themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Senior cops in key positions when the Manchester child grooming case was dropped haven't been named

Senior cops in key positions when the Manchester child grooming case was dropped haven't been named - until now. This is what they have to say

A small group of senior police officers were in key positions at the time of the decision to drop an investigation into a Manchester sex grooming gang of up to a hundred men who abused dozens of children , many of whom were in care .
The officers were referred to , but not identified by name in an official report into the scandal published on Tuesday .
Today , the Manchester Evening News reveals who they are .
Operation Augusta was launched in 2004 following the death of Victoria Agoglia , 15 , from Rochdale , who the report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' of officials .
She died of a suspected overdose , months after telling social workers she had been forcibly injected with heroin and raped .
Abusers were able to pick up girls from care homes in and around the city 's Curry Mile and abuse them , the damning report reveals .
But Op Augusta , the police investigation into the network which exploited Victoria and other children , was shelved in 2005 .
Eight of the suspects went on to assault or rape other girls in the years after .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ episode , commissioned by Mayor Andy Burnham , said the investigation was closed down because of a decision to pull resources from it .
`` We believe , from the evidence that we have seen , that the decision to close down Operation Augusta was driven by the decision by senior officers to remove the resources from the investigation rather than a sound understanding that all lines of enquiry had been successfully completed or exhausted '' , the authors said .
The report refers to senior officers in key roles at the time @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
investigation has learned the men are : the retired chief constable of North Yorkshire Police - Dave Jones - who was the head of GMP 's CID at the time ; the current chief constable of West Midlands Police , Dave Thompson , who was then commander of GMP 's city centre division ; a senior figure at the National Crime Agency Tony Cook , who was the detective superintendent and senior investigating officer on Op Augusta ; retired officer Steve Heywood , who was the head of GMP 's public protection @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jones responded to requests for information from the inquiry .
The 146-page report that followed states that , at a meeting in April 2005 , an officer named only as 'Chief Superintendent A ' said he was 'unable to put permanent staff into Operation Augusta and that the operation would finish on 1 July 2005 ' .
Dave Thompson has now confirmed he was 'Chief Superintendent A ' but has insisted : `` I would not have closed an investigation like this . ''
The review praises aspects of the early investigation - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ resource from the beginning .
Also , there were concerns amongst some at GMP that Op Augusta was focusing on a gang of largely Asian men , the report reveals .
At one of its early meetings in July 2004 the force 's 'communications lead ' was asked what effect a Channel 4 documentary on child sexual exploitation in Keighley , 'Edge Of The City ' , may have and concern was expressed about 'the risk of proactive tactics or the incitement of racial hatred ' , the report says .
The report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was 'much to be commended ' about the initial GMP investigation , including that it had allocated one of its major incident teams to it and an embedded social worker .
But the 'fundamental flaws in how Operation Augusta was resourced ' damaged the investigation , while there were other problems : there was 'no central responsibility ' for child sexual exploitation , and the crimes which had been uncovered spanned three police divisions , resulting in 'conflict ' about which division should provide the necessary officers .
The force stressed to the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the focus was on one racially-motivated murder and the murder of a child in the city centre .
These long-running investigations were running at the same time as Augusta .
The end of the child sex ring operation was signalled at a meeting of senior officers on April 22 , 2005 , which concluded it would finish on July 1 , 2005 .
A note found in the 'policy log ' of the senior investigating officer , Tony Cook , reported that 'Chief Superintendent A stated he was unable to put permanent staff @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would finish on 1 July 2005 ' .
The official inquiry into the scandal requested a copy of the notes of the meeting but GMP said they could not be found .
Later the same day there was a 'gold group meeting ' of senior police and council figures .
The inquiry requested the minutes of this meeting as well , but neither GMP nor the council could provide them .
It was again the 'policy log ' of senior investigating officer Cook which confirmed an update had been given and the end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dave Thompson - now chief constable of West Midlands Police - admitted being Chief Superintendent A to the M.E.N .
But he says he has 'no recollection ' of discussion about resources , despite Mr Cook 's log .
He said in a statement : `` At this time , I was the local police commander for one district of the City of Manchester .
I was not in charge of criminal investigations .
“ I have never been involved in the Operation Augusta investigation .
I have no recollection of the investigation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police ’ s Serious Crime Division .
The report references from another officer ’ s notes that I was at a meeting where resources were discussed .
`` Whilst I have no recollection of this discussion and no other documents are held by GMP in this case I do not believe an investigation of this type initiated at a force level would have been terminated by a local commander .
“ It is clear Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council should have done a better job .
As a member of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ very sorry we did not do a better job .
However I am very clear I would not have closed an investigation like this . ''
The M.E.N .
understands Augusta 's senior investigating officer Tony Cook , now head of operations for child sexual exploitation at the National Crime Agency , wanted to focus on 25 victims to prevent the operation getting out of control .
He told the inquiry : `` In agreement with the gold strategic multi-agency group , the terms of reference were kept deliberately tight and focused on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the scale of the task and resources available .
`` I had concerns not only from our small team getting quickly swamped by a rising number of potential number of victims and offenders , but also that subsequent new reports could feasibly get allocated to the Augusta team .
`` In which case we would have had not only to investigate these but also manage associated safeguarding risks with a very small number of staff.
” No minutes of the April 22 'gold ' meeting at the town hall , attended by senior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ communications officers , could be found , although senior investigating officer Cook 's policy log indicates an update had been given , 'press strategies discussed ' and the operation 's end date confirmed , the report reveals .
The report says : `` Finally , the investigation strategy placed too heavy a reliance on victims ’ willingness to make complaints .
As resources and time ran out , activity became reduced to closing down the majority of the cases because the child declined to make a formal complaint .
Critically , the problem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to tackle , namely the sexual exploitation throughout a wide area of a significant number of children in the care system by predominantly Asian men , had not been addressed . ''
Even though it went nowhere , Op Augusta was considered by force top brass to be a beacon of good practice because , for the first time , a social worker was embedded with the detectives , the report reveals .
A commendation was handed to the team .
When the M.E.N .
contacted him , Tony Cook , who is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Superintendent A ' , said : `` I have co-operated fully with the review team . ''
Dave Jones , who retired as chief constable of North Yorkshire Police in April 2018 , is understood to be the officer identified in the report as Detective Chief Superintendent A , head of V CID command .
He did not provide any material to the inquiry .
The official report says it had received no response from him .
Documents were taken to him to refresh his memory as well as a list of questions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and would not be able to assist ' , according to the report .
He did not respond when the M.E.N .
asked for a statement .
Steve Heywood , who was allowed to retire from GMP despite being accused of lying to a public inquiry into the fatal police shooting of Anthony Grainger , is referred to only as Detective Superintendent B , the head of public protection at GMP , in the report .
He did not respond to a call from the M.E.N .
The retired cop , accused of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , earned £250k while he was off sick for 18 months .
He declined to be interviewed but told the inquiry in a written statement about his responsibilities at that time and that he could not recall details of Op Augusta .
He said he was in charge of the sexual offences management unit and the abusive images unit .
The detective inspector in charge of the original scoping exercise , believed to Mark Willdigg , was absolved of any blame by Maggie Oliver , the detective constable who was also part of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
He co-operated with the inquiry .
Chief Constable Mike Todd , the charismatic leader of the force at the time , was found dead near the summit of Snowdon in north Wales in 2008 from where he had sent distressing text messages .
An inquest returned an open verdict and an investigation by West Midland Police concluded he had not put GMP at risk despite his reputation as a lothario .
The inquiry interviewed 39 women he knew .
It is unclear what role , if any , he played in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Fahy , in an ITV interview in 2014 , said he was 'quite happy ' to look at Victoria Agoglia 's death again after her grandmother Joan Agloglia , in the wake of the Rochdale sex grooming scandal , had said : `` These men are still walking about .
She needs to be put to rest and I hope if anyone is watching and they do know something , even if it 's the smallest thing , to come forward so that social services will know there 's a lot of people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ young girls . ''
When the M.E.N .
contacted Sir Peter , he repeated what he had told the authors of the inquiry report - that he could not recall the ITV interview .
He said he believed the Agoglia case would fall under one of the reviews which were instated following the jailing of the Rochdale sex grooming gang in 2012 .
`` It clearly was n't , '' he said .
He added : `` I gave my recollection to the enquiry and fully co-operated and along with everyone connected with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ done in this case .
Major improvements in the way GMP protracted vulnerable children were made during my time but we can not be complacent .
`` As well as examining the past we need to look at what is happening now - nationally there are huge difficulties in the care system , there has been a huge drop in convictions for sexual offences and there have been limited improvements in the way courts deal with victims .
We are now seeing even more serious exploitation of children in county lines gang activity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dormant during Sir Peter 's tenure and for a few years after Ian Hopkins replaced him in 2016 .
It was only in the summer of 2018 , after the 'early findings ' of the Mayor-commissioned report highlighted failure by police and social services , that Chief Constable Hopkins authorised another look at Op Augusta .
Mr Hopkins denies any suggestion he tried to stop the damning report being made public and stresses that he defied legal advice suggesting the force was n't obliged to co-operate with the inquiry .
He said : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Manchester Police has tried to stop the review of Operation Augusta being published .
Nothing could be further from the truth .
Contrary to these reports , we have cooperated fully with the review team and acted with transparency and integrity throughout .
`` At no time has there been any effort from us to prevent the publication of the report and any suggestion that states otherwise is categorically untrue . ''
The investigation he authorised , Operation Green Jacket which has identified 38 victims with viable lines of enquiry .
All but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say they are confident that charges will follow .

