themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--The heartbreaking confusion of Covid for care home residents with dementia

Rhoda Piggott suffers from dementia and through the fog of this cruel disease , life can be confusing .
But the sudden and continued absence of her family - and a new reality where everybody around her wears masks - has thrown her world into a deeper haze .
Before the pandemic , Rhoda 's daughter Ivy Giffiths , 61 , from Failsworth , would visit the 81-year-old six times a week for four hours at at a time .
The mother and daughter pair , Ivy says , have always been very close - and , like thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis is taking its toll on them both .
While Ivy heaps praise on the staff at Failsworth 's Acorn Lodge care home , they are restricted by government guidelines which ban visits unless for exceptional circumstances like sickness or end of life contact .
Ivy , who has seen her mum just three times in seven months - and only from a distance - is among the thousands of relatives calling for key worker status , with testing and PPE , so they can have contact even during the strict lockdowns which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And , while some campaigners are currently demanding a short two-week lockdown to stop rising infection rates in care homes , charities and families argue that a long term strategy is also needed to balance mental wellbeing against the risks .
Earlier this month , care minister Helen Whately announced a pilot to allow family members to be treated as key workers - using PPE and regular testing to be given frequent access to their loved one .
Although such a scheme affords a glimmer of hope for relatives like Ivy , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or detail is concerning as Greater Manchester is cast into a Tier 3 lockdown - and the Department for Health and Social Care failed to shed any light on the proposed scheme when the Manchester Evening News contacted them on Wednesday .
Meanwhile , families like Rhoda 's struggle on .
Daughter Ivy told the Manchester Evening News : `` In phone calls she always says 'Can I come home ?
`` I got upset a few weeks ago when she said ' I do n't know how we got separated but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find me ? ''
`` A couple of times on the phone , she 's mentioned the masks , she does n't understand why .
She says 'The ladies here keep wearing masks and I ca n't see their faces ' .
Ivy added : `` Time is of the essence .
We want to give my mum quality of life .
`` As a mother and daughter we are so close it 's unbelievable , not having her in my life is so hard , I know she 's not dead but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This key worker status needs to be put in place so families can start feeling close again .
How will we celebrate Christmas knowing we ca n't be close to the ones we love ?
My mum is going to see the Christmas trees and wonder where we are .
Ivy , who has a serious lung condition which means she is dependent on oxygen , has been shielding throughout the pandemic along with her daughter Laura Hope , 32 , and her son who is on the autistic spectrum .
Rhoda began @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the death of her husband , and the condition worsened rapidly after his passing .
At first , the family tried to care for her at home but she would repeatedly run away - twice on the train in a bid to visit Wales , where she grew up .
Eventually , the family conceded she would be safest in a care home and she moved to Acorn Lodge , where she has lived for four years .
Ivy added : `` The home has been marvellous with her .
She still recognises @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' But with the pandemic came the harsh restrictions and the family have had to accept limited contact , with two phone calls a week .
When Rhoda stopped eating and drinking , Ivy was allowed one window visit .
Ivy added : `` They are not pushing this pilot scheme fast enough .
The home 's hands are tied , our hands are tied .
To go from six days a week to nothing , it 's got to have an impact on my mum and it definitely has one on me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ - I saw another lady talking to her mum through the window - she was in floods of tears because she just wanted to hug her . ''
Judy Downie , from the Relatives and Residents Association , is among those calling for the Government to give family members key worker status with testing and PPE so they can have regular contact with residents .
But she too complains that the government 's glacial pace on this issue is damaging those affected .
She said : `` We are now contemplating what on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 's just heartbreaking .
The people we are talking about do n't have much time left .
`` The Government makes these gestures that have no reality .
There 's no point in a winter plan saying there can be no visits then announcing this pilot where people can be tested .
Why do we need a pilot ?
Why do n't we just do it ?
`` There is very little evidence of transmission from relatives - it 's from care workers . ''
Judy argues it is not just psychological benefits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ loved ones can also help with other health needs .
She added : `` People in care homes are losing the will to live , they are turning their faces to the wall and giving up .
`` Some are not even recognising their children any more .
It 's heartbreaking , there 's an enforced break and when you go back this person who has been the centre of your life for 60 years turns away because they do n't know who you are .
`` We are seeing human tragedies unfold @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making empty gestures . ''
What the Department for Health and Social Care say : A spokesman said there was no update on the key worker pilot .
They said : `` We recognise how important it is to allow care home residents to safely meet their loved ones , especially for those at the end of their lives , and the challenges visiting restrictions pose for people with dementia , learning disabilities , autistic adults and their family and friends in particular .
`` Our priority remains the prevention of infection in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but we are considering plans to allow specific family and friends to visit care homes safely .
We will set out further details in due course . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Rhoda Piggott suffers from dementia and through the fog of this cruel disease, life can be confusing.
But the sudden and continued absence of her family - and a new reality where everybody around her wears masks - has thrown her world into a deeper haze.
Before the pandemic, Rhoda's daughter Ivy Giffiths, 61, from Failsworth, would visit the 81-year-old six times a week for four hours at at a time.
The mother and daughter pair, Ivy says, have always been very close - and, like thousands of families across the region, the Covid-19 crisis is taking its toll on them both.
While Ivy heaps praise on the staff at Failsworth's Acorn Lodge care home, they are restricted by government guidelines which ban visits unless for exceptional circumstances like sickness or end of life contact.
Ivy, who has seen her mum just three times in seven months - and only from a distance - is among the thousands of relatives calling for key worker status, with testing and PPE, so they can have contact even during the strict lockdowns which have been in place in Greater Manchester.
And, while some campaigners are currently demanding a short two-week lockdown to stop rising infection rates in care homes, charities and families argue that a long term strategy is also needed to balance mental wellbeing against the risks.
Earlier this month, care minister Helen Whately announced a pilot to allow family members to be treated as key workers - using PPE and regular testing to be given frequent access to their loved one.
Although such a scheme affords a glimmer of hope for relatives like Ivy, the lack of a date, place or detail is concerning as Greater Manchester is cast into a Tier 3 lockdown - and the Department for Health and Social Care failed to shed any light on the proposed scheme when the Manchester Evening News contacted them on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, families like Rhoda's struggle on.
Daughter Ivy told the Manchester Evening News : "In phone calls she always says 'Can I come home?
"I got upset a few weeks ago when she said 'I don't know how we got separated but I miss you, will you come and find me?"
"A couple of times on the phone, she's mentioned the masks, she doesn't understand why. She says 'The ladies here keep wearing masks and I can't see their faces'.
Ivy added: "Time is of the essence. We want to give my mum quality of life.
"As a mother and daughter we are so close it's unbelievable, not having her in my life is so hard, I know she's not dead but sometimes it feels like that.
"This key worker status needs to be put in place so families can start feeling close again. How will we celebrate Christmas knowing we can't be close to the ones we love? My mum is going to see the Christmas trees and wonder where we are.
Ivy, who has a serious lung condition which means she is dependent on oxygen, has been shielding throughout the pandemic along with her daughter Laura Hope, 32, and her son who is on the autistic spectrum.
Rhoda began showing signs of Alzheimer's just before the death of her husband, and the condition worsened rapidly after his passing.
At first, the family tried to care for her at home but she would repeatedly run away - twice on the train in a bid to visit Wales, where she grew up.
Eventually, the family conceded she would be safest in a care home and she moved to Acorn Lodge, where she has lived for four years.
Ivy added: "The home has been marvellous with her. She still recognises us and I would visit regularly."
But with the pandemic came the harsh restrictions and the family have had to accept limited contact, with two phone calls a week.
When Rhoda stopped eating and drinking, Ivy was allowed one window visit.
Ivy added: "They are not pushing this pilot scheme fast enough. The home's hands are tied, our hands are tied. To go from six days a week to nothing, it's got to have an impact on my mum and it definitely has one on me.
"It's not just us - I saw another lady talking to her mum through the window - she was in floods of tears because she just wanted to hug her."
Judy Downie, from the Relatives and Residents Association, is among those calling for the Government to give family members key worker status with testing and PPE so they can have regular contact with residents. But she too complains that the government's glacial pace on this issue is damaging those affected.
She said: "We are now contemplating what on earth we can do.
"It's just heartbreaking. The people we are talking about don't have much time left.
"The Government makes these gestures that have no reality. There's no point in a winter plan saying there can be no visits then announcing this pilot where people can be tested. Why do we need a pilot? Why don't we just do it?
"There is very little evidence of transmission from relatives - it's from care workers."
Judy argues it is not just psychological benefits that such visits give - but that loved ones can also help with other health needs.
She added: "People in care homes are losing the will to live, they are turning their faces to the wall and giving up.
"Some are not even recognising their children any more. It's heartbreaking, there's an enforced break and when you go back this person who has been the centre of your life for 60 years turns away because they don't know who you are.
"We are seeing human tragedies unfold quietly every day and the government is making empty gestures."
What the Department for Health and Social Care say:
A spokesman said there was no update on the key worker pilot.
They said: "We recognise how important it is to allow care home residents to safely meet their loved ones, especially for those at the end of their lives, and the challenges visiting restrictions pose for people with dementia, learning disabilities, autistic adults and their family and friends in particular.
"Our priority remains the prevention of infection in care homes to protect staff and residents but we are considering plans to allow specific family and friends to visit care homes safely. We will set out further details in due course."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--Worn out medics miss public support as patients take out frustrations on staff

