themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Royal Mail sorting office a 'shambles' after coronavirus outbreak

More Royal Mail workers have hit out at the conditions in the Manchester city centre sorting office after number of staff tested positive for COVID-19 .
Two workers claim that bosses have failed to put effective measures in place to protect staff from coronavirus at the Royal Mail centre on Oldham Road .
It 's understood up to 15 members of staff tested positive for the virus last week .
One member staff , who asked not to be named , slammed the company 's handling of the situation , claiming that some managers encourage staff to break social distancing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them a favour ’ .
`` This includes asking employees to share vans , which is currently prohibited by the company , '' the worker said .
`` The business practices in the offices have been absolutely atrocious throughout this whole period and the safety and well-being of the staff has been secondary to the job being completed . ''
They claim staff who need to self-isolate have been told they won ’ t be paid and , in some cases , were told to return to work until they ’ d received @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mail denies the claims and says it is working with Public Health England to set up a mobile testing unit for staff on site .
Another member of staff , who did wish to be identified , believes that up 40 members of staff could have tested positive .
Royal Mail did not confirm the figures when approached by the Manchester Evening News .
Some staff members have also criticised the depot 's approach to Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) .
They said PPE was not being fully enforced or worn by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ claimed .
Another added : `` PPE is regularly withheld and distributed sparingly to staff , with managers also willing to ignore any rules put in place if it means trouble for themselves .
`` They have to be put under constant pressure to act on any situation and the result is always putting the business first .
This is leaving staff under unnecessary stress , in a situation where the rules and regulations keep changing regularly .
`` Many people have vulnerable family members and are coming into work and not being @ @ @ @ @ @ @ later .
The whole operation is a shambles . ''
A Royal Mail spokesperson said : `` Royal Mail takes the health and safety of its colleagues , its customers and the local communities in which we operate very seriously .
`` Following further positive tests for coronavirus at the Manchester Delivery Office , as a precautionary measure , we are working with Public Health England to provide tests for all of our staff from a mobile unit on site .
`` An enhanced clean of the building has already been carried out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to resolve any areas of concern .
All colleagues are working as normal .
`` Throughout this crisis , every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first .
`` Royal Mail has committed £40 million to buying equipment such as hand sanitiser , disposable gloves and other additional protective measures to keep our people safe as they keep the UK connected during this time .
`` We have also put in place a range of preventive measures to protect both our customers and our colleagues .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , standard ways of working have been revised to ensure that colleagues stay two metres apart at all times .
`` All staff have been briefed about the social distancing measures jointly agreed by local management and the CWU .
`` This has been supplemented with visible reminders such as posters and one-way floor markings .
In addition there is only one person permitted in a Royal Mail delivery vehicle at any one time .
”

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More Royal Mail workers have hit out at the conditions in the Manchester city centre sorting office after number of staff tested positive for COVID-19.
Two workers claim that bosses have failed to put effective measures in place to protect staff from coronavirus at the Royal Mail centre on Oldham Road.
It's understood up to 15 members of staff tested positive for the virus last week.
One member staff, who asked not to be named, slammed the company's handling of the situation, claiming that some managers encourage staff to break social distancing guidelines under the guise of ‘doing them a favour’.
"This includes asking employees to share vans, which is currently prohibited by the company," the worker said.
"The business practices in the offices have been absolutely atrocious throughout this whole period and the safety and well-being of the staff has been secondary to the job being completed."
They claim staff who need to self-isolate have been told they won’t be paid and, in some cases, were told to return to work until they’d received the results of their test.
(Image: Andrew Gentry)
Royal Mail denies the claims and says it is working with Public Health England to set up a mobile testing unit for staff on site.
Another member of staff, who did wish to be identified, believes that up 40 members of staff could have tested positive.
Royal Mail did not confirm the figures when approached by the Manchester Evening News.
Some staff members have also criticised the depot's approach to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
They said PPE was not being fully enforced or worn by all including senior management, one worker claimed.
Another added: "PPE is regularly withheld and distributed sparingly to staff, with managers also willing to ignore any rules put in place if it means trouble for themselves.
"They have to be put under constant pressure to act on any situation and the result is always putting the business first. This is leaving staff under unnecessary stress, in a situation where the rules and regulations keep changing regularly.
"Many people have vulnerable family members and are coming into work and not being told people have tested positive until days later. The whole operation is a shambles."
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: "Royal Mail takes the health and safety of its colleagues, its customers and the local communities in which we operate very seriously.
"Following further positive tests for coronavirus at the Manchester Delivery Office, as a precautionary measure, we are working with Public Health England to provide tests for all of our staff from a mobile unit on site.
"An enhanced clean of the building has already been carried out. We are working with our people, to resolve any areas of concern. All colleagues are working as normal.
(Image: Google)
"Throughout this crisis, every decision we make puts the health of our people and customers first.
"Royal Mail has committed £40 million to buying equipment such as hand sanitiser, disposable gloves and other additional protective measures to keep our people safe as they keep the UK connected during this time.
"We have also put in place a range of preventive measures to protect both our customers and our colleagues.
"As well as encouraging good hand hygiene, standard ways of working have been revised to ensure that colleagues stay two metres apart at all times.
"All staff have been briefed about the social distancing measures jointly agreed by local management and the CWU.
"This has been supplemented with visible reminders such as posters and one-way floor markings. In addition there is only one person permitted in a Royal Mail delivery vehicle at any one time.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Free farms families can visit around Manchester this summer

A day out at the farm is always a firm favourite for families with young children .
But the summer holidays do n't come cheap , so for many , trips out are n't always affordable .
That 's why these places are proving so popular - because they do n't have to cost you a penny .
Our Manchester Family has been taking a look at three farms that families can visit for free .
The little known Applecast is on the outskirts of Wigan and there are loads of animals for families to see and feed .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , sheep , horses , alpacas and a whole lot more .
There are smaller ones too , including rabbits and guinea pigs , and there are owls and other birds including some baby rheas , which you might confuse with ostriches .
You can pay for experiences , such as £2 for owl holding , or £7 for a photo to take home .
It opens every day from 10am until 3pm and entry is free .
If you 're lucky you might catch one of the regular talks from staff explaining @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 're cared for .
The garden centre and cafe are also open so you can grab something to eat and drink while you 're there .
Indoor and outdoor seating is available and there are toilets on site .
There 's a picnic area next to the chickens and ducks - with children 's picnic boxes costing £3.50 - and there 's a children 's play area for little ones to enjoy and a gift shop too .
Oh and you can take your dog along if you wish , but it must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weekend , August 8 and 9 , the place is hosting its first Farmers Market , running 10am to 3pm on both days .
All stalls will be outdoors .
The visitor centre supports the running of the Cast North West charity , which helps students with behavioural issues and additional needs , as well as adults with learning difficulties .
It educates them in animal care , fishing , horticulture and woodwork through practical based sessions helping them to interact with people and improve their mental health and welfare .
Donations are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the attraction , visit the website here .
What do you think about schools reopening in September ?
Let us know in the survey below : If you can not see this survey please click here There are loads of animals for families to see at The Garden House .
The place is open daily and completely free to visit , but opening hours are reduced at the moment from 11am until 2pm .
Visitors can take a woodland walk , have a picnic , view the tunnels that have been exposed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ closed off at the moment - children can still enjoy the junior assault course with scramble nets and balancing logs .
The animals on the site , which is operating a one-way system , include alpacas , Shetland ponies , pigs , goats , sheep , chickens , rabbits , ducks and geese .
The Garden House and land at Lakes Road , Marple Bridge , is a non-profit community project and free to visit , although it relies on donations to keep it open to the public .
The owner and volunteers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which are in enclosures round the meadow so all the animals can interact with each other instead of being in separate small pens .
It 's been open to the community for five years , but for the last four has been battling with Stockport council over planning permission and a public inquiry is expected next year .
The car park has space for 90 cars and it rarely gets full , but visitors are encouraged to access the site via the 15-minute Riverside Walk from Marple Bridge .
A reduced menu is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you can get drinks and snacks and marquees are reopening this weekend to provide undercover seating areas .
Families are welcome to take their own picnics along and there 's a new Icy Bar selling ice creams and slushies .
The Garden House is supported by Greater Manchester High Sheriff 's Police Trust and has close links with the Seashell Trust and Stockport Youth Offending Team , providing opportunities for young people .
It 's currently building a sensory garden for children supported by Seashell after receiving Community Lottery funding .
For more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ www.facebook.com/samuelgardenhouse/ .
It might be more of a drive , but this one is well worth making the trip - and it 's free .
The children 's zoo at Walton Hall and Gardens is its most popular attraction , boasting everything from donkeys , alpacas , sheep and African Pygmy goats to ducks , guinea pigs , rabbits and a colourful array of birds - including some quite brazen peacocks .
The zoo , where again there 's currently a one-way system in place and a maximum number of families allowed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the nationwide breeding programme for the native Red Squirrel .
There is a huge children 's playground , which is separated into zones for different age groups and there 's an adventure golf course offering slots for groups of four or less .
You have to pay for parking but the Walton Gardens zoo is completely free to enter and is open every day from 10.30am to 4pm , last admittance 3.45pm .
To avoid the pay and display machine you can use the app here , or call 01925 950 080 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ costs £3 for the day during the week and £4 at weekends and on bank holidays .
All toilets at the park are open and there 's a cafe which is open for takeout .
There 's lots of open space around the park to have a picnic .

