themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Dad of Gallagher brothers claims at tribunal home was 'stolen' in property scam

The father of the Gallagher brothers claims his house was 'stolen ' in a property scam involving one of Noel 's childhood friends , a tribunal has heard .
Tommy Gallagher , 77 , is embroiled in a bitter legal dispute over the fate of his three-bed , semi-detached home on Ashburn Avenue in Burnage , where the Oasis brothers grew up .
Mr Gallagher has brought the case to a First Tier tribunal hearing being held in Manchester city centre this week .
The court heard that in 2016 , he received a letter from Santander bank explaining that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ few months later in October .
Mr Gallagher , who separated from Liam and Noel 's mum Peggy when they were children , was 'shocked ' as he believed it had been due to expire in 2017 and there was still around £27,000 to pay off , Manchester Tribunal Hearing Centre heard .
He struggled to come up with the money and feared his home would be repossessed .
`` It was a disaster , '' Mr Gallagher said .
In a witness statement , Mr Gallagher claims that he discussed the situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ described as a 'family friend ' .
`` Thomas was a musician , I helped him a lot getting gigs , '' Mr Gallagher told the court .
`` He stayed in my house many times .
`` When he was about 12-years-old , he was playing with my son Noel up in the bedroom .
`` I 've known him about 20 years I would say , he was like a brother to me . ''
Mr Gallagher alleges that Thomas Keenan suggested his brother Ricky Keenan might be able to buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard .
However , Mr Gallagher says initially he only wanted to find the capital to pay off the mortgage .
`` My idea was to pay the mortgage off , '' he said .
`` I thought all we needed was the money to pay for it . ''
Nevertheless , Mr Gallagher 's home was sold in January 2017 and is now owned by a Mr Asim Iqbal Ali , the court heard .
The dispute over how the house came to be sold , who it was sold to , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gallagher living there as a tenant , are the subject of the tribunal hearing .
Two further parties , Chromolyte Limited and Hanna Property Company Limited are also joined respondents with Mr Ali in the case .
Mr Gallagher claims he has been defrauded and has made an application for the sale of the property to be annulled and for ownership to be returned to him .
The claims are denied by all three respondents .
It is understood the matter was reported to police in 2017 but officers decided it was a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the property , pending a resolution to his application .
Giving evidence in court on Wednesday , he was questioned by barrister Philip Byrne about whether he signed a number of legal documents , including a contract of sale and transfer of deeds .
Mr Gallagher told the court he signed `` two or three '' documents , `` maybe four '' , but he claimed he did n't know what they were .
When shown photocopies of the relevant documents , Mr Gallagher also claimed some of the signatures were not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signed a short-hold tenancy agreement that would have seen him pay £650 a month in rent to remain at Ashburn Avenue , Mr Gallagher said : `` No way , I did n't sign that .
`` Do you think I 'm going to sign for £650 a month to rent my own house ?
The court heard that the sale of the house was overseen by a solicitor called Paul Normandale .
In his evidence , Mr Gallagher claimed that he was first taken to meet Mr Normandale by Ricky Keenan at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The first thing we discussed was the redemption of the mortgage , '' said Mr Gallagher .
`` Then he had various discussions with Ricky which I could n't hear .
`` Then Ricky said he was the owner of Hanna Property .
`` We did n't enter into who was doing what until later .
`` I was under the impression Mr Normandale was acting on my behalf .
`` I felt as if Mr Normandale was Ricky 's solicitor rather than mine . ''
Asked about a document that authorised Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his mortgage , Mr Gallagher said : `` There 's a large amount of treachery going on , I never signed anything . ''
The court heard it is Mr Gallagher 's claim that a deal for the sale of his property was first agreed on 16 January 2017 at Mr Normandale 's office in Cleckheaton , Yorkshire .
Mr Gallagher said he was picked up from his house by Ricky and Thomas Keenan and that he did not know where he was going .
`` I thought we were going to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we were on the M62 , '' said Mr Gallagher .
`` [ Thomas ] was trying to trick me into believing they were trying to pick me a solicitor . ''
Mr Byrne , appearing for Mr Ali , said that suggestion was `` absolutely denied '' adding : `` That 's nothing more than speculation . ''
Asked if he had any evidence for the alleged collusion between Ricky Keenan and Mr Ali , Mr Gallagher said he did n't , adding : `` That 's my opinion . ''
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue is they stole my house ! ''
Mr Gallager told the court .
`` And now you 're trying to make me look like an idiot . ''
In his witness statement , Mr Normandale said he was first met Mr Gallagher in October 2016 .
He said Mr Gallagher explained his `` predicament '' with Santander and mentioned a `` friend '' had offered to buy the property .
`` [ The friend ] would pay off the mortgage and pay some money [ to Mr Gallagher ] every month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully discussed with him the implications of the payment of balance without adequate security , ensuring that he could continue to live in the property rent free for the remainder of his life . ''
Mr Normandale says Mr Gallagher `` did not discuss his relationship with the Keenans '' .
He added that in his opinion , Mr Gallagher was `` elderly , divorced and in poor health '' and had a `` serious drink problem '' .
Asked to respond , Mr Gallagher said : `` I was n't in poor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out , I do n't go out to drink , I 'm a social drinker .
`` And I 'm not divorced , when I marry , I marry for life .
I 'm separated . ''
Discussing the deal that was made in Cleckheaton , Mr Normandale claims he told Mr Gallagher it was `` not helpful '' for the Keenans to be present as `` they had an association with the buyer . ''
`` The whole deal boiled down to trust between Ricky Keenan and Tommy Gallagher , '' Mr @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the relationship with Mr Keenan .
`` It was n't going to be documented in any way . ''
The court heard neither Ricky or Thomas Keenan are set to appear as witnesses .

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The father of the Gallagher brothers claims his house was 'stolen' in a property scam involving one of Noel's childhood friends, a tribunal has heard.
Tommy Gallagher, 77, is embroiled in a bitter legal dispute over the fate of his three-bed, semi-detached home on Ashburn Avenue in Burnage, where the Oasis brothers grew up.
Mr Gallagher has brought the case to a First Tier tribunal hearing being held in Manchester city centre this week.
The court heard that in 2016, he received a letter from Santander bank explaining that his mortgage was going to expire a few months later in October.
Mr Gallagher, who separated from Liam and Noel's mum Peggy when they were children, was 'shocked' as he believed it had been due to expire in 2017 and there was still around £27,000 to pay off, Manchester Tribunal Hearing Centre heard.
He struggled to come up with the money and feared his home would be repossessed.
"It was a disaster," Mr Gallagher said.
(Image: Getty Images)
In a witness statement, Mr Gallagher claims that he discussed the situation with Thomas Keenan, a man he described as a 'family friend'.
"Thomas was a musician, I helped him a lot getting gigs," Mr Gallagher told the court.
"He stayed in my house many times.
"When he was about 12-years-old, he was playing with my son Noel up in the bedroom.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
"I've known him about 20 years I would say, he was like a brother to me."
Mr Gallagher alleges that Thomas Keenan suggested his brother Ricky Keenan might be able to buy his house for him, the court heard.
However, Mr Gallagher says initially he only wanted to find the capital to pay off the mortgage.
"My idea was to pay the mortgage off," he said.
"I thought all we needed was the money to pay for it."
Nevertheless, Mr Gallagher's home was sold in January 2017 and is now owned by a Mr Asim Iqbal Ali, the court heard.
(Image: M.E.N.)
The dispute over how the house came to be sold, who it was sold to, and what arrangements were agreed about Mr Gallagher living there as a tenant, are the subject of the tribunal hearing.
Two further parties, Chromolyte Limited and Hanna Property Company Limited are also joined respondents with Mr Ali in the case.
Mr Gallagher claims he has been defrauded and has made an application for the sale of the property to be annulled and for ownership to be returned to him.
The claims are denied by all three respondents.
It is understood the matter was reported to police in 2017 but officers decided it was a civil mater.
Mr Gallagher still remains in the property, pending a resolution to his application.
Giving evidence in court on Wednesday, he was questioned by barrister Philip Byrne about whether he signed a number of legal documents, including a contract of sale and transfer of deeds.
Mr Gallagher told the court he signed "two or three" documents, "maybe four", but he claimed he didn't know what they were.
When shown photocopies of the relevant documents, Mr Gallagher also claimed some of the signatures were not his.
Asked about whether he had signed a short-hold tenancy agreement that would have seen him pay £650 a month in rent to remain at Ashburn Avenue, Mr Gallagher said: "No way, I didn't sign that.
(Image: PA)
"Do you think I'm going to sign for £650 a month to rent my own house?
"A madman wouldn't do it."
The court heard that the sale of the house was overseen by a solicitor called Paul Normandale.
In his evidence, Mr Gallagher claimed that he was first taken to meet Mr Normandale by Ricky Keenan at an office in Salford Quays.
"The first thing we discussed was the redemption of the mortgage," said Mr Gallagher.
"Then he had various discussions with Ricky which I couldn't hear.
"There were whispers.
"Then Ricky said he was the owner of Hanna Property.
"We didn't enter into who was doing what until later.
"I was under the impression Mr Normandale was acting on my behalf.
"I felt as if Mr Normandale was Ricky's solicitor rather than mine."
Asked about a document that authorised Mr Normandale to deal with the redemption of his mortgage, Mr Gallagher said: "There's a large amount of treachery going on, I never signed anything."
The court heard it is Mr Gallagher's claim that a deal for the sale of his property was first agreed on 16 January 2017 at Mr Normandale's office in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire.
Mr Gallagher said he was picked up from his house by Ricky and Thomas Keenan and that he did not know where he was going.
"I thought we were going to a solicitor's in Manchester, next thing we were on the M62," said Mr Gallagher.
"[Thomas] was trying to trick me into believing they were trying to pick me a solicitor."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Mr Byrne, appearing for Mr Ali, said that suggestion was "absolutely denied" adding: "That's nothing more than speculation."
Asked if he had any evidence for the alleged collusion between Ricky Keenan and Mr Ali, Mr Gallagher said he didn't, adding: "That's my opinion."
"These are not the issues, the issue is they stole my house!" Mr Gallager told the court.
"And now you're trying to make me look like an idiot."
In his witness statement, Mr Normandale said he was first met Mr Gallagher in October 2016.
He said Mr Gallagher explained his "predicament" with Santander and mentioned a "friend" had offered to buy the property.
"[The friend] would pay off the mortgage and pay some money [to Mr Gallagher] every month," Mr Normandale said.
"I fully discussed with him the implications of the payment of balance without adequate security, ensuring that he could continue to live in the property rent free for the remainder of his life."
Mr Normandale says Mr Gallagher "did not discuss his relationship with the Keenans".
He added that in his opinion, Mr Gallagher was "elderly, divorced and in poor health" and had a "serious drink problem".
Asked to respond, Mr Gallagher said: "I wasn't in poor health, I drink when I go out, I don't go out to drink, I'm a social drinker.
"And I'm not divorced, when I marry, I marry for life. I'm separated."
Discussing the deal that was made in Cleckheaton, Mr Normandale claims he told Mr Gallagher it was "not helpful" for the Keenans to be present as "they had an association with the buyer."
"The whole deal boiled down to trust between Ricky Keenan and Tommy Gallagher," Mr Normandale said.
"Everything was dependant on the relationship with Mr Keenan.
"It wasn't going to be documented in any way."
The court heard neither Ricky or Thomas Keenan are set to appear as witnesses.
The hearing continues on Thursday.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Van de Beek's Man United shirt number and the tragic story behind it

