Salford Star - with attitude & love xxx

SALFORD CITY COUNCIL £200MILLION MAGIC MONEY TREE FOR POSH OFFICE BLOCKS

added 30 June 2017

Star date: 29th June 2017

SALFORD COUNCIL SPLASHES £200MILLION FOR OFFICES – WHILE ASKING SALFORDIANS TO PAY FOR BABY UNIT ROOF

Salford City Council has found £200million to 'invest' in new posh office blocks at 100 Greengate and Two New Bailey – while passing the begging bowl around the city asking Salfordians to fund a new roof for its baby unit.

The Council states that the 'investments' are 'expected' to bring £2.2million a year into its coffers but it represents a massive gamble with public money. The Council is still paying for empty offices at One New Bailey.

SEVEN MORE SALFORD TOWER BLOCKS TO HAVE CLADDING STRIPPED

added 29 June 2017

Star date: 28th June 2017

SEVEN CITY WEST ECCLES BLOCKS TO HAVE CLADDING STRIPPED

Seven tower blocks owned and managed by City West Housing Trust are to have Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) stripped from their exterior after failing Government fire safety tests.

The seven blocks include Ewood House, Cremer House, Kemball House and Craunton House, while test results are awaited for five blocks at Barton Village.

NEW ISLINGTON MARINA COMMUNITY FACING EVICTION

added 28 June 2017

Star date: 28th June 2017

THIRTY FAMILIES FACING EVICTION FOR COUNCIL PRIVATISATION

Thirty families, many with Salford connections, living on boats at the New Islington Marina in the middle of Manchester's swanky development sites face eviction by the end of August.

This morning, Manchester City Council meets to approve 'remedial works' to the marina but it wants the families out before this starts, with a private company running the place when the work is complete...

"To simply wipe out a community and feel no obligation to re-house them seems to me totally inhumane" says Jane, who will probably lose her business as well as her home in the process.

SALIX HOMES TO STRIP FIVE MORE SALFORD TOWER BLOCKS OF UNSAFE CLADDING

added 28 June 2017

Star date: 27th June 2017

17 SALFORD BLOCKS TO HAVE CLADDING REMOVED

Salix Homes has announced that another five of its tower blocks are to have unsafe aluminium cladding removed - Sycamore Court, Magnolia Court and Mulberry Court by Salford Precinct, and Newbank Tower and Riverbank Tower off Blackfriars Road.

This comes on top of the nine Pendleton Together blocks and three other Salix blocks; Arthur Millwood, Canon Hussey and Black Friar Court.

GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES INDEPENDENT BUILDING SAFETY PANEL IN WAKE OF GRENFELL TOWER FIRE

added 27 June 2017

Star date: 27th June 2017

BUILDING AND FIRE SAFETY EXPERTS TO MEET THIS WEEK TO PUT MEASURES IN PLACE

Today, as cladding was being stripped off Salford tower blocks, Communities Secretary, Sajid Javid, announced a new independent expert advisory panel to advise on any immediate measures that can be put in place to make buildings safe following the Grenfell Tower fire. Its first meeting will take place this week.

HOW IMAGE LED SALFORD TOWER BLOCK CLADDING CATASTROPHE

added 27 June 2017

Star date: 26th June 2017

IMAGE OBSESSION AND CLADDING UNVEILED

Recently, Salford City Council has been obsessed by the image of the city, desperately trying to move away from the 'Dirty Old Town', to something like Milton Keynes on the Irwell.

Has this obsession with image and wrapping tower blocks in unsafe materials led, in line with other cities, to the current cladding catastrophe? Here the Salford Star documents what's been going on behind the fancy facades...

SALIX HOMES TO STRIP CLADDING FROM SALFORD TOWER BLOCKS

added 26 June 2017

Star date: 25th June 2017

SALIX HOMES CLADDING TO BE REMOVED AFTER TESTS

After Salford Council announced it was removing cladding from nine Pendleton Together tower blocks, this afternoon Salix Homes has informed residents that it is removing cladding from Canon Hussey Court on the Islington Estate.

In a letter to residents, Salix states that "the cladding sample provided for Canon Hussey Court has been identified as a higher risk component". Work to remove "affected cladding" will begin this week. The Salford Star understands that cladding is also to be removed from other blocks.

