Latest news with #GreaterManchester
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PHIL BRICKELL: 'Spending review will bring real improvements to our area'
As the MP for Bolton West, I'm pleased that the government's 2025 Spending Review will bring real improvements for our area. Its plans will deliver the growth we need to make everyday life better for families and businesses across Blackrod, Bolton, Horwich and Westhoughton. First, with more money for the NHS and our schools. The Chancellor has increased NHS funding by three per cent and committed to the biggest ever investment in NHS building repairs. Having already made significant progress in reducing NHS waiting times, this further investment will help even more in ensuring we all get the swift, good quality care we deserve. Education also sees a major boost, with an extra £2billion in funding. Here in Bolton West, Devonshire Road Primary School has already received support to run a breakfast club, helping children start their day well-fed and ready to learn. And, from 2026, more children will also get free school meals, giving extra help to many local families struggling with the weekly cost of living. Second, with landmark support for more genuinely affordable and warmer houses. The government is investing a blockbuster £39 billion to build 1.5 million new homes across the country, allowing my constituents the opportunity to fulfil their ambition for a secure roof over their heads at a genuinely affordable price. And, after 14 years of neglect by the last government, Greater Manchester will get £73.6 million to improve social housing, making homes more energy-efficient, cutting heating bills and helping the environment. Third, with investment in better transport infrastructure. Good transport links are vital for work, school, and leisure. Greater Manchester will receive an additional £2.5 billion to improve public transport, including bringing rail under the Bee Network and adding 1,000 new electric buses by 2030. Far too much time is currently lost stuck in traffic or waiting on platforms for delayed trains – a frustration I myself feel only too keenly on the way to my office in Horwich. Delays not only impact our collective wellbeing, they also hold us back in terms of our economic productivity. The spending review gets us back on track. Fourth, by ensuring we're stronger both at home and abroad. The Chancellor pledged funding to end the use of hotels as accommodation for those seeking asylum, which spiralled out of control under the Conservatives. Securing our borders and creating a fairer immigration system are key initiatives and I'll continue to work to deliver this. And, as well as securing our borders at home, the further investment in our armed forces will support well-paid, new jobs including at the MBDA site at Logistics North. Finally, by boosting jobs through new trade deals. The government has also secured important new trade deals with India, the United States, and the European Union. These deals cut costs and help industries across the North West, such as car manufacturing and steel production, as well as local firms involved in their supply chains. They'll also secure lower prices for consumers, relying on goods coming from those countries – a win-win for British workers and customers. The 2025 Spending Review is good news and it sets the course for a brighter future. Upon my election, I promised the people of Bolton West that I would deliver a stronger NHS, tackle the cost of living and secure our borders. I'm confident this spending review ensures the government will deliver on those promises. And, as your MP, I'll keep working hard to make sure these benefits reach everyone across our towns.
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Yahoo
Roof of Middleton storage unit COLLAPSES as major fire burns for second day
The roof of a Middleton storage unit which caught fire yesterday has collapsed. Firefighters rushed to the scene yesterday, with crews swarming the streets outside as foul-smelling smoke seeped between doors. Today the fire is continuing to burn, with firefighters deploying cranes in their efforts to bring it under control. A cordon was put in place yesterday, and this appears to have now been extended to cover the entire car park around the building. READ MORE: Teenagers jailed following violent incident on Salford street READ MORE: Police investigate after man found unresponsive in Stockport Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Black smoke can be seen belching from upper windows in the building as firefighters deploy in "challenging conditions". A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: 'Crews have worked hard overnight to contain the fire at the commercial premises on Old Hall Street, Middleton. 'Six fire engines, the aerial unit and scorpion remain in attendance to tackle pockets of fire and make the building safe in challenging conditions. "Road closures remain in place with nearby residents advised to keep their doors and windows shut." A spokesperson for Storage World, the company which runs the unit, said: "Our Middleton store has suffered a serious fire. Authorities are currently in attendance and we will be contacting customers as soon as the situation has settled and we can assess the damage. This will be no later than Friday afternoon. "Please do not contact us directly but wait for us to communicate with you, as this will allow us to manage the current situation and ensure all customers are given accurate information as soon as possible. "More information will also be posted here when available. Please do not visit the store as it is cordoned off by the fire services and customers will not be able to access it for some time. "We appreciate this will be a stressful and distressing situation for our customers. We are doing everything in our power to assist authorities and provide accurate information as soon as possible."
