Salford Star - with attitude & love xxx

‘DISGRACE’ OF OVER 10,000 SALFORD CHILDREN LIVING IN BENEFIT CLAIM HOUSEHOLDS

added 30 November 2017

Star date: 29th November 2017

OVER ONE THIRD OF SALFORD CHILDREN LIVING IN OUT-OF-WORK HOUSEHOLDS AGED UNDER FIVE

New Government figures out today show that 10,240 children age under 15 are living in almost six thousand 'out-of-work benefit households', and that over a third of these children are aged under five. Nationally, almost two million children are living in such households.

"What an absolute disgrace; this Government is dragging us back to the middle ages" says Alec McFadden of the Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre "The poverty we are dealing with every day is staggering..."

SALFORD SINGER RUSSELL WATSON DESIGNS O.T.T. SHOWBIZ DOG KENNEL

added 29 November 2017

Star date: 28th November 2017

DOGGY DREAMHOUSE HAS STAGE, RED CURTAINS AND THEATRE LIGHTING

Salford opera singer, Russell Watson, has designed an over the top showbiz kennel for the mutt who needs the limelight. The kennel has working stage lighting, red curtains and a bespoke back stage area, complete with mini-coat hangers.

Watson has created the doggy dreamhouse with designer Travis Alan Mills. It will be featured at the Spring 2018 Bow Wow Haus London exhibition and auctioned off to raise funds for pet charity Blue Cross.

Full details here…

added 28 November 2017

SALFORD AMONGST WORST PERFORMING COUNCILS FOR EARLY YEARS CHILDREN

Star date: 28th November 2017

SOCIAL MOBILITY INDEX SHOWS SALFORD KIDS AND WORKERS DOING BADLY

Salford's early years children and, in later life, working people, are doing badly according to a new State of the Nation report by Government advisory body, the Social Mobility Commission.

Salford is ranked 30th worst authority in the country for early years social mobility chances, while the 'working lives' index sees the city in the bottom half of 324 local authority areas. The report states that "the chances of someone from a disadvantaged background succeeding in life are bound to where they live".

SALFORD COMMUNITY EXCLUDED FROM DRAFT GM POLICE AND CRIME PLAN

added 28 November 2017

Star date: 27th November 2017

AGENCIES AND HOUSING ASSOCIATIONS REPLACE COMMUNITY VOICES

'They're not community priorities they are practitioners' priorities...'

Before December last year, there used to be a Greater Manchester Police Neighbourhood Survey, based on face-to-face interviews between residents and PCSOs. Issues ranged from perceptions of anti-social behaviour to people's ability to influence local decisions. Now, that's all gone...

Instead, officers from housing associations and agencies are giving their views on what the community is thinking, which is informing a new draft Police and Crime Plan for Greater Manchester. And the community won't get a say until after it's published.

BLANEY STORM IT WITH NEW ALBUM AND LIVE LAUNCH SHOW

added 27 November 2017

THE SEVERANCE SEES BLANEY IN TOP FORM

Blaney: The Severance Album Launch and Live Show
Thursday 30th November 7:30pm
The Castle Hotel, Manchester £7

Salford's Ed Blaney launches his top new album, The Severance, with a live show this Thursday at The Castle Hotel. Ian Leslie caught up with Ed before this weekend's Berlin launch.

Interview and album review here...

added 26 November 2017

HACIENDA CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE WAREHOUSE PROJECT

HOOKY, KEVIN SAUNDERSON, GREG WILSON AND MORE AT HAC PARTY

Hacienda Christmas Party
Saturday 30th December 8pm-5am
The Warehouse Project £29.50

American DJs join forces with original Hacienda groove spinners for the Hac Christmas Party at The Warehouse Project. The line-up includes Salford's Peter Hook, yanks Todd Terry and Kevin Saunderson, and Hac stalwarts Graeme Park, A Guy Called Gerald, Greg Wilson and Justin Robertson.

