News

Featured

• Famous Toad Lane Pioneers Museum at risk of closure without urgent funding

  The trust responsible for Rochdale Pioneers Museum has warned the birthplace of the modern co operative movement could close within two years unless a long term funding solution is found.

• Nominations now open for the Roch Valley Radio Community Hero Awards 2026 to honour local legends

  Roch Valley Radio has officially opened this year's nominations for our Community Heroes Awards, celebrating the everyday people, groups and organisations going above and beyond to make Rochdale and Bury a better place to live.

• How many of Parklife’s biggest Sunday artists do you know

  Parklife Festival brings together some of the biggest names in dance, pop and electronic music each year.

• Parklife Festival Sunday set times released as crowds return to Heaton Park

  Thousands of music fans are expected at Heaton Park today for the second day of Parklife Festival.

• St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Heywood opens new library after community fundraising effort

  Pupils at St Joseph’s RC Primary School in Heywood have celebrated the opening of a new library after staff, families and supporters helped raise thousands of pounds to create the space.

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Local News

• Heywood HMO protest moved from Memorial Gardens to Civic Centre after backlash

  Another protest against plans for a house in multiple occupation next to a primary school in Heywood has been moved from the town’s Memorial Gardens to the Civic Centre following concerns raised by local residents, Rochdale Council and the Heywood Veterans’ Association.

• Hundreds celebrate community and culture at third annual Dumpling Day in Rochdale

  Hundreds of people gathered at the Ukrainian Centre in Rochdale for the third annual Dumpling Day, a free community event celebrating the borough’s diverse cultures ahead of Refugee Week. The event was organised by Touchstones, part of Your Trust, and brought together people of all ages through food, music and creative activities.

• Rochdale Mayfield secures more than £10,000 to improve community facilities

  Rochdale Mayfield has secured more than £10,000 in funding to invest in its facilities and expand its community activities. The money has been awarded through Rochdale Borough Council’s Township Fund and The Football Foundation.

• Rochdale’s Ian Murgatroyd selected to represent England Masters Rugby League

  Rochdale rugby player Ian Murgatroyd has been selected to represent England in Masters Rugby League. He is due to play against Scotland in Edinburgh this October after earning international recognition for his long standing commitment to the sport.

• Paul Waugh says climate emergency demands urgent action to protect Rochdale

  Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has urged continued action on climate change after raising the issue with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband during questions in the House of Commons. He said communities including Rochdale are already experiencing the effects of more frequent extreme weather.

• Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary chosen as The Rock charity partner for second year

  Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary has been named The Rock Shopping Centre’s charity partner for the second consecutive year after receiving the most support in a public vote.

• Greens unveil Greater Manchester manifesto with affordable homes and free bus travel pledge

  The Green Party has launched its manifesto for Greater Manchester, setting out plans including 20,000 genuinely affordable homes, free bus travel for under 22 year olds and investment in town centres if its mayoral candidate Geraldine Coggins is elected.

• New fire station plans for Heywood move forward

  A new temporary fire station is planned for Heywood while the existing site is rebuilt.

• Health experts share fan safety advice as heatwave continues across the UK

  With temperatures remaining high across much of the UK, health and safety experts are urging people to use electric fans safely to reduce the risk of overheating and electrical faults.

• Students evacuated from Wardle Academy after handheld fan overheats

  Students at Wardle Academy were temporarily evacuated after a handheld fan overheated on the school site.

• Mixed reaction as Heywood rat run closure trial begins

  A trial scheme aimed at improving road safety around the Hopwood Triangle in Heywood has received a mixed response from residents, with some welcoming the changes while others say traffic has become more congested.

• Hopwood Hall College to honour former governors by naming new buildings after them

  Hopwood Hall College will name two new buildings after former governors Robert Clegg OBE and Clive Reid in recognition of their decades of voluntary service to the college.

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Local Sports

• Rochdale Mayfield secures more than £10,000 to improve community facilities

  Rochdale Mayfield has secured more than £10,000 in funding to invest in its facilities and expand its community activities. The money has been awarded through Rochdale Borough Council’s Township Fund and The Football Foundation.