Medics and healthcare workers are feeling the strain of the pandemic with the second peak feeling 'much worse ' than when coronavirus first took hold in March .
A rise in Covid-19 cases and depleting workforces are creating a 'climate of apprehension and concern ' across the system , according to one Greater Manchester doctor .
Dr Helen Wall says public support in the early days of the pandemic was really encouraging but over time people have become 'fatigued and irritable ' and staff are now taking the brunt of patients frustrations .
As clinical director of commissioning at Bolton @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at The Oaks Family Practice , Dr Wall has an insight into the working lives of staff at both hospitals and GP practices .
She says colleagues across health and social care are 'definitely feeling the strain right now ' .
“ Winter is by far our busiest time of any year but the added pressures of increasing Covid cases and repeatedly depleting workforces due to the need to self isolate , care for children who are isolating and of course getting sick themselves is creating a real climate of apprehension and concern @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ In many ways this feels much worse than when Covid first hit in March/April for several reasons .
“ At that time everyone went into 'crisis mode ' , staff were energised and driven by adrenaline and although many were understandably worried or apprehensive entering into the largely unknown we had the public behind us pushing us on like a bevvy of marathon runners who knew getting to the finish line would be tough but worth it .
“ Over time and understandably ; staff , colleagues , the public have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dr Wall - who works in Bolton where cases are rising faster than anywhere else in the region - says frontline workers are as much affected by the detrimental effects of Covid-19 as anyone else .
She says : “ The biggest change for me has been the loss of public support .
“ Whilst I never really bought into being clapped for every Thursday ( pure embarrassment ) I also underestimated the effect that and other supportive gestures was having on team morale .
“ Sadly , in the past few weeks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ upsetting venting from patients and I hear this is going on across all settings not just health and social care .
“ Whilst I totally appreciate the reasons and emotions behind these behaviours - and of course many patients remain just as kind and supportive - I think we need to remember that being a frontline worker does not exclude us from the same restrictions , losses and impacts that Covid is having on all of us.
” Earlier this month a medic who works within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust ( MFT @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff are feeling the effects of a hectic year .
During the first peak , surgeons and medics across various disciplines were drafted in to help with Covid patients .
Now they are working within their own specialties again , there is some anxiety that staff will be hit with a 'double whammy ' as more Covid patients present without the extra resources , he said .
“ What is more concerning is the mental effects of having a second wave , ” he said .
“ Staff are worn out .
Then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flu hitting us , people are feeling worn out.
” Dr Wall says the crisis response plans put in place in the first wave are no longer viable as specialists work with patients in their own fields again .
She says : “ Many of the crisis response plans put in place in the first wave - such as stopping elective services to move staff to high need areas , resorting to urgent work only to ensure we had the capacity , moving trainee nurses to the front line and so forth - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people need to be seen and managed for other health needs .
“ In Bolton , A & E department attendances hit 'normal ' levels again by the end of July and continue to climb and across all services we are trying to operate 'business as usual ' whilst employing social distancing and other 'covid secure ' measures all whilst being reactive to the increasing demands of winter and increasing Covid cases.
” On Monday Dr Indeewar Kapila said medics are 'extremely worried ' about the next few weeks as the number of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kapila , a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine in Manchester , said staff are bracing themselves for a difficult second wave as intensive care units in the North West get busier .
The doctor - who is chairman of the British Medical Association ’ s North West Regional Consultant Committee - said the first wave of the pandemic had had a 'significant ' impact on staff .
“ From a medical perspective , doctors and nursing staff were physically and mentally drained after the first wave , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff , there were a lot of people who went off sick because of Covid infection and other people have to take time off to look after family members .
“ There ’ s certainly significant apprehension as the second wave starts picking up and there ’ s no doubt that a lot of staff are braced for the fact that they might have to go through a similar experience again .
“ We ’ re very much hoping that that isn ’ t the case , and we ’ ve certainly learned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , but as professionals we just have to get on and provide the best care we can for our patients .
”

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for the free MyBolton newsletter to get the top stories direct to your inbox
Medics and healthcare workers are feeling the strain of the pandemic with the second peak feeling 'much worse' than when coronavirus first took hold in March.
A rise in Covid-19 cases and depleting workforces are creating a 'climate of apprehension and concern' across the system, according to one Greater Manchester doctor.
Dr Helen Wall says public support in the early days of the pandemic was really encouraging but over time people have become 'fatigued and irritable' and staff are now taking the brunt of patients frustrations.
(Image: Copyright Unknown)
As clinical director of commissioning at Bolton CCG and a GP partner and trainer at The Oaks Family Practice, Dr Wall has an insight into the working lives of staff at both hospitals and GP practices.
She says colleagues across health and social care are 'definitely feeling the strain right now'.
“Winter is by far our busiest time of any year but the added pressures of increasing Covid cases and repeatedly depleting workforces due to the need to self isolate, care for children who are isolating and of course getting sick themselves is creating a real climate of apprehension and concern across the system,” she says.
“In many ways this feels much worse than when Covid first hit in March/April for several reasons.
“At that time everyone went into 'crisis mode', staff were energised and driven by adrenaline and although many were understandably worried or apprehensive entering into the largely unknown we had the public behind us pushing us on like a bevvy of marathon runners who knew getting to the finish line would be tough but worth it.
“Over time and understandably; staff, colleagues, the public have become frustrated, fatigued and irritable.”
Dr Wall - who works in Bolton where cases are rising faster than anywhere else in the region - says frontline workers are as much affected by the detrimental effects of Covid-19 as anyone else.
She says: “The biggest change for me has been the loss of public support.
“Whilst I never really bought into being clapped for every Thursday (pure embarrassment) I also underestimated the effect that and other supportive gestures was having on team morale.
“Sadly, in the past few weeks my staff have been subjected to some upsetting venting from patients and I hear this is going on across all settings not just health and social care.
(Image: PA)
“Whilst I totally appreciate the reasons and emotions behind these behaviours - and of course many patients remain just as kind and supportive - I think we need to remember that being a frontline worker does not exclude us from the same restrictions, losses and impacts that Covid is having on all of us.”
Earlier this month a medic who works within Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) told the M.E.N that many hospital staff are feeling the effects of a hectic year.
During the first peak, surgeons and medics across various disciplines were drafted in to help with Covid patients.
Now they are working within their own specialties again, there is some anxiety that staff will be hit with a 'double whammy' as more Covid patients present without the extra resources, he said.
“What is more concerning is the mental effects of having a second wave,” he said.
“Staff are worn out. Then with thoughts of Christmas being cancelled and flu hitting us, people are feeling worn out.”
Follow reporter Beth Abbit on social media To follow Beth on Twitter, click here Or to like her Facebook page and keep up to with the latest news, click here Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.
Dr Wall says the crisis response plans put in place in the first wave are no longer viable as specialists work with patients in their own fields again.
She says: “Many of the crisis response plans put in place in the first wave - such as stopping elective services to move staff to high need areas, resorting to urgent work only to ensure we had the capacity, moving trainee nurses to the front line and so forth - is no longer a viable option as people need to be seen and managed for other health needs.
“In Bolton, A&E department attendances hit 'normal' levels again by the end of July and continue to climb and across all services we are trying to operate 'business as usual' whilst employing social distancing and other 'covid secure' measures all whilst being reactive to the increasing demands of winter and increasing Covid cases.”
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
On Monday Dr Indeewar Kapila said medics are 'extremely worried' about the next few weeks as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise.
Dr Kapila, a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care medicine in Manchester, said staff are bracing themselves for a difficult second wave as intensive care units in the North West get busier.
The doctor - who is chairman of the British Medical Association’s North West Regional Consultant Committee - said the first wave of the pandemic had had a 'significant' impact on staff.
“From a medical perspective, doctors and nursing staff were physically and mentally drained after the first wave,” he said.
“It had a huge impact on staff, there were a lot of people who went off sick because of Covid infection and other people have to take time off to look after family members.
“There’s certainly significant apprehension as the second wave starts picking up and there’s no doubt that a lot of staff are braced for the fact that they might have to go through a similar experience again.
“We’re very much hoping that that isn’t the case, and we’ve certainly learned a few lessons from the first wave, but as professionals we just have to get on and provide the best care we can for our patients.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--'Difficulty, delay and disorder: my experience of the NHS test and trace system'