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A day out at the farm is always a firm favourite for families with young children.
But the school holidays don't come cheap, so for many, trips out aren't always affordable.
That's why these places are proving so popular - because they don't have to cost you a penny.
Our Manchester Family has been taking a look at three farms that families can visit for free.
Applecast, Wigan
The little known Applecast is on the outskirts of Wigan and there are loads of animals for families to see and feed.
The venue is home to goats, pigs, sheep, horses, alpacas and a whole lot more. There are smaller ones too, including rabbits and guinea pigs, and there are owls and other birds including some baby rheas, which you might confuse with ostriches.
(Image: Applecast)
You can pay for experiences, such as £2 for owl holding, or £7 for a photo to take home.
It opens every day from 10am until 3pm and entry is free. If you're lucky you might catch one of the regular talks from staff explaining more about the animals and how they're cared for.
The garden centre and cafe are also open so you can grab something to eat and drink while you're there. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and there are toilets on site.
(Image: Applecast)
There's a picnic area next to the chickens and ducks - with children's picnic boxes costing £3.50 - and there's a children's play area for little ones to enjoy and a gift shop too.
Oh and you can take your dog along if you wish, but it must be kept on a lead.
The visitor centre supports the running of the Cast North West charity, which helps students with behavioural issues and additional needs, as well as adults with learning difficulties.
(Image: Applecast)
It educates them in animal care, fishing, horticulture and woodwork through practical based sessions helping them to interact with people and improve their mental health and welfare.
Donations are welcome from visitors.
For more information about the attraction, visit the website here.
Applecast, Cobbs Brow Lane, Newburgh, Wigan, WN8 7SF.
(Image: Applecast)
The Garden House, Stockport
There are loads of animals for families to see at The Garden House.
The place is open daily and completely free to visit, but opening hours are reduced at the moment from 11am until 2pm.
Visitors can take a woodland walk, have a picnic, view the tunnels that have been exposed and - while the play frames are closed off at the moment - children can still enjoy the junior assault course with scramble nets and balancing logs.
The animals on the site, which is operating a one-way system, include alpacas, Shetland ponies, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, ducks and geese.
The Garden House and land at Lakes Road, Marple Bridge, is a non-profit community project and free to visit, although it relies on donations to keep it open to the public.
(Image: The Garden House)
The owner and volunteers help to care for the animals, which are in enclosures round the meadow so all the animals can interact with each other instead of being in separate small pens.
It's been open to the community for five years, but for the last four has been battling with Stockport council over planning permission and a public inquiry is expected next year.
The car park has space for 90 cars and it rarely gets full, but visitors are encouraged to access the site via the 15-minute Riverside Walk from Marple Bridge.
A reduced menu is on offer at the Riverside Cafe where you can get drinks and snacks and marquees provide undercover seating areas.
Families are welcome to take their own picnics along and there's a new Icy Bar selling ice creams and slushies.
The Garden House is supported by Greater Manchester High Sheriff's Police Trust and has close links with the Seashell Trust and Stockport Youth Offending Team, providing opportunities for young people.
It's currently building a sensory garden for children supported by Seashell after receiving Community Lottery funding.
For more details about the place visit thegardenhousemarple.com or www.facebook.com/samuelgardenhouse/.
The Garden House, Lakes Road, Marple Bridge, SK6 7DH.
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Children's zoo, Walton Gardens, Warrington
It might be more of a drive, but this one is well worth making the trip - and it's free.
The children's zoo at Walton Hall and Gardens is its most popular attraction, boasting everything from donkeys, alpacas, sheep and African Pygmy goats to ducks, guinea pigs, rabbits and a colourful array of birds - including some quite brazen peacocks.
The zoo, where again there's currently a one-way system in place and a maximum number of families allowed in at one time, is also part of the nationwide breeding programme for the native Red Squirrel.
There is a huge children's playground, which is separated into zones for different age groups and there's an adventure golf course offering slots for groups of four or less.
You have to pay for parking but the Walton Gardens zoo is completely free to enter and is open every day from 10.30am to 4pm, last admittance 3.45pm.
(Image: Walton Gardens)
To avoid the pay and display machine you can use the app here, or call 01925 950 080, siting location number 18157. It costs £3 for the day during the week and £4 at weekends and on bank holidays.
All toilets at the park are open and there's a cafe which is open for takeout. There's lots of open space around the park to have a picnic.
Walton Gardens, Walton Lea Road, Higher Walton, Warrington, WA4 6SN.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Thunderstorm warning for Greater Manchester next week

A weather warning for thunderstorms in Greater Manchester next week has been issued by the Met Office .
The yellow weather warning covers the entirety of the UK on Monday and Tuesday .
It is expected to follow a hot weekend , with temperatures set to hit 37C in parts of the country .
There is a 'significant uncertainty in location and timing ' of the thunderstorms , the Met Office warns .
According to the weather warning : • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly , with damage to some buildings from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur , there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to public transport • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and increased chance of accidents • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost • There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life It comes after a warm sunny weekend across the UK , with record breaking temperatures forecast down south .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ warning for those hoping to get out and about in the sun .
They are advising people to check in on the vulnerable during the hot spell .
The north is expected to be cooler than the south , with temperatures in the late 20s all weekend .
In Greater Manchester , highs of around 28C are expected today .
Tomorrow and Sunday will be a similar picture - with highs of 26C and then 24C respectively forecast .

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A weather warning for thunderstorms in Greater Manchester next week has been issued by the Met Office.
The yellow weather warning covers the entirety of the UK on Monday and Tuesday.
It is expected to follow a hot weekend, with temperatures set to hit 37C in parts of the country.
There is a 'significant uncertainty in location and timing' of the thunderstorms, the Met Office warns.
According to the weather warning:
There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes and large hail
Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to public transport
Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and increased chance of accidents
There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life
It comes after a warm sunny weekend across the UK, with record breaking temperatures forecast down south.
(Image: Met Office)
Public Health England has even issued a warning for those hoping to get out and about in the sun.
They are advising people to check in on the vulnerable during the hot spell.
The north is expected to be cooler than the south, with temperatures in the late 20s all weekend.
In Greater Manchester, highs of around 28C are expected today.
Tomorrow and Sunday will be a similar picture - with highs of 26C and then 24C respectively forecast.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Gym offering free sessions to unemployed and furloughed residents

A gym is offering workout sessions to unemployed and furloughed residents of Greater Manchester .
KOR gym found on Newton Street in Northern Quarter will be opening it ’ s doors for regular group workouts to anyone in Greater Manchester who has been adversely affected by the pandemic .
Classes will run from Monday to Friday at 10am for the remainder of August and will be completely free .
Owner and former personal trainer Josh Yell hopes this gesture will help alleviate some of the stress caused by the lockdown and job losses that have occurred during this period .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ said : “ It will be an opportunity to let off some steam , and get out the house really , we really want to make a positive impact on people ’ s mental health right now .
“ We ’ re doing a class every day from 10 am , it will be a place for people to support each other , have an opportunity to maybe look for work and get some help .
“ It ’ s been a difficult time for a lot of people so we ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” Attendees will take part in group sessions led by personal trainers and will be allowed to use the facilities afterwards .
Josh says there will be no need to produce proof of unemployment or furloughed status and is more than happy for working residents to attend the one hour sessions too .
He said : “ There ’ s no criteria you don ’ t have to prove that you don ’ t have a job , its for anybody that feels they may benefit from it .
“ If this scheme @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health I will consider this a huge success.
” You can find out more information and on how to book a session on their website .

