themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-01--The latest coronavirus hotspots across Greater Manchester - borough-by-borough

Coronavirus cases are continuing to hit double figures in a number of neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester , data shows .
The highest numbers of Covid cases in the region are still being recorded in parts of Oldham .
Alexandra Park had 19 cases in the week ending August 27 - the highest of any ward in the region .
Werneth , another longstanding hotspot , had 18 cases that same week .
Other hotspots across the region include Audenshaw in Tameside ; and Central Rochdale and Mandale Park in Rochdale , where 14 new cases were recorded .
Gorton South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of concern in Manchester , with 13 new cases recorded in each neighbourhood during the same period .
In Bolton , where lockdown measures are due to be lifted tomorrow ( Wednesday ) despite a spike in infections , the highest number of cases were recorded in Rumworth North and Breightmet South and Darcy Lever .
Eight positive test results were confirmed .
In Trafford - which is also due to have restrictions lifted despite having seen a near 100 per cent increase in case numbers in the last week - Old Trafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ map shows the number of positive Cocid test results in each neighbourhood across the country .
It uses Office for National Statistics ( ONS ) data .
Here are the hotspots for each borough in Greater Manchester , according to the MSOA map ... Gorton South and Crumpsall South recorded the highest number of new cases in the city for the week ending August 27 , with 13 people testing positive in each neighbourhood .
New Islington and Miles Platting had the second highest number of cases with 10 positive test results .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ preventing people from meeting with other households indoors or in private gardens , but is seeing a downward trend in the number of infections , with 38 fewer cases on August 29 than the week before .
Alexandra Park recorded the highest number of cases in Oldham , with 19 new cases confirmed .
Neighbouring Werneth had 18 new cases .
Busk was another hotspot in Oldham , with 12 positive cases confirmed in the area .
Residents are still subject to tighter measures around household mixing , though the number of positive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In Rochdale , the highest number of cases was recorded in Central Rochdale and Mandale Park , with 14 new positive results .
Wardleworth and Newbold Brow had the second highest number of cases with 11 positive results .
Middleton East was another hotspot , with 10 new cases confirmed .
Rochdale 's infection rate is the third highest in Greater Manchester - at 44.1 per 100,000 people in the week ending August 29 .
Local lockdown measures remain in place .
Salford Central and University and Eccles had the highest number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with 11 positive test results in each neighbourhood .
Nine confirmed cases were recorded in Higher Broughton in the week ending August 27 .
The latest Public Health England data shows the infection rate is rising in Salford .
The city remains under local lockdown measures .
In Trafford , the highest number of cases were recorded in Old Trafford and Firswood , with 10 positive test results confirmed in each area .
Other hotspots were in Hale Barns and Trafford Park and Sevenways , where six new cases were confirmed .
Trafford @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It stood at 35.4 per 100,000 of the population in the week ending August 29 .
Restrictions are set to be lifted in the borough , tomorrow despite town hall leaders asking them to remain in place .
Bolton has overtaken Oldham as the coronavirus hotspot in Greater Manchester .
The infection rate in the borough has soared to 59.1 , with 170 new cases recorded in the last seven days .
Rumworth North and Breightmet South and Darcy Lever are hotspots , both recording eight new cases in the week ending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Farnworth North and Lever Edge , six positive test results were confirmed in each area .
Bolton leaders have urgently asked for lockdown measures not to be lifted tomorrow ( Wednesday , September 2 ) .
Whitefield West and Park Lane recorded the highest number of cases in Bury with seven positive test results confirmed .
Prestwich Clough and Rainsough reported six new cases .
Bury is still subject to local lockdown measures .
In Tameside , Audenshaw was the hotspot for positive cases .
14 new cases were recorded in the area @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Denton West , Ashton Central , Ashton Waterloo , Mossley , Smallshaw and Stalybridge South had the second highest number of cases confirmed across the borough with four positive test results in each neighbourhood .
Winstanley recorded seven new coronavirus cases making it the hotspot for Wigan .
Beech Hill reported four , while Wigan Central reported three new positive cases .
The coronavirus infection rate in Wigan is continuing to fall .
Measures were eased in the borough last week .
Stockport is among the boroughs with lower numbers of COVID cases @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were no hotspots for the borough in the week ending August 27 , with all neighbourhoods recording between zero and two cases .
The infection rate continues to fall in the borough , which is also set to come out of local lockdown on Wednesday .

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Coronavirus cases are continuing to hit double figures in a number of neighbourhoods across Greater Manchester, data shows.
The highest numbers of Covid cases in the region are still being recorded in parts of Oldham.
Alexandra Park had 19 cases in the week ending August 27 - the highest of any ward in the region.
Werneth, another longstanding hotspot, had 18 cases that same week.
Other hotspots across the region include Audenshaw in Tameside; and Central Rochdale and Mandale Park in Rochdale, where 14 new cases were recorded.
Gorton South and Crumpsall South continue to be areas of concern in Manchester, with 13 new cases recorded in each neighbourhood during the same period.
In Bolton, where lockdown measures are due to be lifted tomorrow (Wednesday) despite a spike in infections, the highest number of cases were recorded in Rumworth North and Breightmet South and Darcy Lever. Eight positive test results were confirmed.
In Trafford - which is also due to have restrictions lifted despite having seen a near 100 per cent increase in case numbers in the last week - Old Trafford and Firswood were hotspots.
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
An interactive map shows the number of positive Cocid test results in each neighbourhood across the country. It uses Office for National Statistics (ONS) data.
Here are the hotspots for each borough in Greater Manchester, according to the MSOA map...
Manchester
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Gorton South and Crumpsall South recorded the highest number of new cases in the city for the week ending August 27, with 13 people testing positive in each neighbourhood.
New Islington and Miles Platting had the second highest number of cases with 10 positive test results.
Manchester remains under local lockdown measures, preventing people from meeting with other households indoors or in private gardens, but is seeing a downward trend in the number of infections, with 38 fewer cases on August 29 than the week before.
Oldham
(Image: Daily Mirror/Andy Stenning)
Alexandra Park recorded the highest number of cases in Oldham, with 19 new cases confirmed. Neighbouring Werneth had 18 new cases.
Busk was another hotspot in Oldham, with 12 positive cases confirmed in the area.
Residents are still subject to tighter measures around household mixing, though the number of positive coronavirus cases is continuing to fall.
Rochdale
(Image: Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)
In Rochdale, the highest number of cases was recorded in Central Rochdale and Mandale Park, with 14 new positive results.
Wardleworth and Newbold Brow had the second highest number of cases with 11 positive results.
Middleton East was another hotspot, with 10 new cases confirmed.
Rochdale's infection rate is the third highest in Greater Manchester - at 44.1 per 100,000 people in the week ending August 29. Local lockdown measures remain in place.
Salford
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Salford Central and University and Eccles had the highest number of cases in the city of Salford, with 11 positive test results in each neighbourhood.
Nine confirmed cases were recorded in Higher Broughton in the week ending August 27.
The latest Public Health England data shows the infection rate is rising in Salford. The city remains under local lockdown measures.
Trafford
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
In Trafford, the highest number of cases were recorded in Old Trafford and Firswood, with 10 positive test results confirmed in each area.
Other hotspots were in Hale Barns and Trafford Park and Sevenways, where six new cases were confirmed.
Trafford's infection rate is still relatively high. It stood at 35.4 per 100,000 of the population in the week ending August 29.
Restrictions are set to be lifted in the borough, tomorrow despite town hall leaders asking them to remain in place.
Bolton
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Bolton has overtaken Oldham as the coronavirus hotspot in Greater Manchester.
The infection rate in the borough has soared to 59.1, with 170 new cases recorded in the last seven days.
Rumworth North and Breightmet South and Darcy Lever are hotspots, both recording eight new cases in the week ending August 27.
In Central Bolton, Farnworth North and Lever Edge, six positive test results were confirmed in each area.
Bolton leaders have urgently asked for lockdown measures not to be lifted tomorrow (Wednesday, September 2).
Bury
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Whitefield West and Park Lane recorded the highest number of cases in Bury with seven positive test results confirmed.
Prestwich Clough and Rainsough reported six new cases.
Bury is still subject to local lockdown measures.
Tameside
(Image: ABNM Photography)
In Tameside, Audenshaw was the hotspot for positive cases.
14 new cases were recorded in the area in the week ending August 27.
Denton West, Ashton Central, Ashton Waterloo, Mossley, Smallshaw and Stalybridge South had the second highest number of cases confirmed across the borough with four positive test results in each neighbourhood.
Tameside remains subject to the restrictions.
Wigan
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Winstanley recorded seven new coronavirus cases making it the hotspot for Wigan.
Beech Hill reported four, while Wigan Central reported three new positive cases.
The coronavirus infection rate in Wigan is continuing to fall. Measures were eased in the borough last week.
Stockport
(Image: ABNM Photography)
Stockport is among the boroughs with lower numbers of COVID cases, according to the MSOA map.
There were no hotspots for the borough in the week ending August 27, with all neighbourhoods recording between zero and two cases.
The infection rate continues to fall in the borough, which is also set to come out of local lockdown on Wednesday.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-01--Detectives say they have NOT reopened investigations linked to 'serial killer'

