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‘Brave’ Bolton man given award after saving neighbours from house fire

Jamie Jackson managed to guide his neighbours to safety after a chip pan fire blazed through their house.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 15th July 2022

A man from Bolton has been recognised for his “brave” actions after saving his next-door neighbours from a house fire.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) is honouring 38-year-old Jamie Jackson, from the Astley Bridge area of Bolton, after he heard a smoke alarm sounding from inside his neighbours’ home in Athlone Avenue all the way back on 22 December 2019 shortly before 7pm, and immediately called 999.

Fire crews from Bolton North, Bolton Central, and Farnworth community fire stations were quickly sent to the scene at the semi-detached house thanks to Jamie’s emergency call.

Without hesitation, the brave Boltonian then smashed through the back door of the property which allowed him to enter the house and lead his neighbours – an 82-year-old woman, and a man in his 50s – to safety.

Firefighters quickly arrived at the house, where they were confronted with a fire in the kitchen, and then got to work tackling the blaze wearing using a hose reel, GMFRS said.

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The kitchen fire is believed to have started by a chip pan, and was contained to the kitchen.

“On the night of the fire when I heard the smoke alarm, it was my natural instinct to want to help them – though I surprised myself a bit,” Jamie admitted.

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“You never really know what you are capable of until you’re in a situation like I was, but I’m glad there was a happy ending.”

Read more: Fire service treating large woodland blaze near Dovestone Reservoir as arson

Thanks to his courageous actions, Jamie was presented with a certificate of recognition at Bolton North Community Fire Station near to his home a few days ago by GMFRS’ Chief Fire Officer, Dave Russel.

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Athlone Avenue in Astley Bridge, where Jamie saved his neighbours from the fire back in December 2019 / Credit: Google Maps

Speaking on giving Jamie his award, Dave Russel said: “On behalf of GMFRS, I want to thank Jamie for his swift and brave actions, which undoubtedly saved the lives of his neighbours on that December evening.

“You should be immensely proud for what you did and I’m sure your neighbours, their family and friends are extremely grateful.”

Jamie said he feels “proud to be recognised by GMFRS” for rescuing his neighbours. 

Featured Image – GMFRS

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Mix-up leaves tourists bound for Peak District on a day trip to… Rochdale

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson A mix-up saw two tourists spend the day in Rochdale instead of the Peak District

Who needs rolling hills and country pubs when you could have *checks notes* roadworks and charity shops?

Well, that’s the situation two people ended up in recently after a mix-up rerouted their trip to the Peak District to Rochdale, of all places.

Thankfully seeing the funny side, Canadian TikTok creator Mackenzie shared a video of the day trip they got stuck with.

The pair of mates had been planning a trip to the honeypot town of Castleton in the Peak District, but accidentally ended up heading over to Castleton in Rochdale instead.

In the light-hearted clip, she says: “This is just a reminder to read the small print when you want to do a spontaneous trip. Because Margarita and I thought we were going to the Peaks, and this is where we are…” while panning to the sight of some roadworks.

She continued: “We thought we were going to see gorgeous green hills. Nope.

“Anyways, come with us on our Castleton Manchester, not Peak District adventure.”

Still, it looks like they made the most of their day out to Greater Manchester’s most underrated suburb.

They visited Springfield Park, went to a pub to eat onion rings (with a random giant dog staring at them), erm… went to a charity shop, and looked at some houses.

Okay so not quite the Peak District paradise they were picturing.

One person commented: “Absolutely howling. Come all the way from America to end up in Rochdale” (Mackenzie stressed in her reply that she lives in Manchester and also, is Canadian).

Another said: “It’s the Springfield park for me”

Someone else suggested: “Rochdale should rename all of its areas to encourage more tourists. Hahah”

Dying to know if these girls ever made it to Castleton, Derbyshire.