SALFORD PALS HONOURED IN NEW PLAY FOR GM FRINGE

added 25 June 2017

Star date: 25th June 2017

GREATER MANCHESTER FRINGE COMES TO SALFORD

From Heaven To Hell
Saturday 1st- Monday 3rd July
Salford Arts Theatre £8

The excellent Greater Manchester Fringe arrives at the Salford Arts Theatre this year via a new play honouring the sacrifice made by local heroes at the Battle of the Somme, written by Danny Clifford and directed by Sue Jenkins.

NO TIMETABLE FOR THE REMOVAL OF CLADDING ON NINE SALFORD TOWER BLOCKS

added 25 June 2017

Star date: 25th June 2017

IT COULD BE MONTHS BEFORE CLADDING REMOVED IN SALFORD

"There will be no waiting around in Salford whilst there are any questions about the safety of our residents..."

On Friday, Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett announced that cladding on nine Pendleton Together tower blocks was to be removed... "We take the safety of our residents very seriously and are taking immediate steps" he declared.

Yesterday, residents were told by Pendleton Together that the cladding will not be removed until replacement material is ready to go up – which could take months. And new fire safety advice has been issued, to leave not stay in the event of a fire.

Full details here... Update: 12noon: Cladding is now being removed 'immediately'

added 25 June 2017

SALFORD RESIDENTS BEING KEPT IN DARK OVER TOWER BLOCK DANGER

Star date: 24th June 2017

POTENTIALLY TOXIC CLADDING IN OVER A DOZEN SALFORD TOWER BLOCKS

At yesterday's press conference, Salford City Mayor, Paul Dennett, said that removing cladding on the nine Pendleton tower blocks was the "right and moral thing to do". Yet Salford City Council knows every component in all cladding in the city which planning officers have passed, and has not disclosed this information.

The Salford Star has investigated, as far as it can, the cladding and materials used in tower block refurbishment and the results are frightening...Materials used on Magnolia Court, Sycamore Court and Mulberry Court should avoid "Exposed heat, flames and/or sparks"; Arthur Millwood Court and Canon Hussey Court are fitted with panels from the same manufacturer as Grenfell Tower, and there's more.

SALFORD RED DEVILS LAST GASP LOSS TO ST HELENS

added 24 June 2017

Star date: 23rd June 2017

ST HELENS 25 SALFORD RED DEVILS 24

Salford Red Devils were beaten by a last gasp kick, as the Saints fought back from what looked like a cert Salford win, as Simon Williams reports, with photos by Steve McCormick.

Match report here...

added 23 June 2017

CLADDING TO BE REMOVED FROM NINE SALFORD PENDLETON TOWER BLOCKS

Star date: 23rd June 2017

SALFORD COUNCIL TO REMOVE ALL ACM CLADDING

This afternoon, Pendleton Together has sent a letter to residents informing them that Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) cladding on nine Pendleton Together tower blocks, including Spruce Court, Whitebeam Court and Thorn Court is to be removed, at the behest of Salford City Council.

Salford Council states that the move is "precautionary".

ANOTHER SALFORD GREEN BELT CONSULTATION IN THE PIPELINE

added 23 June 2017

Star date: 23rd June 2017

THOUSANDS OF OBJECTIONS TO SALFORD GREEN BELT PROPOSALS

Salford City Council officers have stated that "it may be necessary to undertake some further public consultation" on plans to build on the city's Green Belt, in a new report to the city's councillors.

During his campaign to be elected GM Mayor, Andy Burnham called for a "radical re-write" of the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework, which included proposals to build 2,250 houses on Green Belt near Irlam and Cadishead. Officers cited "the scale and nature of public objections" as reasons for the re-think.

ORDSALL LEISURE CENTRE TO LOSE RECEPTION STAFF AS DEVELOPERS CASH IN

added 23 June 2017

Star date: 22nd June 2017

COMMUNITY PETITIONS AGAINST LOSS OF STAFF AT SALFORD COMMUNITY LEISURE

Salford Community Leisure is proposing to axe reception staff from Ordsall Leisure Centre. A community petition from users of the centre has been launched, arguing "This will have a detrimental impact on the service we rely upon"

Meanwhile, Salford Council has plans to flatten Ordsall Leisure Centre with the land estimated to be worth up to £1.5million, and developers in the area are paying no planning fees.

