themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-22--Disgust as man 'spits in woman's face' in random attack

A woman who was 'spat at in the face ' by a man in Swinton has spoken of her disgust .
The vile and random attack happened on Chorley Road at around 5.30pm on December 18 .
The 44-year-old victim said she was making her way home when she noticed a man stood by some railings .
She glanced at him before continuing to walk down the road .
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , she said heard him make a noise but thought nothing of it .
To her horror , she put her hand on her face @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on her cheek .
The woman , who did not wish to give her name , was left “ shaken ” by the incident and has since reported it to police .
She said : “ I didn ’ t do anything ; I probably glanced at him but not nastily .
I ’ m an easy-going person .
“ I was crossing at the lights and I felt something on my face and it turned out he spat at me .
“ Luckily I had some wipes in my bag .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What happens if that ’ s someone who is vulnerable or a child in a pram ?
” The woman , of Swinton , said she failed to realise anything had happened at first due to numbness on her face .
She continued : “ As I turned the corner , all of a sudden I heard this noise and it sounded like a ‘ tut ’ .
“ I felt dirty to be honest .
I had a shower when I got home .
“ With coronavirus , you just don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Maybe I was just there at the wrong time .
You never know if someone has a grudge against anyone.
” Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment .

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A woman who was 'spat at in the face' by a man in Swinton has spoken of her disgust.
The vile and random attack happened on Chorley Road at around 5.30pm on December 18.
The 44-year-old victim said she was making her way home when she noticed a man stood by some railings.
She glanced at him before continuing to walk down the road.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , she said heard him make a noise but thought nothing of it.
To her horror, she put her hand on her face and felt what appeared to be saliva on her cheek.
The woman, who did not wish to give her name, was left “shaken” by the incident and has since reported it to police.
She said: “I didn’t do anything; I probably glanced at him but not nastily. I’m an easy-going person.
“I was crossing at the lights and I felt something on my face and it turned out he spat at me.
“Luckily I had some wipes in my bag.
“I was a bit shaken up. What happens if that’s someone who is vulnerable or a child in a pram?”
The woman, of Swinton, said she failed to realise anything had happened at first due to numbness on her face.
She continued: “As I turned the corner, all of a sudden I heard this noise and it sounded like a ‘tut’.
“I felt dirty to be honest. I had a shower when I got home.
“With coronavirus, you just don’t know what anyone has.
“Maybe I was just there at the wrong time. You never know if someone has a grudge against anyone.”
Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-22--Bolton Wanderers training helped Ben Marshall to ditch professional football

Ben Marshall has revealed how training with Bolton Wanderers helped to convince him that his time in professional football was up after falling out of love with the game .
The 29-year-old has spent much of his career in the top four tiers of English football .
After coming through the ranks at Stoke City , spells in League Two and League One followed with the likes of Northampton Town , Cheltenham Town , Carlisle United and Sheffield Wednesday .
From there , Marshall spent his career solely in the Championship , spending time at Leicester City , Blackburn Rovers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But currently , Marshall is on the books of West Lancashire Division One side Stoneclough .
His Norwich deal was cancelled by mutual consent in the summer of 2019 and later that year , he joined the Lancashire side in a move that was announced at the start of 2020 .
Speaking to the Under The Cosh podcast , Marshall revealed he dropped out of the professional game due to the serious nature of the sport at its higher echelons .
And he revealed how a training session at Bolton Wanderers helped @ @ @ @ @ @ @ step away from the professional game , after falling out of love with it at Carrow Road and how he felt .
He said : `` I just did n't want to risk going back to that place .
`` I went training at Bolton and I just thought this is n't me anymore .
`` Now obviously I 'm in a better place , I 've thought about trying to get back but I 'm just happy where I am .
It 's not the best standard in the world but I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Since joining Stoneclough , Marshall has had offers from sides to return to professional football .
But he has not entertained them due to the serious nature of professional football and a desire for the sole other aspects of the game , mainly playing on a Saturday and enjoying the dressing room dynamics .
`` I 've had loads of offers .
When I signed for Stoneclough , they 're like 'what are you doing ? '
'' he said .
`` I said if I end up leaving then there 's got @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` A lot of them said it 's eye-opening because I said I just want to be around lads .
I just want to play on a Saturday and I just want to have a laugh and where nothing 's too serious .
`` I feel like now there 's so much seriousness and you ca n't do anything can you these days . ''

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Ben Marshall has revealed how training with Bolton Wanderers helped to convince him that his time in professional football was up after falling out of love with the game.
The 29-year-old has spent much of his career in the top four tiers of English football.
After coming through the ranks at Stoke City, spells in League Two and League One followed with the likes of Northampton Town, Cheltenham Town, Carlisle United and Sheffield Wednesday.
From there, Marshall spent his career solely in the Championship, spending time at Leicester City, Blackburn Rovers, Wolves, Millwall and Norwich City.
But currently, Marshall is on the books of West Lancashire Division One side Stoneclough.
His Norwich deal was cancelled by mutual consent in the summer of 2019 and later that year, he joined the Lancashire side in a move that was announced at the start of 2020.
Speaking to the Under The Cosh podcast, Marshall revealed he dropped out of the professional game due to the serious nature of the sport at its higher echelons.
And he revealed how a training session at Bolton Wanderers helped to convince him that he needed to step away from the professional game, after falling out of love with it at Carrow Road and how he felt.
He said: "I just didn't want to risk going back to that place.
My Bolton Wanderers on social media My Bolton Wanderers provides news about the Whites from the Manchester Evening News. We have set up social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter which you can follow and where the latest articles will be posted to.
"I went training at Bolton and I just thought this isn't me anymore.
"Now obviously I'm in a better place, I've thought about trying to get back but I'm just happy where I am. It's not the best standard in the world but I'm at a happy place."
Since joining Stoneclough, Marshall has had offers from sides to return to professional football.
But he has not entertained them due to the serious nature of professional football and a desire for the sole other aspects of the game, mainly playing on a Saturday and enjoying the dressing room dynamics.
"I've had loads of offers. When I signed for Stoneclough, they're like 'what are you doing?'" he said.
"I said if I end up leaving then there's got to be a package for Stoneclough.
"A lot of them said it's eye-opening because I said I just want to be around lads. I just want to play on a Saturday and I just want to have a laugh and where nothing's too serious.
"I feel like now there's so much seriousness and you can't do anything can you these days."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-22--Royal Mail suspends deliveries to Europe due to transport issues

Royal Mail has announced it has suspended deliveries to mainland Europe amid transport restrictions due to the mutant coronavirus strain .
The company said it was also experiencing delays to Canada and Turkey , both of which were listed as part of its 'on suspension ' list .
Deliveries to the Republic of Ireland are unaffected .
In a statement on its website , Royal Mail said : “ We are working to keep as many international mail services running as possible given the current restrictions around air , road , ferry and train movements from the UK .
Sign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 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 “ Royal Mail has temporarily suspended all mail services to Europe , with the exception of the Republic of Ireland .
We are keeping the situation under close and constant review.
” The company said it was monitoring the 'fast-moving situation ' on an hourly basis , adding : “ We ’ re… ready to open our services as soon as we are able to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We continue to explore all options .
We ’ re additionally experiencing delays to Canada and Turkey as air capacity is severely limited .
“ We ’ re working with our airline and postal/courier partners across the globe to maintain services , however delays should be expected.
” Royal Mail also said it could not guarantee special delivery items posted tomorrow Wednesday ( December 23 ) would arrive before Christmas due to the impact of the new coronavirus restrictions .
Meanwhile , Germany ’ s DHL said it was temporarily suspending deliveries @ @ @ @ @ @

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Royal Mail has announced it has suspended deliveries to mainland Europe amid transport restrictions due to the mutant coronavirus strain.
The company said it was also experiencing delays to Canada and Turkey, both of which were listed as part of its 'on suspension' list.
Deliveries to the Republic of Ireland are unaffected.
In a statement on its website, Royal Mail said: “We are working to keep as many international mail services running as possible given the current restrictions around air, road, ferry and train movements from the UK.
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
“Royal Mail has temporarily suspended all mail services to Europe, with the exception of the Republic of Ireland. We are keeping the situation under close and constant review.”
The company said it was monitoring the 'fast-moving situation' on an hourly basis, adding: “We’re… ready to open our services as soon as we are able to once the restrictions have been lifted.
“We continue to explore all options. We’re additionally experiencing delays to Canada and Turkey as air capacity is severely limited.
“We’re working with our airline and postal/courier partners across the globe to maintain services, however delays should be expected.”
Royal Mail also said it could not guarantee special delivery items posted tomorrow Wednesday (December 23) would arrive before Christmas due to the impact of the new coronavirus restrictions.
Meanwhile, Germany’s DHL said it was temporarily suspending deliveries of packages to the UK.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-22--Thousands of hard-up families across Rochdale are to get help this Christmas