New Manchester United signing Donny van de Beek will wear the No.34 for the club .
United made Van de Beek their first signing of the summer on Wednesday evening after confirming the £40.1million move from Dutch giants Ajax .
The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal , with the option for a further year , and arrives having established himself as one of Europe 's best playmakers , having made his name in Ajax 's thrilling run to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018/19 season .
Although lower , more typically prestigious numbers such @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all available , Van de Beek has instead opted to wear the No.34 for his new club .
Van de Beek specifically requested the jersey to pay tribute to his former Ajax teammate and close friend Abdelhak Nouri , who collapsed during a pre-season game against Werder Bremen in 2017 and suffered a cardiac arrhythmia attack .
“ This is a special thing for me because my good friend Abdelhak Nouri… maybe you know the story , '' the Dutchman told United 's official site .
`` He had a heart attack and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mine , and I ’ m really close with his family and his brother is one of my best friends , and I talk a lot with them .
So I decided to take his old number on my shirt .
I want to get good memories with this number.
” Dean Henderson was the club 's No.34 but has allowed his new teammate to take the shirt .

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New Manchester United signing Donny van de Beek will wear the No.34 for the club.
United made Van de Beek their first signing of the summer on Wednesday evening after confirming the £40.1million move from Dutch giants Ajax.
The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, with the option for a further year, and arrives having established himself as one of Europe's best playmakers, having made his name in Ajax's thrilling run to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018/19 season.
Although lower, more typically prestigious numbers such as No.7, No.11 and No.19 were all available, Van de Beek has instead opted to wear the No.34 for his new club.
Van de Beek specifically requested the jersey to pay tribute to his former Ajax teammate and close friend Abdelhak Nouri, who collapsed during a pre-season game against Werder Bremen in 2017 and suffered a cardiac arrhythmia attack.
“This is a special thing for me because my good friend Abdelhak Nouri… maybe you know the story," the Dutchman told United's official site.
"He had a heart attack and he’s a good friend of mine, and I’m really close with his family and his brother is one of my best friends, and I talk a lot with them. So I decided to take his old number on my shirt. I want to get good memories with this number.”
Dean Henderson was the club's No.34 but has allowed his new teammate to take the shirt.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--How people in Bolton reacted to the government’s lockdown U-turn

Confusion and anger were the main reactions from the people of Bolton after the town was ordered to stay in a local lockdown following a U-turn by the national government .
Bolton - along with Trafford - was due to be released from the Greater Manchester-wide restrictions today ( Wednesday , September 2 ) , but Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced earlier that lockdown measures will remain .
Latest figures show the borough has the second highest coronavirus infection rate in the country .
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said : “ Following a significant change in the level of infection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a decision has been taken that Bolton and Trafford will now remain under existing restrictions . ''
In Bolton town centre this afternoon , people spoke of their confusion over the situation .
Paul Hewitt , from Westhoughton , told the M.E.N .
of his frustration about the constant U-turns , believing that decisions on a local level should be left to town halls .
“ People are so confused .
One minute the government in London says it ’ s up to town halls to decide , the next they ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then they ’ re saying it is being lifted , and now they ’ re doing a U turn , ” he said .
“ That ’ s why people are so fed up .
The government needs to wake up , smell the beans , and let local government - the town hall - get on with it and do what they know best .
“ We ’ re the best people to know what ’ s going on in our own town .
“ We should have stayed in lockdown @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about businesses , people losing their jobs , but for crying out loud , health is more important than profits.
” Ralph Heyes , 73 , meanwhile told us : `` We can only do what we ’ re doing .
`` 95 per cent of the people are doing it right and 5pc aren ’ t .
We ’ re going to have to learn how to live with it .
`` It ’ s not going away until an effective vaccine is made .
We are going to have the same @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is right , and that ’ s all we can do . ''
There were a few signs of sympathy towards the government from the occasional local resident , however .
Louise , who didn ’ t want to give her last name , questioned whether the government could have reacted any other way , with infection rates rising .
“ I suppose it all depends on the figures , whether the infection rate has come down .
“ It can be very confusing , I was asking before where we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ realise that this had happened until now .
“ I ’ ve been mixing with my daughter as soon as we were allowed to , meeting in each other ’ s houses , but maybe now we can ’ t after today.
” Meanwhile , Neil Thacker , 57 , said : `` I think that whatever steps people can take to avoid other people breathing all over them is better than whether we have a lockdown or not .
`` I have given up on the government messages , they don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot .
`` I think it ’ s just business as usual .
I think them saying there ’ s a lockdown won ’ t make a difference to what people do . ''
The way in which the government has handled the crisis in Bolton could lead to voters taking their anger to the ballot box , with several residents telling us how they had lost faith in politics over the fiasco .
Dave Young , from Bolton , said : “ It doesn ’ t give me an inch of faith @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complete idiots - they ’ ve let everything crumble beneath themselves .
“ They should have kept us in it completely and just saw it out , or just lifted the whole thing , one or the other .
They can ’ t just keep us in this grey area .
“ No one can understand it , the young ones are still going out - you can ’ t stop that , but us older ones are being a bit more careful.
” The current infection rate in Bolton stands at 69.6 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entered coronavirus 'red alert ' as the number of new infections continues to spike dramatically .
Today ’ s announcement means people from different households will still be forbidden to meet either at home or in public places and businesses such as bowling alleys , beauticians and soft play areas will remain closed .