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A small group of senior police officers were in key positions at the time of the decision to drop an investigation into a Manchester sex grooming gang of up to a hundred men who abused dozens of children, many of whom were in care.
The officers were referred to, but not identified by name in an official report into the scandal published on Tuesday.
Today, the Manchester Evening News reveals who they are.
Operation Augusta was launched in 2004 following the death of Victoria Agoglia, 15, from Rochdale, who the report says had been abused 'in plain sight' of officials.
She died of a suspected overdose, months after telling social workers she had been forcibly injected with heroin and raped.
Abusers were able to pick up girls from care homes in and around the city's Curry Mile and abuse them, the damning report reveals.
But Op Augusta, the police investigation into the network which exploited Victoria and other children, was shelved in 2005.
Eight of the suspects went on to assault or rape other girls in the years after.
(Image: GMP)
This week, the official review of the episode, commissioned by Mayor Andy Burnham, said the investigation was closed down because of a decision to pull resources from it.
"We believe, from the evidence that we have seen, that the decision to close down Operation Augusta was driven by the decision by senior officers to remove the resources from the investigation rather than a sound understanding that all lines of enquiry had been successfully completed or exhausted", the authors said.
The report refers to senior officers in key roles at the time by rank and title.
An M.E.N. investigation has learned the men are: the retired chief constable of North Yorkshire Police - Dave Jones - who was the head of GMP's CID at the time; the current chief constable of West Midlands Police, Dave Thompson, who was then commander of GMP's city centre division; a senior figure at the National Crime Agency Tony Cook, who was the detective superintendent and senior investigating officer on Op Augusta; retired officer Steve Heywood, who was the head of GMP's public protection unit back then.
All except Dave Jones responded to requests for information from the inquiry.
The 146-page report that followed states that, at a meeting in April 2005, an officer named only as 'Chief Superintendent A' said he was 'unable to put permanent staff into Operation Augusta and that the operation would finish on 1 July 2005'.
Dave Thompson has now confirmed he was 'Chief Superintendent A' but has insisted: "I would not have closed an investigation like this."
(Image: Darren Quinton/Birmingham Live)
The review praises aspects of the early investigation - but reveals it didn't have enough resource from the beginning.
Also, there were concerns amongst some at GMP that Op Augusta was focusing on a gang of largely Asian men, the report reveals.
At one of its early meetings in July 2004 the force's 'communications lead' was asked what effect a Channel 4 documentary on child sexual exploitation in Keighley, 'Edge Of The City', may have and concern was expressed about 'the risk of proactive tactics or the incitement of racial hatred', the report says.
The report that concluded the independent review says there was 'much to be commended' about the initial GMP investigation, including that it had allocated one of its major incident teams to it and an embedded social worker.
But the 'fundamental flaws in how Operation Augusta was resourced' damaged the investigation, while there were other problems: there was 'no central responsibility' for child sexual exploitation, and the crimes which had been uncovered spanned three police divisions, resulting in 'conflict' about which division should provide the necessary officers.
The force stressed to the inquiry that, at that time, the focus was on one racially-motivated murder and the murder of a child in the city centre. These long-running investigations were running at the same time as Augusta.
The end of the child sex ring operation was signalled at a meeting of senior officers on April 22, 2005, which concluded it would finish on July 1, 2005.
A note found in the 'policy log' of the senior investigating officer, Tony Cook, reported that 'Chief Superintendent A stated he was unable to put permanent staff into Operation Augusta and that the operation would finish on 1 July 2005'.
The official inquiry into the scandal requested a copy of the notes of the meeting but GMP said they could not be found.
Later the same day there was a 'gold group meeting' of senior police and council figures.
The inquiry requested the minutes of this meeting as well, but neither GMP nor the council could provide them.
It was again the 'policy log' of senior investigating officer Cook which confirmed an update had been given and the end date of the op made clear.
Dave Thompson - now chief constable of West Midlands Police - admitted being Chief Superintendent A to the M.E.N.
But he says he has 'no recollection' of discussion about resources, despite Mr Cook's log.
He said in a statement: "At this time, I was the local police commander for one district of the City of Manchester. I was not in charge of criminal investigations.
“I have never been involved in the Operation Augusta investigation. I have no recollection of the investigation which was led by the Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crime Division. The report references from another officer’s notes that I was at a meeting where resources were discussed.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
"Whilst I have no recollection of this discussion and no other documents are held by GMP in this case I do not believe an investigation of this type initiated at a force level would have been terminated by a local commander.
“It is clear Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council should have done a better job. As a member of the force at that time, I am very sorry we did not do a better job. However I am very clear I would not have closed an investigation like this."
The M.E.N. understands Augusta's senior investigating officer Tony Cook, now head of operations for child sexual exploitation at the National Crime Agency, wanted to focus on 25 victims to prevent the operation getting out of control.
He told the inquiry: "In agreement with the gold strategic multi-agency group, the terms of reference were kept deliberately tight and focused on a precise number of victims due to the scale of the task and resources available.
"I had concerns not only from our small team getting quickly swamped by a rising number of potential number of victims and offenders, but also that subsequent new reports could feasibly get allocated to the Augusta team.
"In which case we would have had not only to investigate these but also manage associated safeguarding risks with a very small number of staff.”
No minutes of the April 22 'gold' meeting at the town hall, attended by senior council and police figures with their respective communications officers, could be found, although senior investigating officer Cook's policy log indicates an update had been given, 'press strategies discussed' and the operation's end date confirmed, the report reveals.
The report says: "Finally, the investigation strategy placed too heavy a reliance on victims’ willingness to make complaints. As resources and time ran out, activity became reduced to closing down the majority of the cases because the child declined to make a formal complaint. Critically, the problem that Operation Augusta had been set up to tackle, namely the sexual exploitation throughout a wide area of a significant number of children in the care system by predominantly Asian men, had not been addressed."
Even though it went nowhere, Op Augusta was considered by force top brass to be a beacon of good practice because, for the first time, a social worker was embedded with the detectives, the report reveals. A commendation was handed to the team.
When the M.E.N. contacted him, Tony Cook, who is referred to in the report as 'Detective Superintendent A', said: "I have co-operated fully with the review team."
(Image: North Yorkshire Police)
Dave Jones, who retired as chief constable of North Yorkshire Police in April 2018, is understood to be the officer identified in the report as Detective Chief Superintendent A, head of V CID command. He did not provide any material to the inquiry. The official report says it had received no response from him. Documents were taken to him to refresh his memory as well as a list of questions but he 'could not recall the detail and would not be able to assist', according to the report.
He did not respond when the M.E.N. asked for a statement.
Steve Heywood, who was allowed to retire from GMP despite being accused of lying to a public inquiry into the fatal police shooting of Anthony Grainger, is referred to only as Detective Superintendent B, the head of public protection at GMP, in the report.
He did not respond to a call from the M.E.N.
The retired cop, accused of lying to the Anthony Grainger public inquiry, earned £250k while he was off sick for 18 months.
(Image: GMP)
He declined to be interviewed but told the inquiry in a written statement about his responsibilities at that time and that he could not recall details of Op Augusta. He said he was in charge of the sexual offences management unit and the abusive images unit.
The detective inspector in charge of the original scoping exercise, believed to Mark Willdigg, was absolved of any blame by Maggie Oliver, the detective constable who was also part of the investigation and who turned whistleblower years later. He co-operated with the inquiry.
Chief Constable Mike Todd, the charismatic leader of the force at the time, was found dead near the summit of Snowdon in north Wales in 2008 from where he had sent distressing text messages.
An inquest returned an open verdict and an investigation by West Midland Police concluded he had not put GMP at risk despite his reputation as a lothario. The inquiry interviewed 39 women he knew.
(Image: GMWN)
It is unclear what role, if any, he played in shelving Op Augusta.
His successor Peter Fahy, in an ITV interview in 2014, said he was 'quite happy' to look at Victoria Agoglia's death again after her grandmother Joan Agloglia, in the wake of the Rochdale sex grooming scandal, had said: "These men are still walking about. She needs to be put to rest and I hope if anyone is watching and they do know something, even if it's the smallest thing, to come forward so that social services will know there's a lot of people that still know they never helped these young girls."
When the M.E.N. contacted Sir Peter, he repeated what he had told the authors of the inquiry report - that he could not recall the ITV interview.
He said he believed the Agoglia case would fall under one of the reviews which were instated following the jailing of the Rochdale sex grooming gang in 2012.
"It clearly wasn't," he said.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He added: "I gave my recollection to the enquiry and fully co-operated and along with everyone connected with GMP hugely regret that more was not done in this case. Major improvements in the way GMP protracted vulnerable children were made during my time but we cannot be complacent.
"As well as examining the past we need to look at what is happening now - nationally there are huge difficulties in the care system, there has been a huge drop in convictions for sexual offences and there have been limited improvements in the way courts deal with victims. We are now seeing even more serious exploitation of children in county lines gang activity."
The Op Augusta investigation remained dormant during Sir Peter's tenure and for a few years after Ian Hopkins replaced him in 2016.
It was only in the summer of 2018, after the 'early findings' of the Mayor-commissioned report highlighted failure by police and social services, that Chief Constable Hopkins authorised another look at Op Augusta.
Mr Hopkins denies any suggestion he tried to stop the damning report being made public and stresses that he defied legal advice suggesting the force wasn't obliged to co-operate with the inquiry.
(Image: UGC)
He said: "There have been claims that Greater Manchester Police has tried to stop the review of Operation Augusta being published. Nothing could be further from the truth. Contrary to these reports, we have cooperated fully with the review team and acted with transparency and integrity throughout.
"At no time has there been any effort from us to prevent the publication of the report and any suggestion that states otherwise is categorically untrue."
Follow reporter John Scheerhout on social media To follow John on Twitter, click here. Or to like his Facebook page and keep up to date with the latest breaking news and stories from court, click here. Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
The investigation he authorised, Operation Green Jacket which has identified 38 victims with viable lines of enquiry. All but one has been visited.
GMP bosses say they are confident that charges will follow.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Five high rise tower blocks did not have 'potentially unsafe' cladding immediately removed after Gre

