Local News
Woman glassed in face
Police are hunting a man who hit a woman in the face with a glass. At about 1am on Sunday 28 February, the 21-year-old Middleton woman was in the New Inn on Long Street, when she went to help a woman who had been knocked to the floor in a minor disturbance.
As she was helping her, a man hit her in the left side of the face with a glass and punched and kicked her, before leaving the pub. She suffered a four-inch cut to the face and two broken ribs and was taken to hospital for treatment. The offender is described as white, about 6ft tall with a muscular build, dark hair, slight facial hair and about 30 years old. He was wearing a dark jacket and dark jeans.
Detective Constable Wayne Hagan, of Rochdale CID, said: "This woman was being a Good Samaritan, but got a glass in the face for her pains. There were plenty of people in the pub at the time of the incident and I am very confident that someone must know who did this. It appeared to be completely unprovoked and, in some ways, we are lucky the victim didn't suffer even worse injuries."
Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8437 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
09.03.10
Frank and Pat are looking for old friends
Frank and Pat Jackson are looking for old friends from Middleton. Currently in Perth, Western Australia, they hope to return to Middleton for an extended holiday when they retire around October 2010. Both hailing from Rhodes, Frank was born at 54 Boardman Lane and Pat moved into the street when she was 12. Although they only lived a few doors apart it wasn't until Pat's family moved down to 147 Walker Street and Frank's moved virtually across the back at 682 Manchester Old Road (due to the old Boardman Lane being demolished) that they started courting.
After they became engaged, Pat's family moved to Sydney, Australia and Frank followed 12 months later after he had finished his apprenticeship. They got married in October 1964 and have 3 daughters and 8 grandchildren. As the couple will have lots of time to catch up with old friends, they would like to hear from anybody who they went to school or worked with to catch up and have a bit of a drink.
Frank was born 1942 and Went to Bottom school, Top school and Radcliffe Tech. He worked for the North western Gas Board. Pat (nee Flanagan) was born 1943 and went to Top School and worked at J A Pattrieus cigarette company.
Do you remember Frank and Pat? For their contact details, please go to the Expats page here
08.03.10
Peter Cowap Music Festival moves to Middleton Arena
On the 15th May 2004, a Blue Plaque was erected in The Old Boar's Head in Peter Cowap's honour and every year since, his friends and many admirers have gathered for the 'Dusting of the Plaque', situated in a corner of the pub now fondly known as Cowap's Corner.
Over the past six years musician's have come to Middleton from as far away as Australia, Canada, America, Israel, Spain and France, not to mention all four corners of the British Isles to celebrate the life and talent of this legendary Middleton musician.
Attendance at the Dusting of the Plaque concerts have been phenomenal making us victims of our own success and unable to continue the concerts in the Old Boar's Head due to lack of space. Peter's Blue Plaque will continue to adorn the wall as a reminder to all the musicians that frequented the pub and shared a drink with man himself.
Middleton Township Office and Link4Life have joined forces to help secure the future of this much anticipated music event with a grant and a community costing. Because of this joint venture, the Peter Cowap Music Festival, like its predecessor will keep its free admission policy. The organisers are eager to keep music live and open to everyone. One of the main aims is to get youngsters interested in music and the lifelong benefits of fun and friendship that it as bestowed on the musicians that will work hard on the day to entertain.
In connection with our backers, including the Middleton Guardian and the Middleton Civic Association, we are hoping to use this opportunity to raise money for a children's charity.
It is with regret that the organisers have to move the event from the Old Boar's Head after six very successful years. Many thanks to the landlords over the last six years for all their help.
Bands for 2nd May 2010 which will be opened by Fred Fielder MBE
Ben's Band
Second Inversion
Rock of Ages
String Theory
Tony Kennedy and the Slap Heads
Toms Rigg
Random Harvest
Victor Brox
Tony Auton Band
Powerhouse
Tin Tin with Johnny Sax
07.03.10
Community News
Are you over the age of 18 and living with a long-term health condition(s), re-occurring illness or are you a carer for someone living with a long-term health condition whose health is affected by their caring situation? The Expert Patient Programme is a FREE six week NHS course that aims to support, empower and enable you, giving you the confidence to take more responsibility and self-manage your health better on a daily basis, while encouraging you to work collaboratively with health and social care professionals.
An additional bonus for many people attending the programme is the support and friendship that is gained from meeting other course members who all share a common theme. Many go on to meet up on a regular basis and have even formed their own support groups. Go here for more info
Don't suffer alone when the help is out there!
02.03.10
MIDDLETON OFFICERS AWARDED FOR THEIR COMMUNITY FOCUS
Two officers working in Middleton are celebrating after winning the Citizen Focus Award at the Chief Constable's Excellence Awards Ceremony. Police Community Support Officers (PCSO's) Dominique Grimes and Adrian Hazlehurst picked up the award on Friday 26 February at a special ceremony at Manchester Town Hall.