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Confusion and anger were the main reactions from the people of Bolton after the town was ordered to stay in a local lockdown following a U-turn by the national government.
Bolton - along with Trafford - was due to be released from the Greater Manchester-wide restrictions today (Wednesday, September 2), but Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced earlier that lockdown measures will remain.
Latest figures show the borough has the second highest coronavirus infection rate in the country.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Following a significant change in the level of infection rates over the last few days, a decision has been taken that Bolton and Trafford will now remain under existing restrictions."
In Bolton town centre this afternoon, people spoke of their confusion over the situation.
(Image: Andrew Gentry)
Paul Hewitt, from Westhoughton, told the M.E.N. of his frustration about the constant U-turns, believing that decisions on a local level should be left to town halls.
“People are so confused. One minute the government in London says it’s up to town halls to decide, the next they’re saying it’s not being lifted, then they’re saying it is being lifted, and now they’re doing a U turn,” he said.
“That’s why people are so fed up. The government needs to wake up, smell the beans, and let local government - the town hall - get on with it and do what they know best.
“We’re the best people to know what’s going on in our own town.
“We should have stayed in lockdown to begin with. I completely understand about businesses, people losing their jobs, but for crying out loud, health is more important than profits.”
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Ralph Heyes, 73, meanwhile told us: "We can only do what we’re doing.
"95 per cent of the people are doing it right and 5pc aren’t. We’re going to have to learn how to live with it.
"It’s not going away until an effective vaccine is made. We are going to have the same problem.
"We just do what is right, and that’s all we can do."
There were a few signs of sympathy towards the government from the occasional local resident, however.
Louise, who didn’t want to give her last name, questioned whether the government could have reacted any other way, with infection rates rising.
“I suppose it all depends on the figures, whether the infection rate has come down.
“It can be very confusing, I was asking before where we’re actually at and I didn’t realise that this had happened until now.
“I’ve been mixing with my daughter as soon as we were allowed to, meeting in each other’s houses, but maybe now we can’t after today.”
Meanwhile, Neil Thacker, 57, said: "I think that whatever steps people can take to avoid other people breathing all over them is better than whether we have a lockdown or not.
(Image: Daily Mirror)
"I have given up on the government messages, they don’t seem to be saying an awful lot.
"I think it’s just business as usual. I think them saying there’s a lockdown won’t make a difference to what people do."
The way in which the government has handled the crisis in Bolton could lead to voters taking their anger to the ballot box, with several residents telling us how they had lost faith in politics over the fiasco.
Dave Young, from Bolton, said: “It doesn’t give me an inch of faith in politics.
“They’re complete idiots - they’ve let everything crumble beneath themselves.
“They should have kept us in it completely and just saw it out, or just lifted the whole thing, one or the other. They can’t just keep us in this grey area.
“No one can understand it, the young ones are still going out - you can’t stop that, but us older ones are being a bit more careful.”
The current infection rate in Bolton stands at 69.6 per 100,000 people.
Bolton has therefore entered coronavirus 'red alert' as the number of new infections continues to spike dramatically.
Today’s announcement means people from different households will still be forbidden to meet either at home or in public places and businesses such as bowling alleys, beauticians and soft play areas will remain closed.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--How First Dates is able to film in locked down Manchester

First Dates is back in Manchester - but how can they film a programme about dating in a restaurant with all the local lockdown restrictions ?
After all , the show is all about finding love .
So if contestants can ’ t sit near each other or enjoy a post-date smooch , how ’ s it all going to work ?
The best-loved dating series has resumed production at The Refinery in Spinningfields after six months off due to the coronavirus pandemic .
And the good news is that the Channel 4 show has worked out a way for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very strict covid-19 guidelines .
Announcing the news on Instagram on Tuesday , the show ’ s host , Fred Sirieix , 48 , revealed that filming had started up again and that they were focusing on the love lives of teenagers for a special episode .
He posted : “ So happy and excited to let you know that after 6 months of forced closure due to # covid19 we have finally re-opened the First Dates restaurant .
“ We are back in business and more determined than ever to make love @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all about young love and a special # teen series # ohlala.
” However , no additional information was offered by the popular maître d ’ - who also presents My Million Pound Menu in the city - about any safety measures put in place .
Local lockdown measures across Greater Manchester , including in the city of Manchester itself , state that socialising with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues is not permitted - such as at pubs , restaurants , cafes , shops , places of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ entertainment venues , or visitor attractions .
The measures were enforced on July 31 when cases of coronavirus spiked across the region .
But an insider for the best-loved dating show revealed to the Manchester Evening News that because the restaurant is now a TV set , it does not operate under the same rules .
They said the crew is sticking to strict covid-19 guidelines that govern closed sets - such as regular testing of themselves and contributors .
The source confirmed that , once on the closed set , daters can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ distancing .
So yes , if a date goes well , contestants are allowed to enjoy a kiss and cuddle .
A spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News : “ First Dates ’ restaurant location is a closed TV set that is not open to the general public .
“ The production is abiding by strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols , and all contributors will be taking a COVID-19 test in advance of filming and only allowed to film if their result is negative.
” Watch previous episodes of First Dates on Channel @ @

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First Dates is back in Manchester - but how can they film a programme about dating in a restaurant with all the local lockdown restrictions?
After all, the show is all about finding love.
So if contestants can’t sit near each other or enjoy a post-date smooch, how’s it all going to work?
The best-loved dating series has resumed production at The Refinery in Spinningfields after six months off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
And the good news is that the Channel 4 show has worked out a way for it to work - while sticking to very strict covid-19 guidelines.
(Image: STEVE ALLEN)
Announcing the news on Instagram on Tuesday, the show’s host, Fred Sirieix, 48, revealed that filming had started up again and that they were focusing on the love lives of teenagers for a special episode.
He posted: “So happy and excited to let you know that after 6 months of forced closure due to #covid19 we have finally re-opened the First Dates restaurant.
“We are back in business and more determined than ever to make love happen.
“Today it’s all about young love and a special #teen series #ohlala.”
However, no additional information was offered by the popular maître d’ - who also presents My Million Pound Menu in the city - about any safety measures put in place.
Local lockdown measures across Greater Manchester, including in the city of Manchester itself, state that socialising with people you do not live with in other indoor public venues is not permitted - such as at pubs, restaurants, cafes, shops, places of worship, community centres, leisure and entertainment venues, or visitor attractions.
The measures were enforced on July 31 when cases of coronavirus spiked across the region.
(Image: MDM)
But an insider for the best-loved dating show revealed to the Manchester Evening News that because the restaurant is now a TV set, it does not operate under the same rules.
They said the crew is sticking to strict covid-19 guidelines that govern closed sets - such as regular testing of themselves and contributors.
The source confirmed that, once on the closed set, daters can 'interact as normal', without social distancing.
So yes, if a date goes well, contestants are allowed to enjoy a kiss and cuddle.
A spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News: “First Dates’ restaurant location is a closed TV set that is not open to the general public.
“The production is abiding by strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols, and all contributors will be taking a COVID-19 test in advance of filming and only allowed to film if their result is negative.”
Watch previous episodes of First Dates on Channel 4.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Man in hospital after being 'attacked with crowbar' at car wash

A man remains in hospital after being ‘ attacked with a crowbar ’ at a hand car wash in Swinton .
Police were called to the scene on East Lancs Road just after 2.20pm on Monday ( August 31 ) .
Witnesses described hearing screams as a man in his 40s was assaulted by three people – one wielding a weapon .
Paramedics attended and the man was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury where he remains .
A witness , who did not wish to be named , said : “ We heard the women that work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Myself and another neighbour phoned the police .
One of the workers was injured and they smashed every window of a car with crowbars .
Police were there for several hours .
A spokesman for GMP said : `` Shortly after 2.20pm on Monday 31 August 2020 , officers were called to a report of an assault on at a car wash situated on the East Lancashire Road in Swinton .
“ It is believed a man in his 40s was assaulted by three people , one armed with a weapon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ man suffered a serious leg injury and was taken to hospital where he remains.
” An investigation is on-going and anyone with information or anyone who may have seen anything is asked to call 0161 856 4592 .
Alternatively , contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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A man remains in hospital after being ‘attacked with a crowbar’ at a hand car wash in Swinton.
Police were called to the scene on East Lancs Road just after 2.20pm on Monday (August 31).
Witnesses described hearing screams as a man in his 40s was assaulted by three people – one wielding a weapon.
Paramedics attended and the man was taken to hospital with a serious leg injury where he remains.
A witness, who did not wish to be named, said: “We heard the women that work there screaming. Some lads attacked them.
“Myself and another neighbour phoned the police. One of the workers was injured and they smashed every window of a car with crowbars. Police were there for several hours.
A spokesman for GMP said: "Shortly after 2.20pm on Monday 31 August 2020, officers were called to a report of an assault on at a car wash situated on the East Lancashire Road in Swinton.
“It is believed a man in his 40s was assaulted by three people, one armed with a weapon.
“Emergency services attended and the man suffered a serious leg injury and was taken to hospital where he remains.”
An investigation is on-going and anyone with information or anyone who may have seen anything is asked to call 0161 856 4592. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Gang rammed police car and hurled tools at officers during 80mph chase

A gang of suspected car thieves rammed a police vehicle and threw tools at officers during a dramatic chase .
A monkey wrench , bolt cutters , and and blocks of metal , were hurled at officers in an unmarked car from GMP 's elite Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit .
In a dramatic six minute chase a stolen silver Volvo Estate on false number plates was pursued from Salford into Manchester .
The Volvo reached speeds of 80mph through residential districts .
The force helicopter , and armed response team , and dog unit , were also deployed and four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gang had been targeting retail and commercial premises to commit crimes .
The incident began at 1.30am on Tuesday when TVIU officers covertly followed a car suspected of being linked to a previous incident of attempted theft .
They asked the driver of the stolen Volvo Estate , which was being driven of false number plates to stop .
But it drove off at speed from Pendleton roundabout .
As it did one suspect was hanging out the window threatening police with a monkey wrench - which was later thrown at the pursuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bolt cutters were thrown from the car on Great Cheetham Street West .
The Volvo was finally stopped in Levenhurst Road in Cheetham Hill and those on board fled on foot .
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement : `` As officers were pursuing the car , the driver rammed the police car and the occupants inside brandished weapons towards the pursuing officers .
`` The offenders threw items at the officers during the pursuit and when they eventually abandoned the vehicle , they discarded the weapons and made off on foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police helicopter , firearms officers and the dog unit all four males were detained in a housing estate situated off Waterloo Road , Crumpsall .
`` Following a search of the vehicle , a number of weapons were found in the boot of the offenders ' car .
`` Four men – a 23-year-old , 27 year-old , 29 year-old and a 28-year-old – were arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle , attempted section 18 assault , affray and criminal damage . ''
Anyone with information is asked to contact police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on 0800 555 111 .
Between March 2019 and March this year £6.6m worth of stolen vehicles were recovered by GMP .
But many end up in chop shops being dismantled and sold for parts as part of a global crime industry .
Others are exported complete in shipping containers .
Sgt Danny Kabal of GMP 's TVIU , said : `` In terms of identifying what vehicles Organised Crime Groups are taking , it is very difficult to do this .
The reason being , different OCG 's prefer different vehicles .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ performance ) cars to commit serious crimes such as armed robberies and aggravated burglaries .
They go for vehicles such as S3 's , Golf R 's , Merc AMG 's etc… '' Other teams prefer less blingy cars to blend in with the general public when committing day time burglaries and thefts .
`` There are also teams who steal cars to order and they vary drastically - they will literally take anything that is in demand from the UK or global criminal market . ''

