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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

• Suspected human trafficking uncovered after house collapse

  A building collapse in Oldham has sparked fears over potential human trafficking after it displaced more than 40 people living in flats neighbouring the property, we understand.

• Boz Park in Unsworth becomes Bury’s eighth Local Nature Reserve

  Boz Park in Unsworth has been formally designated as a Local Nature Reserve, marking its recognition as an important site for wildlife and the community. The site becomes the eighth reserve of its kind in the borough.

• Tottington by-election Results

  Voters across Tottington, Walshaw and Affetside went to the polls today, Thursday 2nd April, to elect a new representative to Bury Council following the resignation of former councillor Luis McBriar.

• Reform UK wins Tottington by-election

  Reform UK has secured victory in the Tottington by-election, gaining a seat on Bury Council. 

• LIVE from Tottington as by election result expected overnight

  Polling stations in the Tottington by election closed at 10pm, with counting getting under-way and a result expected we believe at about 1.30am.

• Council celebrates staff achievements at Rochdale Town Hall awards

  Rochdale Borough Council has recognised outstanding staff contributions during its ACE Staff Awards, with seven honours presented at Rochdale Town Hall.

• Rochdale Development Agency appoints Rachel Laver as managing director

  Rochdale Development Agency has appointed Rachel Laver as its new managing director, bringing more than 25 years of leadership experience in economic development and regeneration.

• Police issue 48 hour dispersal order in Rochdale town centre after anti social behaviour reports

  A 48 hour dispersal order has been introduced across Rochdale town centre following reports of anti social behaviour and criminal damage. The order is in force from 11.30am on Thursday 2 April until 11.30am on Saturday.

• Active Bolton takes over borough leisure centres under new council arrangement

  A new operator is now running leisure services across Bolton after a transfer agreed by the council. The change covers centres, parks and community sessions across the borough.

• First stage of 1,000-home development approved in Heywood

  The early stage of a 1,000-home scheme in south Heywood has been approved – bringing with it 186 houses. The overall South Heywood Masterplan would see the 1,000 homes, employment space, primary school and new link road brought to land off Hareshill Road North.

• There’s an election happening in Bury today – but no one knows it’s happening

  A council by-election is set to take place in Tottington today, April 2. Residents of Totty, Walshaw, and Affetside will cast their vote for a new representative after the shock departure of coun Luis McBriar earlier in the year.

• Organists at large … in Middleton

  In a week when there was much media attention to pipe organs becoming an endangered species, organists were at large in the borough - Middleton to be precise.

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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

• Active Bolton takes over borough leisure centres under new council arrangement

  A new operator is now running leisure services across Bolton after a transfer agreed by the council. The change covers centres, parks and community sessions across the borough.

• Organists at large … in Middleton

  In a week when there was much media attention to pipe organs becoming an endangered species, organists were at large in the borough - Middleton to be precise.

• 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.

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Greater Manchester

• Man dies after collision on M61 near Bolton as police appeal for witnesses

  A 24 year old man has died after being struck by a vehicle on the M61 in the early hours of Friday. Police are appealing for information following the incident.

• Suspected human trafficking uncovered after house collapse

  A building collapse in Oldham has sparked fears over potential human trafficking after it displaced more than 40 people living in flats neighbouring the property, we understand.

• Active Bolton takes over borough leisure centres under new council arrangement

  A new operator is now running leisure services across Bolton after a transfer agreed by the council. The change covers centres, parks and community sessions across the borough.

• 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.

• 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.

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Local Entertainment

• Organists at large … in Middleton

  In a week when there was much media attention to pipe organs becoming an endangered species, organists were at large in the borough - Middleton to be precise.

• 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.

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Elections

• Reform UK wins Tottington by-election

  Reform UK has secured victory in the Tottington by-election, gaining a seat on Bury Council. 

• LIVE from Tottington as by election result expected overnight

  Polling stations in the Tottington by election closed at 10pm, with counting getting under-way and a result expected we believe at about 1.30am.

• Tottington by-election Results

  Voters across Tottington, Walshaw and Affetside went to the polls today, Thursday 2nd April, to elect a new representative to Bury Council following the resignation of former councillor Luis McBriar.

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UK

• Why Britain's most common crime has been poorly investigated for decades

  Fraud has never been a police priority because, as one detective explained, it doesn't "bang, bleed or shout" like other crimes. It isn't sexy, is how some cops put it.

• UK weather: Storm Dave to hit hard, forecasters warn - here's when and where

  Forecasters are warning that Storm Dave will hit the UK hard later today - bringing gale force winds as millions travel for the Easter break.

• Armed police officers left bag of guns outside Sadiq Khan's home

  Armed police officers guarding London mayor Sadiq Khan left a bag of guns outside his home, it has emerged.

