themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-04--Ideas for your own VE Day celebrations at home in lockdown

This Friday marks VE Day , when the country will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of fighting in Europe during the Second World War .
May 8 , 1945 , was the date Britain and its Allies celebrated the defeat of the Nazi regime after Germany signed its unconditional surrender on May 7 .
Wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared May 8 a public holiday and Victory in Europe ( VE ) Day was met with parties , dancing and singing in the streets .
This year 's May Day bank holiday was switched from Monday May 4 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a long weekend of 75th anniversary commemorations .
But now , under lockdown and social distancing measures , events will have to be far more subdued .
Nevertheless , there are still plenty of ways you can mark the occasion and pay your respects at home .
Here are some ideas to get you started .
This American swing dance originated in New York in the 1920s and 1930s and became popular in wartime Britain thanks to the US servicemen stationed here .
The Swing Out is the main move you need to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the other steps .
English Heritage has put together some basic instructions to help you find your feet , or you can watch this YouTube video tutorial .
Music helped to keep morale high in wartime and we could all use a little boost ourselves in these times of uncertainty .
With that in mind , there 's a nationwide sing-along to wartime classic We 'll Meet Again planned on Friday night - led by none other than Dame Vera Lynn herself .
The 103-year-old singer will perform from a window at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ following the Queen 's special address to the nation , and viewers are encouraged to join her .
It will form part of televised musical event VE Day 75 : The People 's Celebration on BBC One from 8pm .
Most food was rationed during the war and often cooks had to get inventive with their recipes .
Meat shortages meant things like Spam or corned beef hash became staple dishes , while carrots were used to sweeten cakes and biscuits in place of sugar .
Other commonly-eaten dishes included the potato , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first made by the Land Girls .
And where would any British occasion be without scones ?
If that all sounds like too much time in the kitchen , Morrisons has launched a special VE Day Afternoon Tea box , crammed with sandwiches , scones and cakes , for £15 including delivery .
Check whether any local cafes and restaurants are delivering special VE Day afternoon teas and menus near you , too .
Bletchley Park , once the top-secret home of the World War Two codebreakers , has put together a Spotify @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for your at-home celebrations .
You can practise your rendition of We 'll Meet Again ready for 9pm , and listen to other song like Vera Lynn 's There 'll Always Be An England and Noël Coward 's London Pride .
You can find it here .
Do your hair in a victory roll This rolled and pinned hairstyle was popular during the war and became associated with the victory manoeuvre of fighter aircraft during the Battle of Britain in 1940 .
It 's still a popular look with fans of the vintage @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the low-maintenance style most of us will be used to by this stage of the lockdown , it 's not as difficult as you might think to achieve .
Watch the video tutorial below to show you how to do it .
The Imperial War Museum is inviting people to 'visit ' from home by listening to a soundscape it has created to commemorate VE Day .
Voices of War is a four minute work featuring first-hand accounts of VE Day selected from IWM ’ s vast sound archive .
It will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday May 8 .

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This Friday marks VE Day, when the country will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of fighting in Europe during the Second World War.
May 8, 1945, was the date Britain and its Allies celebrated the defeat of the Nazi regime after Germany signed its unconditional surrender on May 7.
Wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared May 8 a public holiday and Victory in Europe (VE) Day was met with parties, dancing and singing in the streets.
This year's May Day bank holiday was switched from Monday May 4 to Friday May 8 to allow for a long weekend of 75th anniversary commemorations.
But now, under lockdown and social distancing measures, events will have to be far more subdued.
Nevertheless, there are still plenty of ways you can mark the occasion and pay your respects at home.
Here are some ideas to get you started.
Learn the Lindy Hop
This American swing dance originated in New York in the 1920s and 1930s and became popular in wartime Britain thanks to the US servicemen stationed here.
The Swing Out is the main move you need to know, as a basic building block for the other steps.
English Heritage has put together some basic instructions to help you find your feet, or you can watch this YouTube video tutorial.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Join in a national sing-along
Music helped to keep morale high in wartime and we could all use a little boost ourselves in these times of uncertainty.
With that in mind, there's a nationwide sing-along to wartime classic We'll Meet Again planned on Friday night - led by none other than Dame Vera Lynn herself.
(Image: Sean Dempsey/PA Wire)
The 103-year-old singer will perform from a window at her Sussex home just after 9pm, following the Queen's special address to the nation, and viewers are encouraged to join her.
It will form part of televised musical event VE Day 75: The People's Celebration on BBC One from 8pm.
Send love and support to our NHS heroes The tireless work of the NHS heroes who risk their lives to help others is one of the shining beacons of the coronavirus pandemic. The dedication, selflessness and determination to overcome displayed by NHS staff since this dreadful virus took hold in the UK is celebrated and cherished by so many. If you want to help show your gratitude, here are some simple things you can do, using our Thanks A Million website www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk 1. Log on to www.thanksamillionnhs.co.uk and follow a few simple steps to say thank you by sending a heart and a message of support to NHS workers in your area. It's free and takes moments. You can also search and read the wonderful messages of love sent by others in your community in the Local Messages section and if you're an NHS worker, you'll also find a section listing a host of money-saving deals and free offers tailored specifically to help you during this tough time. 2. You can donate money securely and safely to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 Appeal via the Thanks A Million website - just click the donate button and follow the steps outlined or go direct here. And as a thank you for your generosity, our friends at Funder will enter you into the NHS Heroes Raffle, which has some great prizes. If you win, you can choose to keep our prize, or donate it to an NHS worker. Funds raised are in aid of the NHS Charities COVID-19 Appeal, set up by NHS Charities Together. Donations will help take care of the immediate well-being of our NHS frontline heroes as well as provide essential longer-term mental health support and 94% of all donations will go to NHS Charities Together’s COVID-19 Appeal. The remaining 6% will cover the cost of payment processing fees.
Cook a 1945-style meal
Most food was rationed during the war and often cooks had to get inventive with their recipes.
Meat shortages meant things like Spam or corned beef hash became staple dishes, while carrots were used to sweeten cakes and biscuits in place of sugar.
Other commonly-eaten dishes included the potato, cheese and onion-filled homity pie, supposedly first made by the Land Girls.
And where would any British occasion be without scones?
If that all sounds like too much time in the kitchen, Morrisons has launched a special VE Day Afternoon Tea box, crammed with sandwiches, scones and cakes, for £15 including delivery.
Check whether any local cafes and restaurants are delivering special VE Day afternoon teas and menus near you, too.
Set the soundtrack
Bletchley Park, once the top-secret home of the World War Two codebreakers, has put together a Spotify playlist of classics to set the soundtrack for your at-home celebrations.
You can practise your rendition of We'll Meet Again ready for 9pm, and listen to other song like Vera Lynn's There'll Always Be An England and Noël Coward's London Pride.
You can find it here.
Do your hair in a victory roll
This rolled and pinned hairstyle was popular during the war and became associated with the victory manoeuvre of fighter aircraft during the Battle of Britain in 1940.
It's still a popular look with fans of the vintage aesthetic and, while it's not the low-maintenance style most of us will be used to by this stage of the lockdown, it's not as difficult as you might think to achieve.
Watch the video tutorial below to show you how to do it.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Visit an online museum
The Imperial War Museum is inviting people to 'visit' from home by listening to a soundscape it has created to commemorate VE Day.
Voices of War is a four minute work featuring first-hand accounts of VE Day selected from IWM’s vast sound archive.
It will be available to listen to at iwm.org.uk/history/victory on Friday May 8.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-04--Coronavirus crisis means parents robbed of time together with their dying baby

