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Featured

• Lodge Mill fire destroys historic Middleton site as community launches urgent fundraiser

  A major fire has caused extensive damage to Lodge Mill in Middleton, leaving the building largely destroyed and prompting an urgent community fundraising appeal.

• Social prescribing service in Bury supports thousands of patients with community based care

  More than 5,800 patients in Bury have benefitted from social prescribing over the past year, with participants describing the service as life changing and in some cases life saving.

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Local News

• MP backs grooming gangs probe and says inquiry must confront race and institutional failures

  An MP for Heywood and Middleton North has welcomed the formal start of a national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs across England and Wales.

• Lodge Mill fire destroys historic Middleton site as community launches urgent fundraiser

  A major fire has caused extensive damage to Lodge Mill in Middleton, leaving the building largely destroyed and prompting an urgent community fundraising appeal.

• Rochdale woman organises Easter gifts and performance for dementia hub residents

  A Rochdale woman has organised an Easter initiative bringing entertainment and gifts to residents at a local dementia hub.

• New Polish academy opens in Rochdale to support language and culture

  A new Polish academy has opened in Rochdale, offering language lessons and cultural activities for local families and residents.

• Solar panels installed at Rochdale schools and family hubs to cut energy costs

  New solar panels have been installed at a primary school and a family hub in Rochdale borough, with thousands of pounds in annual energy savings expected.

• Green space launch planned at Langley allotments this Saturday

  A charity in Langley is launching plans to turn two pieces of land beside Status 4 All Leisure Garden and Allotments into a new nature and wildlife space.

• Rochdale Mayor unveils Bronze Bust in celebration of strong female leadership and female creative talent

  A stunning bronze bust of Rochdale mayor councillor Janet Emsley has been unveiled at the town hall.

• Collapsed house update

  A council surveyor said that a building in Oldham town centre was in ‘no immediate danger’ – just three weeks before it dramatically collapsed.

• National town of culture bid expected from Rochdale

  Rochdale is vying to become the UK’s first ever town of culture. The council has announced their intention to bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028, a national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

• Man found dead on land near Bury New Road in Heywood

  Police were called to reports of a concern for welfare in Heywood and found a man dead at the scene.

• Inside Oldham’s new market

  Oldham’s brand new £40m market opened on Saturday morning.

• Major wind farm scheme should not be impacted by major fire

  The major wildfire that broke out on Scout Moor should not impact the planned wind farm scheme for the moorland, it is believed.

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Local Sports

• Bury extend lead at top with dominant win over Runcorn Linnets

  Through high winds, hail and rain a maelstrom of Bury attacks saw the Shakers overwhelm hosts Runcorn Linnets. Three first half goals from Jordan Lazenbury, Mo Touray and Bebeto Gomes gave Bury a win that strengthens their position at the top of the table.

• FC St Helens 1-2 Ramsbottom United

  Rams had to dig deep but first half strikes from Jacob Holland-Wilkinson and Richie Baker, the latter direct from a corner kick, proved just enough for all three points.

• AFC Liverpool 0-2 Ramsbottom United

  Ramsbottom United had the opportunity to show what they're made of as they travelled to the Atlantic Coast and the hinterland of the docks to play the ‘non-league Reds,’ AFC Liverpool, at Bootle on Tuesday evening.

• Ramsbottom United 1-1 Litherland REMYCA

  Ramsbottom faced table propping Litherland at home under the lights on Tuesday evening, a glorious spring-like day led to a green pitch prepared by hard working volunteers. Litherland, clad in red, are enduring a torrid time this season, going through three managers but notched an impressive four-one victory at the weekend.

• Ramsbottom United 1-0 Padiham

  Maine Walder’s free-kick on the half hour proved the difference in this hard-fought encounter with fellow promotion rivals Padiham at the HWRS on Saturday afternoon. A first home league win over our near rivals since all the way back in 2009.

• Ramsbottom United 0-1 Euxton Villa

  The Rams lose their first home league game of the season and waste an opportunity to gain ground on leaders Wythenshawe.

• Ramsbottom United beat Chadderton in high stakes clash to stay in title race

  A lovely spring day as Ramsbottom United welcomed an in-form Chadderton side, coming into the match of on a run of thirteen games unbeaten including eight straight victories, a daunting proposition, with both teams flying high in the North West Counties Premier League.

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Lifestyle

• Lodge Mill fire destroys historic Middleton site as community launches urgent fundraiser

  A major fire has caused extensive damage to Lodge Mill in Middleton, leaving the building largely destroyed and prompting an urgent community fundraising appeal.

• New Polish academy opens in Rochdale to support language and culture

  A new Polish academy has opened in Rochdale, offering language lessons and cultural activities for local families and residents.