Detectives say they have NOT reopened a series of murder-suicide cases which a report claimed 'could have been the work of a serial killer ' .
Cheshire Police made clear in a statement that while each case was 'under review , ' there was no reason to believe they were n't investigated appropriately at the time .
Inquests concluded that each case identified in the report were all murder-suicides , with the husband attacking his wife , before killing himself .
A confidential report written by a senior Coroners ' officer , and seen by the Sunday Times , raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed by a serial killer .
The report suggested a possible link between five cases - two in Wilmslow , Cheshire ; one in Davyhulme , Trafford ; One in Didsbury , Manchester ; and one in Kendal , Cumbria .
The deaths happend between 1996 and 2011 .
A suspect , who lives in the north of England , is identified in the report .
He can not be named for legal reasons , according to the Sunday Times .
On Tuesday , Detective Chief Superintendent Aaron Duggan , of Cheshire Constabulary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based upon a report completed by a member of police staff working in the coroner ’ s office in Cheshire .
`` The report was not approved by either the constabulary or the coroner ’ s office .
`` Some media reports have referred to the author as a senior coroner or coroner and this is factually incorrect .
`` The circumstances by which the report was shared with the media are subject to an internal review .
`` The contents of the report and its conclusions are being considered by detectives .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ no reason to believe that the cases were not investigated by the police appropriately .
They were also the subject of inquests .
`` For these reasons , the constabulary has not reopened the cases , however this decision will remain under review . ''
The 179-page report calls on the National Crime Agency and Interpol to review cases in Britain and Europe to determine whether there are more related murders .
Written by Stephanie Davies , the senior coroner ’ s officer for Cheshire , it is supported by evidence from her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths and a US-based crime-scene analysis expert .
The report points to a `` number of inconsistencies which do not corroborate the original manner of death of being murder-suicide . ''

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Detectives say they have NOT reopened a series of murder-suicide cases which a report claimed 'could have been the work of a serial killer'.
Cheshire Police made clear in a statement that while each case was 'under review,' there was no reason to believe they weren't investigated appropriately at the time.
Inquests concluded that each case identified in the report were all murder-suicides, with the husband attacking his wife, before killing himself.
A confidential report written by a senior Coroners' officer, and seen by the Sunday Times, raised concerns that those couples could have been killed by a serial killer.
The report suggested a possible link between five cases - two in Wilmslow, Cheshire; one in Davyhulme, Trafford; One in Didsbury, Manchester; and one in Kendal, Cumbria.
The deaths happend between 1996 and 2011.
A suspect, who lives in the north of England, is identified in the report. He cannot be named for legal reasons, according to the Sunday Times.
On Tuesday, Detective Chief Superintendent Aaron Duggan, of Cheshire Constabulary, said: "These articles were based upon a report completed by a member of police staff working in the coroner’s office in Cheshire.
"The report was not approved by either the constabulary or the coroner’s office.
"Some media reports have referred to the author as a senior coroner or coroner and this is factually incorrect.
"The circumstances by which the report was shared with the media are subject to an internal review.
"The contents of the report and its conclusions are being considered by detectives.
"At this time, there is no reason to believe that the cases were not investigated by the police appropriately. They were also the subject of inquests.
"For these reasons, the constabulary has not reopened the cases, however this decision will remain under review."
The 179-page report calls on the National Crime Agency and Interpol to review cases in Britain and Europe to determine whether there are more related murders.
Written by Stephanie Davies, the senior coroner’s officer for Cheshire, it is supported by evidence from her predecessor from the time of the first deaths and a US-based crime-scene analysis expert.
The report points to a "number of inconsistencies which do not corroborate the original manner of death of being murder-suicide."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-01--Greater Manchester calls on government to scrap current lockdown system

Greater Manchester ’ s leaders now want Bolton to remain in lockdown after a sharp spike in Covid cases over the weekend - but in the longer term want the current measures affecting much of the conurbation replaced by ramped-up localised testing .
At a meeting this morning leaders agreed borough-by-borough social mixing restrictions no longer make sense for the region , instead concluding more resource from government is needed so that targeted , ‘ hyper local ’ testing and contact tracing can be carried out instead .
One senior figure said resource that had been promised from the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ materialise .
But in the meantime they want both Bolton and Trafford to remain under restrictions until an 'exit strategy ' and a replacement approach can be rolled out .
The meeting came amid a bizarre situation that means Bolton is due to come out of measures from midnight , despite having the second highest infection rate in the country .
It is poised to come out just as it tips into the ‘ red ’ category for infection levels , the threshold for which is 50 cases per 100,000 .
That trigger @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the government when considering stricter interventions , such as those used previously in Leicester and Oldham .
Numbers have risen sharply since the government announced on Friday that Bolton was to be released from restrictions tomorrow - a move that was supported at the time by both the council and Greater Manchester .
Over the weekend infection rates then rose both there and in Trafford , which is also due to come out from midnight despite opposition from the local authority .
Leaders have now agreed that both boroughs should stay in for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health secretary outlining their position this afternoon .
However more broadly , they also believe the current system of individual borough-level restrictions is not working .
They believe it is unsustainable and not easily understandable for the public in a region where people regularly cross boundaries for work and leisure , including via the public transport network .
Instead they want extra resource to provide targeted , door-to-door track and tracing , which is thought to have driven a big fall in Oldham ’ s infection rates in recent weeks .
“ Everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need something to replace restrictions - focused , hyper local interventions , the door-to-door teams , testing teams , ” said one senior figure .
Local lockdown restrictions such as those affecting much of Greater Manchester are increasingly seen by leaders a ‘ blunt instrument ’ that is not as effective as targeted , highly focused test and trace , they added .
But at present councils do not have the level of resource they say they need in order to carry that out .
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more targeted , hyper-local door-to-door action is more effective than broad geographical restrictions .
That is why the mayor and leaders want to agree an exit strategy with the government for the current restrictions .
`` However , before that it is place , it is accepted that the restrictions will need to continue in eight boroughs in the short term .
“ As soon as practically and safely possible , we want to see the whole of Greater Manchester coming back into line with the rest of country but with funding to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needed.
” The latest Greater Manchester position follows considerable political confusion over proposed measures here .
In Trafford ’ s case , the Labour council , its director of public health and Greater Manchester ’ s leaders as a whole , including the mayor , had argued last week that numbers were still volatile for restrictions to be safely relaxed .
However Conservative MP Sir Graham Brady , who represents some of the borough ’ s southern neighbourhoods , argued it should be allowed out .
Ultimately the government did announce it should @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that announcement , numbers have risen .
Where Bolton was concerned the borough 's Conservative council , its Conservative MPs , director of public health and Greater Manchester as a whole had recommended the borough come out of restrictions from midnight tonight , alongside Trafford and Stockport .
Since then cases have risen sharply , leading to a change in position from Bolton council and Greater Manchester as a whole .
It remains unclear whether the government will u-turn on any of its latest lockdown easing plans .
The health secretary was asked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Trafford would still be released from midnight as planned , but he did not answer the question .
The M.E.N .
has also asked the Department of Health and Social Care whether the government 's position may change , but no response has so far been received .

