I had a mate at Uni in Salford a few years ago as a mature student. He lived in Salford and when he tried to get contents insurance for his flat they all laughed at him. I remember going to the local shop with him once when visiting. The off licence was covered in bullet proof glass and the supermarket had bouncers on the door. You knew it was a tough area 'cos no-one was ac ting hard like a chav!
They then offered him an opportunity to study for a year in America, so naturally he jumped at the chance. They sent him to Detroit! I think someone was trying to kill him off. He lived very near the Motown studios and despite living in one of the roughest areas of Salford didn't go off campus for about six weeks. I'm sorry, I'm rambling with random stuff.
Thank you for your advice, I want us to have an interesting halloween so hopefully we will have.