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A gym is offering workout sessions to unemployed and furloughed residents of Greater Manchester.
KOR gym found on Newton Street in Northern Quarter will be opening it’s doors for regular group workouts to anyone in Greater Manchester who has been adversely affected by the pandemic.
Classes will run from Monday to Friday at 10am for the remainder of August and will be completely free.
Owner and former personal trainer Josh Yell hopes this gesture will help alleviate some of the stress caused by the lockdown and job losses that have occurred during this period.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News he said:“It will be an opportunity to let off some steam, and get out the house really, we really want to make a positive impact on people’s mental health right now.
“We’re doing a class every day from 10 am, it will be a place for people to support each other, have an opportunity to maybe look for work and get some help.
“It’s been a difficult time for a lot of people so we’re keen to help out in any way.”
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Attendees will take part in group sessions led by personal trainers and will be allowed to use the facilities afterwards.
Josh says there will be no need to produce proof of unemployment or furloughed status and is more than happy for working residents to attend the one hour sessions too.
He said: “There’s no criteria you don’t have to prove that you don’t have a job, its for anybody that feels they may benefit from it.
“If this scheme improves just one person’s mental health I will consider this a huge success.”
You can find out more information and on how to book a session on their website.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Andreas Pereira has new role at Manchester United

It has been a mixed season for Andreas Pereira following his genuine breakthrough into the Manchester United first-team squad .
Having made 23 appearances last season the midfielder was tipped by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to help fill the void left by Ander Herrera last summer , but nobody quite expected him to have the role which he has .
With United failing to add any reinforcement to their midfield a year ago , Pereira was issued an more prominent role at Old Trafford , which has seen him feature 40 times across all competitions .
In fact , prior to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ played more minutes than Pereira this season , though the midfielder soon paid the price for the club 's over-reliance on him .
Injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay furthered the burden on Pereira and quickly he became one of few midfield options to Solskjaer , a role which he simply was n't ready for .
Fan frustrations towards Pereira can be understood for some of his poor performances under Solskjaer this season , but the main issue is that United became reliant on starting a squad player because they failed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Old Trafford have been more about the wider transfer failings at the club , and with Bruno Fernandes and Pogba now in the midfield the 24-year-old is showing signs of promise in his new reduced role .
The midweek victory over LASK Linz was just about the best we have seen from Pereira in a United shirt , and although the opposition were n't of the highest standard it was certainly a step in the right direction .
Even though it was a dead-rubber Europa League tie , it should be seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his 26 minute cameo on a night where other more recognisable first-teamers failed to make much of an impression .
Next season United will be playing two games a week as standard , and it is against the lesser opposition where Pereira will come into his own and ease the load on someone like Fernandes .
It is also credit to the Belgian-born midfielder that he has risen to the challenge of losing his regular place on the pitch .
Out of the intense spotlight he has been able to rediscover the confidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pirlo ' nickname on social media .
When the pressure is off Pereira plays at his best , and that is n't necessarily a bad thing .
Yes , he might not be a key player when it comes to the really important matches next season , but unlike others , he actually relishes the opportunity to play against lesser opposition becomes it quite often suits his playing style .
If Pereira is ever to really become first-team quality at United it is in these cup competitions where he will need to build @ @ @ @ @ @ @ credit for the response which he has issued .
Many players would have wilted under the unquestionable loss of confidence and vile social media abuse , but Pereira is continuing to fight for the badge which he is so desperate to do proud .
Fans might need to accept this Brazilian playmaker will never quite be their own Ronaldinho , but in a reduced role he can certainly discovered his own samba swagger .

Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
It has been a mixed season for Andreas Pereira following his genuine breakthrough into the Manchester United first-team squad.
Having made 23 appearances last season the midfielder was tipped by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to help fill the void left by Ander Herrera last summer, but nobody quite expected him to have the role which he has.
With United failing to add any reinforcement to their midfield a year ago, Pereira was issued an more prominent role at Old Trafford, which has seen him feature 40 times across all competitions. In fact, prior to lockdown only Harry Maguire and Fred had played more minutes than Pereira this season, though the midfielder soon paid the price for the club's over-reliance on him.
Injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay furthered the burden on Pereira and quickly he became one of few midfield options to Solskjaer, a role which he simply wasn't ready for.
Fan frustrations towards Pereira can be understood for some of his poor performances under Solskjaer this season, but the main issue is that United became reliant on starting a squad player because they failed to sign anybody else.
Pereira's struggles at Old Trafford have been more about the wider transfer failings at the club, and with Bruno Fernandes and Pogba now in the midfield the 24-year-old is showing signs of promise in his new reduced role.
The midweek victory over LASK Linz was just about the best we have seen from Pereira in a United shirt, and although the opposition weren't of the highest standard it was certainly a step in the right direction.
Even though it was a dead-rubber Europa League tie, it should be seen as encouragement Pereira played so well in his 26 minute cameo on a night where other more recognisable first-teamers failed to make much of an impression.
Next season United will be playing two games a week as standard, and it is against the lesser opposition where Pereira will come into his own and ease the load on someone like Fernandes. It is also credit to the Belgian-born midfielder that he has risen to the challenge of losing his regular place on the pitch.
Out of the intense spotlight he has been able to rediscover the confidence and freedom which led to his 'pre-season Pirlo' nickname on social media. When the pressure is off Pereira plays at his best, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Yes, he might not be a key player when it comes to the really important matches next season, but unlike others, he actually relishes the opportunity to play against lesser opposition becomes it quite often suits his playing style.
If Pereira is ever to really become first-team quality at United it is in these cup competitions where he will need to build his confidence, and he already deserves credit for the response which he has issued.
Many players would have wilted under the unquestionable loss of confidence and vile social media abuse, but Pereira is continuing to fight for the badge which he is so desperate to do proud.
Fans might need to accept this Brazilian playmaker will never quite be their own Ronaldinho, but in a reduced role he can certainly discovered his own samba swagger.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Jail for driver who killed two as he played games and used Facebook on motorway