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A gang of suspected car thieves rammed a police vehicle and threw tools at officers during a dramatic chase.
A monkey wrench, bolt cutters, and and blocks of metal, were hurled at officers in an unmarked car from GMP's elite Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit.
In a dramatic six minute chase a stolen silver Volvo Estate on false number plates was pursued from Salford into Manchester.
The Volvo reached speeds of 80mph through residential districts.
The force helicopter, and armed response team, and dog unit, were also deployed and four suspects arrested. It is believed the gang had been targeting retail and commercial premises to commit crimes.
The incident began at 1.30am on Tuesday when TVIU officers covertly followed a car suspected of being linked to a previous incident of attempted theft.
They asked the driver of the stolen Volvo Estate, which was being driven of false number plates to stop.
But it drove off at speed from Pendleton roundabout. As it did one suspect was hanging out the window threatening police with a monkey wrench - which was later thrown at the pursuing police car.
Later a set of bolt cutters were thrown from the car on Great Cheetham Street West.
The Volvo was finally stopped in Levenhurst Road in Cheetham Hill and those on board fled on foot.
A TVIU unmarked Golf suffered minor damage.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: "As officers were pursuing the car, the driver rammed the police car and the occupants inside brandished weapons towards the pursuing officers.
"The offenders threw items at the officers during the pursuit and when they eventually abandoned the vehicle, they discarded the weapons and made off on foot.
"With the support of the police helicopter, firearms officers and the dog unit all four males were detained in a housing estate situated off Waterloo Road, Crumpsall.
"Following a search of the vehicle, a number of weapons were found in the boot of the offenders' car.
"Four men – a 23-year-old, 27 year-old, 29 year-old and a 28-year-old – were arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle, attempted section 18 assault, affray and criminal damage."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Between March 2019 and March this year £6.6m worth of stolen vehicles were recovered by GMP.
But many end up in chop shops being dismantled and sold for parts as part of a global crime industry. Others are exported complete in shipping containers.
Sgt Danny Kabal of GMP's TVIU, said: "In terms of identifying what vehicles Organised Crime Groups are taking, it is very difficult to do this. The reason being, different OCG's prefer different vehicles.
"Some take 'hypos' (high performance) cars to commit serious crimes such as armed robberies and aggravated burglaries. They go for vehicles such as S3's, Golf R's, Merc AMG's etc…
"Other teams prefer less blingy cars to blend in with the general public when committing day time burglaries and thefts.
"There are also teams who steal cars to order and they vary drastically - they will literally take anything that is in demand from the UK or global criminal market."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Man United told what to do next after confirming Donny van de Beek transfer

Manchester United fans have demanded that the club now move to sign Jadon Sancho after confirming the transfer of Donny van de Beek .
United have made Van de Beek their first signing of the transfer window after he arrived from Ajax in a £40.1million move .
The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal , with the option for a further year , and represents quite a coup for United as he appeared set to join Real Madrid before the coronavirus pandemic impacted the Spanish giants ' finances .
Van de Beek is set to meet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ next week following the Netherlands ' Nations League fixtures and he ca n't wait to play alongside `` some of the best midfielders in the world . ''
United supporters appear to be delighted with the signing but they do n't want the club to rest on their laurels and have demanded that Borussia Dortmund 's Sancho is the next in the door .
Sancho is United 's top target this summer as the club look to finally sign him after he enjoyed another brilliant season in Germany , scoring 20 goals and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ However , the deal is n't yet done as Dortmund officials are adamant that the England international will remain at Signal Iduna Park for at least another season and they are under no pressure to sell after his contract was extended to 2023 .
United have n't given up on the signing and remain in talks with representatives of Sancho and Dortmund but the player 's wages , agent costs and the actual transfer fee remain stumbling blocks in negotiations .
Regardless of the difficulties , supporters have made it clear that Sancho @ @ @ @ @ @ @ club to make .
United have just 17 days left to recruit new players before their Premier League campaign gets underway against Crystal Palace on September 19 .
However , they do have until the window closes on October 5 to make any additions to their squad , so the Sancho saga could roll on for a while yet .

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Manchester United fans have demanded that the club now move to sign Jadon Sancho after confirming the transfer of Donny van de Beek.
United have made Van de Beek their first signing of the transfer window after he arrived from Ajax in a £40.1million move.
The 23-year-old has put pen to paper on a five-year deal, with the option for a further year, and represents quite a coup for United as he appeared set to join Real Madrid before the coronavirus pandemic impacted the Spanish giants' finances.
Van de Beek is set to meet his new teammates for the first time next week following the Netherlands' Nations League fixtures and he can't wait to play alongside "some of the best midfielders in the world."
United supporters appear to be delighted with the signing but they don't want the club to rest on their laurels and have demanded that Borussia Dortmund's Sancho is the next in the door.
Sancho is United's top target this summer as the club look to finally sign him after he enjoyed another brilliant season in Germany, scoring 20 goals and grabbing 20 assists in the process.
However, the deal isn't yet done as Dortmund officials are adamant that the England international will remain at Signal Iduna Park for at least another season and they are under no pressure to sell after his contract was extended to 2023.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
United haven't given up on the signing and remain in talks with representatives of Sancho and Dortmund but the player's wages, agent costs and the actual transfer fee remain stumbling blocks in negotiations.
Regardless of the difficulties, supporters have made it clear that Sancho is the next signing they want the club to make.
United have just 17 days left to recruit new players before their Premier League campaign gets underway against Crystal Palace on September 19.
However, they do have until the window closes on October 5 to make any additions to their squad, so the Sancho saga could roll on for a while yet.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Andy Burnham seeking exit strategy from 'crude' regional restrictions

The mayor of Greater Manchester has spelled out how he believes tighter coronavirus measures should be lifted across the city-region .
Andy Burnham has called for an end to ‘ crude blanket restrictions ’ that are becoming ‘ less effective ’ despite initially helping to stop rising infection rates .
A ‘ more sophisticated ’ exit strategy which puts local leaders at the heart of decision-making has been proposed , with Mr Burnham arguing that they are better placed to know when to impose tougher restrictions ‘ as a last resort ’ .
This would avoid the confusion experienced by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where restrictions were lifted and reinstated within 12 hours after a spike in Covid-19 cases .
Health secretary Matt Hancock is aware of the as-yet uncosted exit strategy , with Mr Burnham stressing that politics would be kept out of any future arrangements .
He said : “ This is about having the right solution for Greater Manchester that protects people ’ s health but also allows them to return safely to school and the office.
” On Wednesday the mayor outlined the issues that would form the exit strategy , beginning with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of resources ’ to councils to improve test and trace locally .
The national system has been subject to constant criticism from Mr Burnham , who has repeatedly said that it is ‘ not good enough yet ’ .
By receiving either more money or manpower from the government , councils could use their local knowledge to build ‘ door-to-door ’ operations and deliver targeted interventions .
Mr Burnham also wants the government to commit further funding to support people in low-income jobs who would be unable to work from home if asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pilot ‘ isolation payments ’ of £13 a day to those on Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit living in Oldham , Blackburn and Pendle .
But this does not go far enough according to Mr Burnham , who said that it should be treated as jury service and those taking part should be compensated as such .
He added : “ The health secretary has already told us that he couldn ’ t live on £13 a day , and who can live on that ?
” Mr Burnham also wants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensible ’ advice about minimising mixing of families indoors after household transmission was found to be a major reason behind soaring rates in Oldham last month .
But above all Mr Burnham wants a change in the local to national balance that gives local authorities and their communities a greater say on what restrictions - if any - are needed if the Covid-19 situation picture deteriorates .
He said : “ We are closer to our communities , and it ’ s time to put councils and therefore local communities in control of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do all of the preventative measures that I 've spoken about through a localised test and trace operation but having those restrictions then as a last resort .
“ It currently looks like the only resort , the government is n't doing the earlier things but is just taking these quite high handed decisions just to impose restrictions on communities .
“ That isn ’ t the way to go.
” Mr Burnham said that each of the Greater Manchester councils was drawing up how much it would cost to implement the measures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ added that the sum ‘ won ’ t be exorbitant ’ and that some of the resources , whether it is money or staffing , may already be available in the national track and trace system .