For Luke Evans and his partner Sophie , the last few months have been extremely difficult .
The couple , from Ashton , welcomed their baby son Arlo into the world six weeks earlier than planned .
At first , he was doing okay , but weeks into his short life , Arlo was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition - which led to a number of life-threatening health complications .
He is now at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ( NICU ) at Manchester Children 's Hospital and was taken off a ventilator last weekend .
His prognosis is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ able to do at this stage is make their little boy as comfortable as possible .
But the coronavirus crisis has made that all the more heartbreaking .
Luke , 30 , says social distancing measures mean he and Sophie are not allowed to attend the hospital to visit Arlo at the same time .
Instead , they have to take it in turns to spend precious final moments with their son , only getting to see each other when they swap over in the hospital car park .
Despite everything they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ set up a gofundme page - with the hope of raising funds for the NICU at Manchester Children 's Hospital .
They would like to buy items that will make other parents ' final moments with their babies more special .
The couple also hope any money raised will go towards future funeral costs , and cover the expense of taking time off work .
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , Luke said : `` Arlo was born six weeks early following an emergency C-section at Tameside Hospital .
`` His condition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he became ill. '' Arlo was born with Kleefstra syndrome - a rare genetic condition which caused his gut to rotate when he was born .
Doctors believe this may have lead to him developing Necrotising Enterocolitis ( NEC ) - a very serious bowel condition which meant he needed to have an operation .
Following Arlo 's operation , he became very unwell and suffered a cardiac arrest , before needing to be placed on to a ventilator .
Last Sunday , Sophie and Luke made the decision to remove Arlo 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` He was very unwell after his bowel surgery and we had to make a choice whether to take his ventilator out and risk him dying , or watch him in pain with the ventilator in , '' Luke said .
`` We decided to remove the ventilator and were told to expect half an hour with him , but so far it 's been seven days and he 's still here .
`` His condition wo n't improve and he would have a very poor quality of life as the cardiac arrest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about 80 to 90 per cent .
`` It 's just about making him comfortable now . ''
Luke says that due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic , only one person can visit the hospital at a time to spend time with Arlo .
`` We ca n't go in to spend time with him together , even though it 's probably the last chance we will get with him , '' Luke said .
`` As Arlo is in palliative care , one of us sleeps in the hotel by the hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The other one stays at home with our young daughter .
`` The only time we are allowed to see him together is if they think he is about to die , but it would take the other one of us at least 20 minutes to drive to the hospital .
Luke and Sophie are both self employed and have not been able to work since Arlo was born in January .
`` The money from the fundraising page would help us recover financially and go towards any funeral costs if @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Luke said .
`` If we raise a lot of money we would really like to use it to help the NICU ward where Arlo is being looked after .
`` It is obviously very medical with lots of tubes and equipment and we would like to buy some items to help make it feel more comfortable and personable .
“ We want families to be able to enjoy their final moments with babies in palliative care . ''
Luke also hopes by sharing his story , he can raise awareness of Necrotising @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard of .
National NEC awareness day takes place on May 17 this year .
You can donate to the parents ' fundraising page here .

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For Luke Evans and his partner Sophie, the last few months have been extremely difficult.
The couple, from Ashton, welcomed their baby son Arlo into the world six weeks earlier than planned.
At first, he was doing okay, but weeks into his short life, Arlo was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition - which led to a number of life-threatening health complications.
He is now at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Manchester Children's Hospital and was taken off a ventilator last weekend.
His prognosis is poor, and all his parents are able to do at this stage is make their little boy as comfortable as possible.
But the coronavirus crisis has made that all the more heartbreaking.
Luke, 30, says social distancing measures mean he and Sophie are not allowed to attend the hospital to visit Arlo at the same time.
Instead, they have to take it in turns to spend precious final moments with their son, only getting to see each other when they swap over in the hospital car park.
(Image: Luke Evans)
Despite everything they are going through, Luke's family have set up a gofundme page - with the hope of raising funds for the NICU at Manchester Children's Hospital.
They would like to buy items that will make other parents' final moments with their babies more special.
The couple also hope any money raised will go towards future funeral costs, and cover the expense of taking time off work.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Luke said: "Arlo was born six weeks early following an emergency C-section at Tameside Hospital.
"His condition was okay for the first weeks until he became ill."
Arlo was born with Kleefstra syndrome - a rare genetic condition which caused his gut to rotate when he was born.
Doctors believe this may have lead to him developing Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) - a very serious bowel condition which meant he needed to have an operation.
Following Arlo's operation, he became very unwell and suffered a cardiac arrest, before needing to be placed on to a ventilator.
Last Sunday, Sophie and Luke made the decision to remove Arlo's ventilator to make him for comfortable.
"He was very unwell after his bowel surgery and we had to make a choice whether to take his ventilator out and risk him dying, or watch him in pain with the ventilator in," Luke said.
(Image: Luke Evans)
"We decided to remove the ventilator and were told to expect half an hour with him, but so far it's been seven days and he's still here.
"His condition won't improve and he would have a very poor quality of life as the cardiac arrest meant his brain has been damaged by about 80 to 90 per cent.
"It's just about making him comfortable now."
Luke says that due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, only one person can visit the hospital at a time to spend time with Arlo.
"We can't go in to spend time with him together, even though it's probably the last chance we will get with him," Luke said.
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food, basics and other support. Many of them are self-isolating, often in fragile health and alone. Public services have been working hard to find and help them, but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock. So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help, from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels. The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester's charity. You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here.
"As Arlo is in palliative care, one of us sleeps in the hotel by the hospital every night in case the worst happens.
"The other one stays at home with our young daughter.
"The only time we are allowed to see him together is if they think he is about to die, but it would take the other one of us at least 20 minutes to drive to the hospital.
"It seems unfair."
Luke and Sophie are both self employed and have not been able to work since Arlo was born in January.
(Image: Luke Evans)
"The money from the fundraising page would help us recover financially and go towards any funeral costs if and when they are needed," Luke said.
"If we raise a lot of money we would really like to use it to help the NICU ward where Arlo is being looked after.
"It is obviously very medical with lots of tubes and equipment and we would like to buy some items to help make it feel more comfortable and personable.
“We want families to be able to enjoy their final moments with babies in palliative care."
Luke also hopes by sharing his story, he can raise awareness of Necrotising Enterocolitis - a condition he had never heard of.
National NEC awareness day takes place on May 17 this year.
You can donate to the parents' fundraising page here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Hairdressers and barbers issued warning for flouting lockdown

Hairdressers and barbers have been issued a warning following allegations that some have been flouting lockdown restrictions .
Wigan Council said they have received reports of appointments being offered over social media .
They said hair cuts were then being carried out in gardens or by allowing customers into homes .
Some businesses are even alleged to have been 'exploiting ' the situation by offering increased price rates .
A letter has now been sent to salons and barbers across the borough reminding them that they must not be open .
Hair salons and barbers were ordered to shut down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lockdown on March 23 .
The restrictions also apply to mobile hairdressing services .
A Wigan Council spokesperson said : `` We appreciate the difficulties during these times but the onus is on us all to ensure the spread of Covid-19 is minimised and help ensure the lockdown is as short as possible . ''
There is not a set date for hairdressers to be reopened in the UK .
It is thought that the lockdown will be eased in stages , and it is hoped that small businesses , such as hairdressers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get back to normal .
In other European countries , such as Denmark and Spain , hairdressers have reopened as restrictions have been relaxed .
The earliest that businesses will reopen in the UK is thought to be late May .
There has been some concern , however , that hairdressers would have to remain closed for six months , as opening them would risk spreading coronavirus and infecting more people .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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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Hairdressers and barbers have been issued a warning following allegations that some have been flouting lockdown restrictions.
Wigan Council said they have received reports of appointments being offered over social media.
They said hair cuts were then being carried out in gardens or by allowing customers into homes.
Some businesses are even alleged to have been 'exploiting' the situation by offering increased price rates.
A letter has now been sent to salons and barbers across the borough reminding them that they must not be open.
Hair salons and barbers were ordered to shut down after PM Boris Johnson imposed a nationwide lockdown on March 23.
The restrictions also apply to mobile hairdressing services.
A Wigan Council spokesperson said: "We appreciate the difficulties during these times but the onus is on us all to ensure the spread of Covid-19 is minimised and help ensure the lockdown is as short as possible."
There is not a set date for hairdressers to be reopened in the UK.
It is thought that the lockdown will be eased in stages, and it is hoped that small businesses, such as hairdressers, will be among the first to get back to normal.
In other European countries, such as Denmark and Spain, hairdressers have reopened as restrictions have been relaxed.
The earliest that businesses will reopen in the UK is thought to be late May.
There has been some concern, however, that hairdressers would have to remain closed for six months, as opening them would risk spreading coronavirus and infecting more people.
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--2020-05-05--Kate Garraway has opened up about her 'tough' birthday without her husband