• Green space launch planned at Langley allotments this Saturday

  A charity in Langley is launching plans to turn two pieces of land beside Status 4 All Leisure Garden and Allotments into a new nature and wildlife space.

• National town of culture bid expected from Rochdale

  Rochdale is vying to become the UK’s first ever town of culture. The council has announced their intention to bid to become the UK Town of Culture 2028, a national competition launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

• Inside Oldham’s new market

  Oldham’s brand new £40m market opened on Saturday morning.

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Greater Manchester

• Collapsed house update

  A council surveyor said that a building in Oldham town centre was in ‘no immediate danger’ – just three weeks before it dramatically collapsed.

• Greater Manchester Housing First worker joins European training programme

  A housing worker from Greater Manchester has joined a European training programme aimed at expanding expertise in tackling homelessness.

• Huge wildfire breaks out at Scout Moor as flames seen for miles

  A large moorland fire has broken out on Scout Moor, sending thick plumes of smoke across Rochdale and East Lancashire, prompting a major emergency response.

• Tribute paid to Oldham man who died after three vehicle collision in Royton

  A man who died following a collision involving three vehicles in Royton has been named as Michael Margetson from Oldham. His wife has paid tribute to him and asked for privacy for the family.

• Green MP Hannah Spencer delivers maiden speech in Parliament during International Women’s Day debate

  Green Party MP Hannah Spencer has delivered her first speech in the House of Commons, reflecting on her journey from training as a plumber to representing her community in Parliament.

• Social care worker honoured after saving life of injured police officer

  A deputy team manager from a Rochdale-based care organisation has been commended for saving the life of a police officer who was seriously injured while on duty.

• M60 closed near Prestwich after multi-vehicle crash saw two rushed to hospital

  Traffic halted and delays expected following collision between junctions 16 and 17

• M66 traffic stopped southbound due to ongoing Police incident

  Traffic was stopped this evening on the M66 southbound between the A56 and Junction 1.

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Local Entertainment

• A foray into the glorious Savoy operas of Messrs Gilbert and Sullivan

  The 1,177th lunchtime recital since taking over from the council in 2001 featured Rochdale’s own Phoenix Opera Company.

• Creativity is a right, not a privilege

  Creativity is a right, not a privilege is a statement proudly proclaimed by Tracing Steps, a dance studio in Rochdale, championing the underrepresented.

• Madama Butterfly at Manchester Opera House led by standout performance

  A touring production of Madama Butterfly at Manchester Opera House delivered a visually rich and emotionally driven interpretation of Puccini’s classic opera.

• Tony Walsh joins Rochdale poets to launch community anthology

  A new poetry anthology featuring work from more than 80 local writers has been launched in Rochdale, marking the borough’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

• Ellen Kent’s Carmen brings traditional opera experience to Manchester stage

  A production of Carmen directed by Ellen Kent has been staged at Manchester Opera House, offering audiences a traditional interpretation of Bizet’s well known opera.

• Young actors take centre stage in Antigone production at Ramsbottom theatre

  A group of young performers are set to appear alongside experienced actors in a new staging of Antigone at a local theatre in Ramsbottom.

• La Traviata revival brings traditional opera staging to Manchester audience

  A touring production of Verdi’s La Traviata has arrived at Manchester Opera House, presenting a traditional interpretation of the 19th century opera with an international cast.

• Barry Kerr wins inaugural Folk Album of the Year award in Rochdale

  Irish artist Barry Kerr has been named the first winner of the Folk Album of the Year Award for his 2025 record Curlew’s Cry. The announcement was made during a ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall on St Patrick’s Day.

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Elections

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UK

• Can the King fix the special relationship?

  ? Follow Trump100 on your podcast app ?

• BBC apologises for response after Scott Mills allegations raised last year

  The BBC has apologised for its response after allegations about Scott Mills were raised with the broadcaster last year.

• Man appears in court after seven pedestrians hit by car in Derby city centre

  A man has appeared in court accused of dangerous driving after seven pedestrians were hit by a car in Derby city centre.

• The common insurance that's often a complete waste of money | Money newsletter

  More than 180,000 people have now signed up to our free Money newsletter, which brings the kind of content you enjoy in the award-winning Money blog directly to your inbox every Friday.

• Man charged after car hit pedestrians in Derby city centre

  A man has been charged after a car mounted the pavement and hit pedestrians in Derby city centre on Saturday evening.

• Youngsters 'incentivised' to get ADHD and autism diagnoses

  Young people and children are being incentivised to get diagnosed with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), experts have said.

• More than a million to be prescribed weight loss drug to prevent heart attacks and strokes

  More than a million people with heart disease will be prescribed a weight loss jab to prevent them from having heart attacks or strokes.

