Salford Star - with attitude & love xxx

JOE HILL PLAY TO BE STAGED IN SALFORD

added 31 October 2015

Star date: 31st October 2015

LEGENDARY SONGWRITER AND UNION ORGANISER JOE HILL BROUGHT TO LIFE ON STAGE

The Joe Hill Dream by John Fay
Friday 27th November 7:30pm
Salford Arts Theatre £8/£6

Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez and Chumbawamba have sung about him, he's a legend in the worldwide trade union movement, and now Salford is set to see the play about Joe Hill, songwriter and militant, who was controversially set up and executed in States in 1915.

SALFORD COUNCIL GIVES ORDSALL AWAY TO DEVELOPERS FOR NOTHING

added 31 October 2015

Star date: 30th October 2015

ORDSALL BOXED IN BY FLATS AS RESIDENTS GET NOWT IN RETURN

An application by Knight Knox International to build three blocks of flats up to 14 storeys high on Trafford Road, next to Fit City Ordsall, is highlighting Salford Council's current policy that will bring no planning fees back to local residents. Not a cent.

The Ordsall side of Trafford Road has been deemed a `mid value' area, where developers pay nothing to build, but across the road has been deemed a `high value' area where developers could pay £millions. Every stretch of land on the `free' side of Trafford Road has now been taken.

THE THEATRES TRUST OBJECTS TO DEMOLITION OF LISTED CROWN THEATRE SALFORD

added 30 October 2015

Star date: 29th October 2015

`NO PUBLIC BENEFIT' FROM LOSS OF GRADE 2 LISTED CROWN THEATRE ECCLES

Today, The Theatres Trust, the national advisory public body for theatres, submitted a formal objection to proposals to demolish the Grade 2 listed Crown Theatre in Eccles, arguing that there is no "public benefit resulting from the complete loss of the heritage asset".

The Theatres Trust joins Historic England, Salford and Eccles MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, local councillors and the Save The Crown Theatre campaign in opposing demolition of the old theatre to build unaffordable flats on the site.

2.8 MILLION GREATER MANCHESTER RESIDENTS ARE BEING DENIED BASIC DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS PARLIAMENT TOLD

added 29 October 2015

Star date: 28th October 2015

GM DEVOLUTION DEAL `WOEFULLY UNDEMOCRATIC' SELECT COMMITTEE HEARS

The Parliamentary Communities and Local Government Select Committee, which came to Manchester for a few hours on Monday, heard that the devolution deal for Greater Manchester was `woefully undemocratic and underfunded'.

David Fernandez-Arias, of the GM Referendum Campaign and 38 Degrees, told the Committee that 2.8million residents of Greater Manchester were being `treated as an irrelevance', adding that there was `no public awareness, no public consultation...our basic democratic rights are being denied'...

MIKE NEWMAN ESTABLISHES EIGHTH WORLD RECORD FOR BLIND DRIVER

added 28 October 2015

Star date: 27th October 2015

SALFORD COMPANY SPEED OF SIGHT SEES TRUCK SPEED RECORD

Mike Newman, of Salford-based charity Speed of Sight, has established a new world record, driving a race truck at 120miles per hour, on Elvington airfield near York.

Mike was already the fastest blind man on earth and holder of world speed records for motorbike, car and powerboat driving before this latest coup... "He's one incredible man" said Gina Campbell, daughter of legendary speed record breaker, Donald Campbell, as she presented Mike with champagne after his phenomenal feat.

SWING AND SHOUT KNIGHTS AND UNICORNS PARTY AT HIDDEN SALFORD

added 27 October 2015

Star date: 25th October 2015

KNIGHTS AND UNICORNS IN SALFORD

Swing and Shout
Knights and Unicorns Party
Friday 20th November 8pm-4am
Hidden

At the most amazing warehouse venue in Salford - the well titled Hidden - there's going to be the most amazing Swing and Shout party night on 20th November. With the theme of Knights and Unicorns, it's described as a `Gypsy Ska Punk Balkan Live Music Festival Style Club Night'. But there's more. Loads more. And it's disabled friendly and for people of all ages over 18.