Thousands of hard-up families across Rochdale are to get help with their food and utility bills this Christmas .
The council has been allocated nearly £940,000 from the government ’ s Covid Winter Grant Scheme fund .
In a bid to help those most in need it will be sending out £448,000 of vouchers to support families over the festive season - with more to follow before the February half-term .
The £40 vouchers will support more than 11,000 children in the borough who qualify for free school meals or are currently being supported by children ’ s services .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority would do all it could to help those struggling over the winter months .
He said : “ This is much needed funding for families that are going through a tough time .
I ’ m proud of the support we ’ re giving them and our wider offer.
” The authority has previously spent £500,000 on Aldi vouchers to top up youngsters on free-school meals , as well as £140,000 October half term vouchers .
Coun Brett added : “ We will keep fighting for fairer funding from government .
Grants @ @ @ @ @ @ @ supporting our families , but I ’ m committed to fighting for more for them.
” The council will also plough £120,000 into its Household Assistance Fund to provide vouchers and other financial support for struggling households .
A further £96,000 is to be invested in the voluntary sector through the Food Solutions Network , which includes more than 20 organisations .
This will help buy food and provide winter care packages - including cleaning packs , essential toiletries and nappies - to support households in need .
And £3,000 will fund the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so it can run in the February half term .
Struggling families can also access a new food club run by the council and the charity Family Action .
Coun Kieran Heakin , cabinet member for children ’ s services , said : “ It is vital that we get this funding to families who need it and we hope that our package of support goes some way to easing some financial pressures before Christmas .
“ I hope it ’ s a comfort to our families who need an extra helping hand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this year and next.
” As well as help with food and bills , the council is also offering a ‘ wide package ’ of support to families - covering everything to problems with children ’ s behaviour to mental health issues .
For more information visit rochdale.gov.uk/EarlyHelp or phone the early help team on 0300 303 8801 .
Alternatively , email the team at early.help @ rochdale.gov.uk Vouchers will be being sent in the post from the council , families do not need to contact schools .

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Thousands of hard-up families across Rochdale are to get help with their food and utility bills this Christmas.
The council has been allocated nearly £940,000 from the government’s Covid Winter Grant Scheme fund.
In a bid to help those most in need it will be sending out £448,000 of vouchers to support families over the festive season - with more to follow before the February half-term.
The £40 vouchers will support more than 11,000 children in the borough who qualify for free school meals or are currently being supported by children’s services.
Care leavers will also receive a voucher.
Council leader Allen Brett, said the authority would do all it could to help those struggling over the winter months.
He said: “This is much needed funding for families that are going through a tough time. I’m proud of the support we’re giving them and our wider offer.”
The authority has previously spent £500,000 on Aldi vouchers to top up youngsters on free-school meals, as well as £140,000 October half term vouchers.
Coun Brett added: “We will keep fighting for fairer funding from government. Grants like this will go some way to supporting our families, but I’m committed to fighting for more for them.”
(Image: Rochdale Observer)
The council will also plough £120,000 into its Household Assistance Fund to provide vouchers and other financial support for struggling households.
A further £96,000 is to be invested in the voluntary sector through the Food Solutions Network, which includes more than 20 organisations.
This will help buy food and provide winter care packages - including cleaning packs, essential toiletries and nappies - to support households in need.
And £3,000 will fund the now well-established Fit and Feed programme, so it can run in the February half term.
Struggling families can also access a new food club run by the council and the charity Family Action.
Coun Kieran Heakin, cabinet member for children’s services, said: “It is vital that we get this funding to families who need it and we hope that our package of support goes some way to easing some financial pressures before Christmas.
“I hope it’s a comfort to our families who need an extra helping hand to know what’s coming up this year and next.”
As well as help with food and bills, the council is also offering a ‘wide package’ of support to families - covering everything to problems with children’s behaviour to mental health issues.
For more information visit rochdale.gov.uk/EarlyHelp or phone the early help team on 0300 303 8801. Alternatively, email the team at early.help@rochdale.gov.uk
Vouchers will be being sent in the post from the council, families do not need to contact schools.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-22--Townhouses and apartments plan rejected over 'traffic chaos' fears

Plans for new apartments and town houses in Mossley have been rejected over concerns they would be ‘ detrimental ’ and cause ‘ traffic chaos ’ .
Councillors turned down the proposals for the redevelopment of a site off Stamford Road on the advice of officers , who said they would be out of character with the area and cause highway safety issues .
The applicant , Mr Wilcox , had applied to build four town houses and 12 apartments which would have been three storeys high , forming one ‘ long block ’ on the site .
Six residents @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had objected to the application .
Councillor Tafheen Sharif spoke against the plans at the meeting on behalf of all three ward members , saying it would cause ‘ traffic chaos ’ in Mossley .
“ The development will gridlock the town , ” she said .
“ It will also be expected that construction vehicles would use this road for at least two years .
The traffic congestion and the road itself , being narrow and with steep gradients will simply not be able to cope .
“ Stamford Road is busy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer David Thompson told councillors the site had been previously built on , and the principle of development was considered to be acceptable .
However he said there were issues around the design and the three storey level of the properties .
“ The general quality of the development in terms of how it relates to the surroundings , where you ’ ve got traditional terraced properties and then a much taller building on the corner – it ’ s basically considered to be quite a weak design , ” he said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ authority and Transport for Greater Manchester had also raised concerns about the use of the garages within the town houses .
These would require a manoeuvre in the highway , or reversing into the road , for residents to get in and out .
“ That causes particular concerns because it ’ s a fairly main route through the centre of Mossley , ” he said .
Speaking for the application , agent Paul Judge did not agree that the development would cause severe issues on the local highway .
He added : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ terraced streets in the area.
” However councillors voted unanimously to reject the application .

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Plans for new apartments and town houses in Mossley have been rejected over concerns they would be ‘detrimental’ and cause ‘traffic chaos’.
Councillors turned down the proposals for the redevelopment of a site off Stamford Road on the advice of officers, who said they would be out of character with the area and cause highway safety issues.
The applicant, Mr Wilcox, had applied to build four town houses and 12 apartments which would have been three storeys high, forming one ‘long block’ on the site.
Six residents, Mossley Town Council and local councillors had objected to the application.
Councillor Tafheen Sharif spoke against the plans at the meeting on behalf of all three ward members, saying it would cause ‘traffic chaos’ in Mossley.
“The development will gridlock the town,” she said.
“It will also be expected that construction vehicles would use this road for at least two years. The traffic congestion and the road itself, being narrow and with steep gradients will simply not be able to cope.
“Stamford Road is busy at the quietest of times.”
Planning officer David Thompson told councillors the site had been previously built on, and the principle of development was considered to be acceptable.
However he said there were issues around the design and the three storey level of the properties.
“The general quality of the development in terms of how it relates to the surroundings, where you’ve got traditional terraced properties and then a much taller building on the corner – it’s basically considered to be quite a weak design,” he said.
Mr Thompson added that the local highway authority and Transport for Greater Manchester had also raised concerns about the use of the garages within the town houses.
These would require a manoeuvre in the highway, or reversing into the road, for residents to get in and out.
“That causes particular concerns because it’s a fairly main route through the centre of Mossley,” he said.
Speaking for the application, agent Paul Judge did not agree that the development would cause severe issues on the local highway.
He added: “The design is typical of the terraced streets in the area.”
However councillors voted unanimously to reject the application.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-22--LIVE: Man in serious condition in hospital after chemical explosion

A man has been taken to hospital after a chemical explosion in Salford .
There is a heavy emergency service presence on Liverpool Road .
Residents reported seeing police , fire and ambulance crews at the scene just after 11am .
A neighbour told the Manchester Evening News they heard a “ really loud boom ” coming from the site earlier today .
They said : “ The noise was really loud like a big boom something exploding or collapsing , that 's all I can say .
Scary.
” A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a chemical explosion .
A spokesman for NWAS confirmed one man has been taken to hospital following the incident .
A spokesman for NWAS said : “ We called about an incident 11:07 , and we have attended with multiple resources including an ambulance , a rapid response vehicle and members of Hazardous Area Response Team ( HART ) .
“ We have taken one male patient to hospital.
” A reporter is on his way to the scene .
This is a breaking news incident .
Follow our live blog below for @ @ @ @ @ @ @

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Seamus McDonnell, Paige Oldfield)

A man has been taken to hospital after a chemical explosion in Salford.
There was a heavy emergency service presence on Liverpool Road earlier today (December 22).
Residents reported seeing police, fire and ambulance crews at the scene just after 11am.
A neighbour told the Manchester Evening News they heard a “really loud boom” coming from a nearby site.
They said: “The noise was really loud like a big boom something exploding or collapsing, that's all I can say. Scary.”
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed a man has suffered serious burns in a chemical explosion.
A spokesman for NWAS confirmed one man has been taken to hospital following the incident.
A spokesman for NWAS said: “We called about an incident 11:07, and we have attended with multiple resources including an ambulance, a rapid response vehicle and members of Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
“We have taken one male patient to hospital.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-22--Man in serious condition after ‘fight’ on bus near Manchester Apollo

A man is in hospital in a serious condition after a ‘ fight ’ on a bus close to Manchester Apollo .
Police were called to reports of a fight on a bus on Ardwick Green South on Monday afternoon ( December 21 ) .
When officers arrived they found a 31-year-old man seriously injured .
He was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition , Greater Manchester Police said .
A 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault .
He remains in custody for questioning today .
A GMP spokesman said : “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reports of a fight on a bus on Ardwick Green South , Manchester .
“ A 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault .
He remains in custody for questioning .
“ The victim - a 31-year-old man - remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition .
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4409 quoting 2003 of 21/12/2020 .
Details can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Android device .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here .

