BARTON MOSS ACTIVIST JAILED FOR SIX MONTHS WITHOUT TRIAL

"Unbelievable! Anyone would think he'd committed murder to be treated like this!"

Barton Moss protector, Kate McCannn, was remanded in custody for six months by a judge at Manchester Crown Court yesterday until his trial begins on October 9th.

With a growing campaign to free him and Bez due to visit him in jail, Kate, has now been dubbed fracking's first political prisoner.

MAYOR IAN STEWART SHOULD BE `ASHAMED' FOR USING COUNCIL STAFF AS POLITICAL `PAWNS'

Salford City Mayor, Ian Stewart, has been told to apologise to Salford Council staff protecting services for vulnerable people after he instructed Labour councillors not to meet them or UNISON trade union representative, Steven North, to discuss the cuts as their aim was to "destroy our national democratic system".

It's yet another example of the Mayor using slurs – labelled "blatant lies" and "slander" by Steve North – to try and discredit anyone who challenges him or his policies.

CASES DROPPED AGAINST BARTON MOSS ANTI FRACKING CAMPAIGNERS

The first full court cases against anti fracking campaigners arrested by Greater Manchester Police at Barton Moss ended in victory for the protectors today. `Peaceful' Dan Evans' and live streamer Tristan Woodwards both saw the cases against them dismissed, followed by jubilant scenes outside Manchester Magistrates Court.

Meanwhile, Kate McCann, currently on remand in HMP Birmingham Prison for Barton Moss actions, is facing a further six months incarceration tomorrow without a trial – making him fracking's first political prisoner.

ORGREAVE AUTHOR AND SALFORD STAR EDITOR SPEAK ON PRESS FREEDOM

Revealing Truths: Just How Free Is the Press?
Tuesday 29th April 7:30pm Free
Friends Meeting House Manchester

Following the recent March Against Mainstream Media at MediaCityUK, comes the Mary Quaile Club meeting on the politics of the media. Speakers will be Granville Williams, founder member of the Orgreave Truth and Justice Campaign who has edited a new book on The Media, the Police and the Miners' Strike, and Stephen Kingston, editor of the Salford Star. 

SALFORD CITY FC FANS FEEL VINCENT TAN MOMENT OVER NEVILLE AND GIGGS CLUB COLOUR CHANGE

Prescot Cables 3 Salford City 1

`We're not Manchester United, we're Salford City FC…'

As Salford City rounded off the current era with a loss at Prescot Cables, fans were unanimous in their anger over apparent plans by the Manchester United Class of '92 conglomerate to change the club colours from tangerine to red, a la Vincent Tan at Cardiff City.

Disquiet at events at Moor Lane is certainly growing as Gary Neville prepares to meet Ammies supporters this week. We gauge the reaction, from supporters, to manager Phil Power.

AGECROFT COLLIERY MEN REMEMBERED IN STYLE

Over two hundred people attended the dedication of the Memorial Garden next to the Agecroft Colliery Monument yesterday, to remember those who died whilst working at Salford's last pit, which shut in 1990.

Ex miners, their families, friends and the local community gathered on Agecroft Road, at the site of the entrance to the former mine, as speakers paid tribute to those who worked and lost their lives at the pit.

SALFORD STAR TAKES A TECHNICAL BREAK

The Salford Star website is taking a break over Easter for a technical switch over but will be back on air asap.

In the meantime enjoy the array of articles we've put up to keep you going.

STARRING JESUS, JUDAS STEWART, PEEL HOLDINGS AND GMP HEROD'S PRIVATE ARMY

The Easter story has long been told through the ages. But it has never been told like this before, as Barton Moss Camp protector, Tammy Samede, reworks the biblical goings on for Salford's modern age.

It's full of in-jokes but everyone can get the gist. Happy Easter…

AS SALFORD ANTI FRACKING CAMP CLEANS UP, IT'S UP FOR LOCAL HERO AWARD

As the Barton Moss Community Protection Camp moves on from Salford over Easter it's been nominated for the Observer Ethical Awards 2014 in the Local Hero category and is believed to be through to the finals.

It's ironic as one of the local heroes, Kate, who has been well involved with peaceful action at Barton Moss, will spend Easter in a Birmingham jail on remand as a `political prisoner' after breaching bail to go back to the Camp to clean up...

NEW DOCUMENTARY GIVES GEOFFREY KEY INSIGHT

Salford artist Geoffrey Key has seen the collectability of his work rise dramatically recently. Yet the man himself, who works from a local studio, has always remained rather private.

Now a new documentary, called Saltglaze Pot and only available on DVD, follows Key in his studio producing a new work while providing insights into his raison d'etre.

REMIX JUSTICE FOR THE 96

Salford punk rap collective, Class Actions, have released a mixtape of tracks to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Hillsborough, and to `send a message of solidarity to Liverpool and the victims'.