Five high rise tower blocks did not have 'potentially unsafe' cladding immediately removed after Grenfell on fire bosses' advice

A housing trust did not remove `` potentially unsafe '' cladding from five social housing high rise tower blocks in Trafford after the Grenfell tragedy on advice from Greater Manchester fire bosses .
In November , Trafford Housing Trust admitted the replacement of ACM cladding covering , ruled as the `` primary cause of fire spread '' during the Grenfell blaze , had been delayed .
The cladding covered around 15 per cent of the five Trafford blocks .
The cladding replacement was due to be finished on all five blocks by February this year but , while three blocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fully replaced , work is yet to begin on the remaining two and is not due to be completed until at least this summer .
The five tower blocks in Stretford and Old Trafford are : Iain Wallace , director of property services at Trafford Housing Trust , said at a council scrutiny meeting that Greater Manchester 's fire bosses notified them to not remove the cladding , as exposing the polyethylene underneath the aluminium panels was deemed to be `` more flammable '' and `` more dangerous '' than leaving it covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been to complete the work in 2018 , soon after the Grenfell tower tragedy , but that this advice had delayed the removal process .
He said : `` Immediately following [ Grenfell ] we did call in contractors to work with us to remove [ the cladding ] as soon as possible , we were hoping to have it completed in the 2018 period , however we did receive notification from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service that you were n't to remove any of the cladding until you had a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Initially we did think we would strip the towers and leave them bare , essentially , until an alternative was available but we were advised not to do that by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service . ''
He added that since then , further delays had been caused by difficulties in getting experts , scaffolders and contractors on board to complete the work .
The trust acknowledged that there had been `` an arbitrary decision '' by other organisations elsewhere to remove the ACM cladding on their buildings , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a daily basis at the time and keeping residents `` at the heart of the process '' .
Authorities in the South East of England who had removed aluminium panels had been criticised for doing so .
As the cladding was replaced on three of the five blocks over the last two and half years , it was understood that 18 residents were intermittently rehoused to allow the work to take place .
Housing Trust bosses said residents had been `` absolutely fantastic '' as well as `` incredibly patient and incredibly understanding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood central Government is picking up the bill for the cladding replacement in Trafford and elsewhere in the UK through a grant funding programme , so residents are not having to pay for the process .
Trust representatives also confirmed there are 24/7 `` waking watches '' operating at all five of the tower blocks .
Two fire wardens patrol all of the five tower blocks ' premises on the hour to remove any build up of combustible items and , in the event of a fire , would `` sound a horn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ building ; something trust representatives said had been `` very well received '' by residents .
Consultations with tower block residents has also established a 60-40 ratio in favour of retrospectively fitting sprinkler systems into all high rise tower blocks in the borough .
Iain Wallis confirmed money had been set aside to cover all costs associated with this sprinkler system , if it is to be installed following a decision from the trust 's board and further consultation with residents .
A decision on the sprinkler system is due in March 2020 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's Board - which former council leader Coun Sean Anstee and current council leader Coun Andrew Western are both members of .
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services said : `` GMFRS has worked with housing providers including Trafford Housing Trust since the fire at Grenfell Tower to develop solutions to address remediation work .
`` No enforcement notices have been served on Trafford Housing Trust and a programme of work was put in place .
”

