Update on Bolton Council’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
We all need to do our bit to stop the spread of coronavirus and prevent further restrictions.
- Follow the new regulations for the borough of Bolton and parts of the north of England.
- Don’t meet people you do not live with in a private home or garden.
- Don’t socialise with people you do not live with at indoor venues.
- Help stop any more restrictions in Greater Manchester.
- Wash your hands regularly
- Use a face covering
- Keep your distance from others
- Self-isolate and get a test if you have coronavirus symptoms. Call 119 or go to www.NHS.uk
Local news and updates
Bolton restaurant closed down for not complying with Covid rules
A restaurant has been shut down by Bolton Council for not complying with COVID-19 regulations – the first premises in the borough to be closed under new powers.
The authority has served a direction on Grillaz, on Derby Street, ordering it to close from 5pm today until further notice.
The enforcement action comes after the restaurant failed to implement social distancing controls outside the premises, despite repeated visits and a final warning.
Praise for schools and pupils on GCSE results day
Pupils across Bolton collected their GCSE results today.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, said: “Congratulations to all students receiving their GCSE results today.
“I’d like to wish everyone the very best for the future whether they go on to further education, training, or employment.
“I would also like to praise the efforts of all our schools and teachers for helping their students get the most from their education, particularly during this difficult time.”
Exam results
If you’re feeling worried about your GCSE or A level results, it’s important to talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling.
Kooth offers free online support - to find out more visit kooth.com
And also Shout provides a confidential text chat - text GM to 85258 anytime.
Free parking in hundreds of pay and display bays
Free parking started in hundreds of pay and display bays in Bolton town centre on Tuesday.
Shoppers can benefit from the free parking offer on weekdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays.
A total of 25 streets with 356 bays will be free as part of the Bolton Council scheme to help local businesses who have been hard hit by the pandemic.
Sponsors sign up to deliver virtual Food and Drink Festival
A feast of new sponsors and partners are backing this year’s virtual Bolton Food and Drink Festival.
The nation’s favourite baker, Warburtons, leading independent day school Bolton School, and housing association Bolton at Home are supporting this year’s event, joining Westhoughton pizza makers Stateside Foods and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
The festival will take place virtually for the first time in its 15-year history, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, from August 28 to 31.
M61 between junctions 6 and 8 – carriageway surfacing work
Highways England will resurface the M61 between junctions 6 and 8 during the autumn.
The work will take place on both sides of the road and will include some vegetation clearance and the replacement of road markings.
Work is due to start on or shortly after 1 September 2020 for around 12 weeks. This will take place Monday to Saturday, between the hours of 9pm and 5am (extended to 7am during the weekend).
For safety full overnight closures are required on the M61 between junctions 6 and 8. These will be in place in various phases during the dates and times stated above, and only one side of the carriageway will be closed at a time.
Where possible there will be lane closures instead. Slip road closures will also be required, and localised signed diversion routes will be in place. Some daytime lane closures may also be required.
For further information please visit https://highwaysengland.co.uk/regions/north-west
GMB Reach Out Digital Inclusion and Literacy Support
The GMB Reach Out team is offering support to people in the Bolton area who may be isolated, due to the restrictions, by teaching them how to use technology to keep in touch with friends and family
The project aims to alleviate isolation and other related issues due to the prolonged separation from normal social activities.
The team is looking to support small groups of people who could benefit from learning to use technology, such as a smart phone, tablet or laptop computer and social media apps such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Google Duo and Zoom, to keep in touch with their loved ones.
It can deliver the courses at any venues that are suitable with social distancing guidelines. The courses are all free. These short courses are designed with beginners in mind who have a smart device but do not necessarily know how to use the above apps.
If you know of anyone who may benefit from this type of support please contact Bipin Mistry, Project Officer for GMB Reach Out Project, St Antony’s Centre, at bipin@gmbreachout.org.uk or on 07950 333442 or 0161 848 9173.
For further information about the work of GMB Reach Out please visit the website.
Rainbow rewards: Colourful recipes highlight dedication of school kitchen staff
Rainbow themed food featured on school meal menus in Bolton in the Summer term– reminding pupils of the importance of caring for their health and others.
The rainbow became a symbol of hope during the pandemic, and cooks were given free rein to design colourful versions of school meal recipes every Thursday.
Creations included rainbow themed pizza, salad, and buns, and chefs also joined in a competition to create a rainbow cake.
During the pandemic, Bolton Council’s kitchen managers and assistants have turned out every day, including bank holidays, to ensure that children who continued to attend school received a healthy lunch.
Eight year old Milan takes on epic cycling challenge around Bolton Wanderer’s stadium
Milan from Bolton is starting an epic #FitforLit cycling challenge around the University of Bolton Stadium, home to Bolton Wanderers FC, in an effort to raise £1,000 for the National Literacy Trust.
He also passionate about reading. During lockdown, Milan read an incredible 50 books – including titles by David Walliams, J.K. Rowling, Shakespeare and Nelson Mandela – and his achievements were recognised as “absolutely wonderful” in a special letter from the Literacy Trust’s Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall.
For further information about how you can help with Milan’s challenge see the Literacy Trust’s website.
National updates
Website to help people recovering
The NHS has launched a new website for people recovering from COVID-19.
It aims to provide information for people who have had the virus and have concerns related to areas such as breathing or mental health.
There is information from rehabilitation experts about how to manage ongoing symptoms and health needs at home, and on returning to work as well as a helpful section for family, friends and carers of those who are recovering.
Guidance for young people about shielding
This guidance is aimed at young people who have been shielding and it looks at recent changes to advice and guidance.
The government has updated its guidance for children, young people and adults who are clinically extremely vulnerable and have been shielding
It is advising that you do not need to shield at the moment because coronavirus (COVID-19) disease levels in the community have fallen since the peak of the pandemic in England.