Kate Garraway has opened up about her 'tough ' birthday without her husband .
The Good Morning Britain host turned 53 yesterday while husband Derek Draper continues to fight for his life after contracting coronavirus .
The former Labour advisor , 52 , has been in a critical condition in hospital since the end of March with the most recent update suggesting he is stable but unresponsive .
In her latest Instagram post Kate , who is caring for the couples two children Darcey , 14 , and William , 11 at home , says that she knew the day @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she marked her first birthday in 16 years without her husband by her side .
She said : `` So yesterday was always going to be a tough one - 1st birthday in 16 years without Derek - so for the kids & I , his absence was very present .
`` But we resolved to do what I think we are all having to do at the moment aren ’ t we - treasure & be grateful for the love around us - however distanced we are from it .
And focus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the moment - the small things that are huge & really should be at the core of everyday , but usually the everyday gets in the way . ''
The presenter continued : `` So THANK YOU so much for all your messages they mean such a lot , to the friends @ itv who sent chocolate for the kids & uplifting smellies for me , to mates who dropped off food , posh teabags & milk & made me smile at silliness ( derek is a great believer in the healing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ amazing family , to derek ’ s friends who sent me messages of fun times they have had with him ( pictured is when Derek was editing a student newspaper - insert your own “ his taste in birds ” joke here ! )
`` And the strangers who got this cake > > > from @ romankemp & all at @ global & worked out it was actually meant for me ( was it the bourbons that gave it away ?
?
!
! )
- THANK YOU all . ''
However @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keeping her husband alive .
`` But most of all thank you to the NHS teams keeping derek still with us e & battling everyday to inch him toward recovery , '' she said before adding `` # hope # positivethinking # standtogether . ''
Kate has been inundated with messages from fans and viewers .
Her GMB co-host Ben Shephard has been offering regular updates to viewers from Kate .
She herself has been praising the NHS every Thurday during the clap for carers movement .
Last week Kate said on Instagram @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for tonight .
Derek is still with us but what a battle it is .
`` So grateful too for our amazing NHS doing so much for Derek everyday - wonderful to see all the support for them and our key workers every Thursday .
We can ’ t thank them enough can we ?
So brave . ''

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Kate Garraway has opened up about her 'tough' birthday without her husband.
The Good Morning Britain host turned 53 yesterday while husband Derek Draper continues to fight for his life after contracting coronavirus.
The former Labour advisor, 52, has been in a critical condition in hospital since the end of March with the most recent update suggesting he is stable but unresponsive.
In her latest Instagram post Kate, who is caring for the couples two children Darcey, 14, and William, 11 at home, says that she knew the day would be a 'tough one' as she marked her first birthday in 16 years without her husband by her side.
She said: "So yesterday was always going to be a tough one - 1st birthday in 16 years without Derek - so for the kids & I, his absence was very present.
"But we resolved to do what I think we are all having to do at the moment aren’t we - treasure & be grateful for the love around us - however distanced we are from it . And focus on the joy of life & love in the moment - the small things that are huge & really should be at the core of everyday, but usually the everyday gets in the way."
(Image: Mirrorpix)
The presenter continued: "So THANK YOU so much for all your messages they mean such a lot, to the friends @itv who sent chocolate for the kids & uplifting smellies for me , to mates who dropped off food, posh teabags & milk & made me smile at silliness ( derek is a great believer in the healing power of silliness), to my amazing family, to derek’s friends who sent me messages of fun times they have had with him ( pictured is when Derek was editing a student newspaper - insert your own “ his taste in birds” joke here!)
"And the strangers who got this cake >>> from @romankemp & all at @global & worked out it was actually meant for me ( was it the bourbons that gave it away??!!) - THANK YOU all."
However, Kate ended her post thanking those keeping her husband alive.
"But most of all thank you to the NHS teams keeping derek still with us e& battling everyday to inch him toward recovery," she said before adding "#hope #positivethinking #standtogether."
Kate has been inundated with messages from fans and viewers.
Her GMB co-host Ben Shephard has been offering regular updates to viewers from Kate.
She herself has been praising the NHS every Thurday during the clap for carers movement.
Last week Kate said on Instagram: "So much to be grateful for tonight. Derek is still with us but what a battle it is.
"So grateful too for our amazing NHS doing so much for Derek everyday - wonderful to see all the support for them and our key workers every Thursday. We can’t thank them enough can we? So brave."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Man walked into takeaway with gun and threatened to kill staff

A man walked into a takeaway with a gun and threatened to kill staff .
The man was acting aggressively and abusive towards staff in the takeaway , on Stockport Road , in Longsight , on Monday , May 4 .
He then told staff he was going to go get a gun and a knife .
A short time later the same man returned to the takeaway and brandished a gun towards staff , telling them he was going to kill them .
He then fled in the direction of Longsight .
Read more of today 's top stories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ incident .
Police were called to the scene at around 7.20pm .
Specialist officers were deployed to search the surrounding area .
A 52-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear .
He remains in custody for questioning .
A house search was also carried out in a nearby area and officers discovered a gun .
Detective Chief Inspector Terry Crompton , of GMP ’ s City of Manchester division , said : “ This was a utterly frightening attack on staff and one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` Whilst nobody was physically injured , the public shouldn ’ t underestimate the impact something like this can have on people .
“ I ’ d also like to publicly praise those officers who were deployed into the area and reacted so swiftly and were able to apprehend the suspect .
`` In order to protect the public , they acted with no hesitation , despite the clear threat the situation could have posed .
`` This is especially true in the current climate and I would like to thank those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the face of particularly challenging circumstances .
”

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A man walked into a takeaway with a gun and threatened to kill staff.
The man was acting aggressively and abusive towards staff in the takeaway, on Stockport Road, in Longsight, on Monday, May 4.
He then told staff he was going to go get a gun and a knife.
A short time later the same man returned to the takeaway and brandished a gun towards staff, telling them he was going to kill them.
He then fled in the direction of Longsight.
Nobody was physically injured in the incident.
Police were called to the scene at around 7.20pm.
Specialist officers were deployed to search the surrounding area.
A 52-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear.
He remains in custody for questioning.
A house search was also carried out in a nearby area and officers discovered a gun.
After assessment, the gun was found to be an air rifle.
Detective Chief Inspector Terry Crompton, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “This was a utterly frightening attack on staff and one nobody should have to be subjected to.
"Whilst nobody was physically injured, the public shouldn’t underestimate the impact something like this can have on people.
“I’d also like to publicly praise those officers who were deployed into the area and reacted so swiftly and were able to apprehend the suspect.
"In order to protect the public, they acted with no hesitation, despite the clear threat the situation could have posed.
"This is especially true in the current climate and I would like to thank those officers who are working tremendously hard in the face of particularly challenging circumstances.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Online supermarket shoppers reveal the worst substitutes they have been given

Online shopping has become increasingly more popular since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced .
Shoppers can have their shopping delivered straight to their home or select items for click and collect , without even having to leave their sofa .
However , not everything is quite up to speed just yet .
Due to the panic buying back in March and high demand for certain items , some of the things ordered online are not always available .
Read more of today 's top stories here Some supermarkets offer substitutions if stock is not available , instead of leaving it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the time the substitutions work out alright , but on some occasions they can be a bit silly .
A number of shoppers have shared their ridiculous substitutions from the likes of Asda , Sainsbury 's and Tesco on social media .
Posting on Facebook group Reduce Your Supermarket Spend , Asda shopper Jade Browne shared a picture of her latest food subsitution .
She wrote : `` What ’ s the worst substitutes you ’ ve had ?
?
`` Can ’ t wait to get my eight bags of prawn crackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Me and my husband did have a laugh this morning ! ''
The post attracted the attention of other members of the group , who shared their own hilarious substitution stories .
One replied : `` Asda are hilarious for subs .
`` I ordered Halloween sweets and got a load of kinder eggs .
But I 've heard from drivers things like a bunch of Roses instead of chocolate Roses . ''
Another said : `` I ordered a birthday cake and candles and they gave me a birthday cake and substituted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ !
! ''
A third added : `` I ordered sunflower oil they sent me an actual sunflower .
I wouldn ’ t have cared if it was vegetable oil . ''
And a fourth wrote : `` Ordered some latex gloves once they sent me condoms instead . ''
Sainsbury 's and Tesco have also sent some questionable substitutes , according to those posting .
Some Facebook users said vegan food was swapped for dairy alternatives , while bread sticks one arrived in place of tampsons .
One posted : `` I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with fabric softener . ''
A second wrote : `` I ordered bbq lighter fuel and got a freddo chocolate egg from Tesco . ''
And a third remembered : `` I ordered a vegetarian three course meal from Tesco .
They replaced it with a single bag of spinach .
`` The driver and I couldn ’ t stop laughing when we spotted it . ''
Those commenting did advise there is an option to turn off substitutions on most online shopping website..

