TRAFFIC CAMERA POINTED AT DAVYHULME PROTECTION CAMP

A Highways Agency camera at Junction 10 of the M60, which is supposed to be monitoring congestion and checking for accidents, has, over the weekend, been spying on the Davyhulme Community Protection Camp.

Shocked viewers en route to the Trafford Centre, hoping to check traffic on the publicly accessible camera, were treated instead to the sight of protectors drinking tea and stuff. The Camp remains under threat of eviction today.

POST OFFICES ON THE HEIGHT AND IN SWINTON SET TO CLOSE

Campaigners were outside the big Co-op on Bolton Road yesterday, with people queuing up to sign their petitions to stop the closure of the post office within the store. The Co-op is set to shut and be bulldozed to make way for a new Aldi, leaving the area potentially without a post office.

Meanwhile, post offices in Swinton and on Salford Precinct are also in mortal danger.

£4MILLION FLOOD SCHEME FOR CASTLE IRWELL

The Environment Agency and Salford Council are about to spend £4.1million on a new flood defence scheme which involves creating a flood basin at Castle Irwell in the loop of the river. This Thursday, 3rd July, local people can have their say on the scheme between 3:30pm and 7:30pm at Salford Sports Village on Littleton Road.

HOMELESS KITTENS ON THE RISE IN SALFORD 

Salford is facing a kitten crisis with rising levels of abandoned pussies, pet charity Blue Cross is warning.

Salford City College is currently hosting the charity's foster scheme and has five fluffy kittens - Alfie, Chester, Billy-Bob, George and Benny - in need of a new caring home.

CIARAN GRIFFITHS RIDES FOR CHILDREN IN NEED

Salford star, Ciaran Griffiths, is riding in the Greater Manchester Cycle event tomorrow to raise funds for Children in Need. The mass cycle ride starts and finishes at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium, via Old Trafford and Manchester city centre, with riders taking a 13, 26 or 52 mile circuit.

Ciaran, who starred in Shameless, Waterloo Road and The Mill, is opting for the 26 mile course.

AIR POLLUTION EXPOSURE IS KILLING SALFORD PEOPLE

A new report by Salford City Council states that air pollution is killing Salford people, with long term exposure mortality rates published by Public Health England showing the highest percentages in Greater Manchester.

Just across the Manchester Ship Canal, the Davyhulme Community Protection Camp has been set up to try and stop Peel Holdings building an incinerator, and IGas from starting another potential fracking site. The two issues are infinitely linked. Today the Camp faces eviction.

PICKLE THE BEDROOM TAX PROTEST GREETS TORY LOCAL GOVERNMENT SECRETARY

Protesters carrying Pickle The Bedroom Tax placards greeted ConDem Government Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles as he arrived in Manchester to speak at the CIH Housing Conference at Manchester Conference Centre (G-Mex) today.

Meanwhile, an official attendee at the Conference told the Salford Star that he had been excluded from asking Eric Pickles a question because he hadn't paid £1,300 for a special delegate pass which allowed access to the session.

MASSIVE CUTS TO VULNERABLE ARE SOLD AS `AN IMPROVED EXPERIENCE FOR SALFORD'S CITIZENS'!

Salford Council is introducing a new Tory style, Dickensian Do It Yourself welfare culture, with almost £4.4million cuts to services for the city's vulnerable people.

Incredibly the proposals - which include slashing transport to day centres, cutting services for the homeless and those with mental health problems, charging for Care On Call and more - are being spun as offering "more opportunities for self reliance for its population" and "an improved experience for Salford's citizens".

The Tory double-speak report has been produced by Salford's Labour Council, backed by Labour Mayor, Ian Stewart, who's looking more and more like the man who swallowed David Cameron.

LIVING IN SALFORD? ARE YOU POOR? ARE YOU VULNERABLE? YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN!

This statement from a Salford Council report says it all… "Communities will need to shift expectations of the public sector and of the City Council's role and some will need to lead and solve their own community issues."

On June 30th, Salford Mayor, Ian Stewart, will finally push through £4.4million cuts to some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the city. This week the Salford Star examines these cuts in detail, beginning with the slashing of Welfare Rights and Debt Advice – just when people need this service most.

STICKER SWAPS, WORLD CUISINE, FOOTY COMPS AND LATIN MUSIC

World Cup Cornerstone Day
Saturday 12th July 11am-3pm free

England may be home but in Salford the World Cup fiesta kicks off the day before the final with a special footy themed day at the Langworthy Cornerstone.

The community centre will be decked out with Amazonian imaginings, loads of footy competitions, food from around the world, the3 sounds of Latin America, a goalkeeping competition and a Salford Star World Cup sticker swap stall.

GRAHAM COOPER AND CURTIS WHITE TO CYCLE THE LENGTH OF BRITAIN FOR NEW SALFORD CHARITY

This Friday, 27th June, well known local activist and youth worker, Graham Cooper, together with youth worker, Curtis White, will set off on nwhat they admit is a mad cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End, to raise money for new charity, Salford4Good.

"It's either going to make us extreme athletes or kill us" says Curtis.