Titled MCR Says JFT96, the free downloadable tracks include sounds by various artists and re-mashes of sounds relevant to Hillsborough such as Rip Up The Sun and M is 4 Maggie.

THE WONDER OF WEASTE CEMETERY

Free Tour of Weaste Cemetery
Easter Sunday 11am

While cruising cemeteries might not be everyone's idea of wonder for Easter Sunday, a trip around Weaste Cemetery is really not to be missed with its mix of gothic angels, landscaped gardens and Victorian ambience.

Salford's first municipal cemetery also houses the last resting places of Sir Charles Halle, Mark Addy and Eddie Colman amongst many others. Plenty to explore on this popular tour.

SALFORD COUNCIL CUTS £50,000 FROM `JAM BUTTY' CAMP

Jam Butty Camp Fundraiser
Saturday 3rd May
Welcome Inn, Robert Hall St, Ordsall
1-6pm Free 7pm £2 entry

`What do I think is behind the cut? The sale of the land' Nick Abbott

When Salford Council announced it was going to cut £50,000 from the Salford Children's Holiday Camp in Wales, where thousands of youngsters have had their first holiday, the Camp's trustees stated that it would close.

Since then, the community has leapt into action, raised thousands of pounds, and now has a business plan to take over the Camp. But Salford Council is stalling over the proposals. Why?

SALFORD COUNCIL TEARS UP PLANNING RULES (AGAIN) FOR MIDDLEWOOD LOCKS

Scarborough Development Group is planning to put huge apartment blocks, a hotel and loads of shops on the currently derelict Middlewood Locks site. For the privilege of plonking an urban profit farm on the Salford border with Manchester, the developer should be paying over £8million in fees to the Salford Council…

…But the Council is only asking for less than £2million - letting the Group off with a massive £6million in payments. This despite £4million of public money having already been spent on the site. 

SALFORD HYPOCRITE MAYOR ANNOUNCES DELANEY DAY

With incredible hypocrisy, Salford City Mayor, Ian Stewart, yesterday announced that 25th November will be the city's official `Shelagh Delaney Day' – failing to mention how Salford Council, the Mayor and the then Salford City Reporter tried to destroy the brilliant writer because her work was said to tarnish the image of the city.

Yesterday, Stewart said that Delaney's work "captured and celebrated the spirit of Salford" – not what the Council said at the time of A Taste of Honey! The Salford Star is demanding that the Mayor and Salford City Council should make a full formal apology before jumping on the Delaney bandwagon.

SALFORD COUNCIL DIRECTOR JIM TAYLOR IN TOP 1% OF EARNERS IN UK

Last night, Salford Council rubber stamped the appointment of former Rochdale Chief Exec Jim Taylor as its controversial new £150,000 `Council Director'.

While Mayor Ian Stewart crowed about Salford's `pay ratios' at a recent Council meeting, a new report by Steady State Manchester and Equality North West slates local council pay inequality – and Salford is no exception.

REJECT ROCHDALE CHIEF EXEC JIM TAYLOR GETS £150K AT SALFORD  

Jim Taylor, the controversial Chief Exec of Rochdale Council, is to be appointed `Council Director' of Salford – the controversial £150,000 a year job created in the wake of former Fat Cat Chief Exec, Barbara Spicer's departure.

Over in Rochdale there was fury when the Council wanted to increase Taylor's wages by £40,000 while making cuts of £45million. Public outrage led to the Council doing a U-turn – but now Mayor Ian Stewart will formalise Taylor's Fat Cat Salford appointment at a special Council meeting tonight.

FROM TAKING THE POLICE TO COURT TO STICKERING CELEBRITY BOOKS  

Mark Thomas: 100 Acts of Minor Dissent
Thursday 24th April
The Lowry

"I've always regarded Hazel Blears as a pitbull for Blairism…"

Activist, comedian and political prankster, Mark Thomas brings his 100 Acts of Minor Dissent show to The Lowry on 24th April, showcasing his efforts at undermining the system with, er, acts of minor dissent. Thomas has had a year to do one hundred of these acts – and if he doesn't get them done by 13th May he has to donate £1,000 to UKIP.

KENNY'S STORY HAD TO SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY

Kenny's Story
by Phil Riley (The Memoir Club)

Phil Riley worked on the night shift at Ross Foods with a bloke called Kenny Butterworth, who originally lived near Salford Cinema before moving to Folly Lane. Phil listened to Kenny's incredible Second World War stories night after night and promised to write them down for posterity. Kenny died but Phil delivered on his promise.

Here Mike Skeffington reviews the result: Kenny's Story… engagingly written in the first person and well worth the read.

