The original proposal for Whitefield Community Fire Station included the new build station close to the boundary line with George Street Following local feedback we have moved the proposed building away from the edge of the plot Below are the current designs and plans for Whitefield Community Fire Station which form part of GMFRS’s 16-year Estates Improvement Programme You can also follow the links below to see the full floor plan and site plan for Whitefield Community Fire Station: If you would to see the original plans then please email engagement@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk  Copyright Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service 2025 Nick Ferrari At Breakfast is Leading Britain's Conversation Armed police were sent to Whitefield Drive in Westvale following reports that two teenagers had been stabbed in the area officers discovered that the male victim had suffered a number of stab wounds to the body while the female suffered a single stab wound to the chest Emergency service crews rushed both of them to hospital for treatment where there condition is described as serious but stable Merseyside Police have arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of attempted murder He is currently in custody and will be interviewed by officers shortly detectives are trawling through CCTV footage studying forensics and taking witness statements from house-to-house They now believe the incident may have been linked to an earlier dispute which took place between a group of youths in the Tithe Barn Lane area police have asked any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward Read More: Horror as 'human remains' found in wooded area in popular seaside town, with police 'searching abandoned caravan' Read More: Man arrested after woman stabbed at work in 'targeted attack' Detective Inspector Graeme Osborne said: "Our initial enquiries suggest there may have been an earlier incident in the Tithe Barn Lane area and we believe that there are people who may have witnessed this "It was a pleasant summer’s evening and we know that there would have been people in and around the Westvale area and I would appeal for anyone who saw anything or captured something on their mobile phone or dashcam to contact us "We know incidents such as this involving young people causes a great deal of concern for our communities but I want the public to know we are working hard to proactively drive down knife crime in Merseyside "Preventing young people from being drawn into knife crime is a big priority and we are tackling this by working with partner agencies and charities including Merseyside’s Violence Reduction Partnership to identify young people at risk and help them turn their life around "Our message to those who carry a knife is clear – this places you in a dangerous situation and actually increases your chances of becoming hurt." See more More Crime News See more More UK News See more More Topics All the Children’s Commissioner’s work is driven by what children told us is important to them The experiences of these children are absolutely- appalling – my heart goes out to them and their families No child should ever be physically restrained under such conditions and with such a lack of compassion Since the allegations of abuse at Whitefield School first came to light I have pushed for a formal review of the circumstances to be carried out This was agreed but it must now happen without delay to uncover where children who were so badly failed could have been kept safe Restraint against children should only ever be used when it is essential to keep a child safe We need to look again at the guidance and regulation around restraint and so-called ‘calming rooms’ so that professions have much clearer understanding that it should be used only in the most serious cases and for the shortest time possible We also need much earlier support available for children with these additional needs and vulnerabilities and greater training for teachers in managing them including how to de-escalate behaviours and reduce the need for restraint – as well as incidences of restraint to be better recorded so that families can be reassured professionals are held accountable for the quality of care their children receive Last weekend saw Dartford host Dulwich Hamlet at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park George Whitefield featured in our matchday programme that afternoon Having made nine appearances in all competitions for Dartford last season George Whitefield’s progress since his promotion from the Dartford Academy appeared to be a slow-burning affair And that seemed to be the case during the early stages of this campaign… under the guidance of Ady Pennock and his coaching team as well as the more senior players in the squad George has been making superb progress on the pitch Instead of being a substitute waiting for cup competitions to offer an opportunity to play the 19-year-old defender has become an integral part of Dartford’s back three He has made 17 appearances in all competitions so far 14 of which have been in the starting eleven He has also chipped in with four goals this season three of which have come in the last three home games in the league despite all goals being important (obviously) nothing can possibly compare to THAT first league goal of the season… a 30-yard screamer which helped the Darts beat Cheshunt 2-1 back at the beginning of November that’s a good place to start our conversation on WhatsApp on a day that sees George in good spirits… I don’t think I’m quite over the goal yet to be honest I think I’ll be watching that back for a long time…!” The goal