themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Boris Johnson confirms new facemask rules for the next six months

More people will be required to wear face-coverings to curb the spread of coronavirus - or face a fine .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement today as part of a package of new measures during a speech to Parliament .
Tougher penalties for those who do n't wear face masks when required were introduced last month .
People who flout the rules could be fined £100 and fines can be doubled to a total of £3,200 for subsequent breaches .
The fine for a first offence has now doubled to £200 , the PM said .
Speaking in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the nation was at a 'perilous turning point ' as he outlined a string of new measures as the number of news coronavirus cases soars .
Mr Johnson said : `` We will extend the requirement to wear face coverings to include staff in retail , all users of taxis and private hire vehicles and staff and customers in indoor hospitality except when seated at a table to eat or drink . ''
Locally , all ten of Greater Manchester 's boroughs remain on 'red ' alert for the third day running , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of every 100,000 in the local population has tested positive for coronavirus cases .
Although the number of deaths is nowhere the toll at the height of the first wave of the disease , they are starting to rise again .
Infection rates continue to rise sharply across our region , the latest figures show .
Bolton still has the worst infection rate in the country where strict measures , similar to what the PM may set out for England today , are already in place .
Earlier , the PM said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stifle our freedoms in the ways that we have found necessary this year .
`` Yet even now we can draw some comfort from the fact schools , universities , and places of worship are staying open , shops can serve their customers , construction workers can go to building sites and the vast majority of the UK economy can continue moving forwards .
`` We ’ re also better prepared for a second wave with ventilators and PPE , the dexamethasone , the Nightingale hospitals and hundred times as much testing as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ So it now falls to each of us and every one of us to remember the basics – wash our hands , cover our faces , observe social distancing and follow the rules .
`` Then we can fight back against this virus , shelter our economy from even greater damage , protect the most vulnerable in care homes and hospitals , safeguard our NHS and save many more lives . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
More people will be required to wear face-coverings to curb the spread of coronavirus - or face a fine.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the announcement today as part of a package of new measures during a speech to Parliament.
Tougher penalties for those who don't wear face masks when required were introduced last month.
People who flout the rules could be fined £100 and fines can be doubled to a total of £3,200 for subsequent breaches.
The fine for a first offence has now doubled to £200, the PM said.
Speaking in Parliament, the Prime Minister said the the nation was at a 'perilous turning point' as he outlined a string of new measures as the number of news coronavirus cases soars.
Mr Johnson said: "We will extend the requirement to wear face coverings to include staff in retail, all users of taxis and private hire vehicles and staff and customers in indoor hospitality except when seated at a table to eat or drink."
(Image: PA)
Locally, all ten of Greater Manchester's boroughs remain on 'red' alert for the third day running, meaning that more than 50 people out of every 100,000 in the local population has tested positive for coronavirus cases.
Although the number of deaths is nowhere the toll at the height of the first wave of the disease, they are starting to rise again.
Infection rates continue to rise sharply across our region, the latest figures show.
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
Bolton still has the worst infection rate in the country where strict measures, similar to what the PM may set out for England today, are already in place.
Earlier, the PM said: "No British Government would wish to stifle our freedoms in the ways that we have found necessary this year.
"Yet even now we can draw some comfort from the fact schools, universities, and places of worship are staying open, shops can serve their customers, construction workers can go to building sites and the vast majority of the UK economy can continue moving forwards.
"We’re also better prepared for a second wave with ventilators and PPE, the dexamethasone, the Nightingale hospitals and hundred times as much testing as we began this epidemic with.
"So it now falls to each of us and every one of us to remember the basics – wash our hands, cover our faces, observe social distancing and follow the rules.
"Then we can fight back against this virus, shelter our economy from even greater damage, protect the most vulnerable in care homes and hospitals, safeguard our NHS and save many more lives."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--We simulated Luton Town vs Manchester United to get a score prediction

Manchester United begin their 2020/21 Carabao Cup campaign on Tuesday night , as they take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to rotate in this Third Round tie , with Dean Henderson , Eric Bailly , Scott McTominay , Fred , Jesse Lingard , Odion Ighalo and others all available , as is new signing Donny van de Beek .
United remain without Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe , in what are the club 's only two confirmed absentees against the Hatters .
Solskjaer 's side will be hoping to bounce back from their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Palace with a commanding victory here .
So , what will the final score be ?
And what team will Solskjaer go with against Luton ?
Click here to subscribe to Level up !
The Esports and Gaming Show on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts and Spreaker .
Ahead of the game , we used FIFA 20 to simulate the outcome of Luton Town vs Manchester United to get a score prediction .
To set up this simulation , we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 ( FIFA 21 is not out yet @ @ @ @ @ @ @ team to control ; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself , to give us a prediction .
The AI difficulty was set to legendary , with the line-up updated with the latest transfers , injuries and suspensions .
We predict that Luton Town could set up in a 4-3-3 formation , with the line-up as follows : Sluga ; Cranie , Pearson , Bradley , Norrington-Davies ; Mpanzu , Rea , Berry ; Cornick , Collins , Lee .
We predict that United could set up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ line-up as follows : Henderson ; Wan-Bissaka , Bailly , Maguire , Shaw ; McTominay , Fred , Van de Beek ; Rashford , Ighalo , Greenwood .
In this simulated fixture , the gulf in quality between the two sides was evident , as United put in a dominant performance .
After creating a few half chances in the opening few minutes , United eventually took the lead in the 23rd minute , with Odion Ighalo opening the scoring .
The Nigerian striker finished well from a Mason Greenwood pull back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ far corner .
And just before half-time , United got their second through Van de Beek .
The Dutch midfielder received the ball inside the area , before turning sharply and firing a volley into the top corner , with the opposition goalkeeper having no chance .
The away side strolled for most of the second-half , knowing that the game was won and beyond Luton Town .
But there was time for United to grab a third , with substitute Anthony Martial getting in on the act with four minutes of normal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ close range .
In the end , there were no real dramas for United , as they ran out clear winners in the Carabao Cup Third Round .
Here are the full-time match stats : United were dominant in every aspect of this game , having more possession and shots , with Luton failing to test Dean Henderson in the United goal .
This FIFA 20 simulation predicts that United will have no problem progressing to the Fourth Round of the Carabao Cup , with goals from Ighalo , Van de Beek and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luton on Tuesday evening .

Manchester United begin their 2020/21 Carabao Cup campaign on Tuesday night, as they take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to rotate in this Third Round tie, with Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Scott McTominay, Fred, Jesse Lingard, Odion Ighalo and others all available, as is new signing Donny van de Beek. United remain without Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe, in what are the club's only two confirmed absentees against the Hatters.
Solskjaer's side will be hoping to bounce back from their Premier League opening day defeat to Crystal Palace with a commanding victory here.
So, what will the final score be? And what team will Solskjaer go with against Luton?
Click here to subscribe to Level up! The Esports and Gaming Show on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spreaker.
Ahead of the game, we used FIFA 20 to simulate the outcome of Luton Town vs Manchester United to get a score prediction.
Luton Town vs Manchester United score predicted
To set up this simulation, we used kick-off mode within FIFA 20 (FIFA 21 is not out yet!) but didn't select a team to control; we then selected the teams and watched the match play out by itself, to give us a prediction.
The AI difficulty was set to legendary, with the line-up updated with the latest transfers, injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Luton Town could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with the line-up as follows: Sluga; Cranie, Pearson, Bradley, Norrington-Davies; Mpanzu, Rea, Berry; Cornick, Collins, Lee.
We predict that United could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Henderson; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw; McTominay, Fred, Van de Beek; Rashford, Ighalo, Greenwood.
In this simulated fixture, the gulf in quality between the two sides was evident, as United put in a dominant performance.
After creating a few half chances in the opening few minutes, United eventually took the lead in the 23rd minute, with Odion Ighalo opening the scoring.
The Nigerian striker finished well from a Mason Greenwood pull back into the area, side footing into the far corner.
And just before half-time, United got their second through Van de Beek.
The Dutch midfielder received the ball inside the area, before turning sharply and firing a volley into the top corner, with the opposition goalkeeper having no chance.
The away side strolled for most of the second-half, knowing that the game was won and beyond Luton Town.
But there was time for United to grab a third, with substitute Anthony Martial getting in on the act with four minutes of normal time to go, finishing well from close range.
In the end, there were no real dramas for United, as they ran out clear winners in the Carabao Cup Third Round.
Predicted FIFA 20 score: Luton Town 0-3 Manchester United
Here are the full-time match stats:
United were dominant in every aspect of this game, having more possession and shots, with Luton failing to test Dean Henderson in the United goal.
This FIFA 20 simulation predicts that United will have no problem progressing to the Fourth Round of the Carabao Cup, with goals from Ighalo, Van de Beek and Martial leading to a comfortable win against Luton on Tuesday evening.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Ex-chief wants council to 'massively upscale' ambition for walking and cycling

