Monday, 20th July 2009 Word From the Streets W/C 6th July 2009

Shootings in Manchester continue with a 21 year old shot 7 times just yards from a house where two suspects were arrested for a killing only 5 days earlier. Junaid Khan was gunned down in a car park in front of his girlfriend outside his family’s convenient store in Oldham. WFTS – clearly not a case of mistaken identity.

HRH Prince William visited Manchester for the first time, but hopefully not the last this week to watch the water polo. The Prince started the match between England and Slovakia women’s teams and stated that he would have loved to have jumped into the water to take part.

Prince William, who is a keen water polo player, also mentioned that he would love to see more of Manchester. WFTS comments – maybe a trip to the Moss next time – we are always willing to facilitate, same as last time and any time in the future?!?!?

Manchester rock star Noel Gallagher of Oasis who are touring Britain this week admitted spending £1 million on drugs in the 90’s. He told an Italian newspaper ‘doing drugs is the most beautiful thing about being in a rock band, although he added: ‘I stopped because it is bad for your health, brain, life and for people around you.’ WFTS Comments – great role model stuff for the now father expressing his concerns and fears for his children in a gun and knife gang culture ravaged Britain, with most of it as a result of territory, status, lifestyle and drugs.

Maybe a good time for some of the concert profits. similar to the amount spent on drugs in the 90’s to help address these problems. He also criticised U2 and Cold Play for ‘Rock Politics’. Messages about poverty ‘OK, but can’t we just have a nice evening?’ WFTS comments – I am sure we would all like to have a nice evening and a nice life.

Greater Manchester Police are planning to shut down roads with roadblocks in a bid to stop offenders getting away. The Operation Tornado team will use their Automatic Number Place Recognition technology to check vehicles. Burglars are first on the list in concentrated areas where burglaries are rife.

They will then move around randomly so that no-one can pre-empt the next hit. However, in saying that, it was also reported that the initial strike will be on Wednesday on Middleton Road in Blackley! Civil liberties campaigners will monitor how the project works. Det Chief Supt Russ Jackson said ‘it will be a real breath of fresh air to the law-abiding citizens living in the affected areas’.