As part of Middleton's Neighbourhood Policing Team, they've worked hard with the community, local businesses and partners such as the local authority in the Moorclose and Mills Hill area of the town after it was blighted by anti-social behaviour. Their work to find a solution has made them a real part of the community. They have organised activities for all ages and events with schools focusing on road safety and bullying. Their dedication to the community has not gone unnoticed with members of the community sending in letters of appreciation.
Inspector Gary Hall who nominated the two said: "In just four months, all their hard work has paid off with a dramatic reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour. This is a great result and is testament to their dedication and commitment to the community they serve. They are a real asset to the team and the Division and I know the community would agree with me in saying that they deserve this award."
John O'Hare, Divisional Commander for Rochdale Division, said: "On a daily basis, and often in the most challenging of circumstances, I see fantastic work being carried out by staff across Rochdale. It is nice to see that examples of this work are being recognised and I am incredibly proud of all the officers nominated as finalists. The fact that Dominique and Adrian were selected for an award is testament to their hard work, personal commitment and general desire to make a positive impact in the community."
01.03.10
Woman poses as police officer
An elderly woman's medication was stolen by a woman posing as a police officer. At about 8.10pm on Thursday 25 February, the victim, an 81-year-old woman, answered a call at her home on Windermere Road, Middleton. The offender told the victim she had found a bag and thought it belonged to her. The offender was allowed in and during a conversation told the victim she was a police officer. The victim became suspicious and asked the woman to leave. She then noticed syringes and medication had been stolen.
The offender is described as white, aged between 24 and 30, of tubby build and 5ft 6in tall. She had shoulder length curly brown hair and was wearing a dark blue tracksuit. Detective Constable Nick Price, of Rochdale CID, said: "To pose as a police officer in an attempt to befriend and steal from an elderly woman is nothing short of wicked. The offender clearly has no qualms about tricking her way into other people's homes and needs to be caught. The victim's medication is specifically prescribed for her needs and there could be serious side effects if taken by anyone else. If anyone knows where these drugs are or who stole them please get in touch."
Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 1977 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
26.02.10
CRASH !
This picture was captured in the early hours of Sunday morning (21st Feb) and sent in to Middletonia by a Junction resident. The car had been stolen after the keys were found during a house burglary. The car crashed into bollards at the Junction of Grimshaw Lane and Sedgley Street. Four offenders appeared to flee from the scene unhurt after a police pursuit of the vehicle.
23.02.10
RADIO HOMENET, THE ELECTRONIC NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
The Radio Homenet scheme has now been operational in areas of Middleton for almost 4 years. The idea was started in response to growing crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the Rhodes area but now covers both Alkrington and Middleton Junction.
It is a system whereby the residents of the area are linked by radio and are able to talk to one another to give advance warning of crime or anti social behievour, or indeed anything they feel other members may be interested in. It is particularly useful for people living alone who feel that it gives them a sense of security being able to speak to their neighbours at the touch of a button. Although the idea behind the scheme is to enable members to pass information to one another, the system is monitored on a regular basis by a central control which in turn broadcasts information such as severe weather warnings, missing persons and pets, traffic information and Police appeals.
The system is supported by the police who are able to monitor what is actually going on. Councillor Teresa Fitzsimons has given us her support and promotes the value of the scheme to local residents. Radio Homenet is also an accredited member of the national neighbourhood watch organisation.
Although the basis of the idea has been a success we do require more members to join us so if you are interested please get in touch with Les Pye on 0161 654 8257.
22.02.10
Middletonia 'on the beat' with Adrian
As editor of Middletonia, I was invited by PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) Adrian Hazlehurst to accompany him on a patrol of his local area of Middleton Junction late on Friday afternoon (19th). Adrian has been inviting individuals with community interests to discuss crime issues as an extra initiative alongside the regular PACT meetings at the Jumbo Centre on Grimshaw Lane.
The Junction and Moorclose areas have suffered particularly with youth related anti-social behaviour resulting in vandalism to property and vehicles. As a result, there has been increased high visibility police presence and Adrian explained how this, along with home visits to known offenders and other successful projects, has been effective in reducing problems in the area.
The PCSO's work with organisations such as the council, youth services, housing associations and schools, and addressing underlying issues in the case of 'problem kids' is often the key to helping them get back on the right track instead of continuing further into a life of crime. Adrian has built a rapport with the youth in the area and finds the kids appreciate someone taking the time to chat about problems and help that is out there. They tend to have more respect towards the neighbourhood teams than people generally believe. Yes they can get a bit cheeky but mostly in fun, which is kids just being kids and of course there are always the ones who just aren't interested but this is a very small percentage.