SALFORD AND ECCLES MP DEMANDS IMMEDIATE ASSURANCE ON TOWER BLOCK CLADDING

added 22 June 2017

Star date: 21st June 2017

AS CLADDING TESTS CONTINUE, REBECCA LONG BAILEY DEMANDS ASSURANCE AND FINANCE FROM GOVERNMENT

Despite being "assured of tenant safety" by housing providers for the city's 43 tower blocks, Salford and Eccles MP, Rebecca Long-Bailey, has written to the Government demanding immediate "total assurance of safety on the materials used" for cladding.

In a letter to residents, the MP also demands from the Government "funding to carry out any necessary works to remediate once the assessments are complete plus funding to support or re-house residents whilst that is carried out." She also calls for the Government to pay for the retrofitting of sprinklers in the blocks.

SALFORD CITY COUNCIL LOOKING TO DITCH URBAN VISION?

added 21 June 2017

Star date: 21st June 2017

SALFORD COUNCIL TESTING OTHER MODELS FOR PLANNING AND HIGHWAYS COMPANY

After a controversial decision last year to extend the contract of Urban Vision, Salford City Council is now tendering for companies to "engage in a Soft Market Testing exercise" to look at other options for the delivery of its planning, highways and building control services for which the Council spends £42million annually.

Urban Vision is a joint venture profit making company in which the Council holds a 19.9% stake but until this year has never even got a dividend.

GOVERNMENT SHAMED BY UNIONS OVER SCHOOL FIRE RISKS

added 21 June 2017

Star date: 20th June 2017

DOWNGRADING OF FIRE SAFETY IN SCHOOLS SLAMMED BY FIRE BRIGADE AND TEACHERS UNIONS

Post Grenfell Tower, three trade unions representing teachers and firefighters have written to the Government about its proposals to downgrade fire safety in schools. Proposals included removing the need for sprinklers in new school buildings and removing requirements discouraging the use of combustible materials for school cladding.

Meanwhile, at the behest of the Government, Salford Council is currently identifying any panels used in cladding buildings that are made of Aluminium Composite Material, or ACM, and sending samples for fire safety testing.

Full details here...

added 20 June 2017

SALFORD FIRE HIT CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION TO RISE FROM THE ASHES

Star date: 20th June 2017

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION TO BE RESTORED WITHIN TWO YEARS

The Grade II listed Church of the Ascension in Lower Broughton, destroyed by a huge blaze in February, is to be restored within the next two years by Buttress, the same company that is working on the fire-hit 16th Century Wythenshawe Hall.

"The destruction of the building by fire has been a devastating blow for all who live and work here" says the Ascension's Canon David Wyatt "With the expert help now available to us we are confident that the church will live again."

SALFORD COMMUNITY STADIUM MAKES £1.5MILLION LOSS AS COUNCIL LOANS GROW

added 20 June 2017

Star date: 19th June 2017

AJ BELL STADIUM MAKES HUGE LOSS AS SALFORD COUNCIL LOANS RISE TO OVER £24MILLION

Salford Council's City of Salford Community Stadium company made a loss of £1.459million last year, its draft accounts reveal. The accounts also reveal that the total value of loans made by the Council to the AJ Bell Stadium, a joint venture with Peel Holdings, rose from £23.46million in 2016, to £24.12million in 2017.

Meanwhile, the accounts also confirm that Salford Red Devils owner, Marwan Koukash, hasn't paid a penny back of the £1million debt to the cash strapped Council.

THE MOODS NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO JOY

added 19 June 2017

THE MOODS PRODUCE SHORT FILM TO PROMOTE JOY SINGLE

The Moods, currently building a big name for themselves on the live music circuit, have produced a short film, starring Salford actor Steve Evets, to promote their new single, Joy.

It was launched recently at Media City, and the Salford Star caught up with the socially conscious nine piece band and Steve Evets to talk vids, tunes and the state of the grime nation.