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The mayor of Greater Manchester has spelled out how he believes tighter coronavirus measures should be lifted across the city-region.
Andy Burnham has called for an end to ‘crude blanket restrictions’ that are becoming ‘less effective’ despite initially helping to stop rising infection rates.
A ‘more sophisticated’ exit strategy which puts local leaders at the heart of decision-making has been proposed, with Mr Burnham arguing that they are better placed to know when to impose tougher restrictions ‘as a last resort’.
This would avoid the confusion experienced by residents and councillors in Trafford and Bolton where restrictions were lifted and reinstated within 12 hours after a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Health secretary Matt Hancock is aware of the as-yet uncosted exit strategy, with Mr Burnham stressing that politics would be kept out of any future arrangements.
(Image: PA)
He said: “This is about having the right solution for Greater Manchester that protects people’s health but also allows them to return safely to school and the office.”
On Wednesday the mayor outlined the issues that would form the exit strategy, beginning with a call for a ‘major reallocation of resources’ to councils to improve test and trace locally.
The national system has been subject to constant criticism from Mr Burnham, who has repeatedly said that it is ‘not good enough yet’.
By receiving either more money or manpower from the government, councils could use their local knowledge to build ‘door-to-door’ operations and deliver targeted interventions.
Mr Burnham also wants the government to commit further funding to support people in low-income jobs who would be unable to work from home if asked to self-isolate.
The government has agreed to pilot ‘isolation payments’ of £13 a day to those on Universal Credit or Working Tax Credit living in Oldham, Blackburn and Pendle.
But this does not go far enough according to Mr Burnham, who said that it should be treated as jury service and those taking part should be compensated as such.
He added: “The health secretary has already told us that he couldn’t live on £13 a day, and who can live on that?”
Mr Burnham also wants local councils to keep putting out ‘sensible’ advice about minimising mixing of families indoors after household transmission was found to be a major reason behind soaring rates in Oldham last month.
(Image: Mark Waugh)
But above all Mr Burnham wants a change in the local to national balance that gives local authorities and their communities a greater say on what restrictions - if any - are needed if the Covid-19 situation picture deteriorates.
He said: “We are closer to our communities, and it’s time to put councils and therefore local communities in control of these restrictions.
“We need to do all of the preventative measures that I've spoken about through a localised test and trace operation but having those restrictions then as a last resort.
“It currently looks like the only resort, the government isn't doing the earlier things but is just taking these quite high handed decisions just to impose restrictions on communities.
“That isn’t the way to go.”
Mr Burnham said that each of the Greater Manchester councils was drawing up how much it would cost to implement the measures hinted at in the strategy.
He added that the sum ‘won’t be exorbitant’ and that some of the resources, whether it is money or staffing, may already be available in the national track and trace system.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--ADVERTORIAL: Freshers' week is returning with a difference this year

From settling into a different city to finding friends for life as a new academic chapter begins , starting university is a milestone moment for many .
Although heading into higher education and setting up home in halls of residence may look different in 2020 due to the pandemic , new students can embrace it all the same .
Usual freshers ' week traditions like signing up to societies at the annual fair and sampling the local nightlife at student events and parties galore may be restricted by current social distancing measures to combat the spread of Covid-19 .
A @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for this September 's intake though , as a new-look academic year gets underway and university studies get back on track post lockdown .
Liverpool Hope University , for one , has been setting up safety measures for day to day learning and living on its campuses , which include the picturesque Hope Park , residential Aigburth Park and ci.ty centre-based Creative Campus .
The measures will aim to help existing students , incoming students who already have their university plans secured , and also those still signing up to courses through the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , feel supported as they move forward with their studies .
Meanwhile the university 's Hope Social team has been working up a Welcome Week programme which encourages new students to socialise while remaining suitably distanced , and they can participate in a way that feels comfortable for them .
Hope will be arranging students into 'bubbles ' for their classes and time spent living in halls of residence , as the university works to keep students and staff as safe as possible .
Ready for the new academic year , it has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sanitiser stations and TV screens displaying all the up to date Covid-19 information across the university , and will act on any future advice the government might issue .
A blend of face-to-face learning and the use of online platforms such as Zoom to deliver teaching for larger groups will also enable university courses to run safely , with students encouraged to study at home or in their accommodation rather than in university buildings during time outside of timetabled sessions too .
For anyone finding the idea of starting studies and living in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daunting after lockdown , this mix of learning in and away from Hope 's buildings could potentially make it easier to gradually move to Liverpool and settle into university life during the first semester .
Those starting their studies for the first time at Liverpool Hope University this September can celebrate the start of their experience with a wide range of social events and activities , which can be attended on campus and beyond alongside fellow 'bubble ' members or as part of their mission to meet new people .
During the university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Week , newcomers will be invited to take a tour of the university 's local area , picking out the top shops and cafés before concluding with a Calderstones Park picnic .
Plus a chippy van 's visit to campuses is on the menu and will encourage everyone to tuck into the classic Friday night dinner at the same time ; a cinema club will unite film fans in the best way possible while social distancing ; and the start of weekly campus socials will enable students to become familiar with the university @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Other Welcome Week activities will be open to the arrivals to either attend in person or join in online if they 'd prefer , such as a new weekly 'lunch club ' which will replace the university 's £1 lunches which were hugely popular among Hope students on Mondays ; and a new weekly craft and chat club 's first session will invite participants to bring along their projects or tune in and take part via Zoom .
Morning workouts , performances by local bands , drop-in question and answer sessions , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student flat that 's been decorated with just £5 , and a 'big shop bingo ! '
night giving away prizes to fill up the food cupboards will all allow students to interact , have fun and feel part of the university community , using the video streaming and social media platforms that have helped to keep us all connected throughout the pandemic .
Firm night out favourites including a pub quiz night and a weekend disco complete with shout outs will also be recreated virtually as part of the packed Welcome Week @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Live and Zoom .
Ahead of the event , the Hope Social team said : `` Our first weekend on campus is aimed at welcoming people who have just moved into Liverpool and into halls - it will be full of welcome talks , tours of Liverpool , meeting new people - online and in person , unpacking setting up your space and getting your big shop done ! ''
For more information about starting Liverpool Hope University and campus life , click here .

From settling into a different city to finding friends for life as a new academic chapter begins, starting university is a milestone moment for many.
Although heading into higher education and setting up home in halls of residence may look different in 2020 due to the pandemic, new students can embrace it all the same.
Usual freshers' week traditions like signing up to societies at the annual fair and sampling the local nightlife at student events and parties galore may be restricted by current social distancing measures to combat the spread of Covid-19.
A warm activity-packed welcome is in the pipeline for this September's intake though, as a new-look academic year gets underway and university studies get back on track post lockdown.
Liverpool Hope University, for one, has been setting up safety measures for day to day learning and living on its campuses, which include the picturesque Hope Park, residential Aigburth Park and city centre-based Creative Campus.
The measures will aim to help existing students, incoming students who already have their university plans secured, and also those still signing up to courses through the clearing process which remains open until October, feel supported as they move forward with their studies.
Meanwhile the university's Hope Social team has been working up a Welcome Week programme which encourages new students to socialise while remaining suitably distanced, and they can participate in a way that feels comfortable for them.
Hope will be arranging students into 'bubbles' for their classes and time spent living in halls of residence, as the university works to keep students and staff as safe as possible.
Ready for the new academic year, it has also implemented one way systems, hand sanitiser stations and TV screens displaying all the up to date Covid-19 information across the university, and will act on any future advice the government might issue.
(Image: Liverpool Hope University)
A blend of face-to-face learning and the use of online platforms such as Zoom to deliver teaching for larger groups will also enable university courses to run safely, with students encouraged to study at home or in their accommodation rather than in university buildings during time outside of timetabled sessions too.
For anyone finding the idea of starting studies and living in a new location all at once quite daunting after lockdown, this mix of learning in and away from Hope's buildings could potentially make it easier to gradually move to Liverpool and settle into university life during the first semester.
Those starting their studies for the first time at Liverpool Hope University this September can celebrate the start of their experience with a wide range of social events and activities, which can be attended on campus and beyond alongside fellow 'bubble' members or as part of their mission to meet new people.
During the university's September 28 to October 4 Welcome Week, newcomers will be invited to take a tour of the university's local area, picking out the top shops and cafés before concluding with a Calderstones Park picnic.
Plus a chippy van's visit to campuses is on the menu and will encourage everyone to tuck into the classic Friday night dinner at the same time; a cinema club will unite film fans in the best way possible while social distancing; and the start of weekly campus socials will enable students to become familiar with the university's settings, societies and fellow attendees.
Other Welcome Week activities will be open to the arrivals to either attend in person or join in online if they'd prefer, such as a new weekly 'lunch club' which will replace the university's £1 lunches which were hugely popular among Hope students on Mondays; and a new weekly craft and chat club's first session will invite participants to bring along their projects or tune in and take part via Zoom.
Morning workouts, performances by local bands, drop-in question and answer sessions, a competition to find the best designed student flat that's been decorated with just £5, and a 'big shop bingo!' night giving away prizes to fill up the food cupboards will all allow students to interact, have fun and feel part of the university community, using the video streaming and social media platforms that have helped to keep us all connected throughout the pandemic.
Firm night out favourites including a pub quiz night and a weekend disco complete with shout outs will also be recreated virtually as part of the packed Welcome Week schedule, using the likes of Instagram Live and Zoom.
Ahead of the event, the Hope Social team said: "Our first weekend on campus is aimed at welcoming people who have just moved into Liverpool and into halls - it will be full of welcome talks, tours of Liverpool, meeting new people - online and in person, unpacking setting up your space and getting your big shop done!"
For more information about starting Liverpool Hope University and campus life, click here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Solskjaer lists three qualities that Donny van de Beek brings to Man United