SALFORD RED DEVILS COACH GETS CLOSE TO SUPPORTERS

added 26 November 2017

FROM EGOS TO GRIT – HOW IAN WATSON CHANGED THE DRESSING ROOM

Last week, Salford RLFC Supporters' Trust held an evening with Ian Watson, where he revealed the change in the dressing room attitude from one full of egos, to one encapsulating true grit; while ex-player, Mark Lee, slated the councillor who said the Reds 'didn't deserve to exist'

Meanwhile, on16th December, the Trust, together with the club and Salford Red Devils Foundation is holding a free Junior Red Devils Christmas Party.

MANCHESTER AND SALFORD ANARCHIST BOOKFAIR 2017

added 26 November 2017

LOADS OF STALLS AND TALKS, AND A RADICAL BIRD WALK

Manchester and Salford Anarchist Bookfair 2017
Saturday 2nd December 11am-6pm free
Partisan, Cheetham Hill Road

The amazing Manchester and Salford Anarchist Bookfair arrives at Partisan next Saturday with loads of stalls, ranging from the Acorn Tenants Union, to Pumpkin Records. The Salford Star will also be selling our new range of hoodies and sweatshirts. Meanwhile there are eleven talks on everything from Subvertising to a Radical Bird Walk.

IF YOU’RE NOT FROM SALFORD YOU WON’T UNDERSTAND TOP NEW WONDERLAND SONG FROM BUCKERS

added 26 November 2017

Star date: 25th November 2017

ACE NEW SINGLE SEES SALFORD WONDERLAND CENTRE STAGE

'This is my wonderland, if you're not from round here I would never expect you to understand...'

A ridiculously catchy, jangly new single from Langworthy's Buckers captures the magic and mystery of Salford in all its hazy, crazy, 'dirty town' trepidations; with the accompanying video showing the singer being chased by a cop around Buile Hill Park and the back of Salford Precinct. Classic stuff. If you're not from Salford you won't understand...

HUGE COST OF SHUTTING SALFORD DISABLED CHILDREN’S HOME QUESTIONED BY UNISON

added 25 November 2017

Star date: 24th November 2017

Salford City UNISON has written to the Salford Mayor and councillors about the huge cost of moving children from The Grange to placements outside the borough, which it suggests could be as high as £250,000 per child.

Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, made the decision to shut the city's only home for disabled children but UNISON reckons it would cost more to close the facility than to keep it open. Meanwhile, solicitors representing one of the young people at the Grange are awaiting a judge's decision for a judicial review into the closure.

SALFORD POLIO SUFFERER WAS TRAPPED UPSTAIRS FOR THREE MONTHS AS HOUSING ASSOCIATION WON’T FIT LIFT

added 24 November 2017

Star date: 23rd November 2017

DISABLED SALIX HOMES TENANT TOLD TO FIND NEW PROPERTY

Salix Homes tenant, Thomas West, has a worsening polio condition that meant the stairlift at his house in Weaste needed alterations but then kept breaking down, leaving him trapped upstairs for three months at one point.

Thomas has been advised by Salford Council that he needs a vertical lift fitted but Salix Homes state it is against their policy and have asked him to consider moving to 'more suitable accommodation'... "I don't want to move" he says, suspecting financial concerns are being put before his needs.

COURT THROWS OUT SALFORD SCHOOL FINE FOR MUM WHO KEPT SERIOUSLY ILL SON AT HOME

added 23 November 2017

Star date: 22nd November 2017

HIS BROTHER HAD ALREADY DIED OF SAME ILLNESS BUT 'HEARTLESS' SCHOOL FINED MUM FOR UNAUTHORISED ABSENCES

"He wasn't going out enjoying himself; he was actually at home trying to breathe..."

A judge at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court has thrown out a fine given by Buile Hill Visual Arts College to mum, Nicola Newns, for 'unauthorised absences' of her son, Jacob, despite him suffering from the same serious illness that tragically took the life of his younger brother, Ben, a few years ago.

Court papers showed that the school complained it took them two hours once to contact Nicola – when she was actually in an ambulance with Jacob on the way to A&E; and then couldn't contact her for four days...when she was sat by his bed in intensive care "Praying he gets better".