@mackenziekh2424

don’t trust us to book anything.. @Magui V #castleton #manchester #not #peakdistrict #dayinmylife #sunny

♬ Bar Mediterraneo – Nu Genea

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Featured image: Unsplash, Photo by Benjamin Elliott on Unsplash

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Travel warning issued as Manchester braces for busiest day of the year so far

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Travel warning issued ahead of busiest weekend of the year for Manchester Marathon

A ‘plan ahead’ travel warning has been issued for this weekend as the Manchester Marathon brings the busiest day of the year so far on the tram network.

Tens of thousands of people will hit the streets to take part in the race itself, with thousands more cheering them on from the sidelines.

This year’s Manchester Marathon route takes 36,000 runners through Sale, Stretford and Timperley before finishing up at a new finish line on Oxford Road – and there’ll be some big changes to your usual travel routes to accommodate this.

TfGM has said that Bee Network trams will be very busy before, during and after the 26.2 mile race, especially in Manchester and Trafford, with a number of road closures in place too.

Taking place on Sunday 27 April, the Manchester Marathon will coincide with Manchester’s popular St George’s Day parade which starts and ends across town around Oldham Road and Great Ancoats Street.

People are being encouraged to plan their journeys carefully this weekend, as it’s expected to be the busiest day of the year on the Bee Network trams.

The Manchester Marathon last year set a new personal best for the tram network, with 175,000 tram journeys racked up – the highest ever recorded on a single Sunday.

Trams will be the best choice to get around the Manchester Marathon course with key stops along the route including Sale, Timperley and Chorlton.

Many road closures will also be in place but at different times of day, so make sure you check HERE for the latest.

This will impact bus services, which will be on diversion from 8am until the end of service on Sunday, with traffic and congestion expected on surrounding roads.

Runners heading to the start line will only be able to access the athletes’ village from Old Trafford and Trafford Bar tram stops up until 9am. Participants arriving after 9am should get off at Wharfside or Exchange Quay instead.

Metrolink is promising to deploy as many double trams as possible across the network, with additional services between Piccadilly and Timperley.

Manchester Marathon guide 2025 important info

As for other modes of transport, those who wish to drive should make us of Park and Ride facilities where possible; and those on the train should note that Salford Central remains closed with bus replacements in place.

Danny Vaughan, Chief Network Director at TfGM said: “The Manchester Marathon is a highlight of the Manchester city centre calendar and our job is to make sure everyone can get to and from the event as smoothly as possible.

“We want everyone to have a great day – whether they are taking on the run themselves or cheering on a friend or loved one – and would urge people to plan their journey in advance, leave plenty of time and check the Bee Network app or website for the most up-to-date information.

“The start and finish lines will be especially busy so if you are coming to watch you may be better off catching the tram to Sale, Timperley or Chorlton, grabbing a coffee and claiming afront row seat to cheer runners on.

“Using public transport is the best way to avoid congestion and delays – and with Tap and Go contactless payments it’s never been easier or more seamless to get around Greater Manchester by bus and tram.”

Passengers can now travel seamlessly between bus and tram and pay for their journey by tapping on when boarding a bus without the need for a ticket, making it the quickest and easiest way to pay for travel.

People travelling on Bee Network buses on Marathon Day can simply tap in and pay £5 for the day on as many buses as they need and just £4.90 on the tram. You can use all Bee Network buses as much as you want all day from just £5.40*.

Kirsty Wilde, Operations Director, from Manchester Marathon organisers A.S.O. UK, said: “The TfGM tram service is an invaluable part of our event, which allows thousands of participants and supporters to navigate around the city. With a record-breaking 36,000 participants set to take part on Sunday 27th April – and more exciting activities taking place over the weekend as a whole – we’re anticipating a rise in tram journeys, which will subsequently bring economic benefits to local vendors, the hospitality sector, and retail businesses.

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“We’d like to thank Transport for Greater Manchester for its continued hard work helping to facilitate what will be the largest event yet, and would also like to say a big thank you to the residents and businesses across Greater Manchester for their understanding and support.”

For further information and travel advice visit the dedicated Manchester Marathon page on the Bee Network website.

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Featured image: Supplied

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