WHO GETS THE CREAM IN SALFORD? Part Five

As austerity bites, those at the top are still doing rather nicely. Here we continue our series of features on the Fat Cats of Salford with a look at the feline good factor in the health service …

Yes, it's Operation Nursing the Kitty…

"DANGEROUS" EMISSIONS FROM BARTON INCINERATOR "CONSISTENTLY UNDERESTIMATED OR EVEN ACTIVELY MISREPRESENTED" SAYS BIOMASS EXPERT

On November 13th, Peel Holdings begins its appeal against the refusal of planning permission for its Barton Renewable Energy Plant, which campaigners say will have adverse affects on Salford people.

Now a leading biomass expert has provided testimony for the appeal hearing, stating that the incinerator "strikes me as one of the most dangerous I have seen" and that its "pollutants have been consistently underestimated or even actively misrepresented."

SALFORD REDS STILL ON THE BRINK

Salford City Reds, winding up case has been adjourned until 7th January 2013, as the winding up petition has been taken over by `substitutes'.

The original petition by Steuer Gregsson was settled but new parties – which the Salford Star believes is some current players - have taken on the winding up petition.

KELSIE FUNDRAISES IN AUNT'S MEMORY

Kelsie Thomas, an 11 year old girl from Langworthy, today raised hundreds of pounds for St Ann's Hospice with a fun filled event at the Royal British Legion that she'd spent all summer organising.

Kelsie got local businesses to donate raffle and auction items, including tickets for Man City matches, signed footballs and beauty treatments.

LURELLE DOES SALFORD PROUD

Over the months the Salford Star has been following the progress of Lurelle Bancroft who got to the final of the Miss Teen Great Britain competition, being crowned Miss Teen Salford en route.

We're pleased to say that Lurelle did really well in the Grand Final, held a few weeks ago in Blackpool, placing in the top 25 girls in the country.

FILM AND MEDIA FEST AT BLACK LION

Future Artists' Film and Media Festival
Thursday 1st November – Sunday 4th November
Black Lion pub various prices.

A fab four day Film and Media Festival is kicking off at the Black Lion this week with some top screenings – from award winning documentaries on subjects from the DIY digital `revolution', to the rise and fall and rise of independent record shops, to Brit riots and indie video game creators. Plus workshops, talks and special guests.

STAND UP, IMPROV AND SKETCHES AT COMEDY FRINGE

Greater Manchester Comedy Fringe Festival
Various venues
Saturday 27th-Tuesday 30th October 

The Salford section of the Greater Manchester Comedy Fringe features gigs at the Kings Arms and The Lowry, and features everything from an Improv Tournament to a stand up mathematician, a comedy dragon and some sex sketches from Manc based actors, If The Cap Fits.

START FUNDING TEXTING AID

Start In Salford, the ace creative arts and wellbeing centre, has become one of the first charities in the country to use its own, unique personalised text code to raise funds. Start supporters can now make donations of up to £10 via txt using the special code.

SALFORD SKELLINGTON CENTRE

Saturday 27th October 11am-4pm free
Monday 29th October 11am-4pm free

Salford Precinct is getting a visit on Saturday and Monday from scary Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King from A Nightmare Before Christmas. Jack will be accompanied by a painter of scary faces as he gives out sweets on Saturday, while on Monday there's free creepy balloon monster making and more free sweets and stuff…

SALFORD PRECINCT CAR PARK CONFUSION

Strange goings on at Salford Precinct as three car parks are charging for short stay, while one is still free. What's happening? At midday today, Salford Council was due to agree to sell two car parks to the Salford Shopping Centre owners, Salford Estates. But before the decision has been ratified the Precinct has already taken them over and begun charging for short stay. Confusing? You bet!

WHO GETS THE CREAM IN SALFORD? Part Four

As austerity bites, those at the top are still doing rather nicely. Here we continue our series of features on the Fat Cats of Salford with a look at the feline good factor at the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority and Manchester Airport Group.

