Your Local Independent 198

Page 4 September 2025 AD SALES 01204 478812 ILLICIT goods with a street value of £37,500 have been seized from Bury shops in a two-day multi-agency operation. Bury Council joined forces with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and officers from the immigration service in the raids. They confiscated 447 vapes, 196 toys/keyrings, 168 packs of hand-rolling tobacco (8.4kg), and 1,713 packs of cigarettes. Officers visited a number of premises, mainly in Bury but also in Prestwich, such as newsagents, vape shops, convenience stores, off-li- cences and barbershops. The fake toys seized during the operation were counterfeit and unsafe Labubu dolls. Inspector Kevin Wright of GMP’s Bury neighbourhood team, said: “Thanks to intel- ligence from members of the community, together with our work with trading standards, we have successfully removed over £37,000 worth of illicit vapes, tobacco and toys from shops across Bury. “During the visits, we found numerous inventive hiding places, including secret pan- els in bathroom walls, false ceilings and behind boxes of cereal displayed on shelves. “We are committed to removing illegal substances from premises as well as targeting those which may be linked to anti-so- cial behaviour. “Our communities should feel safe where they live and work; and, as part of our ongo- ing Safe4Summercampaign, we will continue to target problem premises alongside our partners fromBury Coun- cil and other agencies over the rest of the year. “Please continue to report any concerns to ourselves via our website or by calling 101. You can also report things anonymously to Crimestop- pers on 0800 555 111.” Charlotte Morris, the coun- cil’s cabinet member for cul- ture and the economy, added: “This operation shows that we will take action against retailers who break the law and sell illegal tobacco and counterfeit goods. “I would also urge residents not to buy these products. It’s unfair on law-abiding traders, and these ‘cheap’ purchases actually cause harm to the local community by bringing in crime.” POLICE launched an operation in Bolton town centre to tackle road safety and anti-so- cial behaviour. The proactive day of action by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was part of the force’s ongoing Safe4Sum- mer campaign. The day had two areas of focus - road safety and com- munity engagement. In response to ongoing concerns about road traffic incidents in Bolton, officers conducted an hour-long traf- fic operation at the inter- change of Thynne Street and Trinity Street. They targeted unsafe driving behaviours such as mobile phone use and failure to wear seatbelts, as well as looking out for dangerous vehicle faults. During the operation, officers stopped 13 drivers, 11 of which resulted in traffic offences. A force spokesperson said: “This is part of a concerted effort to address road traf- fic incidents in the district of Bolton which been a his- toric hot spot for road traf- fic incidents. “However, in 2024, the dis- trict recorded its lowest num- ber of road fatalities since 2019, with just six deaths, thanks to initiatives such Operation Classify.” The second part of the day saw officers walking through the town centre and into Bol- ton Market, speaking with people and business owners about anti-social behaviour and retail crime. The operation in Bolton is one of many taking place across Greater Manches- ter this summer as part of the force’s Safe4Sum- mer campaign, aiming to reduce crime and increase police visibility. Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, district commander for Bolton, said: “This is about making sure everyone who visits Bolton can have a safe and enjoya- ble time. “We know Bolton has had issues with road traffic incidents, which is why we were out today dealing with those who commit offences and preventing more harm being done. “As well as enforcing the law around speeding, mobile phone use, and wearing a seatbelt, today’s operation was also about education and prevention. “The team and I were also out engaging with the com- munity to hear and address their concerns, prevent future crime, and ensure people can enjoy the great town of Bolton. “Residents around Greater Manchester should expect to see a higher visibility of staff in our towns as part of our Safe4Summer campaign. We’re there to listen and ensure people enjoy their time while remain safe.” CHARITIES across Bolton are being urged to apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the Vernon Build- ing Society. The society is actively looking for grant applica- tions from charities, social enterprises and grassroots organisations across the bor- ough, including those based in Horwich, Westhoughton and Blackrod. Since launching in January 2024, the Vernon Charitable Foundation has given out £73,500 to 24 local charities. It was launched to create a lasting legacy across Greater Manchester and Cheshire as part of Vernon Building Soci- ety’s centenary celebrations last year. Earlier this year, five charities shared £8,800 for a range of different community projects, including a grant for £1,000 to buy new stage equipment for Bolton’s Stage- door Theatre Productions. Vernon’s chief executive Darren Ditchburn said: “The latest round of our charitable foundation funding applica- tion is now open, and we’re eager to hear from charities across Bolton that work to relieve poverty or develop their local community. It’s a really simple application and it may result in a grant of up to £5,000. “We know local not-for-prof- its are struggling to survive right now. Vernon Charitable Foundation is just one of the many ways that we’re help- ing them. “We also support local grassroot organisations and social enterprises via a sep- arate funding programme called Community Stars, which gives out smaller grants of up to £2,000 for wor- thy causes, including those not registered as a charity. “Over the past 13 years we have donated over £140,000 via Community Stars to fund everything from local trans- portation to new equipment, room hire and food.” A number of organisa- tions in Bolton have received Community Stars grants in 2025. These include Trans- forming Lives Group, which supports people with lived experience of substance WORK to preserve an important landmark on the on the historical East Lancashire Railway (ELR) line is now underway. The £2million-plus repair scheme at Higher Woodhill Viaduct will ensure that heritage trains can journey through Burrs Country Park and beyond for many years to come. The work has been made possible through a £1.3m grant awarded to the East Lancashire Railway by the Ministry of Housing, Commu- nities and Local Government’s Community Ownership Fund. And that has been sup- ported by match funding from Bury, Rochdale and Rossen- dale councils, contributing £276,000, plus other funding raised through a public appeal. Work has now started and will continue until during December. It will involve repairs to both the steel and concrete elements of the bridge. The bridge will also be painted to prevent future corrosion and ensure its long- term durability. ELR train services and events will be unaffected while repair works are car- ried out. Mike Kelly, chairman of the ELR Company, said: “All of us at the ELR are so pleased that the work has started. The bridge is an essential part of our popular heritage line to Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom and Bury. “The last time that major work was done to the bridge was in the 1930s, and the work we do now will prepare it for a long future. “We are grateful to all the funders to allow us to get this work under way.” Safety first this summer Community focus: Officers were in the town centre speaking with businesses (Photo credit: GMP) Society offers a helping hand Presentation: Bolton Lever Rotary Club receiving its grant Viaduct repairs steam ahead Fake goods seized in shop raids Confiscated: Some of the illicit goods uncovered during the operation (Photo credit: Bury Council) abuse, homelessness, men- tal health challenges and social exclusion. It received a Community Stars grant to continue some of its free sporting activities which act as a lifeline to ben- eficiaries and keep them off the streets. Bolton Lever Rotary Club supports visually impaired people through organised out- ings. It used its Community Stars grant to help fund a trip to a local National Trust park. The money covered minibus transportation, ticket admis- sion and lunch. The deadline for the latest Community Stars grants has passed. Vernon Charitable Foundation grant applica- tions need to be submitted by August 29 via https:// www.thever non . c o .uk / charitable-foundation (Photo credit: Bury Council)