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Online shopping has become increasingly more popular since the coronavirus lockdown was introduced.
Shoppers can have their shopping delivered straight to their home or select items for click and collect, without even having to leave their sofa.
However, not everything is quite up to speed just yet.
Due to the panic buying back in March and high demand for certain items, some of the things ordered online are not always available.
Some supermarkets offer substitutions if stock is not available, instead of leaving it off the order altogether.
Most of the time the substitutions work out alright, but on some occasions they can be a bit silly.
A number of shoppers have shared their ridiculous substitutions from the likes of Asda, Sainsbury's and Tesco on social media.
Posting on Facebook group Reduce Your Supermarket Spend, Asda shopper Jade Browne shared a picture of her latest food subsitution.
She wrote: "What’s the worst substitutes you’ve had??
"Can’t wait to get my eight bags of prawn crackers instead of the Chinese box.
"Me and my husband did have a laugh this morning!"
The post attracted the attention of other members of the group, who shared their own hilarious substitution stories.
One replied: "Asda are hilarious for subs.
(Image: Northcliffe Media Ltd)
"I ordered Halloween sweets and got a load of kinder eggs. But I've heard from drivers things like a bunch of Roses instead of chocolate Roses."
Another said: "I ordered a birthday cake and candles and they gave me a birthday cake and substituted the candles for 50 scented tea lights!!"
A third added: "I ordered sunflower oil they sent me an actual sunflower. I wouldn’t have cared if it was vegetable oil."
And a fourth wrote: "Ordered some latex gloves once they sent me condoms instead."
Sainsbury's and Tesco have also sent some questionable substitutes, according to those posting.
Some Facebook users said vegan food was swapped for dairy alternatives, while bread sticks one arrived in place of tampsons.
One posted: "I ordered frozen fish and Sainsbury's replaced with fabric softener."
A second wrote: "I ordered bbq lighter fuel and got a freddo chocolate egg from Tesco."
And a third remembered: "I ordered a vegetarian three course meal from Tesco. They replaced it with a single bag of spinach.
"The driver and I couldn’t stop laughing when we spotted it."
Those commenting did advise there is an option to turn off substitutions on most online shopping website..


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Manchester United donate £300k to schools to help vulnerable children

Manchester United Foundation have donated £300,000 to their partner high schools and colleges in order to alleviate the pressure families are facing during the coronavirus crisis .
The foundation continues to provide staff presence at their schools and has pledged £10,000 to each of their sites in order to assist vulnerable families during this difficult time .
Donations will be used for food , clothing , energy , medication , IT equipment and other essentials aiming to reduce the number of challenges families are facing at home .
Jenny Langley , principal at Great Academy Ashton , said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the support for families whose children usually receive Free School Meals .
`` Manchester United Foundation is a brilliantly supportive partner of ours and they have stepped into this void to provide enough money for all those families to receive vouchers to cover at least some of the shortfall .
`` There is enough in their very generous donation for us to support some of our other families too , those who may not previously have needed it but are struggling financially now due to loss or reduction of income .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to work with schools like ours to understand the immediate challenges facing our young people and their families , and this shows the strength and moral purpose of Manchester United Foundation.
” Manchester United Foundation have partnerships with schools in nine of the ten boroughs in Greater Manchester .
Their pledge adds to the response from Manchester United during the COVID-19 crisis after deliveries were made to local food banks and meal donations made to the NHS .

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Manchester United Foundation have donated £300,000 to their partner high schools and colleges in order to alleviate the pressure families are facing during the coronavirus crisis.
The foundation continues to provide staff presence at their schools and has pledged £10,000 to each of their sites in order to assist vulnerable families during this difficult time.
Donations will be used for food, clothing, energy, medication, IT equipment and other essentials aiming to reduce the number of challenges families are facing at home.
Jenny Langley, principal at Great Academy Ashton, said: “During lockdown we have become increasingly concerned about the support for families whose children usually receive Free School Meals.
"Manchester United Foundation is a brilliantly supportive partner of ours and they have stepped into this void to provide enough money for all those families to receive vouchers to cover at least some of the shortfall.
"There is enough in their very generous donation for us to support some of our other families too, those who may not previously have needed it but are struggling financially now due to loss or reduction of income.
"During these unusual times the Foundation has continued to work with schools like ours to understand the immediate challenges facing our young people and their families, and this shows the strength and moral purpose of Manchester United Foundation.”
Manchester United Foundation have partnerships with schools in nine of the ten boroughs in Greater Manchester.
Their pledge adds to the response from Manchester United during the COVID-19 crisis after deliveries were made to local food banks and meal donations made to the NHS.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--The best retro gaming consoles currently on the market

While the hype builds over the impending release of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X , the gaming fraternity will never fail to pay homage to the classics .
Retro gaming is one the rise and a nostalgic trip down memory lane does n't cost nearly as much as equipping yourself with the latest tech .
Below we 've put together a list of the best retro machines on the market and where you can find them for the cheapest price .
At the tail end of 2018 , Sony reintroduced the now retro console back onto the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ response - and now , as a result , it 's hard to get hold of with only a handful of retailers still able to stock it .
Built-in with genre-defining titles like Final Fantasy , Tekken , Grand Theft Auto , Abe 's Oddysee , Resident Evil andTom Clancy 's Rainbow Six , the cheapest place you can find it is GAME , where they have it available for £79.99 .
Like the Mega Drive , the Super Nintendo Entertainment System , or 'SNES ' , took two years to arrive in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Japan .
A mini version of the console came out in 2017 and is now hard to get hold of .
It 's available here on eBay with all `` Buy-It-Now '' prices set at over £100 .
Game built-up include timeless titles like Mario World , Donkey Kong and the Original Legend of Zelda .
A 'flashback ' of the classic Atari that comes with 101 games built-in has been reduced by 17 % here at Go2Games .
Available to plug-and-play on any TV , it comes with two classic ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Among the titles included are gaming Hall of Famers like Frogger , Asteroids , Centipede , Millipede , Tempest and Super Breakdown .
Originally released in 2016 , the market suggests this is among one of the rarer ones you can now get your hands on .
Elsewhere in the world of Atari , you can also now purchase various handheld versions of the console .
This one from House of Fraser has recently been reduced by nearly 50 % It has a classic 2-button layout ; a 2.4 '' screen and comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Originally released in Japan in 1988 , the Mega Drive made it 's way to the North American market in '89 before then heading over here to Europe in 1990 .
When it became available here in UK , 40,000 units of the Mega Drive were sold .
At that time , they set customers back nearly £190 which , in today 's money , amounts to over £400 .
Today , you can get your hands on a mini version of the console - which brings the arcade-style graphics up to a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ games built-in for good measure - for just under £60 here at Argos .
The Commodore 64 was an undeniable game-changer in home computing and at the beginning of the 1980s , it outsold IBM , Apple and Atari in America .
Here in the UK , it 's success was compromised by the affordability of another of it 's competitors - the ZX Spectrum .
While they eventually had to file for bankruptcy , the Commodore 64 remains highly popular with retro gamers .
Better still , affordability is no longer an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ £64.99 , you can now get hold of it for half that price here through ' I Want One of Those ' .

While the hype builds over the impending release of the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X, the gaming fraternity will never fail to pay homage to the classics.
Retro gaming is one the rise and a nostalgic trip down memory lane doesn't cost nearly as much as equipping yourself with the latest tech.
Below we've put together a list of the best retro machines on the market and where you can find them for the cheapest price.
PlayStation Classic
At the tail end of 2018, Sony reintroduced the now retro console back onto the market. It received an overwhelmingly positive response - and now, as a result, it's hard to get hold of with only a handful of retailers still able to stock it.
Built-in with genre-defining titles like Final Fantasy, Tekken, Grand Theft Auto, Abe's Oddysee, Resident Evil andTom Clancy's Rainbow Six, the cheapest place you can find it is GAME, where they have it available for £79.99.
Super Nintendo
Like the Mega Drive, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or 'SNES', took two years to arrive in the UK after it's original release in Japan.
A mini version of the console came out in 2017 and is now hard to get hold of. It's available here on eBay with all "Buy-It-Now" prices set at over £100.
Game built-up include timeless titles like Mario World, Donkey Kong and the Original Legend of Zelda.
Atari
A 'flashback' of the classic Atari that comes with 101 games built-in has been reduced by 17% here at Go2Games.
Available to plug-and-play on any TV, it comes with two classic (now wireless) Atari joystick controllers. Among the titles included are gaming Hall of Famers like Frogger, Asteroids, Centipede, Millipede, Tempest and Super Breakdown.
Originally released in 2016, the market suggests this is among one of the rarer ones you can now get your hands on.
Elsewhere in the world of Atari, you can also now purchase various handheld versions of the console. This one from House of Fraser has recently been reduced by nearly 50% It has a classic 2-button layout; a 2.4" screen and comes with 50 games built into it.
Sega Mega Drive
Originally released in Japan in 1988, the Mega Drive made it's way to the North American market in '89 before then heading over here to Europe in 1990.
When it became available here in UK, 40,000 units of the Mega Drive were sold. At that time, they set customers back nearly £190 which, in today's money, amounts to over £400.
Today, you can get your hands on a mini version of the console - which brings the arcade-style graphics up to a modern 720p HD resolution and has 40 games built-in for good measure - for just under £60 here at Argos.
The Commodore 64
The Commodore 64 was an undeniable game-changer in home computing and at the beginning of the 1980s, it outsold IBM, Apple and Atari in America.
Here in the UK, it's success was compromised by the affordability of another of it's competitors - the ZX Spectrum.
While they eventually had to file for bankruptcy, the Commodore 64 remains highly popular with retro gamers. Better still, affordability is no longer an issue.
Having entered the market at £64.99, you can now get hold of it for half that price here through 'I Want One of Those'.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Premier League stance on promotion and relegation when season resumes

