Samina and her children

From yesterday's Manchester Evening News:

Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondhalgh is backing a campaign to stop a disabled family being deported.

Samina Altaf arrived in Britain 18 months ago with her daughter Aqsa, 12, and son Sumana, six. They are living in Lower Kersal, Salford.

Samina claims she fled Pakistan to escape ill treatment. She and the children also have rickets and require medical treatment.

However, the Home Office has told her that her bid for asylum has been unsuccessful and she must leave the country voluntarily or be removed.

Julie, who plays Hayley Cropper, is to speak at a public meeting on Sunday in support of the family. She took time out to show the children around the Street set during a private visit.

The family are currently at risk of being separated. Under "Section 9" rules, families who fail to obtain asylum have their benefits stopped and are given eviction notices. If as a result social services feel the children cannot be cared for properly, they can be taken into care.

The meeting in support of Samina Altaf is this coming Sunday (January 29th) at 2.00 pm, at St Sebastian's School, Norfolk Street, off Gerald Road, off Cromwell Road, Charlestown, Salford M6 6ET.