Warning: you may require a sick bag…

WHO GETS THE CREAM IN SALFORD? Part Three

As austerity bites, those at the top are still doing rather nicely. Here we continue our series of features on the Fat Cats of Salford with a look at the feline good factor at Urban Vision, Greater Manchester Police, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Transport for Greater Manchester and Greater Manchester Combined Authority…

The greater good is great for who exactly?

A Salford Star Exclusive

SALFORD REDS GOT LOAN AND OVER £200,000 COSTS FROM ITS OWN REDS FOUNDATION

Salford City Reds, currently awaiting a winding up petition hearing, has been receiving `costs' and a loan from its own related charity, the Salford City Reds Foundation, which was set up "for the benefit of the public generally".

The club has recharged the charity over £200,000 for "use of facilities, promotional activities, and coaches and players", and has also received a loan from the Foundation of almost £60,000. Salford City Council has funded the Foundation with over £250,000 for its charitable activities.

SALFORD REDS FANS PETITION CLUB TO DEMAND PUBLIC MEETING AND ANSWERS

Fans of Salford Reds have launched an online `Save Our Salford' petition demanding that "those whom currently own and manage the Salford City Reds RLFC…urgently arrange and hold a public meeting to discuss and answer questions that may be proposed by your supporters, customers and potential investors".

This follows the winding up petition launched by management consultants, Steuer Gregsson, last week and speculation over the club's financial future...

SALFORD TAKES CUTS FIGHT TO LONDON

Three coaches left Salford on Saturday morning, joining others who had taken the train, to march with over 150,000 people through the streets of London against the ConDem Government and for an alternative that works.

Phil Hamer took the coach with lots of campaigners against mental health cuts in Salford who were determined to tell the world about their plight…

ACID DANCE DOC SHOWS TWO FINGERS TO THATCHER

High On Hope fundraising screening
Saturday 27th October 7pm £7.50
Islington Mill

What looks like an absolutely brilliant documentary gets its first local screening next Saturday in the city that gave birth to the Hacienda, Happy Mondays, Tony Wilson and New Order. That's Salford, not Manchester.

High On Hope documents the illegal warehouse rave scene when thousands of people would travel in convoys to Blackburn and places just for the right to dance. It was political. It was anti-authority. And the police and politicians ganged up to stop it…

TOP STARS LINE UP FOR KINGS ARMS FEST – HEATON, MANFORD, CHEESEMAN, WALL…

Kings Arms Festival
Saturday 27th October from 1pm
Free.

The Kings Arms is putting on an all day, free entrance, Festival next Saturday with a line up including Paul Heaton, Rich Wall, Marvin Cheeseman and Colin Manford. There's going to be comedy, music, cabaret and surprises…

Chloe Glover discovers the background to the unique Festival…

SCHOOLS 'N STARS 'N DANCE MUSIC

Salford's Hatty Keane has been waiting almost two years to be properly unleashed on the British pop scene. This week that time comes with the release tomorrow of No One Loves You, following an epic promotional tour and supporting the likes of Tinchy Stryder and Pixie Lott.

MOANING MOSSLEY END SALFORD RUN

Salford City 0 Mossley 2

Salford City's unbeaten run came to an end this afternoon against top of the table Mossley. Two efforts on target, two goals and lots of moaning at officials was enough to secure the victory. But the Ammies gave the hill people one hell of a fright, particularly in the first half.

CONTROVERSIAL BARTON INCINERATOR GOES TO PUBLIC INQUIRY AT OLD TRAFFORD

Peel Holdings' plans for the controversial `Barton Renewable Energy Plant' are to be put before a Public Inquiry beginning November 13th. The Environment Agency has recently granted the incinerator an Environmental Permit, despite refusal of planning permission by Trafford Council, objections by Salford City Council and the Breathe Clean Air Group branding the decision "irresponsible".

The Public Inquiry, to be held at Manchester United's Old Trafford, is the last chance to stop the incinerator, which campaigners and Salford City Council say will have a polluting affect on Salford…

STARS OF CORRIE, EMMERDALE AND HOLLYOAKS LINE UP AT MOOR LANE

St Ann's Hospice Charity Football Match and Fun Day
Sunday October 28th from noon
Salford City FC, Moor Lane £5/£2

Stars from Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, plus Ralf Little and ex professional players Michael Gray and Chris Makin, will be taking part in a special charity footy match next Sunday at Moor Lane, Kersal. The match is part of a family fun day to raise money for St Ann's Hospice.