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Donny van de Beek will complement his existing midfield options at Manchester United after making the Holland international his first signing of the summer .
United 's €39million deal for the 23-year-old further strengthens a strong midfield for Solskjaer and Van de Beek will be competing with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba after sealing his move from Ajax .
But Solskjaer believes Van de Beek can bring something different to the team , while also hailing the Ajax academy graduate 's mental fortitude to be a success at United .
“ Donny has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United , '' Solskjaer said of his new arrival .
`` His ability to see space , time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position . ''
Van de Beek was a standout performer in Ajax 's run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19 and had been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the revenues of the La Liga champions United were in a position to hijack the deal and Solskjaer spoke to Van de Beek personally to sell him his vision for the club .
The attacking midfielder will link-up with his new teammates at Carrington next week , with Van de Beek currently away on international duty with Holland , who face Nations League fixtures against Poland on Friday and Italy on Monday .
“ Donny ’ s performances in the Eredivisie and in Europe have been excellent over the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking forward to working with him , '' added Solskjaer .

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes Donny van de Beek will complement his existing midfield options at Manchester United after making the Holland international his first signing of the summer.
United's €39million deal for the 23-year-old further strengthens a strong midfield for Solskjaer and Van de Beek will be competing with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba after sealing his move from Ajax.
But Solskjaer believes Van de Beek can bring something different to the team, while also hailing the Ajax academy graduate's mental fortitude to be a success at United.
“Donny has all of the technical attributes needed to perform in this team and has the personality required to succeed at Manchester United," Solskjaer said of his new arrival.
"His ability to see space, time his movements and read the game will really complement the qualities that we have in midfield and his arrival really strengthens the depth of talent we have in that position."
Van de Beek was a standout performer in Ajax's run to the Champions League semi-finals in 2018/19 and had been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid for the last 12 months.
But with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the revenues of the La Liga champions United were in a position to hijack the deal and Solskjaer spoke to Van de Beek personally to sell him his vision for the club.
The attacking midfielder will link-up with his new teammates at Carrington next week, with Van de Beek currently away on international duty with Holland, who face Nations League fixtures against Poland on Friday and Italy on Monday.
“Donny’s performances in the Eredivisie and in Europe have been excellent over the last few years and we are all looking forward to working with him," added Solskjaer.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-03--Costa to axe 1,650 jobs amid trade uncertainty during pandemic

Costa has revealed plans to axe around 1,650 jobs amid the coronavirus pandemic .
Staff at the coffee chain were today told that around a tenth of the workforce would be affected by the restructuring .
Changes proposed include removing the assistant store manager role across the UK .
Costa closed nearly all of its 2,700 UK stores for six weeks during the pandemic but has now reopened around 2,400 sites .
The chain said trade is “ returning ” after being boosted by VAT cuts on food and drink and the recent Eat Out To Help Out scheme .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ cuts had been driven by “ high levels of uncertainty as to when trade will recover to pre-Covid levels ” .
The move comes a week after rival Pret A Manger revealed it was slashing 2,800 jobs as part of a restructure of its UK business .
Costa says it has frozen all pay increases within its head office and axed all non-essential expenditure as part of its cost-cutting efforts .
Neil Lake , managing director for Costa Coffee UK and Ireland , said : “ Today ’ s announcement to our store @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make .
“ Our baristas are the heart of the Costa business and I am truly sorry that many now face uncertainty following today ’ s news .
“ We have had to make these difficult decisions to protect the business and ensure we safeguard as many jobs as possible for our 16,000 team members , whilst emerging stronger ready for future growth .
“ As a proud member of the UK high street , we remain committed to the role Costa plays in supporting the economic recovery of the country , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thank you to all of our team members that are affected by this announcement and we will be supporting you throughout this process .
”

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Costa has revealed that around 1,650 jobs are at risk amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Staff at the coffee chain were today told that around a tenth of the workforce would be affected by restructuring plans.
Changes proposed include removing the assistant store manager role across the UK.
Costa closed nearly all of its 2,700 UK stores for six weeks during the pandemic but has now reopened around 2,400 sites.
The chain said trade is “returning” after being boosted by VAT cuts on food and drink and the recent Eat Out To Help Out scheme.
However, it said the proposed job cuts had been driven by “high levels of uncertainty as to when trade will recover to pre-Covid levels”.
The move comes a week after rival Pret A Manger revealed it was slashing 2,800 jobs as part of a restructure of its UK business.
Costa says it has frozen all pay increases within its head office and axed all non-essential expenditure as part of its cost-cutting efforts.
Neil Lake, managing director for Costa Coffee UK and Ireland, said: “Today’s announcement to our store teams was an extremely difficult decision to make.
“Our baristas are the heart of the Costa business and I am truly sorry that many now face uncertainty following today’s news.
“We have had to make these difficult decisions to protect the business and ensure we safeguard as many jobs as possible for our 16,000 team members, whilst emerging stronger ready for future growth.
“As a proud member of the UK high street, we remain committed to the role Costa plays in supporting the economic recovery of the country, but today I want to say a huge thank you to all of our team members that are affected by this announcement and we will be supporting you throughout this process.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-03--ADVERTORIAL: Making Salford sustainable: Bolt's electrifying plans for the city

'Building back greener ' is the mission statement for Greater Manchester ’ s local authorities as it looks to shape the region ’ s post-pandemic future .
Tackling air pollution is at the heart of this plan and innovative modes of travel such as electric scooters provide a huge opportunity to make the region ’ s transport system greener and more sustainable .
Since the start of lockdown , air pollution in Greater Manchester has reduced dramatically .
It should be the ambition to make this the ‘ new normal ’ .
Research by the BBC Shared Data Unit found @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the Manchester Sharston station averaged 15.0 micrograms per cubic metre between March 17 and 24 .
That was down from an average of 25.5 micrograms per cubic metre the previous year .
Bolt , Europe ’ s leading mobility platform , will be a trusted partner for Salford .
Like TfGM , Bolt is focused on making urban travel economically viable , safe and greener .
With the # SafeStreetsSaveLives project already helping make parts of the region safer and greener , Bolt ’ s electric scooters can be part of an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Accruing more than 30 million users in over 35 countries since being founded by Markus Villig in 2013 , Bolt has been named by the Financial Times as the third fastest growing company in Europe , for two years in a row .
With existing experience and an excellent track record for electric scooters in over 40 cities , Bolt currently offers ride-hailing in London and is working to be a breath of fresh air in Salford with its electric scooters .
From experience in other international regions , Bolt has seen that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ less than two kilometres , showing that there is great opportunity for cities to make use of electric scooters .
Unlike other operators , Bolt ’ s electric scooter is designed , manufactured and assembled in-house .
It is the lightest on the market , helping to keep electricity requirements low and its lightness ensures a faster , easier and more enjoyable journey for commuters .
Helping Salford to be more eco-friendly Electric scooters can be the most eco-friendly first and last-mile transport solution for Salford .
They have been designed to work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ transport network .
For example , users can take a train to Salford Crescent and then hire a Bolt electric scooter for the rest of their journey .
Bolt 's plan is to launch with a pilot area at the University of Salford with the ambition of linking the campus with MediaCityUK , before extending the trial to include the rest of Salford .
Bringing Bolt ’ s electric scooters to Salford can make a major contribution towards reaching TfGM ’ s target of every urban journey being made by walking , cycling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ before electric scooters hit the streets , rider and non-rider safety are a top priority for Bolt as a large majority of people in Salford may have never ridden on an e-scooter before .
Bolt is the first company to add a dedicated micromobility 'Safety Toolkit ' to the app .
An in-app set of tools will be on hand to show riders how to get started safely and responsibly .
The Safety Toolkit includes a how-to guide for beginners with ‘ Beginner Mode ’ , allowing the rider to limit the maximum @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( 9 mph ) .
Local rules specific to Salford will also be produced and given to riders .
Bolt ’ s UK Country Manager , Sam Raciti says : “ Greater Manchester ’ s transport bosses are ambitious and committed to making the region greener and safer .
We share that drive and Bolt ’ s electric scooters can help reach the goal of a million more sustainable journeys every day .
`` Not only that , they ’ re a great way of getting around Salford while still social distancing and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first and last mile problem ; where there is a need to connect public transport stations , with employment opportunities or individual homes .
`` Access to electric scooters will positively impact Salford ’ s infrastructure , employment rates and economic growth by providing additional transport options across the city centre , connecting people with job opportunities and improving the commuting network .
`` And our ambition doesn ’ t end there .
Add electric bikes - like we have in Paris - and Salford ’ s transport ecosystem has yet more potential @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Bolt is working hard to ensure electric scooters are eco-friendly , economically viable and , above all , functioning in line with plans to get the people of Salford moving safer and more sustainably .
To find out more about Bolt , visit www.bolt.eu .

