Latest news with #Whitefield
Yahoo
08-08-2025
- Yahoo
Inquest opens into tragic death of 'loveable character' found in field near M60
The inquest has opened into the death of a man found dead in a field earlier this year. Daniel Naughton, known as Danny to his family, was found on April 14 in a field close to the M60 in Whitefield, where he grew up. An inquest into his death opened yesterday (August 7) at Rochdale Coroner's Court. Assistant Coroner for Manchester North Julie Mitchell confirmed he lived on Oak Lane and stated he was 37, single and registered disabled when he died. "He was found in a wooded area by a footpath off Parrenthorn Road, close to the M60 in Whitefield," Ms Mitchell said. "He was found by a dog walker and police and paramedics attended but he was already deceased." The court heard that Mr Naughton was identified by his fingerprint and bank cards found on his person. A Home Office post mortem found injuries to his head and neck, and evidence of alcohol and cocaine toxicity in his system, among other factors including hypothermia. The M.E.N reported at the time that his loss was mourned by dad Hubert Naughton, his sister Zoe Derbyshire, 37, and his nieces Keia, 14 and Shanay, 22. "He was just amazing," Zoe said. "He was a local legend. He will be missed by many, many people. "He was a big United fan. He just loved life. He was a loveable character. "He lived on the estate all his life and he was loved by so many people." Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE "It was so tragic the way he was found," Zoe continued. "It was such a shock. I think it's been a big shock for the community as well. "He was a big part of it so I think its had a ripple effect and affected a lot of people." The full hearing has been scheduled for October 28, with the coroner requesting statements from Mr Naughton's next-of-kin and the relevant drugs and alcohol support service.
Yahoo
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Brian Potter' kicks off over three-month wait to get a sinkhole repaired
Brian Potter's voice is even higher than usual. The Bolton nightclub owner is fuming about a hole in the road. The sinkhole appeared on May 4 and despite dozens of phone calls to Bury Council and United Utilities it has still not been fixed. Now Potter - alias Connor O'Brien, a resident of Wingate Drive in Whitefield - has made a video demanding action. Trained as an actor he has the Peter Kay character's squeaky tones down to a tee. But his message and those of fellow residents in the cul-de-sac is serious. They believe the hole is dangerous and delivery vans to the long road have been unable to get access due to the cavity being surrounded by barriers. READ MORE: LIVE Police descend on Manchester street after body found in alleyway - latest updates READ MORE: 'I never thought for one minute the fire service could do that to my house' Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here In the video Connor is seen in a wheelchair like the Kay character and declares: "We've had this for three months - cars can't get in and out, causing a nightmare. I don't care who's to blame, right, we want a response now". In the clip he is then seen in the hole on top of his wheelchair, and says "Christ almighty look what's happened. I was driving my chair and fell in - get it sorted." Connor said: "What motivated me to do it was how much upset it has caused my neighbours in the street. Residents were getting wound up and no one seemed to be taking responsibility for it. I am not very academic, so instead of writing emails I thought the only way I can help is injecting a bit of light hearted banter on social media. "I was given a wheelchair through a theatre company. I think Potter's message to Bury Council and United Utilities would be 'get my hole filled in. Potter's barmy army, you have got to be on it.' "It is a bit of comedy but there is a serious message. The cavity is falling in and it is a danger to pedestrians and drivers. I have and agent and went to drama school in London but actually worked in stage management in the West End. Then I went on the cruise ships as a host and thought I would never work backstage again." Resident Sue Stott has kept a diary of the "farce" involving the hole. It was discovered by children on May 4th and reported to Bury council the next day. Bury council sent out a team on June 3rd who said it was a "sewer" problem. The council did replace a bollard placed around the hole after it was clipped and damaged by a lorry trying to get past. Sue's diary records numerous phone calls from several neighbours to both the council and United Utilitiesover the last three months. In one entry for July 1st a member of staff from United Utilities said they had been given no notice of the work by the council. A team from United Utilities did come out on July 18th but the hole has still not been repaired. Three local councillors and MP Christian Wakeford have contacted both the council and United Utilities in a bid to get the job done. Sue said: "People in the street did think of stopping paying their council tax and United Utilities bills. But although they are not helping us, we didn't want to break the law. "I spoke to United Utilities this week. I said I wanted to put in a complaint and he said he would ring me back by Thursday (this week). I said do you realise the hole is in-filling. It is coming from the sides and therefore the tarmac underneath on either side could be going down. This is a dangerous hole. He said he would upgrade it and be back to me by 8pm tonight." Yesterday one resident had to put the barriers back in place as they had been blown down by heavy winds. "But vehicles going past are nudging them into the hole to get through," said Sue. "There must be some conversation between them (the council and United Utilities) to ease getting it done. Why is there not a system in place for communication? Talk to each other." A couple of hours after the Manchester Evening News made inquiries about the fiasco workmen from United Utilities arrived at the hole and erected different yellow barriers with the notice "We're working on the sewer pipes". But no work commenced. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE A spokesperson for Bury Council said: "It is not for us to fix. United Utilities have accepted responsibility." In a message on social media United Utilities have told one resident in the street: "Hi, thank you for getting in touch. I have just been speaking with another resident in the area about the same issue. We're currently planning a date for us to carry out the repairs, and the job reference is 07899881. Thanks." But the resident replied:"You now appear to accept responsibility but give no timeline to repair, it's already been 3 months!!! This is an accident waiting to happen, photo taken today showing the barriers moved in the wind leaving open hole which could easily been missed in the dark!" A United Utilities spokesperson said: 'We apologise to residents of Wingate Drive for the delay in dealing with this and for any inconvenience caused. Our team has attended this afternoon to carry out further investigations and get our safety barriers in place to ensure the necessary repair work can be delivered as quickly as possible.'