The NHS Test and Trace system last week hit a record low in performance - with just 59.6 per cent of the contacts of people who tested positive for the disease being successfully contacted and told to self-isolate .
In an article in the Sunday Telegraph this weekend , senior Tory back bencher Sir Bernard Jenkin warned there was a 'vacuum of leadership ' at the top of the organisation and that public consent and co-operation were 'breaking down ' .
Describing ' a spaghetti of command and control at the top ... incapable of coherent analysis , assessment , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the service 's embattled boss , Baroness Dido Harding , to be given a 'well-earned break ' , suggesting a senior military figure should replace her .
Those individuals who 've had to use the system have had first hand experience of how it is working .
Among them is Local Democracy Reporter Joseph Timan , who recently tested positive for Covid-19 .
Here , Joseph details the problems he encountered with a system which was once seen as key to containing the virus - and concludes they 'paint a troubling picture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 've been stuck in my flat , self-isolating in the converted Salford Royal Hospital building where I live , because I tested positive for Covid-19 .
Fortunately for me , I did n't need to visit a real hospital – besides the cough I 'm still carrying , I felt somewhat fatigued at times , but I made it through just fine .
After months of reporting on the coronavirus crisis , this experience has been an eye-opener , exposing the NHS Test and Trace system from the inside .
Seven months since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still many problems .
Mentally , I know self-isolation can be hard , but I 'm lucky .
I do n't live alone and I could continue to work from home – and if I was too ill to work , I 'd still get paid .
The guilt of my friends being forced to isolate just for seeing me was gruelling .
But it was the flaws in the system , such as my housemate being told FOUR different end dates for his self-isolation period , that frustrated me the most .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In fact , knowing testing capacity has been an issue in Greater Manchester recently , I did n't even try to book a test until two days after my symptom started .
'It 's just a cough ' , I thought .
'It will pass ' .
But , when a friend 's housemate tested positive , I decided it was time to book .
Well , I tried .
Even though I had symptoms , I was told tests were n't available .
I tried agian .
This time , I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with symptoms , and I was told there was no availability for a drive-through test , but I could go to a walk-through testing site in Whitefield , more than five miles from my flat .
I could n't commit to the trip by foot on a weekday because of work , and I did n't know if I could park somewhere near enough to the testing site to walk there safely without passing many people – or if that was allowed .
So I tried again around an hour later .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a key worker .
It 's true .
I checked the list .
It said journalists and public service broadcasters covering coronavirus are essential workers who are prioritised for testing .
But it was a last resort , because I didn ’ t want a teacher , nurse or doctor – the people we were really clapping for on Thursdays – to miss out because of me .
I was offered a drive-through test the next morning at 11am , around 1.5 miles away , and I could bring my housemates for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ day we went .
36 hours later , I received a text message from the NHS : `` Your coronavirus test result is positive .
It means you had the virus when the test was done .
`` Try not to worry .
You can often ease symptoms at home until you recover . ''
The text told me to self-isolate for 10 days from when my symptoms started .
And I was sent a code to put in the NHS Covid-19 App in a separate message .
I put the code in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which said I had 10 days of self-isolation to go .
No questions asked about whether I had symptoms or not .
I thought perhaps it 's linked to the test I took in which I said I had symptoms – but it was telling me to isolate until October 24 , 10 days after I took the test .
But what about my housemate ?
Well , he tested negative .
The NHS text message told me that people I live with should self-isolate for 14 days from my symptoms starting – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , if he had any .
Two hours later , the app told him to self-isolate for 12 days , which would be 14 days after we took the test .
Again , no questions asked about symptoms .
I was confused .
I went to sleep .
12 hours after I got the result , I got a text from 'NHStracing ' asking me to fill a form about my recent activities and contacts .
At this point , I hold my hands up .
It was 9am , I was busy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do it later .
In the end , I didn ’ t get round to doing it until the next day .
However , I didn ’ t receive any calls from NHS Test and Trace until Saturday , two days after my positive test result .
I have issues with phone signal in my flat , so they may have tried , but I didn ’ t get a voicemail until Saturday afternoon .
Anyway , I started working on the contact tracing form .
It took a very long time .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I had done starting from two days before my symptoms started and the contact details of all the people I was with .
It didn ’ t say whether I should include people I live with , so when asked who I went to the pub with on the Friday before , I include my housemate .
There was no option to say that he was a member of my household .
NHS Test and Trace called him and told him to self-isolate for 14 days from that pub trip .
He explained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would therefore have to self-isolate for 14 days after my symptoms started , the Sunday , which is two days longer .
The following week my housemate was given a fourth self-isolation end date .
Contact tracers called him on Wednesday telling him he can stop isolating the following day .
He corrected them .
My self-isolation ended on Thursday , not his .
The contact tracing form also told me not to repeat contacts if I have already added them to the system .
So the friends I saw on Friday who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ told to self-isolate for 14 days from the earlier date of the two .
Fortunately , my friends are sensible and said they will self-isolate until Sunday .
Another confusing thing about contact tracing is that there seems to be no difference between close and direct contacts , the two options on the form .
It asked whether each person was a direct contact – someone you had skin-to-skin contact with or face-to-face contact with within 1 metre , or someone you were within 1 metre of for 1 minute or longer – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were 1 to 2 meters away from for more than 15 minutes .
My friends and I have not been hugging each other since the second wave started , and we definitely did not on the Sunday evening despite not knowing when we 'd see each other again due to the threat of Tier 3 looming large .
So I selected 'close contact ' for friends who were not sat right next to me .
But it made no difference .
All the contacts were automatically told by text and by email to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they last saw me .
It 's worth mentioning as well , I only met with friends from other households outdoors due to the regional restrictions in place in Greater Manchester .
I wrote this in the activity descriptions , but this made no difference either .
As it happens , one of my friends who I saw on Sunday , a trainee teacher , took a Covid test on the Monday before he started at his new school .
It was negative .
So he offered to do some shopping for us @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But once I 'd filled in the contract tracing form , he was automatically told to self-isolate – his negative test result makes no difference , the guidance says .
It feels like I cheated the system by getting my friend to do my shopping for me before he was told to self-isolate , but I genuinely didn ’ t think he 'd have to .
Admittedly , I should have filled in the contact tracing form straight away , but even though some of the delays in contact tracing were my fault @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days of not contacting potentially infected people .
I booked the test on Tuesday , and it wasn ’ t until Friday when I was first asked who I had seen recently .
And I would have booked a test sooner if there hadn ’ t been issues with local testing capacity and I knew I could have done it quickly .
But still , I suppose with such a small percentage of people who take a test receiving a positive result , it seems silly to ask for your contacts any sooner @ @ @ @ @ @ @ felt so guilty about my friends having to self-isolate when I found out .
Part of it was shock – I didn ’ t think close contacts would have to .
But if I knew what a blunt tool the tracing system is , I ’ d have been more reluctant to share all my contacts with NHS Test and Trace so honestly .
This is a problem .
How many people are not sharing their friends and family ’ s contact details because they are worried about them having to self-isolate ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t afford to take time off work or maybe it 's just the inconvenience , but no one wants to be THAT person .
Another thing I ’ ve questioned throughout all this , is the reliability of the data on transmission which we 've heard so much about as pubs in Tier 3 close .
I don ’ t know how I contracted coronavirus .
I thought I identified a possible chain of transmission through my housemate , but then he tested negative .
So how do the authorities know where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have been covering the coronavirus crisis as a reporter for months now , so I should know better than most how to navigate the system .
Should n't I ?
And yet , I was confused and consistently given conflicting information .
Surely we should have ironed out these problems in the system by now .
The difficulties with booking a coronavirus test despite having symptoms , the delays in receiving results and the contradictory self-isolation instructions .
Far from perfect , all these problems paint a troubling picture of the system .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up to the MySalford newsletter to keep up with what's happening in and around the city
The NHS Test and Trace system last week hit a record low in performance - with just 59.6 per cent of the contacts of people who tested positive for the disease being successfully contacted and told to self-isolate.
In an article in the Sunday Telegraph this weekend, senior Tory back bencher Sir Bernard Jenkin warned there was a 'vacuum of leadership' at the top of the organisation and that public consent and co-operation were 'breaking down'.
Describing 'a spaghetti of command and control at the top...incapable of coherent analysis, assessment, planning and delivery', he called on the service's embattled boss, Baroness Dido Harding, to be given a 'well-earned break', suggesting a senior military figure should replace her.
Those individuals who've had to use the system have had first hand experience of how it is working.
Among them is Local Democracy Reporter Joseph Timan, who recently tested positive for Covid-19.
Here, Joseph details the problems he encountered with a system which was once seen as key to containing the virus - and concludes they 'paint a troubling picture'.
For 10 days, I've been stuck in my flat, self-isolating in the converted Salford Royal Hospital building where I live, because I tested positive for Covid-19.
Fortunately for me, I didn't need to visit a real hospital – besides the cough I'm still carrying, I felt somewhat fatigued at times, but I made it through just fine.
After months of reporting on the coronavirus crisis, this experience has been an eye-opener, exposing the NHS Test and Trace system from the inside.
Seven months since the pandemic took hold, there are still many problems.
Mentally, I know self-isolation can be hard, but I'm lucky. I don't live alone and I could continue to work from home – and if I was too ill to work, I'd still get paid.
The guilt of my friends being forced to isolate just for seeing me was gruelling.
But it was the flaws in the system, such as my housemate being told FOUR different end dates for his self-isolation period, that frustrated me the most.
Booking a test
Firstly, booking a test was difficult. In fact, knowing testing capacity has been an issue in Greater Manchester recently, I didn't even try to book a test until two days after my symptom started. 'It's just a cough', I thought. 'It will pass'.
But, when a friend's housemate tested positive, I decided it was time to book.
Well, I tried. Even though I had symptoms, I was told tests weren't available.
I tried agian. This time, I said I was booking for a housemate with symptoms, and I was told there was no availability for a drive-through test, but I could go to a walk-through testing site in Whitefield, more than five miles from my flat.
(Image: Google Maps)
I couldn't commit to the trip by foot on a weekday because of work, and I didn't know if I could park somewhere near enough to the testing site to walk there safely without passing many people – or if that was allowed.
So I tried again around an hour later. This time, I said I’m a key worker.
It's true. I checked the list. It said journalists and public service broadcasters covering coronavirus are essential workers who are prioritised for testing.
But it was a last resort, because I didn’t want a teacher, nurse or doctor – the people we were really clapping for on Thursdays – to miss out because of me.
I was offered a drive-through test the next morning at 11am, around 1.5 miles away, and I could bring my housemates for a test too. So, the next day we went.
Test result
36 hours later, I received a text message from the NHS: "Your coronavirus test result is positive. It means you had the virus when the test was done.
"Try not to worry. You can often ease symptoms at home until you recover."
The text told me to self-isolate for 10 days from when my symptoms started.
And I was sent a code to put in the NHS Covid-19 App in a separate message.
I put the code in the app and it started a countdown which said I had 10 days of self-isolation to go. No questions asked about whether I had symptoms or not.
(Image: NHS Test and Trace)
I thought perhaps it's linked to the test I took in which I said I had symptoms – but it was telling me to isolate until October 24, 10 days after I took the test.
But what about my housemate? Well, he tested negative.
The NHS text message told me that people I live with should self-isolate for 14 days from my symptoms starting – Sunday – or 10 days from his, if he had any.
Two hours later, the app told him to self-isolate for 12 days, which would be 14 days after we took the test. Again, no questions asked about symptoms.
Contract tracing
I was confused. I went to sleep. 12 hours after I got the result, I got a text from 'NHStracing' asking me to fill a form about my recent activities and contacts.
At this point, I hold my hands up. It was 9am, I was busy with work and I just decided to do it later. In the end, I didn’t get round to doing it until the next day.
My bad.
However, I didn’t receive any calls from NHS Test and Trace until Saturday, two days after my positive test result. I have issues with phone signal in my flat, so they may have tried, but I didn’t get a voicemail until Saturday afternoon.
Anyway, I started working on the contact tracing form. It took a very long time.
(Image: Getty Images)
It asked me for details of activities I had done starting from two days before my symptoms started and the contact details of all the people I was with.
It didn’t say whether I should include people I live with, so when asked who I went to the pub with on the Friday before, I include my housemate.
There was no option to say that he was a member of my household. NHS Test and Trace called him and told him to self-isolate for 14 days from that pub trip.
He explained that he lived with me and he would therefore have to self-isolate for 14 days after my symptoms started, the Sunday, which is two days longer.
The following week my housemate was given a fourth self-isolation end date.
Contact tracers called him on Wednesday telling him he can stop isolating the following day. He corrected them. My self-isolation ended on Thursday, not his.
The contact tracing form also told me not to repeat contacts if I have already added them to the system. So the friends I saw on Friday who I then saw again on Sunday were told to self-isolate for 14 days from the earlier date of the two.
Fortunately, my friends are sensible and said they will self-isolate until Sunday.
Who self-isolates?
Another confusing thing about contact tracing is that there seems to be no difference between close and direct contacts, the two options on the form.
It asked whether each person was a direct contact – someone you had skin-to-skin contact with or face-to-face contact with within 1 metre, or someone you were within 1 metre of for 1 minute or longer – or a close contact – someone you were 1 to 2 meters away from for more than 15 minutes.
(Image: NHS Test and Trace)
My friends and I have not been hugging each other since the second wave started, and we definitely did not on the Sunday evening despite not knowing when we'd see each other again due to the threat of Tier 3 looming large.
So I selected 'close contact' for friends who were not sat right next to me.
But it made no difference. All the contacts were automatically told by text and by email to self-isolate for 14 days starting from when they last saw me.
It's worth mentioning as well, I only met with friends from other households outdoors due to the regional restrictions in place in Greater Manchester.
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
I wrote this in the activity descriptions, but this made no difference either.
As it happens, one of my friends who I saw on Sunday, a trainee teacher, took a Covid test on the Monday before he started at his new school. It was negative.
So he offered to do some shopping for us before he was asked to self-isolate.
But once I'd filled in the contract tracing form, he was automatically told to self-isolate – his negative test result makes no difference, the guidance says.
Feeling guilty
It feels like I cheated the system by getting my friend to do my shopping for me before he was told to self-isolate, but I genuinely didn’t think he'd have to.
Admittedly, I should have filled in the contact tracing form straight away, but even though some of the delays in contact tracing were my fault, the system still allowed for three days of not contacting potentially infected people.
I booked the test on Tuesday, and it wasn’t until Friday when I was first asked who I had seen recently. And I would have booked a test sooner if there hadn’t been issues with local testing capacity and I knew I could have done it quickly.
But still, I suppose with such a small percentage of people who take a test receiving a positive result, it seems silly to ask for your contacts any sooner.
(Image: PA)
The other thing is, I felt so guilty about my friends having to self-isolate when I found out. Part of it was shock – I didn’t think close contacts would have to.
But if I knew what a blunt tool the tracing system is, I’d have been more reluctant to share all my contacts with NHS Test and Trace so honestly.
This is a problem. How many people are not sharing their friends and family’s contact details because they are worried about them having to self-isolate?
Maybe you're worried your contacts can’t afford to take time off work or maybe it's just the inconvenience, but no one wants to be THAT person.
Doubting data
Another thing I’ve questioned throughout all this, is the reliability of the data on transmission which we've heard so much about as pubs in Tier 3 close.
I don’t know how I contracted coronavirus. I thought I identified a possible chain of transmission through my housemate, but then he tested negative.
So how do the authorities know where the virus is being transmitted?
(Image: PA)
I have been covering the coronavirus crisis as a reporter for months now, so I should know better than most how to navigate the system. Shouldn't I?
And yet, I was confused and consistently given conflicting information.
Surely we should have ironed out these problems in the system by now.
The difficulties with booking a coronavirus test despite having symptoms, the delays in receiving results and the contradictory self-isolation instructions.
Far from perfect, all these problems paint a troubling picture of the system.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--Everton could be missing Richarlison and Digne for Man United clash