NUJ OPEN AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS GREATER MANCHESTER ALTERNATIVE MEDIA

added 18 June 2017

AFTER GRENFELL TOWER THE NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDIA IS EVEN MORE INTENSE

Alternative Media
Saturday 24th June from 2pm
Three Minute Theatre, Afflecks Arcade, Mcr

Next Saturday, 24th June, the NUJ Manchester and Salford Branch is screening the short Pulitzer Prize-winning documentary about journalists, Below the Fold, to be followed by a discussion on Greater Manchester's alternative media with editors from The Meteor, Salford Star and Real Media. After Grenfell Tower, the need for alternative media has never been greater.

MANCHESTER PEACE PARTY SET FOR PICCADILLY GARDENS

added 18 June 2017

PEACE PARTY TO STAND UP AGAINST HATE

Peace Party
Saturday 24th June 11am-late
Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester

After the so-called 'March Against Hate' last week which ended in violence, next Saturday 24th June there is a proper family-friendly Peace Party in Piccadilly Gardens, with music, food, face painting and stalls. Organisers say it's "to set the record straight...we stand together, united against those that seek to divide us". Update: This event has been postponed until 8th July

GREATER MANCHESTER MUSLIMS INVITE NEIGHBOURS TO SHARE RAMADAN

added 18 June 2017

PASSIONATE SPEECHES, FRIENDSHIP AND GREAT FOOD

This week, local Muslims invited people of all faiths to share Ramadan with them at Contact Theatre in Manchester.

Amongst talks, prayer, music and great food was a speech by a local GP, whose trauma surgeon husband had treated victims of the Manchester Arena attack - but whose children were scared to go to school by bus the following day due to fear of Islamophobic attacks, as Holly Ann Wood reports.

SALFORD SAXONS HAMMERED BY CELEBS BUT RAISE OVER £5000 FOR ONCE UPON A SMILE

added 18 June 2017

CELEBS SMILING AFTER SALFORD DRUBBING AND CHARITY FUNDS

Last Saturday at FC United's ground, the Salford Saxons were thrashed 7-0 by the Once upon a Smile celebs team which included X-Factor's Jake Quickenden and former footy pro Danny Higginbotham. But the day raised over £5,000 for the bereavement charity, as Ian Leslie reports.

HUNDREDS TAKE TO MANCHESTER STREETS DEMANDING JUSTICE FOR GRENFELL

added 18 June 2017

Star date: 17th June 2017

ANGER MOUNTING OVER THERESA MAY AND TOWER BLOCK SAFETY IN GREATER MANCHESTER

"The Tories wanted a bonfire of regulations – they got their fucking bonfire, they burned the people..." Hilda Palmer, GM Hazards Centre

Hundreds of people took to the streets in Manchester city centre this afternoon for a march and sit down protest demanding 'Justice For Grenfell' and 'Theresa May Must Go!'

At a rally earlier in St Peter's Square, Salford's Hilda Palmer, of the GM Hazards Centre, demanded "an end to deregulation of health and safety...an end to the neo-liberal austerity that's killing us with inequality and poverty, an end to the war on the working class...an end to the Tories..."

SALFORD MINERS’ CATHEDRAL MEMORIAL SERVICE

added 17 June 2017

Star date: 17th June 2017

ST AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH TO HOLD MINERS MEMORIAL

Tomorrow, Sunday 18th June between 11am and 12:30pm, St Augustine's Church in Pendlebury - also known as 'The Miners Cathedral' - is holding a special service to remember those killed in mining accidents.

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL FOR SALFORD FIRE FIGHTERS CHARITY WORKER

added 17 June 2017

Star date: 17th June 2017

SALFORD'S CATHERINE PALMER AWARDED B.E.M. FOR SERVICES TO FIRE FIGHTERS CHARITY

Former firefighter control room operator, Catherine Palmer, from Pendlebury, has been awarded the British Empire Medal for services to the Fire Fighter's Charity... 'Despite retiring in 2011 her support for the charity has been unwavering and she continues to raise money at every single fire station open day' states the citation...

"It was a big shock" Catherine tells the Salford Star, who, at first thought it was a scam.

