fbpx
Connect with us
https://propermanchester.com.temp.link/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/secret-suppers-advert.jpg

News

Trick-or-treating ‘banned’ in Greater Manchester with parents facing £200 fines

Some sad news…

Avatar photo

Published

on

Halloween traditions will be very different this year, and trick or treating is set to be banned in local lockdown areas, including Greater Manchester.

Boris Johnson’s deputy spokesperson has said the ‘rules are clear’ in terms of households mixing in different areas, and in places where local rules are not in place, children will be included in the ‘rule of six’ for maximum group size. 

However, there is some confusion as to whether this includes the people answering the door.

Meeting in groups of more than six indoors or outdoors is currently against the law and can land you with a hefty £200 fine if caught breaking the rules. This will double each additional breach up to a maximum of £6,400.

David Menidrey/Unsplash

Asked about Halloween, the Prime Minister’s deputy spokesperson said: “The Rule of Six is clear, it includes children. We are asking people not to meet in groups of six or more.

“In local lockdown areas, we have been very clear that households should not mix. In other areas not in lockdown the Rule of Six applies.

“It is correct, parents will be fined if children meet in groups of more than six children.”

The Department for Health and Social Care has now confirmed that trick or treating in areas where household mixing is not allowed, like Greater Manchester, will be banned.

In parts of England not in local lockdown, one parent could potentially take up to four kids out, as long as no more than one person answers the door to bring the total number of people over six.

The BBC spoke to Dr Chris Smith, a virologist at the University of Cambridge, who said: “If you’re doing something that increases your contact with other people then you are automatically increasing their risk and your risk.” 

He added: “Because it’s Halloween I’d say people are quite likely to be wearing a mask anyway so if they can make a face-covering work it’s way into their costume then even better.”

To reduce the risk of spread on the sweets he recommends individually wrapped sweets and to leave them outside, or even leaving individual bags of sweets tied to fences or trees. 

US Army Garrison Japan/Flickr

The BBC recommends five alternatives to trick or treating:

  1. Organise a Halloween treasure hunt within your own household
  2. Host a virtual party with themed games and music
  3. Watch a scary movie with the family
  4. Decorate your own house and organise a spooky trail, avoiding face-to-face contact
  5. Try reverse trick or treating by dropping off pre-packed sweets on neighbours’ doorsteps

A group of families in Marble have created an online map of houses that will be decorated, making a Halloween trail for families.

Organiser Aurelie said: “I think this year people are even more keen to get involved because of the circumstances, I feel like this winter could be very grim if we don’t do something to break it up.

“Something like this really lifts the spirits.”

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Man arrested in connection with death of Gogglebox star George Gilbey

He has been arrested on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter, police say

Avatar photo

Published

on

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A man has been arrested in connection to the death of television personality George Gilbey who died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey, a self-employed electricain, starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

In the latest update, police said the arrested man was in his 40s and from the Witham area of Essex, and that further updates would be announced ‘proactively’. The force said he was arrested on ‘suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter’.

Continue Reading

News

Police issue urgent appeal to find missing man from Tameside

Have you seen David?

Avatar photo

Published

on

Greater Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police has issued an urgent appeal to help find a man who was last seen in Tameside in the early hours of yesterday.

David, 40, was last seen on Sands Walk, Hyde, at around 12am on Wednesday March 27th.

He is believed to still have his mobile phone on him and to be somewhere in the Greater Manchester area, police say.

David is described as a white male, around 6 ft 2 ins tall, of slim build and a bald head with red facial hair. He also has tattoos on his arms and legs.

He was last seen wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and a black hoodie.

Anyone who has seen David or who may have any information about his whereabouts is urged to contact GMP on 0161 856 9325.

 

Continue Reading

News

Gogglebox star George Gilbey dies after fall from height at age 40

RIP George

Avatar photo

Published

on

@georgegilbey / Instagram

Television personality George Gilbey who starred on Gogglebox has died after suffering a fall at work.

Essex Police said it was called to an incident at a road in Shoebury, near Southend-on-Sea, following a report that a man had fallen from a height while at work.

An air ambulance was in attendance but sadly, the 40-year-old died at the scene.

@georgegilbey / Instagram

A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “We received a report of an incident at Campfield Road in Shoebury at around 10am this morning (March 27), during which a man who was working at height had fallen and sustained an injury.

“The ambulance service including air ambulance were in attendance. Sadly, the man died at the scene. We will continue liaising with partners including the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). A cordon remains in place at the scene.”

Gilbey starred in eight series of Channel 4’s Gogglebox  alongside his mother Linda McGarry and stepfather Pete McGarry, who passed away at the age of 71 in 2021. Gilbey also Celebrity Big Brother on Channel 5 in 2014, finishing fourth.

Channel 4 Gogglebox shared a statement on its official X account, saying: “George was part of the Gogglebox family for eight series alongside his mum Linda and step-dad Pete.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Linda, and George’s family and friends at this very sad time.”

Tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in online, as one person said: “Rest in peace George, thanks for all the laughs you gave me over the years. Bet Pete’s waiting for you with a pint xxx.”

Another wrote: “Thinking of your family. I’m so sorry to your mum especially. so much grief to deal with in such a short time the world can be so cruel.”

Celebrities have also been sharing tributes online after hearing the tragic news.

EastEnders actress Daniella Westbrook shared a photo of Gilbey and his mum on Instagram, and wrote beside it: “Goodnight, my darling friend George. I’m absolutely gutted.”

In a post on X, former Geordie Shore star Ricci Guarnaccio, and Celebrity Big Brother co-star, wrote: “Breaks my (heart) but @georgegilbey you are well and truely going to be missed my friend. Always lit up the room, cared for others & the memories we made I’ll cherish for ever brother. From CBB to speaking to you last week, I’m going to hugely miss you ma boiii! Love you G.”

And, Simon Minty wrote on Instagram: “So sorry to hear this. I really enjoyed watching George. Condolences to Linda and family.” 

Continue Reading

Receive our latest news, events & unique stories

Privacy and data policy

We may earn a commission when you use one of our links to make a purchase

Copyright © 2024 Manchester's Finest Group