Salford is returning to normal following last night’s disorder.

Members of the public and councillors joined the council’s Environmental Services team this morning to clean up the mess vandals caused around Salford Precinct. The precinct was back to normal before 10am.

Officers from the City Council’s Business Support Team are now speaking to the affected businesses to see what they can do to help get the businesses back on track.

Councillor John Merry CBE, Leader of Salford City Council, has said: “In the past 24 hours we’ve seen the best and the worst of Salford.

“The number of people who offered to help clean up their community has been really heart warming. The majority of the people living in Salford are, quite rightly, disgusted by what they saw happening in their city last night.

“Throughout the night we have been working closely with the police and I can honestly say they’ve done a brilliant job of getting this difficult situation under control. I’ve had similar reports from members of the public who were really pleased with the way the police responded.

“We now need to make sure these mindless thugs are caught and brought to justice. There was absolutely no reason for this disorder, other than to destroy and steal from our city. I would urge anyone who knows anyone who was involved in last night’s trouble to contact the police. These individuals should not be allowed to get away with it and we need to take a stand against them and show Salford will not tolerate this abhorrent behaviour.”

Vandals set fire to the former Broadwalk Library and Salford housing office, which was being used for storage of books, causing significant damage.

A number of Salford residents who turned up this morning to help with the cleanup have explained why they wanted to help:

Becky Fitzpatrick from Pendleton said: “I took the day off work today to come and help clean up. I live here and I want my little boy to grow up in a nice place.”

Tracey Kelly from Irlam, said: “I’m from Irlam where we have a great community spirit and I’ve come to show my support to the local community and local councillors. All the 999 services and agencies have done a brilliant job in the circumstances and it’s just mindless criminality.”

Paul Hutching from Langworthy, said: “This is my community and I want to make it better. I’ve lived here for 10 years and want to help rebuild what’s been damaged. I’m pleased to see the efforts from the council and agencies that have gone into helping the clean up.”

Mr and Mrs Cooper from Langworthy, said: “We just live around the corner from Salford precinct and have come down with our daughter to show that not everyone in Salford is like those people rioting last night.”

Joe O’Malley, Secretary of Spruce Court Tenant’s Association turned up with brooms to help out with the cleanup. He said: “The reason I came down to help the clean up is to show that we’re not letting these people get the better of us – we want to fight back. I’m really shocked at what’s happened and it’s putting the precinct to a halt. People are scared and frightened and there’s no way we will let these people involved in the riots get to us.”

Irena Kuszta from Monton, said: “I was watching it on the TV like everyone else last night and thought, we’ve got to do something to help. I love Salford and it’s a shame people targeted a deprived area. They are stealing from themselves and their parents and just being here today is helping to lift spirits and morale. I’d like to thank everyone who responded to messages to come down and help the clean up.”

Joe Macer from Broughton, said: “I was going to go to work this morning to do some window cleaning but I’m disgusted with the riots. I am annoyed that the youth can trash their city. I’m here to just see how I can help and speak to the community. I’ve come with my broom and a bag and have helped to clear away glass and wood from the damaged shops.”