GREATER MANCHESTER PRE-BUDGET RALLY HEARS CALLS TO BRING DOWN TORY GOVERNMENT

added 22 November 2017

Star date: 21st November 2017

'ARROGANT AND CRUEL' TORY GOVERNMENT GOT TO GO SAY JULIE HESMONDHALGH, TRADE UNIONISTS AND LABOUR COUNCILLORS

Tonight, a Pre-Budget rally on the steps of GMex in Manchester heard constant calls for the 'arrogant and cruel' Tory Government to be brought down.

Speakers at the Manchester People's Assembly rally included trade unionists, Labour Party councillors, the Canon of Manchester Cathedral, plus a message from Julie Hesmondhalgh condemning the Tories' "Unspeakable acts of injustice...against the most vulnerable in our society".

SALFORD SALIX HOMES DISABLED RESIDENT SUICIDE ATTEMPT AS CRIES FOR HELP IGNORED

added 21 November 2017

Star date: 21st November 2017

'HORRIFIED' PARENTS TELL OF SALIX 'TURNING BACK' ON DISABLED SON

"We can't understand how anyone can let a company do this to a vulnerable person forcing him to try and take his own life..."

The parents of a disabled man living in a Salix Homes flat off Blackfriars Road have written to the Salford City Mayor, Salford MP and local councillors after their son tried to commit suicide in a motorway car park.

The email states that Salix refused to help deal with anti-social behaviour and disability access issues, and "refused to accept that he is even disabled" despite him receiving full PIP... "The fact that his urgent cries for help have been ignored and his landlords have turned their back on him and instructed solicitors rather than provide the help that he urgently needs is horrifying".

Full details and email here...

added 21 November 2017

NEW NETPOL REPORT SHOWS POLICE USING INCREASINGLY VIOLENT TACTICS AGAINST ANTI-FRACKING PROTESTERS

Star date: 20th November 2017

NETPOL CALLS FOR 'URGENT EXTERNAL REVIEW' OF ANTI-FRACKING POLICING

"Our fundamental right to protest is being eroded by ever more oppressive policing" Keith Taylor, MEP

Community watchdog, Netpol, has today published a damning report on the policing of anti-fracking protests over the last year, which shows police using "increasingly confrontational and violent tactics against protesters", and calls for an 'urgent' and 'external review' of policy.

The report states Netpol has seen evidence of "police officers pushing people into hedges, knocking campaigners unconscious, violently dragging older people across the road and shoving others into speeding traffic..."

GREATER MANCHESTER LAW CENTRE PROVIDES FREE HOUSING ADVICE

added 20 November 2017

Star date: 19th November 2017

GM LAW CENTRE INTRODUCES FREE HOUSING ADVICE

Greater Manchester Law Centre has announced that it is now providing free housing advice for the community, via Platt Halpern Solicitors. The clinics take place by appointment in the afternoon of the second Friday of each month.

Meanwhile, the Law Centre is holding a fundraising Christmas Law and Disorder Quiz on Thursday 7th December at TROF in Manchester's Northern Quarter.

KEN LOACH, RICKY TOMLINSON, JB BARRINGTON STAR IN SALFORD COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE FUNDRAISER

added 19 November 2017

Star date: 19th November 2017

WATCH KEN LOACH FILMS WITH KEN LOACH!

Films and Conversations With Ken Loach
Thursday 23rd November 2pm-midnight
Moston Miners' Community Arts Centre £20/£10

This Thursday, there's a chance to watch Ken Loach films, I, Daniel Blake and Spirit of '45, together with the man himself, plus there's entertainment from Ricky Tomlinson, JB Barrington, Smug Roberts and more in a special fundraiser for the Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre.

MANCHESTER CHRISTMAS SHOPPER SHOCKER AS ‘THERESA MAY’ AND CO TAX RAIN, SMALL CHILDREN AND PUPPIES

added 19 November 2017

MANCHESTER PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY SUGGESTIONS FOR TORY BUDGET TAXES ON SANTA AND CARING THOUGHTS

Market Street in Manchester City Centre became a showcase for Tory Government pre-budget suggestions this afternoon, with 'Theresa May' and 'Philip Hammond' liking the idea of taxing everything from the northern rain to Santa himself.