Manchester United will face an Everton side potentially missing two of their key men next month as Richarlison and Lucas Digne could both be suspended .
United take on Carlo Ancelotti 's side at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Saturday , November 7 .
Everton will definitely be without striker Richarlison as he completes a three-match suspension following his red card in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool .
While the Toffees are also set to be deprived of the services of attacking left-back Digne .
Digne has featured in all nine of Everton 's fixtures in all competitions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was sent off during Sunday 's 2-0 defeat against Southampton .
The Frenchman was shown a straight red card for a foul on Kyle Walker-Peters in the 72nd minute of the match at St Mary 's , as he chased the Saints defender he caught the back of his leg with his studs .
Digne was shown a straight red and with the offence classed as serious foul play , he is now facing a three-match suspension .
Ancelotti has said the club will appeal against the decision but , as things stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Everton 's upcoming trip to Newcastle United next weekend , before sitting out the United game .
Richarlison was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Thiago Alcantara in the final minute of the 2-2 draw with Liverpool .
The Brazilian started his ban by missing the Southampton defeat - a result that ended table-topping Everton 's unbeaten start to the campaign .
Like Digne , he will also be unavailable for the Newcastle and United matches .
Before taking on Everton , United face RB Leipzig and Basaksehir in the Champions League , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Arsenal .