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A man is in hospital in a serious condition after a ‘fight’ on a bus close to Manchester Apollo.
Police were called to reports of a fight on a bus on Ardwick Green South on Monday afternoon (December 21).
When officers arrived they found a 31-year-old man seriously injured.
He was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition, Greater Manchester Police said.
A 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault.
He remains in custody for questioning today.
A GMP spokesman said: “Police were called at around 5.45pm to reports of a fight on a bus on Ardwick Green South, Manchester.
“A 57-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of section 20 assault. He remains in custody for questioning.
“The victim - a 31-year-old man - remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
“Initial enquiries suggest the incident happened following a confrontation.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4409 quoting 2003 of 21/12/2020. Details can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here.
And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-22--New strain of Covid-19 not in Greater Manchester yet say public health leaders

The new highly transmissible strain of Covid-19 is not thought to have reached Greater Manchester yet , say the region 's health leaders .
A variant of the virus , which is said to be behind huge spikes in the south of England , is believed to have already reached parts of Cumbria .
The conurbation 's public health directors say they are 'really concerned ' about the strain , and are battling to delay the arrival of the variant in Greater Manchester for as long as possible .
Director of Public Health in Tameside , Dr Jeanelle De Gruchy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ increase if and when the new strain of the virus reaches the region .
`` At the moment we have n't heard that there are any positive cases of the variant yet , that 's as far as we 've heard , '' Dr De Gruchy told the M.E.N .
`` We are really wanting to delay the spread as much as possible .
`` As directors of public health in Greater Manchester we are really concerned about the rapid spread of the virus , particularly driven by the variant and the consequences @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and unfortunately deaths . ''
The doubling time of the new variant is believed to be half of the strain of Covid-19 seen across the UK since March .
It is thought the new strain is up to 70 per cent more transmissible than earlier versions of the virus .
`` These new cases will be included in the daily figures and what you can tell certainly from Tier 4 and in Wales is how quickly the numbers are going up , '' Dr De Gruchy said .
`` That 's because it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ De Gruchy said public health leaders were on high alert for the new strain in Greater Manchester , which is said to be identifiable through sudden outbreaks or Genotyping .
Genotyping is the technology used to detect small genetic changes and pathological changes in the make-up of a disease .
`` We can tell whether it 's the new variant from it 's gene type , '' she said .
`` You can see that it pushes the prevalence up very quickly .
That would be the main thing we would see but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that might be an indication it 's the new variant .
`` To know for sure you would have the test genotyped .
`` The directors of public health are being really alert to outbreak situations which might be the new variant and we would be looking to request Genotyping in those circumstances . ''
The region 's health bosses are hoping to delay the spread of the new strain in Greater Manchester , by urging anyone who has travelled from Tier 4 areas or Wales to self-isolate for 10 days .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what we are doing is vaccinating the most vulnerable people , '' Dr De Gruchy said .
`` We are asking people not to travel from those areas but for those who have to self-isolate in the house they arrive in .
That 's really important .
`` But we are also asking everyone in Greater Manchester to continue to the best they can to help us get the virus under control .
`` Every step a person takes can contribute to it .
Washing hands , wearing a face covering , reducing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to keep it really small and short . ''
We asked if social distancing measures needed to be reviewed given the transmissability of the new strain of Covid-19 .
`` I think the science is there , '' Dr De Gruchy said .
`` We know the variant is more infectious but the science is there to keep to two metres .
`` I think what has happened over time is people have become a bit lax with that .
Our message is to reinforce that people strongly maintain that 2m distance - @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ''

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The new highly transmissible strain of Covid-19 is not thought to have reached Greater Manchester yet, say the region's health leaders.
A variant of the virus, which is said to be behind huge spikes in the south of England, is believed to have already reached parts of Cumbria.
The conurbation's public health directors say they are 'really concerned' about the strain, and are battling to delay the arrival of the variant in Greater Manchester for as long as possible.
Director of Public Health in Tameside, Dr Jeanelle De Gruchy warned that both hospitalisations and deaths would increase if and when the new strain of the virus reaches the region.
"At the moment we haven't heard that there are any positive cases of the variant yet, that's as far as we've heard," Dr De Gruchy told the M.E.N.
"We are really wanting to delay the spread as much as possible.
"As directors of public health in Greater Manchester we are really concerned about the rapid spread of the virus, particularly driven by the variant and the consequences of that in terms of increased hospitalisations and unfortunately deaths."
(Image: M.E.N.)
The doubling time of the new variant is believed to be half of the strain of Covid-19 seen across the UK since March.
It is thought the new strain is up to 70 per cent more transmissible than earlier versions of the virus.
"These new cases will be included in the daily figures and what you can tell certainly from Tier 4 and in Wales is how quickly the numbers are going up," Dr De Gruchy said.
"That's because it is so incredibly infectious."
Dr De Gruchy said public health leaders were on high alert for the new strain in Greater Manchester, which is said to be identifiable through sudden outbreaks or Genotyping.
Genotyping is the technology used to detect small genetic changes and pathological changes in the make-up of a disease.
"We can tell whether it's the new variant from it's gene type," she said.
"You can see that it pushes the prevalence up very quickly. That would be the main thing we would see but certainly if you saw outbreaks increasing rapidly that might be an indication it's the new variant.
(Image: Getty Images)
"To know for sure you would have the test genotyped.
"The directors of public health are being really alert to outbreak situations which might be the new variant and we would be looking to request Genotyping in those circumstances."
The region's health bosses are hoping to delay the spread of the new strain in Greater Manchester, by urging anyone who has travelled from Tier 4 areas or Wales to self-isolate for 10 days.
"That is really important because all along what we are doing is vaccinating the most vulnerable people," Dr De Gruchy said.
"We are asking people not to travel from those areas but for those who have to self-isolate in the house they arrive in. That's really important.
"But we are also asking everyone in Greater Manchester to continue to the best they can to help us get the virus under control.
"Every step a person takes can contribute to it. Washing hands, wearing a face covering, reducing social contact and especially at Christmas, to keep it really small and short."
We asked if social distancing measures needed to be reviewed given the transmissability of the new strain of Covid-19.
"I think the science is there," Dr De Gruchy said.
"We know the variant is more infectious but the science is there to keep to two metres.
"I think what has happened over time is people have become a bit lax with that. Our message is to reinforce that people strongly maintain that 2m distance - and really as far as possible."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Aymeric Laporte warned over Man City future after John Stones form

Micah Richards says Aymeric Laporte faces pressure for his place at Man City after John Stones ' good form .
Stones was effectively sixth-choice centre-back at City at the start of the season but has become a regular in the side thanks to some good performances .
The England international has formed a good partnership at the back with Ruben Dias , meaning Laporte has found himself a little out of favour recently .
Laporte has made just eight appearances so far this season in all competitions and has not featured in the Premier League since defeat to Tottenham Hotspur @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Stones has featured in every Premier League game but one since the defeat to Spurs , which he also played no part in , and has looked a strong option for Pep Guardiola to choose from .
It means former City defender Richards can not see Laporte getting back into the City team as they currently set-up .
Speaking on Sky Sports , Richards says he feels Laporte - who scored in the Carabao Cup win over Arsenal last night - faces pressure to try and win his place back in the side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , '' he said .
`` I ’ ve done many pieces on John Stones now and I feel like he ’ s in the form of his life .
Manchester City are in the Carabao Cup semi-finals once again after a comprehensive win over Arsenal .
Gabriel Jesus gave the Blues the lead in just over two minutes , but Alexandre Lacazette equalised before half-time .
Second half goals from Riyad Mahrez , Phil Foden and Aymeric Laporte , though , were enough to see City home and dry .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ analysis to the match with our daily City newsletter .
You can get it all delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter - just submit your email address in the sign-up box above or follow this link - it 's free and it only takes a few seconds '' Laporte can always be trusted , I think he ’ s got the balance with his left foot as well , so you can always count on him .
`` But at this moment , the partnership between Dias @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There might be an option where he goes with a three at the back at one stage , to get players further forward , but yeah , he ’ s done really well , John Stones . ''