MANCHESTER JUSTICE FOR GRENFELL DEMO AGAINST THERESA MAY AND COALITION OF CHAOS

added 17 June 2017

DEMO CALLED IN SOLIDARITY WITH GRENFELL TOWER RESIDENTS AND AGAINST COALITION OF CHAOS

Tomorrow, Saturday, 17th June, a demonstration has been called in solidarity with the residents of Grenfell Tower and against Theresa May's Coalition of Chaos. It's set to take place at 2pm in St Peter's Square in Manchester.

PENDLETON TOGETHER PROMISES INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF SALFORD TOWER BLOCK SAFETY

added 16 June 2017

PENDLETON TOGETHER STATES IT WILL 'LEARN LESSONS' FROM FIRE SAFETY INQUIRY

After two days, Pendleton Together has responded to Salford Star questions by reference to Fire Safety Advice on its website. The company, which refurbished and clad Salford tower blocks including Spruce and Thorn Court, states that it is holding an 'independent review of the refurbishment work and our ongoing safety practices'...

GREATER MANCHESTER GET TOGETHER AT CATHEDRAL GARDENS

added 16 June 2017

MANCHESTER CATHEDRAL GARDENS SEES JO COX MEMORIAL CELEBRATION

Tonight, Friday 16th June, the Greater Manchester Get Together kicks off with a three hour event in Manchester Cathedral Gardens, between 7:30pm and 10:30pm, which will be attended by GM Mayor Andy Burnham.

Inspired by the memory and values of Jo Cox, the MP who was murdered by a right wing extremist, the event will feature children's activities, food and entertainment, and is also in remembrance of the victims of the Manchester bombing.

Full details here...

added 16 June 2017

SALFORD RED DEVILS IN CHALLENGE CUP SEMIS AFTER VICTORY OVER WAKEFIELD TRINITY

SALFORD MOVE CLOSER TO WEMBLEY

Salford Red Devils made the semi finals of the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1998 last night with a 30-6 victory over Wakefield Trinity. Simon Williams reports as Gareth Lyons captures the joy.

Match report and photos here...

added 16 June 2017

SALFORD TOWER BLOCK CLADDING SIMILAR TO LONDON FIRE MATERIALS

Star date: 15th June 2017

CLADDING USED IN PENDLETON TOWER BLOCKS 'CONTRIBUTES TO FIRE GROWTH' STATE EXPERTS

The cladding used in the Salford tower blocks refurbished by Pendleton Together is similar to that used in Grenfell Tower in London, scene of this week's horrific blaze.

The cladding in Salford blocks consisted of a Standard Polyurethane core, or PUR. And an article in the newsletter of experts Probyn Miers states that PUR "contributes to fire growth in a fully-developed fire". Salford City Council was sent samples of the material and passed it as safe.

Full details here…

added 15 June 2017

SALFORD TOWER BLOCK FIRE FEARS AFTER TRAGIC LONDON BLAZE

Star date: 14th June 2017

RECENT PENDLETON HIGH RISE FIRE HIGHLIGHTS INADEQUACIES

"This is horrifying....I'm really scared now" Salford tower block resident

Last month, there was a fire at Whitebeam Court, one of the newly refurbished blocks managed by Pendleton Together, where escape routes were filled with choking smoke and six people required medical assistance.

Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in London this morning, Salix Homes have reassured tenants, City West Housing was already running a fire safety week but Pendleton Together have published nothing and haven't responded to a Salford Star inquiry.

SALFORD PROPERTY DEVELOPERS TO AVOID ANOTHER £1MILLION PLANNING FEES

added 14 June 2017

Star date: 13th June 2017

ALMOST NO FEES FOR OVER 250 APARTMENTS AT SALFORD SKILLS CENTRE AND IRWELL HOUSE

Fees of over £1million are set to be avoided when Salford City Council planning panel meets this week to consider applications for over 250 apartments on the sites of the former Salford Skills Centre on Liverpool Street and Irwell House on Frederick Road.

The schemes, by X1 Developments and Vermont Property Developers, are to avoid payments on 'viability' grounds because profit levels won't be high enough...

