A Manchester corner shop which became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour has been forced to close by the Council.
Following several months of investigation into a string of alleged crimes and wrongdoing traced back to the premises, Manchester City Council successfully secured a Closure Order against Ash News and Booze, on Culcheth Lane in the Newton Heath area of Manchester – forcing the shop to close with immediate effect.
Some of the allegations levelled against the premises included drug dealing taking place outside, littering, anti-social use of e-bikes, and other forms of anti-social behaviour.
On top of this, the Council’s Trading Standards Team, alongside officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) attended the shop to conduct a search on 7 November, during which they found fireworks on sale, illicit tobacco, as well as a canister of PAVA-style incapacitant – often known as CS gas.
This was despite the premises not being licensed to legally sell fireworks, leading to the fireworks and tobacco subsequently being seized by the Council.
ADVERTISEMENT
Ash News & Booze in Newton Heath, before it was closed by the Council / Credit: Google Maps
Police have separately made several arrests relating to drugs offences connected to the premises.
During a hearing held on Thursday (14 November) at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, the owner of the premises claimed they were unaware of the alleged drug dealing or other criminal offences taking place, nor were they aware a licence was required to sell fireworks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Following the hearing, the shop will have to remain closed for a three-month period – with no one allowed to enter for any reason, other than the Council, the emergency services, or the owners.
“We know how unpleasant it can be to experience anti-social behaviour,” said Councillor Garry Bridges, who is the Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, after the hearing.
“With Miles Platting and Newton Heath one of the areas most affected by anti-social behaviour and the proliferation of fireworks, we believe this closure sends a clear message to any other premises which engage in this irresponsible manner.”
Featured Image – Manchester City Council
News
Peter Kay announces four intimate charity shows in Greater Manchester – but only for these postcodes
Emily Sergeant
Peter Kay has just announced four intimate shows to raise money for a very worthy cause… but you can only get tickets if you live in these particular postcodes.
Comedy legend Peter Kay is set to return home to the Bolton Albert Halls for four very special hometown shows in this summer, marking his first performances at the venue more than two decades.
Taking to the very stage where he recorded the UK’s biggest-selling stand-up DVD, it’s set to be a proper nostalgic homecoming for one of Britain’s most beloved comedians.
The summer shows – which are taking place from 9 – 11 July 2026, even including a matinee performance – this is a rare chance for local fans to be part of something incredibly special, with all funds raised going to Bolton Hospice.
But, there’s a bit of a catch… you’ll only be able to get tickets if you live in Bolton (and some parts of Bury), as it’s strictly limited to BL postcodes.
Peter Kay Live at the Bolton Albert Halls – 2026 Dates
Thursday 9 July (Evening)
Friday 10 July (Evening)
Saturday 11 July (Matinee)
Saturday 11 July (Evening)
Tickets officially go on sale Friday 24 April at 10am, and you can get your hands on them here.
Featured Image – Supplied
News
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic
Emily Sergeant
A new survey has revealed that seven in 10 NHS workers believe the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic if one should arise.
After the recent meningitis B outbreak in Kent last month raised the conversation of mass contagion once again, of course following the COVID-19 pandemic, a new YouGov survey of more than 1,000 NHS workers has now uncovered how well prepared staff in the health service think it is for another global pandemic.
The results show that 69% of staff surveyed think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic, and to make matters worse, 26% of those even say it’s ‘very poorly’ prepared.
Only one in five (22%) think the NHS is could properly handle another pandemic, but statistically, YouGov claims none of those surveyed said it’s ‘very well’ prepared.
Seven in 10 NHS workers think the health service is ‘poorly prepared’ for another pandemic / Credit: Pxhere | Rawpixel
When workers were asked how the NHS’s level of preparedness now compares to prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 41% did concede that they think it is better prepared now than 2020, however 37% admitted they think it’s no better prepared.
16% actively think it’s less well-prepared now than it was prior to 2020.
This marked a new era of ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ in the NHS, with the league tables delivering on the Government’s promise to drive up standards, tackle variation in care, and ensure people get the high-quality service they rightly expect.
Every trust in England – from urgent and emergency care, through to elective operations and mental health services – will now be ranked quarterly against ‘clear and consistent’ standards.
Emily Sergeant -
19th November 2024 
