Latest news with #Openshaw
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Owner of 'dangerously out of control' dog jailed as judge orders pet to be destroyed
Members of a family were left heartbroken after their beloved dog was attacked by a labrador - before they had to make the horrific decision to put their pet down. Jean and David Scott went to pick up their two dogs from a groomers in Openshaw in July last year when they saw a bigger animal running towards them. The dog, Chico, had escaped from a nearby garden. It grabbed one of the Scotts' dogs - Yorkshire Terrier Bosley - and shook it until it went limp. READ MORE: BMW driver smashes into front of takeaway on first day of opening as police swarm area READ MORE: 'Major incident' declared in Greater Manchester town amid 'illegal waste' fire Chico's owner, Callum Bridge-Banks, 32, was heard shouting: "Let go." The Scotts desperately tried to help their pet. Sign up to the MEN Court newsletter here Vet bills of around £10,000 - and the possibility Bosley would not survive in any event - meant Jean and David had to make the terrible decision to put their pet down. Bridge-Banks was jailed for a year and four months at Manchester Crown Court having earlier pleaded guilty to being an owner in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury. Prosecuting, Chloe Fordham earlier told the court the drama unfolded on June 19, 2024. "Both Mrs Scott and her husband tried to stop the attack, as did the dog groomer, by kicking and punching the dog," she added. Jean was left with a wound to her arm, bruising and thumb injuries. She said in a statement she had been left 'heartbroken and devastated', adding: "I don't think I'll ever be the same again. No sentence I can make can explain how much of a wonderful dog he was." Husband David added: "When we take our dogs out we are constantly looking for other dogs. We get flashbacks of the incident." The court heard that in February 2023, Bridge-Banks was handed a caution after Chico attacked another dog and bit its owner. The dog was not muzzled, and when officers went to the defendant's house, they found there was no secure area for the pet, meaning it was able to escape the property. When officers returned to arrest Bridge-Banks, they found the front gate was tied off with a piece of rope. The court heard he has 27 previous convictions for 65 offences. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE Georgia Faulke, defending, said her client struggled with anxiety and depression and had suffered with substance abuse. She said he would 'not be happy' if Chico was put down and said the animal was only aggressive with other dogs because it had been attacked as a puppy. Recorder Sarah Griffin said: "These offences demonstrate that you are an irresponsible dog owner." Bridge-Banks, of Wycombe Avenue, was jailed for a year and four months months. He must pay £500 compensation. Chico was ordered to be destroyed and Bridge-Banks was banned from owning dogs for five years.
The Citizen
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
New Limpopo Impala Cricket CEO appointed
Quick read John Christian Openshaw officially began his role as CEO of Limpopo Impala Cricket in the beginning of June. He brings decades of cricket administration experience, including a previous tenure as CEO of North West Cricket. Openshaw plans to strengthen development structures and improve facilities across Limpopo, with hopes of hosting 2027 World Cup warm-up matches. Full story POLOKWANE – The recently appointed CEO of Limpopo Impala Cricket (LIC), John Christian Openshaw, officially took up his new role on June 2. A seasoned cricket administrator with roots in Polokwane, Openshaw brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the sport to the position. Although he held no formal position within LIC before this appointment, Openshaw played all his senior cricket in Polokwane between 1977 and 1995. 'While playing in Polokwane, I represented the Old Capricorns Cricket Club and also served as chairperson of what was then the Northern Transvaal Country Districts Association,' he recalled. The association later evolved into Limpopo Impala Cricket following the province's establishment as an independent cricket board under Cricket South Africa. Openshaw's cricket administration journey includes serving as CEO of the North West Cricket Board from 1995 to 2004. Now, he returns to his home province with a renewed vision. 'So far, I've been acquainting myself with the staff and structures at LIC headquarters. Our playing squad commenced training on June 17,' he said. Openshaw believes in building on the foundation laid by his predecessors. 'Our shared goal is to grow Limpopo into a cricketing force in South Africa. That requires a strong development pipeline throughout the province, improved infrastructure, and an upgraded provincial stadium that can meet international standards,' he said. One of LIC's key ambitions is to play a role in the 2027 Cricket World Cup, with Openshaw hopeful that the province could host warm-up matches for visiting international teams. Outside the boardroom, Openshaw enjoys reading, watching sport and listening to music. 'I've returned to my cricketing roots and hope to leave behind a legacy that elevates Limpopo cricket. It's about more than just one venue – it's about developing facilities across the province and forming lasting partnerships to grow the game.' At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
North Wales Live
16-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Developer behind multi-million pound Abersoch hotel rejects 'gone bust' claim