A driver who killed a 14-year-old boy and a woman and seriously injured five in a horror smash after playing on his phone while on the M58 has been jailed .
The driver of a heavy goods vehicle careered ‘ like a 19-tonne battering ram ’ into a minibus holding students on their way to a special needs school , leaving a 50-year-old pupil transport assistant and 14-year-old boy dead .
Just one minute before the impact , the driver was using his phone to hold a conversation with his mum about flight prices by text message and go on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , games .
He had been doing this during the entire journey on the morning of the crash .
James Mejury , 33 , was “ effectively driving with his eyes closed ” on the morning January 8 , 2019 .
He saw but “ disregarded warning signs ” that a lane of the M58 near junction 3 was closed due to roadworks , heard Preston Crown Court this week .
Mejury “ chose to continue the dangerous act of using his phone ” before smashing into a line of traffic that had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around 8.42am .
Merjury hit the school minibus first , which then had a ‘ concertina ’ effect on the cars in front .
Merjury was sentenced on Friday after pleading guilty to two counts of death by dangerous driving and five counts of serious injury by dangerous driving .
The family of the two people who died in the crash described the horrifying day their loved ones perished .
On that fateful day , Joseph Cairns left his home in Radcliffe to go to Pontville School in Ormskirk .
Joe ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the top of their street and told him : “ Get gone you , get to school , I ’ ll see you tonight.
” But tragically , that would never happen .
Stephanie said : “ Joe being Joe he stuck his middle finger up at me and that was the last time I saw my boy alive.
” Anne Kerr too left home that morning looking forward to the day .
Anne was formerly a psychiatric nurse and teaching assistant for children with learning disabilities before becoming a school minibus escort @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s husband of more than 20 years , told the court : “ Whilst not a particularly well-paid job she did it because she enjoyed it and she loved the children she worked with.
” Minutes before the fatal crash , the couple exchanged messages , heard the court .
“ Just after 08.40am I texted Anne saying I hope her run was going ok , ” said Simon .
“ She replied soon after “ yep all is good thanks , just on the M58 so roads been a bit quieter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is your morning going quiet or busy ?
x x.
” Simon responded .
But he never got a reply .
“ This was the last contact I had with Anne , ” he said .
“ At the back of my mind I knew something was wrong .
We shared that connection that people who love each other have.
” Instead of welcoming their loved ones home that night , the two families were faced with a knock at the door from a police officer , telling them that Joe and Anne @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the course of more than half an hour that morning , Merjury had sent a slew of text messages , visited the Sky Sports app twice , went on Google Maps , turned on a strategy game on his phone - all of which required him to enter a six-digit pin code to activate his phone .
Merjury had been using the Facebook app on his phone at 8.41am , driving at 56 mph , when he struck the minibus , heard the court .
He looked up moments before the impact @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tried to slam on the brakes at 8.42am - but it was too late .
The crash ripped off doors , smashed windows and left the minibus so “ creased ” that it reduced from a size of 4.99 metres to 3.3 metres , said prosecutor Francis McEntee .
One victim from a car further away from the impact emerged to see “ complete carnage ” on the road .
Another driver said he felt like someone was “ stamping and stabbing him in the back ” after his car was crushed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who is not a qualified assessor can grasp the force impacted upon the minibus was massive , ” said Judge Robert Altham .
Anne is believed to have died almost instantly , with head and chest injuries , and a skull fracture .
It is not known how quickly Joseph died , ultimately being killed by positional asphyxia after being thrown to the foot well of the minibus and trapped between seats .
The two fatalities came alongside a multitude of other injuries .
Other drivers in the queue suffered fractured spines and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with pain , several say they can not sleep at night because of the images of the crash , a number say they are fearful of driving again .
The two families , standing in court , shared heartbreaking accounts of the devastation left behind in the wake of the crash .
“ We had a special connection and I never thought that would be broken .
“ It ’ s ripped me apart and the only thing keeping me going are my three other beautiful children .
“ I know I need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will bring me joy seeing them happy but I will always struggle to be entirely happy without my boy .
It ’ s destroyed my life.
” There are moments where Simon mistakes the loss of his wife for a nightmare , before the horror returns .
“ Nothing can prepare you for the total devastation and emptiness you feel when you are told that the person who you love most will never come home , ” he told the court .
“ You will never see them smile again .
Never hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Anne was our rock , the emptiness I feel around the house is overwhelming .
All our plans for the future and our retirement were taken away from us on the M58 .
“ Since Anne ’ s death , I struggle to sleep at night , I wake up some nights in a confused and dazed state and it takes me a few seconds to realise why Anne is not lying next to me in bed .
“ In those seconds of me coming out of my sleep I forlornly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just a nightmare , the reality of the situation quickly comes back to the forefront of my mind .
“ When told of Anne ’ s death , the only solace I could find was that her death was most probably quick .
Writing that I am glad my wife died a quick death is beyond surreal , I should not have to be grateful for this.
” The driver of the minibus said he feels guilt that he survived and two of his passengers did not .
Mr McEntee said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because he wonders if he could have done things differently.
” “ It is a common fact of these cases that people who are completely blameless feel a misplaced sense of guilt , ” replied the judge .
Merjury ’ s defence argued that he had been of previous good character , saying that he used a sum of inheritance money to train as a HGV driver in order to have enough money to raise his own eight-year-old daughter .
The defence said Merjury has been left with PTSD as a result of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the disaster led Judge Altham to consider how long he could legally ban Merjury from driving along with a tough sentence .
Judge Altham handed down a sentence of eight years and 10 months in prison for the two counts of death by dangerous driving .
He was sentenced to two years and eight months for the counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving - the sentences are to be served concurrently .
Merjury is banned from driving for nine years and 11 months , but the judge said the majority of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Judge Altham said the lives of the victims and their families had been 'laid waste ' .
He said : `` It is plain from what we have heard that the lives of those involved have been caused untold pain .
`` Despite the distractions with which he deliberately engaged , he saw the warning signs of the lane closure by his own admission .
`` I do n't just mean he was using his mobile phone to make a call or send a text - the defendant sent a text to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports app , it remained active for six minutes so he was on the M6 motorway while driving a heavy goods vehicle .
`` He was using Google Maps at around the same time .
He sent texts and responses .
`` He opened the Facebook app and 50 seconds later struck the minibus . ''
The victims of the M58 tragedy left the court with a powerful warning to other drivers who use their phones while behind the wheel .
“ I haven ’ t yet got any feelings towards the driver @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my child away , ” said Stephanie .
“ To an extent he ’ s taken my other children ’ s mum away because I know I ’ m not the same anymore and I don ’ t think I ’ ll ever be the same again without Joe in my life .
“ His actions were so selfish and utterly mindless .
I don ’ t want to focus on him but I do want to see his face and for him to see mine so he can see my hurt .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ a living nightmare without my hero , my boy Joe.
” Simon said : “ Anne should have lived to an old age and should have died an old person surrounded by those who love her .
She didn ’ t deserve to die on that cold January morning on the M58.
” “ There are no winners for anybody involved with this .
I hope that people will remember this and think about the devastation that has been caused before picking up their phone whilst driving .
“ Sadly it is too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the next victims.
” Joe 's father added : `` It ’ s not death by dangerous driving , it ’ s murder in my eyes '' .

