It has been confirmed this morning that Trafford will become the next Greater Manchester borough to have local lockdown restrictions lifted.
Trafford Labour has released a statement addressing the release within the last hour.
The statement shared with residents on Facebook reads: “A number of residents have been in contact to ask for the Council’s position on the lifting of local lockdown restrictions.
“We all want to see restrictions lifted as soon as possible, guided by the data and when it is safe to do so. Households being unable to mix in their own homes and gardens is of course extremely frustrating and difficult, and we are grateful to those who have followed the guidance and made sacrifices over the past month since local restrictions were introduced. This has contributed to a decrease in the number of cases per 100,000 people in Trafford, so thank you.
“It is imperative that when restrictions are lifted we can be confident we will not need to return to them a few weeks later because of a resultant spike in cases. That would be devastating for families, and hit our local economy hard. Whilst we accept that there will be a range of views from residents on this – and that we all want to see restrictions lifted safely as soon as possible – in line with the advice of our Director of Public Health, Trafford Council did not this week request the lifting of local lockdown restrictions.
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“Instead we asked for another week or two of local restrictions in the interests of public safety.
Timing: with schools returning next week and a bank holiday weekend over the next few days, we feel that this is a delicate time to ease restrictions. Our priority is to see children back in school safely receiving the education that they need.
The rate of infection in Trafford has been increasing slightly in the last few days.
Our current infection rate of 21.1 cases 100,000 is almost twice the national average rate of infection of 11.7.
We are inextricably linked to other boroughs in Greater Manchester with people visiting these areas on a daily basis to work and socialise. As an illustration around one third of our electoral wards – from Hale Barns in the south to Clifford in the north – share a boundary with wards in the City of Manchester: current infection rates here are 41.2.
We have seen instances of Covid identified in every one of our 21 electoral wards across Trafford at some point in the last two weeks.
“To that end, it was our view – in line with the expert advice from the Council’s Director of Public Health – that we should see evidence of a sustained reduction in Trafford’s infection numbers before calling for the lifting of local restrictions. This is not yet the case, with the last few days showing a slight increase in infection rates again.
“We understand some will consider this to have been an overly cautious approach, but it has been one made with the safety of Trafford residents in mind. Whilst we have supported calls for those businesses not yet allowed to open – beauticians, ice rinks, bowling alleys and soft play centres – we believe it is slightly premature to lift restrictions relating to households at this time.
“It is apparent that for all of their claims of working in collaboration with local authorities, the Government has decided to overrule the Council and lift restrictions in Trafford.
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“We understand this will be announced today.”
The statement by Trafford Labour can be read in full here.
This is a Breaking News story – More to follow.
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Police urgently appeal for footage after fatal stabbing in Moss Side
Emily Sergeant
Police have issued an urgent appeal for footage in their ongoing investigation into a fatal stabbing in Moss Side last week.
Detectives from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are appealing for information – and in particular, mobile phone footage – as they continue to investigate the murder of 34-year-old father of three, Adrian Brown, who died following a stabbing in Moss Side last Friday (8 May).
Police were called to Raby Street in Moss Side at around 11pm last Friday to reports of a serious assault.
Mr Brown was found with stab wounds to the chest, and was rushed to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died from his injuries.
An 18‑year‑old man was arrested on suspicion of murder the following day (Saturday 9 May) and remains in custody. A second man, aged 26, has also been arrested on suspicion of murder, while two men, aged 25 and 38, and a 26‑year‑old woman have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
With the police investigation now progressing at pace, officers are keen to hear from anyone who may have captured mobile phone footage at any point during the evening – particularly in or around the West Indian Sports and Social Club on Westwood Street.
Adrian had been attending an event at the club that evening, before at around 11pm, he was assaulted just outside the front entrance.
“There were around 200 people at the club that night, and we believe some of those present may have information that could help us understand what happened,” commented Detective Inspector Alex Wilkinson.
“This could include eyewitness accounts, or photos and videos taken throughout the evening.
“I appreciate that speaking to police can feel daunting, but anyone with footage can upload it anonymously through our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal.”
Anyone with information or footage that may assist the investigation is asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 2270 or 101, quoting log 4069 of 08/05/26, or uploading to the MIPP online here.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
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Police confirm man was arrested ‘on suspicion of making an explosive device’ in Gay Village
Daisy Jackson
Police have confirmed that the man who was detained in the midst of an incident in the Gay Village yesterday was arrested on suspicion of making an ‘explosive device’.
A huge cordon was in place in the Canal Street area in the city centre on Monday 11 May, after members of the public reported a ‘chemical smell’ coming from a hotel at around 10.45am.
Emergency services attended the scene and found chemical substances in a hotel room.
The man, who was believed to be the occupant of the hotel room, was detained at the scene.
Greater Manchester Police have since confirmed that he was ‘detained on suspicion of making an explosive device’ and was taken into custody for questioning.
In an update shared yesterday, they wrote: “The response to the incident on Canal Street in Manchester city centre is being reduced following reports of chemical substances being found.
“Emergency services examined items within a room inside a hotel following calls from the public at about 10:45am.
“A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, was detained on suspicion of making an explosive device and is currently in custody being questioned.
“Chemical substances found in the room have been examined and are in the process of being safely removed. The subsequent examination ruled out any explosive risk.
“We are working with the hotel management to return the establishment to normal after staff and guests were evacuated as a precaution.
“Staff from the fire service’s Hazardous Materials and Environmental Protection team remain in attendance to conduct tests and ensure the area is safe.
“We would like to thank the public and surrounding businesses for their patience as we continue with our work.”
The Manc -
28th August 2020 