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Manchester United will face an Everton side potentially missing two of their key men next month as Richarlison and Lucas Digne could both be suspended.
United take on Carlo Ancelotti's side at Goodison Park in the Premier League on Saturday, November 7.
Everton will definitely be without striker Richarlison as he completes a three-match suspension following his red card in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool. While the Toffees are also set to be deprived of the services of attacking left-back Digne.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
Digne has featured in all nine of Everton's fixtures in all competitions so far this season but the Frenchman was sent off during Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Southampton.
The Frenchman was shown a straight red card for a foul on Kyle Walker-Peters in the 72nd minute of the match at St Mary's, as he chased the Saints defender he caught the back of his leg with his studs.
Digne was shown a straight red and with the offence classed as serious foul play, he is now facing a three-match suspension.
Ancelotti has said the club will appeal against the decision but, as things stand, the defender is due to miss Everton's upcoming trip to Newcastle United next weekend, before sitting out the United game.
Sign up to our free MUFC email newsletter Get the latest breaking Manchester United transfer news and analysis every day direct to your inbox with our free MUFC newsletter Sign up here - it only takes a few seconds.
Richarlison was dismissed for a dangerous challenge on Thiago Alcantara in the final minute of the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.
The Brazilian started his ban by missing the Southampton defeat - a result that ended table-topping Everton's unbeaten start to the campaign.
Like Digne, he will also be unavailable for the Newcastle and United matches.
Before taking on Everton, United face RB Leipzig and Basaksehir in the Champions League, either side of a Premier League showdown with Arsenal.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--Evil killer captured in Manchester after murdering frail pensioner

Magdalena Kissova got into the cab in Derby - carrying a television .
She did not get out until it pulled up in Manchester outside a flat that was the home of a friend 's daughter .
But this was no innocent stopover or social visit .
Kissova was on the run - from murder .
Hours earlier she had beaten to death a frail pensioner who had dementia .
In an appalling twist , the £80 in cash she paid for the taxi fare she had been given by the victim 's sister to buy her brother tobacco and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her had been stolen from his flat .
Kissova had wheedled her way into the life of David Allsopp by becoming his carer for free board and lodging at his home in Derby .
But , soon after moving into his flat she was regularly beating and abusing the vulnerable 67-year-old , calling him 'the devil ' as she did so and leaving him terrified .
Concerned neighbours and other carers described how he would cower in her presence and even recorded his screams as she battered him .
And , on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and punched him to death , the 47-year-old killer calmly convinced Mr Allsopp ’ s loving twin sister that her brother was just asleep in bed when she called with the £80 for his food .
In fact , he was either dead , or dying .
Jailing Kissova for life , with a minimum of 24 years , at Derby Crown Court , Judge Nirmal Shant QC said : “ You brutally killed David Allsopp in February of this year and no sentence I pass can ease the pain his twin sister @ @ @ @ @ @ @ victim impact statement and in it she says ‘ now that David has gone it feels like a big part of me is also dead ’ .
“ He was 67 , he was vulnerable , he had dementia and after moving in with him , I am entirely satisfied that you began issuing almost daily beatings on him .
“ We have heard recordings made by his neighbours of his harrowing screams .
They describe him cowering from you when you went near him .
“ And even when his sister came @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you told her he was asleep , when in all likelihood he was either already dead or was dying in bed .
“ You convinced her he was still alive and then you fled .
You literally sought to get away with murder.
” Vanessa Marshall QC , prosecuting , said up until moving to the Manchester Street flat , in 2017 , Mr Allsopp had been living in Normanton .
But prostitutes and criminals had been taking advantage of his vulnerability – he was an alcoholic – and used his property .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street , Derby , where carers would come to see him twice a day .
Then , one day in 2017 , Kissova , calling herself , Monica , moved in with him .
Concerns for Mr Allsopp grew when he was seen with injuries to his head and face - injuries which Kissova said were caused by falls .
People living in neighbouring flats began hearing thuds and screams coming from the flat , making recordings and passing them to police .
Some of these harrowing tapes were played in court .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ heard , clearly in pain , as Kissova shouts 'get up , get up ' repeatedly at him .
Miss Marshall said one neighbour heard Kissova shouting the same foreign word over and over again at the terrified victim .
She said he translated the word in Google and it came back as meaning 'devil ' in Serbo-Croat .
`` The last person to see Mr Allsopp alive was Laura Adams , a carer , who dropped off medication with him on the afternoon of February 13 , '' Miss Marshall told court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that remains sketchy because even though she had pleaded guilty to murder , she has never said what she did to him.
” Mr Allsopp ’ s heavily beaten body was discovered in his bed by the same carer in the early afternoon of February 15 .
“ Professor Guy Rutty , a Home Office forensic pathologist , carried out the post-mortem examination and found 36 fresh injuries to Mr Allsopp 's body , '' the prosecutor told court .
“ They covered most of his body and his conclusion was that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a series of punches and kicks , including a stamping .
“ He certified the cause of death as blunt force trauma , the significant injuries being to his chest and neck .
“ Several ribs were broken in multiple places so the rib cage had become partly detached .
This would have caused severe pain .
“ There were ligature marks around his neck and it is entirely possible the defendant had used a bed sheet to cause these .
`` Professor Rutty was asked if the injuries could have been caused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not .
He said it was most likely they were caused by someone deliberately kicking or stamping . ''
Kissova was arrested at 2.45am on February 16 at an address in Manchester which was not disclosed in court .
She told the police they must have come about the stolen TV .
But when she was told she was being arrested on suspicion of murder she denied any responsibility .
After initially pleading not guilty to murder in June , she then changed her plea to guilty in August .
Kissova has never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ killed Mr Allsopp .
She had told family , friends , and neighbours she was a friend , there to look after him .
Judge Shant commended two of Mr Allsopp 's neighbours for their 'bravery and vigilance ' and awarded them £500 for telling the authorities of their concerns that Kissova was physically abusing Mr Allsopp .
Police attended but Mr Allsopp said he was fine .
On another occasion , when a carer asked about bruising to his face , he said he had 'slipped and hit his head ' .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Martin Naylor, Neal Keeling)