• Alleged Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons set to be deported to Spain after arrest in Bali

  A Scottish man who is allegedly a high-ranking member of an international crime gang is set to be deported to Spain after being arrested in Bali.

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Entertainment

• BBC apologises for response after Scott Mills allegations raised last year

  The BBC has apologised for its response after allegations about Scott Mills were raised with the broadcaster last year.

• Celine Dion: Eiffel Tower lit up to announce singer's comeback gigs

  Celine Dion has announced her first series of full-length concerts since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS).

• Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to Belfast to receive honorary doctorate

  Arnold Schwarzenegger has said it is "unbelievable" after receiving an honorary doctorate from Ulster University - and recalled how Belfast gave him a "breakthrough".

• Bronze Age shield returns to Scotland for first time in more than 230 years

  A Bronze Age shield has returned to Scotland for the first time in more than 230 years.

• Russell Brand's rape trial delayed for six months

  Russell Brand's trial over allegations of rape and sexual assault has been delayed until October.

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Sport

• Thomas Tuchel admits Phil Foden and Cole Palmer 'struggled to make a difference' in England's 1-0 Wembley loss to Japan

  Thomas Tuchel admitted Cole Palmer and Phil Foden "struggled to make a difference" during England's dismal 1-0 defeat to Japan at Wembley Stadium.

• Tiger Woods 'stepping away' from golf for 'period of time' to seek treatment and 'focus on health' after car crash arrest

  Tiger Woods has confirmed he will be 'stepping away for a period of time' from golf to 'seek treatment', following his latest car crash in Florida.

• Oscar Piastri: McLaren boss Andrea Stella says 'best version' of Australian is inspiring team after Japanese GP podium

  Andrea Stella says Oscar Piastri has been an "inspiration" to McLaren after bouncing back from a nightmare start to the season with a podium at the Japanese Grand Prix.

• Roberto De Zerbi: Spurs appoint Italian as third head coach of the season on five-year contract

  Tottenham have appointed Roberto De Zerbi as their third head coach of the season.

• Italy miss out on third World Cup in a row after penalties defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in play-off

  Ten-man Italy missed out on a third consecutive World Cup after losing their play-off on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Strange

• Barbie event issues refunds after comparison with infamous Glasgow convention

  The organiser of a Barbie event in Florida is issuing refunds after photos from attendees drew mockery on social media – and a very unflattering comparison.

• Radio DJ's parents conned out of £20,000 after falling for fake Martin Lewis advert

  An Absolute Radio DJ has warned of a "hidden crime epidemic" after his parents' life savings were stolen by a crypto scammer.

• The transfer trick couples can use to reduce their tax bill - but there's one catch

  Married couples and civil partners have an advantage they should make use of before the tax year comes to an end on 5 April.

• Masked fan unplugs VAR monitor during German football match

  A masked fan unplugged a VAR monitor during ‌a German second division football match.

• Elon Gust and Dame Judi Drench among storm names sent to Met Office

  Elon Gust and Dame Judi Drench are among the names that have been submitted to the Met Office for UK storms.

• Police officer sacked and banned from profession for using WFH trick

  A police sergeant has been sacked for using a picture frame to weigh down her laptop keys and give the false impression she was working from home.

• The energy habits that cause the most family arguments

  On a day when energy bills are making headlines, we thought we'd share new research on the energy habits that lead to the most household arguments.

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Videos

• Artemis II: Countdown begins to NASA's trip around the moon, the first manned mission there in more than 50 years

  The countdown has begun for the launch of NASA's Artemis II mission around the moon.

• Celine Dion: Eiffel Tower lit up to announce singer's comeback gigs

  Celine Dion has announced her first series of full-length concerts since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS).

• Car finance scandal: What happened and am I eligible for compensation?

  Millions of motorists who were mis-sold car finance agreements are due to receive £829 on average in compensation, it has been announced.

• BBC apologises for response after Scott Mills allegations raised last year

  The BBC has apologised for its response after allegations about Scott Mills were raised with the broadcaster last year.

• Quarantined astronauts take part in Q&A with days to go until NASA's Artemis II moon mission

  The countdown is on until NASA's first moon mission in more than half a century, and the quarantined astronauts who'll be travelling into space have taken part in a Q&A.

• Tiger Woods 'stepping away for treatment' after not guilty plea

  Tiger Woods has said he is "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" after being charged with driving under the influence.

• Iran's allies could close second crucial sea route, with 'clear and significant' impact on UK

  The entry of Yemen's Houthi rebels into the war on the side of Iran has stoked fears that the oil crisis affecting global trade could get worse.

