A coalition of student groups have occupied a University of Manchester campus building to protest against the treatment of students and staff since the beginning of the academic year and throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
They announced the occupation of the Samuel Alexander building on the main campus yesterday evening.
According to the UofM student newspaper, The Mancunion, the occupiers of the building – who have stated that the action is viewed as a last resort – have written an open letter to the university’s President, Nancy Rothwell, which details the reasons behind this second occupation, in addition to the demands of the occupation.
The student groups involved in the occupation are believed to be – Rent Strike, the Nancy Out! campaign, Cops off Campus, and Student Staff Solidarity UoM.
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We have now occupied Sam Alex building in protest against @OfficialUoM treatment of students and staff. We won’t be leaving until our demands are met: pic.twitter.com/UyddwJ04gp
A rent rebate of 30% for Semester 2 for all students living in University of Manchester halls, in line with last Semester’s rebate
Democratise Manchester: introduce elections for Vice Chancellors and other leadership positions, increase student representation in university structures, and diversify the Board of Governors in line with the Nancy Out! campaign’s structural change proposal.
A cash rebate of £1500 for all University of Manchester students, to be extracted from the University’s £200million savings fund.
Put an end to police patrols of the Fallowfield accommodation campus with immediate effect.
No compulsory redundancies for staff in the library whose jobs are currently in scope.
No punishment for occupiers and continued guarantee of no punishment for rent strikers.
The students have announced that they will occupy the building until demands are met.
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They have stated that while the occupation is taking place, they will not block students from accessing study spaces in the building in any way, and will remain quiet and respectful to students wishing to study inside the building.
Addressing the occupation of the building, a University of Manchester spokesperson told The Mancunion that: “A small number of students are currently occupying an area in one of our buildings without permission [and] staff are on site to ensure safety and welfare.
“We would ask that the students leave.
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“We understand that some of our students have concerns and we are continuing to work closely with their elected representatives”.
Although the university declined to comment on the specific demands of the occupation, The Mancunion confirmed that a representative drew attention to a fact sheet released in March, in which the university highlighted some of the ways that they have endeavoured to support students during the pandemic, ranging from investment in IT and library resources, to the Assessment Pledge.
According to this document, “students living in University accommodation who have not returned to their accommodation since the national lockdown announcement on 5 January are not being charged until the end of the current restrictions, or the date that they return to their accommodation in Manchester”.
Students are also able to break their halls accommodation contracts at any time during this academic year “without financial penalty”.
Murder investigation launched after man in his 50s found dead in Little Hulton
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a man in his 50s was found in Little Hulton this past weekend.
Shortly before 7:30am on Sunday 12 January, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to an address on Hope Hey Lane, in the Little Hulton area of Salford, following reports of concern for the welfare of a man.
Once emergency services arrived on the scene, the body of a man in his 50s was sadly found dead.
According to GMP, following a post mortem taking place, officers believe the man’s injuries are “consistent with an assault”, and because of this, detectives have subsequently launched a murder investigation.
#ARREST | A murder investigation has been launched after a man was found deceased in Little Hulton yesterday.
A woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
There will be an increase in police around the area while we investigate.
With the investigation ongoing, a woman in her 40s has already been arrested on suspicion of murder, and she remains in police custody for questioning.
Addressing the incident and speaking on the murder investigation as it progresses, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Sadly, following the discovery of a body at a property in Little Hulton, we have now launched a murder investigation, and we have a team of detectives working around the clock to understand the circumstances.
“We do not believe there to be a threat to the wider public, but you will likely see an increased presence of police in your area whilst we conduct further enquiries.
Hope Hey Lane in Little Hulton, where the incident happened / Credit: Google Maps
“If you have any information which may assist our investigation, or any dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the area in the lats 24 hours, then please get in touch with us. No matter how small the information may seem, it could be crucial to our investigation.”
Can you help? Any information can be shared by calling police on 101 quoting log 650 of 12/01/25, or using the LiveChat function online at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Tributes paid to loyal Curzon Ashton FC fan and beloved volunteer Barry Thickett
Danny Jones
Tributes are being paid to a much-loved local football fan and loyal volunteer at Curzon Ashton Football Club, Barry Thickett, who sadly died last week at the age of 82.
Known to the majority around the Tameside Stadium and more throughout Greater Manchester’s non-league pyramid, Thickett was a long-serving supporter and assisted the club for many years.
Unfortunately, following a short period of illness which remains undisclosed, the die-hard fan passed away while most were wrapped up in the action from the FA Cup third-round ties this weekend.
Confirming the heartbreaking news with their fan base on Monday, 13 January, Curzon Ashton shared a single black-and-white image of Barry, which was met with an outpouring of heartfelt condolences.
As you can see, countless followers of ‘The Nash’ hopped on social media to pay their respects to a fan favourite figure who has been remembered, above all else, “a wonderful man” – overwhelmingly so.
Fellow fan Dr Andy Hershon commented, “I knew him via the Friday walking football. He always came to watch. Lovely bloke who loved to chat about the game. Will be sadly missed. RIP Barry”.
Multiple fans mentioned loving their “chats” with the local legend, who used to work as an area manager at the old Wilson’s Brewery in Newton Heath.
Perhaps most notably, Barry’s loved ones expressed their thanks to the club and all those posting touching tributes; his daughter Sara replied, “Thank you for such a lovely tribute. Dad would have been touched”, and son Gaz added: “Thank you for the lovely message, means a lot to the family.”
Player-manager Craig Mahon went on to write “Barry was a true gentleman and respected by all the team. Always there with his words of wisdom at half-time and full-time.
He will be sorely missed by everyone at Curzon Ashton FC. RIP Baz thanks for all you [have] done.”
Curzon Ashton are yet to announce any official plans for a Barry Thickett memorial service via the club, but he will no doubt receive an emotional observance when the National League North outfit travels to nearby Stalybridge on Tuesday, 14 Jan.
Their next home game takes place this weekend (Saturday) and we’re sure he’ll be given a proper send-off by all those who knew and loved him up on the terraces. Our thoughts go out to Barry’s family, friends and everyone at the club. Rest in peace.
The Manc -
23rd April 2021 