SALFORD REDS ON THE VERGE OF EXTINCTION

The Press Association is reporting that Salford Reds rugby club is to face a winding up petition on Monday 29th October. The petition has been brought by `club sponsors' and management consultants, Steuer Gregsson, which was ironically brought in to help save the club.

CONNECTING SALFORD MAYOR MAG COST OVER £15,000

Salford Mayor, Ian Stewart, has recently sent out a 24 page magazine called Connecting Salford.

In his intro the Mayor writes about how "vital services have been affected by reductions in budgets". Obviously not the Propaganda Dept – as Connecting Salford has cost over £15,000 to produce and distribute.

WHO GETS THE CREAM IN SALFORD? Part Two...

As austerity bites, those at the top are still doing rather nicely. Here we continue our series of features on the Fat Cats of Salford with a look at the feline good factor at The Lowry, Salford City College, the University of Salford, the Salford Foundation and Groundwork.

What is it they say about charity beginning at home?

WHO GETS THE CREAM IN SALFORD?

As austerity bites and Salford Council plans to impose wage cuts on its own staff, those at the top are still doing rather nicely. Today we begin a series of features on the Fat Cats of Salford – beginning with those lapping up the cream at Salford Council.

In further articles we expose the Salford Fats Cats of health, education, housing, arts, charities, transport and other bodies that rely on public money. Read on and watch this space!

BOUNDARY COMMISSION U-TURNS ON SALFORD DESTRUCTION – SAVE OUR SALFORD CAMPAIGN VICTORY!

The Boundary Commission for England has done a huge u-turn on its proposals to wipe Salford from the political map. In its report, issued today, the Boundary Commission makes reference to "a campaign called 'Save our Salford' founded by Ms Victoria Connett, who made a lively representation at the public hearing emphasising the community ties".

`SICK' SALFORD LABOUR – ONLY COUNCIL IN COUNTRY TO THREATEN SACK IF STAFF DON'T TAKE PAY CUTS

"This is absolutely sickening behaviour from this local authority and we've got to stand against it" Steve North Salford City UNISON

At a well attended lobby against ruling Labour councillors this evening, Salford City UNISON branch secretary Steve North launched a scathing attack on the Council for its "sickening and disgraceful" attitude towards industrial relations.

Salford Council is proposing to impose wage cuts of £15million that will see over half of its staff on reduced pay. And if they don't accept the cuts by January they will be sacked.

SALFORD'S UNEMPLOYMENT RISE OVER TEN TIMES HIGHER THAN NATIONAL AVERAGE

Salford is sitting on a huge unemployment crisis, with some of the highest percentage rises in Greater Manchester and beyond. While Great Britain has seen an annual drop of 0.6% in overall Job Seekers Allowance claimants, Salford has seen a rise of 6%, making it over ten times worse than the national average.

Salford has also witnessed the biggest annual rise in youth unemployment in Greater Manchester, the second highest rise in long term unemployment and the second highest rise in female unemployment. All this, despite MediaCityUK et al…

COUNCIL'S FOUNTAINS, CAR PARKS, ORCHESTRAS AND UGLY SISTERS – WHILE IMPOSING PAY CUTS AND SLASHING PUBLIC SERVICES

By 2015 Salford Council will have made over £100million cuts to public services in the city. Over the same period over £100million of public money will have been spent on prestige projects.

£13million on a fountain, £20million on the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, £15million on the Ugly Sisters…It goes on and on and on…

SALFORD USUC JOINS MANCHESTER USERS TO FIGHT CUTS

Yesterday, campaigners fighting mental health cuts in Salford joined the Manchester Users Network to have a joint demonstration and march in Manchester City centre.

