Salford Star - with attitude & love xxx

SALFORD TORIES SUPPORT LABOUR PARTY BUDGET IN ‘SURREAL’ COUNCIL VOTE

added 28 February 2018

Star date: 28th February 2018

£11MILLION SALFORD COUNCIL CUTS BUDGET PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

In a move branded 'surreal and strange' by councillors, Salford's Conservative Party supported the ruling Labour Party budget for the next financial year at this morning's Council meeting.

Normally, the Tories provide an alternative budget but this year Tory councillor, Christopher Clarkson, said "We must all work together". The £11.2million cuts programme was approved unanimously, despite new voting technology breaking down.

SALFORD COUNCILLORS TO LOBBY THEMSELVES OVER NURSERY CLOSURES

added 28 February 2018

Star date: 27th February 2018

SERIOUSLY BIZARRE HAPPENINGS WITH SAVE NURSERIES CAMPAIGN

The Save Salford Nurseries campaign has called a protest for tomorrow morning outside the Civic Centre, before Salford City Council's budget meeting. However, Salford councillors from the ruling Labour group which is axing the nurseries will be joining the campaigners.

It gets even stranger as, later on in the day, the Salford Mayor, whose ultimate decision it will be to shut the places, will be going to a campaign meeting to save the nurseries. Meanwhile figures being bandied around to justify the closures seemingly don't add up. What is going on?

£18MILLION PLANNING FEE AVOIDANCE IN SALFORD STATES SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY REPORT

added 27 February 2018

Star date: 26th February 2018

SALFORD COUNCIL DEVELOPER FRIENDLY POLICIES LED TO £18MILLION FEE AVOIDANCE AND LOSS OF OVER 2,000 AFFORDABLE PROPERTIES

A new report by Dr Jonathan Silver at Sheffield University has echoed Salford Star research that developers are avoiding millions of pounds in planning fees, while the city is losing thousands of affordable properties.

This research looked at 26 sites in the city that had planning permission, and concluded that over £18million had been avoided in Section 106 payments plus the provision of over 2,000 affordable properties. Salford Star research has shown that, over all Salford sites, the figure is around £50million.

CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON, MAXINE PEAKE ET AL GIVE OUT CLASS TRUTHS AT SALFORD WCM LIBRARY

added 26 February 2018

Star date: 25th February 2018

WORKING CLASS MOVEMENT LIBRARY TO SCREEN AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY

"They've never wanted the working class to have any power; they don't want us educated, they definitely don't want us to have any artistic inspiration" Maxine Peake

The Acting Class, an absolutely brilliant award-winning documentary about struggling actors and social class, gets another well-deserved screening in Salford on Wednesday 7th March at the Working Class Movement Library. Do not miss!

SCRAP UNIVERSAL CREDIT DPAC PROTEST MANCHESTER

added 25 February 2018

Star date: 24th February 2018

DPAC NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION AGAINST UNIVERSAL CREDIT

Stop and Scrap Universal Credit
Thursday 1st March 1pm-3pm
St Peter's Square, Manchester

This Thursday, Disabled People Against Cuts, or DPAC, is holding a national day of action calling for Universal Credit to be stopped and scrapped, with a protest at St Peter's Square... "Pause and fix is not good enough" DPAC states.

FREE ALL FM RADIO TRAINING FOR CARERS

added 24 February 2018

Star date: 24th February 2018

CARERS INVITED TO RADIO TRAINING TASTER

Carers of any age, from Salford and elsewhere in Greater Manchester, are invited to take part in free radio training being run by community station All FM. There's an introductory taster session this Wednesday 28th February in Levenshulme.

SPECIAL SALFORD PEOPLE RECOGNISED AT SALFORD PRECINCT

added 24 February 2018

Star date: 24th February 2018

AS 82-YEAR OLD MUM WINS 'LOVE LETTER' PRIZE, FOR MOTHER'S DAY, FREE NAIL TREATMENTS AND CHANCE TO WIN LUXURY SPA EXPERIENCE

For Valentine's Day, 82 year-old Ireane Cosgrove won a bundle of prizes after being nominated by her daughter via the Love Letter Post Box. Now, for Mother's Day, Salford Shopping Centre is asking people to nominate 'marvellous mums' for the chance to win a luxury spa experience.