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (David Byrom, Bobby Vincent)

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Micah Richards says Aymeric Laporte faces pressure for his place at Man City after John Stones' good form.
Stones was effectively sixth-choice centre-back at City at the start of the season but has become a regular in the side thanks to some good performances.
The England international has formed a good partnership at the back with Ruben Dias, meaning Laporte has found himself a little out of favour recently.
Laporte has made just eight appearances so far this season in all competitions and has not featured in the Premier League since defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in late November.
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By contrast, Stones has featured in every Premier League game but one since the defeat to Spurs, which he also played no part in, and has looked a strong option for Pep Guardiola to choose from.
It means former City defender Richards cannot see Laporte getting back into the City team as they currently set-up.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Richards says he feels Laporte - who scored in the Carabao Cup win over Arsenal last night - faces pressure to try and win his place back in the side ahead of Stones.
"I really do," he said. "I’ve done many pieces on John Stones now and I feel like he’s in the form of his life.
"Laporte can always be trusted, I think he’s got the balance with his left foot as well, so you can always count on him.
"But at this moment, the partnership between Dias and Stones looks really good.
"There might be an option where he goes with a three at the back at one stage, to get players further forward, but yeah, he’s done really well, John Stones."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Police release footage after delivery driver attacked and robbed of scooter

Police have released footage after a delivery driver was attacked and robbed of his scooter in Fallowfield .
Officers were called to reports of a robbery on Parkside Road shortly before 10pm on Saturday 5 December .
The delivery driver had been driving a motor scooter when he was approached by four men who kicked him and pulled him off his bike , police said .
They then proceeded to attack the man before making off with his scooter .
The victim is believed to have suffered minor facial injuries during the assault , and did not require any hospital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chasing after a group of men with a scooter .
No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing .
Police Constable Martin Catterall , of GMP 's City of Manchester division , said `` These men attacked an innocent member of the public who was just trying to do his job , and stole his scooter from him , leaving him understandably shaken and upset .
`` We are following all available lines of enquiry to identify these offenders and are releasing this CCTV footage in the hope that someone has information @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` If you witnessed this incident or recognise any of these offenders please come forward as soon as possible . ''
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6033 , quoting incident number 2854 of 5/12/2020 .
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .

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Police have released footage after a delivery driver was attacked and robbed of his scooter in Fallowfield.
Officers were called to reports of a robbery on Parkside Road shortly before 10pm on Saturday 5 December.
The delivery driver had been driving a motor scooter when he was approached by four men who kicked him and pulled him off his bike, police said.
They then proceeded to attack the man before making off with his scooter.
The victim is believed to have suffered minor facial injuries during the assault, and did not require any hospital treatment.
Camera footage shows the driver chasing after a group of men with a scooter.
No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing.
Police Constable Martin Catterall, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said "These men attacked an innocent member of the public who was just trying to do his job, and stole his scooter from him, leaving him understandably shaken and upset.
"We are following all available lines of enquiry to identify these offenders and are releasing this CCTV footage in the hope that someone has information that they can share with police.
"If you witnessed this incident or recognise any of these offenders please come forward as soon as possible."
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6033, quoting incident number 2854 of 5/12/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Man died after 'rolling' onto road having been discharged by mental health staff

A man discharged by mental health staff attempted to take his own life on hospital grounds - before he 'rolled ' onto a major road and died after being hit by a taxi , an inquest heard .
Daniel Kirton passed away at Manchester Royal Infirmary earlier this month .
On December 3 , the 35-year-old visited the mental health team at the hospital .
He was then discharged .
Mr Kirton attempted to take his own life on hospital grounds , before 'rolling ' onto Upper Brook Street .
He was bit by a taxi at around 11.35pm .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
An inquest into Mr Kirton 's death was opened at Manchester Coroners ' Court today ( Wednesday ) .
Police coroners ' officer Elizabeth Davies told the hearing Mr Kirton , who was of no fixed address and was unemployed , went to the hospital to see the mental team on the afternoon of December 3 .
Ms Davies said that after he was discharged from hospital , he attempted to take his own life .
`` He then proceeded to roll onto the ground and into the road on Upper Brook @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , '' she added .
Coroner Zak Golombeck said Mr Kirton 's mother ; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust ; and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust would be recognised as 'interested persons ' at the full inquest hearing .
Security guards at the hospital may also be able to actively participate in the proceedings , the coroner added .
`` I will require a full file from Greater Manchester Police , which will include CCTV footage , '' Mr Golombeck said .
`` I have seen the provisional results of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chest injury as the cause of death , but I will await the full Home Office report .
`` There will be a joint investigation between the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and I will await a copy of that investigation .
`` I will also require records from both trusts and a summary report from Mr Kirton 's GP .
`` I will need to investigate the initial assessment made by the clinicians at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and the events that led @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hospital initially , then the events outside the hospital where there were attempts by Mr Kirton to take his own life - and then whether there was any further assessment by the time he left the hospital grounds and was struck fatally by the taxi . ''
Mr Golombeck said it was 'too early ' to decide whether the full inquest hearing would require a jury .
He formally adjourned the inquest to a later date .
Following Mr Kirton 's death , police confirmed that he was fatally struck by a grey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Street on December 3 .
The driver of the Toyota remained at the scene and no arrests were made .
Constable Darren White , of GMP ’ s Serious Collision Investigation Unit , said the incident was 'devastating ' and urged anyone with information to come forward .

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A man discharged by mental health staff attempted to take his own life on hospital grounds - before he 'rolled' onto a major road and died after being hit by a taxi, an inquest heard.
Daniel Kirton passed away at Manchester Royal Infirmary earlier this month.
On December 3, the 35-year-old visited the mental health team at the hospital.
He was then discharged.
Mr Kirton attempted to take his own life on hospital grounds, before 'rolling' onto Upper Brook Street. He was hit by a taxi at around 11.35pm.
He was pronounced dead on December 4.
(Image: MEN Media)
An inquest into Mr Kirton's death was opened at Manchester Coroners' Court today (Wednesday).
Police coroners' officer Elizabeth Davies told the hearing Mr Kirton, who was of no fixed address and was unemployed, went to the hospital to see the mental team on the afternoon of December 3.
Ms Davies said that after he was discharged from hospital, he attempted to take his own life.
"He then proceeded to roll onto the ground and into the road on Upper Brook Street and was struck by a taxi," she added.
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
Coroner Zak Golombeck said Mr Kirton's mother; Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust would be recognised as 'interested persons' at the full inquest hearing.
Security guards at the hospital may also be able to actively participate in the proceedings, the coroner added.
"I will require a full file from Greater Manchester Police, which will include CCTV footage," Mr Golombeck said.
"I have seen the provisional results of the Home Office postmortem report and that lists chest injury as the cause of death, but I will await the full Home Office report.
"There will be a joint investigation between the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and I will await a copy of that investigation.
"I will also require records from both trusts and a summary report from Mr Kirton's GP.
"I will need to investigate the initial assessment made by the clinicians at the Manchester Royal Infirmary and the events that led to him being discharged or leaving the hospital initially, then the events outside the hospital where there were attempts by Mr Kirton to take his own life - and then whether there was any further assessment by the time he left the hospital grounds and was struck fatally by the taxi."
Mr Golombeck said it was 'too early' to decide whether the full inquest hearing would require a jury.
He formally adjourned the inquest to a later date.
Following Mr Kirton's death, police confirmed that he was fatally struck by a grey Toyota Verso at 11.35pm on Upper Brook Street on December 3.
The driver of the Toyota remained at the scene and no arrests were made.
Constable Darren White, of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said the incident was 'devastating' and urged anyone with information to come forward.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Matt Hancock speaking in Downing Street press conference today

The Health Secretary , Matt Hancock , is due to hold a Downing Street press conference this afternoon to update the nation on efforts to contain the new mutant strain of coronavirus .
He will let people know what measures are in place to contain the spread of the new variant , amid speculation further new areas could face more restrictions within days .
The new variant is believed to be between 50 per cent to 70 per cent more transmissible than other strains of the virus , but is not thought to be any more or any less deadly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be in the offing to move large swathes of England into Tier 4 from as early as Saturday on Boxing Day .
The five-day Christmas bubble for Tiers 1 to 3 has been slashed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to just one day - Christmas Day - as families are urged to limit their social interactions to prevent a spike in infections .
The government ’ s Covid operations committee met this morning to consider whether to place more areas into lockdown .
Currently around 17 million people in London and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tier 4 ’ , which sees all but non-essential shops shut and people told to stay local .
Travel restrictions on ports to the French channel were lifted this morning , although there were chaotic scenes as lorry drivers clashed with police .
Hauliers were urged to stay away by Grant Shapps , the Transport Secretary , as they must have a negative Covid test before they are allowed to proceed .
Professor Neil Ferguson , a member of the government 's New and Emergency Virus Threats advisory group ( NervTag ) warned @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of people in the South East and beyond and was `` everywhere now '' .
He told a committee of MPs he expected new measures to help control it , but the critical question is what happens next month .
It is expected at Health Secretary Matt Hancock will speak sometime between 3 pm and 3.30 pm .

