Hello,
As darkness covers Bolton and the freezing temperatures fall even further, most have homes to go back to and shelter from the cold.
But some, like Jamie Wynne, don’t know where they’ll be sleeping each night. He told the Manchester Evening News’ Rami Mwamba he tries to raise £19 each day to put himself up in a B&B. Some days he manages – others he doesn’t.
Freezing temperatures have hit Manchester
(Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
The start of 2025 has seen a slew of turbulent weather, from torrential rainfall on New Year’s Day to snow and freezing temperatures over the last few days.
Councils, charities and volunteer groups work to support rough sleepers in Bolton. One of those is the Outreach Enterprise on Salope street, which has been running for over 30 years.
CEO, Dave Bagley MBE said the town is well prepared to help those who needed it. “Irrespective of the weather, we are already in touch with all of the people that are rough sleeping in Bolton,” he told Rami.
“I think we’ve come out of the complex period that we had at the end of Covid. As it is now, we have our rough sleepers, but we don’t have an unmanageable amount.
“It’s not easy, it’s still difficult, there’s still a reduction in services, but sometimes we cope and sometimes we don’t. I feel like it’s a partnership approach in Bolton.”
Frozen crossings
We all know it’s cold today. But turns out it’s so cold that motorists are being hit by traffic jams due to buttons freezing at pedestrian crossings.
Frozen crossings caused tailbacks today
(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
Residents are reportedly pouring hot water over signal boxes to de-ice stuck buttons. It’s understood that once pressed by a pedestrian to cross, buttons aren’t releasing as they should due to the freezing weather conditions.
“If anyone lives near a pedestrian crossing that keeps changing to red when no one is there, could you kindly go out and pour warm water on the button and it will stop it happening,” read one social media post. You can read more here.
Bus blues
Disgruntled parents have slammed ‘absolutely disgusting’ delays to a school bus which they claim has been ‘horrifically late’ since the Bee Network took over.
The Bee Network rolled out over the weekend
(Image: Getty Images)
More than one mum said they had to leave work at 9.30am to take their 12-year-olds to school because their hands were ‘nearly purple’ from the cold weather.
It comes as Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) took over the previously privately-run bus over the weekend, incorporating it into the Bee Network. TfGM has apologised and said ‘immediate action’ has been taken. More here.
How to tell if you’ve got ‘real flu’
It feels like everyone has the sniffles at the moment. But how can you tell the common cold from a nasty flu virus?
Dr Helen Wall
(Image: Dr Helen Wall)
Greater Manchester GP Dr Helen Wall is on hand to help. She says there are key symptoms to watch out for, which can distinguish between whether you have a regular cold, Covid-19, or that you are coming down with the flu.
It comes as flu cases in the region experience a massive spike. You can find out more here.
A winter stroll
One very special stately home near Greater Manchester is offering free admission over the next few weeks, making it the perfect destination for your snowy walks.
Tatton Park in the snow
(Image: Wilmslow Express)
Tatton Park, in Cheshire, usually costs £9 for an adult for garden entry. But until February 14 you’ll be able to enter for free with no need to book.
There’s so much to explore, including the beautiful 100-year Japanese garden, which features a beautiful Tea House, pond and bridge. Liv Clarke has more here.
Weather etc
Friday: Clear. Highs of 2C.
Roadworks: A576 Cromwell Road Westbound closed due to roadworks between Seaford Road and Littleton Road.
Manchester headlines
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Manchester Airport delays: Manchester Airport closed its runways this morning due to the weather. The airport says that ‘significant levels of snow’ led to the decision at 9am this morning. Some have since reopened. More here.
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Charged: A man and woman have appeared in court charged in connection with the death of a man from Manchester after a collision on the M62 motorway. More here.
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Grooming inquiry: Andy Burnham ‘would not be opposed’ to a new national inquiry into grooming gangs the day after a Conservative bid to set one up failed. More here.
Worth a read
A trial scheme in Greater Manchester is set to help tackle domestic abuse and strike fear into the hearts of perpetrators.
Our region is one of just three police force areas where Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) are being piloted. You can read the story behind one of the first DAPOs to be issued in our courts here.