HUGE PAY RISES FOR SALFORD CITY COUNCIL FAT CATS

added 13 June 2017

Star date: 12th June 2017

UP TO £12,000 PAY RISES FOR SALFORD COUNCIL OFFICERS

Six of Salford Council's highest paid officers got pay rises up to £12,000 last year, newly released draft accounts reveal. The biggest take home hikes were for the Strategic Director of Children's and Adult's Services and the Director of Public Health.

Meanwhile, only 22 councillors actually got the basic rate of £10,509, with the rest adding thousands of pounds in 'special allowances' to their pay.

MANCHESTER ‘UNITE AGAINST HATE’ MARCH TURNS ‘NASTY’

added 12 June 2017

Star date: 11th June 2017

'SILENT' MARCH SEES HITLER SALUTES, BOTTLES THROWN AND CS GAS

Today's so-called 'Unite Against Hate' march, organised by ex-EDL leader, Tommy Robinson, was supposed to be a 'silent' march to "Honour the victims of hate", after the horrific bomb attack in Manchester.

Instead, bottles and cans were thrown at anti-racism protesters, some of whom were CS gassed; the 'Unite Against Hate' marchers chanted 'Allah is a paedo' and 'No Surrender', and many gave Hitler salutes. As the police struggled to cope, GMP tweeted that the "protest has turned nasty".

COELIAC UK FIRST EVER GLUTEN FREE FOOD FESTIVAL TO BE HELD IN SALFORD

added 11 June 2017

Star date: 11th June 2017

COELIAC CHARITY TO RUN FIRST FOOD FESTIVAL AT AJ BELL STADIUM

Coeliac UK, the largest independent charity for people living gluten free, will be hosting its first ever gluten free food festival on Saturday 24th June at the AJ Bell Stadium, which includes over forty stands, new products and TV chef Chris Bavin doing a cooking demonstration. Entry is free.

AFTER ARIANA GRANDE LOVE CONCERT, HATERS TO DESCEND ON MANCHESTER

added 11 June 2017

Star date: 10th June 2017

OPPOSITION GROWS TO MANCHESTER 'HATE' MARCH

Salford trade unions, Labour Party activists and anti-racist organisations are joining opposition to a 'UK Against Hate March', ironically being led by ex-EDL leader, Tommy Robinson, in Manchester tomorrow, Sunday 11th June.

"Robinson and other racist and fascist organisations are trying to use the recent, horrific terror attacks in Manchester to spread hatred and division" states Manchester Unity, which has called a rally for 12noon in Piccadilly Gardens.

SALFORD RED DEVILS HUMBLED BY HULL FC

added 10 June 2017

Star date: 10th June 2017

HULL FC OUTGUN RED DEVILS AT AJ BELL STADIUM

Hull FC got revenge for the home massacre by Salford Red Devils as they dominated the return game at the AJ Bell Stadium, to win 34-10 against Ian Watson's team, as Simon Williams reports, with photos by Gareth Lyons.

Match report here....

added 10 June 2017

LABOUR PARTY SMASHES IT IN SALFORD GENERAL ELECTION 2017

Star date: 9th June 2017

LABOUR PARTY INCREASES MAJORITIES IN SALFORD

The Jeremy Corbyn effect was felt throughout Salford this morning, as standing Labour Party MPs cemented huge majorities in the General Election.

Rebecca Long-Bailey increased her majority to 19,132 in the Salford and Eccles seat; In Worsley and Eccles South, Barbara Keeley increased hers to 8,379 (as predicted by the Salford Star poll); and Graham Stringer returned a healthy majority of 19,601 in Blackley and Broughton. The Labour Party also won the Claremont by-election council seat.

SALFORD HOMELESS GO TO VOTE AFTER UNIQUE REGISTRATION SCHEME

added 09 June 2017

Star date: 8th June 2017

GENERAL ELECTION VOTES FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE

Thanks to a unique registration scheme, begun by the Salford Unemployed and Community Resource Centre in Eccles, today homeless people were able to vote in the General Election. Mark told the Salford Star that it was the first time he had voted since he lived with his parents thirty years ago.

For those who are registered, the polling stations are open until 10pm tonight.