It was all part of a Bodge The Budget performance from Manchester People's Assembly, and a pre-amble to the organisation's big Eve of Budget Rally to Shine A Light On Tory Failure, this Tuesday 21st November at 6:30pm, at GMex.

PENDLETON SIXTH FORM COLLEGE GRAPHIC DESIGN EXHIBITION

added 18 November 2017

EX STUDENTS, CURRENT STUDENTS AND POTENTIAL FUTURE STUDENTS INVITED TO SPECIAL SHOWCASE

Pendleton Graphic Design Alumni Exhibition
Tuesday 21st November from 5:30pm
Pendleton Sixth Form College

After a fire hit the Graphic Design Department at Pendleton Sixth Form College 18 months ago, the place has risen from ashes with new state-of-the-art facilities. And to celebrate, next Tuesday, successful former students will holding an exhibition; a "must-see show for any aspiring designers or anyone interested in creative arts and design" state the organisers.

REVEREND RACCOON CONVERTS THE KINGS ARMS SALFORD

added 18 November 2017

SPIRITUAL SALVATION NOT GUARANTEED BY REVEREND RACCOON

The Life and Crimes of Reverend Raccoon
Monday 20th November 7:30pm
The Kings Arms £5/£4

Loss, faith and spiritual quackery are explored in The Life and Crimes of Reverend Raccoon, that plays out at The Kings Arms on Monday. It's a one man dark comedy that parodies the archetypal tv preacher, as Ian Leslie discovers.

FIVE CANDIDATES TO STAND IN SALFORD LANGWORTHY BY-ELECTION

added 18 November 2017

TWO MAIN PARTIES PLUS GREENS, LIBDEMS AND INDEPENDENT STAND IN LANGWORTHY

Five candidates have put themselves forward to stand in the Langworthy by-election which takes place on Thursday 14th December. Joining the Conservative and Labour Party are the Greens, LibDems and Michael Felse standing as an Independent.

CORONATION STREET GORE FEST SLATED IN NEW POEM

added 18 November 2017

HORRORNATION STREET CALLS ENA SHARPLES TO THE RESCUE

What would Tony Warren think of Coronation Street, 2017 style? Dave Bishop, who actually stood in a by-election on a manifesto of scrapping the Street and its depressing storylines, has written a short poem...

GREENPEACE SPOOF COCA COLA CHRISTMAS ADVERT DE-RAILS THE REAL THING

added 18 November 2017

Star date: 17th November 2017

'DON'T LET COKE CHOKE OUR OCEANS'

Tonight, as Coca Cola releases its new slushy Christmas advert, Greenpeace has unveiled its own version, complete with big red truck and creepy Santa dumping loads of plastic cola bottles into the ocean.

"Coca Cola is the world's biggest soft drinks producer and the source of over a hundred billion disposable plastic bottles every year" states Greenpeace "This Christmas, we're asking Coke to show some goodwill to our oceans and shrink their enormous plastic footprint."

CIRCUS NIGHT AND CLUB BEATS AT SALFORD FUNDRAISER FOR LIFESHARE

added 17 November 2017

Star date: 17th November 2017

CIRCUS AND CLUB NIGHT FUNDRAISER FOR VITAL HOMELESS SERVICE

A Night At The Circus
Saturday 18th November 10pm-3am
The Old Pint Pot £5 (adv) £8 (door)

Tomorrow night, 18th November, The Old Pint Pot is hosting A Night At The Circus to help raise funds for voluntary homeless service, Lifeshare, which is being evicted as part of the NOMA 'regeneration' and needs to find a new home. The night will have amazing circus acts as well as cool club beats from a wow of DJs.