Stockport ’ s former cycling chief has called on the town hall to ‘ massively up the scale ’ of its ambition for cycling and walking schemes in the borough .
Don Naylor resigned in frustration over what he claims was a failure to take ‘ radically different ’ action on climate change and social inequality .
In an open letter he said he was taking early retirement so he could publicly raise his concerns over the council ’ s transport strategy .
He had worked for the council for nearly two decades , spending 17 years in the position @ @ @ @ @ @ @ message included a plea for the council to think bigger and bolder when it comes to travel by bike and on foot .
The authority plans to have a ‘ high quality and fully connected walking and cycling network ’ in place by 2029 and has also attracted more than £27m for further schemes through the Mayor ’ s Challenge Fund ( MCF ) .
In August the council made a bid for £6m from the government ’ s ‘ active travel fund ’ for six walking and cycling schemes .
But it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ letter that he does not believe the council is thinking big enough .
Mr Naylor says the government ’ s new guidance on cycle infrastructure design will be a ‘ game changer ’ .
He adds : “ Those not ‘ playing by the new rules ’ risk being identified as losers by the forthcoming Active Travel England Inspectorate , and suffering financial consequences .
“ Again , I feel it is vital that the implications and opportunities arising from this guidance are mainstreamed as soon as possible.
” The council says it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and be careful not to foist unwanted schemes on communities .
A lack of road space and conditions on funding have also influenced which projects the authority has chosen to pursue .
But Mr Naylor believes the town hall should be setting its sights higher .
His letter adds : “ I fully appreciate the pressures that government-imposed funding timescales have placed on colleagues and project delivery .
“ Nevertheless others , elsewhere , have been able to innovate more radically : members of our communities are looking on and seeing ambitious new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Stockport , similarly , is quickly able to massively up the scale of ambition : residents , present and future , are entitled to this .
“ When those same residents are meaningfully engaged in conversations about the need to 'do transport radically differently ' I suspect there will be pleasant surprises .
`` It is a mistake to assume that people when presented with , hopefully reliable , evidence can not understand the need for fundamental change.
” Local group Walk Ride Stockport have backed Mr Naylor 's comments , claiming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the urgency of the climate situation .
A spokeswoman said : `` People want to breathe clean air and for their children to be able to walk to school safely .
`` The changes needed will require a certain amount of courage from political leaders but their bravery will be rewarded in the long term by healthier residents who save the NHS and local businesses millions .
Congestion alone costs businesses in Greater Manchester £1.3bn annually .
Coun David Meller , cabinet member for economy and regeneration has defended the council ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points to schemes including a 10km footpath/cycleway to Manchester Airport and a cycling link between the town centre and the east of the borough which is due to be completed later this year .
A new 3.3km long cycle route using quiet streets parallel to the A6 between Heaton Chapel and Stockport Town Centre has also opened following a successful bid for Emergency Active Travel Fund monies .
Coun Sheila Bailey has also defended the council ’ s green credentials , pointing out that - as well as adopting a new climate change @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ‘ ambitious ’ LED street lighting and tree-planting programmes .
She said : “ Progress may not have been as fast as some would like but the council for the past six months has been dealing with and is still dealing with the impacts of a lockdown caused by a global pandemic that is still very much with us .
I believe a great deal has been achieved in the circumstances . ''
A seven week consultation on ‘ active neighbourhoods ’ in the Heatons and Romiley is currently under way .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MyStockport newsletter to keep up with all the top stories
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MyStockport newsletter to keep up with all the top stories
Stockport’s former cycling chief has called on the town hall to ‘massively up the scale’ of its ambition for cycling and walking schemes in the borough.
Don Naylor resigned in frustration over what he claims was a failure to take ‘radically different’ action on climate change and social inequality.
In an open letter he said he was taking early retirement so he could publicly raise his concerns over the council’s transport strategy.
He had worked for the council for nearly two decades, spending 17 years in the position of cycling officer.
But his parting message included a plea for the council to think bigger and bolder when it comes to travel by bike and on foot.
The authority plans to have a ‘high quality and fully connected walking and cycling network’ in place by 2029 and has also attracted more than £27m for further schemes through the Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF).
In August the council made a bid for £6m from the government’s ‘active travel fund’ for six walking and cycling schemes.
But it is clear from Mr Naylor’s letter that he does not believe the council is thinking big enough.
Mr Naylor says the government’s new guidance on cycle infrastructure design will be a ‘game changer’.
He adds: “Those not ‘playing by the new rules’ risk being identified as losers by the forthcoming Active Travel England Inspectorate, and suffering financial consequences.
“Again, I feel it is vital that the implications and opportunities arising from this guidance are mainstreamed as soon as possible.”
The council says it also has to support the bus network and be careful not to foist unwanted schemes on communities.
A lack of road space and conditions on funding have also influenced which projects the authority has chosen to pursue.
But Mr Naylor believes the town hall should be setting its sights higher.
His letter adds: “I fully appreciate the pressures that government-imposed funding timescales have placed on colleagues and project delivery.
“Nevertheless others, elsewhere, have been able to innovate more radically: members of our communities are looking on and seeing ambitious new streetscapes being trialled.
“I hope that Stockport, similarly, is quickly able to massively up the scale of ambition: residents, present and future, are entitled to this.
“When those same residents are meaningfully engaged in conversations about the need to 'do transport radically differently' I suspect there will be pleasant surprises.
"It is a mistake to assume that people when presented with, hopefully reliable, evidence cannot understand the need for fundamental change.”
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
Local group Walk Ride Stockport have backed Mr Naylor's comments, claiming not everyone at the council had grasped the urgency of the climate situation.
A spokeswoman said: "People want to breathe clean air and for their children to be able to walk to school safely.
"The changes needed will require a certain amount of courage from political leaders but their bravery will be rewarded in the long term by healthier residents who save the NHS and local businesses millions. Congestion alone costs businesses in Greater Manchester £1.3bn annually.
Coun David Meller, cabinet member for economy and regeneration has defended the council’s record on walking and cycling.
He points to schemes including a 10km footpath/cycleway to Manchester Airport and a cycling link between the town centre and the east of the borough which is due to be completed later this year.
A new 3.3km long cycle route using quiet streets parallel to the A6 between Heaton Chapel and Stockport Town Centre will also soon open following a successful bid for Emergency Active Travel Fund monies.
Coun Sheila Bailey has also defended the council’s green credentials, pointing out that - as well as adopting a new climate change strategy - work is already underway on ‘ambitious’ LED street lighting and tree-planting programmes.
She said: “Progress may not have been as fast as some would like but the council for the past six months has been dealing with and is still dealing with the impacts of a lockdown caused by a global pandemic that is still very much with us. I believe a great deal has been achieved in the circumstances."
A seven week consultation on ‘active neighbourhoods’ in the Heatons and Romiley is currently under way.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Wheater representatives respond after Oldham drop ex-Bolton defender from squad

The representatives of former Bolton Wanderers captain David Wheater have responded to Oldham Athletic announcing the defender is no longer part of the first team squad at Boundary Park .
The 33-year-old and goalkeeper Gary Woods are currently not in the first team plans at the League Two club .
The Latics issued a statement yesterday confirming the news due to matters that 'neither party is in a position to disclose ' .
The Boundary Park club , who Bolton are due to face this season in the fourth tier of English football , added that no further comment would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ representatives of both players , Quorum Sports , have since released a statement responding to Oldham 's announcement on behalf of both Wheater and Woods .
The firm 's CEO Imre Varadi said : `` We feel it is important to clarify the situation regarding the above players who we are privileged to represent at Quorum Sports .
“ When players sign a contract they are fully committed to honouring that contract with the club and be professional 100 % of the time and train and play at the best of their abilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ management of the club to also honour the contract , be paid on time and to act with a high standard of professionalism .
“ Unfortunately we believe that Oldham ’ s management , in releasing the club statement , is designed to put unfair , undue pressure on two experienced professional players to break a contract which was signed in good faith . ''
Wheater spent more than eight years at Bolton after joining from Middlesbrough in 2011 .
His time at the University of Bolton Stadium involved playing for the club @ @ @ @ @ @ @ League One , where he made more than 230 appearances and scored 16 goals .
He moved to Oldham last summer when he penned a one-year deal with the option of a second .
In January , then-Bolton boss Keith Hill contacted Oldham over potentially bringing Wheater back to Wanderers , but it was rebuffed by then Latics boss Dino Maamria and owner Abdallah Lemsagam .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
The representatives of former Bolton Wanderers captain David Wheater have responded to Oldham Athletic announcing the defender is no longer part of the first team squad at Boundary Park.
The 33-year-old and goalkeeper Gary Woods are currently not in the first team plans at the League Two club.
The Latics issued a statement yesterday confirming the news due to matters that 'neither party is in a position to disclose'.
The Boundary Park club, who Bolton are due to face this season in the fourth tier of English football, added that no further comment would be made at this time.
The representatives of both players, Quorum Sports, have since released a statement responding to Oldham's announcement on behalf of both Wheater and Woods.
The firm's CEO Imre Varadi said: "We feel it is important to clarify the situation regarding the above players who we are privileged to represent at Quorum Sports.
“When players sign a contract they are fully committed to honouring that contract with the club and be professional 100% of the time and train and play at the best of their abilities.
“In return they expect the management of the club to also honour the contract, be paid on time and to act with a high standard of professionalism.
“Unfortunately we believe that Oldham’s management, in releasing the club statement, is designed to put unfair, undue pressure on two experienced professional players to break a contract which was signed in good faith."
Wheater spent more than eight years at Bolton after joining from Middlesbrough in 2011.
His time at the University of Bolton Stadium involved playing for the club in the Premier League, Championship and League One, where he made more than 230 appearances and scored 16 goals.
He moved to Oldham last summer when he penned a one-year deal with the option of a second.
In January, then-Bolton boss Keith Hill contacted Oldham over potentially bringing Wheater back to Wanderers, but it was rebuffed by then Latics boss Dino Maamria and owner Abdallah Lemsagam.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Primary school forced to close after Covid outbreak leaves just two teachers

