James Mcneill

Messenger Newspapers reports one death notice from Trafford: Muhib Al-Amiry died peacefully at home on 1 August 2026 after a long illness, surrounded by family. He is remembered by his wife Jennifer, children Nadia and Laith, and grandchildren.

A community campaign, Keep Ashley Green, has been launched to oppose potential large-scale development on 291 hectares of Green Belt land in Ashley. The group says the site acts as a buffer between South Manchester, Trafford and Cheshire East, and warns that development could worsen traffic on the A538/M56 corridor, increase flooding along the River Bollin and cause irreversible urban sprawl. Residents are being encouraged to view the plans and submit planning objections.

Messenger Newspapers lists two recent Trafford death notices: Joyce Margaret Stevenson, who died aged 91, with her funeral service and interment scheduled at St Mary's Church in Rostherne, and Margaret Elizabeth Warrington, whose celebration service is scheduled for August. Readers are directed to the full notices and condolence options online.

Footway reconstruction works will close Firbank Road from August 10 to September 28, with additional closures affecting Avebury Road, Beckfield Road, Longcroft Grove, Warton Drive and Whitehouse Drive. The M60 will also close for electrical works from 10pm on August 10 until 7am on August 11. Drivers are advised to use alternative routes and allow extra travel time.

Manchester pizza brand Forbici will open its third UK location at The Orient in Trafford Centre, expanding into its first retail and leisure destination. The restaurant will serve slow-fermented Neapolitan pizzas made with Italian ingredients, including classic recipes, specialty options such as Porcini e Tartufo, the Manchester-themed Lancashire Hotpot, and a limited-time Manchester Tart dessert pizza. The venue will also offer a £10 children's menu. Forbici and Trafford Centre representatives said the opening would broaden the centre's dining offer and introduce the brand to thousands of visitors each week.

The Tollgate pub in Old Trafford will close temporarily from July 27 to August 19 for a £400,000 refurbishment. The upgrade will create a stadium-style sports-viewing venue with a giant HD screen, multiple televisions, improved sound, tiered seating, refurbished outdoor space, dartboards, pool tables and competition leagues. The pub will serve new bar food, offer Marston's Order & Pay app functionality and screen major sporting events. The venue is also asking local residents to contribute sports memorabilia for the redesigned interior.

Messenger Newspapers reports the latest death notice for the Trafford area, announcing that Colin Elsley of Stretford died peacefully at the MRI on 10 July 2026 at the age of 75. Readers are directed to the full notice and other online death notices, with an option to leave condolences.

The Black Friar in Salford and the Horse and Jockey in Chorlton are offering free children’s meals throughout the summer school holidays in England, generally until August 31. The menus include pub favourites such as hotdogs, burgers, sausages and mash, chicken goujons, wraps and pizza. Both venues are promoted as family-friendly destinations.

Nine roads in Brooklands—Moorcroft Road, Wythenshawe Road, Cranleigh Drive, Ashstead Road, Briarwood Avenue, Dunelm Drive, Greenoak Drive, Verdure Avenue and Woodlands Drive—are scheduled to close for resurfacing from July 29 to December 1, 2026. Manchester City Council says the works should be completed within four months, with signed diversions in place and the temporary order revoked afterward. A separate surface-dressing project will close Whalley Road in Whalley Range from July 30 to August 30.

A five-bedroom detached house on Dane Road in Sale has been listed by Gascoigne Halman for £1,095,000. The property includes three bathrooms, three reception rooms, an open-plan kitchen and vaulted conservatory, landscaped gardens, a summerhouse, and a principal suite with a dressing area, concealed en-suite, jacuzzi bath and separate shower. It is located near Sale Moor and Sale town centre, Metrolink stops, and schools including Sale Grammar School.

Trafford Council received a range of planning applications over the past week, including single and two‑storey home extensions, tree works, and advertisement consent requests across areas such as Urmston, Altrincham, Stretford and Timperley. The list also includes certificates of lawful development, condition approvals, and consultations from neighbouring councils regarding major residential proposals and planning conditions.