CRIME UP BY 61% IN SALFORD – THE HIGHEST RISE IN GREATER MANCHESTER

added 17 November 2017

Star date: 16th November 2017

VIOLENT CRIME UP 82%...SERIOUS VIOLENT CRIME UP 122%...SEX OFFENCES UP 61%

Increase in all crime has risen by 61% over the last year, the highest rise in Greater Manchester which recorded an average increase of 43% across the other boroughs.

Serious violent crime increased by 122%, violent crime by 82% and sex offences by 61%. All categories of crime increased by some degree, with the exception of the number of anti-social behaviour incidents recorded by police, which fell by 35%.

‘FORCE’ PEEL HOLDINGS TO OPEN SALFORD LIFTING BRIDGE SAYS IRLAM COUNCILLOR

added 16 November 2017

Star date: 16th November 2017

'SCANDALOUS' PEEL HOLDINGS SHOULD OPEN BARTON LIFTING BRIDGE INSISTS IRLAM COUNCILLOR

Irlam Councillor, Roger Jones, insisted at yesterday's full meeting of Salford City Council that Peel Holdings should be "forced" to open the Barton Lifting Bridge.

Salford and Trafford Council are currently in the midst of a legal battle with Peel over who will assume liability for the bridge which collapsed last year during construction: "Who on earth would take liability for that bridge...it's madness?" said Councillor Jones, again accusing Peel of holding the authorities to ransom.

SALFORD RED DEVILS ‘DON’T DESERVE TO EXIST’ SAYS TORY COUNCILLOR

added 16 November 2017

Star date: 16th November 2017

COUNCILLOR BETS SALFORD MAYOR £10 THAT REDS WILL WANT MORE PUBLIC MONEY

Conservative Councillor, Robin Garrido, told a full meeting of Salford City Council yesterday that the local authority should not be a "prop" for Salford Red Devils... "If they can't survive they don't deserve to exist" he argued, before betting Salford Mayor, Paul Dennett, £10 that within three years the club would need more Council money to "keep them going".

EVEN SALFORD TORIES SUPPORT LABOUR PARTY CALL FOR HALT TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT ROLL-OUT

added 16 November 2017

Star date: 15th November 2017

SALFORD CITY COUNCIL PASSES MOTION TO HALT ROLL-OUT OF UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Today, as horror stories were related of Salford residents suffering under Universal Credit, a Labour Party motion calling for a halt to its roll-out was passed unanimously by councillors – even those in the Conservative Party.

Meanwhile, a demonstration by trade unionists in support of the motion was held in the public gallery of the Council chamber.

FIVE SITES IN SALFORD THAT COULD BE OPENED UP FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

added 15 November 2017

Star date: 14th November 2017

CRESCENT POLICE STATION...LANCASTRIAN HALL...BUILE HILL MANSION...PRECINCT ESTATE...MOCHA PARADE

"Open up buildings for night shelters..."

Last week, Salford was named by housing charity, Shelter, as the second worst place in the North West for homelessness. Yet Salford City Council is sitting on lots of properties that are lying empty, awaiting 'regeneration'.

Today, there are calls for the Council to take the tins off and use them to help the homeless... "People are freezing on the streets, open up buildings for night shelters...sod the red tape, just do it" states Salford Street Support.

SALFORD COUNCIL MOTION CALLS FOR HALT TO UNIVERSAL CREDIT ROLL-OUT

added 14 November 2017

Star date: 14th November 2017

UNIVERSAL CREDIT 'CAUSING UNNECESSARY HARDSHIP TO LOCAL FAMILIES'

Salford City Council is set to approve a motion tomorrow calling for a halt to the roll-out of the hated Universal Credit. The motion, put forward by two Salford Labour Party councillors, states that Universal Credit "is causing huge increases in rent arrears" and "is causing unnecessary hardship to local families".

Before the full Salford Council meeting, which is set to approve the motion, Salford TUC, Unite Community and others have actually called a demonstration in support of the Council.