Here, Phil Hamer discovers that the United Service Users Committee, USUC, might go down the legal path to fight the cuts…

SALFORD TRADE UNIONS URGE EVERYONE TO JOIN THEM ON CUTS DEMO

Lobby The Labour Group
Monday 15th October, 5pm-6:30pm Salford Civic Centre

With the Salford Labour Council intending to impose pay cuts on its own staff and to further slash public services, public sector trade unions UNISON, GMB and UNITE, have called a Lobby of the Labour Group of councillors and Mayor's Assistants this Monday, 15th October at 5pm. 

Opposing the shocking cuts programme, the unions state that the Lobby will try to make "the Council see sense".

SALFORD CAN'T SQUEEZE THE WIN

Salford City 1 Warrington Town 1

Salford City kept their unbeaten run going this afternoon but couldn't quite get the win against Warrington Town that would have ensured a top four place. Steve Yarwood equalised for the Ammies late on and, despite Salford City pressure, Warrington held out.

SALFORD FLEA MARKET GOES ONLINE

At the beginning of the year, Salford's flea market at the Precinct was shut to the utter disgust of the many people who used it. Now, however, a new on line flea market has opened as a Facebook group and has already attracted nearly 500 members in its first week…

SALFORD PEOPLE TO MARCH AGAINST CAMERON AND CLEGG

Salford coach to London: 6:30am Salford Precinct/6:50am Eccles
Unemployed/Low waged: free/Workers £10

Salford people are heading to London next Saturday 20th October to join the TUC A Future That Works march, culminating in a huge rally in Hyde Park.
Tickets for the Salford coach are still available.

INCREDIBLE INSENSITIVE SALFORD MAYOR STATEMENT

Salford Mayor, Ian Stewart, tonight put out an ill timed press release saying he will "show the Coalition [Government] that there is an alternative way to deal with the economy without continually attacking the living standards of working people…"

...This on the same day that news broke about Salford Council imposing wage cuts on its own workforce…

`TAKE A PAY CUT OR YOU'RE SACKED!' – UNISON ACCUSES SALFORD COUNCIL OF `BULLY BOY TACTICS'

Salford Council is intending to cut its wage bill by 4.7% over the next five years and has told staff to accept wage cuts or be sacked. Under the proposals 58% of Salford Council staff will lose money by 2017/18, and employees have until 6th January 2013 to accept the offer or the Council will "revert to dismissal".

A mass meeting of UNISON members on Monday voted to ballot for strike action if the threats were not withdrawn, and today the union has called for a lobby of Labour Councillors on Monday. It looks like all out war is looming for the new Labour Mayor...

AS £80,000 IS CUT FROM SALFORD MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES...NHS TRUST DIRECTORS EARN OVER £100,000

Today is World Mental Health Day, which aims to `raise public awareness about mental health issues'. One of the biggest issues around mental health in Salford is a proposed cut of £80,000 to mental health services.

So today, as the Greater Manchester West Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust holds its Annual Members Meeting at The Lowry, the Salford Star raises public awareness of the salaries and perks of its Directors and Chief Officers…and there's no shortage of funding here!

MIGHTY MAJESTIC STUNNING SALFORD CITY GO FOURTH IN LEAGUE

Prescot Cables 0 Salford City 3

Salford City hit the highest heights in their whole history tonight, going fourth in the league, after whupping Prescot Cables. The Ammies are now just six points behind leaders Mossley with two games in hand. Does it get any better than this? Oh yes! Warrington Town at home this Saturday!!!

IS THIS SALFORD COUNCIL'S ANSWER TO THE CUTS – VOLUNTEER LABOUR FORCE?

Despite City Mayor Ian Stewart rattling on about "establishing…a Living Wage of £7.23 per hour as the minimum remuneration for council employees", the Salford Star can reveal that Salford Council has been recruiting "voluntary unpaid" young workers, under the guise of `work experience', in such things as street cleaning... Lucky unpaid volunteers will receive a £20 High Street Voucher for their efforts!

START IN SALFORD OPEN DAY…RELAXATION WORKSHOPS AT WILLOW TREE…AND THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST SALFORD COUNCIL MENTAL HEALTH CUTS CONTINUES…

As Salford Council's cuts agenda to mental health services continues, Wednesday sees World Mental Health Day in the city, with some great open days to understand more about the condition.