Trafford Council will launch a public consultation on July 28 regarding its draft masterplan for regenerating the 150‑hectare Trafford Wharfside area. The plan outlines future development for land bordered by Europa Way, the Manchester Ship Canal and the Manchester–Liverpool railway line. Drop‑in sessions are scheduled through mid‑September, and no final decisions will be made until consultation feedback is reviewed. The consultation remains open until September 22, with further details available on the council’s website.

Significant road closures are planned in Trafford, including M60 restrictions between Junctions 13 and 9 from August 4 to 11 and a full closure at Junction 7 for electrical works from July 31 to August 1. Wythenshawe Road in Manchester will also be closed from July 29 to August 29 for resurfacing, affecting nearby routes.

A year-long swimming programme in Manchester is providing life‑saving water skills to women who previously faced cultural, financial or practical barriers to learning. Funded by Deep Green and delivered with Trafford Leisure and WETA Community Services CIC, the scheme helps participants build confidence, improve wellbeing and access water‑safety education. The initiative is linked to Deep Green’s upcoming Urmston data centre, which will supply waste heat to reduce energy costs at Trafford Leisure Centre.

Recent death notices published for the Trafford community include tributes to Elaine Wakefield and Maureen Tomson, with details on their lives and upcoming funeral arrangements. The notices serve as lasting online memorials, offering family and friends a place to share condolences.

A series of free summer arts workshops across Altrincham, Hale, and Bowdon will be offered as part of Trafford’s Our Creative Lives project, coordinated by Altrincham BID with OYEZ Arts. The programme features clay modelling, sculpture design, poetry and visual arts sessions, with mural artist Rob Lenihan and writer Skye Lilly leading multiple events, including typewriter‑based interactive sessions. Workshops require Eventbrite booking, while pop‑up typewriter events are open without registration, concluding with an open mic night in August.

A former Altrincham Girls' Grammar School student, Erin Meryl McGurk, has co-founded Egoist Machines, a Y Combinator–backed startup in California developing AI Passport, a privacy-focused tool allowing users to manage and control personal data shared with AI services. The platform centralizes data permissions across email, calendars and other connected apps. McGurk and co-founder David Khachaturov created the company in response to concerns about transparency in AI data collection, emphasizing the growing value of personal information in the AI ecosystem.

Multiple road closures are scheduled in Trafford over the coming weeks, including ongoing work on Clover Croft until September 3 and a Hollyhey Drive closure through July 28 for resurfacing. The M60 will face several night-time closures between Junctions 8 and 24 from July 15 to 21 for electrical work, with additional closures from July 20 to 23. Drivers are advised to plan alternative routes and stay updated to avoid delays.

Community-led planting has transformed roundabouts on the Trees estate in Stretford with wildflowers chosen for visual appeal, biodiversity benefits and sustainability. Trafford Council collaborated with residents following consultations, ensuring road safety by maintaining clear margins. Additional species will be added by contractor Paul Grainge Ground Maintenance to enhance the wildlife habitat further.

Trafford Wharf Road and Victoria Place will temporarily close from Trafford Road to Sir Alex Ferguson Way beginning August 3 to ensure safe pedestrian movement around the O2 Victoria Warehouse. An alternative route will operate via Village Way and Warren Bruce Road. Trafford Borough Council states the order will remain in effect until work is completed, for up to 18 months.

KJ Akay’s new memoir Life Around the Sparrow is gaining strong interest as it recounts her early teaching years in 1960s Manchester, depicting inner‑city life and the social challenges of the time. The 81‑year‑old former teacher, already successful with her earlier memoir The Fruits of Victory, celebrates renewed attention as the new book climbs Amazon rankings. Readers have responded warmly to her personal reflections, with both titles now available through Amazon.

TLF Freight Ltd has applied for a licence to operate one goods vehicle and one trailer from Isherwood Park in Carrington. Nearby property owners have 21 days to submit objections to the Traffic Commissioner, with copies also required to be sent to the company. Guidance and the full notice are available through the Public Notice Portal.