• What business cost increases are being introduced in April?

  For months businesses have been anticipating the impact of a range of tax and regulatory measures announced by the government in the budget and in the weeks since.

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Politics

• How fox hunting ban could show path forward for assisted dying bill

  Supporters of the assisted dying bill are planning to enlist some 200 MPs to attempt to bring it back into contention this summer.

• How did we get to another NHS doctors' strike?

  Doctors' strikes have become commonplace over the past few years as they walk out over NHS pay, hours and jobs.

• Police given stronger powers to combat public sexual harassment

  Police will be given stronger powers to combat public sexual harassment.

• Labour MP critical of jury trials reform has whip suspended

• Travelodge sex assault survivor hits out at boss of hotel chain

  The survivor of a sexual assault that took place in a Travelodge hotel room has accused its CEO of not taking the issue of women's safety "very seriously".

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Technology

• Artemis II: Countdown begins to NASA's trip around the moon, the first manned mission there in more than 50 years

  The countdown has begun for the launch of NASA's Artemis II mission around the moon.

• Discovery offers hope to children with rare and severe epilepsy

  Scientists say they have discovered a new condition behind one of the most common genetic causes of severe epilepsy in children.

• Quarantined astronauts take part in Q&A with days to go until NASA's Artemis II moon mission

  The countdown is on until NASA's first moon mission in more than half a century, and the quarantined astronauts who'll be travelling into space have taken part in a Q&A.

• Countless horror stories linked to social media - but a ban for children isn't cut-and-dried case

  For months, the UK has felt like it's barrelling towards banning under-16s from social media.

• The countries that have social media bans, or are planning to implement one

  Ever since Australia banned its young people from social media, governments across the globe have been considering following suit.

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World

• Shelly Kittleson: What we know about the kidnapping of US journalist in Iraq

  A US journalist has been kidnapped in Iraq.

• Dwindling diesel and jet fuel supplies due to Iran war prompt warning from EU - as return to 2022 measures considered

  The European Union (EU) could revive measures brought in after Russia cut gas supplies in 2022 amid a mounting energy crisis due to the Iran war.

• Tiger Woods 'stepping away for treatment' after not guilty plea

  Tiger Woods has said he is "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" after being charged with driving under the influence.

• Migrant boat sinks off Turkish coast after high-speed chase, killing 18

  A rubber boat carrying migrants has capsized off the Turkish holiday resort of Bodrum after a high-speed chase, killing 18 people, officials have said.

• Everything you need to know about World Cup 2026

  The line-up for the biggest ever World Cup is complete.

• Ban on living on the outer Chagos Islands is overturned

  A court has overturned a ban on people living on the outer Chagos Islands.

• Alleged Scottish crime boss Steven Lyons set to be deported to Spain after arrest in Bali

  A Scottish man who is allegedly a high-ranking member of an international crime gang is set to be deported to Spain after being arrested in Bali.

• Spanish police find underground drug-smuggling tunnel from Morocco

  Spanish police have discovered a tunnel in ‌the North African exclave of Ceuta, to smuggle tons of hashish from Morocco into Spain.

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Business

• What business cost increases are being introduced in April?

  For months businesses have been anticipating the impact of a range of tax and regulatory measures announced by the government in the budget and in the weeks since.

• How countries are dealing with rising oil and gas prices

  With the US-Iran conflict continuing, governments worldwide are desperately trying to curb the effect of soaring energy prices on populations.

• Mark Kleinman blog | Collapse of 217 year-old pottery group Denby hints at wider peril for Britain's economy

• The common insurance that's often a complete waste of money | Money newsletter

  More than 180,000 people have now signed up to our free Money newsletter, which brings the kind of content you enjoy in the award-winning Money blog directly to your inbox every Friday.

• Car finance scandal: What happened and am I eligible for compensation?

  Millions of motorists who were mis-sold car finance agreements are due to receive £829 on average in compensation, it has been announced.

• Travelodge sex assault survivor hits out at boss of hotel chain

  The survivor of a sexual assault that took place in a Travelodge hotel room has accused its CEO of not taking the issue of women's safety "very seriously".

• EV charger firms say energy bill increases will be passed on to drivers

  Electric vehicle charger firms have warned that soaring energy bills will have to be passed on to drivers, risking a major setback for the government's green goals.

• Warning food prices are set to spike in the UK due to Iran war

  This spring, the most valuable commodity in agriculture is not sunshine or even rain, it is fertiliser.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

• Mayor reflects on cultural events and community engagement across Rochdale

  My mayoral year is entering its final two months and, as always, the last few weeks have been extremely busy. A key theme of recent events has centred around culture, including musical performances, religious festivals, poetry evenings and sporting occasions.  

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