EFL chairman Rick Parry has insisted that he expects the Premier League to enforce promotion and relegation for the 2019/20 season .
The football season remains suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and has been since mid-March .
Leeds United and West Brom sit comfortably in the automatic promotion places in the Championship , with a six-point gap separating second and third .
If the season ca n't be completed , there have been several different proposals floated about how the table should be finalised .
Some Premier League clubs near the bottom of the table have proposed that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season .
However , Parry has insisted that he expects the top flight to honour its commitment that will see three clubs drop down to the Championship , with three clubs earning promotion , otherwise it could become a legal minefield .
“ Our conversations have been very straightforward , we expect three clubs to be promoted and the Premier League is aware of that , '' Parry told the Department for Digital , Culture , Media and Sport .
`` In all of the conversations we have had with the Premier League @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expect three clubs to be relegated .
“ I think you can expect the lawyers to get wealthy [ if the Premier League change their mind ] .
There will be a degree of outrage from a number of our clubs in the Championship , it would be a breach of the agreement between the Premier League , the Football League and the Football Association .
`` I suspect the FA would have a position on it as well .
The safe answer is that it would get very messy as our expectation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Championship .
”

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Josh Challies, Elliott Jackson)

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EFL chairman Rick Parry has insisted that he expects the Premier League to enforce promotion and relegation for the 2019/20 season.
The football season remains suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and has been since mid-March.
Leeds United and West Brom sit comfortably in the automatic promotion places in the Championship, with a six-point gap separating second and third.
If the season can't be completed, there have been several different proposals floated about how the table should be finalised.
Some Premier League clubs near the bottom of the table have proposed that relegation should be scrapped for the 2019/20 season.
However, Parry has insisted that he expects the top flight to honour its commitment that will see three clubs drop down to the Championship, with three clubs earning promotion, otherwise it could become a legal minefield.
“Our conversations have been very straightforward, we expect three clubs to be promoted and the Premier League is aware of that," Parry told the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
"In all of the conversations we have had with the Premier League, I think their position is they expect three clubs to be relegated.
“I think you can expect the lawyers to get wealthy [if the Premier League change their mind]. There will be a degree of outrage from a number of our clubs in the Championship, it would be a breach of the agreement between the Premier League, the Football League and the Football Association.
"I suspect the FA would have a position on it as well. The safe answer is that it would get very messy as our expectation is that three clubs will be promoted from the Championship.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Ikea has released a series of free virtual Zoom backgrounds

Dining rooms , spare bedrooms , even back gardens - with most of the nation now working from home , our offices look very different to earlier in the year .
By now , we 've surely all had to sit through umpteen video conference calls with colleagues , and that means we 've probably all tried to style up whatever room happens to be behind us .
Shuffling plants , moving your fanciest artwork into frame , and tidying away clutter goes some way to making us look like we 've got our lives together .
But with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , there 's not much we can do to drastically change the spaces we work from - until now .
Swedish furniture giant Ikea has released a selection of free-to-download virtual backgrounds that you can use to fake a stylish new home at the click of a button .
The beloved furniture company , famed for its affordable flat-pack furniture ( and its meatballs ) has grouped its free backgrounds into five categories .
There 's a selection of offices for home working - whether you fancy a light and artistic space , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or a traditional cosy workspace .
Then there 's the celebrations pack , which includes a decorated garden and a kitchen full of cake , perfect for if you 're having to mark a special occasion in a virtual setting .
You can also host a virtual romantic date night ( candlelit bedroom or snuggly balcony ) , call from the great outdoors ( a beach , a rooftop , a fairy-lit woodland ) , or just give yourself a lust-worthy new living space .
To set a virtual background on Zoom , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ homepage , and go to the Virtual Background tab .
It works best when you have a plain surface behind you ( green screen is best but you can usually improvise at home using curtains or similar ) .
Your colleagues will soon be wondering how you have the time to create such a beautiful home .
Thanks , Ikea .
See all the Backgrounds by Ikea at backgroundsbyikea.com .

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Dining rooms, spare bedrooms, even back gardens - with most of the nation now working from home, our offices look very different to earlier in the year.
By now, we've surely all had to sit through umpteen video conference calls with colleagues, and that means we've probably all tried to style up whatever room happens to be behind us.
Shuffling plants, moving your fanciest artwork into frame, and tidying away clutter goes some way to making us look like we've got our lives together.
But with all non-essential retail closed for the time being, there's not much we can do to drastically change the spaces we work from - until now.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Swedish furniture giant Ikea has released a selection of free-to-download virtual backgrounds that you can use to fake a stylish new home at the click of a button.
The beloved furniture company, famed for its affordable flat-pack furniture (and its meatballs) has grouped its free backgrounds into five categories.
There's a selection of offices for home working - whether you fancy a light and artistic space, a crisp white city slicker office, or a traditional cosy workspace.
Then there's the celebrations pack, which includes a decorated garden and a kitchen full of cake, perfect for if you're having to mark a special occasion in a virtual setting.
You can also host a virtual romantic date night (candlelit bedroom or snuggly balcony), call from the great outdoors (a beach, a rooftop, a fairy-lit woodland), or just give yourself a lust-worthy new living space.
To set a virtual background on Zoom, simply head to Settings in the Zoom homepage, and go to the Virtual Background tab.
It works best when you have a plain surface behind you (green screen is best but you can usually improvise at home using curtains or similar).
Your colleagues will soon be wondering how you have the time to create such a beautiful home. Thanks, Ikea.
See all the Backgrounds by Ikea at backgroundsbyikea.com.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--McDonald's has changed its limited menu following customer complaints

Earlier today , McDonald 's finally revealed the full list of branches that will be reopening for delivery on May 13 .
Unfortunately , none of these branches are in the North of England , and it 's safe to say that people are n't best pleased about this .
But the selected stores are n't the only thing that have put a bee in peoples ' bonnets , as last week , shoppers were left 'heartbroken ' when they realised that some iconic favourites had been dropped from the new 'limited menu . '
While items like Big Macs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when stores reopen , other favourites like breakfast and milkshakes are nowhere to be seen .
Responding to one customer 's question about the decision to remove milkshakes from the menu for the time-being , McDonald 's said : `` Sorry , we know this is disappointing but we have temporarily removed menu items which impact the ability of our restaurant teams to work at a safe distance from one another . ''
Now McDonald 's has reviewed its menu , and has re-added one of the missing menu items .
McDonald 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ test , we have reviewed our limited menu and will add the Vegetable Deluxe to the menu and Veggie Dippers to both our main menu and Happy Meal . ''
Unfortunately , there 's been no word of adding favourites like the Maccies breakfast , milkshakes and Chicken Legends to the menu just yet , but hopefully in time we 'll be able to get our hands on some as McDonald 's adapts to social distancing guidelines in its kitchens .

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Earlier today, McDonald's finally revealed the full list of branches that will be reopening for delivery on May 13.
Unfortunately, none of these branches are in the North of England, and it's safe to say that people aren't best pleased about this.
But the selected stores aren't the only thing that have put a bee in peoples' bonnets, as last week, shoppers were left 'heartbroken' when they realised that some iconic favourites had been dropped from the new 'limited menu.'
While items like Big Macs and McFlurries will be available to order when stores reopen, other favourites like breakfast and milkshakes are nowhere to be seen.
Responding to one customer's question about the decision to remove milkshakes from the menu for the time-being, McDonald's said: "Sorry, we know this is disappointing but we have temporarily removed menu items which impact the ability of our restaurant teams to work at a safe distance from one another."
Now McDonald's has reviewed its menu, and has re-added one of the missing menu items.
McDonald's has said: "Following our operational test, we have reviewed our limited menu and will add the Vegetable Deluxe to the menu and Veggie Dippers to both our main menu and Happy Meal."
Unfortunately, there's been no word of adding favourites like the Maccies breakfast, milkshakes and Chicken Legends to the menu just yet, but hopefully in time we'll be able to get our hands on some as McDonald's adapts to social distancing guidelines in its kitchens.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Premier League change that could benefit Man United