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Greater Manchester’s leaders now want Bolton to remain in lockdown after a sharp spike in Covid cases over the weekend - but in the longer term want the current measures affecting much of the conurbation replaced by ramped-up localised testing.
At a meeting this morning leaders agreed borough-by-borough social mixing restrictions no longer make sense for the region, instead concluding more resource from government is needed so that targeted, ‘hyper local’ testing and contact tracing can be carried out instead.
One senior figure said resource that had been promised from the national track and trace system had yet to materialise.
But in the meantime they want both Bolton and Trafford to remain under restrictions until an 'exit strategy' and a replacement approach can be rolled out.
(Image: PA)
The meeting came amid a bizarre situation that means Bolton is due to come out of measures from midnight, despite having the second highest infection rate in the country.
It is poised to come out just as it tips into the ‘red’ category for infection levels, the threshold for which is 50 cases per 100,000.
That trigger is normally one of those used by the government when considering stricter interventions, such as those used previously in Leicester and Oldham.
Numbers have risen sharply since the government announced on Friday that Bolton was to be released from restrictions tomorrow - a move that was supported at the time by both the council and Greater Manchester.
Over the weekend infection rates then rose both there and in Trafford, which is also due to come out from midnight despite opposition from the local authority.
Leaders have now agreed that both boroughs should stay in for the timebeing and have written to the health secretary outlining their position this afternoon.
(Image: PA)
However more broadly, they also believe the current system of individual borough-level restrictions is not working.
They believe it is unsustainable and not easily understandable for the public in a region where people regularly cross boundaries for work and leisure, including via the public transport network.
Instead they want extra resource to provide targeted, door-to-door track and tracing, which is thought to have driven a big fall in Oldham’s infection rates in recent weeks.
“Everyone is of the same view that we need something to replace restrictions - focused, hyper local interventions, the door-to-door teams, testing teams,” said one senior figure.
Local lockdown restrictions such as those affecting much of Greater Manchester are increasingly seen by leaders a ‘blunt instrument’ that is not as effective as targeted, highly focused test and trace, they added.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
But at present councils do not have the level of resource they say they need in order to carry that out.
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority said: “It is clear that more targeted, hyper-local door-to-door action is more effective than broad geographical restrictions. That is why the mayor and leaders want to agree an exit strategy with the government for the current restrictions.
"However, before that it is place, it is accepted that the restrictions will need to continue in eight boroughs in the short term.
“As soon as practically and safely possible, we want to see the whole of Greater Manchester coming back into line with the rest of country but with funding to provide enhanced local interventions where they are needed.”
The latest Greater Manchester position follows considerable political confusion over proposed measures here.
In Trafford’s case, the Labour council, its director of public health and Greater Manchester’s leaders as a whole, including the mayor, had argued last week that numbers were still volatile for restrictions to be safely relaxed.
(Image: M.E.N.)
However Conservative MP Sir Graham Brady, who represents some of the borough’s southern neighbourhoods, argued it should be allowed out.
Ultimately the government did announce it should come out from tomorrow - although since that announcement, numbers have risen.
Where Bolton was concerned the borough's Conservative council, its Conservative MPs, director of public health and Greater Manchester as a whole had recommended the borough come out of restrictions from midnight tonight, alongside Trafford and Stockport.
Since then cases have risen sharply, leading to a change in position from Bolton council and Greater Manchester as a whole.
It remains unclear whether the government will u-turn on any of its latest lockdown easing plans. The health secretary was asked directly in Parliament this afternoon whether Bolton and Trafford would still be released from midnight as planned, but he did not answer the question.
The M.E.N. has also asked the Department of Health and Social Care whether the government's position may change, but no response has so far been received.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-01--Latest travel advice for Portugal as holidaymakers rush for flights back to UK

Thousands of people have travelled from the UK to Portugal since the country was added to the government ’ s quarantine exemption list just 10 days ago .
But the 14-day self-isolation rule for arrivals from the country could be reintroduced this week following a rise in Covid-19 cases .
In previous weeks , the Department for Transport has announced changes to the UK quarantine exemption list - or travel corridor - every Thursday night , with the new rules usually imposed by 4am the following Saturday .
Tourists are pre-empting the government announcement - before scrambling to return back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a mandatory self-isolation period at home .
It 's coming at a cost , with the price of flights from Portugal and back into Britain soaring as a consequence .
EasyJet has sold out all its flights from Faro – which serves the popular holiday hotspot the Algarve – to airports in Britain on Wednesday , Thursday and Friday .
Those in Faro hoping to get back to Manchester are looking at over £325 ( €365.99 ) per person on Saturday with easyJet to get back home - with fewer than five seats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of publishing .
British Airways is selling seats on a flight from Faro to Heathrow on Thursday for £554 , while the same journey can be made seven days later for just £139 .
The cost of the next available flight between Lisbon and Manchester with easyJet has rocketed to £259 ( €290.99 ) , while Ryanair flights between the two cities are currently sold out .
The rules around travel during the pandemic are ever changing and fast-moving , which means travellers are warned to expect the possibility of a quarantine upon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Commonwealth Office on September 1 , Portugal , including Madeira , Porto Santo and the Azores , is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel .
This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks .
The only warning is that entry to Portugal is subject to health screening on arrival , travelers to Madeira , Porto Santo or the Azores , must take a coronavirus test before you travel or on arrival .
The UK government is not advising people to return home - and has not announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it has now been revealed the infection rate in Portugal has now jumped to 22.3 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to August 31 .
This is up from 14.5 a week earlier .
Under current guidelines , the UK government considers a two-week isolation period for travellers when a country 's infection rate passes the threshold of 20 cases per 100,000 people in a seven-day period .
Which is why travellers are now anticipating that Portugal will be removed from the exemption list this week .
The cost @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and as holiday makers rush to get back to avoid the risk of a mandatory self-isolation period .
Chris Sainty , the British Ambassador to Portugal , said it has been 'great to see people reunited with their families and enjoying the summer ' , but warned that 'things can change quickly ' .
He urged travellers to 'factor in the risks of travelling abroad in this fast-moving situation ' , adding : “ Only travel if you are content to unexpectedly quarantine if required .
”

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Thousands of people have travelled from the UK to Portugal since the country was added to the government’s quarantine exemption list just 10 days ago.
But the 14-day self-isolation rule for arrivals from the country could be reintroduced this week following a rise in Covid-19 cases.
In previous weeks, the Department for Transport has announced changes to the UK quarantine exemption list - or travel corridor - every Thursday night, with the new rules usually imposed by 4am the following Saturday.
Tourists are pre-empting the government announcement - before scrambling to return back to Britain to avoid the risk of a mandatory self-isolation period at home.
It's coming at a cost, with the price of flights from Portugal and back into Britain soaring as a consequence.
EasyJet has sold out all its flights from Faro – which serves the popular holiday hotspot the Algarve – to airports in Britain on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Those in Faro hoping to get back to Manchester are looking at over £325 (€365.99) per person on Saturday with easyJet to get back home - with fewer than five seats on each flight available at the time of publishing.
British Airways is selling seats on a flight from Faro to Heathrow on Thursday for £554, while the same journey can be made seven days later for just £139.
The cost of the next available flight between Lisbon and Manchester with easyJet has rocketed to £259 (€290.99), while Ryanair flights between the two cities are currently sold out.
The current travel advice
The rules around travel during the pandemic are ever changing and fast-moving, which means travellers are warned to expect the possibility of a quarantine upon return.
According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on September 1, Portugal, including Madeira, Porto Santo and the Azores, is exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
The only warning is that entry to Portugal is subject to health screening on arrival, travelers to Madeira, Porto Santo or the Azores, must take a coronavirus test before you travel or on arrival.
The UK government is not advising people to return home - and has not announced any quarantine measures or changes.
However, it has now been revealed the infection rate in Portugal has now jumped to 22.3 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to August 31. This is up from 14.5 a week earlier.
Under current guidelines, the UK government considers a two-week isolation period for travellers when a country's infection rate passes the threshold of 20 cases per 100,000 people in a seven-day period.
Which is why travellers are now anticipating that Portugal will be removed from the exemption list this week.
The cost of flights are driven by demand, and as holiday makers rush to get back to avoid the risk of a mandatory self-isolation period.
Chris Sainty, the British Ambassador to Portugal, said it has been 'great to see people reunited with their families and enjoying the summer', but warned that 'things can change quickly'.
He urged travellers to 'factor in the risks of travelling abroad in this fast-moving situation', adding: “Only travel if you are content to unexpectedly quarantine if required.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-01--Gold bars worth £750k found in passenger's LUNCH BOX at Manchester Airport