• Rochdale’s Ian Murgatroyd selected to represent England Masters Rugby League

  Rochdale rugby player Ian Murgatroyd has been selected to represent England in Masters Rugby League. He is due to play against Scotland in Edinburgh this October after earning international recognition for his long standing commitment to the sport.

• Police announce drink and drug driving checks after England match

  Greater Manchester Police has warned football supporters not to get behind the wheel if they could still be over the drink drive limit following England's match.

• Rochdale Masters complete first international rugby league tour in Perpignan

  Rochdale Masters has marked a major milestone after completing its first international tour with a visit to Perpignan in southern France.

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Lifestyle

• Hundreds celebrate community and culture at third annual Dumpling Day in Rochdale

  Hundreds of people gathered at the Ukrainian Centre in Rochdale for the third annual Dumpling Day, a free community event celebrating the borough’s diverse cultures ahead of Refugee Week. The event was organised by Touchstones, part of Your Trust, and brought together people of all ages through food, music and creative activities.

• Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary chosen as The Rock charity partner for second year

  Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary has been named The Rock Shopping Centre’s charity partner for the second consecutive year after receiving the most support in a public vote.

• Health experts share fan safety advice as heatwave continues across the UK

  With temperatures remaining high across much of the UK, health and safety experts are urging people to use electric fans safely to reduce the risk of overheating and electrical faults.

• College Bank relocation programme reaches 100 home offer milestone

  Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has reached a major milestone in its College Bank relocation programme after the 100th customer accepted an offer of a new home.

• Gabrielle to headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival with Ash and Starsailor

  Two time BRIT Award winner Gabrielle will headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival when it returns on Saturday 8 August 2026, joined by Ash, Starsailor and a line up of established and emerging acts.

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Greater Manchester

• Housebuilder raises more than £21000 for hospital charity after Three Peaks Challenge

  Fourteen employees from Barratt Homes have raised £21820 for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity after completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in less than 24 hours.

• Bolton man, Sultani Bakatash found guilty of raping two 14 year old girls

  A Bolton man has been found guilty of raping two 14 year old girls after a trial at Bolton Crown Court.

• Joseph Holt launches £1 children’s meals and £20,000 summer charity appeal

  Joseph Holt has reduced the price of children’s meals to £1 across its pubs, including those in Bury, as part of a summer initiative to help families during the school holidays.

• Football helps foster family create a sense of belonging for children in their care

  A foster family from Heywood have shared how their love of football has helped build strong relationships and a sense of belonging for the young people they care for.

• The Green Party pledges 20,000 homes for Greater Manchester – but is it realistic?

  From the streets of Hulme, Greater Manchester’s housing problems are glaringly obvious. Standing here, the glass skyscrapers towering above the region come into view. Many of these buildings went up thanks to loans from taxpayers.

• Andy Burnham's devolution plans supported by the Leader of Devon County Council

  Andy Burnham's devolution plans move forward despite him not yet being Prime Minister as Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council 'strongly supports' extended devolution to the South West county.

• Grieving mother's campaign continues as teenager sentenced following e-scooter collsion death

  A 15-year-old boy has received a youth referral order and a driving ban, after earlier pleading guilty to causing the death of a 14-year-old passenger on his e-scooter when it collided with a car.

• Manchester Kimpton Clocktower staff to strike over union busting

  Workers to walk out tomorrow after hotel chain IHG fails to recognise Unite

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Local Entertainment

• Gabrielle to headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival with Ash and Starsailor

  Two time BRIT Award winner Gabrielle will headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival when it returns on Saturday 8 August 2026, joined by Ash, Starsailor and a line up of established and emerging acts.

• Prestwich Community Picnic celebrates the town’s community spirit

  The Prestwich Community Picnic is taking place today, bringing residents together for an afternoon in the park.

• Fully funded music programme launched to support Rochdale Music Artists

  A new fully funded music development programme has been launched in Rochdale to help emerging artists and aspiring sound engineers develop their skills and gain industry experience.