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The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, is due to hold a Downing Street press conference this afternoon to update the nation on efforts to contain the new mutant strain of coronavirus.
He will let people know what measures are in place to contain the spread of the new variant, amid speculation further new areas could face more restrictions within days.
The new variant is believed to be between 50 per cent to 70 per cent more transmissible than other strains of the virus, but is not thought to be any more or any less deadly.
It comes as plans were rumoured to be in the offing to move large swathes of England into Tier 4 from as early as Saturday on Boxing Day.
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 five-day Christmas bubble for Tiers 1 to 3 has been slashed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to just one day - Christmas Day - as families are urged to limit their social interactions to prevent a spike in infections.
The government’s Covid operations committee met this morning to consider whether to place more areas into lockdown.
Currently around 17 million people in London and the South East are in a new ‘Tier 4’, which sees all but non-essential shops shut and people told to stay local.
Travel restrictions on ports to the French channel were lifted this morning, although there were chaotic scenes as lorry drivers clashed with police.
Hauliers were urged to stay away by Grant Shapps, the Transport Secretary, as they must have a negative Covid test before they are allowed to proceed.
Professor Neil Ferguson, a member of the government's New and Emergency Virus Threats advisory group (NervTag) warned the new mutant strain has infected swathes of people in the South East and beyond and was "everywhere now".
He told a committee of MPs he expected new measures to help control it, but the critical question is what happens next month.
It is expected at Health Secretary Matt Hancock will speak sometime between 3 pm and 3.30 pm.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Sacha Lord has SO much sass for Matt Hancock in letter over 'gagging clause'

Greater Manchester 's night time economy adviser Sacha Lord claimed this week that the government had tried to 'gag ' him over his legal challenge to hospitality restrictions .
And his speaking out has n't gone down at all well with Whitehall 's top brass , it seems .
Mr Lord told the M.E.N he had received a letter from the Government 's legal department after a tweet he posted on Monday , in which he accused them of employing a 'bullying tactic to try to delay our case ' .
The Warehouse Project and Parklife boss claimed he had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' before they would let him see the Equality Impact Assessment report surrounding the tier system .
The letter said it was 'concerned by [ his ] mischaracterisation ' of their request not to disclose the documents under the Civil Procedure Rules .
Mr Lord has now written back through his own lawyers - with a whole lot of sass aimed at Health Secretary Matt Hancock .
`` Mr Lord is flattered that the Secretary of State casts such a keen eye over his social media accounts , '' it reads .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ State has a busy schedule and would be happy to ‘ tag ’ the Secretary of State in future posts so as to ensure he doesn ’ t miss out on any of Mr Lord 's insightful observations .
`` Mr Lord strongly advocates for the hospitality and night time economy sectors via his social media channels and no doubt the Secretary of State will have read about the damage that his policies have caused to the people and businesses of Greater Manchester .
`` The Secretary of State will also have seen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ways in which the plight of these vital sectors of the economy could be improved whilst suppressing the virus .
`` Again , Mr Lord restates his offer to meet with the Secretary of State in order to discuss these matters more fully , in a way not possible using only 280 characters .
`` As to the balance of your letter , Mr Lord did not mean to 'trouble ' the Secretary of State by his tweet , he merely highlighted to his 87,000 followers that he would not be prepared to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` In the meantime , the Secretary of State need not fret , Mr Lord fully understands his duties pursuant to CPR 31.22 ( 1 ) and will properly observe them once the documents have been disclosed to him . ''
Under the Civil Procedure Rules , a person to whom a document has been disclosed may use the document only for the purpose of the proceedings in which it is disclosed .
That 's unless the document has been read in court or at a public hearing ; the court gives @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and own the documents agree .
Mr Lord served papers to the High Court last week in the latest chapter of his legal battle for the Government to publish evidence that supports the tough restrictions imposed on pubs and restaurants .
He has argued that the sector has been treated unfairly , with the strict measures causing a 'disproportionate amount of harm to some of the most disadvantaged in our society ' .
The Equality Impact Assessment he is demanding to see is expected to include details of whether decisions taken by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are likely to have a detrimental or disproportionate impact on particular groups of society .

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Greater Manchester's night time economy adviser Sacha Lord claimed this week that the government had tried to 'gag' him over his legal challenge to hospitality restrictions.
And his speaking out hasn't gone down at all well with Whitehall's top brass, it seems.
Mr Lord told the M.E.N he had received a letter from the Government's legal department after a tweet he posted on Monday, in which he accused them of employing a 'bullying tactic to try to delay our case'.
The Warehouse Project and Parklife boss claimed he had been asked to sign a 'gagging clause' before they would let him see the Equality Impact Assessment report surrounding the tier system.
The letter said it was 'concerned by [his] mischaracterisation' of their request not to disclose the documents under the Civil Procedure Rules.
Mr Lord has now written back through his own lawyers - with a whole lot of sass aimed at Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
"Mr Lord is flattered that the Secretary of State casts such a keen eye over his social media accounts," it reads.
"Mr Lord appreciates that the Secretary of State has a busy schedule and would be happy to ‘tag’ the Secretary of State in future posts so as to ensure he doesn’t miss out on any of Mr Lord's insightful observations.
"Mr Lord strongly advocates for the hospitality and night time economy sectors via his social media channels and no doubt the Secretary of State will have read about the damage that his policies have caused to the people and businesses of Greater Manchester.
"The Secretary of State will also have seen that Mr Lord has set out numerous ways in which the plight of these vital sectors of the economy could be improved whilst suppressing the virus.
"Again, Mr Lord restates his offer to meet with the Secretary of State in order to discuss these matters more fully, in a way not possible using only 280 characters.
"As to the balance of your letter, Mr Lord did not mean to 'trouble' the Secretary of State by his tweet, he merely highlighted to his 87,000 followers that he would not be prepared to sign an otiose undertaking you had proposed.
"In the meantime, the Secretary of State need not fret, Mr Lord fully understands his duties pursuant to CPR 31.22 (1) and will properly observe them once the documents have been disclosed to him."
(Image: Darren Robinson Photography)
Under the Civil Procedure Rules, a person to whom a document has been disclosed may use the document only for the purpose of the proceedings in which it is disclosed.
That's unless the document has been read in court or at a public hearing; the court gives permission; or the parties who disclosed and own the documents agree.
Mr Lord served papers to the High Court last week in the latest chapter of his legal battle for the Government to publish evidence that supports the tough restrictions imposed on pubs and restaurants.
He has argued that the sector has been treated unfairly, with the strict measures causing a 'disproportionate amount of harm to some of the most disadvantaged in our society'.
The Equality Impact Assessment he is demanding to see is expected to include details of whether decisions taken by the Government to curb the spread of coronavirus are likely to have a detrimental or disproportionate impact on particular groups of society.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Ex-Milan defender proposes ridiculous Van de Beek Man Utd swap deal

AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta has suggested Inter Milan should target Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek in a swap deal for Christian Eriksen .
Eriksen moved to Serie A last January after a protracted dispute with Tottenham over his future .
MEN Sport understood United explored the possibility of signing Eriksen last summer and the playmaker held talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over a move to Old Trafford .
The Reds ultimately ended their interest in the midfielder and went on to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon six months later .
Eriksen has struggled under Antonio Conte @ @ @ @ @ @ @ January transfer window .
Despite only joining the club this summer , Van de Beek has also been linked with an exit due to his lack of minutes , though Solskjaer has stressed on multiple occasions he will get his chance at Old Trafford .
Nevertheless , Costacurta believes Inter could offload the former Tottenham man by swapping him for Van de Beek , despite United holding no interest in signing Eriksen or allowing Van de Beek to depart .
`` Eriksen would be someone to exchange with someone who does not play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ quoted by Calciomercato .
`` With Manchester United , Arsenal .
Van de Beek , for example , could be a good idea for Inter . ''
Earlier this year , Eriksen shed new light on why his move to United never materialised .
The Denmark international was keen to try a new challenge and move abroad when leaving Tottenham .
He told BBC : `` For a few years but it was never really likely .
We did speak to them of course and we did hear what was possible and what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the end , me personally , I wanted a new challenge .
To stay in the Premier League would have been an easy solution .
`` Of course , staying at Tottenham would also have been a solution but , for me , it just came down to wanting to try a new challenge in a new country .
Once Inter came up it really was n't a difficult choice . ''