Meanwhile, on Saturday 3rd March, for World Book Day, Billy the Bookworm will be visiting the Precinct, and kids are invited to dress up as their fave fictional character to win prizes.

SALFORD COUNCIL HAS A FIGHT ON ITS HANDS TO SAVE NURSERIES SAY CAMPAIGNERS

added 24 February 2018

Star date: 23rd February 2018

'WE'RE GOING TO FIGHT FOR OUR CHILDREN'

This afternoon, two grandparents of children with special needs who go to Little Hulton Day Nursery, were out in Walkdens' Ellesmere Shopping Centre collecting scores of signatures for the Save Salford Nurseries petition.

"Salford Council think they're right and know it all, and we're just these people from poor areas who don't have any say in matters, but they've got a fight on their hands now" said Hilary "We are going to fight for our nurseries and fight for our children."

SALFORD COUNCIL U-TURN ON NURSERY CLOSURE CONSULTATION

added 23 February 2018

Star date: 22nd February 2018

HUMILIATING CLIMBDOWN FOR SALFORD CITY MAYOR

Just two days after announcing that a consultation would begin on 26th February for closing Salford's five nurseries, this afternoon Salford Council announced that it is to be paused for a month.

Less than a week ago a huge Save Our Nurseries public meeting voted, against the wishes of Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, and Children's Lead Member, Lisa Stone, for the closure consultation to be stopped. In the face of growing anger from the community the Council has been forced into a humiliating climb down.

SALFORD UNIVERSITY LECTURERS STRIKE OVER POSSIBLE 40% PENSION CUT

added 22 February 2018

Star date: 22nd February 2018

'THIS IS THE LAST STRAW'

Salford University lecturers went on strike today over an attack on their pensions, which their union, UCU, states could lead to a cut of between 20% and 40%.

Pickets were mounted at all entrances of the University, where UCU official Matt Arrowsmith told the Salford Star, "Our members feel this is the last straw...Nobody wants to be on strike but this is our last line of defence."

SALFORD COUNCIL TO BORROW £38MILLION FOR OFFICE BLOCK

added 22 February 2018

Star date: 21st February 2018

COUNCIL TO BORROW £38.6MILLION FOR EMBANKMENT OFFICES

Cash strapped Salford City Council, currently mired in controversy over shutting its five nurseries, is to borrow £38.6million this year to 'invest' in its new 100 Embankment office block.

It's part of an overall £200million 'investment' in this block and its Two New Bailey block.

SALFORD COUNCIL NURSERY CLOSURE GOVERNMENT BOMBSHELL

added 21 February 2018

Star date: 20th February 2018

GOVERNMENT REVEALS THAT SALFORD COUNCIL NEVER ASKED FOR FUNDING FLEXIBILITY

Salford City Council recently announced that it was proposing to close all five of its nurseries. And yesterday Children's Lead Member, Lisa Stone, said that it was "a direct result of Government changes, which reduce the use of Dedicated Schools Grant."

However, this afternoon a spokesperson for the Department for Education told the Salford Star that "Any council that had concerns…could apply to the department for increased flexibility" in the Grant's use. They added that "The Department has not received a request from Salford for increased flexibility…" This is bound to increase pressure on the City Mayor to hold off the consultation on the closures.

Full details here…

added 20 February 2018

SALFORD RED DEVILS AUDITOR ‘CASTS DOUBT’ ABOUT ‘COMPANY’S ABILITY TO CONTINUE’

Star date: 19th February 2018

SALFORD REDS ACCOUNTS SHOW ALMOST £9MILLION LIABILITIES

New accounts published for the Salford Red Devils show that the company made losses of over £700,000 last year and that it has net liabilities of almost £9million, including the £1million loan from Salford City Council.

Despite the directors insisting that restructures and changes within the club forecast a 'modest profit', its auditor states that the conditions "indicate the existence of a material uncertainty which may cast significant doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern".

SALFORD DESIGNER REACHES FINAL OF LIBERTY LONDON TALENT SEARCH

added 19 February 2018

Star date: 18th February 2018

SALFORD MISSHANDLED IN 3-D

Salford's Amanda Tiller, founder of MissHandled, has beat off over nine thousand entrants to reach the final in a search by iconic department store, Liberty London, to find the best untapped interior design talent.

Amanda does hand-made 3-D geometric home accessories, and her wild and wonderful jesmonite Object of Desire has impressed Liberty buyers, who are now asking the public to help sway their vote before they reveal the winner.