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A driver who killed a 14-year-old boy and a woman and seriously injured five in a horror smash after playing on his phone while on the M58 has been jailed.
The driver of a heavy goods vehicle careered ‘like a 19-tonne battering ram’ into a minibus holding students on their way to a special needs school, leaving a 50-year-old pupil transport assistant and 14-year-old boy dead.
Just one minute before the impact, the driver was using his phone to hold a conversation with his mum about flight prices by text message and go on apps, including Facebook, Sky Sports, and games.
He had been doing this during the entire journey on the morning of the crash.
(Image: Lancashire Police)
James Majury, 33, was “effectively driving with his eyes closed” on the morning January 8, 2019.
He saw but “disregarded warning signs” that a lane of the M58 near junction 3 was closed due to roadworks, heard Preston Crown Court this week.
Majury “chose to continue the dangerous act of using his phone” before smashing into a line of traffic that had built up along the slip road at around 8.42am.
Marjury hit the school minibus first, which then had a ‘concertina’ effect on the cars in front.
Majury was sentenced on Friday after pleading guilty to two counts of death by dangerous driving and five counts of serious injury by dangerous driving.
The family of the two people who died in the crash described the horrifying day their loved ones perished.
On that fateful day, Joseph Cairns left his home in Radcliffe to go to Pontville School in Ormskirk.
Joe’s mum, Stephanie, walked him to the top of their street and told him: “Get gone you, get to school, I’ll see you tonight.”
But tragically, that would never happen.
Stephanie said: “Joe being Joe he stuck his middle finger up at me and that was the last time I saw my boy alive.”
Anne Kerr too left home that morning looking forward to the day.
Anne was formerly a psychiatric nurse and teaching assistant for children with learning disabilities before becoming a school minibus escort at Pontville.
Simon Kerr, Anne’s husband of more than 20 years, told the court: “Whilst not a particularly well-paid job she did it because she enjoyed it and she loved the children she worked with.”
Minutes before the fatal crash, the couple exchanged messages, heard the court.
“Just after 08.40am I texted Anne saying I hope her run was going ok,” said Simon.
“She replied soon after “yep all is good thanks, just on the M58 so roads been a bit quieter. All boys settled too. How is your morning going quiet or busy? x x.”
Simon responded. But he never got a reply.
“This was the last contact I had with Anne,” he said.
“At the back of my mind I knew something was wrong. We shared that connection that people who love each other have.”
Instead of welcoming their loved ones home that night, the two families were faced with a knock at the door from a police officer, telling them that Joe and Anne were dead.
It was discovered that over the course of more than half an hour that morning, Majury had sent a slew of text messages, visited the Sky Sports app twice, went on Google Maps, turned on a strategy game on his phone - all of which required him to enter a six-digit pin code to activate his phone.
Majury had been using the Facebook app on his phone at 8.41am, driving at 56 mph, when he struck the minibus, heard the court.
He looked up moments before the impact to see the line of cars and tried to slam on the brakes at 8.42am - but it was too late.
The crash ripped off doors, smashed windows and left the minibus so “creased” that it reduced from a size of 4.99 metres to 3.3 metres, said prosecutor Francis McEntee.
One victim from a car further away from the impact emerged to see “complete carnage” on the road.
Another driver said he felt like someone was “stamping and stabbing him in the back” after his car was crushed in the line.
“Even to someone who is not a qualified assessor can grasp the force impacted upon the minibus was massive,” said Judge Robert Altham.
Anne is believed to have died almost instantly, with head and chest injuries, and a skull fracture.
It is not known how quickly Joseph died, ultimately being killed by positional asphyxia after being thrown to the foot well of the minibus and trapped between seats.
The two fatalities came alongside a multitude of other injuries.
Other drivers in the queue suffered fractured spines and vertebrae. They struggle to this day with pain, several say they cannot sleep at night because of the images of the crash, a number say they are fearful of driving again.
The two families, standing in court, shared heartbreaking accounts of the devastation left behind in the wake of the crash.
“I cry everyday thinking about Joe,” said mum Stephanie.
“We had a special connection and I never thought that would be broken.
“It’s ripped me apart and the only thing keeping me going are my three other beautiful children.
“I know I need to be strong for them and it will bring me joy seeing them happy but I will always struggle to be entirely happy without my boy. It’s destroyed my life.”
(Image: Lancashire Police)
There are moments where Simon mistakes the loss of his wife for a nightmare, before the horror returns.
“Nothing can prepare you for the total devastation and emptiness you feel when you are told that the person who you love most will never come home,” he told the court.
“You will never see them smile again. Never hear them tell you that they love you.
“Anne was our rock, the emptiness I feel around the house is overwhelming. All our plans for the future and our retirement were taken away from us on the M58.
“Since Anne’s death, I struggle to sleep at night, I wake up some nights in a confused and dazed state and it takes me a few seconds to realise why Anne is not lying next to me in bed.
“In those seconds of me coming out of my sleep I forlornly hope that Anne’s death was just a nightmare, the reality of the situation quickly comes back to the forefront of my mind.
“When told of Anne’s death, the only solace I could find was that her death was most probably quick. Writing that I am glad my wife died a quick death is beyond surreal, I should not have to be grateful for this.”
The driver of the minibus said he feels guilt that he survived and two of his passengers did not.
Mr McEntee said: “He blames himself to a certain extent because he wonders if he could have done things differently.”
“It is a common fact of these cases that people who are completely blameless feel a misplaced sense of guilt,” replied the judge.
Majury’s defence argued that he had been of previous good character, saying that he used a sum of inheritance money to train as a HGV driver in order to have enough money to raise his own eight-year-old daughter.
The defence said Majury has been left with PTSD as a result of his actions.
But the scale of the disaster led Judge Altham to consider how long he could legally ban Majury from driving along with a tough sentence.
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Judge Altham handed down a sentence of eight years and 10 months in prison for the two counts of death by dangerous driving. He was sentenced to two years and eight months for the counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving - the sentences are to be served concurrently.
Majury is banned from driving for nine years and 11 months, but the judge said the majority of that disqualification will be served in prison.
Judge Altham said the lives of the victims and their families had been 'laid waste'.
He said: "It is plain from what we have heard that the lives of those involved have been caused untold pain.
"Despite the distractions with which he deliberately engaged, he saw the warning signs of the lane closure by his own admission.
"I don't just mean he was using his mobile phone to make a call or send a text - the defendant sent a text to Radio 1, he activated the Sky Sports app, it remained active for six minutes so he was on the M6 motorway while driving a heavy goods vehicle.
"He was using Google Maps at around the same time. He sent texts and responses.
"He opened the Facebook app and 50 seconds later struck the minibus."
The victims of the M58 tragedy left the court with a powerful warning to other drivers who use their phones while behind the wheel.
“I haven’t yet got any feelings towards the driver despite the fact he’s taken my child away,” said Stephanie.
“To an extent he’s taken my other children’s mum away because I know I’m not the same anymore and I don’t think I’ll ever be the same again without Joe in my life.
“His actions were so selfish and utterly mindless. I don’t want to focus on him but I do want to see his face and for him to see mine so he can see my hurt.
“It’s going to be a living nightmare without my hero, my boy Joe.”
Simon said: “Anne should have lived to an old age and should have died an old person surrounded by those who love her. She didn’t deserve to die on that cold January morning on the M58.
“There are no winners for anybody involved with this. I hope that people will remember this and think about the devastation that has been caused before picking up their phone whilst driving.
“Sadly it is too late for our family but not for the next victims.”
Joe's father added: "It’s not death by dangerous driving, it’s murder in my eyes".


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--The updated list of countries you can travel to without having to quarantine

The list of countries that are exempt from the government 's 14-day quarantine policy has been updated .
On Thursday night , the Foreign Office announced that three countries - The Bahamas , Belgium and Andorra - would be removed from their approved travel corridor list following a rise in coronavirus cases in the territories .
Meaning travellers and holidaymakers returning from these places will now have to undergo a mandatory self-isolation period when they return to the UK .
While more have been taken off the travel list , there have been also been more destinations added , too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to England by train , ferry , coach , air or any other route .
However , this may not apply on arrival at their destination and depends on the measures the country has in place .
It is worth noting that travellers will still need to self-isolate if they visited or made a transit stop in a country or territory that is not on the list in the 14 days before you arrive back .
So make sure you check your flight schedule before you travel .
These are the countries you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arrival in England : • Estonia ( added 28 July – if you arrived in England from Estonia before 28 July , you will need to self–isolate ) • Latvia ( added 28 July – if you arrived in England from Latvia before 28 July , you will need to self–isolate ) • Slovakia ( added 28 July – if you arrived in England from Slovakia before 28 July , you will need to self–isolate ) • Slovenia ( added 28 July – if you arrived in England from Slovenia before 28 July @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • St Vincent and the Grenadines ( added 28 July – if you arrived in England from St Vincent and the Grenadines before 28 July , you will need to self–isolate ) This list is continually under review depending on how spread of coronavirus is being managed in each country but correct at the time of publishing .
Rules may differ in the country of travel .
The FCO also advises that before you arrival in the UK , you must complete a passenger locator form via the government website .
You must @ @ @ @ @ @ @ England - and this applies to both international visitors and UK residents .
It is also important to point out that this only applies to those in England as Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet announced any changes to its restrictions on international travel .