ERIC PICKLES MEETS AXE THE BEDROOM TAX

Axe The Bedroom Tax Protest
Thursday 26th June 11:30am-1:30pm
GMex, Manchester

This Thursday, Tory Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles is to address the CIH Housing Conference at Manchester Conference Centre (GMex) and the Anti Bedroom Tax Federation for Greater Manchester has called a mass protest outside to greet him…

DEMOCRACY IN SALFORD: Part 1…

`YOU WILL VOTE ON BECOMING A MUTUAL - BUT WE'RE NOT TELLING YOU WHAT IT IS!'

Salford Council has this week imposed a ballot on its staff to vote on becoming a mutal without telling them what they are voting for!

As part of the cuts, senior management in charge of day care centres, supported tenancies, The Limes rehabilitation and Granville respite centre want to form a 'mutual' – or `employees co-op' – with them in charge, of course. But when staff asked what the hell the mutual was, questions went unanswered and the non-secret ballot has gone ahead anyway.

EXPERTS TO PRESENT IGAS DRILLING SITE CONTAMINATION REPORT

`The experts' report could be dynamite...'

At Liverpool High Court today a Judicial Review concluded that a report by experts examining contamination of land at Barton Moss could be presented as defence in trials for alleged offences during anti-fracking protests at the IGas exploratory drilling site in Salford.

If the experts' report can prove that IGas' activities contaminated land at Barton Moss and the company is guilty of criminal damage, it could see the end of fracking attempts in Salford and the collapse of charges levelled at Barton Moss protectors.

GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE ACTED WITHOUT LAWFUL AUTHORITY FOR MONTHS IN SALFORD SAYS SOLICITOR

Barton Moss solicitor, Simon Pook, of Robert Lizar's, has slammed Greater Manchester Police after a further 29 cases related to alleged offences at the Barton Moss anti-fracking protests were discontinued by the Crown Prosecution Service on Monday.

Calling for an Independent Inquiry into Barton Moss policing, Pook says "We cannot permit, in an established democracy, police forces arresting and detaining citizens with the knowledge their actions are themselves unlawful"

A Salford Star Exclusive

FORMER HEAD OF SALFORD HOUSING LAYS INTO `DISGRACEFUL', `DISGUSTING' URBAN SPLASH AND ITS `ABYSMAL' UPSIDE DOWN HOUSING SCHEME

Councillor John Warmisham, former Lead Member for Housing on Salford Council, has criticised Urban Splash for its multi-award winning upside down housing scheme at Chimney Pot Park in Langworthy.

Talking to the Salford Star, Warmisham says that the scheme was a `gimmick' and is now is an unfinished `eyesore' and a `disgrace', with work done on the houses not up to standard. "Residents have been let down" he fumes…

NEW ANTI-FRACKING CAMP SETS UP UNDER BARTON BRIDGE

A new anti-fracking camp has been set up in across the Manchester Ship Canal in Davyhulme, under Barton Bridge, a few hundred yards from the Salford border.

Fracking company IGas is applying to Trafford Council, seeking an extension to its planning permission for coal bed methane extraction, similar to the permissions the company obtained before it started drilling at Barton Moss. The proposed site, owned by Peel Holdings, was lawfully occupied by protectors on  Monday.

SALFORD ANTI-FRACKING PROTEST INSPIRES BARTON MOSS EP

"It's about raising the vibrations…"

Throughout the Barton Moss anti-fracking protests last winter, Darren Nesbit and his guitar were a constant feature on the front line, singing anthems like People Got The Power and You Can Stick Your New World Order…

Now Darren's brought out an EP of songs inspired by the Barton Moss Community Protection Camp and it's well worth a listen. It might even change your life...

SALFORD ANTI FRACKING HERO ANNE WINS ETHICAL AWARD

"She's acting out of altruism, a concern not for herself but for future generations" Natalie Bennett Green Party Leader

82 year old Anne Power became an anti-fracking fixture throughout the winter at Barton Moss, turning up in all weather to lead the line of fractivists slow walking lorries to and from the IGas exploratory drilling site.

This week Anne became the Observer Ethical Awards Local Hero…

SALFORD WORKERS JOIN PROTESTS

Today, fire fighters held a 24 hour strike to fight for their futures and the future of the fire and rescue services. Fire stations throughout Salford remained closed, while a large rally was held in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.

Meanwhile, civil servants belonging to the PCS trade union held a lunchtime rally outside the Civil Justice Centre calling for a pay rise and a stop to legal aid cuts.

THE PRICE OF WINE AND THE COST OF CUTS TO THE VULNERABLE

`Is this Iran or Salford?' protester in the public gallery

Salford Council this morning called police to its meeting after a campaigner against mental health service cuts tried to ask the Mayor a question from the public gallery that he had been denied the chance to ask officially.

While the campaigner trying to protect vulnerable people was gagged, a Labour councillor did manage to question the Mayor on the price of wine in the hospitality suite at the AJ Bell Stadium. Earlier, campaigners had held a lobby on the Civic Centre steps against massive cuts to services.