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A housing trust did not remove "potentially unsafe" cladding from five social housing high rise tower blocks in Trafford after the Grenfell tragedy on advice from Greater Manchester fire bosses.
In November, Trafford Housing Trust admitted the replacement of ACM cladding covering, ruled as the "primary cause of fire spread" during the Grenfell blaze, had been delayed.
The cladding covered around 15 per cent of the five Trafford blocks.
The cladding replacement was due to be finished on all five blocks by February this year but, while three blocks have had their problematic cladding removed and fully replaced, work is yet to begin on the remaining two and is not due to be completed until at least this summer.
The five tower blocks in Stretford and Old Trafford are:
Pickford Court, Old Trafford
Clifton Court, Old Trafford
Grafton Court, Old Trafford
Empress Court, Stretford
Princess Court, Stretford
Iain Wallace, director of property services at Trafford Housing Trust, said at a council scrutiny meeting that Greater Manchester's fire bosses notified them to not remove the cladding, as exposing the polyethylene underneath the aluminium panels was deemed to be "more flammable" and "more dangerous" than leaving it covered over.
Mr Wallace said the hope had been to complete the work in 2018, soon after the Grenfell tower tragedy, but that this advice had delayed the removal process.
He said: "Immediately following [Grenfell] we did call in contractors to work with us to remove [the cladding] as soon as possible, we were hoping to have it completed in the 2018 period, however we did receive notification from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service that you weren't to remove any of the cladding until you had a suitable technical solution to replace it with.
"Initially we did think we would strip the towers and leave them bare, essentially, until an alternative was available but we were advised not to do that by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service."
He added that since then, further delays had been caused by difficulties in getting experts, scaffolders and contractors on board to complete the work.
(Image: Google maps)
The trust acknowledged that there had been "an arbitrary decision" by other organisations elsewhere to remove the ACM cladding on their buildings, but that the trust was taking advice on a daily basis at the time and keeping residents "at the heart of the process".
Authorities in the South East of England who had removed aluminium panels had been criticised for doing so.
As the cladding was replaced on three of the five blocks over the last two and half years, it was understood that 18 residents were intermittently rehoused to allow the work to take place.
Housing Trust bosses said residents had been "absolutely fantastic" as well as "incredibly patient and incredibly understanding" during the process.
It is understood central Government is picking up the bill for the cladding replacement in Trafford and elsewhere in the UK through a grant funding programme, so residents are not having to pay for the process.
Trust representatives also confirmed there are 24/7 "waking watches" operating at all five of the tower blocks.
Two fire wardens patrol all of the five tower blocks' premises on the hour to remove any build up of combustible items and, in the event of a fire, would "sound a horn" to initiate the evacuation of the building; something trust representatives said had been "very well received" by residents.
Consultations with tower block residents has also established a 60-40 ratio in favour of retrospectively fitting sprinkler systems into all high rise tower blocks in the borough.
Iain Wallis confirmed money had been set aside to cover all costs associated with this sprinkler system, if it is to be installed following a decision from the trust's board and further consultation with residents.
A decision on the sprinkler system is due in March 2020 at a meeting of Trafford Housing Trust's Board - which former council leader Coun Sean Anstee and current council leader Coun Andrew Western are both members of.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Services said: "GMFRS has worked with housing providers including Trafford Housing Trust since the fire at Grenfell Tower to develop solutions to address remediation work.
"No enforcement notices have been served on Trafford Housing Trust and a programme of work was put in place.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Bus driver taken to hospital and three others injured after crash

Four people have been hurt after a four wheel drive hit a double-decker bus in Droylsden .
The two vehicles collided on Lumb Lane at around 9am this morning .
The bus driver was taken to hospital after being freed from the vehicle by firefighters .
Three other people were hurt .
Fire engines , police and North West Ambulance Service were sent to the scene .
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said : `` We were called at around 9am to the Cross Lane and Lumb Lane in Droylsden to reports of an RTC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` We helped to get the driver out of the bus .
He was conscious and breathing .
`` Three walking wounded were conscious and breathing .
`` Everyone was treated and assessed by North West Ambulance Service . ''
The Manchester Evening News has contacted Greater Manchester Police for further details .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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Four people have been hurt after a four wheel drive hit a double-decker bus in Droylsden.
The two vehicles collided on Lumb Lane at around 9am this morning.
The bus driver was taken to hospital after being freed from the vehicle by firefighters.
Three other people were hurt.
Fire engines, police and North West Ambulance Service were sent to the scene.
(Image: Adele McCluskey)
A spokesman for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called at around 9am to the Cross Lane and Lumb Lane in Droylsden to reports of an RTC between a 4X4 and a double-decker bus.
"We helped to get the driver out of the bus. He was conscious and breathing.
"Three walking wounded were conscious and breathing.
"Everyone was treated and assessed by North West Ambulance Service."
The Manchester Evening News has contacted Greater Manchester Police for further details.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--The Man City target that has Pep Guardiola excited for next season

Pep Guardiola reckons Manchester City 's effort in their title defence bodes well for this season and the next .
The Blues have given up any hopes of winning the Premier League this year , with Liverpool 14 points ahead with a game in hand as their exceptional campaign looks certain to end with a trophy .
However , City moved above Leicester City at the weekend with their 6-1 win over Aston Villa after a shock Foxes defeat at home to Southampton .
They now sit in second place behind Jurgen Klopp 's side - a position Guardiola is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 13-point buffer in the race to claim Champions League qualification for next season .
Should they achieve that , City will continue an interesting run that has not escaped the attention of their manager .
Since their first title win in 2012 , they are the only champions to have managed a top-four finish the following season ; while they have managed it in 2013 ( 2nd ) , 2015 ( 2nd ) and 2019 ( 1st ) , United ( 7th in 2014 ) , Chelsea ( 10th in 2016 and 5th @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 2017 ) have all ended up well off the pace .
`` I think the team show this season that still we are going to do it , '' he said .
`` What happened to previous champions the year after being champions when they no longer had the challenge to be champions [ again ] ?
They gave up and finished 10th or 12th or 5th and didn ’ t quality for the Champions League .
`` Still we are there fighting , far away because the opponent is exceptional but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in all the games in a tough Christmas period when people said we could not win the Premier League and that is an incredible compliment for my players .
`` I ’ m so proud of my players for that , now we are in this second position we need to win games to secure Champions League qualification for next season as quickly as possible .
`` That ’ s the important target in terms of results but the main target is to play good and prepare for the knockout games .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still we are not in the final and we have to prepare well .
All the players want to play , they want to play against Villa , United , we changed six or seven players , they all play good .
That is the only way to maintain it and keep the team alive . ''
Guardiola has stressed his commitment to the club for another year and believes that everything his team does for the rest of this season will be useful in preparing for the next .
If there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ catch Liverpool before May , any advantage they can work out by then could make the difference in the following campaign .
`` The target was catch Leicester and we did it , now it ’ s to maintain this position as far as possible and win our games , '' said Guardiola .
`` Always there is motivation to play good .
The world does not finish if we do n't win the Premier League , there are many things to play for this season and next season .
`` We had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of something in the first .
Everything going well this season is going to be positive for next season.
``

Pep Guardiola reckons Manchester City's effort in their title defence bodes well for this season and the next.
The Blues have given up any hopes of winning the Premier League this year, with Liverpool 14 points ahead with a game in hand as their exceptional campaign looks certain to end with a trophy.
However, City moved above Leicester City at the weekend with their 6-1 win over Aston Villa after a shock Foxes defeat at home to Southampton. They now sit in second place behind Jurgen Klopp's side - a position Guardiola is looking to maintain - and have a 13-point buffer in the race to claim Champions League qualification for next season.
Should they achieve that, City will continue an interesting run that has not escaped the attention of their manager. Since their first title win in 2012, they are the only champions to have managed a top-four finish the following season; while they have managed it in 2013 (2nd), 2015 (2nd) and 2019 (1st), United (7th in 2014), Chelsea (10th in 2016 and 5th in 2018) and Leicester (12th in 2017) have all ended up well off the pace.
"I think the team show this season that still we are going to do it," he said. "What happened to previous champions the year after being champions when they no longer had the challenge to be champions [again]? They gave up and finished 10th or 12th or 5th and didn’t quality for the Champions League.
"Still we are there fighting, far away because the opponent is exceptional but we are there and we saw it in all the games in a tough Christmas period when people said we could not win the Premier League and that is an incredible compliment for my players.
"I’m so proud of my players for that, now we are in this second position we need to win games to secure Champions League qualification for next season as quickly as possible.
"That’s the important target in terms of results but the main target is to play good and prepare for the knockout games. We play United in a few days and still we are not in the final and we have to prepare well. All the players want to play, they want to play against Villa, United, we changed six or seven players, they all play good. That is the only way to maintain it and keep the team alive."
Guardiola has stressed his commitment to the club for another year and believes that everything his team does for the rest of this season will be useful in preparing for the next.
If there is an acceptance that it is impossible to catch Liverpool before May, any advantage they can work out by then could make the difference in the following campaign.
"The target was catch Leicester and we did it, now it’s to maintain this position as far as possible and win our games," said Guardiola.
"Always there is motivation to play good. The world does not finish if we don't win the Premier League, there are many things to play for this season and next season.
"We had incredible success in the second season because of something in the first. Everything going well this season is going to be positive for next season. "


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Boy, six, who went missing at M1 services found after nine hour search