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AC Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta has suggested Inter Milan should target Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek in a swap deal for Christian Eriksen.
Eriksen moved to Serie A last January after a protracted dispute with Tottenham over his future.
MEN Sport understood United explored the possibility of signing Eriksen last summer and the playmaker held talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over a move to Old Trafford. The Reds ultimately ended their interest in the midfielder and went on to sign Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon six months later.
Eriksen has struggled under Antonio Conte and is expected to leave in the January transfer window. Despite only joining the club this summer, Van de Beek has also been linked with an exit due to his lack of minutes, though Solskjaer has stressed on multiple occasions he will get his chance at Old Trafford.
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Nevertheless, Costacurta believes Inter could offload the former Tottenham man by swapping him for Van de Beek, despite United holding no interest in signing Eriksen or allowing Van de Beek to depart.
"Eriksen would be someone to exchange with someone who does not play in England," he said as quoted by Calciomercato.
"With Manchester United, Arsenal. Van de Beek, for example, could be a good idea for Inter."
Earlier this year, Eriksen shed new light on why his move to United never materialised.
The Denmark international was keen to try a new challenge and move abroad when leaving Tottenham.
He told BBC: "For a few years but it was never really likely. We did speak to them of course and we did hear what was possible and what wasn't possible.
"But, in the end, me personally, I wanted a new challenge. To stay in the Premier League would have been an easy solution.
"Of course, staying at Tottenham would also have been a solution but, for me, it just came down to wanting to try a new challenge in a new country. Once Inter came up it really wasn't a difficult choice."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--M60 traffic delays with long queues after vehicle 'leaves the carriageway'

Traffic is queuing on the M60 after a vehicle “ left the carriageway ” this afternoon .
The incident happened @ @ @ @ @ junction 3 A34/Kingsway , at around 12.30pm on Wednesday ( December 23 ) .
Highways @ @ @ @ @ “ involving a vehicle that has left the carriageway ” .
One of two lanes @ @ @ @ @ traffic conditions are expected to return between 2.45pm and 3pm .
Any further updates will @ @ @ @ @ breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for @ @ @ @ @ .
You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your @ @ @ @ @ MEN email newsletter - subscribe here .
And you can follow us on Facebook here @

Traffic is queuing on the M60 after a vehicle “left the carriageway” this afternoon.
The incident happened on the anticlockwise carriageway at junction 3 A34/Kingsway, at around 12.30pm on Wednesday (December 23).
Highways England are reporting an accident “involving a vehicle that has left the carriageway”.
One of two lanes is currently closed.
Normal traffic conditions are expected to return between 2.45pm and 3pm.
Any further updates will be posted below.
Get breaking news first on the free Manchester Evening News app - download it here for your Apple or Android device. You can also get a round-up of the biggest stories sent direct to your inbox every day with the MEN email newsletter - subscribe here. And you can follow us on Facebook here.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Fernandes sets personal Man United target after scintillating 2020 form

Bruno Fernandes has set himself an ambitious target to register more goal contributions than matches in the Premier League this season .
The Portuguese playmaker has been in scintillating form since arriving from Sporting CP in the January transfer window .
Since arriving in the Premier League , Fernandes has registered 17 goals and 12 assists in just 27 matches , taking his tally at just over one goal involvement per match .
He 's become a focal point to United 's midfield and the way they attack , creating and scoring at will to transform the team .
Fernandes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ending the 2020/21 season with that stat still intact as he aims to lead United to a top-four finish and cup success domestically and across Europe .
“ I think , as I ’ ve said before , it ’ s easy when you play in a team like Manchester because there are so many good players around you , '' Fernandes told ManUtd.com .
`` They help you to be better and I am here to help them be better .
So I think , of course , numbers are really good @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to start to improve .
`` It will be more difficult from now and I mean difficult day-by-day and game-by-game because the players will know me better .
“ Of course , I am really happy to have these numbers and , obviously , it is not easy to get to this point with these numbers but I want to do better and better , more and more .
I want to finish the Premier League this season with more goals and assists than games .
That would be good.
” Reflecting on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ where Fernandes scored twice , helping to move United up to third in the table - the 26-year-old explained how delighted he was to continue United 's unbeaten run .
He continued : “ I think yes , of course , when you score lots of goals , you are happy .
You are not happy to concede two goals .
`` We want to have clean sheets , of course , but I think , at the end of the day , the most important thing was that it doesn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Manchester United ran riot against Leeds in their first Premier League meeting in 16 years .
The Reds won 6-2 at Old Trafford , after being set on their way by two Scott McTominay goals in the first three minutes .
Further strikes by Bruno Fernandes , Victor Lindelof and Daniel James completed the hammering of the cross-Pennine rivals .
They next continue their Carabao Cup campaign when they take on Everton at Goodison Park in the quarter-final .
MEN Sport will bring you all the reaction and analysis to the match @ @ @ @ @ @ @ straight to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter .
Just put your email address in the sign-up box at the top of this article , or simply follow this link .
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“ If we score three , it was enough , 3-2 and we go home with the three points .
That ’ s the most important thing .
Of course , we want to win and we want to score goals .
`` We want to show our best @ @ @ @ @ @ @ thing for us , for the team , is winning .
We know the fans want to see goals , skills , some magic things but the most important thing , for us , and what we need to think about , is winning .
”

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Bruno Fernandes has set himself an ambitious target to register more goal contributions than matches in the Premier League this season.
The Portuguese playmaker has been in scintillating form since arriving from Sporting CP in the January transfer window.
Since arriving in the Premier League, Fernandes has registered 17 goals and 12 assists in just 27 matches, taking his tally at just over one goal involvement per match.
He's become a focal point to United's midfield and the way they attack, creating and scoring at will to transform the team.
Fernandes has now set himself a target of ending the 2020/21 season with that stat still intact as he aims to lead United to a top-four finish and cup success domestically and across Europe.
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“I think, as I’ve said before, it’s easy when you play in a team like Manchester because there are so many good players around you," Fernandes told ManUtd.com.
"They help you to be better and I am here to help them be better. So I think, of course, numbers are really good but it is now that I need to start to improve.
"It will be more difficult from now and I mean difficult day-by-day and game-by-game because the players will know me better.
“Of course, I am really happy to have these numbers and, obviously, it is not easy to get to this point with these numbers but I want to do better and better, more and more. I want to finish the Premier League this season with more goals and assists than games. That would be good.”
Reflecting on a dominant win over Leeds United - where Fernandes scored twice, helping to move United up to third in the table - the 26-year-old explained how delighted he was to continue United's unbeaten run.
He continued: “I think yes, of course, when you score lots of goals, you are happy. You are not happy to concede two goals.
"We want to have clean sheets, of course, but I think, at the end of the day, the most important thing was that it doesn’t matter if we score six or not.
“If we score three, it was enough, 3-2 and we go home with the three points. That’s the most important thing. Of course, we want to win and we want to score goals.
"We want to show our best qualities we can but the most important thing for us, for the team, is winning. We know the fans want to see goals, skills, some magic things but the most important thing, for us, and what we need to think about, is winning.”