Eight gold bars worth £750,000 were found hidden in a passenger 's LUNCH BOX .
The bars , which weighed around 16kg , were seized at Manchester Airport in November 2018 as a passenger prepared to head to Dubai .
They are set to be auctioned off by HM Revenue and Customs ( HMRC ) .
The money raised during an online auction - on September 3 - will go back into the public purse to be spent on services such as hospitals and schools .
HMRC investigators applied for forfeiture of the bars , which was granted at Manchester @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2017 Criminal Finance Act enables 'listed assets ' - including precious metals - to be subjected to forfeiture in the same way as cash deemed to be from the proceeds of crime .
Gill Hilton assistant director at HMRC 's Fraud Investigation Service said : `` This is the first time HMRC has used these powers to seize and forfeit a listed asset , and it should act as a deterrent to criminals looking to trade assets such as precious metals .
`` If they are the proceeds of crime or intended for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ powers to take them from criminals and use the money for public services .
`` The money raised through the auction will go straight back into the public purse , to be spent on vital services such as hospitals and schools .
`` We are determined to cut off the funds that finance serious crime in the UK . ''
In the last year , HMRC has recovered more than £166m of illicit proceeds .
Since the creation of a dedicated Proceeds of Crime unit three years ago , HMRC has recovered more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seizing everything from cash to jewellery , to cars .
Michael Streight , government sales coordinator at Wilsons Auctions said : `` Wilsons Auctions is delighted to once again be realising a significant amount of 24ct gold bars on behalf of HMRC through its upcoming Online Luxury Assets Auction .
`` Having successfully sold over £1m worth of gold for HMRC in a previous auction , we are proud to continue realising these luxury seized assets , with the money raised ultimately going back into the public purse . ''
The auction will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ September 3 .
Click here for more information .

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Eight gold bars worth £750,000 were found hidden in a passenger's LUNCH BOX.
The bars, which weighed around 16kg, were seized at Manchester Airport in November 2018 as a passenger prepared to head to Dubai.
They are set to be auctioned off by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
The money raised during an online auction - on September 3 - will go back into the public purse to be spent on services such as hospitals and schools.
HMRC investigators applied for forfeiture of the bars, which was granted at Manchester Magistrates' Court last month.
The 2017 Criminal Finance Act enables 'listed assets' - including precious metals - to be subjected to forfeiture in the same way as cash deemed to be from the proceeds of crime.
(Image: M.E.N.)
Gill Hilton assistant director at HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service said: " This is the first time HMRC has used these powers to seize and forfeit a listed asset, and it should act as a deterrent to criminals looking to trade assets such as precious metals.
"If they are the proceeds of crime or intended for unlawful conduct, we now have the powers to take them from criminals and use the money for public services.
"The money raised through the auction will go straight back into the public purse, to be spent on vital services such as hospitals and schools.
"We are determined to cut off the funds that finance serious crime in the UK."
In the last year, HMRC has recovered more than £166m of illicit proceeds.
Since the creation of a dedicated Proceeds of Crime unit three years ago, HMRC has recovered more than £700m for the public purse, seizing everything from cash to jewellery, to cars.
Michael Streight, government sales coordinator at Wilsons Auctions said: "Wilsons Auctions is delighted to once again be realising a significant amount of 24ct gold bars on behalf of HMRC through its upcoming Online Luxury Assets Auction.
"Having successfully sold over £1m worth of gold for HMRC in a previous auction, we are proud to continue realising these luxury seized assets, with the money raised ultimately going back into the public purse."
The auction will be held online, at 2pm on September 3. Click here for more information.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-01--Police raid house and find huge machete, air rifle and stun gun

Officers discovered a huge machete - as well as an air rifle , a stun gun and a BB gun @ @ @ @ @ on Tottington Road on Sunday ( August 30 ) .
Police also found cannabis in @ @ @ @ @ the two guns .
In a post on Facebook , an officer from GMP 's @ @ @ @ @ of the weapons and asked anyone with information on other suspicious activity to come forward @ @ @ @ @ Bury North Neighbourhood Team carried out a successful warrant at Tottington Road , Bury on @ @ @ @ @ `` Police seized one Air Rifle , one stun gun , one BB gun and @ @ @ @ @ a quantity of cannabis .
`` A suspect was arrested and will be dealt with @ @ @ @ @ has taken serious weapons off the street .
Well done . ''
Anyone with more @ @ @ @ @ in Bury can contact police on 101 .

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Police searching a home in Bury found a large stash of weapons.
Officers discovered a huge machete - as well as an air rifle, a stun gun and a BB gun when they raided the property on Tottington Road on Sunday (August 30).
One person was arrested.
Police also found cannabis in the house and pellets for the two guns.
In a post on Facebook, an officer from GMP's Bury North team shared images of the weapons and asked anyone with information on other suspicious activity to come forward.
(Image: GMP)
They said: "Bury North Neighbourhood Team carried out a successful warrant at Tottington Road, Bury on Sunday, August 30.
"Police seized one Air Rifle, one stun gun, one BB gun and pellets, one machete and a quantity of cannabis.
"A suspect was arrested and will be dealt with accordingly.
"This warrant has taken serious weapons off the street. Well done."
Anyone with more information about possible criminal activity in Bury can contact police on 101.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Partygoer failed to pay a £30 fine for attending a lockdown party

A man fined after attending a lockdown party - but failed to pay up - has now been ordered to cough up TEN TIMES as much .
The partygoer was issued with a fixed penalty notice ( FPN ) after attending a gathering in Bury back in April - when the country was in full lockdown .
Greater Manchester Police issued 305 fixed penalty notices between March and May .
So far , just 143 people have actually paid them .
The man - who has not been named by police - was fined during full lockdown when regulations required @ @ @ @ @ @ @ socialise with other households .
But instead of paying the original fine , the man failed to cough up and was hauled before the courts .
He has pleaded guilty to not paying a fixed penalty notice and must now pay a total of £319 , including costs and a victim surcharge .
Superintendent Andrew Sidebotham , of Greater Manchester Police , warned that anyone who doesn ’ t pay an FPN will face further action .
“ We have issued 305 FPNs from March to May , but only 143 people have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said .
“ This equates to less than 50 per cent of people complying and means a large amount of police resources is taken up taking those who fail to pay through the court system .
“ Officers have been policing by consent by using the four Es approach - engage , explain , encourage and as a last resort enforce - throughout the pandemic and have only issued fines when there has been a clear breach of the regulations .
“ Anyone that does n't pay the fine issued will face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an increase in the total costs the individual needs to pay.
” If an FPN is not paid within 28 days the case will be referred to the courts .
Fines issued before May 13 were £60 , but fell to £30 if paid within 14 days .
Any fines issued after May 13 are £100 , but fall to £50 if paid within 14 days .

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A man fined after attending a lockdown party - but failed to pay up - has now been ordered to cough up TEN TIMES as much.
The partygoer was issued with a fixed penalty notice (FPN) after attending a gathering in Bury back in April - when the country was in full lockdown.
Greater Manchester Police issued 305 fixed penalty notices between March and May.
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
So far, just 143 people have actually paid them.
The man - who has not been named by police - was fined during full lockdown when regulations required people to stay at home and not socialise with other households.
But instead of paying the original fine, the man failed to cough up and was hauled before the courts.
He has pleaded guilty to not paying a fixed penalty notice and must now pay a total of £319, including costs and a victim surcharge.
Superintendent Andrew Sidebotham, of Greater Manchester Police, warned that anyone who doesn’t pay an FPN will face further action.
“We have issued 305 FPNs from March to May, but only 143 people have made payment for these fines,” he said.
“This equates to less than 50 per cent of people complying and means a large amount of police resources is taken up taking those who fail to pay through the court system.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“Officers have been policing by consent by using the four Es approach - engage, explain, encourage and as a last resort enforce - throughout the pandemic and have only issued fines when there has been a clear breach of the regulations.
“Anyone that doesn't pay the fine issued will face further action, which may result in an increase in the total costs the individual needs to pay.”
If an FPN is not paid within 28 days the case will be referred to the courts.
Fines issued before May 13 were £60, but fell to £30 if paid within 14 days.
Any fines issued after May 13 are £100, but fall to £50 if paid within 14 days.
The fine increases significantly for repeat offenders.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Will England put Greece on the quarantine list?Can I get a refund on my holiday?