certainly seemed to settle the nerves of this young Dartford squad and the win provided a much-needed boost in confidence levels which has seen the Darts go on to win three consecutive league games (at the time of writing) And George went on to score in the next two home games a 2-0 win over Lewes and a 4-0 demolition job over Bognor Regis Town last time out A threat in front of the opposition goal is accompanied by growing strength and confidence in front of our own goal Joined by fellow central defenders Josh Hill and Luther Williams as well as wing-backs Sam Odaudu and Samuel Okoye George has become a vital cog in Ady Pennock’s defensive unit having conceded just two goals in the last four league games a run that has seen the defence register three clean sheets (at the time of writing) it feels good to be playing for the First Team especially having come through the Academy setup and I really wanted my full senior season to be with Dartford.” does he believe it helped him progress as a young footballer did George have the opportunity to be a part of a full-time professional Academy setup I’ve never been at an Academy level because I was always playing Sunday league football Then I joined the Dartford Academy when I was seven “I think that being at a higher level would definitely have helped me to develop my technical ability I think that I’ve learned so much by coming through the Non-League side of the game and the Dartford Academy.” Is he happy with his progress so far and is there anything he’d change if he could it’s always a dream (for a young footballer) to become a professional player I’m very pleased with my progress so far Chris would be to be able to sign a professional contract.” That’s an honest statement from George and completely understandable who knows what the future holds for this young defender he balances his playing life with his working life How does he include his health and fitness into that balance He understands that sometimes I need to finish early for training or fixtures I’m able to stay on top of my health quite well as I go to the gym regularly and I make sure that I balance out my diet too.” does George have any words for the Dartford faithful I do Chris… Your support helps us a lot more than you guys think Do you follow any other sports besides football?Not really Biggest influence in the dressing room?Josh Hill would make up your dream five-a-side team?Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)Sergio Ramos (ex-Real Madrid)Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)Erling Haaland (Manchester City) GrassbanksDartfordKentDA1 1RTUnited Kingdom Telephone: 01322 299991Email: info@dartfordfc.com Dartford FC prides itself on being a community club wholly committed to eradicating all forms of discrimination and we continue to take a zero-tolerance approach we remind all supporters that anyone using discriminatory or abusive language will be asked to leave the stadium immediately and will face future punishment George Whitefield was 16 when he reached a pivotal moment in his development that transformed his Dartford career A rising star and leader in the Darts Academy Youth teams from Under-7s onwards he had found it more difficult to stand-out in the early months of Post-16 Academy life he returned refocussed – with ‘extra-time’ behind the scenes key to propelling him into future first-team contention Following another man-of-the-match performance against Horsham last Saturday that also saw him celebrate a goal – and his 20th birthday – it proved be the turning point for the young defender Darts Academy Manager Ben Greenhalgh recalled: “George was in a really good year group and while half went into the year above George was part of those that stayed in the first year Yellows but we try to install the need for these players to sometimes develop themselves “He came back in January 2022 like a new player We saw him out on the astro almost every day after every session He was out there in all weather – rain “We would normally focus on the fitness aspects on a Monday but he was doing it on a Monday afterwards and we were seeing how much work he was putting in He was suddenly covering every blade of grass during matches as a centre midfielder more as a CDM and sort of running absolutely everywhere and winning the ball He was showing a lot of quality on the ball George has become one of the Academy’s major success stories having been with the club since he was an Under-7 He’s the first player to have played for every Academy age-group and make it through into the first team recent Academy trials saw many more of the pre-16 Academy Youth players sign up to stay within the club’s main Academy structure with recent Academy cup wins and manager Ady Pennock’s faith in youth helping to create a more attainable pathway George’s journey saw him join Dartford at Under-7 level while playing for local team Eltham Lions run by his dad Jim George recalled: “I went to the first Dartford trial and there must have been around 150 other boys there was a second trial and I was one of only two or so to make it through “My dad received an email and told me I had been selected didn’t really know too much about what was going on I knew I played for Dartford and was quite excited but I didn’t know much about the club or what it all meant.” dad Jim remembered the situation a little differently He said: “We got an email to say George had got through but we were on holiday for two weeks and I missed it We then got a second email which I opened that basically said ‘we take it you aren’t interested in coming to the club’ and that they would take his name off the system if this was the case “I realised I had missed the first one and I was like ‘no no!’ I sent an email straight back and sorted it out but you could say he was very close to not even playing for Dartford at all George worked his way through the age-groups with his tenacity and strength helping him stand out I made a lot of tackles and was quite progressive which in those early years gave me a good starting point.” He was around 12 when his pathway to the first team became more apparent He continued: “I had coaches telling me that if I kept working hard one day I might get to play for the first team in the stadium “I remember asking my dad how much the players were on and finding out about the semi pro and pro structure.” Jim remembers George’s early years at Dartford “He was always one of the top few players in the Academy,” he said “He was captain for six or seven years of that and always put in 100 per cent but it was down to him at the end of the day if he really wanted to do it “He was always playing football in the garden from a young age with his brother and football ran a bit in the family My granddad played in the Army against the likes of Charlton and me and my dad played at Kent level “I’ve always said George’s brother has better technical ability but George always had that drive to get better but I’d often have parents asking me why I was taking George off and we should leave him on the pitch.” After working his way through the Academy Youth groups George joined the main Dartford Academy at 16 and after putting in the extra hours After a number of unused substitute appearances he got his first 90 minutes against Hampton & Richmond in April ’23 Jim continued: “He’d had a bit of a dip when he joined the Academy but came back after Christmas really determined and pushing on “He got his full debut around a year later when he was 18 and he played the whole game at centre back he’s out there to win and show what he’s made of.’ “It was probably my proudest moment watching him He made one tackle and all of their players ran towards him but all the Dartford players ran over and sort of protected him George added: “I remember being really nervous but proud to get the start and help the team to a 0-0 It felt like a big moment after being at the club so long.” who works as a plumber with Jim during the day has cemented himself in the squad and been a regular starter growing in confidence as the season has gone on and adding eight goals to his name George continued: “My intention was to play as many minutes as I could In pre-season I wasn’t getting lots of minutes but Ady was always reassuring me that it was a long season and my time would come “I got my opportunity and hopefully proved myself My first goal was a header against Bromley in the cup Josh Hill called him up to give him some words of encouragement I thought showed what kind of captain he is “But you can see there’s a great team spirit throughout the team.” George’s impressive goal-tally can’t be mentioned without the 30-yard screamer against Cheshunt being brought up I just saw the space and connected really well I hit it so clean and then I looked up to see it flying into the top corner nothing gives him greater satisfaction that watching the Academy players mature as adults He said: “It’s amazing for the club to see George go through the whole system “To stay with one club through this whole period from Russell Searle to Ben and everyone in between or working on something else they need to improve on “It gives me immense pleasure to see someone improve We try to teach them a sense of professionalism and etiquette “To watch some of these boys grow into men and get their chance in the first team it gives me a sense of pride – that we are doing things the right way “You can’t give everyone a first team opportunity but if we have helped the scholars learn something that will help them in life and in work I still speak to a lot of these guys and they enjoy their time here There’s plenty of players out there playing football for clubs who have come through the Dartford system.” And of all who speak of George and other Academy players their  friendly natures are a common theme which is not only testament to their families but the principles and ethos that weave throughout Dartford’s Academy structure Jim added: “To see him on the pitch every week My two brother-in-laws and little brother come to all the games so there’s a group of us following him around “You can see how much his game is improving and confidence growing each week He’s eating the right things; he goes to the gym after work He doesn’t go out on a Friday – he’s just doing absolutely every single thing possible with his body to give him a chance to be the best he can be “And everyone at the Academy deserves a great deal of credit for all the work they put in with all the young players who is now happy to pass on what he has learnt to the younger Academy players He said: “It’s amazing to play with Olly and Sam and to see other Academy players that I’ve known for a long time get chances “There’s a great spirit throughout the club right now we’ve had a few results that haven’t gone our way but we want to win the league and will keep pushing as hard as we can “But if I go back to the time when I was struggling in the Academy I was out there every day and I’d say that’s my advice to other Academy players Work as hard as you can and the opportunities will hopefully come.” is certainly paying off right now – and everyone from the Academy to the Club and supporters are right behind him as he continues on his football journey Councillors are expected to approve the revised Whitefield Town Centre Plan