'Building back greener' is the mission statement for Greater Manchester’s local authorities as it looks to shape the region’s post-pandemic future. Tackling air pollution is at the heart of this plan and innovative modes of travel such as electric scooters provide a huge opportunity to make the region’s transport system greener and more sustainable.
Since the start of lockdown, air pollution in Greater Manchester has reduced dramatically. It should be the ambition to make this the ‘new normal’. Research by the BBC Shared Data Unit found levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at the Manchester Sharston station averaged 15.0 micrograms per cubic metre between March 17 and 24. That was down from an average of 25.5 micrograms per cubic metre the previous year.
Bolt, Europe’s leading mobility platform, will be a trusted partner for Salford. Like TfGM, Bolt is focused on making urban travel economically viable, safe and greener.
With the #SafeStreetsSaveLives project already helping make parts of the region safer and greener, Bolt’s electric scooters can be part of an exciting and sustainable future for Salford.
Accruing more than 30 million users in over 35 countries since being founded by Markus Villig in 2013, Bolt has been named by the Financial Times as the third fastest growing company in Europe, for two years in a row. With existing experience and an excellent track record for electric scooters in over 40 cities, Bolt currently offers ride-hailing in London and is working to be a breath of fresh air in Salford with its electric scooters.
From experience in other international regions, Bolt has seen that 40 per cent of commuter trips are less than two kilometres, showing that there is great opportunity for cities to make use of electric scooters.
Unlike other operators, Bolt’s electric scooter is designed, manufactured and assembled in-house. It is the lightest on the market, helping to keep electricity requirements low and its lightness ensures a faster, easier and more enjoyable journey for commuters.
Helping Salford to be more eco-friendly
Electric scooters can be the most eco-friendly first and last-mile transport solution for Salford. They have been designed to work in tandem with Greater Manchester’s transport network. For example, users can take a train to Salford Crescent and then hire a Bolt electric scooter for the rest of their journey.
Bolt's plan is to launch with a pilot area at the University of Salford with the ambition of linking the campus with MediaCityUK, before extending the trial to include the rest of Salford.
Bringing Bolt’s electric scooters to Salford can make a major contribution towards reaching TfGM’s target of every urban journey being made by walking, cycling and public transport by 2040.
Even before electric scooters hit the streets, rider and non-rider safety are a top priority for Bolt as a large majority of people in Salford may have never ridden on an e-scooter before.
Bolt is the first company to add a dedicated micromobility 'Safety Toolkit' to the app. An in-app set of tools will be on hand to show riders how to get started safely and responsibly. The Safety Toolkit includes a how-to guide for beginners with ‘Beginner Mode’, allowing the rider to limit the maximum speed of their ride to 15 km/h (9 mph). Local rules specific to Salford will also be produced and given to riders.
Bolt’s UK Country Manager, Sam Raciti says: “Greater Manchester’s transport bosses are ambitious and committed to making the region greener and safer. We share that drive and Bolt’s electric scooters can help reach the goal of a million more sustainable journeys every day.
"Not only that, they’re a great way of getting around Salford while still social distancing and provide an essential tool for solving the first and last mile problem; where there is a need to connect public transport stations, with employment opportunities or individual homes.
"Access to electric scooters will positively impact Salford’s infrastructure, employment rates and economic growth by providing additional transport options across the city centre, connecting people with job opportunities and improving the commuting network.
"And our ambition doesn’t end there. Add electric bikes - like we have in Paris - and Salford’s transport ecosystem has yet more potential to become even more green and efficient."
Bolt is working hard to ensure electric scooters are eco-friendly, economically viable and, above all, functioning in line with plans to get the people of Salford moving safer and more sustainably.
To find out more about Bolt, visit www.bolt.eu.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-03--Ramos urges Messi to stay at Barcelona amid Man City speculation

Sergio Ramos has urged Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona for the sake of Spanish football .
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has asked to leave the La Liga giants this summer .
Manchester City are the bookmakers ' favourites to sign Messi , although it remains unclear what fee any potential suitors would have to pay for the Argentine superstar .
Barcelona , with the support of La Liga , insist that a club would have to trigger the 33-year-old 's £630million release clause , whilst Messi wants to leave for free .
In a bid to push through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attend any pre-season training sessions or club events ahead of crunch talks with the club .
With one of the greatest players in world football potentially on the move , everyone is being asked their views on the move .
Given the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona , it came as a surprise to hear Ramos urge Messi to stay in Spain for the health of La Liga .
`` I do n't know if he 's doing it in the best way , '' Ramos told the press ahead of Spain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But of course , for Spanish football , for Barcelona and for us , we always like to win being the best .
We would like him to stay here .
`` Leo makes the Spanish league better , he makes his team better and he makes the Clasico more attractive .
`` We like to win with the best there and he 's one of the best in the world .
`` There is n't much to add , he 's won the respect to decide his future , him alone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Let 's see what happens . ''

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Sergio Ramos has urged Lionel Messi to stay at Barcelona for the sake of Spanish football.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner has asked to leave the La Liga giants this summer.
Manchester City are the bookmakers' favourites to sign Messi, although it remains unclear what fee any potential suitors would have to pay for the Argentine superstar.
Barcelona, with the support of La Liga, insist that a club would have to trigger the 33-year-old's £630million release clause, whilst Messi wants to leave for free.
In a bid to push through a move, Messi is yet to attend any pre-season training sessions or club events ahead of crunch talks with the club.
With one of the greatest players in world football potentially on the move, everyone is being asked their views on the move.
Given the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona, it came as a surprise to hear Ramos urge Messi to stay in Spain for the health of La Liga.
"I don't know if he's doing it in the best way," Ramos told the press ahead of Spain's Nations League match against Germany.
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"But of course, for Spanish football, for Barcelona and for us, we always like to win being the best. We would like him to stay here.
"Leo makes the Spanish league better, he makes his team better and he makes the Clasico more attractive.
"We like to win with the best there and he's one of the best in the world.
"There isn't much to add, he's won the respect to decide his future, him alone, without any speculation at all. Let's see what happens."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-03--Tesco slammed by shoppers after they spot 'extra charge' on receipts

Some Tesco shoppers have been left furious , after they noticed an 'additional charge ' on their supermarket receipts .
In a bid to help raise money for emergency aid projects during the coronavirus pandemic , the supermarket has given shoppers the option to round up their shopping total to the nearest pound .
But while the new campaign has good intentions , not everyone wants to donate to charity , and some shoppers have slammed Tesco , after they claim the supermarket rounded up their shopping totals without their consent .
Customers told Mirror Money they 've been left @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scheme being introduced to support crucial charities during the pandemic .
The initiative allows you to round your spend up to the nearest pound at the checkout , with the additional amount going to one of three charities - Cancer Research UK , the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK .
However , shoppers claim they 've had their bills rounded up without permission .
Long-standing customer Jodie Holtom and her partner Jamie were charged two different prices for the same item at a Tesco pharmacy in Cheltenham this week , despite buying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It was n't until they checked their receipts that they discovered one bill had been rounded up to the nearest pound .
`` Jamie was meant to spend £7.20 , but ended up paying £8 , '' Jodie told Mirror Money .
`` I know 80p is n't a lot but times are hard at moment .
He realised when we got home that he was charged more and said he was never asked about whether he wanted to contribute . ''
Jodie said she entered the same store around 10 minutes later @ @ @ @ @ @ @ item .
She was at no point asked if she 'd like to participate in the scheme .
In a tweet posted online , Jodie told the chain she was `` disgusted '' by its sales practice .
Tesco later apologised for the inconvenience caused .
`` Hi Jodie , thanks for getting in touch .
I 'm sorry my colleague did n't ask for your husband 's consent , before rounding up the transaction at the till .
I 'll share your feedback with the Store Management team and I apologise for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ If you could please DM me with which pharmacy you visited and the the time of your visit .
If you ’ re able to return to store with your receipt , one of my colleagues can refund you there .
TY . ''
Several more shoppers have also taken to social media about a similar issue .
One shopper shared his receipt and wrote : `` Apparently they are rounding people 's money up to the next pound to donate to charity , while I do n't have a problem with that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problem .
Check your receipt people . ''
Tesco launched the charity appeal on September 1 , pledging to support struggling charities during the Covid-19 pandemic .
It said customers would be able to round their supermarket bill up to the nearest pound , with the money going to charity .
`` COVID-19 has seen the income of all three charities fall , which has a major impact on their ability to carry out research into cures and treatments and run support services for the millions affected by these conditions .
If donations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the supermarket said .
`` From 1-13 September 2020 , we ’ ll be raising money in all our UK stores and petrol filling stations ( kiosks only ) to help our charity partners and the people they support at this crucial time.
`` A Tesco spokesperson told Manchester Evening News : “ To support our health charity partners at this critical time , we are encouraging our customers to round up the cost of their shopping to the nearest £1 .
`` Customers will be asked if they would like to donate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they pay for their shopping or on-screen if they are using a self-service till .
We also have signs in our stores letting customers know about the campaign and how they can support it .
`` The response to the campaign so far has been overwhelmingly positive with very few customers feeding back that they were not aware that they had made a donation .
”