A school has been forced to close to every year group after positive Covid cases left just two teachers on site .
Bosses at St Gilbert 's RC Primary in Winton , Eccles , wrote to parents saying : `` It is not viable to keep the school open this week due to the situation that we find ourselves in . ''
There have been a number of positive tests throughout the school , including confirmed cases among eight members of staff , meaning 18 staff members need to self-isolate .
The eeception class and some of the nursery class @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Since then , there 's been another confirmed case , resulting in the closure of the Year 5/6 bubble and staff are also awaiting test results from the Year 1/2 bubble .
In a letter to parents on Sunday , chair of governors Anne-Marie Horrocks described it as a 'grave situation ' and said : `` The impact of this means that , as from tomorrow , the school will have no senior leaders in school , no middle leaders , only one first aider , no safeguarding leads on site and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ members of staff ( the remaining being supply teachers that we have had to bring in ) .
`` For this reason the governing board are not able to open the school until appropriate staff can return to ensure the children ’ s safety . ''
The closure follows warnings from headteachers and union leaders that schools will grind to a halt unless the current testing system is improved .
Hundreds of school bubbles have now been sent home across Greater Manchester and St Gilbert 's is the third primary school to shut @ @ @ @ @ @ @ St Luke 's Primary in Heywood had to close amid 'staffing issues ' because of the pandemic .
And in Oldham , Horton Mill Primary School in Glodwick closed to all pupils after positive cases involving pupils and staff in several year groups .
Mrs Horrocks said the decision to shut the Salford school had not been taken lightly .
She added : `` This has been an extremely difficult decision for governors to take but I ’ m sure you will understand that the safety of your children must come first .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ undergo another thorough deep clean . ''
It is hoped the school will reopen on September 28 , with children in Years 5 and 6 needing to self-isolate until October 5 .
Home learning has been set up for pupils and families eligible for free school meals are able to pick up a grab bag from the kitchen each day .
A Government spokesperson said : “ The latest official statistics show that 99.9 % of schools are open with the vast majority of pupils attending .
“ Where staff or children have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the highest it has ever been , and we are working to provide further priority access for teachers .
“ Schools only need to identify close contacts and ask them to self-isolate if and when a case is confirmed from a positive test result .
Close contacts of confirmed cases must follow the full 14 day self-isolation period and should only seek a test if they have symptoms .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
A school has been forced to close to every year group after positive Covid cases left just two teachers on site.
Bosses at St Gilbert's RC Primary in Winton, Eccles, wrote to parents saying: "It is not viable to keep the school open this week due to the situation that we find ourselves in."
There have been a number of positive tests throughout the school, including confirmed cases among eight members of staff, meaning 18 staff members need to self-isolate.
The Reception class and some of the nursery class closed early last week due to infections.
Since then, there's been another confirmed case, resulting in the closure of the Year 5/6 bubble and staff are also awaiting test results from the Year 1/2 bubble.
In a letter to parents on Sunday, chair of governors Anne-Marie Horrocks described it as a 'grave situation' and said: "The impact of this means that, as from tomorrow, the school will have no senior leaders in school, no middle leaders, only one first aider, no safeguarding leads on site and only two St Gilbert’s teaching members of staff (the remaining being supply teachers that we have had to bring in).
"For this reason the governing board are not able to open the school until appropriate staff can return to ensure the children’s safety."
The closure follows warnings from headteachers and union leaders that schools will grind to a halt unless the current testing system is improved.
Hundreds of school bubbles have now been sent home across Greater Manchester and St Gilbert's is the third primary school to shut altogether.
(Image: Google Maps)
Last week we reported how St Luke's Primary in Heywood had to close amid 'staffing issues' because of the pandemic.
And in Oldham, Horton Mill Primary School in Glodwick closed to all pupils after positive cases involving pupils and staff in several year groups.
Mrs Horrocks said the decision to shut the Salford school had not been taken lightly.
She added: "This has been an extremely difficult decision for governors to take but I’m sure you will understand that the safety of your children must come first. During this week the school will also undergo another thorough deep clean."
It is hoped the school will reopen on September 28, with children in Years 5 and 6 needing to self-isolate until October 5.
Home learning has been set up for pupils and families eligible for free school meals are able to pick up a grab bag from the kitchen each day.
A Government spokesperson said: “The latest official statistics show that 99.9% of schools are open with the vast majority of pupils attending.
“Where staff or children have symptoms of Covid-19, testing capacity is the highest it has ever been, and we are working to provide further priority access for teachers.
“Schools only need to identify close contacts and ask them to self-isolate if and when a case is confirmed from a positive test result. Close contacts of confirmed cases must follow the full 14 day self-isolation period and should only seek a test if they have symptoms.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Boris Johnson clarifies 10pm curfew rule for pubs and restaurants

Pubs and bars will have to call last orders before 10pm and close the premises on the dot , Boris Johnson has clarified today .
Updating the Commons after last night 's curfew announcement , the Prime Minister also announced customers and staff will have to wear face masks inside hospitality venues unless seated at a table to eat or drink .
`` From Thursday , all pubs , bars and restaurants must operate a table service only , MR Speaker , except for takeaways '' Together with all hospitality venues , they must close at 10pm .
`` To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ afraid that means , alas , closing and not just calling for last orders , because simplicity is paramount .
`` The same will apply to takeaways , though deliveries can continue thereafter .
`` I am sorry that this will affect many businesses just getting back on their feet , but we must act to stop the virus from being transmitted in bars and restaurants . ''
The curfew comes into force from Thursday in England - although rules vary in local lockdown areas such as Bolton , where hospitality businesses have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a takeaway service .
Pubs elsewhere have warned it will be the 'nail in the coffin ' for them , and one Manchester bar has already closed , saying trying to stay open 'would inevitably destroy us ' .
It will also hit restaurants hard , forcing many to lose later sittings after already drastically reducing their capacities to comply with the government 's Covid-secure guidelines and social distancing rules .
Mr Johnson also announced an extension to the rules on wearing face coverings , which are currently compulsory on public transport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as museums , cinemas and places of worship , except for people with certain exemptions .
The rules have not applied to hospitality until now , except when ordering takeaways .
`` We will extend the requirement to wear face masks to staff in retail , all users of taxis and private hire vehicles , and staff and customers in indoor hospitality except when seated at a table to eat and drink , '' Mr Johnson announced .
The government 's Covid-secure guidelines will also become 'legal obligations ' in retail , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he announced , adding : `` Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they break the rules . ''
Boris Johnson said that the restrictions announced could remain in place for 'perhaps six months ' .
The Campaign for Real Ale ( CAMRA ) has reacted angrily to the announcement , warning 'communities will lose their local forever ' without further financial aid for pubs .
Chief executive Tom Stainer said : `` Pub-goers and publicans alike want to stop the spread of COVID-19 , but this curfew is an arbitrary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and will have a devastating impact on pubs , jobs and local communities .
`` For the third time in a week , CAMRA is calling for the Government to publish the evidence that pubs or restaurants are the source of more transmissions than other sectors across the country – if they aren ’ t , then why are they being singled out for nationwide restrictions ?
`` This is punishing the thousands of responsible publicans across England who are providing a COVID-secure environment for their communities , while already operating at greatly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their customers safe .
`` Make no mistake about this – without a proper financial support package , communities will lose their local forever , people will lose their jobs , and publicans their livelihoods .
`` This can only be avoided if the Government acts now to reintroduce the furlough scheme for hospitality venues , extend the business rates holiday for another year , take steps to resolve the rent crisis facing the sector and drastically cut draught beer duty . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe to our daily What's On newsletter to keep up with what's happening around Greater Manchester
Pubs and bars will have to call last orders before 10pm and close the premises on the dot, Boris Johnson has clarified today.
Updating the Commons after last night's curfew announcement, the Prime Minister also announced customers and staff will have to wear face masks inside hospitality venues unless seated at a table to eat or drink.
"From Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only, Mr Speaker, except for takeaways.
"Together with all hospitality venues, they must close at 10pm.
"To help police enforce this rule I'm afraid that means, alas, closing and not just calling for last orders, because simplicity is paramount.
"The same will apply to takeaways, though deliveries can continue thereafter.
"I am sorry that this will affect many businesses just getting back on their feet, but we must act to stop the virus from being transmitted in bars and restaurants."
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has since clarified that the curfew will not apply at cinemas and theatres where performances may run past the 10pm deadline.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
The hospitality curfew comes into force from Thursday in England - although rules vary in local lockdown areas such as Bolton, where hospitality businesses have been closed altogether and can only operate a takeaway service.
Pubs elsewhere have warned it will be the 'nail in the coffin' for them, and one Manchester bar has already closed, saying trying to stay open 'would inevitably destroy us'.
It will also hit restaurants hard, forcing many to lose later sittings after already drastically reducing their capacities to comply with the government's Covid-secure guidelines and social distancing rules.
Mr Johnson also announced an extension to the rules on wearing face coverings, which are currently compulsory on public transport, in shops and in many indoor settings such as museums, cinemas and places of worship, except for people with certain exemptions.
The rules have not applied to hospitality until now, except when ordering takeaways.
"We will extend the requirement to wear face masks to staff in retail, all users of taxis and private hire vehicles, and staff and customers in indoor hospitality except when seated at a table to eat and drink," Mr Johnson announced.
The government's Covid-secure guidelines will also become 'legal obligations' in retail, leisure, tourism and other sectors, he announced, adding: "Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they break the rules."
Boris Johnson said that the restrictions announced could remain in place for 'perhaps six months'.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has reacted angrily to the announcement, warning 'communities will lose their local forever' without further financial aid for pubs.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Chief executive Tom Stainer said: "Pub-goers and publicans alike want to stop the spread of COVID-19, but this curfew is an arbitrary restriction that unfairly targets the hospitality sector and will have a devastating impact on pubs, jobs and local communities.
"For the third time in a week, CAMRA is calling for the Government to publish the evidence that pubs or restaurants are the source of more transmissions than other sectors across the country – if they aren’t, then why are they being singled out for nationwide restrictions?
"This is punishing the thousands of responsible publicans across England who are providing a COVID-secure environment for their communities, while already operating at greatly reduced levels in their efforts to keep their customers safe.
"Make no mistake about this – without a proper financial support package, communities will lose their local forever, people will lose their jobs, and publicans their livelihoods.
"This can only be avoided if the Government acts now to reintroduce the furlough scheme for hospitality venues, extend the business rates holiday for another year, take steps to resolve the rent crisis facing the sector and drastically cut draught beer duty."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Hundreds of patients discharged to care homes without Covid tests