A missing six-year-old boy who became lost at a service station services on Friday night has been found safe and well early today , reportedly sitting near roadworks on the M1 .
The search for little Aadil Umair Rahim , from Nottingham , at Newport Pagnell services on the M1 , near Milton Keynes , went on for nine hours , and there was concern as he is so young .
He was reportedly on a school trip to London and the coach party had stopped to use the bathrooms .
CCTV images showed Aadil running towards a car park @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which direction he then headed .
The Thames Valley Police helicopter was used during the search for Aadil , which began at around 7.15pm on Friday .
His father said he was `` thankful to everyone '' who had worked `` tirelessly '' to find his son , who was wearing just a green jumper , grey top , trousers and a white skull cap .
Aadil was found by police officers at 4.15am on Saturday and was reunited with his family .
He was taken to hospital as a precaution but was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Umair Rahim , said on Facebook : `` My son has arrived and he is safe now .
Thanks for the prayers .
Shukah to Allah .
`` Thank you to Thames Valley Police helicopter services , fire department and safe and rescue department who worked tirelessly for nine nine hours and found him safe .
`` There was more than 1,000 people looking for him .
I 'm thankful to everyone . ''
Superintendent Amy Clements said : `` This was a very difficult operation involving a very young boy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been found safe and well .
`` I 'd like to take this opportunity to thank the local community , who immediately offered help in trying to find Aadil .
`` Also , I 'd like to thank those who have co-operated with police during this time .
`` This was a large operation in difficult conditions , so I 'd like to also publicly thank the search and rescue teams who assisted in the search and the large number of officers involved .
`` We are so very glad that he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ everyone involved in assisting that . ''
On Friday night , Highways England confirmed the services had been closed in both directions due to an `` ongoing police incident . ''
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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A missing six-year-old boy who became lost at a service station services on Friday night has been found safe and well early today, reportedly sitting near roadworks on the M1.
The search for little Aadil Umair Rahim, from Nottingham, at Newport Pagnell services on the M1, near Milton Keynes, went on for nine hours, and there was concern as he is so young.
He was reportedly on a school trip to London and the coach party had stopped to use the bathrooms.
CCTV images showed Aadil running towards a car park but the camera did not pick up which direction he then headed.
The Thames Valley Police helicopter was used during the search for Aadil, which began at around 7.15pm on Friday.
His father said he was "thankful to everyone" who had worked "tirelessly" to find his son, who was wearing just a green jumper, grey top, trousers and a white skull cap.
Aadil was found by police officers at 4.15am on Saturday and was reunited with his family.
He was taken to hospital as a precaution but was uninjured after his ordeal.
His father, Umair Rahim, said on Facebook: "My son has arrived and he is safe now. Thanks for the prayers. Shukah to Allah.
"Thank you to Thames Valley Police helicopter services, fire department and safe and rescue department who worked tirelessly for nine nine hours and found him safe.
"There was more than 1,000 people looking for him. I'm thankful to everyone."
Superintendent Amy Clements said: "This was a very difficult operation involving a very young boy and we are relieved to say that Aadil has been found safe and well.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the local community, who immediately offered help in trying to find Aadil.
"Also, I'd like to thank those who have co-operated with police during this time.
"This was a large operation in difficult conditions, so I'd like to also publicly thank the search and rescue teams who assisted in the search and the large number of officers involved.
"We are so very glad that he has been found and are thankful to everyone involved in assisting that."
On Friday night, Highways England confirmed the services had been closed in both directions due to an "ongoing police incident."
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here .


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Manchester United transfer news LIVE Bruno Fernandes transfer 'stalls' plus Liverpool FC team news

Manchester United transfer target Bruno Fernandes played for Sporting CP last night as the club continue to explore a January @ @ @ @ @ .
Fernandes was part of the Sporting side that faced Benfica , with fans keen @ @ @ @ @ offer United in a big game .
Back in Manchester , United will continue preparations @ @ @ @ @ trip to Liverpool this weekend .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed Marcus Rashford will continue to @ @ @ @ @ 's fixture after the striker picked up a knock in the midweek win over Wolves @ @ @ @ @ fitness as more likely to miss out than to play , but said he would @ @ @ @ @ chance as possible to be ready for the clash at Anfield .
In other news @ @ @ @ @ to Inter Milan was completed last night .
Stick with us for all of today @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk ( Charlotte Duncker)

Rashford scored twice against Liverpool at Old Trafford in 2018 and Alexander-Arnold wants to make sure he doesn’t make the same mistakes again.
Definitely the most difficult game that I’ve had in my career so far. But it was a lesson I needed to learn I used it in the right way and used it as motivation to make sure something like that doesn’t happen again in terms of how I felt on the pitch and the feeling of letting the team and the fans down because it was my direct opponent that scored two goals and probably my fault for the goal, especially the first one,” the Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.
The feeling of letting people down, I didn’t want to do that again. You try your hardest not to feel like that but that’s the way football is. If you make a mistake you beat yourself up. To use that feeling as motivation to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Growing up I learnt about their past and Liverpool’s past and you realise they are pretty similar in terms of trophies, they always had the best players, they knew how to win, they would always find a way no matter what. Always had that feeling that United would win. The history and rivalry was always there and you knew that from a young age. They would always be the two most meaningful wins of the season and it’s the fixtures fans look for.
We need to not get caught up and not let our emotions get involved. We need to make sure we don’t go in there with complacency because of our league position. We’re there for a reason and our mentality and the way we approach games is good but we still have a long way to go and that’s the way we look at it.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Manchester United players arrive for training ahead of Liverpool FC clash

Man Utd players arrived for training on Saturday morning ahead of traveling to Anfield to play Liverpool FC on Sunday @

Sport gallery
Manchester United players arrive for training ahead of Liverpool FC clash
Man Utd players arrived for training on Saturday morning ahead of traveling to Anfield to play Liverpool FC on Sunday.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Is this the most dog-friendly pub in Manchester?

Situated on the banks of the River Mersey , a stone 's throw from Sale Water Park , Jackson 's Boat is in a lovely spot .
The historic pub dates back to 1703 and is named after an old farmer who used to ferry people across the water before a bridge was built .
Inside , it 's cosy and traditional , with open fires , fairylights and taxidermy adorning the walls .
But it 's during the warmer months when the pub comes into its own , with its massive beer garden backing on to the Trans Pennine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ popular spot for walkers and cyclists , and the owners of the pub have cashed in on the fact many may want to bring their canine companions with them .
The back of the pub has been transformed into a doggy haven selling treats , animal accessories ( dog socks anyone ? )
and dog beer .
There 's even a dedicated food menu for pooches .
It 's quite possibly the most dog friendly pub in Manchester , but is the food for their owners up to scratch ?
Hearty pub grub @ @ @ @ @ @ @ such as fish and chips ( £9.95 ) , gammon steak ( £9.95 ) and beef burgers ( £7.95 ) .
There 's a bit of a mad rush before we order .
When we arrive at 5.45pm we 're told they are only taking orders until 6pm .
Apparently this is standard on winter weeknights , although the website begs to differ ( food service times are listed from noon to 8pm , Monday to Saturday , and noon to 7pm on Sundays ) .
We share a portion of breaded mushrooms @ @ @ @ @ @ @ coating and a garlic-heavy centre , to munch on while we wait for our mains .
The pie of the day is chicken and mushroom ( £8.95 ) , which comes in a thick-crusted slice with a peppery filling .
It 's a bit on the small side - dwarfed by a much more generous helping of chunky chips , carrots and broccoli .
A small gravy boat accompanies the meal .
A rump steak ( £10.95 ) , from the grill section , is more substantial - a huge slab of meat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a grilled tomato , portobello mushroom , a pot of peas and a jug of peppercorn sauce .
The steak 's slightly chewy but the chunky chips are the star of the show : fluffy inside , with a crisp coating .
There 's also a pizza menu with toppings ranging from ham and pineapple to chicken and sweetcorn , or a create your own option .
Prices range from £7.45 to £8.95 , depending on the size .
On Sundays they serve roast sharing platters made up of beef , chicken , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ price from £9.50 to £36 , depending on how many are sharing .
For little ones there is a separate menu with sausage and mash , pasta in tomato sauce and burger with fries .
That will set parents back £6.25 and includes a glass of fruit cordial as well as ice-cream .
And do n't forget the dogs : treats and bones cost £1 , a doggy dinner is £2.95 and there 's even dog ice cream for £2 .
The pub has its very own Jackson 's Boat Ale , brewed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 % session ale .
Also on cask is Beartown Brewery 's own ale , which is darker in colour with a nuttier taste .
I have a half of each , at £1.90 apiece .
There 's also Estrella , Peroni and a 6 IPA on tap , Aspall and Strongbow , alongside bottles of cider and an ample selection of gins and bottles of wine .
Soft drinks include J20 , Fevertree tonics and all the usual fizzy drinks .
Make sure you do because the pudding was the best part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pudding ( £4.75 ) is more than enough for two to share : a huge , brick-sized block served with a jug of custard on the side .
It 's rich and sticky , with chunks of sultanas and a caramel sauce drizzled on top : just what you need on a cold winter evening .
Are you being served ?
There 's just one waitress on when we arrive , juggling bartending with ferrying food out to tables .
She goes above and beyond to look after us , popping back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and making sure we can still have a pudding after the kitchen 's technically closed .
For a starter , two main courses , one dessert , two half pints and two lime and sodas , the bill comes to £36.85 .
Overall , it 's pretty good value for money .
The food at Jackson 's Boat is n't the best pub grub out there and I would n't make the journey specially for it .
But it is a great place to come if you 're in the area and feeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tow - and you will be given great service .
And when the sun 's out over Sale in summer , there 's no better place to be .
We have a dedicated Facebook page for all the latest on where to drink , eat , shop , go out and events across Greater Manchester .
From the best food and drink deals to exclusive looks at new restaurants and bars , gig reviews and weekend plans - we 've got you covered .
You can follow the page here for all the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ groups specialising in eating out around Manchester and going out .
You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram , or sign up to our newsletter bringing you all the latest what 's on news and reviews directly to your inbox .
To subscribe , simply enter your email address in the box beneath the main image on any what 's on story .