There is growing speculation that Greece will be removed from England 's safe travel list in the next review - leaving holidaymakers wondering if their trip will actually go ahead .
It comes as Scotland imposes emergency restrictions and mandatory quarantine for those coming in from the country .
Wales has implemented testing and self-isolation measures for people returning from Zante .
Despite action from the devolved nations , there has been no move from Westminster regarding travellers set to return to England .
In previous weeks , the Department for Transport has announced changes to the UK quarantine exemption @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday night , with the new rules usually imposed by 4am the following Saturday .
And it looks like those already out there are already preempting the possibility of a mandatory quarantine being imposed , with the cost of flights skyrocketing and most scheduled departures from Greece sold out .
At the time of writing , the next available flight from Crete to Manchester was priced at €377.99 - or £353 - with just a couple of seats remaining .
Will Greece actually be added to the FCO quarantine list ?
It seems @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , with both Greece and Portugal expected to be removed from the safe list tomorrow .
But in this instance , concerns seem not be about the overall rise in Covid-19 cases in the country .
Greece reported 14.3 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to September 1 , up from 14.1 a week earlier .
A seven-day rate of 20 seems to be the threshold above which the UK Government has considered triggering quarantine conditions .
By comparison , in Portugal the seven-day rate has increased from 14.2 to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a rush on Brits trying to return to the UK .
Despite Greece recording relatively average infection figures , the country has been struck off the safe list in both Wales and Scotland after several clusters of cases were found to originate from flights coming back from Greece .
Wales ’ health minister Vaughan Gething said there are six separate clusters of infections amounting to more than 30 cases in the last week originating from four flights .
It is understood that two of these flights landed in England .
He has since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ returning travellers as `` insufficient '' .
Dominic Raab has remained silent over the moves despite neighbouring Scotland and Wales introducing new measures overnight .
When asked whether England would follow suit , he said : `` We respect the devolved administrations in what they do , of course we here in Whitehall look very carefully at all the evidence , based on the scientific advice and we review the travel advice and the quarantine measures very carefully and regularly . ''
And the Department for Transport said no change to its rules @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been made .
So while it seems to be heading in the direction of a removal from the safe list , it looks will depend on whether Westminster will deem the cluster of infections as enough of a risk to halt travel to Greece .
Another possibility is following the restrictions imposed by the Welsh government , imposing a ban on travel to the area of Zante , rather than the whole of Greece .
But either way , it is likely a decision for England will be announced on Thursday night @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
While the figures suggest there is n't any more of a risk than any other country , there does seem to be a correlation between clusters of infections caused by people travelling back from the country - in particular Zakynthos ( Zante ) .
As of September 2 , Greece is exempt from the Foreign , Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) ’ s advice against all non-essential international travel for those due to fly in to English airports .
It states this advice is based on the current assessment of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that advice is being kept under constant review and travel disruption is still possible .
They also advise that national control measures may be brought in with little notice .
Anyone travelling to the country or due to fly back soon could fine this advice will change quickly and could mean a two week self isolation period upon arrival back in the UK .
However this is standard advice for all Brits travelling abroad at the moment .
Can I get a refund on my holiday to Greece ?
If you are in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the next couple of days , it is unlikely you will be able to get a refund or claim on travel insurance as the current FCO advice stipulates it is safe to travel .
If your flight or hotel has n't been cancelled , you may not be able to get a refund , but some companies may allow you to rearrange your trip - but this may come at a cost .
Ultimately , unless the FCO updates its advise to advise against essential travel , holidaymakers are at the mercy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be flexible .
If it does end up that the FCO advises against all but essential travel to Greece , any package holiday while the warning is in place , should be refunded .
However it is strongly advised not to cancel and instead wait for the tour operator to cancel it , as it makes the refund process easier .
And if the FCO activates a warning , it should also trigger your travel insurance , which could allow you to get money back on flights , accommodation , excursions and car @ @ @ @ @ @ @ check the explicit terms of your insurance policy .

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There is growing speculation that Greece will be removed from England's safe travel list in the next review - leaving holidaymakers wondering if their trip will actually go ahead.
It comes as Scotland imposes emergency restrictions and mandatory quarantine for those coming in from the country. While Wales has now implemented testing and self-isolation measures for people returning from the popular holiday hotspot of Zante.
Despite action from the devolved nations, there has been no move from Westminster regarding travellers set to return to England.
In previous weeks, the Department for Transport has announced changes to the UK quarantine exemption list - or travel corridor - every Thursday night, with the new rules usually imposed by 4am the following Saturday.
And it looks like those already out there are preempting the possibility of a mandatory quarantine being imposed, with the cost of flights skyrocketing and most scheduled departures from Greece sold out.
At the time of writing, the next available flight from Crete to Manchester was priced at €377.99 - or £353 - with just a couple of seats remaining.
Will Greece actually be added to the FCO quarantine list?
It seems most are anticipating England will follow suit, with both Greece and Portugal expected to be removed from the safe list tomorrow.
But in this instance, the concerns seem not be about the overall rise in Covid-19 cases in the country.
Greece reported 14.3 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the seven days to September 1, up from 14.1 a week earlier.
A seven-day rate of 20 seems to be the threshold above which the UK Government has considered triggering quarantine conditions.
By comparison, in Portugal the seven-day rate has increased from 14.2 to 22.7 over the same period, spurring a rush on Brits trying to return to the UK.
Despite Greece recording relatively average infection figures, the country was struck off the safe list in both Wales and Scotland after several clusters of cases were found to originate from flights coming back from Greece.
Wales’ health minister Vaughan Gething said there are six separate clusters of infections amounting to more than 30 cases reported in the last week originating from four separate flights. It is understood that two of these flights landed in England.
He has since slammed current advice and control measures for returning travellers as "insufficient".
Dominic Raab has remained silent over the moves despite neighbouring Scotland and Wales introducing new measures overnight.
When asked whether England would follow suit, he said: "We respect the devolved administrations in what they do, of course we here in Whitehall look very carefully at all the evidence, based on the scientific advice and we review the travel advice and the quarantine measures very carefully and regularly."
And the Department for Transport said no change to its rules for travellers coming into England from Greece had been made.
So while it seems to be heading in the direction of a removal from the safe list, it looks like the decision will depend on if Westminster deemds the cluster of infections as enough of a risk to halt travel to Greece.
Another possibility is that England may follow the restrictions imposed by the Welsh government, imposing a ban on travel to the area of Zante, rather than the whole of Greece.
But either way, it is likely a decision for England will be announced on Thursday night.
Is it safe to travel there?
While the figures suggest there isn't any more of a risk than any other country, there does seem to be a correlation between clusters of infections caused by people travelling back from the country - in particular Zakynthos (Zante).
As of September 2, Greece is exempt from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)’s advice against all non-essential international travel for those due to fly in to English airports. It states this advice is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
But they also warn that advice is being kept under constant review and travel disruption is still possible. They also advise that national control measures may be brought in with little notice.
Anyone travelling to the country or due to fly back soon could fine this advice will change quickly and could mean a two week self isolation period upon arrival back in the UK.
However this is standard advice for all Brits travelling abroad at the moment.
Can I get a refund on my holiday to Greece?
If you are in England due to fly out to Greece in the next couple of days, it is unlikely you will be able to get a refund or claim on travel insurance as the current FCO advice stipulates it is safe to travel.
If your flight or hotel hasn't been cancelled, you may not be able to get a refund, but some companies may allow you to rearrange your trip - but this may come at a cost.
Ultimately, unless the FCO updates its advice to advise against essential travel, holidaymakers are at the mercy of tour operators and accommodation providers to be flexible.
If it does end up that the FCO advises against all but essential travel to Greece, any package holiday while the warning is in place, should be refunded.
However it is strongly advised not to cancel and instead wait for the tour operator to cancel it, as it makes the refund process easier.
And if the FCO activates a warning, it should also trigger your travel insurance, which could allow you to get money back on flights, accommodation, excursions and car hire, but you will need to check the explicit terms of your insurance policy.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Up to 250 homes approved for 'green lung' land in Oldham despite objections