SOUNDS OF SALFORD RADIO GETS RE-BRAND AS SUCCESS GROWS

added 25 October 2015

Star date: 25th October 2015

NEW SALFORD RADIO STATION GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

The Sounds of Salford radio station has got a re-brand, after listeners voted for a new `Salford - Keep The Faith' logo as it topped the world's podomatic.com podcast charts.

From an idea on the back of a fag packet in July, the online station has grown, with daily shows and over 14,000 listeners on one platform in the last two months.

HOMELESS FILM FESTIVAL EVENTS AT MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY TO GO AHEAD

added 25 October 2015

Star date: 25th October 2015

DESPITE HOMELESS EVICTIONS FILM FEST TO HOLD EVENTS AT MMU

"It's our firm belief that film can be a force for change"

Despite Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) evicting homeless people from its land last week, the Homeless Film Festival, which runs 1st-14th November at various local venues, has confirmed that events planned to be held at the University will go ahead...

"By cancelling any screenings at MMU it will deprive the students and staff...an opportunity to engage with local, national and global issues regarding homelessness, including those on The Ark site on Oxford Road" the Festival states.

THE HEADACHE FACTORY DOES HALLOWEEN AT THE CRESCENT SALFORD

added 25 October 2015

A NIGHT OF SCARY UNSIGNED ALTERNATIVE ROCK

The Headache Factory
Friday 30th October 8pm
The Crescent Pub – entrance fee: whatever you can afford

The Headache Factory, which `picks the most delicious, homegrown, organic bands' is doing a night of unsigned alternative rock, with a Halloween theme, at The Crescent on Friday. It stars Rocketship Forest, The Good Day Champions, Jub Jub and Devils. Pay what you can afford on the door.

SALFORD FAMILY SPOOKTACULAR AT BUILE HILL PARK

added 24 October 2015

HALLOWEEN HUNT, WITCH WALK AND CREEPY CRAFTS

Family Spooktacular
Wednesday 28th October
Buile Hill Park from 1pm Free/£1 for Hunt/£1 for Walk

There's a full afternoon and evening of family friendly horror at Buile Hill Park on Wednesday with face painting, spooky crafts, a bouncy castle, fairground rides and food stalls, with a Halloween Hunt and Witches Walk.

STAR INN SALFORD HALLOWEEN PARTY

added 24 October 2015

SPOOKY PUNCH, SCARY SNACKS AND FANCY DRESS

Halloween Party
Friday 30th October 9pm-midnight free
Star Inn

Broughton's community-owned Star Inn pub is holding a Halloween Party with the full ghoulish horrors you'd expect – spooky punch, scary snacks and top prizes for the best costumes.

LYDIA LUNCH STORMS SALFORD ISLINGTON MILL FOR LIVE SHOWS AND WORKSHOPS

added 24 October 2015

LIVE SHOWS, SEANCE, MULTI-MEDIA HAPPENINGS WITH YANK MOTHER OF MADNESS

Samarbeta Music Residency with Lydia Lunch
Saturday 24th October-Thursday 5th November
Islington Mill

Yank mayhem mover and art legend, Lydia Lunch, arrives in Salford today with collaborator Weasel Walter for a two week music residency at Islington Mill, featuring three workshops and three affordable live shows including a Halloween Seance. Be very afraid...

MANCHESTER GETS A WHIFF OF CHINA DURING CAMERON AND XI JINPING VISIT

added 24 October 2015

Star date: 23rd October 2015

DISPERSAL ORDERS, ARRESTS, STAGE MANAGEMENT AND PROTESTS AS CHINESE PRESIDENT VISITS TOWN HALL

Manchester city centre got a whiff of China today as police issued dispersal orders for anti-China chants and placards, and arrested those who refused to move. Meanwhile anti-Cameron protesters were shoved out of view, and Free Tibet and Falun Gong campaigners were fronted by flanks of riot police and horses.

Meanwhile, the hundreds of Chinese people who came to cheer President Xi Jinping were handed flags and hats at the stage managed visit to Manchester Town Hall.

DEMOCRACY OF GREATER MANCHESTER DEVOLUTION SLAMMED BY CAMPAIGNERS

added 23 October 2015

Star date: 23rd October 2015

JUST ONE HOUR FOR 2.8MILLION PEOPLE TO AIR VIEWS ON DEVOLUTION

On Monday, 26th October, the Communities and Local Government Parliamentary Select Committee is holding an evidence session at Manchester Town Hall as part of its inquiry into the Government's Cities and Local Government Devolution Bill – with just an hour long Question and Answer session for the region's 2.8million people.