• Award winning Trainspotting production returns to Ramsbottom after record breaking ticket demand

  An award winning production of Trainspotting is returning to the Geoffrey Sword Studio from 12 July to 18 July after record breaking demand saw some performances sell out.

• Local Arts champion to help lead £20m regeneration of Smallbridge, Hurstead, and Belfield

  Managing director of M6 Theatre Company, Laura Rodwell, has been chosen to chair the board of a £20m initiative as part of Rochdale Borough Council's plans to boost regeneration in the local area

• Something Rotten! is a hilarious love letter to musical theatre at Manchester Opera House

  If you've ever watched one of Neil Patrick Harris's unforgettable opening performances at The Tony Awards, you'll already have a sense of what Something Rotten! has in store.

• More than 220 young musicians perform at Rochdale Music Service Summer Sizzler

  More than 220 young musicians took to the stage at Middleton Arena as part of Rochdale Music Service’s annual Summer Sizzler event.

• Parklife’s new Panorama Stage is winning over festival goers at Heaton Park

  A new stage experience has made its debut at Parklife Festival this weekend, giving music fans a completely different way to enjoy some of the event’s biggest electronic acts.

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Elections

• Greens unveil Greater Manchester manifesto with affordable homes and free bus travel pledge

  The Green Party has launched its manifesto for Greater Manchester, setting out plans including 20,000 genuinely affordable homes, free bus travel for under 22 year olds and investment in town centres if its mayoral candidate Geraldine Coggins is elected.

• The Green Party pledges 20,000 homes for Greater Manchester – but is it realistic?

  From the streets of Hulme, Greater Manchester’s housing problems are glaringly obvious. Standing here, the glass skyscrapers towering above the region come into view. Many of these buildings went up thanks to loans from taxpayers.

• Bev Craig pledges Bee Network expansion and fare freeze in Greater Manchester mayoral campaign

  Labour's candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, has announced plans to expand the Bee Network, freeze bus fares and introduce more free public transport as part of her election campaign.

• Conservatives and Liberal Democrats announce their candidates for mayoral by-election

  The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have confirmed who will be standing for each respective party at the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election.

• Reform UK selects Sian Astley as Greater Manchester mayoral candidate

  Reform UK has announced Sian Astley as its candidate for the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election next month.

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UK

• Man wanted on suspicion of murdering wife and two children arrested, South African police say

  A man wanted in connection with the murder of a woman and her two children has been arrested, South African police say.

• New record as temperatures hit 35C or above on six separate days this year

  Forecasters say they have recorded six separate days of temperatures of 35C or higher for the first time.

• Europe's first total solar eclipse in almost 30 years: What you need to know

  Day will briefly turn into night for parts of Europe next month as the continent experiences its first solar eclipse in nearly three decades.

• 'It's time to do a test': Bowel cancer screening for people in their 50s critically low, NHS warns

  The number of Britons in their 50s who take part in bowel cancer screening remains critically low, the NHS has warned.

• The King meets with Prince Harry, Duchess of Sussex, Archie and Lilibet for first time in four years

  The King has hosted Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - the first time the monarch has seen his two grandchildren in years.

• Top Boy actor Micheal Ward sobs as he's found not guilty of raping woman in a car

  Top Boy actor Micheal Ward sobbed in court as he was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault.

• Sam Fender and Olivia Dean overtake Wet Wet Wet with record-breaking chart run

  Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have made UK chart history after their duet Rein Me In became the longest-running British No 1 single of all time.

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Entertainment

• Sam Fender and Olivia Dean overtake Wet Wet Wet with record-breaking chart run

  Sam Fender and Olivia Dean have made UK chart history after their duet Rein Me In became the longest-running British No 1 single of all time.

• Top Boy actor Micheal Ward sobs as he's found not guilty of raping woman in a car

  Top Boy actor Micheal Ward sobbed in court as he was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault.

• BBC Radio 2 presenter Paul Gambaccini diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease

  Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

• So, what does Sky's £1.6bn deal with ITV mean for viewers? For now, not much

  The residents of Coronation Street might have survived serial killers and tram crashes, but the biggest ITV plot twist has been unfolding in the boardroom.