Council chiefs have granted approval for up to 250 new homes on land that serves as a ‘ green lung ’ for people in Shaw .
A meeting of the planning committee deliberated on the plans which sought outline planning permission for a housing development on other protected open land ( OPOL ) off Cocker Mill Lane .
Part of the site is currently occupied by the Cowlishaw Abattoir – which would be demolished under the proposals – and surrounded by green fields and grassland .
A larger parcel of land between Shaw and Royton , which includes the Cowlishaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework ( GMSF ) plans , which have yet to be ratified .
Councillors were told that 82 letters of objection had been received to the 250 homes plan .
Councillor for Coldhurst , Ruji Surjan told the meeting : “ My concern is obviously this green space is very important to a number of people .
“ There are a lot of objections in regard to having it developed.
” Addressing councillors , objector Anthony Faulkner said that it was ‘ far from ideal ’ they were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , contentious and long-standing issue like Cowlishaw , which is so valued by the local community ’ during the pandemic .
“ Allowing this planning application would not only ignore the views of its 82 objectors but also those of the 1,436 who objected to Cowlishaw being allocated in the GMSF , ” he said .
“ This scheme is bound to have an adverse effect on the three sites of biological importance when people are in closer proximity on a daily basis .
“ It seems very unfair and questionable planning practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ parts of the borough are being targeted while in more rural parts of the borough where there is ample green space OPOLs are being upgraded to green belt .
“ Surely our OPOLs are more vital in built up areas and does Saddleworth really need any more green belt ?
We urge you to preserve this valued green lung at the heart of our community . ''
Planning officer Graham Dickman said that because it was an outline application , only the principle of planning and access were being decided by councillors .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ types – would be dealt with in a separate reserved matters application .
He said : “ The primary issue is of course that within the current adopted local plan , the site is allocated as other protected open land .
“ However in determining the application , and I ’ m sure members will have heard this so many times in recent months , you have to have regard for the fact that the council does not have a five year housing land supply .
“ Although the OPOL land is important @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific strong benefits around it which we feel alone would justify going against the presumption in favour of sustainable development .
“ Vehicle access would be taken from Cocker Mill Lane onto Shaw Road in the south-western corner of the site .
Development would also affect public footpaths that run across the land .
Speaking against the plans , Crompton ward councillor Diane Williamson raised concern about the development on green land , and the impact of extra vehicles on Shaw Road .
“ When it is rush hour , school times as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out of and drive along that road , ” she said .
“ Accidents have happened at that junction .
It is carnage.
” Describing the open greenfield land , she added : “ You ’ ve seen the pictures of how beautiful it is – I ’ ve had many comments made to me by local residents about how important their doorstep open space is .
“ They are havens for young and old .
“ Once you ’ ve built on this land in Crompton you can not bring it back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ site it is of such value to the community.
” But highways officer Wendy Moorhouse said there would be an estimated 156 additional trips in the morning peak hours , and 143 more in the evening peak hour .
Transport for Greater Manchester had no issues about the amount of traffic that would be generated by the development , she told councillors .
“ We haven ’ t got a capacity problem .
The highway will cope with the amount of additional traffic , ” she added .
Speaking on behalf of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Mrs Fitton , agent Richard Barton said : “ This is a technically robust proposal .
“ The abattoir business itself has been in gradual decline in recent years .
“ The new proposal will create more employment and generate more income for the economy than the existing business with much reduced HGV and van movements .
“ Significant work has been undertaken which demonstrates that the site can accommodate the proposed development.
” The application was approved with nine votes in favour and two against .

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Council chiefs have granted approval for up to 250 new homes on land that serves as a ‘green lung’ for people in Shaw.
A meeting of the planning committee deliberated on the plans which sought outline planning permission for a housing development on other protected open land (OPOL) off Cocker Mill Lane.
Part of the site is currently occupied by the Cowlishaw Abattoir – which would be demolished under the proposals – and surrounded by green fields and grassland.
A larger parcel of land between Shaw and Royton, which includes the Cowlishaw site has been allocated for housing under the draft Greater Manchester Spatial Framework (GMSF) plans, which have yet to be ratified.
Councillors were told that 82 letters of objection had been received to the 250 homes plan.
Councillor for Coldhurst, Ruji Surjan told the meeting: “My concern is obviously this green space is very important to a number of people.
“There are a lot of objections in regard to having it developed.”
Addressing councillors, objector Anthony Faulkner said that it was ‘far from ideal’ they were having to determine such a ‘large, contentious and long-standing issue like Cowlishaw, which is so valued by the local community’ during the pandemic.
“Allowing this planning application would not only ignore the views of its 82 objectors but also those of the 1,436 who objected to Cowlishaw being allocated in the GMSF,” he said.
“This scheme is bound to have an adverse effect on the three sites of biological importance when people are in closer proximity on a daily basis.
(Image: Google Maps)
“It seems very unfair and questionable planning practice that OPOLs in the more developed western parts of the borough are being targeted while in more rural parts of the borough where there is ample green space OPOLs are being upgraded to green belt.
“Surely our OPOLs are more vital in built up areas and does Saddleworth really need any more green belt? We urge you to preserve this valued green lung at the heart of our community."
Planning officer Graham Dickman said that because it was an outline application, only the principle of planning and access were being decided by councillors.
All details – including layout and house types – would be dealt with in a separate reserved matters application.
He said: “The primary issue is of course that within the current adopted local plan, the site is allocated as other protected open land.
“However in determining the application, and I’m sure members will have heard this so many times in recent months, you have to have regard for the fact that the council does not have a five year housing land supply.
“Although the OPOL land is important, the site does not carry any specific strong benefits around it which we feel alone would justify going against the presumption in favour of sustainable development. “
Vehicle access would be taken from Cocker Mill Lane onto Shaw Road in the south-western corner of the site.
Development would also affect public footpaths that run across the land.
Speaking against the plans, Crompton ward councillor Diane Williamson raised concern about the development on green land, and the impact of extra vehicles on Shaw Road.
“When it is rush hour, school times as well it is a nightmare to get out of and drive along that road,” she said.
“Accidents have happened at that junction. It is carnage.”
(Image: Oldham council)
Describing the open greenfield land, she added: “You’ve seen the pictures of how beautiful it is – I’ve had many comments made to me by local residents about how important their doorstep open space is.
“They are havens for young and old.
“Once you’ve built on this land in Crompton you cannot bring it back. We must not build on this site it is of such value to the community.”
But highways officer Wendy Moorhouse said there would be an estimated 156 additional trips in the morning peak hours, and 143 more in the evening peak hour.
Transport for Greater Manchester had no issues about the amount of traffic that would be generated by the development, she told councillors.
“We haven’t got a capacity problem. The highway will cope with the amount of additional traffic,” she added.
Speaking on behalf of the application, which is lodged by Mr and Mrs Fitton, agent Richard Barton said: “This is a technically robust proposal.
“The abattoir business itself has been in gradual decline in recent years.
“The new proposal will create more employment and generate more income for the economy than the existing business with much reduced HGV and van movements.
“Significant work has been undertaken which demonstrates that the site can accommodate the proposed development.”
The application was approved with nine votes in favour and two against.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Thousands of 'co-living' flats in city centre refused by Manchester councillors

Manchester ’ s planning committee has stuck to its guns by rejecting plans that would bring thousands of co-living apartments to the city centre .
Councillors were minded to refuse development at First Street and Water Street after expressing concerns about the concept of co-living , as well as the size of the schemes .
The planning applications , by Downing and Vita respectively , will be brought back to the committee next month when a further report will assess if the reasons for refusal are valid .
During the meeting last week council officers ‘ were at pains ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would not be substantiated - but this was ignored by members .
A decision on Downing ’ s controversial £260m proposals for 2,224 ‘ high quality ’ bed spaces in four towers at First Street had been deferred in early August for a site visit .
The development would also include a public park and square is also planned , along with a cinema , gym , a cafe , a resident ’ s lounge and co-working spaces .
The plans had come under fire from campaigners Greater Manchester Housing Action who feared @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 45 storeys high , could become ‘ slums of the future ’ .
Planning officer Dave Roscoe told the meeting on August 27 that the scheme presented an opportunity to ‘ radically transform ’ a site with the ‘ most extreme characteristics of post-industrial blight ’ .
While there was no indication that co-living would fail in Manchester , said Mr Roscoe , if it did the towers could be converted into normal apartment blocks .
But Deansgate councillor Marcus Johns described the size of the development as ‘ incongruous ’ with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ than Beetham Tower .
He added : “ It will be large and unwelcome [ presence ] over the Macintosh Village community in the ward I represent , and other residents in Hulme.
” Councillor Gavin White also had concerns about a loss of residential amenity for Hulme residents and the possibility that their views and sunlight could be blocked by the towers .
But Mr Roscoe said : “ If you ca n't have a big building marking the biggest gateway into your city centre then I can ’ t imagine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ committee were minded to refuse the application because of the impact on residential area in Hulme , and the fact that the size of the proposed studio flats fell short of council standards .
Meanwhile Vita ’ s plan to redevelop the former site of the Granada TV studios in Water Street had also met resistance at the previous committee meeting .
The developer sought permission to build more than 1,600 bed spaces across two towers but only one of them received planning approval .
Members felt the number of disabled parking spaces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , while also voicing concerns that the studio flats would fall short of the council ’ s space standards .
Mr Roscoe told the recent meeting that 35 disabled spaces had been secured at a nearby underground car park currently being built .
But the committee still had doubts about the studio flats despite Mr Roscoe ’ s attempts to persuade them that the ‘ vast majority ’ of the co-living spaces would be space compliant .
“ We were at great pains last time to make this absolutely clear to members , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ living like this exactly that same way in the city centre in serviced apartments , shared accommodation and hotels .
To suggest otherwise is just wrong.
” The committee voted to reject the application , this time on the grounds that the studio flats were too small and failed to meet standards .