While the discussions over restarting the Premier League might be led on health and safety grounds , it was only a matter of time before self-interest forced its way into the talks alongside the availability of testing and the spread of COVID-19 .
So it emerged this week with clubs still fearing relegation from the Premier League rejecting the idea of the remaining 92 fixtures being played behind closed doors .
At least they 're rejecting it for now , they might be happy to accept the proposal if relegation was scrapped .
On the face of it this is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in danger of the drop , but it could also have an advantage for Manchester United .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 's side were in superb form until the season was suspended , unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions , and were back in the race for a top-four finish , just three points Chelsea and eight behind an out-of-form Leicester City .
Of United 's remaining nine Premier League fixtures , four are against those six teams who , in theory , will be battling to avoid the three relegation places .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ suddenly the context of those four fixtures changes rapidly .
At the moment United still have to face Aston Villa , Brighton , West Ham and Bournemouth and while it 's not clear what order their remaining games are in , it 's likely those four teams would all still be fighting for survival .
Take away that threat and they have nothing to play for , making the games much easier for Solskjaer 's side .
The run-in of any Premier League season is littered with teams who 've been fighting at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season suddenly rousing them to pick up some unexpected points .
Without the battle for survival the motivations levels at Villa , Brighton , West Ham and Bournemouth will drop considerably , especially with the distractions going on at the moment .
United 's motivation to try and claim a top-four finish will make those fixtures much easier than they might be .
So while on the face of it this proposal might be an appealing one for United supporters , it 's also one that should be avoided .
The idea of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is scrapped is nothing but self-interest from those clubs fearing the drop .
They hold up sporting integrity as a reason for complaint , but taking away relegation would be the biggest blow of all to the Premier League 's sporting integrity .
Nothing about plans for Project Restart are ideal .
This is a scenario nobody envisaged and nobody wants , but solutions have to be discussed .
They do n't include taking away relegation or , at the moment at least , ending the season now .
It may be that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looks unfeasible the closer that date looms on the horizon , but calling it off now would make little sense .
Nobody really knows what the situation will be a month from now , which is why the league must do what they can to plan for a best-case scenario .
If that is playing the remaining games at neutral venues , then so be it , it 's unfortunate , but then nothing about the last couple of months has been fortunate .
The reality is if clubs allow self-interest to interfere @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , it might scupper any chance of next season beginning anytime soon , given the situation is unlikely to be much changed in August .
Clubs can not then change their minds simply because relegation is no longer imminent , a precedent will have been set .
Those clubs arguing for a change in the rules and an end to relegation should be told it 's either playing at neutral venues , or the season ends now and the bottom three on a points-per-game system will be relegated .
That will take away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ season after 29 games is hardly an ideal solution , but that should n't be a reason for three clubs who have had bad seasons to survive .
Norwich City , Aston Villa and Bournemouth did n't plan to be in the bottom three with 75 % of the season gone .
If they 're relegated at this point then it 's unlucky , but their seasons so far have been a failure of planning .
Those clubs at the top of the Championship , League One , League Two and so on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been successful for three-quarters of it .
Taking away the possibility of relegation might suit some in the Premier League , it might even help United 's own ambitions , but it 's not a route anybody should want to see the competition go down .

While the discussions over restarting the Premier League might be led on health and safety grounds, it was only a matter of time before self-interest forced its way into the talks alongside the availability of testing and the spread of COVID-19.
So it emerged this week with clubs still fearing relegation from the Premier League rejecting the idea of the remaining 92 fixtures being played behind closed doors. At least they're rejecting it for now, they might be happy to accept the proposal if relegation was scrapped.
On the face of it this is a change that would benefit those sides in danger of the drop, but it could also have an advantage for Manchester United. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side were in superb form until the season was suspended, unbeaten in 11 games in all competitions, and were back in the race for a top-four finish, just three points Chelsea and eight behind an out-of-form Leicester City.
Of United's remaining nine Premier League fixtures, four are against those six teams who, in theory, will be battling to avoid the three relegation places. Take away the spectre of relegation and suddenly the context of those four fixtures changes rapidly.
At the moment United still have to face Aston Villa, Brighton, West Ham and Bournemouth and while it's not clear what order their remaining games are in, it's likely those four teams would all still be fighting for survival. Take away that threat and they have nothing to play for, making the games much easier for Solskjaer's side.
The run-in of any Premier League season is littered with teams who've been fighting at the wrong end of their table all season suddenly rousing them to pick up some unexpected points. Without the battle for survival the motivations levels at Villa, Brighton, West Ham and Bournemouth will drop considerably, especially with the distractions going on at the moment. United's motivation to try and claim a top-four finish will make those fixtures much easier than they might be.
So while on the face of it this proposal might be an appealing one for United supporters, it's also one that should be avoided. The idea of vetoing games at neutral venues unless relegation is scrapped is nothing but self-interest from those clubs fearing the drop. They hold up sporting integrity as a reason for complaint, but taking away relegation would be the biggest blow of all to the Premier League's sporting integrity.
Nothing about plans for Project Restart are ideal. This is a scenario nobody envisaged and nobody wants, but solutions have to be discussed. They don't include taking away relegation or, at the moment at least, ending the season now.
It may be that a June restart for the Premier League looks unfeasible the closer that date looms on the horizon, but calling it off now would make little sense. Nobody really knows what the situation will be a month from now, which is why the league must do what they can to plan for a best-case scenario.
If that is playing the remaining games at neutral venues, then so be it, it's unfortunate, but then nothing about the last couple of months has been fortunate. The reality is if clubs allow self-interest to interfere and put a halt on neutral venues, it might scupper any chance of next season beginning anytime soon, given the situation is unlikely to be much changed in August. Clubs cannot then change their minds simply because relegation is no longer imminent, a precedent will have been set.
Those clubs arguing for a change in the rules and an end to relegation should be told it's either playing at neutral venues, or the season ends now and the bottom three on a points-per-game system will be relegated. That will take away three of the dissenters.
Ending the season after 29 games is hardly an ideal solution, but that shouldn't be a reason for three clubs who have had bad seasons to survive. Norwich City, Aston Villa and Bournemouth didn't plan to be in the bottom three with 75% of the season gone. If they're relegated at this point then it's unlucky, but their seasons so far have been a failure of planning. Those clubs at the top of the Championship, League One, League Two and so on should be rewarded for a campaign which has been successful for three-quarters of it.
Taking away the possibility of relegation might suit some in the Premier League, it might even help United's own ambitions, but it's not a route anybody should want to see the competition go down.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--The lockdown needs to be lifted 'very gradually', Sage says

Lockdown restrictions should be eased very gradually in order to maintain public trust in health policy following the coronavirus pandemic , according to experts advising the government .
A paper drawn up by the scientific pandemic influenza group on behaviour ( SPI-B ) , considered by the scientific advisory group for emergencies ( Sage ) at its April 2 meeting , suggests the abrupt lifting of restrictions imposed for months may lead to people believing the risk of infection has ceased or significantly reduced .
The paper published by Sage today states : “ If there is then an increase @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of restrictions this is likely to be seen as a serious failure of policy and trust in public health advice will be lost , leading to lower adherence to advice to restrict or to resume activity .
“ To avoid these problems we would advocate trialling easing restrictions very gradually when epidemiologically indicated while clearly explaining why these particular activities are being resumed and how risks must be controlled if these activities are to be maintained.
” The note adds this method would allow an opportunity to gather epidemiological evidence about the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the public about its impact .
It continues : “ To maintain public trust and support it will be important to have acceptable and equitable criteria for selecting which activities can be resumed.
” The government is obliged this Thursday to consider extending or lifting the lockdown which has been in place since mid-March .
It is the second three-week period of lockdown in the UK .
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Many of them are self-isolating , often in fragile health and alone .
Public services have been working hard to find and help them , but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock .
So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor 's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help , from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels .
The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester 's charity .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ here .
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to reveal his so-called road map exit strategy for easing lockdown on Sunday .
The government has come under increasing pressure to spell out its exit strategy as the UK public becomes increasingly fed up with restrictions and businesses are keen to get back to work to kickstart the economy .
But there are fears that if the lockdown is lifted too early there could be a second , deadly wave of coronavirus infections until an effective treatment or vaccine is found .
According to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ deaths in the UK so far from coronavirus , but the real figure could be higher as ONS data released today suggested death rates extrapolated from death certificates are 34 per cent higher than hospital data .