In a lot of cases, up-bringing is the major problem...children are simply not being taught common sense, right from wrong, simple manners and social skills due to the environment they are brought up in. This isn't their fault and doesn't mean they are bad kids, and these are the ones the PCSO's like to concentrate on giving some guidance to. They carry leaflets with details of the organisations kids can turn to for help that they might not otherwise know exist, and they see some completely turn their lives around and pursue careers such as in the Army. This, to many PCSO's, is what makes the job worthwhile.
Now aged 29, Adrian has been a PCSO in Middleton for 5 years and is happy to stay just as he is for the time being. While some do opt to move further up the ranks of the police force, many are perfectly content with their role in society and know that other areas of the department would not carry the same job satisfaction. Adrian particularly enjoys the relationship he has with the community and that would be lost in other departments of the police force.
The PCSO's also work alongside organisations to help provide youth facilities such as clubs and recreation areas. Indeed the King George playing fields, little more than a muddy field a year or so ago, has been transformed into a hive of activity with play equipment and a kick-pitch. This was more than being taken advantage of on our little patrol and one can only wonder what all these kids would be up to otherwise. The Co-op on Kenyon Lane has always been a problem area with youths congregating and generally being a nuisance but it is these facilities that help to take another group of kids away from another street corner and contribute to a happier community all round. Our youngsters can also take advantage of the facilities at the Middleton Arena for free on a Friday night so with this and the many youth groups, there is plenty to do compared to a few years ago. The ones still complaining of having nothing to do and no-where to go really have little excuse any more.
Other improvements in the area include the installation of alley-gates to problem areas where youth activity was driving residents to despair. This action has in some cases completely eliminated the problem and as a direct result has had a huge impact on their quality of life. Junction folk also feel that things have generally improved over the last year. Railings have also been installed around Lonsdale Court, another magnet for bored youths. Although there is still room for improvement, progress seems to be well underway.
Adrian is accommodating, polite and approachable and gets on with the community as a whole as well as the youth of the area. Many know him by name and like to stop for a chat as I witnessed on our patrol. An amusing incident occurred on King George field where he suddenly got a 'whiff' of what he was certain was cannabis! And he was more than a little interested as to where this might be coming from but it wasn't easy to pin-point in a field completely surrounded by housing. I do though get the impression that he will be paying particular attention around here for a while!
I asked if he had a 'scariest experience' and despite having been in frightening situations, fear isn't always the most dominating emotion in the heat of the moment. The adrenalin takes over and helps you deal with the situation. It's often only afterwards you think of the danger you could have been in. In fact one of Adrian's most worrying cases was a potential suicide victim. The concern is dealing with the situation in the correct way knowing that their life or death is in your hands. You can only use your initiative to the best of your ability and hope you get it right. In the suicide case, he did.
Adrian works mostly afternoons and evenings starting at 2pm and finishing his shift at midnight before heading home, no doubt on occasions, glad to see the back of Middleton, but he generally loves his job and after spending nearly an hour with me, he swiftly moved on to his next 'appointment' with a member of a Junction community group.
I must admit to having had my eyes opened a little to the diversity of our PCSO's work and how invaluable they are to both the police force and the communities they serve. They may not have the same powers as the police themselves but I for one am always happy to see a PCSO on the beat as opposed to seeing nobody much at all before we had them!
21.02.10
COMING DOWN...
"THE THREE SISTERS" BLOCKS OF FLATS, LANGLEY ESTATE, MIDDLETON
On Monday 8th February 2010, work commenced to demolish "The Three Sisters" blocks of flats, situated just off Bowness Road on the Langley Estate. Whilst photographing the event on different days, folks going about their business expressed a variety of feelings about the redevelopment. One individual enjoyed the view from their ex-top floor accommodation. Others talked positively about the demolition programme. One thing is for certain... The Middleton skyline will not be quite the same again!
AND COMING UP...
TESCO EXTRA MIDDLETON
After months of essential groundwork preparation, the first part of the Tesco Extra store external shell was erected on Wednesday 3rd February 2010. The new store is due to be completed later this year.
May Middleton. 19.02.10
JEAN TURNS OVER A NEW LEAF
In 1962 when Ray Charles reached Number One in The Hit Parade with "I Can't Stop Loving You" and Coventry Cathedral was consecrated, Jean Ford began her career as a Library Assistant. As the years passed, Jean also diversified her career in other directions. However, in 1986 Rochdale Libraries welcomed her back to her old job where she rendered more sterling service until her retirement from Middleton Library on Tuesday 9th February. I am sure that all patrons of the Rochdale Council Library Service who have benefitted from Jean's expert assistance, will join us in wishing her a long, happy and fulfilling retirement!