Campaigners wanting a Greater Manchester wide referendum on any new governance arrangement have slammed the arrangements as "outrageous" and have called a lobby of the process from 8am.

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY ACCUSED OF WRECKING HOMELESS PEOPLE’S POSSESSIONS

added 23 October 2015

Star date: 22nd October 2015

MMU EVICTION OF THE ARK 2 HOMELESS CAMP AN `ACT OF BRUTAL SOCIAL CLEANSING'

Following Tuesday's eviction of The Ark 2 homeless camp by Manchester Metropolitan University, former residents have accused the institution of an "act of brutal social cleansing... We were forced from homes and safety in the space of thirty minutes, and had our possessions and property unlawfully confiscated, damaged and destroyed", they say.

Student and youth groups have now called a protest tomorrow, Friday 23rd at noon at All Saints Park.

MANCHESTER AND SALFORD PROTEST AGAINST CHINESE PRESIDENT AND CAMERON VISIT

added 22 October 2015

Star date: 22nd October 2015

CHINA IN TOO MANY PEOPLE'S EYES

Protest against Chinese President, British Prime Minister and Chancellor
Friday 23rd October
Manchester Town Hall
12:30-2:30pm

Tomorrow a protest has been called against both the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister David Cameron when the pair will be having lunch at Manchester Town Hall... "All human rights abusers are not welcome" state the organisers. What has it got to do with Salford? Absolutely loads!

EXTENT OF SALFORD DEPRIVATION REVEALED IN NEW GOVERNMENT STATISTICS

added 22 October 2015

Star date: 22nd October 2015

ALMOST ONE THIRD OF SALFORD AREAS IN 10% MOST DEPRIVED IN ENGLAND

New Government statistics show the true extent of Salford poverty away from Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, as almost one third of the city's areas are in the ten per cent most deprived in England. The stats show the worst area for multiple deprivation as that around Athole Street in Pendleton, followed by Whit Lane in Charlestown. The Athole Street area is 57th worst in England – out of 32,844 places!

Both areas have been subject to major clearance as Salford Council attempts to solve its economic and social problems with the bulldozers.

HISTORIC ENGLAND OBJECTS TO ECCLES CROWN THEATRE DEMOLITION IN SALFORD

added 22 October 2015

Star date: 21st October 2015

CROWN THEATRE A `NATIONALLY IMPORTANT BUILDING' STATES HISTORIC ENGLAND

Today, Historic England, the body that oversees the country's heritage assets, formally objected to proposals to demolish the Crown Theatre in Eccles, citing it as a "nationally important building".

Historic England joins Salford and Eccles MP, Rebecca Long-Bailey, local councillors and the community in opposing to plans to replace the Grade 2 listed building with 97 unaffordable flats... "It should be noted that the existence and active nature of the Save the Crown Theatre Eccles campaign group, demonstrates the level of public interest in the building" states Historic England in its official objection.

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY EVICTS THE ARK HOMELESS CAMP

added 21 October 2015

Star date: 20th October 2015

THE ARK 2 EVICTED AS MMU PREPARES TO HOUSE HOMELESS FILM FEST

After evicting The Ark homeless camp last month, today Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) evicted The Ark 2 set up nearby on Oxford Road, with one arrest and a protester labelling MMU 'a dark satanic university'.

To its shame, MMU is preparing to host events for the Homeless Film Festival in a few weeks.

SALFORD CITY COUNCIL APPEARS AT £600 A TICKET MIPIM UK PROPERTY ORGY

added 20 October 2015

Star date: 20th October 2015

SALFORD COUNCIL TO FACE EWAN MACCOLL PROTEST AT MIPIM UK

Salford Council is likely to spend thousands of pounds this week hosting a stand at the £600 per visitor ticket MIPIM UK `exhibition and conference for property professionals'. The Council will be sharing its stand with the likes of Peel Holdings and Renaker, whose off-shoot, WB Developments, avoided almost £2million in planning fees in Greengate.