Environmental health officers released updated food hygiene ratings for a wide range of restaurants, cafes, retailers and childcare sites across Trafford, with numerous businesses achieving the highest score of five under Food Standards Agency guidelines.

A Manchester street artist plans to create a tribute mural in Wythenshawe honouring the late comedian Caroline Aherne on the tenth anniversary of her death. The artist is seeking a suitable wall with support from local groups and hopes the artwork will become a community landmark. Colleagues and friends describe Aherne as a talented and grounded figure whose legacy continues to resonate across Greater Manchester.

Residents at Halecroft Grange in Hale Barns took part in a seated five‑a‑side football match held through Care UK’s Goal‑den Moments initiative in partnership with Age UK. The event encouraged intergenerational connection, conversation about football history and reminiscence, with residents sharing personal memories of the sport. Staff highlighted the value of football in bringing people together and fostering community within the care home.

Trafford Council has submitted plans to upgrade the five‑a‑side pitch at Old Trafford Sports Barn with a new surface, extended area, LED floodlights, fencing, storage and spectator space as part of a wider improvement programme ahead of transferring the facility to the Old Trafford Community and Sports Hub. The project, supported by Labosport Ltd, aims to meet Football Association and other sports governing body standards and aligns with the council’s priorities for promoting healthy living and access to sport. The site will be renamed the Seymour Activity Hub following the transfer.

Woodend Bupa Care Home in Altrincham raised £750 for the Sale Stroke Social Group through a coffee morning featuring raffles, cakes, and community donations. Residents, staff, and local church members contributed, with organisers praised for their efforts. Representatives of the stroke support group expressed gratitude, emphasising the value of the donation for their volunteer-led work.

Lists the lowest available unleaded and diesel fuel prices at various petrol stations across Trafford based on data from petrolprices.com, providing consumers with current cost comparisons among major retailers.

Myerson Solicitors of Altrincham received three honours at the 2026 Private Client Modern Law Awards, including Best Private Client Team in the North of England and an award for its trusts, tax and wealth planning team, with an additional commendation for probate and estate administration. Head of private wealth Bik‑ki Wong credited the firm’s expertise and client-focused work. The employee-owned firm provides private client services across England and Wales and also operates the Myerson Trust Corporation. The awards ceremony took place at Coombe Abbey in Coventry.

A five‑bedroom semi‑detached home on Princess Road in Urmston is listed for £565,000, offering nearly 2,000 square feet of space with a modern kitchen, cinema room, bespoke bar and multiple entertainment areas. The converted cellar, covered terrace and low‑maintenance garden with a built‑in barbecue are highlighted as key features. The property includes solar panels, period‑style details and convenient access to schools, parks and local amenities, with the agent promoting it as a versatile and attractive family home.

Students at Altrincham College participated in mock interviews led by United Infrastructure’s Customer Experience Team to build confidence and improve interview skills. Staff from United Infrastructure praised the students’ engagement, while the school highlighted the value of mock interviews in preparing students for university and job applications. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to address the UK’s skills shortage, with the government investing in construction training to expand the future workforce.

A new Meat Up Festival will take place at Ashley Showground in Altrincham on August 1–2, featuring live-fire cooking demonstrations by Levi Roots and other chefs, live music acts, family activities, and a farmers’ market. The event includes funfair attractions, hot‑air balloon rides, an outdoor cinema, and a Kids’ Zone, with camping available. The festival supports The Farming Community Network and The Burnt Chef Project by raising awareness of mental health in farming and hospitality, with discounted tickets for young farmers, students, and Blue Light workers.

Sian Astley has been selected by Reform UK as its candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral election. A Manchester graduate and local business owner, she highlights community decline and pledges to prioritize revitalizing high streets. Astley, recently elected as a Reform UK councillor and leader on Manchester City Council, intends to review contracts awarded under Mayor Andy Burnham, emphasizing the need for practical, real‑world experience in politics.