HIDDEN SALFORD WORKING CLASS MOVEMENT LIBRARY REVEALED

added 18 February 2018

Star date: 18th February 2018

FOR SALFORD PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALWAYS MEANT TO VISIT 'THAT BIG VICTORIAN HOUSE ON THE CRESCENT'...

On Friday 23rd February between 2pm and 5pm, Salford's 'hidden gem' Working Class Movement Library is holding a drop-in as part of a HiDDEN8 event.

"If you've kept meaning to drop into that big Victorian house on the Crescent, today's the day" states Lynette from the Library "We're targeting Salfordians who've always meant to come in for a nosey." Not to be missed.

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE PACK SAVE OUR SALFORD NURSERIES MEETING

added 18 February 2018

Star date: 17th February 2018

MEETING VOTES TO TAKE ON SALFORD MAYOR IF NURSERY CLOSURE CONSULTATION GOES AHEAD

Despite pleas from Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, and various Labour councillors to work together to save the five Salford Council nurseries threatened with closure, a packed meeting of hundreds of people voted this afternoon to lobby and protest against the Council unless a consultation on the closures is stopped.

"They can't have a consultation to close the nurseries, and ask us to have a joint campaign" said UNISON's Ameen Hadi "The two things can't happen..."

PETER HOOK AND THE LIGHT TO DO NEW ORDER ALBUMS IN MANCHESTER

added 17 February 2018

Star date: 17th February 2018

HOOKY REVISITS NEW ORDER LIVE

Salford star, Peter Hook, is to perform New Order albums Technique and Republic with his band, The Light, at Albert Hall Manchester on 29th September. Hooky has garnered a massive following touring the world with previous Joy Division and New Order material, and his live shows have met with huge critical acclaim.

SALFORD COUNCIL TAX TO SEE £6.30 EXTRA FOR GREATER MANCHESTER MAYOR

added 17 February 2018

Star date: 16th February 2018

SALFORD HOUSEHOLD AVERAGE OF £6.30 TO PAY FOR GREATER MANCHESTER MAYOR

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has announced that there will be a Greater Manchester Mayoral 'precept' of £6.30 on average household Council Tax bills from April.

"I recognise that it is a big ask for people to pay anything more, especially in these difficult times" says GM Mayor Andy Burnham.

SALFORD CENTRE URGES DISABLED TO GET IN TOUCH AFTER DAMNING BENEFITS ASSESSMENT REPORT FROM PARLIAMENT

added 16 February 2018

Star date: 15th February 2018

DWP CONTRACTOR DISABILITY ASSESSMENT FAILURES LED TO 'LACK OF TRUST'

The House of Commons Select Committee on Work and Pensions has slammed the "failures" of DWP contractors that carry out disability benefit assessments for ESA and PIP, after 290,000 claimants only received the correct award after challenging the initial decision.

Reacting to the report, the Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre has urged disabled people to get in touch to take advantage of its free service which provides expert assistance during the assessment process.

SHOCKING DOCUMENT REVEALS SALFORD COUNCIL ATTITUDE TO FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUESTS

added 15 February 2018

Star date: 14th February 2018

SO MUCH FOR SALFORD MAYOR'S PLEDGE TO 'CREATE A MORE TRANSPARENT ORGANISATION'

A document of response logs to a Salford Star Freedom of Information request to Salford City Council - probably emailed inadvertently - reveals the shocking attitude of the Council towards transparency, breaking City Mayor Paul Dennett's own pledges.

Salford Council held the information requested but, despite its own Freedom of Information team being concerned about 'transparency', the so-called neutral Council Solicitor and Monitoring Officer, Miranda Carruthers-Watt, sent a response withholding the details anyway.

SALFORD NURSERY CLOSURE FIGHTBACK BEGINS AS 2,000 PEOPLE SIGN PETITION IN 24 HOURS

added 14 February 2018

Star date: 13th February 2018

2,000 SIGN SAVE SALFORD COUNCIL NURSERY PETITION ON FIRST DAY

"It shows the passion people have for this. Salford has a long and proud history of protest..." Nursery mum

A petition started yesterday to Save Salford Council's Five Outstanding Nurseries has already drawn two thousand signatures, as the outcry against the proposed closures gathers pace.

"It's very short sighted to close these places that are doing such an outstanding job" says Elizabeth Longwill, petition creator and a mum who sends her daughter to the threatened Barton Moss Nursery "It seems like complete madness."

