially been used’ in Piccadilly Gardens, and when officers attended the scene, they found two men – one in his 20s and another in his 30s – both with stab wounds.
#INCIDENT | This morning (Thursday 3 July 2025), we authorised a Section 60 authority in the outlined area of the city centre.
The Section 60 is in place following a double stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens at around 12.50am.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) July 3, 2025
Both men remain in hospital at this time – with one receiving ongoing treatment, and the other remaining in critical condition.
No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing.
“The Section 60 authority put in place overnight gives officers additional powers which will be utilised to prevent any further incidents or the carrying of weapons,” commented Chief Inspector Rob MacGregor, from GMP’s City Centre division.
“There will be a significant presence of officers, particularly on foot patrol in the area today.
“If you have any concerns or any information, then please speak to those officers who will reassure and respond to any queries.”
CI MacGregor added that Section 60 powers are ‘crucial’ to preventing potential further offences or instances of violence in the community.
Anyone with information or footage relating to this incident is urged to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 71 of 03/07/2025, or report it via the LiveChat online at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The Manc -
8th March 2021 