SALFORD DEVELOPERS SEEK PLANNING FOR 735 LUXURY PROPERTIES WITH NONE AFFORDABLE

added 14 November 2017

Star date: 13th November 2017

HUGE BLOCKS OF FLATS IN ORDSALL AND GREENGATE AVOID AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND OVER £1.5M FEES

This week, Salford City Council planning panel will consider applications for huge blocks of 735 luxury properties in Ordsall and Greengate.

Neither has any affordable housing, thanks to Salford Council policies, while planning contributions to the value of over £1.5million have been avoided via 'viability assessments'.

GREATER MANCHESTER PENSION FUND WORST OFFENDER IN UK FOR FOSSIL FUEL INVESTMENT

added 13 November 2017

Star date: 12th November 2017

GM PENSION FUND £1.8BILLION INVESTED IN FOSSIL FUELS

A new report, Councils: Fuelling The Fire, reveals that the Greater Manchester Pension Fund invests more in fossil fuels, which accelerate climate change, than any other public body in the UK.

"Our elected local councillors have a major role to play in creating a pensions industry that is not just paying out pensions, but also making sure we will have a future worth retiring for" state the authors, revealing £1.8billion of GM Pension Funds is invested in fossil fuels.

SALFORD RED DEVILS COACH IAN WATSON LIVE INTERVIEW AT OLD NAGS HEAD IRLAM

added 12 November 2017

Star date: 12th November 2017

REDS COACH IAN WATSON ON STAGE IN IRLAM

An Evening with Head Coach Ian Watson and Guests
Sunday 19th November 5pm-7pm free
The Old Nags Head pub, Irlam

Salford Red Devils coach, Ian Watson, is to be interviewed about his career and hopes for the forthcoming season in a free live event organised by Salford RLFC Supporters' Trust at The Old Nags Head in Irlam next Sunday. It's hosted by former Salford and Wales international Paul Highton.

GREEN PARTY SLAMS ‘OBSCENE’ TAX DODGING FRACKERS AS SALFORD LABOUR MP JOINS ANTI-FRACKING RALLY

added 12 November 2017

Star date: 12th November 2017

GREEN PARTY CO-LEADER SLAMS OFFSHORE WEALTH OF FRACKERS, AS SALFORD LABOUR MP SPEAKS AT ANTI-FRACKING RALLY AND COUNCILLORS FACE COURT

Fracking is once again at the heart of politics this week, as three councillors and ten residents who took part in lock-ons at Cuadrilla's Preston New Road fracking site face trials tomorrow, and Salford and Eccles MP Rebecca Long-Bailey speaks at an anti-fracking rally in Ellesmere Port on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Green Party co-leader, Jonathan Bartley, who was dragged off by police from a protest outside a fracking site in Ryedale on Friday, has slammed the Tory Government for subsidising fracking company, Third Energy..."to use tax breaks to help a company keeping its wealth in an offshore tax haven is obscene" he says.

MORRISSEY LOW IN HIGH SCHOOL ALBUM REVIEW

added 12 November 2017

Star date: 11th November 2017

MOZZER GETS CONTROVERSIAL – FOR A CHANGE!

Morrissey isn't from Salford, although he did pop down to Salford Lads Club for a photo once, we believe. This allows him a tenuous link to the city and a review of his new album, Low In High School; which Ian Leslie decides 'is certainly not a safe crowd-pleaser...It promises to be his most controversial, aggressive and passionate offering to date'.

Full album review here...

added 11 November 2017

THE DEAD, LIVE IN ECCLES AT SMITHS RESTAURANT

Star date: 11th November 2017

EERIE AND GHOSTLY – THE DEAD ARRIVE IN ECCLES

The Dead, Live
Wednesday 15th November 8:15pm
Smiths Restaurant, Eccles

Lawrence Dodds is a popular 'psychic' medium who knows he's a fake, but the world of Spirit may have some shocks in store for him when someone unexpected attends one of his live shows. Ghostly drama...and you can dine before you get creeped out...