£6.5MILLION SET ASIDE FOR SALFORD COUNCIL CUTS IT CANNOT IMPLEMENT

Welfare Rights…Care On Call…Mental Health Support…Children's Centres…Adult Transport…are all facing huge cuts by Salford Council. But as the Salford Star reported earlier this year, the Council has set aside £6.5million for cuts it cannot implement. Saving these services would amount to less than half this figure.

Meanwhile, campaigners will lobby councillors tomorrow morning, Wednesday 11th June from 8:30am, to ask if their conscience will allow them to overturn the cuts…

SALFORD COUNCIL TO FACE DEMO OVER CUTS TO OLD, YOUNG AND VULNERABLE

"The Mayor needs to come to our houses and walk a day in our shoes because then he may have a bit more of a heart…" Noreen

Tomorrow, Wednesday 11th June, from 8:30am campaigners and trade unionists will gather outside Salford Civic Centre in Swinton to try and change Mayor Ian Stewart's mind on cuts to services for the old, young and vulnerable in the city, before councillors attend a full meeting of Salford Council.

When parents and carers of severely disabled adults tried to peacefully protest about the cuts they were met with the Council's dirty tricks department. And during a consultation on cuts they were told their services would be withdrawn before it had actually finished. Here's Noreen's story..

SALFORD COUNCIL CREATES PURPOSE BUILT CHILDREN'S CENTRE – THEN PROPOSES TO CLOSE IT!

When River View Primary School in Lower Broughton was opened a few years ago, there was a purpose built Sure Start Children's Centre attached which is used to capacity most days. Now Salford Council wants to close it, and others, as part of the cuts. 

Now a big campaign is trying to change the Council's mind as parents and volunteers explain how the Centre is more than just a play area for babies and toddlers. This place, like others the Council wants to close, changes lives…

SALFORD GETS JENNY ROSS BACK ON STAGE

Jenny Ross, Caz and Britney and Barbara Nice
Friday 13th June 8pm
The Dancehouse Theatre, Oxford Road £10/£8

"It's amazing how much people are up for it – slagging off the GMP, slagging off Kate Middleton, UKIP, Ed Miliband…I'm loving it…"

Former BBC Comedy Award winner, Jenny Ross, packed in stand up to do other stuff but after getting well involved in the anti-fracking protests at Barton Moss she's been inspired to get back on stage, and stars at The Dancehouse on Friday with what she calls "a dazzling blend of smut and politics".

A FILM WORTH CROSSING THE BORDER INTO MANCHESTER

Keeping Rosy
Starring Maxine Peake, Blake Harrison and Christine Bottomley
55 Portland Street until 6th July

Ace Salford based actress, Maxine Peake, thrills in the new thriller, Keeping Rosy, being screened for a month way up in a shiny glass office block on Portland Street to let viewers spill into the full 4-D experience of the plot - complete with champagne, cleaners and security guards.

It's well worth a trip over the border into Manc-land – as the champagne lifestyle leaves a nasty taste.

PATIENTS WILL DIE AS GOVERNMENT DECIMATES NHS, SAY CAMPAIGNERS

Salford and Bolton trade union members and campaigners staged a lunchtime protest at the entrance Royal Bolton Hospital yesterday as part of a national day of action against cuts to the NHS which are already leading to ward closures and job destruction.

"The whole NHS is in crisis and we're here today to say `Enough is enough'" explained Karen Reissman "Patients will die…"

COUNCIL STADIUM LOANS WILL NEVER BE PAID OFF BY STADIUM

The latest Salford Council report on the AJ Bell Stadium states that its original £22million loan to build the structure won't be paid off by income from the Stadium but is dependent on the sale of land surrounding it.

On top of the original £22million loan, Salford Council has also bailed the Stadium out will £1.75million in `working capital loans', matched by its partner Peel Holdings. The Stadium is set to be discussed at a full meeting of Salford Council next week.

WHILE SALFORD COUNCIL CUTS SERVICES, SPENDING ON `CIRCUSES' HITS OVER £65,000

Last week, Salford Council closed its consultation on huge cuts to vulnerable adults that will see many in the city suffer. Meanwhile over the last six months – and before the Spirit of Salford festival – the Council spent over £65,000 on fireworks, cruises, marquees and shows.

In ancient Rome the phrase `bread and circuses' was coined to describe such antics of politicians and autocratic emperors.

ANOTHER BARTON MOSS PROTECTOR CLEARED

Today, Joe became the 23rd Barton Moss protector to be cleared by Manchester Magistrates Court as more and more cases are dropped, dismissed or the defendants found not guilty.

Joe was charged with resisting arrest and obstructing a police sergeant in her duty but after video footage was shown in court Joe was acquitted of both charges. The increasing number of cleared Barton Moss defendants puts Greater Manchester Police under more pressure to explain its actions at the Salford anti-fracking protests.

SALFORD STAR LOTTERY LAUNCHED

The Salford Star today launches its Salford Star Lottery, with a unique take on traditional football cards. Clubs have been replaced with fifty names of Salford stars and legends – from Michelle Keegan to John Cooper Clarke; from Albert Finney to Tony Wilson.

It's £1 per play and the winner gets £25, with the other £25 going towards getting more copies and issues of the Salford Star in print.