A developer has come out to quash claims that the slowdown in a hotel development is because the firm has "gone bust". The multi-million pound project in Abersoch is taking shape at the former Whitehouse Hotel site. There were major delays between planning being secured nearly a decade ago and work getting underway. The scheme was later taken on by Providence Gate Group Holdings and work started in 2024. It includes 42 hotel rooms and 18 apartments, with Bespoke Hotels brought in as operator. The scheme has divided opinions as it has started to take shape and was due to be completed in September. But work on the project has slowed down in recent weeks - which has triggered speculation over the scheme. Today a person posted "gone bust" on a popular local Facebook page for Abersoch next to a picture of the half built hotel. The post this afternoon by an anonymous user triggered over 100 responses. It has since been taken down. North Wales Live contacted the developer. They refuted that there were any financial difficulties at all with the project. Charles Openshaw, development director at Providence Gate, said there had been delays with commissioning the electrical substation, which in turn has had a knock on impact on the work phases. He added that there had also been some design specification changes to the internal scheme. Mr Openshaw said they were on track for a soft opening in October and a full launch in January 2026. He said: "There have been delays due to commissioning of items mainly the mains permanent power connection with the utility provider which has caused a delay in programme and works phasing. The next phase of major work is due to start on the internals, and external cladding will be re commencing imminently. In a couple of weeks people will see activity ramp up again." He reiterated that this was a well funded development. Until its demolition in 2016 the site was occupied by the Whitehouse Hotel, which closed its doors in 2004. Planning consent for a hotel and apartments was approved at the second attempt in 2015 following an online petition set up by supportive locals. In early 2020 Providence Gate took on the site from Broomco Whitehouse Ltd with plans to start work that year. The pandemic intervened and more delays resulted as the developer needed updated permissions in the wake of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire. When finished, the hotel will have a 'destination restaurant' and bar with sea-view terraces, with function facilities, gym and a spa. The latter includes a swimming pool, treatment rooms and thermal suite.
Telegraph
09-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
It might not be hay fever. Which of the four spring viruses have you got?
The sun may be shining but winter viruses are still spreading. Despite the change in season, Covid hospitalisations are at the highest levels seen this year and colds, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are still triggering infections. 'We consider a lot of these viruses 'winter bugs' but they do circulate at low levels during the year,' says Dr Lindsay Broadbent, a virologist at the University of Surrey. Let's not forget human metapneumovirus (HMPV), the cold-causing virus which is in it's peak season and can lead to complications like bronchitis and pneumonia. Throw hay fever season into the mix (much of the country is expected to have very high pollen counts this week, according to the Met Office) and it can be difficult to know the source of your sneezing, blocked nose and headache. 'Not only do hay fever and viruses share some symptoms, but a lot of respiratory viruses make you feel sick in a similar way,' Dr Broadbent says. If you only start sneezing when you go out into your garden, it's likely that you have hay fever, she notes. Here, experts detail how to know which one you've been struck with and what you can do to aid your recovery. The signs it's hay fever ' Hay fever is a common allergy,' Dr Broadbent notes. 'If you are exposed to the allergen (tree, grass or weed pollen) you will experience symptoms.' These typically include itchy, watery eyes, a blocked nose, sneezing and nasal mucus, says Prof Peter Openshaw, a respiratory physician and mucosal immunologist at Imperial College London. It can be hard to tell, especially in the early stages, whether you're suffering from hay fever or a cold. 'The viruses that cause colds (of which there hundreds of different species and strains) can present just like hay fever,' he notes. However, if a fever develops, it's a sure sign that the cause is not, in fact, hay fever. 'Hay fever is a confusing term,' Prof Openshaw says. 'It doesn't cause 'fever' (a raised body temperature) and is very rarely anything to do with hay.' If symptoms disappear within a few days, or up to two weeks from when they started, that's another sign that the cause is a virus. On the other hand, hay fever symptoms will occur whenever there is exposure to pollen, which is typically between March and September. 'If you feel fine, then go out to cut the grass and then start rubbing your eyes and sneezing, it is likely hay fever,' Dr Broadbent adds. How to treat it While there's no cure for hay fever and it can't be prevented, there are medicines and actions that can help to make symptoms more manageable. 'Soothing eye drops, antihistamine tablets, anti-allergy eyedrops and nasal sprays and nasal steroid sprays (which should be used regularly if you have hay fever during the pollen season) are very safe and very effective, if used properly,' Prof Openshaw notes. Pharmacists recommend rubbing Vaseline around the nostrils to trap pollen, drying laundry indoors to prevent bringing pollen inside, and keeping windows shut in the early morning and early evening, when pollen counts are at their highest. The signs it's Covid Covid symptoms have become milder over time and many people now report only suffering from cold-like symptoms. This is a result of a build up in immunity against the virus due to vaccines and past infections, Prof Openshaw explains. Famously, the virus can also cause a change in taste or smell. However, this symptom is not only a Covid hallmark and can occur with other respiratory viruses as well, making it impossible to know for certain what bug you have without a test. Some will also experience fever or chills, a continuous cough, shortness of breath, tiredness, body aches, a headache, sore throat, blocked nose, loss of appetite, nausea or diarrhoea. In severe cases, patients are hospitalised due to the effects of the virus. Latest NHS figures show that 1,174 patients were in hospital with Covid in the last week of March – the highest figure recorded this year and an increase of 11.9 per cent in a week. 