Outside the MIPIM UK exhibition, which begins tomorrow, the Radical Housing Network and other groups have called a protest and one of the main songs will be by Salford's Ewan MacColl about rent hikes and police evictions.

GARY NEVILLE HANDS STOCK EXCHANGE TO MANCHESTER HOMELESS

added 20 October 2015

HOMELESS OCCUPATION OF STOCK EXCHANGE BUILDING OFFICIAL AFTER FORMER MAN UNITED PLAYERS HAND IT OVER

Following last night's occupation by Manchester homeless people of the £1.5million former Stock Exchange, owned by Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville, the building has been officially handed to them for four months by the ex-United players, in a move that shames the attitude of Manchester City Council.

"We can plan ahead and start facilitating everything we've dreamed of; we don't have to worry about bouncing between buildings, dealing with court cases, doing midnight flits and all that" says spokesperson Wesley Hall "It's amazing and now we've got it over the Christmas period."

INCREDIBLE PHOTOS LIGHT UP MANCHESTER SCIENCE FESTIVAL IN SALFORD

added 18 October 2015

ONE HUNDRED MAD IMAGES ON SHOW AT UNIVERSITY OF SALFORD

Siemens' Curiosity Project
Monday 19th – 30th October
University of Salford MediaCityUK Campus

A free exhibition of one hundred mad science images, ranging from close-ups of a honey bee's anus to a hen's tongue, is going on display from tomorrow at the University of Salford's MediaCityUK campus. There's also a Science Jam event on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October.

FIGHT FOR THE FUTURE OF GREATER MANCHESTER EDUCATION DEMO

added 18 October 2015

FIGHTING CUTS TO FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Greater Manchester Demo For Free Education
Saturday October 24th
All Saints Park noon

A student led demonstration against cuts and privatisation in further and higher education will take place on Saturday October 24th from midday at All Saints Park, as part of a national day of action. One of the demands is to `Stop the Cuts at Salford City College'...

REFUGEE FUNDRAISER AT THE STAR INN SALFORD

added 18 October 2015

COMEDY POETS AND MUSIC AT THE STAR

Refugee Fundraiser
Saturday 24th October 8.30pm-midnight
Star Inn Broughton

Next Saturday night there's going to be a fundraiser at the Star Inn for Calais refugees, hosted by local comedian Jasmin Francis, with poet Stef Pike plus music from local singer-songwriters and great raffle prizes.

GARY NEVILLE STOCK EXCHANGE OCCUPIED BY MANCHESTER HOMELESS PEOPLE

added 18 October 2015

Star date: 17th October 2015

GARY NEVILLE AND RYAN GIGGS 0 HOMELESS PEOPLE 1

"Mr Neville...don't let us down, let us live..."

Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs' palatial £multi-million former Stock Exchange building near King Street in Manchester has been occupied this evening by homeless people, who moved from their former squat in Charlotte Street.

Michael, one of the new homeless residents at the Stock Exchange, told the Salford Star to pass on a message to Gary Neville, his favourite United player... "I'm so sorry we had to do this but this is the situation we're in and we're all homeless...so Mr Neville, the nice man that you really are, let us stay, let us live..."

DEMENTIA SALFORD CANDLELIGHT WALK AROUND AGECROFT CEMETERY

added 17 October 2015

Star date: 17th October 2015

SALFORD FUNDRAISING WALK FOR DEMENTIA

Candlelight Walk
Saturday 24th October
Agecroft Cemetery 8pm-10pm

Next Saturday night all those who suffer from dementia, their carers, families, friends and children are being invited to a candlelight walk through the stunning Agecroft Cemetery to raise awareness and funds to support Salford people living with the condition. All proceeds go to Dementia Salford.

DEMOLITION OF LISTED ECCLES CROWN THEATRE TO BE OPPOSED BY SALFORD MP, COMMUNITY AND COUNCILLORS

added 17 October 2015

Star date: 16th October 2015

FIGHT TO STOP DEMOLITION OF GRADE 2 LISTED CROWN THEATRE FOR UNAFFORDABLE FLATS

Proposals to demolish the Grade 2 listed Crown Theatre in Eccles to build 95 unaffordable flats are to be opposed by Salford and Eccles MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, local councillors and the community.