AGECROFT MEMORIAL GARDEN DEDICATION AND MINERS REUNION

Saturday April 26th
Agecroft Garden Dedication noon, Agecroft Road
Agecroft Miners' Reunion, Swinton Royal Legion

Last July, hundreds of people flocked to the former site of Agecroft Colliery for the unveiling of a monument for those who worked, were injured or died at the Salford pit. On April 26th, there's going to be the dedication of the memorial garden at the base of the monument, followed by a reunion of former Agecroft miners at the Swinton Royal Legion.

BARTON MOSS SALFORD CAMP ENDS WITH PARTY

"It's going to be hard to let all this go…but we'll definitely be back in September" Jasmine

The Barton Moss Community Protection Camp kind of formally closed last night with a party, drawing well over a hundred people who have been involved over the last six dramatic months.

Performing were Salford punk rappers Class Actions and poet Intoxikie but the real stars were those who had faced the police and IGas lorries during one of the most Shakespearian winters on record.

RETURN TO MEDIA CITY

March Against Mainstream Media 2
Saturday 19th April noon
MediaCityUK

"We are not given news, we are given celebrity led `feel good stories' as a distraction…"

Last November saw the first Salford protest against the mainstream media, with a loud and colourful demonstration outside the BBC headquarters at MediaCityUK. Next Saturday sees Return To Media City: March Against Mainstream Media 2…

STORIES FROM BARTON MOSS – Part 2

"We have done what we set out to do…to help local people to help themselves, to grow in strength, knowledge and numbers" Nick

Thousands of people have been involved in the Barton Moss anti-fracking campaign, from Salford, Greater Manchester and beyond. The Salford Star talked to two of these people, one from Salford and one from outside Salford, to see what has been achieved by the Community Protection Camp.

Here Nick, one of the so-called `outsiders' - from Huddersfield - tells his story.

STORIES FROM BARTON MOSS – Part 1

"I've learned a lot coming down here, to stand up for myself and don't stick your head in the sand" Scott, Salford protector

Thousands of people have been involved in the Barton Moss anti-fracking campaign, from Salford, Greater Manchester and beyond. The Salford Star talked to two of these people, one from Salford and one from outside Salford, to see what has been achieved by the Community Protection Camp.

Here Scott, from the Seedley/Langworthy area, who has never been involved in any protest before, tells his story.

BARTON MOSS COMMUNITY PROTECTION CAMP WINDS DOWN – FOR NOW!

Barton Moss Farewell (For Now) Party
Saturday 12th April from 6pm free
Starring Class Actions, Markus De Rawkus and Intoxikie

After almost six months the Barton Moss Community Protection Camp is winding down for the time being, as the IGas exploratory drill has gone – for now.

Tomorrow night there's an end of Camp party starring Class Actions, Markus De Rawkus and Intoxikie before the big Camp clean up begins on Sunday.

FIRST SALFORD BEDROOM TAX EVICTION HALTED

As sixty people turned up outside a house in Walkden this morning to stop the first Bedroom Tax eviction in Salford, Manchester County Court dramatically gave a four week stay of execution and the City West Housing bailiffs never arrived.

"There is no doubt that if we weren't here now City West would not have changed their mind" Mark Krantz of the Greater Manchester Anti Bedroom Tax Federation, told campaigners who had assembled to face up the bailiffs.

CITY WEST HOUSING TO EVICT FIRST SALFORD TENANT

"When it comes to millionaires like Maria Miller who's got two houses, it's one law, but when it comes to people like Vicky and those who live in Salford it's another law…"

City West Housing Trust is set to evict the first Bedroom Tax victim in Salford tomorrow at noon. Vicky, who lives in Walkden, has a second bedroom for when her 15 year old daughter stays and cannot pay rent arrears.

The Greater Manchester Anti Bedroom Tax Federation has called for people to assemble outside Vicky's house tomorrow from 11am "to stop this cruel eviction".

SALFORD MAYOR `HIDES BEHIND PROCESSES' TO AVOID FRACKING ISSUE

"Ian Stewart is a joke, a jellyfish…he's got no backbone" Steph, Ordsall

"Democracy? They don't know the meaning of the word" Jean, Irlam

Salford City Mayor, Ian Stewart and his Cabinet this morning refused to debate the issue of fracking, after a petition with three thousand signatures was handed over condemning the controversial gas extraction process.

After a five minute speech by the petitioner, Stewart said there would be "no further debate". It left campaigners - half of whom weren't allowed into the meeting – horrified… "I get the feeling that they are hiding behind processes" said petitioner Ali Abbas from Manchester Friends of the Earth.

LISTEN UP SALFORD MAYOR AND SALFORD COUNCILLORS!

 "I'm doing this lock on because the councillors are burying their heads in the sand…there's been no consultations or discussion" Graham

"I live around here…and don't deserve to be treated like an animal" Debbie

Tomorrow morning, Salford Council's Cabinet will be forced to mention the `F' word, thanks to a petition with over three thousand names on it opposed to fracking.

