Hundreds are expected to take part in a march through Greater Manchester on Saturday afternoon, to raise the profile of a missing Indian student. 18 year old Souvik Pal disappeared after going to a New Year's Eve event at the Warehouse Project in Old Trafford.
His father Santanu Pal has flown into Manchester from India and has vowed he will remain until his son is found. The march will start at 2:30pm from Old Trafford, finishing at the Warehouse Project on Trafford Wharf Road where he was last seen.
Phone cash scam in Trafford Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Wire
Residents in Trafford are being warned about a scam in which victims are falsely told they're owed thousands. It's after 78-year-old Altrincham man received a phone call on Monday, stating he was owed £3,500 after he had been overcharged on his bank account.
To receive the cheque he was told to buy a YOUCASH Voucher to cover admin fees and give them the number over the phone else his cheque would not be delivered. Once the voucher number is given over the phone the offender can retrieve funds, there was clearly no intention to deliver the cheque.
Officers from Trafford division are now warning other residents not to fall foul of this scam. PC John McGrath, based in Trafford, said: "This man did exactly the right thing. He questioned the letter and immediately called the police when he had concerns about it.
"I would urge anyone who receives a letter or e-mail along these lines to contact the police. I would also say that no legitimate company or organisation would expect you to hand over money before they send you what is rightfully yours.
"Trust your instincts and if it does not seem right then it probably isn't."
Organisers expecting 200 to attend Trafford Hospital protest march
The march against threatened closures of Trafford General Hospital's A&E and Intensive Care departments is due to start now, followed by a rally at 1pm. Trafford NHS says that the hospital's small size means changes will have to be made in order to keep it financially viable.
Statement from NHS Trafford on threatened department closures
"The NHS in Trafford and local clinicians are working together to ensure that services can continue to be provided at Trafford General Hospital. It is one of the smallest hospitals in the country and runs the second smallest accident and emgergency department in the country.
The relatively low numbers of patients using the hospital means the services are not clinically sustainable and could become unsafe in the future. It also costs the local health economy £19 million more a year than is available.
These things combined mean that the future of the hospital is under threat if changes aren't made. A proposal will be going out to public consultation that has been put together to solve these issues. Everyone will have the chance to have their say before any final decisions are made."
Protest march against possible closure of Trafford General Hospital departments
Over a hundred people are expected to march today in protest at threats to shut the A&E and Intensive Care departments at Trafford General Hospital. The hospital was the birthplace of the NHS - the first in the world to offer free healthcare to all. Today is its 64th birthday.