BBC News
13 hours ago
- BBC News
Convicted Middleton drug dealer ordered to repay £200k
A convicted drug dealer must pay back more than £200,000 of his "ill-gotten gains" or face three years in Whiteley, of Alkrington Road North in Middleton, Greater Manchester, received a suspended prison sentence after admitting three counts of conspiracy to produce class B drugs, namely cannabis, in money he must repay is significantly more than the £3,800 presented at the original court case following a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing at Manchester's Minshull Street Crown Manchester Police said its proceeds of crime investigation proved three houses he bought were funded from his criminal activities and it also seized a vintage Ford Cosworth valued at £90,000 and a Transit van worth £50,000. Whiteley has three months to repay £218,443. 'Ill-gotten gains' Financial investigator Kelly Belfield said: "This case highlights that crime doesn't pay and we will come after criminals and take their ill-gotten gains."The case is unusual as Whiteley was only convicted of benefiting from £3,800 from his drugs business."However, using Proceeds of Crime legislation and carrying out a confiscation investigation, I have managed to bring this figure up to £218,443 which is a huge increase and a great result."She added: "If Whiteley fails to pay the money within three months, then he will serve an extra three years in jail - and still have to sell his assets and pay using the proceeds."Reclaiming cash this way not only disrupts criminal activity but it also directly benefits communities across Greater Manchester."These funds will be reinvested into vital community programmes and services through our asset recovery incentivisation scheme." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
The Independent
14 hours ago
- General
- The Independent
Disabled pupil left in burning school by fire service speaks out on ‘petrifying' ordeal
A disabled student who was left in his school when a fire broke out has spoken about his "petrifying' ordeal. Lucas Vezza-O'Brien, 16, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, was left alone in a classroom until firefighters arrived at his school in Hyde, Greater Manchester, in November 2024. Speaking about his ordeal on Good Morning Britain on Thursday (19 June), the teenager said: "I was petrified. I started to smell smoke and because of my disability, I was worried about my immune system. If I got smoke into my lungs, who knows what would happen?" Staff at the school said they followed Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service 's advice which is to 'leave wheelchair users' and allow emergency responders to come to their aid instead.
BBC News
17 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Plan to cut free IVF to one-cycle across Greater Manchester
The number of NHS-funded IVF cycles available in parts of Greater Manchester could drop to one under new plans for a "consistent approach" across the cycles are currently available for women in Tameside, while two are on offer in Salford, Wigan and remaining six boroughs - including Oldham where the first "test tube baby" Louise Brown was born due to in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 1978 - already only offer one cycle for region's residents are being urged to take part in a six-week public consultation on the proposed changes, which the NHS said would make it "fair for everyone" and "affordable" for the health service. NHS Greater Manchester is proposing one full IVF cycle to eligible women aged 39 and under - plus an additional attempt if the first cycle is cancelled or said the "inconsistency stems from historic commissioning arrangements" and it was reviewing the policies to "ensure a consistent and fair approach for everyone, regardless of where they live".The planned measure was "affordable for the NHS now and in the future", it added. 'Deeply personal' There are no changes planned to the eligibility criteria or the current offer of one cycle for women aged Sheerin, chief commissioning officer at NHS Greater Manchester, said "fertility is a deeply personal and often emotional topic, which is why this consultation is so important"."Whether you've had experience with IVF, are considering fertility treatment, or simply want to share your perspective, please take part and share your views."The consultation is available online and sessions will be held locally until the consultation ends on 29 July. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