No doubt the issue will be fudged once again at that meeting – but Salford councillors and Salford Mayor, Ian Stewart, should be aware that local people are now centre stage at Barton Moss. And although the IGas drill has now gone from the site, this is just the start of a burgeoning Salford opposition movement that's involving residents, musicians and one of Salford's top poets…

OVER 3000 SIGN ANTI FRACKING PETITION

Anti Fracking Rally
Tuesday 8th April
Outside Salford Civic Centre from 9:15am

Having received a petition signed by over three thousand people opposed to fracking in the city, Salford Council's Cabinet is being forced to discuss the issue.
The public is welcome to attend the Cabinet meeting from 10am and before this there will be an anti-fracking rally outside Salford Civic Centre in Swinton from 9:15am. 

SALFORD RIOTS OF 2011 HIT THE STAGE 

The Queen Is Dead
Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd April
Lowry Studio £6/£10

The Salford riots of August 2011 form the backdrop of a new play starring professional actors and young people from the city to be staged at The Lowry over Easter.

The Queen Is Dead takes inspiration from those who were there, and its director Alan Pattison slags David Cameron's hypocritical response at the time, talking of the Tories' "insidious ideology" and how the Prime Minister "stands by indignant and amazed when the results of that experiment pour out onto the streets of Britain".

SALFORD COUNCIL KEEPS BACK £THOUSANDS OF HARDSHIP PAYMENTS AS BED TAX CAMPAIGNERS TAKE TO STREETS

Yesterday hundreds of people from all over Greater Manchester marched against the hated Bedroom Tax led by an Axe The Tax bed and a `Hunger Kills' coffin.

While speakers at the pre-march rally pointed to the poverty and hardship caused by the Tax, the Salford Star can reveal that Salford City Council is projecting a £650,000 underspend in its Discretionary Support Scheme which helps people in finacial crisis to pay their bills.

TAKEOVER SCEPTICISM AND OPTIMISM REIGNS ON PITCH

Salford City 1 New Mills 3

The Salford City takeover by Giggs, Scholes, Butt, Nevilles and Beckham might have made great news for anyone unfamiliar with the Ammies - but down at Moor Lane scepticism and optimism were in equal measure this afternoon, while the team looked totally beached in end of season lethargy.

SALFORD BIKERS GROUP LAUNCHED

Bikers in Salford now have their own Motorcycle Action Group, which meets on the last Thursday of every month at Henleys Bar in Eccles. The Salford MAG group is a riders' rights organisation celebrating `biking and the freedoms and independence it provides', and attends parties, rallies and events as well as holding monthly meetings.

AXE THE BEDROOM TAX DEMONSTRATION

AXE THE BEDROOM TAX NOW!
Saturday 5th April
12:30pm Cathedral Gardens

A month after the United Nations recommended `immediate suspension' of the Bedroom Tax, it's alive and kicking everyone. Tomorrow sees the latest demonstration against the ConDem Government's most evil measure.

Read the Salford Star report on the UN Bedroom Tax session in Geneva and the preview of the protest.

MASSIVE PROTEST AGAINST SALFORD COUNCIL CUTS CALLED FOR 17th MAY

"We need to stand up and show them what we're made of" Bill, 82

Last night, well over one hundred supporters of up to a dozen anti cuts campaigns met at Swinton Royal Legion and called for a massive protest on the lawns of Salford Council's Civic Centre on 17th May, a week before the local elections.

People involved in campaigns against what was called the `fire sale of services for the vulnerable' spoke passionately about how the cuts would affect them. And concluded with 82 year old Bill saying "We didn't fight two World Wars for this…We need to stand up and show them what we're made of…"

AS CUTS BITE VULNERABLE ADULTS AND CHILDREN COUNCIL FINDS FUNDS FOR SALFORD REDS STADIUM

Tomorrow night representatives from virtually every campaign against Salford Council cuts will be speaking at a public meeting in Swinton – from the mums fighting Sure Star cuts, to families fighting cuts to transport for vulnerable adults and mental health services.

Meanwhile, over at the Civic Centre, Salford City Mayor, Ian Stewart, yesterday posted a decision that he has agreed to bail out Salford City Stadium – now known as the AJ Bell Stadium – with a further £205,362, which is on top of a £600,000 loan last year.

A Salford Star Exclusive

ASSISTANT MAYOR GENA MERRETT BRINGS IN RAT TAX

Salford Council's Assistant Mayor for the Environment, Gene Merrett, is to bring in a new Rat Tax for anyone found to have rats on their premises. Drawing on a Greater Manchester Police and Crime Steering Group Report, those who don't comply with the new £10 Rat Tax will be charged under The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.