• Sky to pay £1.6bn for ITV's broadcast and streaming division

  ITV has agreed a £1.6bn deal with Sky, the owner of Sky News, for its media and entertainment arm following months of talks.

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Sport

• England vs India, Women's Test: Sophie Ecclestone becomes side's leading wicket-taker as tourists 285 all out at Lord's

  Sophie Ecclestone became England Women's leading wicket-taker across all formats as the hosts dismissed India for 285 on a see-saw opening day of the historic first women's Test at Lord's.

• Wimbledon 2026: Arthur Fery unable to emulate Andy Murray as fairytale ended by Alexander Zverev in semi-finals

  Britain's Arthur Fery lost in straight sets to Germany's Alexander Zverev as his fairytale Wimbledon run ended in the semi-finals.

• Mikel Merino: Arsenal midfielder proving Spain's World Cup hero after overcoming injury that left him in mobility scooter

  Mikel Merino might have hoped to appear earlier than the 85th minute against Belgium following his match-winning impact from the bench against Portugal. Instead, he had to wait until the 86th. No matter. Another late cameo, another decisive goal.

• World Cup 2026: England's Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James train ahead of quarter-final with Norway

  Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Reece James gave England a triple injury boost ahead of their World Cup quarter-final with Norway.

• World Cup 2026: Norway's Erling Haaland will go down as football's 'greatest goalscorer' says Jamie Carragher ahead of showdown with England's Harry Kane

  Jamie Carragher says Erling Haaland will go down as "the greatest goalscorer of all time" - but he'd rather have Harry Kane in his team.

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Strange

• Trump's AI plan has governments and tech firms panicking

• Man breaks Guinness world record for loudest ever shout

  An Australian man has broken the world record for the loudest-ever shout.

• Wild black bear captured in Japan after multi-day hunt through major city

  Japanese authorities have captured a bear following a multi-day search that saw nearly 100 schools close.

• Viral 'Donald Trump' buffalo spared from Eid sacrifice in Bangladesh

  A viral buffalo nicknamed "Donald Trump" for its blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention.

• Cheese-rolling legend beaten by German YouTuber

  The Gloucestershire cheese rolling contest's most successful ever competitor has been beaten by a German YouTuber. 

• The Wargame - episode two: Armed Attack

  👉 Click here to listen to The Wargame on your podcast app 👈

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Videos

• Sky to pay £1.6bn for ITV's broadcast and streaming division

  ITV has agreed a £1.6bn deal with Sky, the owner of Sky News, for its media and entertainment arm following months of talks.

• Man wanted on suspicion of murdering wife and two children arrested, South African police say

  A man wanted in connection with the murder of a woman and her two children has been arrested, South African police say.

• Financial stability at risk from artificial intelligence - Bank of England says

  The UK financial system is at increased risk from artificial intelligence (AI), the Bank of England has said.

• Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to speak to Virginia Giuffre's family

  Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are to speak to Virginia Giuffre's family, Sky News understands.

• Energy costs rise and stocks fall sharply as US-Iran peace is shattered

  There has been a marked increase in global energy prices amid fears of a prolonged resumption to hostilities between the US and Iran.

• Wild black bear captured in Japan after multi-day hunt through major city

  Japanese authorities have captured a bear following a multi-day search that saw nearly 100 schools close.

• Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78

  Ann Widdecombe, the former MP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78.

• NESO issues rare summertime plea for more power as temperatures to soar

  For only the third time in its history, the British electricity system operator has warned of tight supplies in the summer months.

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Politics

• 'Profound change' or 'nonsense'? - Beth, Harriet and Ruth debate Burnham's blueprint to keep Labour MPs onside

  Labour grandee Harriet Harman has said she believes Andy Burnham will bring about "profound change" to the Labour Party.

• Former Tory minister Ann Widdecombe dies aged 78

  Ann Widdecombe, the former MP who also featured on Strictly Come Dancing, has died aged 78.