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Situated on the banks of the River Mersey, a stone's throw from Sale Water Park, Jackson's Boat is in a lovely spot.
The historic pub dates back to 1703 and is named after an old farmer who used to ferry people across the water before a bridge was built.
Inside, it's cosy and traditional, with open fires, fairylights and taxidermy adorning the walls. But it's during the warmer months when the pub comes into its own, with its massive beer garden backing on to the Trans Pennine Trail.
Its location makes it a popular spot for walkers and cyclists, and the owners of the pub have cashed in on the fact many may want to bring their canine companions with them.
The back of the pub has been transformed into a doggy haven selling treats, animal accessories (dog socks anyone?) and dog beer. There's even a dedicated food menu for pooches.
It's quite possibly the most dog friendly pub in Manchester, but is the food for their owners up to scratch?
What's cooking?
Hearty pub grub, with a weekday menu including classics such as fish and chips (£9.95), gammon steak (£9.95) and beef burgers (£7.95).
There's a bit of a mad rush before we order. When we arrive at 5.45pm we're told they are only taking orders until 6pm. Apparently this is standard on winter weeknights, although the website begs to differ (food service times are listed from noon to 8pm, Monday to Saturday, and noon to 7pm on Sundays).
We share a portion of breaded mushrooms (£5.45), with a crunchy coating and a garlic-heavy centre, to munch on while we wait for our mains.
The pie of the day is chicken and mushroom (£8.95), which comes in a thick-crusted slice with a peppery filling.
It's a bit on the small side - dwarfed by a much more generous helping of chunky chips, carrots and broccoli. A small gravy boat accompanies the meal.
A rump steak (£10.95), from the grill section, is more substantial - a huge slab of meat, cooked medium, and served with a grilled tomato, portobello mushroom, a pot of peas and a jug of peppercorn sauce.
The steak's slightly chewy but the chunky chips are the star of the show: fluffy inside, with a crisp coating.
There's also a pizza menu with toppings ranging from ham and pineapple to chicken and sweetcorn, or a create your own option. Prices range from £7.45 to £8.95, depending on the size.
On Sundays they serve roast sharing platters made up of beef, chicken, leg of lamb or pork ranging in price from £9.50 to £36, depending on how many are sharing.
For little ones there is a separate menu with sausage and mash, pasta in tomato sauce and burger with fries. That will set parents back £6.25 and includes a glass of fruit cordial as well as ice-cream.
And don't forget the dogs: treats and bones cost £1, a doggy dinner is £2.95 and there's even dog ice cream for £2.
Can I get a decent pint?
The pub has its very own Jackson's Boat Ale, brewed by Congleton-based Beartown Brewery: a mild-tasting 4% session ale.
Also on cask is Beartown Brewery's own ale, which is darker in colour with a nuttier taste.
I have a half of each, at £1.90 apiece.
There's also Estrella, Peroni and a 6 IPA on tap, Aspall and Strongbow, alongside bottles of cider and an ample selection of gins and bottles of wine.
Soft drinks include J20, Fevertree tonics and all the usual fizzy drinks.
Should I save room for pudding?
Make sure you do because the pudding was the best part of the meal.
The sticky toffee pudding (£4.75) is more than enough for two to share: a huge, brick-sized block served with a jug of custard on the side.
It's rich and sticky, with chunks of sultanas and a caramel sauce drizzled on top: just what you need on a cold winter evening.
Are you being served?
There's just one waitress on when we arrive, juggling bartending with ferrying food out to tables.
She goes above and beyond to look after us, popping back to make sure our food was okay, and making sure we can still have a pudding after the kitchen's technically closed.
What's the damage?
For a starter, two main courses, one dessert, two half pints and two lime and sodas, the bill comes to £36.85. Overall, it's pretty good value for money.
The verdict
The food at Jackson's Boat isn't the best pub grub out there and I wouldn't make the journey specially for it.
But it is a great place to come if you're in the area and feeling peckish - especially with a dog in tow - and you will be given great service.
And when the sun's out over Sale in summer, there's no better place to be.
Follow CityLife
We have a dedicated Facebook page for all the latest on where to drink, eat, shop, go out and events across Greater Manchester.
From the best food and drink deals to exclusive looks at new restaurants and bars, gig reviews and weekend plans - we've got you covered.
You can follow the page here for all the latest news.
We also have Facebook groups specialising in eating out around Manchester and going out .
You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram , or sign up to our newsletter bringing you all the latest what's on news and reviews directly to your inbox.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address in the box beneath the main image on any what's on story.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gives Manchester United team news ahead of Liverpool FC fixture

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has extra options available to him in defence for the clash against Liverpool on Sunday with Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah both available .
Manchester United travel to Anfield in the Premier League looking to become the first team to beat Liverpool in the league since April 2017 when they lost to Crystal Palace and Solskjaer gave a team news update ahead of the crunch clash .
“ Axel ( Tuanzebe ) had a setback but he ’ s working his way towards fitness , ” Solskajer told MUTV .
“ Eric ( Bailly ) and Tim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Luke ( Shaw ) is on the training pitch today [ Friday ] to see how he is .
He ’ s been ill and he ’ s had a little issue .
Diogo ( Dalot ) is back and Marcos ( Rojo ) is still not ready .
He had a bad calf injury that took longer than we expected.
” Bailly and Fosu-Mensah both made their returns from long spells on the sidelines for Neil Wood 's under-23s side last Friday while Shaw has missed the last two games @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Marcus Rashford 's availability is going to be the biggest question ahead of team news dropping on Sunday afternoon .
The England international came off the bench in United 's FA Cup third round replay against Wolves on Wednesday but lasted just 16 minutes as he had to go off with a recurring back problem .
And Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference that it was going to be a last minute decision over whether or not the 22-year-old will play .
`` I ca n't tell you now , '' Solskjaer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Harry [ Maguire ] a few weeks ago , of course we 're going to give him the absolute amount of time to find out .
We 'll do some more checks and treatment with him today , yesterday , of course , was just a recovery day and some treatment for him .
I 've not see him this morning .
`` I 'm not going to hold my breath .
I would probably think he would n't be ready but let 's see .
it 's 48 hours [ away ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's see . ''