HOMELESS DEATH NUMBERS BLOCKED BY MANCHESTER HOSPITAL NHS TRUST

added 13 February 2018

Star date: 12th February 2018

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION CHRISTMAS HOMELESS DEATH REQUEST BLOCKED

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Manchester Royal Infirmary, has blocked a Salford Star Freedom of Information request on the numbers of homeless people who died over the Christmas period.

While the Trust did confirm that there had been homeless deaths over the period, it refused to disclose numbers. Other hospital trusts in Greater Manchester, however, did respond, as they had no recorded deaths that matched the criteria...

CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON LINKS TO PETERLOO MASSACRE TO BE REVEALED IN NEW GRAPHIC BOOK

added 12 February 2018

NEW CROWDFUNDED PETERLOO GRAPHIC BOOK TO BE PUBLISHED FOR 200TH ANNIVERSARY

Salford star, Christopher Eccleston, is set to reveal a family legend about one of his ancestor's encounters with the military on the day of the Peterloo Massacre, in the intro to a unique and stunning graphic book detailing the story of the historic slaughter of demonstrators in Manchester in 1819.

The creators of the comic style book, backed by Maxine Peake, are trying to crowdfund to get it done, and are offering some incredible rewards to anyone pledging donations.

THE NORTHERN GREENHOUSE – A NEW VISION OF THE NORTH

added 11 February 2018

AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE 'NORTHERN POWERHOUSE'

Well known Salford ecologist, James Walsh, has challenged the current concept of the 'Northern Powerhouse' with his book The Northern Greenhouse - A New Vision Of The North.

It's a grass roots view of the environment of the North of England and the green economy potential. Does it have to be property development, green belt destruction and fracking?

ECCLES MOSQUE OPEN DAY 18TH FEBRUARY

added 11 February 2018

GUIDED TOURS, HENNA PAINTING, CALLIGRAPHY AND MORE

Eccles Mosque Open Day
Sunday 18th February 12noon-5pm
Liverpool Road, Eccles

The Eccles and Salford Islamic Society is hosting an open day at Eccles Mosque next Sunday, 18th February, with guided tours, discussions, henna painting, Arabic calligraphy and more.

RADIO AND DJ SKILLS TRAINING FOR SALFORD VETERANS AND COMMUNITY

added 11 February 2018

RADIO PRESENTING IN VICTORIA PARK

A free broadcast media course is being run for veterans and the wider community at the new Victoria Park Gatehouse in Swinton, with no experience necessary.

1954 FILM CLASSIC GODZILLA SCREENED TO MARK 60 YEARS OF CND

added 11 February 2018

GREATER MANCHESTER CND SCREENS ORIGINAL GODZILLA

Godzilla
Saturday 17th February 6:30pm
3 Minute Theatre, Afflecks Arcade, Manchester £5

To mark sixty years of CND, the original 1954 classic film, Godzilla, is being screened by Greater Manchester and District CND. What's the link?

WHY WE NEED AN ANTI-WAR GOVERNMENT PUBLIC MEETING

added 10 February 2018

'Why We Need An Anti-War Government' Public Meeting
Saturday 17th February 2pm-4pm
The Mechanics Institute, Manchester

BOMBS AWAY OR NOT?

Greater Manchester CND, Manchester Stop the War Coalition and Manchester Trades Union Council have called a public meeting for next Saturday at which speakers "will set out the case for an independent foreign policy and an economy built on peace and prosperity, not war and austerity"...

LIAM MCCLAIR LAUNCHES EP WITH FREE GIG AT EAGLE INN SALFORD

added 10 February 2018

Liam McClair EP Launch
Thursday 15th February from 7:30pm
The Eagle Inn

FIX IT AT EAGLE INN

Singer songwriter, Liam McClair, is performing a free live show at the Eagle Inn this Thursday to launch his new EP Fix It, with support by Dom Major and Ben Williams. Ian Leslie asks Liam about his songs that are 'full of emotion and class'.

SAVE SALFORD COUNCIL NURSERIES PUBLIC MEETING CALLED BY UNISON

added 10 February 2018

PUBLIC MEETING TO STOP CLOSURE OF FIVE COUNCIL NURSERIES

Save Salford Council Nurseries Public Meeting
Saturday 17th February 11am-1pm
Hemsley House, The Crescent

Salford City UNISON, which represents workers at the five Salford City Council nurseries earmarked for closure, has called a public meeting for next Saturday, 17th February, to discuss how to keep them open.