"I fully support the campaign to bring this potentially beautiful building back into productive community use, and even better, community ownership if possible" says Rebecca Long-Bailey.

HOMELESS OCCUPY MANCHESTER CHINATOWN LUXURY APARTMENT BLOCK

added 16 October 2015

Star date: 15th October 2015

CHARLOTTE STREET BLOCK DESTINED FOR £250,000 FLATS SQUATTED BY HOMELESS

"By the time we've finished this campaign there won't be anyone on the streets because they'll all have their own building..."

A four storey block in Chinatown has been occupied and opened up as a centre for the city's homeless. The building, at 10 Charlotte Street, is owned by a property developer registered in the Virgin Islands, and is destined to be developed into £250,000 apartments.

"It's clear that the poor are being pushed out of Manchester and it's being facilitated by corporate greed" says the squat's spokesperson, Wesley Hall "There's so many empty buildings in Manchester... and, as it's coming into winter, we need to utilise these buildings and put some intervention and support in place for people who clearly have no support."

MANCHESTER METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY TO EVICT HOMELESS WHILE HOUSING HOMELESS FILM FESTIVAL

added 15 October 2015

Star date: 14th October 2015

THE ARK HOMELESS CAMP FACING EVICTION AGAIN AS MMU FACES FILM FEST EMBARRASSMENT

"Those calling for its destruction will have blood on their hands..."

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) yesterday won a possession order to evict homeless people based at what is left of The Ark on Oxford Road – while it's about to proudly host events for the Homeless Film Festival in November.

Now, in what will be even more embarrassing for MMU, Student Action in Solidarity with the Homeless, or SASH, has called a Protest Against Eviction of The Ark next Monday...

SALFORD BENEFITS SANCTIONS PROTEST

added 14 October 2015

Star date: 14th October 2015

`CHALLENGE SANCTIONS' SAY CAMPAIGNERS

This morning, campaigners against benefit sanctions set up shop outside Salford Job Centre off Churchill Way - now ironically re-titled `Salford Opportunities Centre' – to draw attention to welfare attacks that are causing hardship all over the city.

With signs reading `Sanctions Centre', leaflets were handed out to claimants urging them to challenge sanctions and support the new trade unions' Welfare Charter.

17.4% OF SALFORD JOBS PAY LESS THAN THE LIVING WAGE

added 14 October 2015

Star date: 13th October 2015

LOW PAY MASSIVE PROBLEM IN SALFORD

New figures from the Office of National Statistics show that 17.4% of Salford employee jobs were paid below the Living Wage of £7.85 an hour in 2013-14. This doesn't include the growing sector of people who are self employed, nor those who work outside the Salford area, so the real figure is much higher.

Last year, for instance, official statistics showed that 40% of part time women workers in Salford earned less than the Living Wage.

TRAFFORD COUNCIL APPROVES EVIL TWIN OF FRACKING APPLICATION

added 13 October 2015

Star date: 8th October 2015

TRAFFORD COUNCIL ACCUSED OF `SERIOUS DERELICTION OF DUTY TO LOCAL RESIDENTS'

Tonight, Trafford Council approved an IGas planning application to drill for Coal Bed Methane, seen as the `evil twin of fracking', right next to the Trafford Centre. The application was given the go-ahead despite concerns which Friends of the Earth stated would be a "serious dereliction of duty to local residents".

Salford anti-fracking campaigner, John Catterall, added "We've just got to keep fighting and fighting, and if it means occupying the land again then that's what we will do..."

MANCHESTER TAKEN BACK DURING CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE

added 08 October 2015

Star date: 8th October 2015

NASTY PARTY TORIES REAFFIRMED DURING CONFERENCE

The hashtag being used during the Conservative Party Conference was #TakeBackMCR, and, during the last week, Manchester was certainly taken back as the Tories were left in no doubt that they were not welcome in the city.

From over 100,000 people marching last Sunday, to Boris Johnson being pelted with balls and disabled people chaining their wheelchairs together to block David Cameron's entrance to the Conference Centre, the message was clear, as articulated by protesters yesterday... `Oink, oink...get out of town...'