Hundreds of patients were discharged from Stepping Hill Hospital into care homes without being tested for coronavirus during the early weeks of the pandemic , the Manchester Evening News and the Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal .
The response to a Freedom of Information request to Stockport NHS Foundation Trust shows 391 people left the hospital for 'care settings ' between March 1 and April 15 this year .
Of these , 63 were tested for Covid .
And 29 had tested positive for Covid-19 during their stay in hospital .
Hospital bosses say they followed government guidance at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or showing symptoms of coronavirus would not have been discharged .
The government did not switch to a policy of testing all patients being sent from hospitals to care homes until April 15 , although some trusts were already doing so .
A spokesman for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said : “ As per government guidance the trust discharged patients when they were medically fit to leave , to free up capacity in preparation for the pandemic .
“ We liaised fully with the local authority , local care home providers and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ process to ensure all necessary steps were taken to help stop the spread of the infection.
” Health secretary Matt Hancock has claimed the government put a ‘ protective ring around ’ care homes from the very start of the crisis .
But Whitehall has faced serious criticism for its handling of social care over those first few weeks - from shortages of personal protective equipment to allowing visitors until full lockdown at the end of March .
Care England - the leading representative body for the sector - said social care providers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ MPs have since described discharging patients from hospitals into care homes without first testing them for Covid-19 as ‘ an appalling error ’ .
A report from the cross-party Public Accounts Committee said that it was a ‘ reckless and negligent policy ’ and that the government had stuck to it ‘ even once it was clear there was an emerging problem ' .
On March 17 the NHS wrote to trusts telling them to ‘ urgently discharge all hospital inpatients who are medically fit to leave ’ to help free up 15,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ admissions .
Official guidance at the time said : “ Negative tests are not required prior to transfers/admissions into the care home.
” It was n't until April 15 that a new ‘ adult social care plan ’ confirmed the government was moving to ‘ a policy of testing all residents prior to admission to care homes ’ It stated : “ We are mindful that some care providers are concerned about being able to effectively isolate COVID-positive residents , and we are determined to make sure discharges into nursing or social care @ @ @ @ @ @ @ settings at risk .
“ We can now confirm we will move to institute a policy of testing all residents prior to admission to care homes .
This will begin with all those being discharged from hospital and the NHS will have a responsibility for testing these specific patients , in advance of timely discharge.
” There were more than 4,000 coronavirus-related deaths in care homes up to April 24 , according to the Care Quality Commission .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MyStockport newsletter to keep up with all the top stories
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MyStockport newsletter to keep up with all the top stories
Hundreds of patients were discharged from Stepping Hill Hospital into care homes without being tested for coronavirus during the early weeks of the pandemic, the Manchester Evening News and the Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal.
The response to a Freedom of Information request to Stockport NHS Foundation Trust shows 391 people left the hospital for 'care settings' between March 1 and April 15 this year.
Of these, 63 were tested for Covid. And 29 had tested positive for Covid-19 during their stay in hospital.
Hospital bosses say they followed government guidance at the time and anyone who was unwell or showing symptoms of coronavirus would not have been discharged.
The government did not switch to a policy of testing all patients being sent from hospitals to care homes until April 15, although some trusts were already doing so.
A spokesman for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust said: “As per government guidance the trust discharged patients when they were medically fit to leave, to free up capacity in preparation for the pandemic.
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
“We liaised fully with the local authority, local care home providers and the patients and their families themselves on this process to ensure all necessary steps were taken to help stop the spread of the infection.”
Health secretary Matt Hancock has claimed the government put a ‘protective ring around’ care homes from the very start of the crisis.
But Whitehall has faced serious criticism for its handling of social care over those first few weeks - from shortages of personal protective equipment to allowing visitors until full lockdown at the end of March.
Care England - the leading representative body for the sector - said social care providers were left feeling 'abandoned'.
And MPs have since described discharging patients from hospitals into care homes without first testing them for Covid-19 as ‘an appalling error’.
A report from the cross-party Public Accounts Committee said that it was a ‘reckless and negligent policy’ and that the government had stuck to it ‘even once it was clear there was an emerging problem'.
On March 17 the NHS wrote to trusts telling them to ‘urgently discharge all hospital inpatients who are medically fit to leave’ to help free up 15,000 beds for the expected first wave of admissions.
Official guidance at the time said: “Negative tests are not required prior to transfers/admissions into the care home.”
It wasn't until April 15 that a new ‘adult social care plan’ confirmed the government was moving to ‘a policy of testing all residents prior to admission to care homes’
It stated: “We are mindful that some care providers are concerned about being able to effectively isolate COVID-positive residents, and we are determined to make sure discharges into nursing or social care do not put residents currently in those settings at risk.
“We can now confirm we will move to institute a policy of testing all residents prior to admission to care homes. This will begin with all those being discharged from hospital and the NHS will have a responsibility for testing these specific patients, in advance of timely discharge.”
There were more than 4,000 coronavirus-related deaths in care homes up to April 24, according to the Care Quality Commission.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Boris Johnson vows latest measures 'not a return to March full lockdown'

Boris Johnson has promised not to place the country into full lockdown as he vowed to keep schools and businesses running .
Addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday , the Prime Minister said in a statement that the country will not see a repeat of March 's lockdown at this time .
His speech came as the number of daily coronavirus cases continues to soar nationally , and the infection rate peaked above 1 .
Mr Boris Johnson said that whilst we may have driven the virus into retreat over the summer , the prospect of a second rave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commons that the country has reached a 'perilous ' turning point , and that we must act now to curb the rate of infection .
`` So we are acting on the principle that a stitch in time saves lives , '' Mr Johnson said .
`` The government will introduce new restrictions in England carefully chosen to achieve the maximum reduction in the R number with the minimum damage to lives and livelihoods .
`` I want to stress that this is by no means a return to the full lockdown of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instruction to stay at home . ''
The Prime Minister ensured he would keep schools , colleges and universities open for the foreseeable future .
`` Because nothing is more important than the education , health and well being of our young people , '' he said .
`` We will ensure that businesses can stay open in a Covid-compliant way , however we must take action to suppress the disease . ''
Mr Johnson urged office workers who can work from home to do so , which is a change in advice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again asking office workers who can work from home to do so , '' he said .
`` In key public services and in all professions where home working is not possible , such as construction or retail , people should continue to attend their workplaces . ''
He added : `` Second , from Thursday , all pubs , bars and restaurants must operate a table service only , except for takeaways .
Together with all hospitality venues , they must close at 10pm .
`` And to help the police enforce @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closing not just calling for last orders , because simplicity is paramount . ''
Boris Johnson said that the restrictions announced could remain in place for `` perhaps six months . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Boris Johnson has promised not to place the country into full lockdown as he vowed to keep schools and businesses running.
Addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said in a statement that the country will not see a repeat of March's lockdown at this time.
His speech came as the number of daily coronavirus cases continues to soar nationally, and the infection rate peaked above 1.
Mr Boris Johnson said that whilst we may have driven the virus into retreat over the summer, the prospect of a second rave was 'real.'
He told the Commons that the country has reached a 'perilous' turning point, and that we must act now to curb the rate of infection.
(Image: PA)
"So we are acting on the principle that a stitch in time saves lives," Mr Johnson said.
"The government will introduce new restrictions in England carefully chosen to achieve the maximum reduction in the R number with the minimum damage to lives and livelihoods.
"I want to stress that this is by no means a return to the full lockdown of March we are not issuing a general instruction to stay at home."
The Prime Minister ensured he would keep schools, colleges and universities open for the foreseeable future.
"Because nothing is more important than the education, health and well being of our young people," he said.
"We will ensure that businesses can stay open in a Covid-compliant way, however we must take action to suppress the disease."
Mr Johnson urged office workers who can work from home to do so, which is a change in advice.
"First, we are once again asking office workers who can work from home to do so," he said.
"In key public services and in all professions where home working is not possible, such as construction or retail, people should continue to attend their workplaces."
He added: "Second, from Thursday, all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only, except for takeaways. Together with all hospitality venues, they must close at 10pm.
"And to help the police enforce this rule that means, alas, closing not just calling for last orders, because simplicity is paramount."
Boris Johnson said that the restrictions announced could remain in place for "perhaps six months."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--New coronavirus lockdown rules in full as PM says they will last six months

Addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon , the Prime Minister revealed further measures in a bid to stem the spiralling number of new coronavirus cases .
Today Boris Johnson admitted that like other countries , the UK is now at a `` perilous turning point '' when it comes to a second wave of the virus .
New cases have quadrupled in a month , with the possibility of tens of thousands of new cases each day in November .
While he was keen to insist that the country will not face a total lockdown like the one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ made it clear that intervention needs to be taken to suppress the disease .
He has also warned that if these new measures fail to bring the R below 1 , the government reserves the right to `` deploy greater firepower '' to enforce COVID-19 restrictions , This is what the Prime Minister has outlined going forward , with tighter rules set to be imposed in England .
From Thursday ( September 24 ) all pubs , bars and restaurants must operate a table service only -except for takeaways .
Together with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 10pm .
This will be enforced by local police forces .
The Prime Minister added : “ And to help the police enforce this rule that means , alas , closing not just calling for last orders , because simplicity is paramount.
” Boris Johnson said people working in retail , those travelling in taxis , and staff and customers in indoor hospitality , except while seated at a table to eat or drink , will now be required to wear face coverings .
In retail , leisure and tourism and other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ legal obligations .
Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they break the rules .
Tightening of the Rule of six Boris Johnson has said that from Monday no more than 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions , in a tightening of the “ rule of six ” .
Up to 30 can still attend a funeral as now .
Business conferences , exhibitions and large sporting events will not return as planned on October 1 .
Mr Johnson said : “ We will also have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all adult indoor team sports .
Finally we have to acknowledge that the spread of the virus is now affecting our ability to reopen business conferences , exhibitions and large sporting events , so we will not be able to do this from 1st October and I recognise the implications for our sports clubs which are the life and soul of our communities.
” Breaking the rules will now carry higher penalties .
Mr Johnson said : `` These rules will be enforced by tighter penalties… the penalty for failing to wear a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will now double to £200 for a first offence.
” '' We will provide the police with funding they need to provide greater police presence on streets , and they will also have the power to enlist the help of the military where required . ''
Unless stated in local lockdown measures , those previously asked to shield will not be required to shield again .
To those shielding , Mr Johnson added : “ Following advice from our senior clinicians , our guidance continues to be that you do not need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we will keep this under constant review.
” Mr Johnson told MPs that educational facilities will remain open .
He said : “ We will ensure that schools , colleges , universities stay open because nothing is more important than the education , health and well-being of our young people . ''
Boris Johnson said people who can work from home should do so .
He told MPs : “ First , we are once again asking office workers who can work from home to do so .
In key public @ @ @ @ @ @ @ working is not possible , such as construction or retail , people should continue to attend their workplaces .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for political news and analysis from outside the Westminster bubble
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for political news and analysis from outside the Westminster bubble
Addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon, the Prime Minister revealed further measures in a bid to stem the spiralling number of new coronavirus cases.
Today Boris Johnson admitted that like other countries, the UK is now at a "perilous turning point" when it comes to a second wave of the virus.
New cases have quadrupled in a month, with the possibility of tens of thousands of new cases each day in November.
While he was keen to insist that the country will not face a total lockdown like the one that was imposed in March, he made it clear that intervention needs to be taken to suppress the disease.
He has also warned that if these new measures fail to bring the R below 1, the government reserves the right to "deploy greater firepower" to enforce COVID-19 restrictions,
This is what the Prime Minister has outlined going forward, with tighter rules set to be imposed in England.
Pubs, restaurants and hospitality businesses
From Thursday (September 24) all pubs, bars and restaurants must operate a table service only -except for takeaways. Together with all hospitality venues, they must now close at 10pm.
This will be enforced by local police forces. The Prime Minister added: “And to help the police enforce this rule that means, alas, closing not just calling for last orders, because simplicity is paramount.”
(Image: PA)
Face coverings
Boris Johnson said people working in retail, those travelling in taxis, and staff and customers in indoor hospitality, except while seated at a table to eat or drink, will now be required to wear face coverings.
Retail leisure and tourism
In retail, leisure and tourism and other sectors, Covid-secure guidelines will now become legal obligations. Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they break the rules.
Tightening of the Rule of six
Boris Johnson has said that from Monday no more than 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions, in a tightening of the “rule of six”. Up to 30 can still attend a funeral as now.
Conventions, exhibitions and sporting events
Business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events will not return as planned on October 1.
Mr Johnson said: “We will also have to extend the rule of six to all adult indoor team sports. Finally we have to acknowledge that the spread of the virus is now affecting our ability to reopen business conferences, exhibitions and large sporting events, so we will not be able to do this from 1st October and I recognise the implications for our sports clubs which are the life and soul of our communities.”
Greater Penalties
Breaking the rules will now carry higher penalties. Mr Johnson said: "These rules will be enforced by tighter penalties… the penalty for failing to wear a mask or breaking the rule of six will now double to £200 for a first offence.”
"We will provide the police with funding they need to provide greater police presence on streets, and they will also have the power to enlist the help of the military where required."
Shielding
Unless stated in local lockdown measures, those previously asked to shield will not be required to shield again. To those shielding, Mr Johnson added: “Following advice from our senior clinicians, our guidance continues to be that you do not need to shield, except in local lockdown areas, and we will keep this under constant review.”
Schools, colleges and universities
Mr Johnson told MPs that educational facilities will remain open. He said: “We will ensure that schools, colleges, universities stay open because nothing is more important than the education, health and well-being of our young people."
Places of Worship
Places of worship will remain open.
Working from home
Boris Johnson said people who can work from home should do so.
He told MPs: “First, we are once again asking office workers who can work from home to do so. In key public services and in all professions where home working is not possible, such as construction or retail, people should continue to attend their workplaces.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Crimewatch revisits the case of man who vanished without a trace four years ago