following a lengthy period of consultation The document will formally guide future investment and development in the town, and can be viewed here: https://www.bury.gov.uk/planning-building-control/regeneration/whitefield-town-centre-plan/whitefield-town-centre-plan-proposals It was recognised that accessing funding to deliver the plan will be a challenge the council is adopting a policy to ringfence at least 10% of the money received from locally raised capital receipts to help support improvements specifically in Whitefield This ringfenced pot is the first time the council has made such a commitment to a town plan in the borough and will provide a kickstart to a wider funding strategy in the delivery plan The plan has been produced following the intervention of the High Street Task Force a nationwide initiative to support the revitalisation and transformation of town centres and high streets Consultation with residents and stakeholders on the original plans took place in March 2023 a draft Town Centre Plan was produced in late 2023 this time on the draft Plan’s proposals The proposals which received most support were:    said: “The Whitefield Town Centre Plan aims to improve the town centre area for communities “As part of our LET’S do it strategy these proposals have been drafted following extensive input from local businesses “We’re all committed to making Whitefield an attractive place to live The town plan will help us join the dots and make this happen “All the proposals will require further work and will be subject to further engagement with relevant stakeholders Funding will also be required for implementation.” senior urban designer at consultants Planit commented: “We’re delighted to hear about the upcoming formal adoption of Whitefield’s Town Centre Plan following extensive consultation with the local community Planit’s regeneration strategy to create a ‘prosperous and greener town’ focuses a vision for new homes and transformation of the old library into a health centre “The proposals will support the delivery of an attractive cleaner and greener people-oriented town centre where residents want to spend time and make full use its high street The vision creates a catalyst for more detailed plans funding bids and active community participation on Whitefield’s future.” The plan is due to be approved by members of the council’s cabinet next Wednesday (4 Dec) Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online. Credit: Greater Manchester PoliceA car which is illegal to drive in the UK because of safety concerns has been seized by police Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stopped the Tesla Cybertruck in Whitefield but the vehicle was registered and insured abroad - which is prohibited in the UK Tesla say the Cybertruck is made of bullet-proof GMP said: "The Tesla Cybertruck is not road legal in the UK and does not hold a certificate of conformity "Whilst this may seem trivial to some legitimate concerns exist around the safety of other road users or pedestrians if they were involved in a collision with a Cybertruck "The vehicle was subsequently seized under S165 of the Road Traffic Act and the driver reported." Sign our campaign for a grant funding review Architect Bradshaw Gass and Hope designed the scheme to replace the "dated" Whitefield Community Fire Station The contractor will take over the delivery of new facilities in Whitefield and Blackley Robertson has been appointed to complete the projects following the high-profile collapse of ISG last year ISG was awarded the contract for the Whitefield and Blackley projects ISG collapsed last year with debts estimated at more than £1bn located on Rochdale Road is due to complete this November Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue’s fire station refresh forms part of a 16-year estates strategy the project aims to reduce the buildings’ carbon footprints in line with the city region’s 2038 carbon-neutral target Both the Whitefield and Blackley fire stations were designed by architect Bradshaw Gass & Hope Read our comments policy Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Castle Home Estates wants to convert Empire House on Church Street in the city centre into homes for 30 people the ruling Conservative party and Labour have lost a combined 60 county council seats Register for free North West property intelligence Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value" Join more than 13,000 property professionals and sign up to receive your free daily round-up of built environment news direct to your inbox By subscribing, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_3" ).setAttribute( "value" Dartford entertain Dulwich Hamlet at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park this afternoon as he shared his thoughts on the season ahead amongst other things: ●      “I don’t think I’m quite over THAT goal yet…!”●      “It feels good to be playing in the First Team.”●      “I really wanted my full senior season to be with Dartford.”●      “I’m very pleased with my progress so far.”●      “Your support helps us a lot more than you guys think.” as she shared her thoughts on the season ahead amongst other things: ●      “I love playing here.”●      “I’m a Spurs fan but I played for Arsenal.”●      “I played for England in my youth.”●      “Playing for Dartford has made my heart for football grow even bigger!”●      “Thank you all for welcoming me this season” To read more about what George and Brionne had to say please pick up a copy of the latest Matchday Programme before today’s game or abusive language will be asked to leave the stadium immediately and will face future punishment.