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has extra options available to him in defence for the clash against Liverpool on Sunday with Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah both available.
Manchester United travel to Anfield in the Premier League looking to become the first team to beat Liverpool in the league since April 2017 when they lost to Crystal Palace and Solskjaer gave a team news update ahead of the crunch clash.
“Axel (Tuanzebe) had a setback but he’s working his way towards fitness,” Solskajer told MUTV. “Eric (Bailly) and Tim (Fosu-Mensah) are fit and available.
“Luke (Shaw) is on the training pitch today [Friday] to see how he is. He’s been ill and he’s had a little issue. Diogo (Dalot) is back and Marcos (Rojo) is still not ready. He had a bad calf injury that took longer than we expected.”
Bailly and Fosu-Mensah both made their returns from long spells on the sidelines for Neil Wood's under-23s side last Friday while Shaw has missed the last two games with illness and a hamstring issue.
Marcus Rashford's availability is going to be the biggest question ahead of team news dropping on Sunday afternoon. The England international came off the bench in United's FA Cup third round replay against Wolves on Wednesday but lasted just 16 minutes as he had to go off with a recurring back problem.
And Solskjaer said in his pre-match press conference that it was going to be a last minute decision over whether or not the 22-year-old will play.
"I can't tell you now," Solskjaer said. "As I said with Harry [Maguire] a few weeks ago, of course we're going to give him the absolute amount of time to find out. We'll do some more checks and treatment with him today, yesterday, of course, was just a recovery day and some treatment for him. I've not see him this morning.
"I'm not going to hold my breath. I would probably think he wouldn't be ready but let's see. it's 48 hours [away], more than that, so let's see."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Key decisions Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must make ahead of Liverpool FC fixture

For all their problems this season , Manchester United remain the only side to take points off Liverpool in the Premier League this season .
Marcus Rashford 's goal on the break in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford was cancelled out by a late Adam Lallana leveller in a game that showed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's counter-attacking tactics at their best .
The fact that United have been unable to produce the same level of performance consistently is the reason they go into this weekend 's fixture 27 points behind the league leaders .
But the way United hurt @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and he would relish the chance to halt Liverpool 's year-long unbeaten run in the league .
In order to stand any chance of that , however , Solskjaer has an important team selection to make for the trip to Anfield , where rivals Man City were taken apart earlier this season .
Injuries mean United are limited to who they can play , with several first choice players absent .
Solskjaer admitting bringing on Rashford in the midweek FA Cup replay win over Wolves 'backfired ' when the striker had to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ knock .
Before the Liverpool game , Solskjaer said United would give Rashford as much time as possible to recover , but suggested he 's more likely to miss out .
That poses a big decision for the manager , who knows the threat Rashford can carry - especially on the break against big teams .
If fit , Rashford will surely start .
But is a below-par Rashford better than a fully-fit Mason Greenwood or Daniel James ?
Solskjaer must decide whether rushing back Rashford for a game of this magnitude is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the defence itself is fit , left-back is a position that Solskjaer must think carefully about .
With Ashley Young departing and Luke Shaw in and out of the side , Brandon Williams has performed admirably when given the chance .
The young left-back kept Wolves ' tricky wingers Adama Traore and Pedro Neto quiet this week , but Mo Salah and Sadio Mane will provide a different challenge all together .
There is also the marauding Trent Alexander-Arnold to keep quiet from full-back , too .
Even if Williams keeps his place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ teammates .
Assuming Nemanja Matic and Fred would be expected to start , the final attacking midfield place is very much up for grabs .
Andreas Pereira could help United on the counter , but has the tendency to get overrun by opposition midfielders .
Jesse Lingard is horrifically out of form , yet he was one of the only bright sparks in last season 's defeat at Anfield .
Juan Mata has stepped up in the last two games and has history of silencing Anfield but can he make his mark again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ turn defence into attack quickly , while supporting the defensive efforts against a confident midfield .
His choice at attacking midfield could be pivotal .
This selection call depends on Marcus Rashford 's fitness .
If he 's unable to play , both James and Greenwood would be expected to join Anthony Martial in a front three .
Should Rashford start , though , it would be a straight choice between the two right wing players .
James would provide pace and width on the counter , but Andy Robertson is n't slow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Mason Greenwood could operate from the right and drift inside to help Anthony Martial .
That would leave Aaron Wan-Bissaka to deal with Mo Salah and Robertson on his own , though .
Solskjaer might try to contain Liverpool to avoid what happened to City at Anfield , but if an opportunity comes for a smash and grab he needs attacking options from the bench .
James and Greenwood are both capable if one is benched , but Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira have hardly shown they can change a game off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chance Marcus Rashford could be named on the bench , but if he 's not fit enough to play from the start , what use could he offer as a substitute ?
Alternatively , there might be a need to whether a storm and bring on defensive reinforcements .
Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Eric Bailly might return , but they lack match fitness , while the thought of Phil Jones against Liverpool 's front three is not one to inspire confidence .

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For all their problems this season, Manchester United remain the only side to take points off Liverpool in the Premier League this season.
Marcus Rashford's goal on the break in the 1-1 draw at Old Trafford was cancelled out by a late Adam Lallana leveller in a game that showed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's counter-attacking tactics at their best. The fact that United have been unable to produce the same level of performance consistently is the reason they go into this weekend's fixture 27 points behind the league leaders.
But the way United hurt Liverpool at Old Trafford will encourage Solskjaer, and he would relish the chance to halt Liverpool's year-long unbeaten run in the league.
In order to stand any chance of that, however, Solskjaer has an important team selection to make for the trip to Anfield, where rivals Man City were taken apart earlier this season. Injuries mean United are limited to who they can play, with several first choice players absent.
Does he risk Rashford?
Solskjaer admitting bringing on Rashford in the midweek FA Cup replay win over Wolves 'backfired' when the striker had to be taken off late on with a knock. Before the Liverpool game, Solskjaer said United would give Rashford as much time as possible to recover, but suggested he's more likely to miss out.
That poses a big decision for the manager, who knows the threat Rashford can carry - especially on the break against big teams. If fit, Rashford will surely start. But is a below-par Rashford better than a fully-fit Mason Greenwood or Daniel James?
Solskjaer must decide whether rushing back Rashford for a game of this magnitude is worth it.
Who plays at left-back?
While the rest of the defence itself is fit, left-back is a position that Solskjaer must think carefully about. With Ashley Young departing and Luke Shaw in and out of the side, Brandon Williams has performed admirably when given the chance.
The young left-back kept Wolves' tricky wingers Adama Traore and Pedro Neto quiet this week, but Mo Salah and Sadio Mane will provide a different challenge all together. There is also the marauding Trent Alexander-Arnold to keep quiet from full-back, too.
Even if Williams keeps his place, he would need support from his teammates.
The midfield three?
Assuming Nemanja Matic and Fred would be expected to start, the final attacking midfield place is very much up for grabs.
Andreas Pereira could help United on the counter, but has the tendency to get overrun by opposition midfielders. Jesse Lingard is horrifically out of form, yet he was one of the only bright sparks in last season's defeat at Anfield.
Juan Mata has stepped up in the last two games and has history of silencing Anfield but can he make his mark again? Solskjaer needs someone who can help turn defence into attack quickly, while supporting the defensive efforts against a confident midfield. His choice at attacking midfield could be pivotal.
James or Greenwood?
This selection call depends on Marcus Rashford's fitness. If he's unable to play, both James and Greenwood would be expected to join Anthony Martial in a front three. Should Rashford start, though, it would be a straight choice between the two right wing players.
James would provide pace and width on the counter, but Andy Robertson isn't slow himself on the Liverpool left. Alternatively, Mason Greenwood could operate from the right and drift inside to help Anthony Martial. That would leave Aaron Wan-Bissaka to deal with Mo Salah and Robertson on his own, though.
Options needed from the bench
Solskjaer might try to contain Liverpool to avoid what happened to City at Anfield, but if an opportunity comes for a smash and grab he needs attacking options from the bench. James and Greenwood are both capable if one is benched, but Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira have hardly shown they can change a game off the bench recently. There's a chance Marcus Rashford could be named on the bench, but if he's not fit enough to play from the start, what use could he offer as a substitute?
Alternatively, there might be a need to whether a storm and bring on defensive reinforcements. Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Eric Bailly might return, but they lack match fitness, while the thought of Phil Jones against Liverpool's front three is not one to inspire confidence.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Which? reveals the cheapest supermarket of 2019 for branded products