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The list of countries that are exempt from the government's 14-day quarantine policy has been updated.
On Thursday night, the Foreign Office announced that three countries - The Bahamas, Belgium and Andorra - would be removed from their approved travel corridor list following a rise in coronavirus cases in the territories.
Meaning travellers and holidaymakers returning from these places will now have to undergo a mandatory self-isolation period when they return to the UK.
While more have been taken off the travel list, there have been also been more destinations added, too.
The exemptions apply to all travel to England by train, ferry, coach, air or any other route.
However, this may not apply on arrival at their destination and depends on the measures the country has in place.
It is worth noting that travellers will still need to self-isolate if they visited or made a transit stop in a country or territory that is not on the list in the 14 days before you arrive back.
So make sure you check your flight schedule before you travel.
These are the countries you currently won't need to self-isolate after arrival in England:
Akrotiri and Dhekelia Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Australia Austria Barbados Bermuda Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba British Antarctic Territory British Indian Ocean Territory British Virgin Islands Brunei Cayman Islands the Channel Islands Croatia Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Dominica Estonia (added 28 July – if you arrived in England from Estonia before 28 July, you will need to self–isolate) Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gibraltar Germany Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Hong Kong Hungary Iceland Ireland the Isle of Man Italy Jamaica Japan Latvia (added 28 July – if you arrived in England from Latvia before 28 July, you will need to self–isolate) Liechtenstein Lithuania Macao (Macau) Malta Malaysia Mauritius Monaco Montserrat the Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Norway Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands Poland Reunion San Marino Seychelles Slovakia (added 28 July – if you arrived in England from Slovakia before 28 July, you will need to self–isolate) Slovenia (added 28 July – if you arrived in England from Slovenia before 28 July, you will need to self–isolate) South Korea South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands St Barthélemy St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Pierre and Miquelon St Vincent and the Grenadines (added 28 July – if you arrived in England from St Vincent and the Grenadines before 28 July, you will need to self–isolate) Switzerland Taiwan Trinidad and Tobago Turkey Turks and Caicos Islands Vatican City State Vietnam
This list is continually under review depending on how spread of coronavirus is being managed in each country but correct at the time of publishing.
Rules may differ in the country of travel.
The FCO also advises that before you arrival in the UK, you must complete a passenger locator form via the government website.
You must present these details on your arrival in England - and this applies to both international visitors and UK residents.
It is also important to point out that this only applies to those in England as Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have not yet announced any changes to its restrictions on international travel.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Forensic officers comb parish church gardens after murder probe launched

Forensic officers are combing the gardens of an historic church after a man was found dead .
A murder probe was launched following the discovery at Wigan Parish Church on Thursday evening .
Two men aged 19 and 29 , and another man whose age is unknown have since been arrested on suspicion of murder and are being questioned by detectives .
A woman has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender .
A large cordon remains in place today with officers guarding all entrances to the gardens , in Wigan town centre .
Crime scene investigators could @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off Bishopgate .
An air ambulance was sent to the area at around 7.50pm last night ( Thursday ) and paramedics attempted to treat the victim but he died at the scene .
Witnesses reported a huge emergency response to the incident , with a large number of police cars and ambulances called to the scene .
A worker at a nearby pub told the Manchester Evening News : “ I was working last night when the police turned up at the front and ran round to the church .
“ There were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the gardens .
The police moved everyone on .
“ It ’ s not nice to hear that someone has died.
” Claire Bailey is the owner of a Hair Envy , a salon in Bishopgate .
She said the church gardens were ‘ notorious ’ for trouble .
“ There ’ s always problems with people fighting , drinking and taking drugs on there .
“ It is a shame because it ’ s a church and it should be a nice area , but I always walk around rather going through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time before something like this happened.
” Police are asking anyone who may have spotted a group of men in the area between 7-7.30pm to get in touch as soon as possible .
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 2974 of 06/08/2020 .
Alternatively , call Crimestoppers , anonymously , on 0800 555 111 .

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Forensic officers are combing the gardens of an historic church after a man was found dead.
A murder probe was launched following the discovery at Wigan Parish Church on Thursday evening.
Two men aged 19 and 29, and another man whose age is unknown have since been arrested on suspicion of murder and are being questioned by detectives.
A woman has also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
A large cordon remains in place today with officers guarding all entrances to the gardens, in Wigan town centre.
(Image: M.E.N.)
Crime scene investigators could be seen working at the scene, off Bishopgate.
An air ambulance was sent to the area at around 7.50pm last night (Thursday) and paramedics attempted to treat the victim but he died at the scene.
Witnesses reported a huge emergency response to the incident, with a large number of police cars and ambulances called to the scene.
A worker at a nearby pub told the Manchester Evening News: “I was working last night when the police turned up at the front and ran round to the church.
“There were a lot of people gathered round in the gardens. The police moved everyone on.
“It’s not nice to hear that someone has died.”
Claire Bailey is the owner of a Hair Envy, a salon in Bishopgate.
She said the church gardens were ‘notorious’ for trouble.
“There’s always problems with people fighting, drinking and taking drugs on there.
“It is a shame because it’s a church and it should be a nice area, but I always walk around rather going through.
Sign up to the free MyWigan email newsletter Get regular updates from Wigan direct to your email inbox with the free MyWigan newsletter. All you need to do is click on this link, enter your email address, and select 'MyWigan News'.
“It was a matter of time before something like this happened.”
Police are asking anyone who may have spotted a group of men in the area between 7-7.30pm to get in touch as soon as possible.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 2974 of 06/08/2020. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Legendary Manchester DJ Graeme Park is celebrating his birthday with a live set

Legendary Hacienda DJ Graeme Park is sharing his birthday celebrations with fans across the globe this weekend .
The house DJ , credited as one of the original founders of the UK 's rave and club scene , will play a live set to be shared with fans and friends around the world .
Hacienda resident Graeme , who played at the iconic venue on Whitworth Street West until it closed in 1997 , will spin his birthday DJ set via the Manchester-based live music streaming platform Beatstream .
The three hour set from 8pm on Saturday will allow locked-down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their own home to mark his 57th birthday .
The superstar veteran of the decks will play a selection of his favourite club tunes from past to present .
Graeme , who made his name more than 30 years ago in at the Hacienda , said : `` For the past few months I 've really missed DJing to a live audience and being involved in bringing people together to share great music .
`` That 's why I 'm streaming a special DJ set to celebrate my birthday via Beatstream giving everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and performances that we 're all missing so much . ''
Beatstream were preparing to launch its new box office service , to enable live music venues to boost ticket sales via live streaming , just as COVID-19 hit the country .
Co-founder Helen Fish said : `` Since then we ’ ve supported some fantastic live music events during lockdown , but we 're keen to get going again and provide a solution to some of the well documented challenges that the live music industry is currently facing .
“ It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ support for the business and we ’ re keen to speak with more managers , promoters , artists and venues as they make preparations for opening the live music industry back up.
” Entry fee to access the Beatstream broadcast will be £5 , Those joining the Beatstream on Saturday are invited to use the hashtag # parkysbirthday on Twitter to request a shout out and share their own celebrations throughout the set .
Every ticket purchased will be entered into a draw to win a signed copy of Graeme 's Long Live @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Smiley T-shirt .

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Legendary Hacienda DJ Graeme Park is sharing his birthday celebrations with fans across the globe this weekend.
The house DJ, credited as one of the original founders of the UK's rave and club scene, will play a live set to be shared with fans and friends around the world.
Hacienda resident Graeme, who played at the iconic venue on Whitworth Street West until it closed in 1997, will spin his birthday DJ set via the Manchester-based live music streaming platform Beatstream.
The three hour set from 8pm on Saturday will allow locked-down music fanatics bring real nightclub vibes into their own home to mark his 57th birthday.
The superstar veteran of the decks will play a selection of his favourite club tunes from past to present.
Graeme, who made his name more than 30 years ago in at the Hacienda, said: "For the past few months I've really missed DJing to a live audience and being involved in bringing people together to share great music.
"That's why I'm streaming a special DJ set to celebrate my birthday via Beatstream giving everyone the chance to celebrate the live shows and performances that we're all missing so much."
(Image: Joel Goodman)
Beatstream were preparing to launch its new box office service, to enable live music venues to boost ticket sales via live streaming, just as COVID-19 hit the country.
Co-founder Helen Fish said: "Since then we’ve supported some fantastic live music events during lockdown, but we're keen to get going again and provide a solution to some of the well documented challenges that the live music industry is currently facing.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
“It’s great to have Graeme’s support for the business and we’re keen to speak with more managers, promoters, artists and venues as they make preparations for opening the live music industry back up.”
Entry fee to access the Beatstream broadcast will be £5,
Those joining the Beatstream on Saturday are invited to use the hashtag #parkysbirthday on Twitter to request a shout out and share their own celebrations throughout the set.
Every ticket purchased will be entered into a draw to win a signed copy of Graeme's Long Live House CD and an official Graeme Park Smiley T-shirt.
To book visit ticketweb.uk


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Manchester United Under-23s promoted after Premier League decision