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Lockdown restrictions should be eased very gradually in order to maintain public trust in health policy following the coronavirus pandemic, according to experts advising the government.
A paper drawn up by the scientific pandemic influenza group on behaviour (SPI-B), considered by the scientific advisory group for emergencies (Sage) at its April 2 meeting, suggests the abrupt lifting of restrictions imposed for months may lead to people believing the risk of infection has ceased or significantly reduced.
The paper published by Sage today states: “If there is then an increase in infection rates that necessitates a reintroduction of restrictions this is likely to be seen as a serious failure of policy and trust in public health advice will be lost, leading to lower adherence to advice to restrict or to resume activity.
(Image: Joel Goodman)
“To avoid these problems we would advocate trialling easing restrictions very gradually when epidemiologically indicated while clearly explaining why these particular activities are being resumed and how risks must be controlled if these activities are to be maintained.”
The note adds this method would allow an opportunity to gather epidemiological evidence about the impact of easing the restriction and provide evidence to the public about its impact.
It continues: “To maintain public trust and support it will be important to have acceptable and equitable criteria for selecting which activities can be resumed.”
The government is obliged this Thursday to consider extending or lifting the lockdown which has been in place since mid-March.
It is the second three-week period of lockdown in the UK.
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food, basics and other support. Many of them are self-isolating, often in fragile health and alone. Public services have been working hard to find and help them, but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock. So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help, from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels. The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester's charity. You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to reveal his so-called road map exit strategy for easing lockdown on Sunday.
The government has come under increasing pressure to spell out its exit strategy as the UK public becomes increasingly fed up with restrictions and businesses are keen to get back to work to kickstart the economy.
But there are fears that if the lockdown is lifted too early there could be a second, deadly wave of coronavirus infections until an effective treatment or vaccine is found.
According to official figures, there have been 28,734 deaths in the UK so far from coronavirus, but the real figure could be higher as ONS data released today suggested death rates extrapolated from death certificates are 34 per cent higher than hospital data.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Kym Marsh to reunite with army boyfriend after seven months apart

Kym Marsh has spoken of her delight at reuniting with her army boyfriend Scott Ratcliffe .
The pair have been separated for seven months while he completes a tour of Afghanistan .
The Coronation Street star appeared on Good Morning Britain with Lorraine Kelly earlier today to speak of her joy at seeing him later today .
Kym and Scott have been dating since July 2018 .
She told the Scottish presenter : `` It ’ s been seven months now .
`` We had a small get together for his R & R but it 's been seven months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ missed him so much .
It ’ s hard because you do look for your support and your partner is your support network .
“ It would be nice to have a cuddle.
” And it appears she might need one after missing her grandson Teddy ’ s first birthday over the weekend .
Kym said : “ It was his first birthday on Sunday , that was really difficult .
We did drop presents around at a safe distance but it ’ s not the same.
” The actress explained that her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , only moved out of her home in February .
She said : “ They were living with me prior to that and not only did I not realise I would not be able to hug my grandchild , I can ’ t even hug my own daughter.
” Kym , 43 , also spoke about promoting the OK !
Closet Clear Out for Refuge campaign to help raise funds for charity Refuge .
The fundraiser is a response to the charity seeing a 50 per cent increase in calls to their National @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kym said : `` Charities are really suffering because people just do n't have the money so it 's a great thing that OK are doing right now . ''

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Kym Marsh has spoken of her delight at reuniting with her army boyfriend Scott Ratcliffe.
The pair have been separated for seven months while he completes a tour of Afghanistan.
The Coronation Street star appeared on Good Morning Britain with Lorraine Kelly earlier today to speak of her joy at seeing him later today.
Kym and Scott have been dating since July 2018.
She told the Scottish presenter: "It’s been seven months now.
"We had a small get together for his R&R but it's been seven months.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
“I have really, really missed him so much. It’s hard because you do look for your support and your partner is your support network.
“It would be nice to have a cuddle.”
And it appears she might need one after missing her grandson Teddy’s first birthday over the weekend.
(Image: Getty Images)
Kym said: “It was his first birthday on Sunday, that was really difficult. We did drop presents around at a safe distance but it’s not the same.”
The actress explained that her daughter Emily, Teddy’s mum, only moved out of her home in February.
She said: “They were living with me prior to that and not only did I not realise I would not be able to hug my grandchild, I can’t even hug my own daughter.”
(Image: ITV)
Kym, 43, also spoke about promoting the OK! Closet Clear Out for Refuge campaign to help raise funds for charity Refuge.
The fundraiser is a response to the charity seeing a 50 per cent increase in calls to their National Domestic Abuse hotline since lockdown began.
Kym said: "Charities are really suffering because people just don't have the money so it's a great thing that OK are doing right now."
GMB airs weekdays from 6am on ITV.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Premier League controversial plans would work in Man City favour

Playing games at neutral grounds is being considered as a serious option to finish the Premier League season .
As the government and football authorities look to resume competitions once it is safe to do so , plans include potentially playing games at a set number of neutral grounds behind closed doors so as to reduce the risk involved .
That has caused alarm with some clubs , with Brighton chief executive Paul Barber going on record to state his concerns .
`` At this critical point in the season , playing matches in neutral venues has , in our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effect on the integrity of the competition , '' he said last week .
“ The disadvantages of us not playing the league ’ s top teams in our home stadium and in familiar surroundings , even with 27,000 Albion fans very unlikely to be present at the Amex , are very obvious .
“ Clearly , we must accept there may also be some benefit from playing our remaining four away matches at neutral venues but the fixture list simply isn ’ t equally balanced at this stage of the season , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first 29 matches of the season in this way .
So , in our opinion one thing doesn ’ t cancel out the other.
” The statistics would suggest he is right to be worried .
Brighton are meant to play Liverpool , United and City ( and Arsenal ) at home before the season ends and while those would be tough to get points from , teams in the bottom six are three times more likely to beat a top-six side playing at their own ground ( 18 per cent in Premier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from it ( six per cent ) .
If games were to be played at neutral grounds , Pep Guardiola 's City fixtures away to Brighton ( who have picked up 62 per cent of their points at home this season ) and Watford ( 63 per cent ) would be - on paper at least - more comfortable .
Trips to Chelsea ( 50 per cent ) and Southampton ( 41 per cent ) would matter less but it is also important to note City 's split .
Of 57 points collected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have come at home and 28 on the road .
City would also cede home advantage for their games , and for instance it would be harder to face Liverpool this time than it was in January 2019 with the crowd supporting the team through to the final whistle .
However , any matches are going to be behind closed doors anyway , and essentially Guardiola 's side are more adept than most at playing away from home .
This is borne out by them winning their last nine games at Wembley in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - including victories over Tottenham , Chelsea , Arsenal , and Liverpool .
As Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said , neutral grounds would be an `` imperfect '' way to finish the season .
It would be less imperfect for City though than it would for some of the teams they still have to play .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (David Dubas-Fisher, Simon Bajkowski)

Playing games at neutral grounds is being considered as a serious option to finish the Premier League season.
As the government and football authorities look to resume competitions once it is safe to do so, plans include potentially playing games at a set number of neutral grounds behind closed doors so as to reduce the risk involved.
That has caused alarm with some clubs, with Brighton chief executive Paul Barber going on record to state his concerns.
"At this critical point in the season, playing matches in neutral venues has, in our view, potential to have a material effect on the integrity of the competition," he said last week.
“The disadvantages of us not playing the league’s top teams in our home stadium and in familiar surroundings, even with 27,000 Albion fans very unlikely to be present at the Amex, are very obvious.
“Clearly, we must accept there may also be some benefit from playing our remaining four away matches at neutral venues but the fixture list simply isn’t equally balanced at this stage of the season, and we didn’t play our first 29 matches of the season in this way. So, in our opinion one thing doesn’t cancel out the other.”
The statistics would suggest he is right to be worried.
Brighton are meant to play Liverpool, United and City (and Arsenal) at home before the season ends and while those would be tough to get points from, teams in the bottom six are three times more likely to beat a top-six side playing at their own ground (18 per cent in Premier League history) than they are away from it (six per cent).
If games were to be played at neutral grounds, Pep Guardiola's City fixtures away to Brighton (who have picked up 62 per cent of their points at home this season) and Watford (63 per cent) would be - on paper at least - more comfortable.
Trips to Chelsea (50 per cent) and Southampton (41 per cent) would matter less but it is also important to note City's split. Of 57 points collected this season by the champions, 29 have come at home and 28 on the road.
City would also cede home advantage for their games, and for instance it would be harder to face Liverpool this time than it was in January 2019 with the crowd supporting the team through to the final whistle.
However, any matches are going to be behind closed doors anyway, and essentially Guardiola's side are more adept than most at playing away from home. This is borne out by them winning their last nine games at Wembley in a run dating back to February 2018 - including victories over Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
As Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish said, neutral grounds would be an "imperfect" way to finish the season. It would be less imperfect for City though than it would for some of the teams they still have to play.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--People 'coaxed into handing over thousands by dating app fraudsters' say police

Three people have been arrested after fraudsters stole thousands of pounds from victims using dating apps .
Police launched an investigation after they were alerted to 21 fraud offences involving victims on dating apps , taking place between October 2019 and March 2020 .
The suspects would pose as women and message the victims on the app .
They would then coax them to pay out thousands of pounds into a bank account .
Read more of today 's top stories here The amounts range from £17,000 to £20 , with most victims losing around £3,000 .
In one case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was messaged again by the offender asking for more money .
They were then threatened with violence .
Officers executed three dawn raids this morning in Gorton in connection to the fraud investigation , named Operation Sunbird .
Two men , aged 35 and 41 , and one woman aged 35 , were arrested on suspicion of fraud offences .
All three remain in custody .
Detective Sergeant Ian Thomas of GMP ’ s Specialist Fraud Investigation Unit said : “ I would like to thank our officers involved in Operation Sunbird for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ climate we ’ re all facing .
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food , basics and other support .
Many of them are self-isolating , often in fragile health and alone .
Public services have been working hard to find and help them , but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock .
So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor 's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ need help , from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels .
The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester 's charity .
You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here .
`` We now have a total of three people in custody due to the excellent work of our officers at GMP ’ s Specialist Fraud Investigation Unit .
“ We ’ d urge anyone who thinks they have been a victim of this type of crime to report any suspicious messages or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are fully committed to ensuring the safety of people online across Greater Manchester and would advise residents to follow our guidance when using dating applications.
” Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 0074 , Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 /www.actionfraud.co.uk or the independent charity Crimstoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 .