OVER 100 WORKERS COULD LOSE JOBS IN SALFORD COUNCIL NURSERY MASSACRE

added 10 February 2018

Star date: 9th February 2018

FIVE SALFORD COUNCIL NURSERIES COULD CLOSE WHILE COUNCIL TAX RISES ALMOST 5%

Over one hundred nursery workers could lose their jobs as Salford City Council proposes to axe all of its five nurseries that look after some of the most vulnerable children in the city.

On top of this, Council Tax is set to rise by 4.99%, while £11.2million cuts will mean more services will be scaled back.

SALFORD COUNCIL HOUSING RENTS TO INCREASE BY ALMOST 4% THANKS TO PFI

added 09 February 2018

Star date: 9th February 2018

PENDLETON RENT RISE RESULTS FROM CONTROVERSIAL PFI CONTRACT

Following rent rises of over 20% during the last five years, Salford City Council is set to increase social housing rents by a further 3.8% from April this year for its Pendleton PFI properties. PFI-funded housing is exempt from a 1% rent reduction imposed on other social housing providers in the city.

Balancing out the rent rises are reduced service charges for some properties, while the Council states that costs for addressing fire safety issues within the high rise blocks in Pendleton "have not yet been identified".

ACTOR JOHN HENSHAW JOINS FIRST BUS DRIVERS EQUALITY FIGHT PROTEST

added 09 February 2018

Star date: 8th February 2018

SALFORD BUSES STOPPED IN EARLY MORNING BUS PROTEST AT QUEENS ROAD

Actor John Henshaw joined this morning's protest at the First Bus Queens Road depot which stopped buses leaving, as further action took place to support Rusholme drivers fighting for equal pay with their colleagues.

"This is all about fairness" John Henshaw told the Salford Star "You can't pay one man for doing a job and another man less, it's a disgrace. People have got to turn around and say 'We're not standing for it'..."

THERESA MAY TALKS OUT OF HER BACKSIDE ON SALFORD PRESS DEMOCRACY

added 08 February 2018

Star date: 7th February 2018

SALFORD ADVERTISER CLOSURE 'DANGEROUS FOR OUR DEMOCRACY'?

Speaking in Manchester yesterday, Prime Minister Theresa May wept for the closure of local newspapers, naming the Salford Advertiser and adding that it was "dangerous for our democracy".

Here, the Salford Star editor argues that the PM was basically talking out of her backside and has got it all the wrong way round – lack of transparency within public bodies is 'dangerous for our democracy'...

PLANS REVEALED FOR SALFORD EDUCATION OFFICES ON CHAPEL STREET

added 07 February 2018

Star date: 6th February 2018

GRADE II LISTED EDUCATION OFFICE BUILDING WON'T BE SOLD TO DEVELOPERS

The spectacular Grade II listed French Renaissance style Salford Education Office on Chapel Street is to be saved from developers and converted into retirement apartments by the Diocese of Salford.

"We are just at the stage of development work commencing" a spokesperson for the Diocese tells the Salford Star "...The likely timeframe for completion of the building work is two years."

SALFORD MP REBECCA LONG-BAILEY ‘HORRIFIED’ BY DEATH OF CLAIMANT PRONOUNCED FIT FOR WORK BY DWP

added 06 February 2018

Star date: 5th February 2018

SALFORD MAN PASSED 'FIT FOR WORK' DIES LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LATER

A 54 year old Salford man passed 'fit for work' by the Tory Government's DWP died of a massive heart attack, after suffering stress and anxiety as a result of the disputed decision.

"He had children and a wife, and didn't know where to turn to next" his sister tells the Salford Star "He was put through hell." Salford and Eccles MP, Rebecca Long-Bailey, adds: "I am horrified that they may have contributed to his untimely and shocking passing..."

SALFORD SONGWRITER CREATES NATIONAL SACK ESTHER MCVEY CAMPAIGN TRACK

added 05 February 2018

Star date: 5th February 2018

SACK ESTHER MCVEY TRACK GOES NATIONAL

'Take a look tell me can you see/She's never ever going to let you be
The vitriol she's aiming at the sick and at the poor...No more...'