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Pair from Greater Manchester who won BBC show donate prize money to charity

Two men from Greater Manchester who won £20,000 on the hit BBC show Race Across the World have donated their prize money to charity .
Emon Choudhury , 36 , from Stockport , beat four other teams to win the race alongside his nephew Jamiul Choudhury , 25 , from Oldham .
The pair beat the odds to complete an epic 54-day journey from Mexico City to the south of Argentina for the second series of the BBC2 show .
On their travels , the men were visibly moved by the number of homeless children living on the streets of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were crowned winners of the show , the pair decided to donate £10,000 to a charity helping street kids in the South American city .
The other half was given to a orphanage in Bangladesh , run by members of their family .
`` We were doing the show for the experience but we came across a lot of poverty on our travels especially in Brazil , '' Emon said .
`` I gave what I could to the homeless children there at the time and promised them we 'd come back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Contestants were given a budget of £1,400 for the 15,000-mile challenge , which had to be completed without the use of air travel .
Technology and bank cards were also forbidden .
Emon and Jamiul took jobs on a yacht , in stables and as fisherman to help pay for their travel .
After travelling through 17 countries , including three which were under states of emergency at the time , the pair won by just 20 seconds .
`` We won the show on November 10 , 2019 , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ until it aired on the BBC in April this year , '' Emon said .
`` When we came home , the pandemic had n't really got to the UK yet so we booked to go back to Brazil in May for when the show finished .
`` We wanted to go back and find the same kids we met whilst doing the show . ''
Unfortunately , due to the worsening coronavirus pandemic , Emon and Jamiul had two sets of flight to Brazil cancelled , and were unable to rebook .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ donated the money to , have been updating them every day in the form of email and FaceTime .
`` The charity have been amazing - they email me pretty much every day to tell me how it is going and what they are spending the money on , '' Emon said .
`` They are a small organisation who help children get off the streets and into education .
We wanted to help a small charity so we could be more involved .
`` The best part is I get a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Facetime me a lot . ''
Emon said he has sent a box of football shirts to the children for Christmas , as the majority of them are big Manchester United fans .
`` We feel like bigger winners for it all , '' he added .
`` That kind of money is irrelevant to us but it goes such a long way in countries like Brazil . ''

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Two men from Greater Manchester who won £20,000 on the hit BBC show Race Across the World have donated their prize money to charity.
Emon Choudhury, 36, from Stockport, beat four other teams to win the race alongside his nephew Jamiul Choudhury, 25, from Oldham.
The pair beat the odds to complete an epic 54-day journey from Mexico City to the south of Argentina for the second series of the BBC2 show.
On their travels, the men were visibly moved by the number of homeless children living on the streets of Sao Paulo in Brazil.
After they were crowned winners of the show, the pair decided to donate £10,000 to a charity helping street kids in the South American city.
The other half was given to a orphanage in Bangladesh, run by members of their family.
(Image: Emon Choudhury)
"We were doing the show for the experience but we came across a lot of poverty on our travels especially in Brazil," Emon said.
"I gave what I could to the homeless children there at the time and promised them we'd come back to help them whether or not we won."
Contestants were given a budget of £1,400 for the 15,000-mile challenge, which had to be completed without the use of air travel.
Technology and bank cards were also forbidden.
Emon and Jamiul took jobs on a yacht, in stables and as fisherman to help pay for their travel.
After travelling through 17 countries, including three which were under states of emergency at the time, the pair won by just 20 seconds.
"We won the show on November 10, 2019, but we had to keep it a secret until it aired on the BBC in April this year," Emon said.
"When we came home, the pandemic hadn't really got to the UK yet so we booked to go back to Brazil in May for when the show finished.
(Image: Emon Choudhury)
"We wanted to go back and find the same kids we met whilst doing the show."
Unfortunately, due to the worsening coronavirus pandemic, Emon and Jamiul had two sets of flight to Brazil cancelled, and were unable to rebook.
Instead, the small charitable organisation they donated the money to, have been updating them every day in the form of email and FaceTime.
"The charity have been amazing - they email me pretty much every day to tell me how it is going and what they are spending the money on," Emon said.
"They are a small organisation who help children get off the streets and into education. We wanted to help a small charity so we could be more involved.
"The best part is I get a lot of feedback from the kids and they Facetime me a lot."
Emon said he has sent a box of football shirts to the children for Christmas, as the majority of them are big Manchester United fans.
"We feel like bigger winners for it all," he added.
"That kind of money is irrelevant to us but it goes such a long way in countries like Brazil."


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Review into CSE in Oldham expected to release findings in 'middle of 2021'

A review into allegations of child sexual exploitation in Oldham is now expected to publish its findings in the ‘ middle of 2021 ’ , the region ’ s deputy mayor has confirmed .
In a letter to Oldham council ’ s chief executive , Baroness Beverley Hughes said the findings of the independent review would not be published for months .
She was writing in response to a motion raised at the November meeting of the full council , proposed by Conservative and Independent councillors John Hudson and Brian Hobin .
The motion had raised concerns that interviews taking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which was commissioned by mayor Andy Burnham at the request of council leader Sean Fielding and the chair of the Oldham safeguarding partnership , ‘ have not been robust ’ .
It also stated that the testimony recorded ‘ does not accurately reflect the discussions held , investigators have failed to attend pre-arranged interviews , whilst others , including victims with relevant information , are still waiting to be contacted ’ .
In a letter read out at the December meeting of the full council , Baroness Hughes , whose deputy Mayor portfolio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ review is ongoing and at present looks set to report in the middle of 2021 .
“ I note the council motion refers to allegations about the interviews conducted by the review team and the accuracy of notes provided to interviewees .
“ I would like to make clear that notes of interviews are written by a member of business support staff for the GMCA and provided to interviewees to check and amend where necessary .
“ This process has been followed for all interviewees .
If any interviewee has concerns about the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to contact the review team to discuss .
“ I also know that concerns have been raised about the review team failing to attend interviews .
“ To my knowledge there has been one instance where an interviewee has been offered a provisional date for an interview which could not go ahead for legal reasons and more could have been done to keep the interviewee informed on progress .
“ If anyone has information which may be relevant to the review I would support the council resolution to ask that this be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a former commissioner for social care in Rotherham and Gary Ridgway , a former Detective Superintendent of Cambridgeshire Police , have been appointed to head up the review team .
They were the duo behind the blistering report into Operation Augusta , published at the beginning of the year , which looked at the handling of child sexual exploitation ( CSE ) by the police and social services in Manchester .
The allegations in Oldham the review is investigating chiefly concern ‘ shisha bars , taxi companies and children ’ s homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reference .
It was confirmed the review is examining evidence from as far back as 2006 and as recently as 2017 .

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A review into allegations of child sexual exploitation in Oldham is now expected to publish its findings in the ‘middle of 2021’, the region’s deputy mayor has confirmed.
In a letter to Oldham council’s chief executive, Baroness Beverley Hughes said the findings of the independent review would not be published for months.
She was writing in response to a motion raised at the November meeting of the full council, proposed by Conservative and Independent councillors John Hudson and Brian Hobin.
The motion had raised concerns that interviews taking place as part of the review, which was commissioned by mayor Andy Burnham at the request of council leader Sean Fielding and the chair of the Oldham safeguarding partnership, ‘have not been robust’.
It also stated that the testimony recorded ‘does not accurately reflect the discussions held, investigators have failed to attend pre-arranged interviews, whilst others, including victims with relevant information, are still waiting to be contacted’.
In a letter read out at the December meeting of the full council, Baroness Hughes, whose deputy Mayor portfolio includes policing, said: “That review is ongoing and at present looks set to report in the middle of 2021.
“I note the council motion refers to allegations about the interviews conducted by the review team and the accuracy of notes provided to interviewees.
“I would like to make clear that notes of interviews are written by a member of business support staff for the GMCA and provided to interviewees to check and amend where necessary.
“This process has been followed for all interviewees. If any interviewee has concerns about the notes of their interview I would encourage them to contact the review team to discuss.
“I also know that concerns have been raised about the review team failing to attend interviews.
“To my knowledge there has been one instance where an interviewee has been offered a provisional date for an interview which could not go ahead for legal reasons and more could have been done to keep the interviewee informed on progress.
“If anyone has information which may be relevant to the review I would support the council resolution to ask that this be submitted by January 15.”
Malcolm Newsam, a former commissioner for social care in Rotherham and Gary Ridgway, a former Detective Superintendent of Cambridgeshire Police, have been appointed to head up the review team.
They were the duo behind the blistering report into Operation Augusta, published at the beginning of the year, which looked at the handling of child sexual exploitation (CSE) by the police and social services in Manchester.
The allegations in Oldham the review is investigating chiefly concern ‘shisha bars, taxi companies and children’s homes’, according to the terms of reference.
It was confirmed the review is examining evidence from as far back as 2006 and as recently as 2017.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Councillor refuses to say sorry over 'if you can't feed, don't breed' email