Manchester United 's Under-23s have been promoted to the Premier League 2 , it has been confirmed .
The Premier League announced on Friday that United 's youngsters will go up alongside West Ham United after they were second in their division when coronavirus struck .
The league was put on hold in March and then permanently cancelled because of the pandemic .
United 's final game before the shutdown with a 3-2 victory at Stoke , which put them second in the league on 43 points from 17 games .
The final standings were ultimately determined based on a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Neil Wood 's side will compete in the top tier of Under-23 football in the 2020/21 campaign .
That means they will take on the best youngsters from Manchester City , Arsenal , Chelsea and others next season .
James Garner , Dylan Levitt and Teden Mengi were among those to impress on an individual level .
No official decision has yet been made on the start of the new Under-23 season , though it is anticipated to commence on September 12th in line with the new Premier League first team campaign .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ year how promotion would be vindication for the work the United youngsters have put in over the past season .
He said : `` I think it would benefit the club , it would benefit the 23s players to play against the likes of Man City , Chelsea , Tottenham and those teams .
`` I think the season as a whole has been quite successful .
The experience of the season has been really good for them .
Some of the lads made their debuts out in Astana with the first team @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really proud of that as a club . ''

Manchester United's Under-23s have been promoted to the Premier League 2, it has been confirmed.
The Premier League announced on Friday that United's youngsters will go up alongside West Ham United after they were second in their division when coronavirus struck.
The league was put on hold in March and then permanently cancelled because of the pandemic. United's final game before the shutdown with a 3-2 victory at Stoke, which put them second in the league on 43 points from 17 games.
The final standings were ultimately determined based on a points per game calculation and it means Neil Wood's side will compete in the top tier of Under-23 football in the 2020/21 campaign. That means they will take on the best youngsters from Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and others next season. James Garner, Dylan Levitt and Teden Mengi were among those to impress on an individual level.
No official decision has yet been made on the start of the new Under-23 season, though it is anticipated to commence on September 12th in line with the new Premier League first team campaign.
Boss Wood told MEN Sport earlier this year how promotion would be vindication for the work the United youngsters have put in over the past season.
He said: "I think it would benefit the club, it would benefit the 23s players to play against the likes of Man City, Chelsea, Tottenham and those teams.
"I think the season as a whole has been quite successful. The experience of the season has been really good for them. Some of the lads made their debuts out in Astana with the first team and that was excellent, we were really proud of that as a club."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Police officer sacked over allegations he abused his role for 'sexual purpose'

A police officer has been sacked after allegations he abused his position for 'sexual purpose ' .
Constable Oliver Norris ' dismissal follows an investigation by police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct ( IOPC ) .
The IOPC said the Lancashire Police officer , aged 34 , was investigated following allegations he abused his position for sexual purpose in relation to his contact with two women in 2016 and 2017 .
There were two allegations made : • That he entered into an inappropriate relationship with a woman , having met her during the course of his duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
• That he entered into an inappropriate relationship with a second woman , having met her during the course of his duties , between September 2016 and November 2017 .
The IOPC said its investigation , completed in August 2019 'found evidence of a case to answer , for gross misconduct , for PC Norris for breaching police standards of professional behaviour ' .
They said Lancashire Police agreed and a gross misconduct hearing took place last month .
In a statement , the IOPC said : `` The police panel overseeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ qualified chair , found PC Norris had committed misconduct with regard to his contact with one of the women and gross misconduct with regard to his contact with the second woman .
`` The panel dismissed the officer from the force with immediate effect . ''
IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe : `` PC Norris breached police professional standards of behaviour not once , but twice - using his role to actively engage with two women .
`` Such behaviour - an abuse of his position for sexual purpose - has no place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decision shows that such actions will not be tolerated .
`` We are working hard to ensure police forces refer all allegations of abuse of position for sexual purpose to us , and we will continue to provide guidance and knowledge to help identify this abuse of trust as early as possible . ''
The information has now been published .
It is for the police force to schedule a date for gross misconduct hearing , and to convene the panel .
This hearing was due to take place in November last year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of COVID-19 restrictions .
PC Norris was based in the force 's West Division , which covers Blackpool , Fylde , Lancaster and Morecambe .
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Clegg , of Lancashire Police 's Professional Standards Department , said : `` We strongly disapprove of the actions committed by this individual as we expect the highest standards of our officers and staff and the vast majority adhere to these standards .
`` Where the standards of professional behaviour are breached we will take robust action as we have done in investigating and @ @ @ @ @

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A police officer has been sacked after allegations he abused his position for 'sexual purpose'.
Constable Oliver Norris' dismissal follows an investigation by police watchdog the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The IOPC said the Lancashire Police officer, aged 34, was investigated following allegations he abused his position for sexual purpose in relation to his contact with two women in 2016 and 2017.
There were two allegations made:
• That he entered into an inappropriate relationship with a woman, having met her during the course of his duties, between January 2016 and November 2017.
Sign up to the free MEN email newsletter Get the latest updates from across Greater Manchester direct to your inbox with the free MEN newsletter You can sign up very simply by following the instructions here
• That he entered into an inappropriate relationship with a second woman, having met her during the course of his duties, between September 2016 and November 2017.
The IOPC said its investigation, completed in August 2019 'found evidence of a case to answer, for gross misconduct, for PC Norris for breaching police standards of professional behaviour'.
They said Lancashire Police agreed and a gross misconduct hearing took place last month.
(Image: PA)
In a statement, the IOPC said: "The police panel overseeing the hearing, including an independent legally qualified chair, found PC Norris had committed misconduct with regard to his contact with one of the women and gross misconduct with regard to his contact with the second woman.
"The panel dismissed the officer from the force with immediate effect."
IOPC Regional Director Amanda Rowe: "PC Norris breached police professional standards of behaviour not once, but twice - using his role to actively engage with two women.
"Such behaviour - an abuse of his position for sexual purpose - has no place in policing, and the panel's decision shows that such actions will not be tolerated.
"We are working hard to ensure police forces refer all allegations of abuse of position for sexual purpose to us, and we will continue to provide guidance and knowledge to help identify this abuse of trust as early as possible."
The information has now been published.
It is for the police force to schedule a date for gross misconduct hearing, and to convene the panel.
This hearing was due to take place in November last year, but was delayed as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
PC Norris was based in the force's West Division, which covers Blackpool, Fylde, Lancaster and Morecambe.
Detective Chief Inspector Jon Clegg, of Lancashire Police's Professional Standards Department, said: "We strongly disapprove of the actions committed by this individual as we expect the highest standards of our officers and staff and the vast majority adhere to these standards.
"Where the standards of professional behaviour are breached we will take robust action as we have done in investigating and presenting this case."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Hazard and Militao in - Predicted Real Madrid XI to face Man City

Real Madrid might be without Sergio Ramos , but they can welcome back Eden Hazard for their Champions League last 16 second leg at Manchester City .
Hazard was injured for the first leg , but the suspension of football between that game in February and the resumption of the football season in June has given the former Chelsea man time to return .
Real know they must score twice against City to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter finals , so Hazard 's quality - and knowledge of City 's defence - is likely to see him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first leg , would be the favourite to drop out from the February game , while midfielder Federico Valverde might be the other tactical change from the XI who were beaten by City at the Bernabeu .
That would allow Toni Kroos to come into midfield to add some experience and calm to Zinedine Zidane 's side , who know a goal for City will leave them needed to score three times to win the game in normal time .
With captain Ramos suspended , Eder Militao seems the most likely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's final league game of the season and featuring in an inter-squad friendly last week .
Elsewhere , Real can name the same players who started the first leg , with the likes of Isco , Marco Asensio , Marcelo , Luka Jovic , Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo to call upon from the bench .
Former City youngster Brahim Diaz could also be named among the substitutes after he was included in the travelling squad for the game .