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Three people have been arrested after fraudsters stole thousands of pounds from victims using dating apps.
Police launched an investigation after they were alerted to 21 fraud offences involving victims on dating apps, taking place between October 2019 and March 2020.
The suspects would pose as women and message the victims on the app.
They would then coax them to pay out thousands of pounds into a bank account.
The amounts range from £17,000 to £20, with most victims losing around £3,000.
In one case, the victim made one payment and was messaged again by the offender asking for more money.
They were then threatened with violence.
Officers executed three dawn raids this morning in Gorton in connection to the fraud investigation, named Operation Sunbird.
Two men, aged 35 and 41, and one woman aged 35, were arrested on suspicion of fraud offences.
All three remain in custody.
Detective Sergeant Ian Thomas of GMP’s Specialist Fraud Investigation Unit said: “I would like to thank our officers involved in Operation Sunbird for making these arrests today despite the challenging climate we’re all facing.
Covaid-19 - helping those who need it most in Greater Manchester The coronavirus outbreak has left many people across Greater Manchester struggling for access to food, basics and other support. Many of them are self-isolating, often in fragile health and alone. Public services have been working hard to find and help them, but we know they are over-stretched and working round the clock. So the Manchester Evening News and the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity have launched Covaid-19 - a fundraiser aimed at supporting those who most need help, from elderly people with no support network to homeless families living in hotels. The money will be distributed via the mayor of Greater Manchester's charity. You can donate by visiting our JustGiving page here.
"We now have a total of three people in custody due to the excellent work of our officers at GMP’s Specialist Fraud Investigation Unit.
“We’d urge anyone who thinks they have been a victim of this type of crime to report any suspicious messages or threats to police.
“Our officers are fully committed to ensuring the safety of people online across Greater Manchester and would advise residents to follow our guidance when using dating applications.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 0074 , Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 /www.actionfraud.co.uk or the independent charity Crimstoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-05-05--Man doing lockdown DIY makes a surprising discovery beneath the house

Jake Brown was carrying out renovations on his new Georgian home in Plymouth when he drilled into a wall and made a surprising discovery .
He noticed that two walls were of different textures , which piqued his interest .
Drilling further , he made a hole big enough to poke his head through to take a further look .
Then he was shocked to find a 120-year-old cavernous tunnel beneath the house - which was big enough to climb into and explore .
As he investigated the void between the house he found old paint cans and old newspapers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which revealed the tunnel had been blocked up for at least five decades .
And he found evidence on bottles that the tunnel itself dated back to the early 20th Century .
Mr Brown said he was standing outside the basement front door having a lazy coffee when `` I noticed a patch in the wall of a texture different to the rest . ''
He said : `` I also noted that the patch was the same distance from the coal cellar already exposed , currently used for storage .
“ Curiosity @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of me , after which I grabbed a drill and began working pilot viewing holes into the wall .
“ Once I had made two holes , one for viewing , one for a torch , I peered through into the dark dusty expanse and realised that it was another cavern of sorts . ''
After realising what was beneath his house , he opened the wall up so that he could climb down and walk inside .
He said he hammered out a larger opening through which he could get a better @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he should carry on making mess .
Shining a torch into the dark he found `` the larger than expected space before me . ''
He added : “ The cavern had a lot of builder 's waste from another era , so I climbed inside to explore and take a closer look . ''
A stone arched ceiling was in great condition and he measured the expanse which was five metres deep , three metres wide and three metres height .
He believes the tunnel `` had been used as an easy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ renovating the property ’ s roof , guttering , doors , and windows many years ago before being covered up . ''
“ In the dark I collected bottles , paint cans , and my golden find was the remains of a newspaper , '' he said .
“ The paint cans were extremely degraded but had enough detail to show that the labelling was of a 50s/60s era style .
“ The bottles , after a quick wipe , were etched with detailing common also of the early 1900s .
“ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost disintegrated upon human touch , so a CSI-style method was used to carefully peel back the congealed layers . ''
He soaked the pages in a warm bath and used tweezers to free the paper while it was submerged in the water .
He photographed the pages and removed what was salvageable .
He added : “ What was barely readable was the year 1964 , this along with the other pieces of evidence fitted , meaning the cellar had been blocked up for over 50 years . ''
Armed with evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Richard Fisher , to ask for his help .
Mr Fisher said : `` The whole area before then was a large hill called 'Windridge Hill ' for obvious reasons .
“ This was quarried away to almost high tide level , then the houses when built into the hole with cellars and undercrofts .
“ However these early cellars , this one looks to be for coal , were built out not only underneath the pavement but out into the road .
“ The load on the roads would have been much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seen these places turned into wine cellars , a place to grow mushrooms , and if big enough , a 'grotto ' type bathing area . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (John Bett, Helen Carter)

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Jake Brown was carrying out renovations on his new Georgian home in Plymouth when he drilled into a wall and made a surprising discovery.
He noticed that two walls were of different textures, which piqued his interest.
Drilling further, he made a hole big enough to poke his head through to take a further look.
Then he was shocked to find a 120-year-old cavernous tunnel beneath the house - which was big enough to climb into and explore.
As he investigated the void between the house he found old paint cans and old newspapers which had turned into a pulp but which revealed the tunnel had been blocked up for at least five decades.
(Image: Jake Brown/SWNS.COM)
And he found evidence on bottles that the tunnel itself dated back to the early 20th Century.
Mr Brown said he was standing outside the basement front door having a lazy coffee when "I noticed a patch in the wall of a texture different to the rest."
He said: "I also noted that the patch was the same distance from the coal cellar already exposed, currently used for storage.
“Curiosity and a little boredom got the better of me, after which I grabbed a drill and began working pilot viewing holes into the wall.
“Once I had made two holes, one for viewing, one for a torch, I peered through into the dark dusty expanse and realised that it was another cavern of sorts."
After realising what was beneath his house, he opened the wall up so that he could climb down and walk inside.
(Image: Jake Brown/SWNS.COM)
He said he hammered out a larger opening through which he could get a better idea of the space, and if he should carry on making mess.
Shining a torch into the dark he found "the larger than expected space before me."
He added: “The cavern had a lot of builder's waste from another era, so I climbed inside to explore and take a closer look."
A stone arched ceiling was in great condition and he measured the expanse which was five metres deep, three metres wide and three metres height.
(Image: Jake Brown/SWNS.COM)
He believes the tunnel "had been used as an easy space, to hide the waste from renovating the property’s roof, guttering, doors, and windows many years ago before being covered up."
“In the dark I collected bottles, paint cans, and my golden find was the remains of a newspaper," he said.
“The paint cans were extremely degraded but had enough detail to show that the labelling was of a 50s/60s era style.
“The bottles, after a quick wipe, were etched with detailing common also of the early 1900s.
“The biggest reveal was the newspaper, it almost disintegrated upon human touch, so a CSI-style method was used to carefully peel back the congealed layers."
(Image: Jake Brown / SWNS.COM)
He soaked the pages in a warm bath and used tweezers to free the paper while it was submerged in the water. He photographed the pages and removed what was salvageable.
He added: “What was barely readable was the year 1964, this along with the other pieces of evidence fitted, meaning the cellar had been blocked up for over 50 years."
Armed with evidence, Jake contacted a historian friend, Richard Fisher, to ask for his help.
Mr Fisher said: "The whole area before then was a large hill called 'Windridge Hill' for obvious reasons.
“This was quarried away to almost high tide level, then the houses when built into the hole with cellars and undercrofts.
“However these early cellars, this one looks to be for coal, were built out not only underneath the pavement but out into the road.
“The load on the roads would have been much lighter than now.
“I have seen these places turned into wine cellars, a place to grow mushrooms, and if big enough, a 'grotto' type bathing area."