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Manchester’s planning committee has stuck to its guns by rejecting plans that would bring thousands of co-living apartments to the city centre.
Councillors were minded to refuse development at First Street and Water Street after expressing concerns about the concept of co-living, as well as the size of the schemes.
The planning applications, by Downing and Vita respectively, will be brought back to the committee next month when a further report will assess if the reasons for refusal are valid.
During the meeting last week council officers ‘were at pains’ to advise councillors that the reasons given would not be substantiated - but this was ignored by members.
A decision on Downing’s controversial £260m proposals for 2,224 ‘high quality’ bed spaces in four towers at First Street had been deferred in early August for a site visit.
The development would also include a public park and square is also planned, along with a cinema, gym, a cafe, a resident’s lounge and co-working spaces.
(Image: Downing Living)
The plans had come under fire from campaigners Greater Manchester Housing Action who feared the buildings, ranging from 10 to 45 storeys high, could become ‘slums of the future’.
Planning officer Dave Roscoe told the meeting on August 27 that the scheme presented an opportunity to ‘radically transform’ a site with the ‘most extreme characteristics of post-industrial blight’.
While there was no indication that co-living would fail in Manchester, said Mr Roscoe, if it did the towers could be converted into normal apartment blocks.
But Deansgate councillor Marcus Johns described the size of the development as ‘incongruous’ with the tallest building ‘just two stories shorter’ than Beetham Tower.
He added: “It will be large and unwelcome [presence] over the Macintosh Village community in the ward I represent, and other residents in Hulme.”
Councillor Gavin White also had concerns about a loss of residential amenity for Hulme residents and the possibility that their views and sunlight could be blocked by the towers.
(Image: Downing Living)
But Mr Roscoe said: “If you can't have a big building marking the biggest gateway into your city centre then I can’t imagine where you can have one.”
The committee were minded to refuse the application because of the impact on residential area in Hulme, and the fact that the size of the proposed studio flats fell short of council standards.
Meanwhile Vita’s plan to redevelop the former site of the Granada TV studios in Water Street had also met resistance at the previous committee meeting.
The developer sought permission to build more than 1,600 bed spaces across two towers but only one of them received planning approval.
(Image: Vita/Denton Corker Marshall)
Members felt the number of disabled parking spaces for the smaller 32-storey building was unsuitable, while also voicing concerns that the studio flats would fall short of the council’s space standards.
Mr Roscoe told the recent meeting that 35 disabled spaces had been secured at a nearby underground car park currently being built.
But the committee still had doubts about the studio flats despite Mr Roscoe’s attempts to persuade them that the ‘vast majority’ of the co-living spaces would be space compliant.
“We were at great pains last time to make this absolutely clear to members,” he said.
“People are living like this exactly that same way in the city centre in serviced apartments, shared accommodation and hotels. To suggest otherwise is just wrong.”
The committee voted to reject the application, this time on the grounds that the studio flats were too small and failed to meet standards.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Police seal off wasteland after man arrives at hospital with 'serious' injuries

Police are investigating after a man turned up to hospital with 'serious ' injuries to his face .
Officers were called to a patch of wasteland between Kiribati Way and Browning Street , Leigh , in the early hours of this morning ( Wednesday September 2 ) .
It follows a man in his 30s presenting himself at hospital with facial injuries .
The injuries have been described as serious and the man remains in hospital for treatment .
An eyewitness reported that the man had been 'jumped ' on the land , near to Marsh Playing Fields .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ named , added : `` I was taking my daughter to school this morning and I saw the cordon and a black riot van .
`` There were lots of police at the end of Browning Street .
There is a large field behind that and cordon is all the way to the other side . ''
A woman living in Browning Street added : `` I did n't hear anything during the night , it surprised me when I woke up to see the van parked outside .
`` I ca n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police cars or ambulances when it happened though , I do n't even know what time it was to be honest . ''
The remaining police van left the scene shortly before 1.30pm but a cordon is in place , blocking off the wasteland from walkers .
Anyone that may have seen anything or has any information can call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 7254 , quoting incident number 334 of 02/09/20 .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Thomas George, Thomas Molloy)

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Police are investigating after a man turned up to hospital with 'serious' injuries to his face.
Officers were called to a patch of wasteland between Kiribati Way and Browning Street, Leigh, in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday September 2).
It follows a man in his 30s presenting himself at hospital with facial injuries.
The injuries have been described as serious and the man remains in hospital for treatment.
An eyewitness reported that the man had been 'jumped' on the land, near to Marsh Playing Fields.
Sign up to the free MyWigan email newsletter Get regular updates from Wigan direct to your email inbox with the free MyWigan newsletter. All you need to do is click on this link, enter your email address, and select 'MyWigan News'.
The person, who asked not to be named, added: "I was taking my daughter to school this morning and I saw the cordon and a black riot van.
"There were lots of police at the end of Browning Street. There is a large field behind that and cordon is all the way to the other side."
A woman living in Browning Street added: "I didn't hear anything during the night, it surprised me when I woke up to see the van parked outside.
(Image: ABNM Photography)
"I can't believe that I didn't hear any police cars or ambulances when it happened though, I don't even know what time it was to be honest."
The remaining police van left the scene shortly before 1.30pm but a cordon is in place, blocking off the wasteland from walkers.
Anyone that may have seen anything or has any information can call Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 7254, quoting incident number 334 of 02/09/20.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Gary Neville sends Manchester United warning over Jadon Sancho transfer pursuit

Gary Neville suggests there is no 'desperate ' need for Manchester United to sign Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window .
England international Sancho remains United 's priority target even after the imminent arrival of Donny van de Beek with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to reinforce his attack by adding the £108m-rated forward before the transfer window closes on October 5 .
MEN Sport understand United have still not found a resolution over Sancho 's salary expectations and the agents ' fees during talks with his representative Emeka Obasi and the intermediary Marco Lichtsteiner , acting on behalf of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is believed to be communicating Dortmund 's own demands , which United have found unusual .
United will continue to push ahead with their pursuit of Sancho in the coming weeks but club great Neville suggests missing out on the forward would n't be the end of the world .
`` The fans I speak to are n't saying we desperately want Sancho , '' Neville told Sky Sports .
`` They are saying we want the right calibre of signing brought into the club .
It could be anybody that fits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fit that bill , but I 'm not sat here as a United fan thinking I desperately want him .
`` It could be any number of players that become available that would improve United .
If Harry Kane became available , and Tottenham fans will be saying why are you trying to get him out of Spurs again , but if he became available , he 'd obviously improve United 's squad .
So it does n't have to be a certain player .
`` The emergence of Mason Greenwood takes a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still , Manchester United need to add to the front three of Greenwood , Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial .
They need to challenge those three players and support those three players .
They need to have depth behind those three players , and they will drive the standards .
`` We saw that with Greenwood , Martial and Rashford towards the end of the season .
They were driving each other to score more goals , assist each other , they were playing better together so other players coming in of that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them . ''

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Gary Neville suggests there is no 'desperate' need for Manchester United to sign Jadon Sancho in the summer transfer window.
England international Sancho remains United's priority target even after the imminent arrival of Donny van de Beek with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to reinforce his attack by adding the £108m-rated forward before the transfer window closes on October 5.
MEN Sport understand United have still not found a resolution over Sancho's salary expectations and the agents' fees during talks with his representative Emeka Obasi and the intermediary Marco Lichtsteiner, acting on behalf of Dortmund. Even though Obasi represents Sancho he is believed to be communicating Dortmund's own demands, which United have found unusual.
United will continue to push ahead with their pursuit of Sancho in the coming weeks but club great Neville suggests missing out on the forward wouldn't be the end of the world.
"The fans I speak to aren't saying we desperately want Sancho," Neville told Sky Sports.
"They are saying we want the right calibre of signing brought into the club. It could be anybody that fits that bill. Yes, Sancho may fit that bill, but I'm not sat here as a United fan thinking I desperately want him.
"It could be any number of players that become available that would improve United. If Harry Kane became available, and Tottenham fans will be saying why are you trying to get him out of Spurs again, but if he became available, he'd obviously improve United's squad. So it doesn't have to be a certain player.
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"The emergence of Mason Greenwood takes a bit of pressure off the situation but still, Manchester United need to add to the front three of Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial. They need to challenge those three players and support those three players. They need to have depth behind those three players, and they will drive the standards.
"We saw that with Greenwood, Martial and Rashford towards the end of the season. They were driving each other to score more goals, assist each other, they were playing better together so other players coming in of that kind of quality are going to improve them."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--Plastic bag rules are changing for supermarket shoppers