Here the Salford Star rounds up a week of dissent – click here...

added 08 October 2015

TORIES TOLD TO `FRACK OFF’ AS MANCHESTER PARTY CONFERENCE CLOSES

Star date: 7th October 2015

ANTI-FRACKING PROTEST SEES TORIES SCURRY OUT OF TOWN

As the Conservative Party Conference finally closed today, delegates were serenaded out of town with anti-fracking chants, as a lively protest saw everything from walking sunshines to polar bears, to a giant fracker attack their psyches. In return, Tory delegates were abusive, one even hitting the Salford Star photographer with a brolly.

Meanwhile, on their way out of the Centre, Tories were pointed in the direction of the city's must-see food banks and homeless camps.

TORY CONFERENCE V.I.P. ENTRANCE BLOCKED BY CHAINED DISABLED PEOPLE AGAINST CUTS PROTESTERS

added 07 October 2015

Star date: 7th October 2015

MANCHESTER DISABLED PEOPLE AGAINST CUTS CHAINED WHEELCHAIR PROTEST

"People are dying because of their policies..."

This morning, members of Manchester Disabled People Against Cuts (MDPAC) chained their wheelchairs together to block the V.I.P. car entrance to the Conservative Party Conference.

"We're doing it because we want to disrupt the Conference on the day of the Prime Minister's speech" explained Ric from MDPAC "We're bearing the brunt of what his Government is doing; people are dying because of their policies and we're sick of him lying..."

NHS NOT FOR SALE MARCH HITS CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE

added 07 October 2015

Star date: 6th October 2015

TORY DELEGATES FORCED TO WALK NHS GAUNTLET OF NOISE

NHS campaigners promised a `wall of sound' at their Conservative Party Conference protest this afternoon and, sure enough, after a march through Manchester town centre, Tory delegates were treated to an ear splitting cacophony of drums, whistles, sirens and chanting.

At one point, police reinforcements were brought in to make a channel for delegates to escape the Conference centre as they were subjected to the wall of sound and some very threatening dancing.

STUDENTS DO DEBT-IN AT CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE

added 06 October 2015

STUDENTS TAKE TO MANCHESTER STREETS TO OPPOSE TORY EDUCATION POLICIES

`What do we want? Free education! When do we want it? Now!'

The Student Assembly Against Austerity campaigned against Tory education policy and for free education this afternoon. The protest was titled a `debt-in' and, after marching to the entrance of the Conservative Conference, the students lay down in the street in full view of bemused Tory delegates staring from the balcony of the venue.

DISABLED PEOPLE AGAINST CUTS LAY SIEGE TO CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE

added 05 October 2015

SALFORD TORY COUNCILLOR MOCKS DISABILITY CUTS PROTESTERS

As members of Disabled People Against Cuts laid siege to the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester today, Salford Tory Councillor, Iain Lindley appeared to mock them as he was entering the Centre.

Meanwhile, other Tories entering the Conference, including Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, Boris Johnson and Michael Heseltine were pelted with balls as a statement on their policies.

NO TTIP CAMPAIGN HITS CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE IN MANCHESTER

added 05 October 2015

WILL SALFORD JOIN THE THREE MILLION SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN TO STOP TTIP?

Today a giant Trojan Horse was inflated outside Manchester Town Hall, as the No TTIP campaign hit the Tory Party Conference. TTIP, or the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, will lock Europe into huge corporate deals that could hold public services, like the NHS, hostage to big business and destroy democracy.

Speaking at the Say No To TTIP rally, John Hilary, Executive Director of War On Want, urged Salford people, and others all over the country, to join three million people who have already signed the biggest petition in Europe, and to make Salford a TTIP-free zone.

HUNDREDS PROTEST OUTSIDE CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE IN MANCHESTER

added 05 October 2015

PROTESTERS SAY `BALLS TO THE TORIES'

Conservative Party delegates going to their Conference had to run a police-guarded gauntlet today as hundreds of people protesting against cuts to disability and education vented their anger at Government policies.

Boris Johnson in particular was pelted with beach balls, footballs and play balls as he scurried into the Conference surrounded by police. Meanwhile, outside Manchester Town Hall a giant Trojan horse was inflated as campaigners said `No To TTIP'.