`` Michael 's not alive and it kills me to say that . ''
Just over four years ago , Karen Williams saw her 25-year-old son Michael Martin for the last time .
The 'doting brother ' and 'loving son ' from Blackley disappeared on August 7 , 2016 .
His disappearance and suspected murder has today ( September 22 ) been revisited on Crimewatch Roadshow .
Michael , who suffered with depression and anxiety , was sucked into Salford ’ s criminal underworld prior to his death .
The night before he vanished , police say he picked up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In the early hours of August 7 , 2016 , Michael was driving with a friend along Bolton Road , Kearsley , when the car came to a sudden stop .
Neighbours then filmed Michael , who was just wearing one shoe , and a man arguing in the street .
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes told Crimewatch Roadshow : `` We believe [ they ] were having an argument or some sort of altercation in the vehicle .
`` Michael 's friend grabbed the steering wheel and pulled the vehicle sharply to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the key somehow became snapped in the ignition meaning that the vehicle could be no longer driven .
`` They appeared to be looking for something , we believe they were looking for the money and that might be what they were arguing about . ''
After helping his friend jump start the car , it was driven to the Esso petrol station in the same road .
Michael followed the car on foot .
His friend went into the shop to try and get tools to fix car .
Michael was seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His behaviour appeared to become increasingly anxious and erratic .
Michael eventually signalled to his friend that he wanted to leave , but instead of getting into the car , he turned and ran away towards Jackson Street , still missing a shoe .
The last time he was seen alive is on CCTV , running down Back Bolton Road .
In subsequent years , the investigation has seen police search Clifton Country Park , but no body has ever been recovered .
Det Supt Hughes explained why it is being treated as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He never contacted his mum or dad , which was very unusual .
`` There 's no record of him speaking to any of his friends again after that point , making a phone call , accessing any bank accounts or being seen or heard from again .
`` We 've done extensive searches of the area and dug up woodland to see if Michael has had an accident nearby and there 's no evidence of that .
`` We believe that somebody has harmed Michael , killed him and that his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do n't know where Michael 's body is and we 'd like nothing more than to find Michael and return him to his family .
`` We do n't know when or where exactly Michael came to harm and we have n't been able to identify the crime scene where his murder occurred .
`` He had been to see different people throughout the evening and collected a large amount of cash , which he hid away .
That cash has never been recovered and it 's possible that he was targeted for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for any witnesses who might have seen Michael after this last known sighting or to anyone in the community who may know what happened to him .
`` I believe there are people out there who know exactly what happened to Michael and who 's responsible and yet in all this time , they have n't come forward . ''
Michael 's heartbroken mother and father were also interviewed as part of the reconstruction .
His mum , Karen Williams said : `` Michael 's not alive and it kills me say that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wish he 'd knock on the door now and say sorry for putting you through this but he 's not .
`` We know people know and are keeping quiet .
I do n't know how they can live with themselves .
We 're all going through this , it 's a nightmare every day .
It does n't get easier as time passes .
`` I 'm just hoping that somebody has a heart where somebody says something to just give us some information so that we can try and find him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want him home .
`` He was a loving son .
I was very proud to call him my son .
He loved his family , he 'd do anything for his family if we needed is help .
If I needed him if I was upset or whatever , I 'd ring him and he 'd come down to make sure that I was okay .
`` He 's got a younger brother Josh and with him being the youngest , Michael just doted on him . ''
Dad Gregory said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basically because you have n't got any answers so you 're just going over and over what could have happened .
It 's like a living hell .
`` He was a loving , caring person , quite a fun-loving person , had a lot of friends .
He was very family-orientated .
He was always looking after his sisters and his younger brothers . ''
Greater Manchester Police is offering a £10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Michael 's killers .
If you have any @ @ @ @ @ @ @ followed by your message .
Alternatively , you can contact Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
"Michael's not alive and it kills me to say that."
Just over four years ago, Karen Williams saw her 25-year-old son Michael Martin for the last time.
The 'doting brother' and 'loving son' from Blackley disappeared on August 7, 2016.
His disappearance and suspected murder has today (September 22) been revisited on Crimewatch Roadshow.
Michael, who suffered with depression and anxiety, was sucked into Salford ’s criminal underworld prior to his death.
The night before he vanished, police say he picked up a 'large amount' of money.
(Image: PA)
In the early hours of August 7, 2016, Michael was driving with a friend along Bolton Road, Kearsley, when the car came to a sudden stop.
Neighbours then filmed Michael, who was just wearing one shoe, and a man arguing in the street.
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes told Crimewatch Roadshow: "We believe [they] were having an argument or some sort of altercation in the vehicle.
"Michael's friend grabbed the steering wheel and pulled the vehicle sharply to a halt.
"During that altercation, the key somehow became snapped in the ignition meaning that the vehicle could be no longer driven.
"They appeared to be looking for something, we believe they were looking for the money and that might be what they were arguing about."
After helping his friend jump start the car, it was driven to the Esso petrol station in the same road. Michael followed the car on foot.
His friend went into the shop to try and get tools to fix car. Michael was seen next to the car on CCTV. His behaviour appeared to become increasingly anxious and erratic.
Michael eventually signalled to his friend that he wanted to leave, but instead of getting into the car, he turned and ran away towards Jackson Street, still missing a shoe.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The last time he was seen alive is on CCTV, running down Back Bolton Road.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
In subsequent years, the investigation has seen police search Clifton Country Park, but no body has ever been recovered.
Det Supt Hughes explained why it is being treated as a murder investigation.
He added: "He never contacted his mum or dad, which was very unusual.
"There's no record of him speaking to any of his friends again after that point, making a phone call, accessing any bank accounts or being seen or heard from again.
"We've done extensive searches of the area and dug up woodland to see if Michael has had an accident nearby and there's no evidence of that.
(Image: Colin Horne - Manchester Evening News)
"We believe that somebody has harmed Michael, killed him and that his body has been disposed of. We don't know where Michael's body is and we'd like nothing more than to find Michael and return him to his family.
"We don't know when or where exactly Michael came to harm and we haven't been able to identify the crime scene where his murder occurred.
"He had been to see different people throughout the evening and collected a large amount of cash, which he hid away. That cash has never been recovered and it's possible that he was targeted for that money.
"I'm appealing for any witnesses who might have seen Michael after this last known sighting or to anyone in the community who may know what happened to him.
"I believe there are people out there who know exactly what happened to Michael and who's responsible and yet in all this time, they haven't come forward."
Michael's heartbroken mother and father were also interviewed as part of the reconstruction.
(Image: M.E.N.)
His mum, Karen Williams said: "Michael's not alive and it kills me say that. I wish he was. I wish he'd knock on the door now and say sorry for putting you through this but he's not.
"We know people know and are keeping quiet. I don't know how they can live with themselves. We're all going through this, it's a nightmare every day. It doesn't get easier as time passes.
"I'm just hoping that somebody has a heart where somebody says something to just give us some information so that we can try and find him and get him home. We just want him home.
"He was a loving son. I was very proud to call him my son. He loved his family, he'd do anything for his family if we needed is help. If I needed him if I was upset or whatever, I'd ring him and he'd come down to make sure that I was okay.
"He's got a younger brother Josh and with him being the youngest, Michael just doted on him."
(Image: BBC/Crimewatch Roadshow)
Dad Gregory said: "It's like living in limbo basically because you haven't got any answers so you're just going over and over what could have happened. It's like a living hell.
"He was a loving, caring person, quite a fun-loving person, had a lot of friends. He was very family-orientated. He was always looking after his sisters and his younger brothers."
Greater Manchester Police is offering a £10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of Michael's killers.
If you have any information, text 63399 with CRIME, followed by your message. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Why Manchester United should consider Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer

Manchester United ’ s shock 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace on the weekend again cast a spotlight on their desperate need to strengthen before the transfer window closes next month .
The defence remains a key topic of discussion , however , it ’ s the right-wing area that has been the main position that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been eager to improve for almost the entirety of the summer so far .
Jadon Sancho has been United ’ s well documented number one target , yet , negotiations with his club Borussia Dortmund have dragged out so long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a standstill .
As a result on Saturday , it was Daniel James who started on the right of United ’ s attack .
Despite a bright start to his career at the club , James struggled for form across nearly all of his first season at Old Trafford and those struggles continued into Saturday ’ s fixture against Palace .
He completed just one successful cross , two successful dribbles , had zero shots on target and no shot assists .
It therefore came as no surprise to see him substituted at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has profited from United ’ s issues on the right , coming in at the back end of last season and exhibiting his own impressive attacking capabilities , he ’ s not the long-term solution and is much better suited to a role through the middle .
It would also seem that Sancho may not be United ’ s long term fix either , based on the club 's problems getting a deal over the line with Dortmund so far .
As a result , it 's probably time for United to switch @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind , they would be wise to make a move for Chelsea ’ s Callum Hudson-Odoi .
It looks set to be another frustrating campaign for the Chelsea winger if he stays at Stamford Bridge , based on what we have seen in this season so far .
He has played just ten minutes across his sides opening two league matches .
This should be a concern , especially when you remember that Chelsea are currently without key attackers Christian Pulisic and new signing Hakim Ziyech , who are both injured .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ further down the pecking order once the duo return in the coming weeks .
This has reportedly convinced his representatives to consider holding a make or break meeting with Frank Lampard and the Chelsea hierarchy to discuss the situation and how much of a role he will have going forward .
Sign up to our free Analytic5 newsletter for your daily hit of the best tactical and analytical content around Analytic5 is a five-step weekly breakdown of a variety of different subjects ranging from exciting teams , outstanding players and emerging tactical trends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ By signing up , you will receive the once-daily email straight into your inbox , both for free and advertisement free .
It 's really easy and only takes a few seconds .
Simply click this link , we do n't need your name or any contact details , just pop your email in the white field and hit submit , that 's it .
If you wish to unsubscribe at any point , you can just by using one of the links in the newsletter - however we do n't think you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , click here .
From a United point of view , this obvious unrest between both parties can open a window for them to capitalise .
After all , Hudson-Odoi ’ s quality is unquestionable and there are obvious similarities between both he and Sancho .
Both are right footed wide attackers who can play on either flank .
They 're both England internationals that possess pace , skill and legitimate final third threat , and both still have their prime years ahead of them .
As you might expect given the huge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing time last season , Sancho registered more goal involvements , however , Hudson-Odoi ’ s record of directly scoring or assisting eight goals is pretty impressive when we consider how little he played - a total of just 1302 minutes .
Additionally , when we break down his underlying attacking numbers to a per 90 basis from last season , and compare them to Sancho ’ s numbers , we can see there is very little to choose between the two .
Of course , this isn ’ t to say Hudson-Odoi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , one of the biggest tests is maintaining these high attacking numbers over a prolonged period of time , like Sancho has done for a number of seasons now .
However , the above does at least illustrate Hudson-Odoi as both a very legitimate alternative to Sancho , and also a player who seems to be more available too .
That latter point is perhaps the most crucial when weighing up which player would be the best to pursue during these closing weeks of the window .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (David Alexander Hughes)