The price of plastic carrier bags is set to double in all shops in England from April next year , the Government has announced .
The change will come into place in all shops in England , including major supermarkets like Asda , Aldi , M & S , Tesco , Morrisons and Sainsbury's Small retailers ( which are defined as those employing 250 people or fewer ) will no longer be exempt from the rule .
Following a public consultation last year , in which the “ vast majority ” of respondents welcomed the changes , the minimum charge @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to 10p .
Defra said it has committed to implementing both changes from April 2021 , reports PA .
Environment Secretary George Eustice said : “ The UK is already a world-leader in this global effort , and our carrier bag charge has been hugely successful in taking billions of harmful plastic bags out of circulation .
“ But we want to go further by extending this to all retailers so we can continue to cut unnecessary waste and build back greener .
“ I hope our pioneering track record on single-use plastics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suit , so we can take on plastic waste together and implement lasting change.
” The 5p levy on plastic bags was introduced in England in 2015 , with the most recent figures showing that the number of single-use bags distributed by large supermarkets has fallen more than 95 % .
The average person in England now buys just four single-use bags a year , compared to around 140 in 2014 .
While the move to extend the charge was welcomed by campaigners , Greenpeace said that carriers bag were only “ one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chetan-Welsh , political campaigner at Greenpeace , said : “ By raising the price of plastic bags again the Government is taking a small step in the right direction , but by now they should be taking great strides .
“ Reinstating the previous price of carrier bags , but not taking action on bags for life , is only looking at one part of the problem .
“ And it could be construed as tokenism when there are so many ways ministers know they could be driving fast and substantial reductions on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re increasing costs for shoppers , ministers really have no excuse not to increase costs for the companies that are responsible for the escalating volumes of single-use plastic packaging in the first place.
” CPRE , the countryside charity , called for action to be taken on all single-use items , such as takeaway cups and forks .
Tom Fyans , deputy chief executive , said : “ To truly step up and face the war on plastic , Government should bring in charges on all single-use , throwaway items – from takeaway @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reuse systems and finally committing to an all-in Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers are the only ways the Government can achieve a litter-free countryside and win the war on waste .
”

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

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The price of plastic carrier bags is set to double in all shops in England from April next year, the Government has announced.
The change will come into place in all shops in England, including major supermarkets like Asda, Aldi, M&S, Tesco, Morrisons and Sainsbury's
Small retailers (which are defined as those employing 250 people or fewer) will no longer be exempt from the rule.
Following a public consultation last year, in which the “vast majority” of respondents welcomed the changes, the minimum charge for single use carrier bags will increase to 10p.
Defra said it has committed to implementing both changes from April 2021, reports PA.
Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “The UK is already a world-leader in this global effort, and our carrier bag charge has been hugely successful in taking billions of harmful plastic bags out of circulation.
“But we want to go further by extending this to all retailers so we can continue to cut unnecessary waste and build back greener.
“I hope our pioneering track record on single-use plastics will inspire many more countries to follow suit, so we can take on plastic waste together and implement lasting change.”
The 5p levy on plastic bags was introduced in England in 2015, with the most recent figures showing that the number of single-use bags distributed by large supermarkets has fallen more than 95%.
The average person in England now buys just four single-use bags a year, compared to around 140 in 2014.
While the move to extend the charge was welcomed by campaigners, Greenpeace said that carriers bag were only “one part of the problem”.
Sam Chetan-Welsh, political campaigner at Greenpeace, said: “By raising the price of plastic bags again the Government is taking a small step in the right direction, but by now they should be taking great strides.
“Reinstating the previous price of carrier bags, but not taking action on bags for life, is only looking at one part of the problem.
“And it could be construed as tokenism when there are so many ways ministers know they could be driving fast and substantial reductions on plastic pollution.
“If they’re increasing costs for shoppers, ministers really have no excuse not to increase costs for the companies that are responsible for the escalating volumes of single-use plastic packaging in the first place.”
CPRE, the countryside charity, called for action to be taken on all single-use items, such as takeaway cups and forks.
Tom Fyans, deputy chief executive, said: “To truly step up and face the war on plastic, Government should bring in charges on all single-use, throwaway items – from takeaway cups to wooden forks.
“Incentivising reuse systems and finally committing to an all-in Deposit Return Scheme for drinks containers are the only ways the Government can achieve a litter-free countryside and win the war on waste.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-09-02--LIVE: Andy Burnham press conference after Bolton and Trafford lockdown U-turn

This afternoon the mayor of Greater Manchester will hold his latest press conference on the Covid-19 situation here .
Andy Burnham will be joined by deputy mayor Beverley Hughes and Sir Richard Leese , leader of Manchester council and health lead for the conurbation , to provide an update on infection rates and the wider impact of the virus .
Today ’ s press conference follows a sharp government u-turn this lunchtime on the planned easing of lockdow n restrictions in Bolton and Trafford , after Covid cases increased over the weekend .
On Friday the Department of Health and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mixing would be lifted in the boroughs from today .
But since then infection rates have risen in both areas - particularly in Bolton , which now has the second highest figures in the country .
Their respective council leaders , as well as the mayor , had been urging the government to change tack since yesterday afternoon .
Shortly after midday the health secretary , Matt Hancock , announced the existing restrictions - which since July 31 have prevented people from going in other households or gardens , as well as limiting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would now remain in place after all , causing confusion among a population of nearly half a million people .
He said the move demonstrated government was prepared to take ‘ swift and decisive action ’ in response to changing data , although Labour nationally slammed the way the situation had unfolded , calling it ‘ no way to run a country ’ .
Local leaders will welcome the about-turn , but in the longer term now want an end to ‘ blanket ’ borough-level social mixing restrictions and a move towards targeted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tracing , including door-to-door teams , which they believe have helped to cut numbers in Oldham and elsewhere .
Sir Richard Leese in particular has warned the region will have to learn to live with a certain rate of Covid infection until a vaccine materialises , highlighting that hospital admissions remain very low in Greater Manchester despite high case numbers .
An update on the latest borough-by-borough data is due at the press conference , which will start at 2pm .

This afternoon the mayor of Greater Manchester will hold his latest press conference on the Covid-19 situation here.
Andy Burnham will be joined by deputy mayor Beverley Hughes and Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council and health lead for the conurbation, to provide an update on infection rates and the wider impact of the virus.
Today’s press conference follows a sharp government u-turn this lunchtime on the planned easing of lockdow n restrictions in Bolton and Trafford, after Covid cases increased over the weekend.
On Friday the Department of Health and Social Care had said limits on household mixing would be lifted in the boroughs from today.
But since then infection rates have risen in both areas - particularly in Bolton, which now has the second highest figures in the country.
Their respective council leaders, as well as the mayor, had been urging the government to change tack since yesterday afternoon.
Shortly after midday the health secretary, Matt Hancock, announced the existing restrictions - which since July 31 have prevented people from going in other households or gardens, as well as limiting household mixing inside pubs and restaurants - would now remain in place after all, causing confusion among a population of nearly half a million people.
He said the move demonstrated government was prepared to take ‘swift and decisive action’ in response to changing data, although Labour nationally slammed the way the situation had unfolded, calling it ‘no way to run a country’.
Local leaders will welcome the about-turn, but in the longer term now want an end to ‘blanket’ borough-level social mixing restrictions and a move towards targeted ‘hyper local’ testing and contact tracing, including door-to-door teams, which they believe have helped to cut numbers in Oldham and elsewhere.
Sir Richard Leese in particular has warned the region will have to learn to live with a certain rate of Covid infection until a vaccine materialises, highlighting that hospital admissions remain very low in Greater Manchester despite high case numbers.
An update on the latest borough-by-borough data is due at the press conference, which will start at 2pm.