The cheapest supermarket in 2019 was Sainsbury 's according to consumer expert Which ?
.
Research tracked thousands of branded supermarket products across six of the UK 's biggest competitors to crown its winner .
Sainsbury 's came out on top , while Asda came second and Morrison 's took third place .
The research only included shops which stocked the list of branded items online - which ruled out including budget giants Aldi and Lidl .
Which ?
experts compiled a list of 53 common branded grocery items , from Andrex toilet tissue to Weetabix breakfast cereal , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a month at Sainsbury ’ s on average across the year .
That 's compared to the supermarket that came out as the most expensive - Waitrose - where the items totalled up to £10.80 more .
That could potentially cost shoppers an annual total of £129.60 more than if they had done the equivalent shopping at Sainsbury ’ s .
Consumer group Which ?
ran a similar price comparison last year , and found that Morrisons was the cheapest supermarket of 2018 , followed by Asda and then Sainsbury 's .
Aldi @ @ @ @ @ @ @ share in the UK , but neither offer an online shopping platform for the branded items included in the Which ?
study .
The list of items included Alpen Original Muesli , Ben & Jerry 's Cookie Dough Ice Cream and Dolmio Bolognese Sauce among others .
Natalie Hitchins , Which ?
Head of Home Products and Services , said : “ Your weekly supermarket shop can have a significant impact on your wallet , and the start of a new year is a good time to look at your household spending to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can save money .
“ Our analysis shows how important it can be to shop around to ensure you get the best price for your groceries.
” Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here

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The cheapest supermarket in 2019 was Sainsbury's according to consumer expert Which?.
Research tracked thousands of branded supermarket products across six of the UK's biggest competitors to crown its winner.
Sainsbury's came out on top, while Asda came second and Morrison's took third place.
The research only included shops which stocked the list of branded items online - which ruled out including budget giants Aldi and Lidl.
Which? experts compiled a list of 53 common branded grocery items, from Andrex toilet tissue to Weetabix breakfast cereal, and found that the goods cost just £107.01 a month at Sainsbury’s on average across the year.
That's compared to the supermarket that came out as the most expensive - Waitrose - where the items totalled up to £10.80 more.
That could potentially cost shoppers an annual total of £129.60 more than if they had done the equivalent shopping at Sainsbury’s.
Consumer group Which? ran a similar price comparison last year, and found that Morrisons was the cheapest supermarket of 2018, followed by Asda and then Sainsbury's.
Supermarket Average cost of trolley (53 branded items) Sainsbury’s £107.01 Asda £107.65 Morrisons £109.13 Tesco £112.40 Ocado £116.40 Waitrose £117.81
Aldi and Lidl continue to grow their market share in the UK, but neither offer an online shopping platform for the branded items included in the Which? study.
The list of items included Alpen Original Muesli, Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough Ice Cream and Dolmio Bolognese Sauce among others.
Natalie Hitchins, Which? Head of Home Products and Services, said: “Your weekly supermarket shop can have a significant impact on your wallet, and the start of a new year is a good time to look at your household spending to see if there are areas where you can save money.
“Our analysis shows how important it can be to shop around to ensure you get the best price for your groceries.”
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here . And you can follow us on Facebook here


themanchestereveningnews--2020-01-18--Every school and college can get free period products from next week

Every school and college will be able to supply free sanitary products from next week .
Pupils in every primary and secondary school in England , as well as every college , will have access to the free period products .
The Department for Education announced the fully funded scheme today and is urging schools and colleges to order their products from Monday , January 20 .
Its aim is to break down stigmas and ensure no young person ’ s education is disrupted by their period .
Millions of period products are being prepared by phs Direct , part @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Group , in a newly refurbished , dedicated warehouse ready to be dispatched .
Schools and colleges will receive an activation email giving them access to a purpose-built portal where they can order everything from pads and tampons to environmentally-friendly pads and reusable products .
David Taylor-Smith , CEO of phs Group , said : “ We have been busy preparing for the launch of this scheme and we are ready for the first wave of demand .
`` We encourage schools and colleges to look out for their activation email and make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering free products as soon as possible .
“ Period products are a necessity , not a luxury , and we believe providing free products for young people will be a catalyst for change in creating period equality .
We are proud to be the supplier for such a worthy scheme.
” The move follows the government ’ s commitment last year to fully fund period products for all state-funded primary schools , secondary schools and colleges , and to support campaigns to break the stigma around periods and raise awareness of menstruation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ Periods are a normal part of everyday life and we do not want young people missing out on lessons because of them .
“ We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them .
This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly , forgotten to bring products with them or if they can ’ t afford the products they need.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ school leaders ' union National Association of Head Teachers , where general secretary Paul Whiteman said : `` It is excellent news that period products will be available in schools and colleges for free .
The government is to be commended for listening to experts and extending the provision of free period products to primary as well as secondary schools .
“ Too many children miss out on vital education each month as a lack of access to period products forces them to miss school .
Even those pupils who do not suffer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to period products , breaking down stigma and ensuring no child is without protection during what can be a vulnerable time .
“ We ’ d urge the government to monitor the new scheme closely , so that if take-up numbers are low initially , then more can be done to advertise the service , and to guarantee that every pupil can access a period product that meets their needs.
” For support , schools and colleges can get in touch with phs Direct by emailing periodproducts @ phsdirect.co.uk or calling the helpline @ @ @ @

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Every school and college will be able to supply free sanitary products from this week.
Pupils in every primary and secondary school in England, as well as every college, will have access to the free period products.
The Department for Education announced the fully funded scheme on Saturday and is urging schools and colleges to order their products from Monday, January 20.
Its aim is to break down stigmas and ensure no young person’s education is disrupted by their period.
(Image: Shared Content Unit)
Millions of period products are being prepared by phs Direct, part of hygiene and washroom services provider phs Group, in a newly refurbished, dedicated warehouse ready to be dispatched.
Schools and colleges will receive an activation email giving them access to a purpose-built portal where they can order everything from pads and tampons to environmentally-friendly pads and reusable products.
David Taylor-Smith, CEO of phs Group, said: “We have been busy preparing for the launch of this scheme and we are ready for the first wave of demand.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
"We encourage schools and colleges to look out for their activation email and make their first order so they can start offering free products as soon as possible.
“Period products are a necessity, not a luxury, and we believe providing free products for young people will be a catalyst for change in creating period equality. We are proud to be the supplier for such a worthy scheme.”
The move follows the government’s commitment last year to fully fund period products for all state-funded primary schools, secondary schools and colleges, and to support campaigns to break the stigma around periods and raise awareness of menstruation.
Children and Families Minister Michelle Donelan said: “Periods are a normal part of everyday life and we do not want young people missing out on lessons because of them.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“We know that it is not easy for everyone to access period products where and when they need them. This scheme will deal with those problems so young people can go about their daily lives without getting caught out if they have come on their period unexpectedly, forgotten to bring products with them or if they can’t afford the products they need.”
The scheme has been welcomed by school leaders' union National Association of Head Teachers, where general secretary Paul Whiteman said: "It is excellent news that period products will be available in schools and colleges for free. The government is to be commended for listening to experts and extending the provision of free period products to primary as well as secondary schools.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“Too many children miss out on vital education each month as a lack of access to period products forces them to miss school. Even those pupils who do not suffer period poverty will benefit from free access to period products, breaking down stigma and ensuring no child is without protection during what can be a vulnerable time.
“We’d urge the government to monitor the new scheme closely, so that if take-up numbers are low initially, then more can be done to advertise the service, and to guarantee that every pupil can access a period product that meets their needs.”
For support, schools and colleges can get in touch with phs Direct by emailing periodproducts@phsdirect.co.uk or calling the helpline on 01827 255500.