May Middleton. 18.02.10
Couple sentenced for money laundering
A Middleton couple who fraudulently cashed cheques for thousands of pounds have been sentenced. David Andrew Livesey, born 8/9/77, of Martindale Crescent and Victoria Margaret Davies, born 10/5/88, of The Heath, Middleton, had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing at Bolton Crown Court to money laundering.
Davies was sentenced to nine months imprisonment and Livesey was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to carry out 150 hours unpaid work.
The pair were arrested on 24 September 2008 at the Bradford and Bingley, Middleton, following an investigation by the building society into suspicious activity in Davies' account. On 1 September 2008 Davies had requested a £50 bankers cheque from the branch, which was stamped with a unique identification number. This cheque was altered to read £26,500 and was presented to a building society in Luton and the amount credited to Davies' account.
The couple carried out a number of fraudulent transactions, including £20,000 which they attempted to use to pay for a new car. When officers searched their house they found a bank statement with thousands of pounds paid in by two people who had earlier reported fraudulent transactions in their accounts.
Detective Constable Ben Harris, of Rochdale CID, said: "This pair of chancers fraudulently claimed more than £20,000 over a period of weeks. We take economic crime extremely seriously and this case demonstrates that we will pursue anyone we believe to be claiming cash that isn't rightfully theirs."
12.02.10
Bogus official burglary
Police are warning residents in Middleton to be extra vigilant after a bogus official burglary. At about 11am on Tuesday 9 February, a man called at a house Kenyon Lane and told the 79-year-old man who lived there that he was from the water board. He told him that he had come to check the water and they went into the kitchen. The man asked the victim to tidy under his sink so he could get to the stop tap.
He then told him he needed to go upstairs. As the victim turned to follow him he saw two other offenders in the living room. He went to go upstairs, then felt a tug in his back trouser pocket and saw the three men running out the front door. They had stolen his wallet which contained a quantity of cash. The victim was unhurt, but upset by what happened.
The first offender is described as white, in his early 20s, with a slim build and wearing a woolly hat, and spoke with a West Country accent. The other two men were also white, in their early 20s, clean shaven with a slim build and wearing dark clothing.
Detective constable Sam Taylor, of Rochdale CID, said: "The victim may have been unharmed in this, but he was left deeply upset by this invasion of his house. I would always urge people to ask for some form of identification if they get an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from a company."
Anyone with any information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police advice for dealing with callers
Stop and think before you open the door. If possible, look out of the window or use a door viewer (spy-hole) to check whether you know the caller.
If you have a door bar or chain put it on before opening the door.
Ask to see an identification card and check it carefully, but ensure you close the door on the caller while doing this.
If you have not got a door bar or chain, ask the caller to push their identity card through the letterbox, then check the photograph corresponds to the caller.
Call the company concerned to verify the identity of the caller, but do not rely on the number given to you as this may be fake. Look it up yourself in the phone book.
Do not open the door until you are happy with the caller's identity.
If you still have any doubts, ask them to call back when a family member, friend or neighbour can be present. Genuine callers would never wish to cause distress, and would be happy to call again.
12.02.10
Cash-in-transit robbery
Officers are hunting thugs who carried out a cash-in-transit robbery in Middleton. At about 4.20am on, Tuesday 9 February, a security van was parked outside Halifax bank on Middleton Gardens.
As the security guard left the van with a cash box he was confronted by an offender who raised his fist in front of him and demanded he handed over the box. He snatched the box, which contained a large quantity of cash, from the guard and ran off in an unknown direction.
The robber is described as about 5ft 7in tall with a stocky build and wearing a black tracksuit, jumper and trainers. Detective constable Sam Taylor, of Rochdale CID, said: "This must have been a scary moment for the security guard, but I can reassure him and the rest of the community in Middleton - that we are doing all we can to trace this offender."
Anyone with any information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
12.02.10
WANTED
A man is wanted on recall to prison. Damien Larmour (03/09/1983) of Mosedale Road, Middleton was convicted of robbery in 2005 and sentenced to five years imprisonment. He was released on licence on in June 2009 but has since failed to meet his terms. Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call police on 0161 872 5050 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through
http://www.gmp.police.uk/wanted
A man is wanted by police in after breaching his licence. Jonathan Leonard Irlam (16/06/1982) from the Middleton area was convicted of assault in 2007. He was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment and released on licence in July 2009. Irlam has since failed to meet the terms of his licence and is wanted for recall to prison. Anyone with information on Irlam's whereabouts should call police on 0161 872 5050, call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or through
http://www.gmp.police.uk/wanted
28.01.10
| Privacy | Terms and Conditions | Copyright |