SALFORD LABOUR COUNCILLOR ACCUSES POWER GRAB REBECCA LONG-BAILEY SUPPORTERS AS HE RESIGNS THE WHIP

added 11 November 2017

Star date: 11th November 2017

SWINTON LABOUR COUNCILLOR WHO SPEAKS HIS MIND DE-SELECTED

Howard Balkind, the sitting councillor for Swinton South, has resigned the Labour Party whip after being de-selected at a ward meeting this week. In an email to 'colleagues' yesterday he wrote "with immediate effect I am resigning the whip and I will sit as an independent Labour councillor and make my own mind up for the next six months".

In an interview with the Salford Star he accuses a member of Rebecca Long-Bailey's staff of "actively campaigning to get me removed". The new candidate for Swinton South will be Stuart Dickman, a full time communications officer for the Salford and Eccles MP... "It's ending up almost like nepotism" he says.

‘SALIX ARE TRYING TO KILL ME’ SAYS HOMELESS MAN AS HOUSING COMPANY IS SLAMMED BY SALFORD UCRC

added 11 November 2017

Star date: 10th November 2017

"HE HAS COLLAPSED SIX TIMES IN THE STREET...WE NEED ACTION NOW FROM THE LANDLORD"...

'His life has become endangered...we are deeply concerned...' Alec McFadden, Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre

Graciano Mantato was evicted by Salix Homes just under two months ago. Since then, he's slept in a van, a bus station, a police station, a hospital reception...and on the streets. He has collapsed six times with the stress and anxiety.

Now, local health professionals are deeply concerned about Graciano's wellbeing and, today, Alec McFadden, from Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre, slammed Salix Homes... "We need action now from the landlord to ensure that Graciano is re-housed and continues to live...The time for silence has long past..."

Full details here...

added 10 November 2017

SALFORD RED DEVILS GET ANOTHER THREE YEAR HOLIDAY TO PAY SALFORD COUNCIL DEBT

Star date: 9th November 2017

SALFORD CITY COUNCIL WAIVES LOAN DEBT FOR A FURTHER THREE YEARS

Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, has agreed to suspend loan debt payments by Salford Red Devils for a further three years. In December last year, the Council agreed a twelve month payment 'holiday' on the Reds' loan, which was due to end at Christmas but that 'holiday' has now been extended until 2020.

This latest decision, taken by the Mayor alone with 'special urgency', means that Salford Council will have received nothing from the rugby club for over five years. The total debt now stands at over £1million.

SALFORD DOGS 4 US ‘FORCED TO CLOSE IN NEAR FUTURE’ AS IT APPLIES FOR DEMOLITION

added 09 November 2017

Star date: 9th November 2017

DOGS 4 US APPLIES FOR DEMOLITION AND CLOSURE AS BOYCOTT BITES

The owners of Dogs 4 Us on Agecroft Road have applied to Salford City Council for the demolition of the site, to be replaced by a builder's merchant. The Council officer's report states that "trade has become increasingly difficult. It is believed the store will be forced to close in the near future..."

The pet sales store has come under constant pressure from campaign groups, including Boycott Dogs4Us, and from the national media over its alleged involvement with puppy farms.

SALIX HOMES EVICTING SALFORD PEOPLE BUT HAS £1.3MILLION HOMELESS CONTRACT

added 09 November 2017

Star date: 8th November 2017

SALIX MAKING PEOPLE HOMELESS BUT COUNCIL RENEWS COMPANY'S HOMELESSNESS CONTRACT

'Even the illegal squat was full...'

Last month, Salford Council renewed the £1.3million per year contract for Salix Homes to manage homelessness in the city. Yet Salix is actually making people homeless by evicting them for rent arrears and other issues. Surely a conflict of interest?

Here the Salford Star follows one guy who was evicted by Salix and has spent nights in bus stations and hospital receptions. There's no space in Salford hostels, there's no chance of a Salix home...even the illegal squat in Manchester was full.

SALFORD SECOND HIGHEST LEVEL OF HOMELESSNESS IN NORTH WEST, SHELTER REPORT SHOWS

added 08 November 2017

Star date: 8th November 2017

ALMOST ONE IN FIVE HUNDRED HOMELESS IN SALFORD

Combining official rough-sleeping, temporary accommodation and social services figures, a new report by housing charity Shelter shows that Salford has the second highest rate of homelessness in the North West, with one in 570 people homeless.