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Emma Munbodh, Rachel Pugh)

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Some Tesco shoppers have been left furious, after they noticed an 'additional charge' on their supermarket receipts.
In a bid to help raise money for emergency aid projects during the coronavirus pandemic, the supermarket has given shoppers the option to round up their shopping total to the nearest pound.
But while the new campaign has good intentions, not everyone wants to donate to charity, and some shoppers have slammed Tesco, after they claim the supermarket rounded up their shopping totals without their consent.
Customers told Mirror Money they've been left disappointed by the chain, despite the scheme being introduced to support crucial charities during the pandemic.
The initiative allows you to round your spend up to the nearest pound at the checkout, with the additional amount going to one of three charities - Cancer Research UK, the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK.
However, shoppers claim they've had their bills rounded up without permission.
Long-standing customer Jodie Holtom and her partner Jamie were charged two different prices for the same item at a Tesco pharmacy in Cheltenham this week, despite buying their goods just 10 minutes apart.
It wasn't until they checked their receipts that they discovered one bill had been rounded up to the nearest pound.
"Jamie was meant to spend £7.20, but ended up paying £8," Jodie told Mirror Money.
"I know 80p isn't a lot but times are hard at moment. He realised when we got home that he was charged more and said he was never asked about whether he wanted to contribute."
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Jodie said she entered the same store around 10 minutes later and paid the RRP for the same item. She was at no point asked if she'd like to participate in the scheme.
In a tweet posted online, Jodie told the chain she was "disgusted" by its sales practice.
Tesco later apologised for the inconvenience caused.
"Hi Jodie, thanks for getting in touch. I'm sorry my colleague didn't ask for your husband's consent, before rounding up the transaction at the till. I'll share your feedback with the Store Management team and I apologise for any inconvenience this has caused.
"If you could please DM me with which pharmacy you visited and the the time of your visit. If you’re able to return to store with your receipt, one of my colleagues can refund you there. TY."
Several more shoppers have also taken to social media about a similar issue.
One shopper shared his receipt and wrote: "Apparently they are rounding people's money up to the next pound to donate to charity, while I don't have a problem with that...them not telling me is a problem. Check your receipt people."
Tesco launched the charity appeal on September 1, pledging to support struggling charities during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It said customers would be able to round their supermarket bill up to the nearest pound, with the money going to charity.
"COVID-19 has seen the income of all three charities fall, which has a major impact on their ability to carry out research into cures and treatments and run support services for the millions affected by these conditions. If donations stop, their work stops," the supermarket said.
"From 1-13 September 2020, we’ll be raising money in all our UK stores and petrol filling stations (kiosks only) to help our charity partners and the people they support at this crucial time. "
A Tesco spokesperson told Manchester Evening News: “ To support our health charity partners at this critical time, we are encouraging our customers to round up the cost of their shopping to the nearest £1.
"Customers will be asked if they would like to donate by one of our checkout colleagues when they pay for their shopping or on-screen if they are using a self-service till. We also have signs in our stores letting customers know about the campaign and how they can support it.
"The response to the campaign so far has been overwhelmingly positive with very few customers feeding back that they were not aware that they had made a donation.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-03--Out-of-hours school club is at the centre of Covid-19 spike

An out-of-hours school club in Whitworth is at the centre of a coronavirus spike in Rossendale , council leaders have said .
The Lancashire borough has seen a five-fold increase in its number of cases in recent days and is now the third worst affected area in the UK , LancsLive reports .
Figures showed there had been 47 new cases of the virus in the week leading up to August 30 , giving it an infection rate of 65.8 cases per 100,000 people .
In the week before , the rate stood at 12.6 with only nine cases across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , has confirmed to LancsLive the increase is 'largely related ' to a number of new cases traced back to a school in Whitworth , which borders Rochdale .
The school , the identity of which is currently not known , had been used by an outside business for an out-of-hours club .
The matter is now being dealt with by Lancashire County Council .
Coun Barnes said : `` Parents of all local children concerned have been notified and will be self-isolating and seeking a test . ''
Council leaders also told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restaurants had been identified across Rossendale where staff and customers have tested positive for the virus since last Friday .
The affected premises are closed until deep cleans have taken place .
They include Tiger Lounge , The Hut - Rossendale Street Food and Tiki Tiger in Rawtenstall and The Green Squirrel in Haslingden , which all made announcements on their Facebook pages .
Coun Barnes said : `` In these instances , we have worked very closely with the businesses to ensure they do everything possible to keep both staff and customers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ businesses , carrying out deep cleans and testing every member of staff . ''
However , the council leader played down the spike , describing it as a 'recent small surge in coronavirus cases ' .
And despite the rise Coun Barnes said the council does n't anticipate the 'small specific surge will mean the borough will need to return to the increased lockdown restrictions we recently experienced ' .
Local lockdown measures , similar to ones which remain in force across much of Greater Manchester preventing gatherings in homes and gardens , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , having been in place for three-and-a-half weeks .
Coun Barnes said : `` We continue with our programme of advising businesses of their responsibilities to protect public health .
We will monitor the situation closely and take this opportunity to re-emphasise the Government ’ s guidance on social distancing . ''
But Dr Sakthi Karunanithi , Director of Public Health for Lancashire , said the rise was 'concerning ' .
Regarding a return to local lockdown , he said : `` The decisions on additional measures are made at the national level @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` We take into account a range of issues when looking at possible measures within a local area .
This includes case numbers , as well as other factors such as where the cases are occurring and how it has been spread .
Higher case numbers do n't show the wider picture , which is needed for dealing with Covid .
`` It 's important to take various factors into account for a more comprehensive understanding , and only introduce additional measures where there is a strong case for doing so .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in what they do , and follow the guidance fully .
It 's important that people continue to be vigilant and protect each other . ''
Rossendale MP Jake Berry said : `` Recent rises in the infection rate in Rossendale are worrying and show that we all have to remain alert and follow basic procedures such as hand washing and social distancing to keep this dreadful disease at bay .
`` I shall be discussing the infection rate in Rossendale with Health Secretary Matt Hancock and what measures may be needed to @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Tom Earnshaw, Damon Wilkinson)

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An out-of-hours school club in Whitworth is at the centre of a coronavirus spike in Rossendale, council leaders have said.
The Lancashire borough has seen a five-fold increase in its number of cases in recent days and is now the third worst affected area in the UK, LancsLive reports.
Figures showed there had been 47 new cases of the virus in the week leading up to August 30, giving it an infection rate of 65.8 cases per 100,000 people.
In the week before, the rate stood at 12.6 with only nine cases across seven days.
Rossendale council Alyson Barnes, has confirmed to LancsLive the increase is 'largely related' to a number of new cases traced back to a school in Whitworth, which borders Rochdale.
The school, the identity of which is currently not known, had been used by an outside business for an out-of-hours club.
The matter is now being dealt with by Lancashire County Council.
Coun Barnes said: "Parents of all local children concerned have been notified and will be self-isolating and seeking a test."
Council leaders also told LancsLive that a number of bars and restaurants had been identified across Rossendale where staff and customers have tested positive for the virus since last Friday.
The affected premises are closed until deep cleans have taken place.
They include Tiger Lounge, The Hut - Rossendale Street Food and Tiki Tiger in Rawtenstall and The Green Squirrel in Haslingden, which all made announcements on their Facebook pages.
Coun Barnes said: "In these instances, we have worked very closely with the businesses to ensure they do everything possible to keep both staff and customers safe - this includes voluntarily closing the businesses, carrying out deep cleans and testing every member of staff."
However, the council leader played down the spike, describing it as a 'recent small surge in coronavirus cases'.
And despite the rise Coun Barnes said the council doesn't anticipate the 'small specific surge will mean the borough will need to return to the increased lockdown restrictions we recently experienced'.
Local lockdown measures, similar to ones which remain in force across much of Greater Manchester preventing gatherings in homes and gardens, were lifted in Rossendale on August 26, having been in place for three-and-a-half weeks.
Coun Barnes said: "We continue with our programme of advising businesses of their responsibilities to protect public health. We will monitor the situation closely and take this opportunity to re-emphasise the Government’s guidance on social distancing."
But Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health for Lancashire, said the rise was 'concerning'.
Regarding a return to local lockdown, he said: "The decisions on additional measures are made at the national level, we provide local contextual information.
"We take into account a range of issues when looking at possible measures within a local area. This includes case numbers, as well as other factors such as where the cases are occurring and how it has been spread. Higher case numbers don't show the wider picture, which is needed for dealing with Covid.
"It's important to take various factors into account for a more comprehensive understanding, and only introduce additional measures where there is a strong case for doing so.
"People need to continue to be responsible in what they do, and follow the guidance fully. It's important that people continue to be vigilant and protect each other."
Rossendale MP Jake Berry said: "Recent rises in the infection rate in Rossendale are worrying and show that we all have to remain alert and follow basic procedures such as hand washing and social distancing to keep this dreadful disease at bay.
"I shall be discussing the infection rate in Rossendale with Health Secretary Matt Hancock and what measures may be needed to keep us safe."