BBC News
04-08-2025
- BBC News
Craig Foy: Body found after search for Bury missing man
A body has been discovered in the search for a missing man police believe could have been investigation was launched after Craig Foy, 40, of Whitefield, was last seen near Bury Old Road in Prestwich, Bury, on 26 men were arrested on suspicion of murder, with one suspect since released on bail and two others facing no further Manchester Police did not revealed where the body was found but previously said Mr Foy had been seen on CCTV climbing into Heaton Park shortly before midnight the day he went missing. The force said while formal identification has not yet taken place the body was believed to be Mr Foy's and his family had been informed. Det Ch Insp Jill Billington said: "The investigation remains ongoing to establish the circumstances leading up to Craig's death, and to ensure that we can get the answers that his family deserve."We appreciate the support of the public in sharing our appeals to locate Craig and ask for his family to be given privacy, space and time to process their loss."Police are continuing to appeal for information and said material can be uploaded to a major incident public portal that allows people to submit photos and videos. 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.
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Yahoo
Road safety blitz nets dozens of offenders on Bury New Road
A large-scale police traffic operation took place on Tuesday (July 29) along Bury New Road in Whitefield, targeting a range of motoring offences. Led by the Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Team, the operation involved officers working alongside the DVLA, the Road Policing Unit, and around 20 Police Community Support Officers. Officers were stationed throughout the day and into the evening, stopping vehicles and checking for a wide array of traffic violations. Preparing for the traffic operation in Whitefield (Image: NQ) Sergeant Damieon Hartley-Pickles of the Whitefield Neighbourhood Team, explaining the rationale behind the operation, said: 'The purpose of the traffic operation was to try to keep the streets and roads of Bury safe. "Specifically, this part of Whitefield where the trunk road brings a lot of traffic. 'We are making sure that people are abiding by road traffic legislation, checking such things as they are wearing seatbelts, not using mobile phones, or using red diesel.' Preparing for the traffic operation in Whitefield (Image: NQ) The operation also focused on identifying vehicles using false or "ghost" number plates, with assistance from the DVLA. Officers from the Road Policing Unit were on standby in case any motorists attempted to flee the scene. More top stories Residents fear 'towering threat' from overgrown cemetery trees Food festival back this weekend for 'biggest event yet' with Bury chef headliner 'It will do them good': Readers react to high school's ban on mobile phones 'This has not been an easy decision to make': Vet surgery to permanently close In total, 46 traffic offence reports were issued, covering offences such as using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, driving without insurance or a valid licence, displaying illegal registration plates, and having windows tinted beyond legal limits. Whitefield traffic was the target of the police operation (Image: NQ) Neighbourhoods Chief Inspector Michael Barton of the Bury division said: 'Many offences identified during the operation could be considered as being minor. For example, not wearing seatbelts, using a mobile phone whilst driving and not sticking to the prescribed speed limit. 'I want to remind everyone that a collision can happen in a split second, and this operation seeks to raise awareness, and ensure members of the public and drivers of these vehicles are aware of these dangers. 'Enforcement and prosecution are important tactics we can use to help make the roads a safer place, but Tuesday's operation was also about educating as many people as possible.' Police have confirmed that further operations are planned in other areas of Bury as part of ongoing efforts to promote safer driving and reduce road-related harm.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
Concerns grow for missing Greater Manchester man last seen four days ago
An urgent appeal has been issued to find a missing Bury man who was last seen four days ago. Police say Craig was last seen on Grange Grove, in Whitefield, at around 11.45pm on Saturday night (July 26). Officers have issued an appeal for help to find the 40-year-old on social media this morning (Wednesday). READ MORE: Jury in Manchester Airport police assault trial given majority ruling READ MORE: Major Bee Network bus rule change coming this week for 'hundreds of thousands' of passengers A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well." Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here Craig is described as being white, 5ft 5ins tall and of slim build, with dark-coloured hair on top and a shaved back and sides haircut. GMP says Craig was last seen wearing a black cap, square glasses, a black t-shirt, black cargo pants and black Nike trainers. Craig's surname has not been given by GMP. A photo of Craig has been released this morning. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Anyone who sees Craig, or has information on his whereabouts, is urged to come forward as soon as possible. Information can be passed on to GMP by calling 0161 856 8174, quoting log number 917 of July 28, 2025. --- For the latest stories and breaking news visit Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest. Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.