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
It was a taxi ride lasting 70 miles.
Magdalena Kissova got into the cab in Derby - carrying a television.
She did not get out until it pulled up in Manchester outside a flat that was the home of a friend's daughter.
But this was no innocent stopover or social visit. Kissova was on the run - from murder.
Hours earlier she had beaten to death a frail pensioner who had dementia.
In an appalling twist, the £80 in cash she paid for the taxi fare she had been given by the victim's sister to buy her brother tobacco and food. The TV she had with her had been stolen from his flat.
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
Kissova had wheedled her way into the life of David Allsopp by becoming his carer for free board and lodging at his home in Derby.
But, soon after moving into his flat she was regularly beating and abusing the vulnerable 67-year-old, calling him 'the devil' as she did so and leaving him terrified.
Concerned neighbours and other carers described how he would cower in her presence and even recorded his screams as she battered him.
And, on the very day she viciously stamped, kicked and punched him to death, the 47-year-old killer calmly convinced Mr Allsopp’s loving twin sister that her brother was just asleep in bed when she called with the £80 for his food. In fact, he was either dead, or dying.
(Image: Derby Telegraph)
Jailing Kissova for life, with a minimum of 24 years, at Derby Crown Court, Judge Nirmal Shant QC said: “You brutally killed David Allsopp in February of this year and no sentence I pass can ease the pain his twin sister feels.
“I have read her victim impact statement and in it she says ‘now that David has gone it feels like a big part of me is also dead’.
“He was 67, he was vulnerable, he had dementia and after moving in with him, I am entirely satisfied that you began issuing almost daily beatings on him.
“We have heard recordings made by his neighbours of his harrowing screams. They describe him cowering from you when you went near him.
“And even when his sister came to see him on February 14, you told her he was asleep, when in all likelihood he was either already dead or was dying in bed.
“You convinced her he was still alive and then you fled. You literally sought to get away with murder.”
Vanessa Marshall QC, prosecuting, said up until moving to the Manchester Street flat, in 2017, Mr Allsopp had been living in Normanton.
But prostitutes and criminals had been taking advantage of his vulnerability – he was an alcoholic – and used his property.
The court heard he moved to Manchester Street, Derby, where carers would come to see him twice a day.
Then, one day in 2017, Kissova, calling herself, Monica, moved in with him.
Concerns for Mr Allsopp grew when he was seen with injuries to his head and face - injuries which Kissova said were caused by falls.
People living in neighbouring flats began hearing thuds and screams coming from the flat, making recordings and passing them to police.
Some of these harrowing tapes were played in court. In them, Mr Allsopp can be heard, clearly in pain, as Kissova shouts 'get up, get up' repeatedly at him.
Miss Marshall said one neighbour heard Kissova shouting the same foreign word over and over again at the terrified victim.
She said he translated the word in Google and it came back as meaning 'devil' in Serbo-Croat.
"The last person to see Mr Allsopp alive was Laura Adams, a carer, who dropped off medication with him on the afternoon of February 13," Miss Marshall told court.
“What happened to him after that remains sketchy because even though she had pleaded guilty to murder, she has never said what she did to him.”
Mr Allsopp’s heavily beaten body was discovered in his bed by the same carer in the early afternoon of February 15.
“Professor Guy Rutty, a Home Office forensic pathologist, carried out the post-mortem examination and found 36 fresh injuries to Mr Allsopp's body," the prosecutor told court.
“They covered most of his body and his conclusion was that they were likely to have been caused by a series of punches and kicks, including a stamping.
“He certified the cause of death as blunt force trauma, the significant injuries being to his chest and neck.
“Several ribs were broken in multiple places so the rib cage had become partly detached. This would have caused severe pain.
“There were ligature marks around his neck and it is entirely possible the defendant had used a bed sheet to cause these.
"Professor Rutty was asked if the injuries could have been caused in a fall, but he said not. He said it was most likely they were caused by someone deliberately kicking or stamping."
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Kissova was arrested at 2.45am on February 16 at an address in Manchester which was not disclosed in court.
She told the police they must have come about the stolen TV. But when she was told she was being arrested on suspicion of murder she denied any responsibility.
After initially pleading not guilty to murder in June, she then changed her plea to guilty in August.
Kissova has never given an explanation as to why she killed Mr Allsopp. She had told family, friends, and neighbours she was a friend, there to look after him.
Judge Shant commended two of Mr Allsopp's neighbours for their 'bravery and vigilance' and awarded them £500 for telling the authorities of their concerns that Kissova was physically abusing Mr Allsopp.
Police attended but Mr Allsopp said he was fine. On another occasion, when a carer asked about bruising to his face, he said he had 'slipped and hit his head'.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--Police launch major search operation after car rolls down motorway embankment

A major search operation was prompted after a car ploughed off the M6 motorway and rolled down an embankment .
Emergency services were called by the panicked driver , who had become trapped inside their vehicle on Sunday afternoon .
The driver could not give call handlers their exact location as they could only see mud and woodland , North West Motorway Police said .
A picture from the scene shows the car completely hidden from passing road traffic .
The emergency responder stayed on the phone with the driver to ascertain if they could hear the sirens of police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to hospital to be checked over .
In a post on Twitter , North West Motorway Police said : `` If you were on the M6 in Cheshire this afternoon , you may have seen multiple emergency service vehicles and numerous rolling blocks being put in place .
`` This was as in response to a 999 call from a driver whose vehicle had left the carriageway and rolled down the embankment , trapping the driver .
`` The 999 call taker was able to keep the driver on the phone and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be obtained , as all the driver could see was mud and woodland whilst updates where relayed to patrols .
`` Key areas checked off by operators as patrols conducted a coordinated search of the M6 area waiting to discover if their sirens were getting louder to the driver to indicate they were getting nearer .
`` Cheshire Fire and North West Ambulance also assisted as they were called to the initial report .
`` The vehicle was finally located by a National Police Air Service helicopter that had been deployed to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The driver was freed from their vehicle and was taken to hospital to be checked over . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up for our daily newsletter to get the day's biggest stories sent direct to your inbox
A major search operation was prompted after a car ploughed off the M6 motorway and rolled down an embankment.
Emergency services were called by the panicked driver, who had become trapped inside their vehicle on Sunday afternoon.
The driver could not give call handlers their exact location as they could only see mud and woodland, North West Motorway Police said.
A picture from the scene shows the car completely hidden from passing road traffic.
The emergency responder stayed on the phone with the driver to ascertain if they could hear the sirens of police vehicles getting closer.
(Image: North West Motorway Police)
A National Police Air Service helicopter eventually located the car using thermal imaging equipment.
The driver was taken to hospital to be checked over.
In a post on Twitter, North West Motorway Police said: "If you were on the M6 in Cheshire this afternoon, you may have seen multiple emergency service vehicles and numerous rolling blocks being put in place.
"This was as in response to a 999 call from a driver whose vehicle had left the carriageway and rolled down the embankment, trapping the driver.
"The 999 call taker was able to keep the driver on the phone and calm them down to enable better details to be obtained, as all the driver could see was mud and woodland whilst updates where relayed to patrols.
"Key areas checked off by operators as patrols conducted a coordinated search of the M6 area waiting to discover if their sirens were getting louder to the driver to indicate they were getting nearer.
"Cheshire Fire and North West Ambulance also assisted as they were called to the initial report.
"The vehicle was finally located by a National Police Air Service helicopter that had been deployed to assist using thermal imaging equipment.
"The driver was freed from their vehicle and was taken to hospital to be checked over."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--Former Corrie star dies after testing positive for coronavirus

Former Emmerdale and Coronation Street star Johnny Leeze has passed away after testing positive for coronavirus and suffering from underlying health conditions .
Johnny , 78 , played farmer Ned Glover in ITV soap Emmerdale from 1994 until 2000 .
In Corrie he played milkman Harry Clayton who bought 11 Coronation Street in 1985 .
He lived there with his wife Connie and their two teenage daughters Andrea and Sue , but the family did a flit when Andrea found out she was pregnant with Terry Duckworth 's baby .
Announcing the devastating news on social media this morning his @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the actor .
`` It is with deep regret to inform you all my brother John passed away this morning , '' he wrote .
`` A lot of you will remember him as Ned Glover in Emmerdale , or comedian Johnny Leeze , on the club scene .
`` He had Covid , and underlying health issues .
`` He made thousands laugh .
He will be missed greatly by us all .
`` Rest in peace John .
Your loving brother Phil and sisters Pam and Sheila . ''
He added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them all in stitches up there .
Fly high on angels wings . ''
`` Thinking of you all I 'm so sorry for your loss me and my mam loved watching him in Emmerdale Farm , he was a brilliant actor , '' said one fan .
`` So sorry to hear this sad news and sorry for your loss .
`` Ned Glover was one of my all time favourite Emmerdale characters .
RIP John , '' said another .
His daughter Holly confirmed the news , telling the Daily Star @ @ @ @ @ @ @ weeks and had tested positive for COVID -19 he day before he died .
She also revealed he suffered a heart attack on the morning of his death and had been taken into hospital .
She said : `` He was my friend , he was such a strong , strong man .
`` He was such a great guy , a really funny guy .
He was loved by everybody really . ''
Johnny appeared in Coronation Street three times playing Mr Slater in 1982 , Harry Clayton in 1985 and Laurie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ His acting credits also include All Creatures Great and Small , Doctors , Early Doors Heartbeat , Last of the Summer Wine , The Royal , Life On Mars and Phoenix Nights .
His Emmerdale character Ned was the patriarch of the Glover family and a childhood friend of Jack Sugden .
John 's screen appearances date back to 1982 , when he made his TV debut in the sitcom Open All Hours in a bit part .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Former Emmerdale and Coronation Street star Johnny Leeze has passed away after testing positive for coronavirus and suffering from underlying health conditions.
Johnny, 78, played farmer Ned Glover in ITV soap Emmerdale from 1994 until 2000.
In Corrie he played milkman Harry Clayton who bought 11 Coronation Street in 1985.
He lived there with his wife Connie and their two teenage daughters Andrea and Sue, but the family did a flit when Andrea found out she was pregnant with Terry Duckworth's baby.
(Image: ITV)
Announcing the devastating news on social media this morning his brother Phil wrote a moving tribute to the actor.
"It is with deep regret to inform you all my brother John passed away this morning," he wrote.
"A lot of you will remember him as Ned Glover in Emmerdale, or comedian Johnny Leeze, on the club scene.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
"He had Covid, and underlying health issues.
"He made thousands laugh. He will be missed greatly by us all.
"Rest in peace John. Your loving brother Phil and sisters Pam and Sheila."
He added: "I know you will have them all in stitches up there. Fly high on angels wings."
"Thinking of you all I'm so sorry for your loss me and my mam loved watching him in Emmerdale Farm, he was a brilliant actor," said one fan.
(Image: ITV)
"So sorry to hear this sad news and sorry for your loss. "Ned Glover was one of my all time favourite Emmerdale characters. RIP John," said another.
His daughter Holly confirmed the news, telling the Daily Star that he had been ill for two weeks and had tested positive for COVID -19 he day before he died.
She also revealed he suffered a heart attack on the morning of his death and had been taken into hospital.
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
She said: "He was my friend, he was such a strong, strong man.
"He was such a great guy, a really funny guy. He was loved by everybody really."
Johnny appeared in Coronation Street three times playing Mr Slater in 1982, Harry Clayton in 1985 and Laurie Johnstone in one episode in 2005.
His acting credits also include All Creatures Great and Small, Doctors, Early Doors Heartbeat, Last of the Summer Wine, The Royal, Life On Mars and Phoenix Nights.
His Emmerdale character Ned was the patriarch of the Glover family and a childhood friend of Jack Sugden.
John's screen appearances date back to 1982, when he made his TV debut in the sitcom Open All Hours in a bit part.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--The latest coronavirus infection rates across every Greater Manchester borough