• Reeves to unveil SME lending boost in valedictory speech | Mark Kleinman blog

• Could Farage's by-election plan backfire?

  👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈

• Pass assisted dying bill or it will come back again and again, warns MP

  The MP who is bringing back the assisted dying bill has told Sky News it could come back again and again if peers refuse to pass it for a second time.

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Technology

• Europe's first total solar eclipse in almost 30 years: What you need to know

  Day will briefly turn into night for parts of Europe next month as the continent experiences its first solar eclipse in nearly three decades.

• 'It's time to do a test': Bowel cancer screening for people in their 50s critically low, NHS warns

  The number of Britons in their 50s who take part in bowel cancer screening remains critically low, the NHS has warned.

• Vape flavours and packaging that are 'attractive' to children could be banned under reforms

  Vapes will be sold in plain packaging, and enticing flavour descriptions will be banned under a proposal to stop e-cigarettes being marketed to children.

• Wally Funk, the oldest woman to travel into space, dies aged 87

  Wally Funk, the oldest woman to travel into space, has died aged 87.

• Mountain-breeding dotterels could be first UK bird lost to climate change, RSPB warns as population falls 89%

  One of the UK's bird species could be lost to climate change, conservationists have warned, as their population has declined by almost 90%.

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World

• Passenger 'partially sucked out of window' on Ryanair flight

  A Ryanair flight was forced to make a emergency landing after a passenger was reportedly partially sucked out of a window.

• Europe's first total solar eclipse in almost 30 years: What you need to know

  Day will briefly turn into night for parts of Europe next month as the continent experiences its first solar eclipse in nearly three decades.

• Ukrainian security officer 'retracts confession' over killing of Monaco bomb suspect

  There has been a new twist in the case of a Ukrainian woman who was found dead after allegedly carrying out a bombing in Monaco just days earlier.

• Woman forced to bury husband in Cape Verde after he fell ill and died while on holiday

  A British woman said she was forced to bury her husband in an unmarked grave after he fell ill and died in Cape Verde.

• Protests threaten to spiral out of control in India after rape and murder of 12-year-old girl saw innocent man killed

  Violent protests are threating to spiral out of control in India after the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl.

• Florida airport renamed President Donald J Trump International Airport

  An airport in South Florida has officially been renamed after Donald Trump - the first time an airport has been named after a sitting US president.

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Business

• Rival bid to take over easyJet beats previous offer

  A rival bid for budget airline easyJet has been accepted by the company, beating a previous offer that had only been approved by the carrier on Monday.

• Reeves to unveil SME lending boost in valedictory speech | Mark Kleinman blog

• NESO issues rare summertime plea for more power as temperatures to soar

  For only the third time in its history, the British electricity system operator has warned of tight supplies in the summer months.

• Top chef on £6.50 supermarket steak you should get in next shop - and why toxic kitchen behaviour hasn't really stopped

  Each month our Money blog team interviews chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks and more. This week, we chat to Chris Archer, the head chef of the Michelin-starred restaurant The Pentonbridge Inn in Carlisle...

• Disability benefits 'not fit for purpose' and assessments 'dehumanising', new report finds

  Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are "not fit for purpose" and can create barriers to work, while the assessment process can be "dehumanising", a new report found.

• Energy costs rise and stocks fall sharply as US-Iran peace is shattered

  There has been a marked increase in global energy prices amid fears of a prolonged resumption to hostilities between the US and Iran.

• Financial stability at risk from artificial intelligence - Bank of England says

  The UK financial system is at increased risk from artificial intelligence (AI), the Bank of England has said.

• Qatari tanker hit as it travelled through Strait of Hormuz

  A Qatari tanker has been hit as it travelled through the Strait of Hormuz, suffering significant damage, Qatar's foreign ministry has said.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

• Mayor Faisal Rana shares the personal reasons behind his five chosen charities

  It has been a few weeks since I had the great honour of becoming Mayor of Rochdale. It is a huge privilege to serve the community, along with my wife, Mayoress of Rochdale Iram Faisal.

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