'There are now rapid tests that can be done at home to tell if you have Covid, RSV or flu which might help to narrow the diagnosis,' Prof Openshaw notes. At-home lateral flow tests that detect Covid are sold in pharmacies for £2, while gold standard PCR tests, which are more accurate and processed in a lab, cost around £80. Single lateral flow tests that can check for more than one virus at once are available from online chemists for around £9. 'The virus continues to evolve and to cause severe disease in some people and has an unusual ability to cause long-term effects in a few (Long Covid), but it is joining the many viruses that need to be considered if someone presents with viral infections.' How to treat it Most people recover from Covid within days or weeks without specific treatment. The NHS recommends resting, drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage symptoms. 'For most people the cause of a blocked nose and sore throat are treated the same way, with rest, fluids and over-the-counter painkillers if needed (and hot tea with honey and lemon for me),' Dr Broadbent says. 'But some viruses can pose a greater risk to others,' she notes. Covid can be much more serious for older people or for those with underlying health conditions. For these groups, antivirals may be available on the NHS to reduce the severity of their infection. The signs it's HMPV Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common respiratory infection that peaks in winter and spring. It caused panic at the start of the year when a surge of cases in China raised fears of another pandemic. 'HMPV causes colds just like many other viruses and is hard to diagnose without molecular testing,' Prof Openshaw notes. Symptoms can include a cough, runny nose, nasal congestion, a fever, sore throat, wheezing and shortness of breath. 'Infections are usually mild, causing symptoms of a common cold and most people have had HMPV by the time they are five years old and catch it again throughout their lives,' according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). However, in severe cases, it can cause acute bronchitis (inflammation of the airways of the lungs) and pneumonia (an infection of the lungs). The virus is currently spreading at expected levels, with 5.7 per cent of people tested for HMPV getting a positive result in the last week of March, UKHSA data shows. How to treat it 'There's no specific treatment for HMPV,' Prof Openshaw notes. Symptoms can be managed in the same way as other respiratory viruses – resting, hydrating and trying not to spread it to others. The NHS recommends regular handwashing and using a tissue to cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing to avoid spreading it. 'Vaccines are in clinical trials, in the wake of the very successful vaccines we now have for Covid and RSV, but are not yet launched,' Prof Openshaw adds. The signs it's RSV Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of colds. The symptoms can include a cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and fever, with most cases clearing up within two to three weeks, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). It's hard to know if you have RSV without either a rapid home test (which you can buy yourself and detect if the virus is present from a nose or throat swab) or a molecular test (still a nose or throat swap but usually confined to hospital patients and processed in a lab), Prof Openshaw says. RSV tends to spread in the autumn and early winter, though it continues to circulate at low levels throughout the year. The latest UKHSA data shows that 0.9 per cent of people tested for RSV (who are primarily hospital patients) had a positive result during the last week of March. While the symptoms are usually mild, in babies RSV can cause a serious chest infection called bronchiolitis, which can make it difficult for them to breathe and feed, Dr Broadbent notes. 'In older adults it can cause a deterioration in heart and lung disease,' Prof Openshaw adds. How to treat it There is no specific treatment for RSV and it usually gets better on its own in one to two weeks. Those who develop a serious infection may need to be treated in hospital, where they can be given fluid and oxygen to help with hydration and breathing. 'The best thing is to get vaccinated if you are eligible,' Prof Openshaw says. RSV vaccines, which are available on the NHS for pregnant women and people aged 75 to 79, reduce the risk of a severe infection. 'If you have any respiratory symptoms it is a good idea to avoid getting too close to those that may be more at risk of serious disease,' Dr Broadbent says. 'If you have lingering symptoms it is a good idea to see your GP to make sure the cause of your illness was caused by a common virus and doesn't need further treatment,' she adds. The signs it's flu ' The symptoms of flu are very variable and range from no symptoms at all to devastating disease,' Prof Openshaw says. Influenza can cause a sudden fever, an aching body, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, headache, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and feeling or being sick. 'Testing can tell you if you have the flu but most people get over it without any treatment,' he says. Flu is circulating at low levels, according to UKHSA figures. The weekly hospital admission rate for the virus dropped to 2.38 per 100,000 (from 2.96 previous week). How to treat it Flu can be managed at home with rest, over-the-counter painkillers and drinking plenty of water, according to the NHS. 'Most cases get better without specific treatment but antivirals are an option in those at high risk of complications,' which include older people, Prof Openshaw notes. These drugs oseltamivir (branded as Tamiflu) and zanamivir (branded as Relenza) can reduce the risk of becoming seriously unwell. 'Please do get vaccinated if you are offered a vaccine – they are inexpensive vaccines and can give considerable protection,' he adds.