A councillor who sent an email with the phrase 'if you ca n't feed , do n't breed .
Simples ' during an exchange referencing Marcus Rashford 's drive to end child food poverty has refused to say sorry .
Roger Taylor sent the reply to a newsletter from public services union Unison .
The newsletter contained a request to help save the school meals service and referenced the Manchester United star 's ongoing campaign , which twice force the Government into a U-turn over its free school meals policy .
Mr Taylor is an independent councillor on Calderdale council @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Conservative Party last year .
Mr Taylor said he was a supporter of school meals , but it was the responsibility of parents to feed their children during the holidays - not that of the taxpayer .
Unison said it was 'beyond belief that someone could show so little compassion ' .
The email from Unison , sent on December 10 , contained a letter to councillors asking for their help to stop the school meals service from becoming a 'casualty of the pandemic ' , which the union said had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ staff numbers , pay and hours of work .
The letter said : `` It is good news that the government finally agreed to fund free school meals holiday provision over the Christmas holiday period , and we pay tribute to Marcus Rashford for his determination .
`` But this is not the only area where school meals are under pressure .
`` Provision of hot meals for pupils during term-time in schools is suffering too . ''
In his response on December 18 , Mr Taylor said : `` If you ca @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Simples . ''
Speaking to the PA Media news agency , Mr Taylor said he would not be saying sorry for the remark .
He said : `` I 'm not going to apologise for it .
`` What I said is what I said .
`` That 's my opinion , I 'm entitled to say it . ''
He added : `` Whilst I am a supporter of school meals and the service , the only threat will be the financial situation , with the lockdown making the economy , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ `` However , during the holidays it is the parents ' responsibility and I make no bones about that . ''
Mr Taylor , who represents the Northowram and Shelf wards in Halifax , continued : `` Many of these so-called impoverished children have smart phones and we expect the taxpayers to dip into their pockets to feed them .
`` Where does it end ?
`` I do n't mind free school meals when they 're at school , that 's fine .
I just think enough 's enough . ''
Jon @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said : `` It 's beyond belief that someone could show so little compassion .
`` Children all over the country are going hungry because of the pandemic .
`` Low-income families need support , not abuse from those who should know better .
`` It 's hard to fathom how a politician would think this is an appropriate way to react when asked to help children living in abject poverty . ''
Mr Taylor faced calls to resign in March this year after a colleague said he replied to an email @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the word 'yawn ' .
Halifax Conservatives said he was expelled from the party in December last year following an investigation .
England and Manchester United forward Rashford successfully lobbied the Government into a U-turn over its free school meals policy in England during the first coronavirus lockdown , ensuring children in need would receive meals over the summer .
Thanks to Rashford 's campaign , approximately 1.7million children across the UK have not had to go hungry while schools have been shut due to coronavirus .
The striker and his family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when he was a child .

newsdesk@men-news.co.uk (Amy Murphy, Paul Britton)

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A councillor who sent an email with the phrase 'if you can't feed, don't breed. Simples' during an exchange referencing Marcus Rashford's drive to end child food poverty has refused to say sorry.
Roger Taylor sent the reply to a newsletter from public services union Unison.
The newsletter contained a request to help save the school meals service and referenced the Manchester United star's ongoing campaign, which twice force the Government into a U-turn over its free school meals policy.
Mr Taylor is an independent councillor on Calderdale council in West Yorkshire.
He was expelled from the Conservative Party last year.
(Image: PA)
Mr Taylor said he was a supporter of school meals, but it was the responsibility of parents to feed their children during the holidays - not that of the taxpayer.
Unison said it was 'beyond belief that someone could show so little compassion'.
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 email from Unison, sent on December 10, contained a letter to councillors asking for their help to stop the school meals service from becoming a 'casualty of the pandemic', which the union said had led to cuts to the service, staff numbers, pay and hours of work.
The letter said: "It is good news that the government finally agreed to fund free school meals holiday provision over the Christmas holiday period, and we pay tribute to Marcus Rashford for his determination.
(Image: Getty Images)
"But this is not the only area where school meals are under pressure.
"Provision of hot meals for pupils during term-time in schools is suffering too."
In his response on December 18, Mr Taylor said: "If you can't feed, don't breed. Simples."
Speaking to the PA Media news agency, Mr Taylor said he would not be saying sorry for the remark.
He said: "I'm not going to apologise for it.
"What I said is what I said.
"That's my opinion, I'm entitled to say it."
He added: "Whilst I am a supporter of school meals and the service, the only threat will be the financial situation, with the lockdown making the economy, and level of income, much weaker.
"However, during the holidays it is the parents' responsibility and I make no bones about that."
Mr Taylor, who represents the Northowram and Shelf wards in Halifax, continued: "Many of these so-called impoverished children have smart phones and we expect the taxpayers to dip into their pockets to feed them.
"Where does it end?
(Image: PA)
"I don't mind free school meals when they're at school, that's fine. I just think enough's enough."
Jon Richards, Unison head of local government, said: "It's beyond belief that someone could show so little compassion.
"Children all over the country are going hungry because of the pandemic.
"Low-income families need support, not abuse from those who should know better.
"It's hard to fathom how a politician would think this is an appropriate way to react when asked to help children living in abject poverty."
Mr Taylor faced calls to resign in March this year after a colleague said he replied to an email about a constituent whose son had Covid-19 with the word 'yawn'.
Halifax Conservatives said he was expelled from the party in December last year following an investigation.
England and Manchester United forward Rashford successfully lobbied the Government into a U-turn over its free school meals policy in England during the first coronavirus lockdown, ensuring children in need would receive meals over the summer.
Thanks to Rashford's campaign, approximately 1.7million children across the UK have not had to go hungry while schools have been shut due to coronavirus.
The striker and his family relied on a similar scheme for food when he was a child.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Family shaken after 'large rock' almost causes 'near-fatal' crash on M60

A mum and her son were left “ shocked ” after a large object smashed their car window screen on @ @ @ @ @ The “ near-fatal ” incident happened near junction 16 of the motorway for Clifton and @ @ @ @ @ driving a grey Range Rover Evoke with her 10-year-old son at around 6.45pm on Thursday @ @ @ @ @ a large grey object fell from above .
The object , believed to be a @ @ @ @ @ window screen as she passed under a motorway bridge .
The woman and her son @ @ @ @ @ incident but were left shaken and managed to pull over to safety .
Manc Traffic @ @ @ @ @ on the M60 c/w around j16 Clifton/Pendlebury approx .
6.45pm last Thursday ?
“ Thankfully @ @ @ @ @ Range Rover Evoke were left shocked but not injured Greater Manchester Police has been approached @ @ @

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A mum and her son were left “shocked” after a large object smashed their car window screen on the M60 in Salford.
The “near-fatal” incident happened near junction 16 of the motorway for Clifton and Pendlebury.
The woman was driving a grey Range Rover Evoke with her 10-year-old son at around 6.45pm on Thursday, December 17, when a large grey object fell from above.
The object, believed to be a large rock, smashed the window screen as she passed under a motorway bridge.
The woman and her son were not injured in the incident but were left shaken and managed to pull over to safety.
Manc Traffic tweeted: “Were you on the M60 c/w around j16 Clifton/Pendlebury approx. 6.45pm last Thursday?
“Thankfully the occupants of a grey Range Rover Evoke were left shocked but not injured
“The driver is liaising with police.”
Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment.


themanchestereveningnews--2020-12-23--Bread star Eileen Pollock dies aged 73

Bread star Eileen Pollock dies aged 73

Eileen Pollock has died at the age of 73 .
The actress was best known for starring as Lilo Lill in BBC Comedy series Bread .
Her family said she died peacefully at home in London on Sunday .
They said they would remember her as an `` actor , writer and storyteller '' and `` dear sister , loved aunt and great aunt '' .
Adding : `` Your beauty , laughter and loving eyes gave joy to all . ''
The Belfast-born actress , known as 'Polly ' , starred in the hit BBC series Bread between 1986 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a close-knit , working-class family in Liverpool , England .
In 2004 Eileen said of being in the British sitcoms : `` I like it when someone says in a supermarket 'you know who you remind me of , do n't take offence , that tart from Bread ' . ''
Actor Dan Gordon , who stared alongside Eileen in Women on the verge of HRT , told the Irish News : `` We used to call her 'Polly 's People ' because she picked up all the waifs and strays along the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` She 'd meet someone in the town when we were on tour and say , 'they 're down on their luck ' and would bring them to see the show and buy them a drink afterwards .
`` She was great fun and the one thing I remember is that I never saw her angry .
I never once seen her cross with anyone .
`` She was an extraordinary woman , a beautiful person . ''

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Eileen Pollock has died at the age of 73.
The actress was best known for starring as Lilo Lill in BBC Comedy series Bread.
Her family said she died peacefully at home in London on Sunday.
They said they would remember her as an "actor, writer and storyteller" and "dear sister, loved aunt and great aunt".
Adding: "Your beauty, laughter and loving eyes gave joy to all."
The Belfast-born actress, known as 'Polly', starred in the hit BBC series Bread between 1986 and 1991.
Bread was centred around a close-knit, working-class family in Liverpool, England.
In 2004 Eileen said of being in the British sitcoms: "I like it when someone says in a supermarket 'you know who you remind me of, don't take offence, that tart from Bread'."
Actor Dan Gordon, who stared alongside Eileen in Women on the verge of HRT, told the Irish News : "We used to call her 'Polly's People' because she picked up all the waifs and strays along the way and would never see them stuck.
(Image: BBC)
"She'd meet someone in the town when we were on tour and say, 'they're down on their luck' and would bring them to see the show and buy them a drink afterwards.
"She was great fun and the one thing I remember is that I never saw her angry. I never once seen her cross with anyone.
"She was an extraordinary woman, a beautiful person."