Manchester United’s shock 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace on the weekend again cast a spotlight on their desperate need to strengthen before the transfer window closes next month.
The defence remains a key topic of discussion, however, it’s the right-wing area that has been the main position that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been eager to improve for almost the entirety of the summer so far.
Jadon Sancho has been United’s well documented number one target, yet, negotiations with his club Borussia Dortmund have dragged out so long that we now seem to be at a standstill. As a result on Saturday, it was Daniel James who started on the right of United’s attack.
Despite a bright start to his career at the club, James struggled for form across nearly all of his first season at Old Trafford and those struggles continued into Saturday’s fixture against Palace. He completed just one successful cross, two successful dribbles, had zero shots on target and no shot assists. It therefore came as no surprise to see him substituted at half-time for Mason Greenwood.
While Greenwood has profited from United’s issues on the right, coming in at the back end of last season and exhibiting his own impressive attacking capabilities, he’s not the long-term solution and is much better suited to a role through the middle.
It would also seem that Sancho may not be United’s long term fix either, based on the club's problems getting a deal over the line with Dortmund so far. As a result, it's probably time for United to switch their attentions elsewhere.
With that in mind, they would be wise to make a move for Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi.
It looks set to be another frustrating campaign for the Chelsea winger if he stays at Stamford Bridge, based on what we have seen in this season so far. He has played just ten minutes across his sides opening two league matches. This should be a concern, especially when you remember that Chelsea are currently without key attackers Christian Pulisic and new signing Hakim Ziyech, who are both injured. We can expect to see the 19-year-old drop further down the pecking order once the duo return in the coming weeks.
This has reportedly convinced his representatives to consider holding a make or break meeting with Frank Lampard and the Chelsea hierarchy to discuss the situation and how much of a role he will have going forward.
Sign up to our free Analytic5 newsletter for your daily hit of the best tactical and analytical content around What is it? Analytic5 is a five-step weekly breakdown of a variety of different subjects ranging from exciting teams, outstanding players and emerging tactical trends from across the world of football. By signing up, you will receive the once-daily email straight into your inbox, both for free and advertisement free. How do you sign up? It's really easy and only takes a few seconds. Simply click this link, we don't need your name or any contact details, just pop your email in the white field and hit submit, that's it. If you wish to unsubscribe at any point, you can just by using one of the links in the newsletter - however we don't think you will want too. For more details, click here.
From a United point of view, this obvious unrest between both parties can open a window for them to capitalise. After all, Hudson-Odoi’s quality is unquestionable and there are obvious similarities between both he and Sancho. Both are right footed wide attackers who can play on either flank. They're both England internationals that possess pace, skill and legitimate final third threat, and both still have their prime years ahead of them.
As you might expect given the huge difference between the two in terms of playing time last season, Sancho registered more goal involvements, however, Hudson-Odoi’s record of directly scoring or assisting eight goals is pretty impressive when we consider how little he played - a total of just 1302 minutes.
Additionally, when we break down his underlying attacking numbers to a per 90 basis from last season, and compare them to Sancho’s numbers, we can see there is very little to choose between the two.
Of course, this isn’t to say Hudson-Odoi is better than Sancho, After all, one of the biggest tests is maintaining these high attacking numbers over a prolonged period of time, like Sancho has done for a number of seasons now.
However, the above does at least illustrate Hudson-Odoi as both a very legitimate alternative to Sancho, and also a player who seems to be more available too.
That latter point is perhaps the most crucial when weighing up which player would be the best to pursue during these closing weeks of the window.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--Dad of Arena victim tells inquiry daughter's 'life is not a practice exercise'

The father of eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos - the youngest person to die in the Manchester Arena bombing - told the public inquiry that lessons should already have been learned from past terrorism attacks .
The life of his daughter 'is not a practice exercise for the security services or the emergency services ' , Andrew Roussos said .
Mr Roussos - who described Saffie-Rose as 'my star , my admiration , my perfect daughter ' - stood up to address the inquiry 's chairman , Sir John Saunders , after his wife , Lisa , paid tribute to their daughter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake-up call should have come from 7/7 and 9/11 ' - the terror attacks in London and New York .
Mr Roussos said that if lessons were still being learned in 2020 , 'nothing will ever change ' .
He said : `` Sir , could I just say something .
`` With the highest respect I feel I need to say this .
`` What we are all going through , the failures we are all listening to and the excuses we will all sit through , needs to stop .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ At present , in 2020 , if we are still learning lessons , then nothing will ever change .
`` The biggest lesson and wake-up call should have come from 7/7 and 9/11 .
`` Saffie 's life is not a practice exercise for the security services or the emergency services .
`` Lessons should have already been learned and in place . ''
The public inquiry into the atrocity on May 22 , 2017 , which claimed 22 lives , entered its ninth day on Tuesday .
Pen portraits from the families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moving personal evidence about them , are continuing to be heard and shown to the inquiry .
Saffie-Rose lived with her family in Leyland , Lancashire , and attended Tarleton Community Primary School , near Southport .
In his tribute Mr Roussos said : `` My daughter Saffie - how can I describe perfection ?
`` How do you describe heart-melting love ?
`` How can I explain those big brown eyes .
`` She is my star , my admiration , my perfect daughter .
`` I am never going to accept @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Saffie was like magic , she captured people by just looking at them and smiling . ''
Mr Roussos said the family would be stopped on the street by people telling them how beautiful Saffie was .
Andrew recalled the pranks she played on her brother - and talked of an adventurous free spirit who loved gymnastics , singing and dancing .
`` She would fight to the end and not show defeat , '' he said .
`` She loved to explore and see new things .
`` She loved big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all the lights were switched on .
`` I can go on and on .
`` Never will there be another Saffie .
`` Never will there be another kiss , cuddle or a smile .
`` I try and picture what she would look like now , what she would be doing .
What career she would choose to the wedding dress she would pick . ''
He said Saffie was a 'victim of innocence ' .
`` All she wanted to be was a loving girl . ''
Tributes from Saffie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , as well as testimonies from other family members , friends and Saffie 's headteacher .
Sister Ashlee said : `` I was always proud to call Saffie my sister .
I still am .
She was someone I always wanted to tell people about and talk about .
`` She was more than special , a rare soul .
`` Our family will never be the same .
I have lost the ability to feel such emotions other than grief and anger .
`` Saffie did n't know the horrors of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allowed to live an innocent life at eight years old , she should have only known of love and happiness and what she could only dream to become one day . ''
Saffie 's mum , Lisa Roussos , was herself badly injured in the bombing .
She spoke of wanting to die when she woke from a coma to be told of her daughter 's death .
`` She was special and I understood this the moment she was born , '' Mrs Roussos said .
`` You had to meet her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was clever and imaginative .
`` She was enthusiastic about everything .
She lit up any room and was so very precious .
`` Saffie found joy in everything .
She did n't like people being sad .
`` She was a pure , gentle , beautiful soul who touched people 's hearts with her kindness and infected people with her smile .
`` She never walked past a homeless person without giving them money and a smile .
`` To say our lives now are completely devastated is an understatement .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coma , Andrew held my hand and looked up at me .
I instantly knew .
`` I cried and begged and pleaded with him to let me die too .
`` I did die that day .
Inside I am dead .
My heart is so heavy it weighs me down .
`` I am so desperate to hold her close and smell her hair - and to feel her cheek on mine . ''
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a rucksack bomb after an Ariana Grande concert held at the Arena @ @ @ @ @ @ @ injured as well as the 22 lives lost .
Hashem Abedi , his brother , is currently serving a 55-year minimum sentence after being convicted over the atrocity .
The public inquiry - set to run until next spring - is examining all aspects of the bombing .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
The father of eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos - the youngest person to die in the Manchester Arena bombing - told the public inquiry that lessons should already have been learned from past terrorism attacks.
The life of his daughter 'is not a practice exercise for the security services or the emergency services', Andrew Roussos said.
Mr Roussos - who described Saffie-Rose as 'my star, my admiration, my perfect daughter' - stood up to address the inquiry's chairman, Sir John Saunders, after his wife, Lisa, paid tribute to their daughter.
He said the 'biggest lesson and wake-up call should have come from 7/7 and 9/11' - the terror attacks in London and New York.
Mr Roussos said that if lessons were still being learned in 2020, 'nothing will ever change'.
He said: "Sir, could I just say something.
"With the highest respect I feel I need to say this.
"What we are all going through, the failures we are all listening to and the excuses we will all sit through, needs to stop.
"Enough is enough, Sir.
(Image: BBC)
"At present, in 2020, if we are still learning lessons, then nothing will ever change.
"The biggest lesson and wake-up call should have come from 7/7 and 9/11.
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
"Saffie's life is not a practice exercise for the security services or the emergency services.
"Lessons should have already been learned and in place."
The public inquiry into the atrocity on May 22, 2017, which claimed 22 lives, entered its ninth day on Tuesday.
Pen portraits from the families and friends of the deceased, and moving personal evidence about them, are continuing to be heard and shown to the inquiry.
Saffie-Rose lived with her family in Leyland, Lancashire, and attended Tarleton Community Primary School, near Southport.
In his tribute Mr Roussos said: "My daughter Saffie - how can I describe perfection?
"How do you describe heart-melting love?
(Image: BBC)
"How can I explain those big brown eyes.
"She is my star, my admiration, my perfect daughter.
"I am never going to accept life without Saffie.
"Going out with Saffie was like magic, she captured people by just looking at them and smiling."
Mr Roussos said the family would be stopped on the street by people telling them how beautiful Saffie was.
Andrew recalled the pranks she played on her brother - and talked of an adventurous free spirit who loved gymnastics, singing and dancing.
"She would fight to the end and not show defeat," he said.
"She loved to explore and see new things.
"She loved big cities, big cities at night when all the lights were switched on.
"I can go on and on.
"Never will there be another Saffie.
"Never will there be another kiss, cuddle or a smile.
(Image: MEN MEDIA)
"I try and picture what she would look like now, what she would be doing. What career she would choose to the wedding dress she would pick."
He said Saffie was a 'victim of innocence'.
"All she wanted to be was a loving girl."
Tributes from Saffie's sister, Ashlee Bromwich, followed, as well as testimonies from other family members, friends and Saffie's headteacher.
Sister Ashlee said: "I was always proud to call Saffie my sister. I still am. She was someone I always wanted to tell people about and talk about.
"She was more than special, a rare soul.
"Our family will never be the same. I have lost the ability to feel such emotions other than grief and anger.
"Saffie didn't know the horrors of this world.
"A child should be allowed to live an innocent life at eight years old, she should have only known of love and happiness and what she could only dream to become one day."
Saffie's mum, Lisa Roussos, was herself badly injured in the bombing.
She spoke of wanting to die when she woke from a coma to be told of her daughter's death.
(Image: M.E.N.)
"She was special and I understood this the moment she was born," Mrs Roussos said.
"You had to meet her to know who she was. She was clever and imaginative.
"She was enthusiastic about everything. She lit up any room and was so very precious.
"Saffie found joy in everything. She didn't like people being sad.
"She was a pure, gentle, beautiful soul who touched people's hearts with her kindness and infected people with her smile.
"She never walked past a homeless person without giving them money and a smile.
"To say our lives now are completely devastated is an understatement.
"The day I woke up from the coma, Andrew held my hand and looked up at me. I instantly knew.
"I cried and begged and pleaded with him to let me die too.
"I did die that day. Inside I am dead. My heart is so heavy it weighs me down.
"I am so desperate to hold her close and smell her hair - and to feel her cheek on mine."
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated a rucksack bomb after an Ariana Grande concert held at the Arena.
The attack left many more people injured as well as the 22 lives lost.
Hashem Abedi, his brother, is currently serving a 55-year minimum sentence after being convicted over the atrocity.
The public inquiry - set to run until next spring - is examining all aspects of the bombing.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--High street shoemaker to close after 97 years