The brilliant Start in Salford project is having an open day from 10:30am, showcasing creative projects, while the Willow Tree Centre on Littleton Road is holding relaxation workshops. Meanwhile, campaigners at the sharp end of the cuts might have something up their sleeve too…

OWLS, TREES, BEES AND WICKED SOUNDS ON THE MOOR

Hundreds of people flocked to Kersal Moor this afternoon for a special Fruits of the Earth Festival celebrating the ecology of the famous green space. Twelve new fruit trees were planted on the Moor, Barn Owl Bill brought some stunning tame owls and arts, craft, veg and `save the bee' stalls gave out the environmental buzz. All backed by some top East European tunes from the Yiddlesticks…

WASHING UP, LOVE AND WOMEN'S LIB

Book Launch: Up Then Brave Women
The Black Lion, Saturday 13 October 6pm.

Michael Herbert - whose new book, Up Then Brave Women: Manchester's Radical Women 1819-1918, is launched this Saturday at The Black Lion - has included Frances Morrison, Salford's first feminist, in his collection of Greater Manchester women who changed the female world.

To preview the new book, Michael - well known as a historian, his Red Flag Walks and links with Salford's Working Class Movement Library - writes about Frances Morrison especially for the Salford Star…

SUBLIME SALFORD CITY FISH FOR PLAY OFFS…

Wakefield 0 Salford City 3

Gavin `feed The Fish and he will score' Salmon returned to the Ammies this week and netted just minutes after coming on as a second half sub, as Salford City sank sorry Wakefield on the ground where Wakefield Trinity Wildcats normally prowl.

The Ammies are now up to sixth in the Evo-Stik First Division with games in hand and the play offs looking a likely target…

MR MAYOR – CONNECTING SALFORD?

Every household in Salford is currently receiving a lovely 24 page booklet about `Connecting Salford' in which City Mayor Ian Stewart talks about, er, `Connecting Salford'.

Propaganda aside, just how is the City Mayor `connecting with Salford'? And how much has the 24 page booklet actually cost, when cuts are being made all over the place?

SALFORD CORE STRATEGY HEARING SUSPENDED BY INSPECTOR

The Inspector currently examining Salford Council's plans for future housing and industrial land has dramatically suspended proceedings, as the Council's `Core Strategy' does not include enough housing and housing density to meet ConDem Government policies.

The Inspector has told Salford Council to go back to the drawing board and come back with plans for 300 more houses a year in Ordsall, Pendleton, West Salford and even, he suggested, Green Belt land in Hazelhurst.

COUNCILLOR PETER CONNOR BOTTLES OUT OF MENTAL HEALTH LOBBY

`Councillor Connor's Invisible Surgery'

Tonight, over a dozen service users and campaigners opposed to Salford Council cuts to Mental Health Services turned up at the regular surgery held by Councillor Peter Connor, the Assistant Mayor with responsibility for Adult Social Services.

They had planned to ask him why he is cutting support for people with mental health issues. Unfortunately Councillor Connor didn't show up. But Kersal ward Councillor George Wilson, who did appear, told service users that he supported their campaign…

SALFORD COUNCIL'S £100,000 TO PEEL HOLDINGS – AND £80,000 CUT TO MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

In just five months of this year Salford Council handed over £100,000 to mega bucks company Peel Holdings, while announcing cuts of £80,000 to mental health services in the city.

The money was given to the owners of MediaCityUK for `professional fees', `service tenancies', `hire of facilities' and `rents', although Salford Council won't answer Salford Star questions about the detail of the payments.

PETITIONS, LOBBIES, DEMOS – SALFORD COUNCIL TO FACE WRATH OF USUC!

Last night's public meeting against Salford Council cuts to mental health services drew well over a hundred people as both speakers and people in the audience vented their anger at the harm it will inflict on some of the most vulnerable people in society.

The meeting agreed  a series of actions, beginning tomorrow night (Wed) with a lobby of Councillor Peter Connor, the Assistant Mayor whose decision it is to enforce the cuts.