Salford singer songwriter, Dominic Williams, has written a hard hitting track called No More (Sack Esther Now) which launches today, spearheading a campaign to get rid of Esther McVey, the controversial new Secretary of State for the Department of Work and Pensions.

£1MILLION IRWELL VALLEY SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES SALFORD PROJECT ENDS

added 05 February 2018

Star date: 4th February 2018

FIVE YEARS...£1MILLION...DID IT SUCCEED?

The five year, £1million Big Lottery Funded Irwell Valley Sustainable Communities Project ended this week. It aimed to make the communities around the River Irwell more connected to the environment. Did it succeed?

JOY DIVISION GRAPHIC NOVEL TO BE PUBLISHED WITH CHANCE FOR FANS TO APPEAR IN IT

added 04 February 2018

Star date: 4th February 2018

JOY DIVISION GRAPHIC NOVEL CREATOR INVITES READERS TO APPEAR IN THE BOOK

Following his incredibly successful play about Joy Division, New Dawn Fades, writer and artist, Brian Gorman, is publishing his graphic novel about the band upon which the stage version was based.

The book is to be published in April to coincide with a new tour of the play, and as part of a crowdfunder campaign to help pay the costs, Gorman is offering fans a chance to actually appear in the graphic novel.

VALENTINE LOVE COMPETITION AT SALFORD PRECINCT

added 04 February 2018

Star date: 3rd February 2018

CUPID COMPETITION AT SALFORD PRECINCT

Cupids will be at Salford Precinct today and next Saturday, 10th February, carrying out random acts of kindness and encouraging shoppers to nominate loved ones to win £50 of prizes via a Love Letter Post Box.

STUNNING SALFORD WETLANDS AND FLOOD BASIN UNVEILED

added 03 February 2018

Star date: 2nd February 2018

£10MILLION FLOOD BASIN AND WETLANDS FINALLY COMPLETE

Today, the £10million second Salford Flood Basin was officially unveiled, two years after the Boxing Day Flood of 2015. As well as claiming to protect 2,000 homes from future floods, the basin doubles as a stunning wetland area, with incredible artwork and views.

One of the community highlights of the opening was an area known as Harry's Hill, named after local activist and environmentalist Harry Davies who sadly died 14 months ago..."It's a legacy that he's left behind wholly and truly for the whole of Salford" said Harry's brother, Mike.

SALFORD CITY COUNCIL TO TAKE £1.3MILLION HOMELESS CONTRACT BACK IN HOUSE FROM SALIX HOMES

added 02 February 2018

Star date: 2nd February 2018

SALIX HOMES £1.3MILLION CONTROVERSIAL HOMELESS CONTRACT TO GO BACK TO COUNCIL AFTER LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS

Last October, Salford City Council controversially awarded a £1.377million contract extension to Salix Homes for its 'homelessness, housing advice, allocations and supported tenancies service'. It rejected the option of bringing the services back in-house stating that Salix was "providing good quality overall".

Now, the Salford Star understands, the homeless service will be brought back in-house from April 2018 when the Homelessness Reduction Act kicks in.

NEW SALFORD HOMELESS SQUAT AT EMPTY ECCLES CAFE

added 02 February 2018

Star date: 1st February 2018

EMPTY NUR MALAYSIA COMMUNITY CAFE OCCUPIED BY HOMELESS

This week, after Peel Holdings obtained a possession order on its Barton Road building in Eccles, homeless Salford people have moved into the empty Nur Malaysia Community Café on Liverpool Road.

Once inside, the squatters found a poster with a quote from Abuya...'Love and Care is the key to universal unity'. Now, with the onset of freezing nights, they are hoping the owners will abide by their mantra and let them stay.

£1.1MILLION GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY FOR UNAFFORDABLE SALFORD HOUSING IN CHAPEL STREET

added 01 February 2018

Star date: 1st February 2018

ECF CHAPEL STREET PROJECT GETS £1.1MILLION FUNDING

The Government is to subsidise the latest English Cities Fund (ECf) Chapel Street housing scheme with a £1.1million grant from its Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), via Salford City Council. The grant is for preparation work for 188 apartments and 11 townhouses on Chapel Street, near the site of the former Ye Olde Nelson pub.

None of ECf's projects have included affordable housing, despite £millions of public money being poured into them. The Government is also handing Peel Holdings £4million of HIF funding for its Trafford Waters scheme.