Full details here...

added 05 October 2015

OVER 100,000 PEOPLE MARCH IN MANCHESTER TO OPPOSE THE TORIES

Star date: 4th October 2015

FROM SALFORD AND ALL OVER THE COUNTRY 100,000 MARCH AGAINST TORIES

The cheek and arrogance of the Conservative Party holding its annual Conference in Manchester, while its cuts for working people and attacks on trade unions are making life hell, was underlined when over 100,000 people took to the city centre streets today.

While the banners, placards and pig masks said it all, Kevin Courtney, Deputy General secretary of the NUT, underlined the point when he talked of "The joy of working class people standing up for their rights in a working class city that the Tories have come to; a city that's proud of its traditions and proud of the people who stood at Peterloo to defend working people..."

Full details and loads of photos here...

added 04 October 2015

PROTEST MYSTERY AT CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE

Star date: 4th October 2015

KETTLED - SALFORD EBOOK OF THE PROTEST AGAINST TORIES

Salford based Ian Pattinson has published a short mystery adventure novel to coincide with the protests against the Conservative Party Conference. Kettled is an ebook in which the action takes place as police pen demonstrators in St Ann's Square, with agents provocateurs trying to disrupt the demonstration.

`TORIES GO HOME’ MESSAGE FROM MANCHESTER AND SALFORD ON EVE OF CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE

added 04 October 2015

Star date: 3rd October 2015

ANTI-TORY FLASH MOB LIGHTS UP PICCADILLY STATION

This afternoon, hundreds of people turned up at Piccadilly Station to `welcome' delegates to the Conservative Party Conference by sending out the message `Tories Not Welcome – Go Home'.

Pig sweets were handed out, a giant knitted `Don't Stitch Us Up' banner was draped from the balcony, a choir sang anti-Tory songs and £50 notes were handed out stating `Taken from the poor and given to the rich'.

SALFORD REMEMBERS ALAN HENNING ONE YEAR ON

added 03 October 2015

Star date: 3rd October 2015

SALFORD CIVIC CENTRE FLAG FLIES AT HALF MAST FOR ALAN HENNING

One year on from the death of Alan Henning, the flag is flying at half mast at Salford Civic Centre this morning in honour of the Eccles aid worker who was brutally murdered at the hands of ISIS.

Alan Henning R.I.P.

More details here...

added 03 October 2015

TORY CONFERENCE PROTESTS BEGIN WITH HUGE PARTY IN MANCHESTER PICCADILLY

Star date: 2nd October 2015

BEATS FOR THE STREETS FREE PARTY KICKS OFF THE KICK OUT THE TORIES PROTESTS

Hundreds of people gathered in Piccadilly Gardens tonight to kick off five days of protests against the Conservative Party Conference being held in Manchester, as a huge sound system pumped out Dub, Jungle, D n' B and Reggae.

The twelve hour, `creative rebellion' party was the prelude to scores of events, rallies and protests, with the main demo happening on Sunday.

RIP OFF BRITAIN REPORTS ON SALFORD NIBE DISASTER

added 02 October 2015

Star date: 2nd October 2015

ANGELA RIPPON INVESTIGATES PENDLETON TOGETHER CHEAP ENERGY HORROR

Rip Off Britain
BBC One
Tuesday 6th October 9:15am

Next Tuesday evening, Angela Rippon investigates the so-called `cheap energy' NIBE system which has been installed in refurbished towerblocks in Pendleton by Pendleton Together, under the management of Salford City Council.

The NIBE systems were supposed to be cheap but, as the Salford Star has reported and Rip Off Britain is about to report, it's been a horror story for those who have seen their energy bills more than double.

SALFORD COUNCIL PLANNING SCANDAL CONTINUES IN ORDSALL

added 02 October 2015

Star date: 1st October 2015

273 PRIVATE PROPERTIES TO BE BUILT IN ORDSALL – AND NOT A PENNY FOR SALFORD

The latest planning scandal is set to see 273 private flats and houses built in Ordsall by Beaumont Morgan Developments – and not a penny to be received by Salford in planning fees, or even for the one affordable house which should be provided.

This application differs from previous schemes that have lost Salford over £19million in the past twelve months, in that the developer has not evaded paying the fees - Salford City Council is not actually asking for any, thanks to its new controversial developer-friendly policy.