A shoemaker shop is set to close its doors for good after nearly a century in business .
Whittakers has had a presence in Bolton since it was first set up by Jack Whittaker in 1923 .
These days , the shop can be found on Deansgate in the town centre .
It has been a popular high street staple for decades and has more recently become a key stop for parents looking to find their children 's schoolwear .
But , with the decline of town centre shopping and the hammer-blow of Covid-19 , Jack 's daughters Diane Davies @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is right to shut the business .
`` Covid was the final nail in the coffin , '' Diane said .
`` But it 's just generally down to the town centre declining .
`` Places like Bolton are becoming dilapidated and we 've not got the footfall that we used to have .
`` The internet has taken a big chunk out of our sales .
Many of our customers are older - they 've not been visiting as much recently .
`` It 's so hard and I want to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not worry about paying the bills .
I have been there at work for 41 years , so I 'm going to take a break .
`` My dad used to shell more shoes than anywhere in the north of England , at one point it was really successful .
But with supermarkets and department stores , our sales have been declining year after year .
`` Bolton used to be such a busy town centre , but it 's just not any more .
The council has these plans and I hope @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it can be busy again but it will take a lot of work and it 's fallen into such a bad state . ''
Since announcing plans to close this week , co-owner Diane says she has been inundated with messages from customers .
She said it will be a sad to say goodbye to staff , including cousin and shop manager Amanda Thornley .
Diane added : `` It 's very sad but we 've had hundreds of messages from customers wishing us well and saying thanks for our work .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fixed up with work they 've been with us for such a long time - that 's the hardest thing really . ''
Whittakers Shomakers will close on Saturday , November 28 , following a closing down sale .
The building is expected to go up for sale and could be purchased by a new owner .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
A shoemaker shop is set to close its doors for good after nearly a century in business.
Whittakers has had a presence in Bolton since it was first set up by Jack Whittaker in 1923. These days, the shop can be found on Deansgate in the town centre.
It has been a popular high street staple for decades and has more recently become a key stop for parents looking to find their children's schoolwear.
But, with the decline of town centre shopping and the hammer-blow of Covid-19, Jack's daughters Diane Davies and Judith Firth have decided the time is right to shut the business.
"Covid was the final nail in the coffin," Diane said.
"But it's just generally down to the town centre declining.
"Places like Bolton are becoming dilapidated and we've not got the footfall that we used to have.
"The internet has taken a big chunk out of our sales. Many of our customers are older - they've not been visiting as much recently.
"It's so hard and I want to be able to sleep again at night and not worry about paying the bills. I have been there at work for 41 years, so I'm going to take a break.
"My dad used to shell more shoes than anywhere in the north of England, at one point it was really successful. But with supermarkets and department stores, our sales have been declining year after year.
"Bolton used to be such a busy town centre, but it's just not any more. The council has these plans and I hope they come good. I really hope it can be busy again but it will take a lot of work and it's fallen into such a bad state."
Since announcing plans to close this week, co-owner Diane says she has been inundated with messages from customers.
She said it will be a sad to say goodbye to staff, including cousin and shop manager Amanda Thornley.
Diane added: "It's very sad but we've had hundreds of messages from customers wishing us well and saying thanks for our work.
"I just hope all our staff get fixed up with work they've been with us for such a long time - that's the hardest thing really."
Whittakers Shomakers will close on Saturday, November 28, following a closing down sale.
The building is expected to go up for sale and could be purchased by a new owner.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-22--'It's starting again': Doctor issues Covid-19 warning

A GP has warned the coronavirus pandemic 'is starting again ' and admitted 'we do n't know how deaths are going to go ' .
Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News , Dr David Lloyd said there was 'no doubt ' , health services were 'starting to see more Covid ' adding 'we must get ourselves together ' .
He said : `` There is a lot of debate going on , not only from our Chief Medical Officer , but also among some very eminent professors about the best way we handle the next phase .
`` The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On March 12 when we first started we were n't getting these numbers , so it 's a toss-up about how fast this thing is all going to go .
`` But there 's no doubt that on the ground , we 're starting to see more Covid .
It 's starting again , we must get ourselves together . ''
Asked if the increasing number of cases would lead to more deaths unless a nationwide lockdown was imposed , Dr Lloyd replied : `` That is the big , big question @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the deaths are going to go .
`` We are really in a very difficult position .
`` We are looking at France and Spain ... they are ahead of the curve and are starting to see their deaths going up .
`` Our death rate is about 0.3 per 100,000 at the moment , so we are quite low and there were only 138 people yesterday on ventilators in the whole of the UK .
`` So we are at a very early stage at the moment and hopefully we can head @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` But we are dealing with lots and lots of unknowns - the winter , people clustering together in houses rather than outside and people not wearing masks .
There is now very good data .
Please , please , please we should all be wearing masks as much as possible .
`` Please if you in at at risk group or over 65 please book a flu jab . ''
And Dr Lloyd warned that even if a vaccine is discovered soon , we still have to work out a way to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health impacts with the consequences for the economy .
He added : `` We are looking at lost generations and it 's a real worry '' We are going to be living with Covid for the rest of our lives and we have got to work out a way to do it . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
A GP has warned the coronavirus pandemic 'is starting again' and admitted 'we don't know how deaths are going to go'.
Speaking to Kay Burley on Sky News, Dr David Lloyd said there was 'no doubt', health services were 'starting to see more Covid' adding 'we must get ourselves together'.
He said: "There is a lot of debate going on, not only from our Chief Medical Officer, but also among some very eminent professors about the best way we handle the next phase.
"The rising cases are cases in the community. On March 12 when we first started we weren't getting these numbers, so it's a toss-up about how fast this thing is all going to go.
"But there's no doubt that on the ground, we're starting to see more Covid. It's starting again, we must get ourselves together."
Asked if the increasing number of cases would lead to more deaths unless a nationwide lockdown was imposed, Dr Lloyd replied: "That is the big, big question. We just don't know how the deaths are going to go.
"We are really in a very difficult position.
"We are looking at France and Spain... they are ahead of the curve and are starting to see their deaths going up.
"Our death rate is about 0.3 per 100,000 at the moment, so we are quite low and there were only 138 people yesterday on ventilators in the whole of the UK.
"So we are at a very early stage at the moment and hopefully we can head off the virus at the pass.
"But we are dealing with lots and lots of unknowns - the winter, people clustering together in houses rather than outside and people not wearing masks. There is now very good data. Please, please, please we should all be wearing masks as much as possible.
"Please if you in at at risk group or over 65 please book a flu jab."
And Dr Lloyd warned that even if a vaccine is discovered soon, we still have to work out a way to live with the virus and balance the health impacts with the consequences for the economy.
He added: "We are looking at lost generations and it's a real worry
"We are going to be living with Covid for the rest of our lives and we have got to work out a way to do it."