The report also shows that there's been a 24% rise in homelessness in the region within the last year... "It's shocking" says Shelter Manchester Hub manager, John Ryan.

OFFSHORE COMPANIES AT THE HEART OF SALFORD REGENERATION

added 08 November 2017

Star date: 7th November 2017

LPC...PEEL HOLDINGS...SCHOOLS...SALFORD ROYAL HOSPITAL...

"Whilst they're hoarding their money abroad, families go hungry as a result of their cruel policies. #ParadisePapers" Jeremy Corbyn

As the Paradise Papers throw light on some dodgy dealings in tax havens, here in Salford many of the companies involved in regeneration are also ultimately registered offshore.

Last month, GMCA, via Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, handed a cheap loan of £2.6million for building apartments in Ordsall to RP2 Developments, whose 'relevant legal entity' is based in Guernsey. Meanwhile, Peel Holdings is ultimately registered in the Isle of Man, and companies taking massive profits from PFI deals for Salford Royal Hospital and five schools are also offshore.

SALE SHARKS CALL EMERGENCY MEETING WITH SALFORD COUNCIL OVER ‘BREAKING POINT’ AJ BELL STADIUM

added 07 November 2017

Star date: 6th November 2017

'DISASTROUS TRAFFIC', LIFTING BRIDGE DELAY AND 'CONSTANT BATTLE WITH POWERS THAT BE' LEAD SHARKS TO 'BREAKING POINT'

Sale Sharks owner, Simon Orange, has called an 'emergency meeting' with Salford City Council and Peel Holdings in relation to their AJ Bell Stadium over the 'disastrous traffic situation', the 'quality of offering' and 'constant battle with the powers that be'.

In a message to supporters, Simon Orange confirms that Sale Sharks have tried to buy the Stadium but are 'exploring other options' ... "This emergency meeting is to help us decide if there is any way we can continue to use the AJ Bell stadium as we, as well as you, are reaching breaking point" he states.

THE PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY PLANS TO TAKE DOWN TORY GOVERNMENT

added 06 November 2017

PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY LAUNCHES PROGRAMME TO REPLACE AUSTERITY

"The Tories are not fit to continue in office...our movement needs to go beyond protest to organising to bring them down..."

The People's Assembly, which has roots in Manchester and Salford, has recently launched a pamphlet, In Place of Austerity: A Programme For The People, full of myths, truths, anger and solutions.

The Assembly has also called an Eve of Budget Protest to 'shine a light on Tory failure' for 21st November at Manchester Convention Centre.

SALFORD MEN NEEDED TO SING FOR SLADS

added 05 November 2017

SINGING SALFORD MEN OF ALL AGES WANTED

St Luke's Arts and Drama Society (SLADS) is looking for men of all ages to take part in its forthcoming production of Into The Woods. There's open auditions this Wednesday 8th November at 7pm, St Luke's Parish Hall in Weaste.

SALFORD RLFC SUPPORTERS TRUST TO LAY WREATH ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

added 05 November 2017

SALFORD REDS SUPPORTERS TRUST REMEMBERS FORMER WAR HEROES

The recently formed Salford RLFC Supporters' Trust has announced that its members are to lay a wreath at next week's Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph on the Crescent. Seven Salford players were killed in WW1, including team captain Thomas Williams, while many served in WW2.

SALE SHARKS TEACH SALFORD A LESSON IN SUCCESS

added 05 November 2017

RUGBY WORLD CUP WINNER JASON ROBINSON INSPIRES SALFORD YOUNG PEOPLE

Rugby World Cup winner and former Sale Sharks star, Jason Robinson, dropped into Eccles Rugby Club this week to inspire young people on the HITZ Salford programme, which is run by Sale Sharks Community Trust in conjunction with Premiership Rugby. Jason told how he faced similar challenges to those encountered by the learners and ended up a winner.