MOST SALFORD GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES IGNORE CONSTITUENTS

added 08 June 2017

Star date: 7th June 2017

ALMOST TWO THIRDS OF SALFORD CANDIDATES IGNORE PUBLIC SURVEYS

While tomorrow's General Election may be fought on the popularity of the parties' national leaders, people also need to know the views of candidates standing in their Salford constituencies.

There have been no public hustings and, depressingly, two surveys by Manchester Friends of the Earth and the Greater Manchester Law Centre were ignored by almost two thirds of the 15 candidates standing in the three Salford seats. Meanwhile, the Salford Star itself has had no direct communication from any candidate.

SALFORD FOOD PROVIDER FOR THE POOR RUNS OUT OF MONEY ON GENERAL ELECTION EVE

added 07 June 2017

Star date: 7th June 2017

"IT'S WORSE THAN THE WAR...THIS IS DARK AGE BRITAIN"

Street Support Salford and Manchester, which not only helps the homeless but also feeds and clothes up to 16 needy families in the community, has totally run out of money.

This morning, the totally voluntary group put up a notice stating 'we cannot supply any food until further notice'... "It's worse than the war" says Street Support's Angela Barratt "The Tories are killing off the poor...This is Dark Age Britain..."

SALFORD COUNCIL SPENDING ALMOST £3MILLION ON EMPTY PRESTIGE OFFICES

added 07 June 2017

Star date: 6th June 2017

SALFORD COUNCIL 'PURDAH' U-TURN REVEALS MORE HUGE SPENDING ON EMPTY OFFICES

After the Salford Star last week accused Salford City Council of covering up expenditure using 'purdah' rules, it has now done a u-turn and published spending figures for the last four months.

The figures show that the Council has spent almost £700,000 on rent for empty offices owned by the Legal and General Pension Fund at One New Bailey, bringing the total to near £3million – all this while proposing to shut The Grange, the city's only residential home for disabled children to save £300,000.

SINCE MANCHESTER BOMB ATTACK HATE CRIME INCREASING GM POLICE PANEL HEARS

added 06 June 2017

Star date: 5th June 2017

ANDY BURNHAM PROMISES 'HONEST DISCUSSION ON COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT'

At this morning's Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel, which confirmed Beverley Hughes' appointment as the £75,000 a year Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, members heard that "since Manchester, hate crime increased and horrendous stories are emanating".

Meanwhile, GM Mayor, Andy Burnham, promised an "honest discussion on community engagement" and pointed to last night's Ariana Grande concert as "something to behold in terms of that determination not to let events divide us".

Full details of the panel meeting, the concert and some special hospital gifts from Salford's Dr Hitman and Amir Khan here...

added 05 June 2017

SALFORD RED DEVILS WINNING STREAK ENDED BY WAKEFIELD TRINITY

Star date: 5th June 2017

SALFORD RED DEVILS 24 WAKEFIELD TRINITY 34

Old boy, Mason Caton-Brown, came back to haunt the Red Devils with a hat trick of tries as Wakefield Trinity ensured Salford's winning run came to an end at the AJ Bell Stadium. It was a belting game though, as Simon Williams reports, with photos by Gareth Lyons.

Match report, competition and Salford bee tattoos here...

added 05 June 2017

THE CREATIVE POWER OF COAL AT SALFORD WORKING CLASS MOVEMENT LIBRARY

Star date: 4th June 2017

COAL CULTURE IN FILM, MUSIC, PHOTOGRAPHY AND PAINTING

The Flame Still Burns: The creative power of coal
Thursday 15th June 7pm-9pm free
Working Class Movement Library

Granville Williams has edited a new book, The Flame Still Burns: The creative power of coal, which explores the culture surrounding the industry. At the Working Class Movement Library on 15th June, Granville will be talking about this culture and presenting a selection of intriguing films produced by the National Coal Board Film Unit.

REVOLUTIONARY COMMUNISTS TO HOLD SPEAK OUT ON SALFORD PRECINCT

added 04 June 2017

Star date: 4th June 2017

ANTI-CUTS SPEAK OUT FOR PRECINCT

Next Saturday, 10th June, the Manchester Revolutionary Communist Group is holding an anti-cuts 'speak out' on Salford Precinct from midday... "Our speak out is to enable the people of Salford to find a voice and demand representation from their elected leaders" states the RCG.