Greater Manchester Police has confirmed how it is planning to tackle any “lockdown tourists” from Bolton who travel to the city or other parts of the region with the intention of flouting the rules.
The constabulary has stated that it has diverted extra personnel to Bolton to help local officers enforce the new lockdown restrictions put it place to combat the steep increase of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the town, and more police resources will also be sent to neighbouring Bury and Wigan in the event that Bolton residents travel the short distance to take advantage of more relaxed rules there.
It’s also been confirmed that senior officers in the town are meeting with council leaders and Public Health England officials every morning to assess the latest “clusters” of infections to help police decide where to focus their attentions.
It comes after latest figures revealed that Bolton currently has more than 130 positive coronavirus (COVID-19) cases per 100,000 – which is the highest proportion in the UK.
It’s believed that 75% of the town’s cases are people aged between 18-39.
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Bolton Lockdown Restrictions
All hospitality venues (restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs) are restricted to takeaway only.
Restriction of operating hours meaning all venues, including takeaways, are required to close between 10pm to 5am.
A ban on mixing outside households/support bubbles in homes, gardens and public settings.
Additional restrictions on visitors at care homes and hospitals in the borough.
Greater Manchester Police has said that a minority of residents in the town are knowingly disregarding the rules, while some act in ignorance of the rules.
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According to senior officers, most shops, restaurants and pubs of all sizes have been rigorous in sticking to the rules, and in the instances where police uncovered poor practice, matters are usually put right immediately and enforcement isn’t required.
It’s been confirmed that going forward – backed up by health and licensing officials – police officers will first try to engage with people who have breached the rules, and then enforcement action is usually taken as a last resort.
Extra patrols – whose sole task will be to respond to reports of lockdown breaches in Bolton – will also be deployed.
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Rick Jackson – Superintendent of Greater Manchester Police in Bolton – said: “It’s really clear in Bolton that the public have voiced their concern and I can say that because of the demand and reports we are getting within the community.
“People are clearly concerned about people breaching the existing measures and it’s important we give confidence back to the community that we will enforce it and protect them together with our partners.”
Chris Sykes – Assistant Chief Constable at Greater Manchester Police – added: “We understand that the news of additional restrictions is disappointing for Bolton but they are necessary to fight COVID-19 and people in the borough have a responsibility to comply to protect themselves and their loved ones.
“People in Bolton should be aware that, in response to breaches, GMP will be taking enforcement action.
“Officers will also continue to engage with people, explain the restrictions and encourage them to comply going forwards.
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“If you are in Bolton and are unsure what you can and cannot do, it is essential that you read the guidance on Bolton Council’s website.”
You can find more information via the Bolton Council website here.
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‘It means everything’ – Skof chef Tom Barnes speaks on historic Michelin star win for Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Skof chef and owner Tom Barnes has issued a statement following his first Michelin star win last night, saying it ‘means everything’.
In case you missed it, the Michelin Guide UK & Ireland ceremony for 2025 was hosted in Glasgow yesterday evening, and it was here that Manchester restaurant Skof and its chef and owner, Tom Barnes, scooped its first Michelin star in what was a monumental win for his team and the city’s culinary scene as a whole.
Manchester had only one Michelin star before last night’s ceremony, held by Mana in Ancoats – but prior to Mana, the city had famously not had a star for more than 40 years.
Skof only opened its doors to the public last May, and can be found inside an old textile warehouse just a short stroll from Manchester Victoria station.
Skof chef Tom Barnes has spoken out on his historic Michelin star win for Manchester / Credit: Cristian Barnett
Following the impressive victory last night, chef Tom Barnes took to Instagram to issue a statement shortly after the ceremony was over, sharing his gratitude to his team for helping Skof achieve such a prestigious honour.
His statement reads: “I opened Skof to share my own take on fine dining with Manchester and beyond, so to be recognised by the Michelin Guide for what we do, means everything.
“The idea of building something that people love and that celebrates this industry was the fire inside that pushed me to try again when something didn’t work, or to tweak a dish to see if an even better version could be achieved.
“This determination of mine wouldn’t have got me very far if it wasn’t shared by my team. Words will not be enough to show my thanks for their ambition, hard work and, above all, skill. Every single one of them is vital to the success of Skof and every accomplishment is theirs to claim.
“The encouragement from our guests and supporters has given us hope to keep going through a very long build and has made us smile countless times. You’ve brought so much joy into our restaurant and without you, it wouldn’t be the same. Thank you.
“To Carla and my family, you have been there for me at every step of this wild journey, this is your success too.
“And to my work family, Simon, Sam, and the support from the team at UMBEL restaurants and ASM Global, thank you for your trust and for helping me grow.”
Chef and owner Tom Barnes said a special thank you to his Skof team / Credit: Cristian Barnett.
After thanking his team, his loved ones, and his mentors within the industry, Barnes then closed out his statement by congratulating all of the other ‘amazing restaurants’ who gained and retained stars at the ceremony last night – particularly his colleagues from restaurants he’s trained at and worked in through his career.
“I hope the hangovers aren’t too bad this morning,” his statement comically concluded.
Elsewhere at the ceremony last night, Ormskirk restaurant Moor Hall became only the tenth establishment in the UK and Ireland to be awarded the hugely-coveted honour of having three Michelin stars, in what was another huge win for the North West.
Featured Image – Cristian Barnett
News
Skof scoops Michelin Star in stunning victory for Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Skof has taken home a Michelin Star less than a year after opening in a landmark moment for Manchester.
The restaurant, which only opened in May last year, has been awarded its first Michelin Star tonight in a glittering ceremony hosted in Glasgow.
It’s a huge triumph for Manchester, which only had one Michelin Star before tonight, held by Mana in Ancoats.
Prior to Mana, the city had famously not had a star for more than 40 years.
The prestigious award for Skof has been presented to chef Tom Barnes, former L’Enclume executive chef.
Skof lies under Simon Rogan’s UMBEL restaurant group umbrella, and opened last year in an old textile warehouse just a short stroll from Manchester Victoria.
Skof was added to the Michelin Guide last August, where judges wrote: “Located in an old textile warehouse, this restaurant from former L’Enclume Executive Chef Tom Barnes gives a nod to Manchester’s industrial heritage with its exposed brickwork and girders.
“The cooking skilfully blends measured international flavours with those from the restaurant’s doorstep; for dessert, you’re just as likely to get amakase sorbet as you are Manchester honey ice cream.
“The meal ends with a scoop of “Barney’s Tiramisu”, touchingly inspired by Tom’s late father.
“A relaxed atmosphere is encouraged, with the chef’s hand-picked playlist and the chattering diners combining for a brilliant buzz.”
Emily Sergeant -
10th September 2020 