Greater Manchester has recorded its highest weekly coronavirus infection rate since the start of the pandemic .
There were 592.5 cases per 100,000 people in Oldham , in the week leading up to October 21 .
That is the largest number recorded in any of the region 's 10 boroughs since March - although it is important to note that community testing has increased since then .
The previous highest was the city of Manchester with 583.5 on October 3 .
The average infection rate across the country is now 207.5 .
Oldham is set to be the first borough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate of 600 , when rates are calculated tomorrow .
There were 1,405 new cases of Covid-19 recorded there in the last seven days , an increase of 460 from the week before .
As Greater Manchester headed into the first weekend of Tier 3 restrictions , infection rates were rising in every borough .
Bury has now recorded an infection rate which surpasses 500 per 100,000 people , for the first time .
There were 970 new positive tests recorded in the borough over the last seven days , an increase of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 21 , Stockport recorded over 1,000 cases for the first time since the start of the pandemic .
There were 1,040 new cases recorded in seven days , an increase of 23 per cent from the week before .
Manchester saw a huge spike in cases at the beginning of the month , which was partially attributed to the return of students to the city .
The infection rate there is now among the lower end of the spectrum , at 483.5 in the week ending October 21 .
There were still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seven day period , but this is only a slight increase of 10 per cent from the previous week .
Rochdale is also seeing a spike in the rate of infection , and falls just below Oldham at 570.6 .
Over 1,000 new cases were recorded in the seven days leading up to October 21 .
The latest infection figures come as more than 100 patients with Covid-19 died in Greater Manchester 's hospitals in the space of a week .
A total of 112 Covid patients died at the region ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ October 22 .
It ’ s the first time the weekly total has gone over 100 since May 16 .
There have been 257 deaths within the region 's hospitals in October so far .
Council and government officials are reportedly considering extra restrictions if the current tier system has not made an improvement by mid-November .
According to iNews , discussions are underway over a potential plan B , which could include a 'Tier 3 plus ' or 'Tier 4 ' .
The website reports measures under Tier 4 - which has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is reportedly being discussed - could include shutting restaurants and non-essential retail such as clothes shops .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss a thing by signing up to the MyOldham newsletter here
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss a thing by signing up to the MyOldham newsletter here
Greater Manchester has recorded its highest weekly coronavirus infection rate since the start of the pandemic.
There were 592.5 cases per 100,000 people in Oldham, in the week leading up to October 21.
That is the largest number recorded in any of the region's 10 boroughs since March - although it is important to note that community testing has increased since then.
The previous highest was the city of Manchester with 583.5 on October 3.
The average infection rate across the country is now 207.5.
(Image: MEN Media)
Oldham is set to be the first borough in Greater Manchester to reach an infection rate of 600, when rates are calculated tomorrow.
There were 1,405 new cases of Covid-19 recorded there in the last seven days, an increase of 460 from the week before.
As Greater Manchester headed into the first weekend of Tier 3 restrictions, infection rates were rising in every borough.
Bury has now recorded an infection rate which surpasses 500 per 100,000 people, for the first time.
There were 970 new positive tests recorded in the borough over the last seven days, an increase of 222 week-on-week.
In the week ending October 21, Stockport recorded over 1,000 cases for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
There were 1,040 new cases recorded in seven days, an increase of 23 per cent from the week before.
Manchester saw a huge spike in cases at the beginning of the month, which was partially attributed to the return of students to the city.
Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Play now
The infection rate there is now among the lower end of the spectrum, at 483.5 in the week ending October 21.
There were still 2,673 new cases recorded in the last seven day period, but this is only a slight increase of 10 per cent from the previous week.
Rochdale is also seeing a spike in the rate of infection, and falls just below Oldham at 570.6.
Over 1,000 new cases were recorded in the seven days leading up to October 21.
The latest infection figures come as more than 100 patients with Covid-19 died in Greater Manchester's hospitals in the space of a week.
A total of 112 Covid patients died at the region’s hospitals in the seven days up to October 22.
It’s the first time the weekly total has gone over 100 since May 16.
There have been 257 deaths within the region's hospitals in October so far.
Council and government officials are reportedly considering extra restrictions if the current tier system has not made an improvement by mid-November.
According to iNews, discussions are underway over a potential plan B, which could include a 'Tier 3 plus' or 'Tier 4'.
The website reports measures under Tier 4 - which has not been officially announced or decided but is reportedly being discussed - could include shutting restaurants and non-essential retail such as clothes shops.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--Inside Brooke Vincent's birthday celebrations for her baby boy as he turns one

Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent has given followers a glimpse inside her son 's first birthday celebrations .
Baby Mexx had a softplay area set up in their garden with a ball pool and slides , and doting mum Brooke said he had an 'absolute ball . '
The actress , who plays Sophie Webster in Corrie , says his first birthday was 'super special ' even in 'the strangest of circumstances ' amid the coronavirus pandemic .
`` We literally wrapped up and spent the full day in there playing !
! ''
said the soap star from Audenshaw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cute scene .
Balloon arches and number signs added to the home celebrations .
`` ONE whole year of you , '' she wrote alongside a photo of her boy sitting with giant letters spelling out 'one . '
Reflecting on becoming a first-time parent with her partner Kean Bryan , Brooke shared a montage of moving videos and photos documenting the past year .
`` Mexx S J Bryan ... My beautiful baby boy !
The day I became your mummy was the best day of my life ! ''
she wrote @ @ @ @ @ @ @ love and happiness !
!
You have no idea how loved you are !
!
My funny , clever , little ray of sunshine !
!
`` You amaze me every single day !
I am so proud that you are ours !
!
My son , my moon and all of my stars .
My absolute .
Celebrations for Mexx were also held at The Ivy restaurant in Manchester , and Brooke , 28 , from Audenshaw , shared a video of herself cuddling her son as they sang Happy Birthday for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a black and white photo of father and son on his Instagram with the touching words : `` One year ago today you came into our lives and changed it forever .
I am so blessed to have you as my son . ''
Brooke 's Corrie character left in the back of a taxi to go travelling with the blessing of her girlfriend Paula Cunliffe .
She filmed her final scenes last August before going on maternity leave .
For now she said she 's enjoying 'being a mum . '
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I wanted to be is a mum , '' she told the Loose Women panel in August .
`` It 's daunting at times but this is my job at the moment and my new routine .
`` I 'm taking time for me and my family at the moment . ''

Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
For the latest Weatherfield news and spoilers - sign up here
Something went wrong, please try again later.
For the latest Weatherfield news and spoilers - sign up here
Coronation Street star Brooke Vincent has given followers a glimpse inside her son's first birthday celebrations.
Baby Mexx had a softplay area set up in their garden with a ball pool and slides, and doting mum Brooke said he had an 'absolute ball.'
The actress, who plays Sophie Webster in Corrie, says his first birthday was 'super special' even in 'the strangest of circumstances' amid the coronavirus pandemic. "We literally wrapped up and spent the full day in there playing!!" said the soap star from Audenshaw as she shared a video of the cute scene.
Balloon arches and number signs added to the home celebrations.
"ONE whole year of you," she wrote alongside a photo of her boy sitting with giant letters spelling out 'one.'
Reflecting on becoming a first-time parent with her partner Kean Bryan, Brooke shared a montage of moving videos and photos documenting the past year.
"Mexx S J Bryan ... My beautiful baby boy! The day I became your mummy was the best day of my life!" she wrote.
"You bring us so much love and happiness!! You have no idea how loved you are!! My funny, clever, little ray of sunshine!!
"You amaze me every single day! I am so proud that you are ours!! My son, my moon and all of my stars. My absolute.
"Happy 1st birthday my Baby."
(Image: Brooke Vincent)
Celebrations for Mexx were also held at The Ivy restaurant in Manchester, and Brooke, 28, from Audenshaw, shared a video of herself cuddling her son as they sang Happy Birthday for him.
Sheffield United footballer Kean posted a black and white photo of father and son on his Instagram with the touching words: "One year ago today you came into our lives and changed it forever. I am so blessed to have you as my son."
Brooke's Corrie character left in the back of a taxi to go travelling with the blessing of her girlfriend Paula Cunliffe.
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
She filmed her final scenes last August before going on maternity leave.
For now she said she's enjoying 'being a mum.'
"The only thing I knew fully that I wanted to be is a mum," she told the Loose Women panel in August.
"It's daunting at times but this is my job at the moment and my new routine.
"I'm taking time for me and my family at the moment."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--Police stopped motorists for not wearing seat belts - and found these

Police seized an array of terrifying weapons from suspected class A drug dealers - after they spotted them in a car without their setbelts on .
They found two machetes , a meat cleaver , a knuckle-duster , a mobile phone and cash when they stopped the car in Chadderton .
Two suspects have been arrested and were being questioned by detectives tonight on suspicion of dealing class A drugs .
Greater Manchester Police published a picture of the haul in a cheeky post on their GMP Chadderton Facebook page .
The latest figures show reports of crime fell 19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ started to rise again .
The post from GMP Chadderton today ( Sunday ) read : `` Drug dealers , remember to belt up and do n't draw attention to yourself .
`` Two males arrested on suspicion of intent to supply class A , offensive weapons and driving offences by the Chadderton Neighbourhood Team . ''
No further details were provided .
The seizure was welcomed by people on Facebook .
John Day wrote : `` Good job GMP , at least them weapons have been taken off the streets . ''
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Police Fire and Crime Panel show 130,820 crimes were reported between January and June , a fall of 19 per cent compared to the 162,038 offences recorded for the same six-month period in 2019 .
The force recorded 11,185 burglaries ( down 19 per cent ) , 2,547 robberies ( down 28 per cent ) , 12,341 car crimes ( down 20 per cent ) , 20,929 reports of domestic abuse ( down seven per cent ) and 1,596 reports of rape ( down 14 per cent ) .
However , the figures @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss a thing by signing up to the MyOldham newsletter here
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Don't miss a thing by signing up to the MyOldham newsletter here
Police seized an array of terrifying weapons from suspected class A drug dealers - after they spotted them in a car without their setbelts on.
They found two machetes, a meat cleaver, a knuckle-duster, a mobile phone and cash when they stopped the car in Chadderton.
Two suspects have been arrested and were being questioned by detectives tonight on suspicion of dealing class A drugs.
Greater Manchester Police published a picture of the haul in a cheeky post on their GMP Chadderton Facebook page.
The latest figures show reports of crime fell 19 per cent during lockdown although it has started to rise again.
The post from GMP Chadderton today (Sunday) read: "Drug dealers, remember to belt up and don't draw attention to yourself.
"Two males arrested on suspicion of intent to supply class A, offensive weapons and driving offences by the Chadderton Neighbourhood Team."
No further details were provided.
The seizure was welcomed by people on Facebook.
John Day wrote: "Good job GMP, at least them weapons have been taken off the streets."
Figures presented to the latest Greater Manchester Police Fire and Crime Panel show 130,820 crimes were reported between January and June, a fall of 19 per cent compared to the 162,038 offences recorded for the same six-month period in 2019.
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
All types of crime fell.
The force recorded 11,185 burglaries (down 19 per cent), 2,547 robberies (down 28 per cent), 12,341 car crimes (down 20 per cent), 20,929 reports of domestic abuse (down seven per cent) and 1,596 reports of rape (down 14 per cent).
However, the figures show crime has started to rise again.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-10-25--Sacha Lord gets angry messages from Americans who think he is Sacha Baron Cohen

Manchester 's nightlife chief Sacha Lord says he 's been receiving 'angry ' messages from Americans confusing him with Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen .
The night time economy advisor , who has been busy setting out proposals to save the sector amid the coronavirus pandemic and the enforcement of tier 3 lockdown rules in the region , has had comments on Twitter from people thinking he is the green mankini-wearing satirical comic .
Mr Lord , the founder of Manchester 's Parklife festival and The Warehouse Project , spoke out in the hope of deterring the comments .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , mainly from Americans .
Please note : I am not the actor playing Borat , '' he said .
His followers saw the funny side of his plea , with one asking : `` Can you prove it ? ''
`` One of the best tweets of the year !
!
!
Ha ha , '' said another .
`` So you don ’ t have a mankini ?
?
?
?
?
?
? ''
asked another jokingly .
`` As if 2020 couldn ’ t get any more bizarre ... @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 49 , is known for his portrayal of fictional satirical characters including Ali G and Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev .
Mr Baron Cohen has hit the headlines over the release of his new film Borat Subsequent Moviefilm , the sequel to the 2006 film Borat and he traded insults with Donald Trump after the US president called him a `` creep '' and a `` phoney guy . ''
He told Mr Trump , who was briefly interviewed on Mr Baron Cohen 's Da Ali G Show in 2003 but walked away @ @ @ @ @ @ @ n't find you funny either . ''
The angry exchange came after the British comedian targeted the president 's lawyer and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani in a prank for his new film .
Mr Baron Cohen tweeted : `` Donald - I appreciate the free publicity for Borat !
I admit , I do n't find you funny either .
But yet the whole world laughs at you . ''
Borat 2 , now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video , follows the character as he travels across the USA @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidential election with his daughter Tutar to learn about American culture and feminism .
Mr Lord , born in Altrincham , was unveiled as Greater Manchester ’ s first-ever night-time economy adviser in June 2018 .
Appointed by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham , he is the champion of Greater Manchester ’ s nightlife scene and , supported by a night-time economy panel , he delivers plans to develop and make it safer .

We have more newsletters
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
We have more newsletters
Thank you for subscribing!
Something went wrong, please try again later.
Love a bit of cheeky celeb goss? Share your email to get showbiz news, gossip and rumours from the MEN
Manchester's nightlife chief Sacha Lord says he's been receiving 'angry' messages from Americans confusing him with Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen.
The night time economy advisor, who has been busy setting out proposals to save the sector amid the coronavirus pandemic and the enforcement of tier 3 lockdown rules in the region, has had comments on Twitter from people thinking he is the green mankini-wearing satirical comic.
Mr Lord, the founder of Manchester's Parklife festival and The Warehouse Project, spoke out in the hope of deterring the comments.
(Image: Getty)
"A few weird comments on my timeline, mainly from Americans. Please note: I am not the actor playing Borat," he said.
His followers saw the funny side of his plea, with one asking: "Can you prove it?"
"One of the best tweets of the year!!! Ha ha," said another.
"So you don’t have a mankini ???????" asked another jokingly.
"As if 2020 couldn’t get any more bizarre..." laughed another.
The Borat star, 49, is known for his portrayal of fictional satirical characters including Ali G and Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev.
(Image: Darren Robinson Photography)
Mr Baron Cohen has hit the headlines over the release of his new film Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, the sequel to the 2006 film Borat and he traded insults with Donald Trump after the US president called him a "creep" and a "phoney guy."
He told Mr Trump, who was briefly interviewed on Mr Baron Cohen's Da Ali G Show in 2003 but walked away from the cameras: "I don't find you funny either."
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
The angry exchange came after the British comedian targeted the president's lawyer and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani in a prank for his new film.
Mr Baron Cohen tweeted: "Donald - I appreciate the free publicity for Borat! I admit, I don't find you funny either. But yet the whole world laughs at you."
Borat 2, now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, follows the character as he travels across the USA during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 presidential election with his daughter Tutar to learn about American culture and feminism.
Mr Lord, born in Altrincham, was unveiled as Greater Manchester’s first-ever night-time economy adviser in June 2018.
Appointed by Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, he is the champion of Greater Manchester’s nightlife scene and, supported by a night-time economy panel, he delivers plans to develop and make it safer.