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Real Madrid might be without Sergio Ramos, but they can welcome back Eden Hazard for their Champions League last 16 second leg at Manchester City.
Hazard was injured for the first leg, but the suspension of football between that game in February and the resumption of the football season in June has given the former Chelsea man time to return.
Real know they must score twice against City to stand any chance of progressing to the quarter finals, so Hazard's quality - and knowledge of City's defence - is likely to see him start.
Isco, Real's goalscorer in the first leg, would be the favourite to drop out from the February game, while midfielder Federico Valverde might be the other tactical change from the XI who were beaten by City at the Bernabeu.
That would allow Toni Kroos to come into midfield to add some experience and calm to Zinedine Zidane's side, who know a goal for City will leave them needed to score three times to win the game in normal time.
With captain Ramos suspended, Eder Militao seems the most likely to come in, having started Real's final league game of the season and featuring in an inter-squad friendly last week.
Elsewhere, Real can name the same players who started the first leg, with the likes of Isco, Marco Asensio, Marcelo, Luka Jovic, Lucas Vazquez and Rodrygo to call upon from the bench.
Former City youngster Brahim Diaz could also be named among the substitutes after he was included in the travelling squad for the game.
Predicted Real Madrid XI to face Man City: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Militao, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Hazard, Benzema, Vinicius Jr.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Man City signing Torres makes Real Madrid Champions League prediction

Ferran Torres has predicted that his new club Manchester City will advance past Real Madrid in the Champions League .
It 's been almost six months since the first leg was played at the Bernabeu due to the coronavirus crisis but the two clubs will finally be able to complete their last 16 tie on Friday night .
The Blues hold a 2-1 advantage after goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne secured an historic comeback victory in the Spanish capital but Madrid are much better team than they were in that match and have since gone on to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It 's set to be a tense evening in Manchester , with the winner booking a place in Lisbon for the final rounds of the competition , and Torres has backed his new teammates to not only defeat Los Blancos , but to go on and lift the trophy .
Vote for your City player of the season here : '' I 'm going to see the game tomorrow with my new City shirt and supporting City , '' the Spaniard told Post United .
`` A percentage ?
When Madrid reaches the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bad shape , but it 's their competition .
But this time it is very difficult , I think it is 80/20 for City . ''
When asked who would win the tournament , he added : `` It 's not because I just signed for that team but City is very strong , scores many goals and is very important .
There is Madrid , there is Atalanta who is also very strong , Barca , we already know how these teams are . ''
Although Torres completed his £20.8million move to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he is not eligible to play in the remaining Champions League games but he will be watching and cheering on his teammates .
`` It 's my turn to support them against Madrid , but I think they will pass , '' he said .

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Ferran Torres has predicted that his new club Manchester City will advance past Real Madrid in the Champions League.
It's been almost six months since the first leg was played at the Bernabeu due to the coronavirus crisis but the two clubs will finally be able to complete their last 16 tie on Friday night.
The Blues hold a 2-1 advantage after goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kevin De Bruyne secured an historic comeback victory in the Spanish capital but Madrid are much better team than they were in that match and have since gone on to win La Liga ahead of Barcelona.
It's set to be a tense evening in Manchester, with the winner booking a place in Lisbon for the final rounds of the competition, and Torres has backed his new teammates to not only defeat Los Blancos, but to go on and lift the trophy.
Vote for your City player of the season here:
"I'm going to see the game tomorrow with my new City shirt and supporting City," the Spaniard told Post United.
"A percentage? When Madrid reaches the Champions League, they may be in bad shape, but it's their competition. But this time it is very difficult, I think it is 80/20 for City."
When asked who would win the tournament, he added: "It's not because I just signed for that team but City is very strong, scores many goals and is very important. There is Madrid, there is Atalanta who is also very strong, Barca, we already know how these teams are."
Although Torres completed his £20.8million move to City from Valencia earlier this week, he is not eligible to play in the remaining Champions League games but he will be watching and cheering on his teammates.
"It's my turn to support them against Madrid, but I think they will pass," he said.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Guardiola sends warning to Man City players after Real Madrid win

Pep Guardiola said that beating Real Madrid twice is an important step in preparing Manchester City to win the Champions League .
But if beating the 13-times winners home and away has strengthened the Blues ’ mentality and self-belief , the Blues boss says they quickly have to put it into perspective .
City will face Lyon in the quarter-final in Lisbon next Saturday , and if they are not ready for the team that knocked out Juventus tonight , they will suffer – and be right back at square one , says Guardiola .
Asked about the significance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ February with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad , Guardiola said : “ Of course , it 's important .
We beat them twice .
Never lost in two knockout games .
“ You can see with personality when they play , they are good .
We are here to try to win the Champions League .
It ’ s just one step .
If we think that is enough , it shows we are a small team.
” City had to dig deep at times , especially after Karim Benzema levelled Raheem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Blues came out strong in the second half , never stopped working , and secured victory through Gabriel Jesus .
“ When you play Real Madrid , you realise how good they are , '' Guardiola added .
`` We scored two goals from mistakes from them .
It 's not easy .
We tried to convince them to attack .
We are in the quarter finals .
”

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Pep Guardiola said that beating Real Madrid twice is an important step in preparing Manchester City to win the Champions League.
But if beating the 13-times winners home and away has strengthened the Blues’ mentality and self-belief, the Blues boss says they quickly have to put it into perspective.
City will face Lyon in the quarter-final in Lisbon next Saturday, and if they are not ready for the team that knocked out Juventus tonight, they will suffer – and be right back at square one, says Guardiola.
Asked about the significance of following that win in the Bernabeu in February with a 2-1 victory at the Etihad, Guardiola said: “Of course, it's important. We beat them twice. Never lost in two knockout games.
“You can see with personality when they play, they are good. We are here to try to win the Champions League. It’s just one step. If we think that is enough, it shows we are a small team.”
City had to dig deep at times, especially after Karim Benzema levelled Raheem Sterling’s early opener.
But the Blues came out strong in the second half, never stopped working, and secured victory through Gabriel Jesus.
“When you play Real Madrid, you realise how good they are," Guardiola added. "We scored two goals from mistakes from them. It's not easy. We tried to convince them to attack. We are in the quarter finals.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-08-07--Raheem Sterling reveals Man City game plan vs Real Madrid

Manchester City aimed to put Real Madrid under pressure from the off during their round-of-16 clash at the Etihad Stadium , according to Raheem Sterling .
City took the lead after just nine minutes when Raphael Varane was caught in possession by Gabriel Jesus .
The stray ball fell to Sterling who tapped home the opener , his 20th goal in the Champions League and 100th for City .
Madrid hit back through Karim Benzema but constantly struggled to bypass City 's high press led by Jesus , Sterling and Foden .
After the interval , Rodri launched a long @ @ @ @ @ @ @ forced Varane into another mistake before expertly beating Thibaut Courtois to effectively seal City 's place in the next round .
Sterling revealed City 's high pressing was no coincidence and he was delighted it resulted in two goals .
`` We wanted to be right on them and from our pressing we got two goals , '' he told BT Sport .
`` Energy , passion .
It is a competition we want to do well in .
If we play our football and run our socks off then the result will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are , we know how good we are and the difference was who would run the most and I thought we were brilliant today .
`` A great achievement [ to score 100 goals for the club ] , hopefully plenty more to follow . ''
City will now travel to Portugal for the remainder of the tournament .
They will face Lyon on August 15 after the French side knocked out Juventus on away goals .

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Manchester City aimed to put Real Madrid under pressure from the off during their round-of-16 clash at the Etihad Stadium, according to Raheem Sterling.
City took the lead after just nine minutes when Raphael Varane was caught in possession by Gabriel Jesus. The stray ball fell to Sterling who tapped home the opener, his 20th goal in the Champions League and 100th for City.
Madrid hit back through Karim Benzema but constantly struggled to bypass City's high press led by Jesus, Sterling and Foden.
After the interval, Rodri launched a long ball forward towards Jesus and the Brazilian forced Varane into another mistake before expertly beating Thibaut Courtois to effectively seal City's place in the next round.
Sterling revealed City's high pressing was no coincidence and he was delighted it resulted in two goals.
"We wanted to be right on them and from our pressing we got two goals," he told BT Sport.
"Energy, passion. It is a competition we want to do well in. If we play our football and run our socks off then the result will come.
"We know how good they are, we know how good we are and the difference was who would run the most and I thought we were brilliant today.
"A great achievement [to score 100 goals for the club], hopefully plenty more to follow."
City will now travel to Portugal for the remainder of the tournament. They will face Lyon on August 15 after the French side knocked out Juventus on away goals.