• Boy, 14, shot dead in London - as three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder

  A 14-year-old boy shot dead in London has been named as Eghosa Ogbebor.

• M&S boss issues stark warning over worsening crime

  Marks and Spencer's retail boss has warned crime is getting "more brazen, more organised and more aggressive" after a week plagued by antisocial behaviour.

• Two men arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after girl, 9, killed in crash

  Two men have been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after a nine-year-old girl died in a crash in Birmingham.

• Man charged with murder after woman, 84, stabbed to death in London

  A man has been charged with murder after an elderly woman was fatally stabbed in southeast London.

• Golders Green: Three people charged over arson attack on Jewish charity ambulances

  Three people have been charged over an arson attack on Jewish volunteer ambulances in Golders Green.

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Entertainment

• Judge dismisses Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims in lawsuit against Justin Baldoni

  A US judge has dismissed Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims in her lawsuit against co-star Justin Baldoni.

• Jesy Nelson celebrates plans for rollout of SMA screenings for newborn babies

  Jesy Nelson has spoken of her pride after it was announced screenings for spinal muscular atrophy will begin earlier than planned.

• BBC sacked Scott Mills 'after discovering alleged victim in police investigation was under 16'

  Scott Mills was sacked by the BBC after bosses discovered the alleged victim in the police investigation into the DJ was under the age of 16, the broadcaster has reported.

• 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".

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Sport

• Champions Cup: Northampton Saints edge Castres in high-scoring thriller to reach European quarter-finals

  Northampton reached the Champions Cup quarter-finals after a battling 49-41 win over Castres.

• Bradford Bulls 12-24 Leeds Rhinos: Leeds climb to summit after beating Bradford in first Super League meeting in 12 years

  Leeds moved top of the table after overcoming Bradford 24-12 in the west Yorkshire rivals’ first Betfred Super League meeting in 12 years.

• Premier League Darts: Gian van Veen cares 'little' about what Luke Littler thinks following Manchester clash

  World Darts Championship finalist Gian van Veen has alleged that he cares 'little' about what Luke Littler thinks of him following their tense exchange during the Premier League Darts in Manchester on Thursday.

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Strange

• Jonathan, the giant tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal 'is alive' after getting caught up in alleged crypto scam

  A giant Seychelles tortoise, believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, is alive and well after claims he had died turned out to be part of an alleged crypto scam.

• Money Problem: Was DWP wrong on reader's state pension claim?

  Our Money blog team helps a reader every week with their consumer issue or financial dispute.

• 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.

• 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.

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Videos

• 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.

• This week has been far from normal - for several reasons

  "There is nothing normal about this."

• Judge dismisses Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims in lawsuit against Justin Baldoni

  A US judge has dismissed Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims in her lawsuit against co-star Justin Baldoni.

• M&S boss issues stark warning over worsening crime

  Marks and Spencer's retail boss has warned crime is getting "more brazen, more organised and more aggressive" after a week plagued by antisocial behaviour.

• Moment kidnapped US journalist Shelly Kittleson appears to be captured in Iraq caught on video

  Footage has emerged which appears to show a US journalist being kidnapped in Iraq.

• 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).

• Resident doctors lose jobs package and will strike next week

  Resident doctors in England are primed to go on strike next week after a deadline set by the prime minister arrived without a deal agreed.

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt too soothe concerns

  The latest attempt by Donald Trump to ease uncertainty over the US and Israel's war on Iran has only heightened investor concerns.

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Politics

• Look to faith this Easter, says Starmer, during period of 'real anxiety'

  This Easter is a time of "real anxiety", Sir Keir Starmer has said in his annual message - as he says faith can offer "reassurance".

• Speculation Miliband will approve drilling new oil and gas field 'unfounded' government says

  Speculation that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will approve the controversial Jackdaw oil and gas field is "unfounded", the minister's department said.

• How much economic damage is Trump doing?

  ? Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app ?

• Resident doctors lose jobs package and will strike next week

  Resident doctors in England are primed to go on strike next week after a deadline set by the prime minister arrived without a deal agreed.

• Reform UK housing chief sacked over 'deeply dehumanising' Grenfell comments

  Reform's new housing chief has been sacked over his comments about Grenfell Tower fire victims, which survivors and families called "deeply dehumanising".

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Technology

• Greek island of Crete is cloaked by Saharan dust storm - turning its blue skies blood red

  The island of Crete, known for its blue skies, is seeing red - thanks to a cloud of Saharan dust.

• Jonathan, the giant tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal 'is alive' after getting caught up in alleged crypto scam

  A giant Seychelles tortoise, believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, is alive and well after claims he had died turned out to be part of an alleged crypto scam.

• Mother who lost sight after birth has vision restored following plasma donation

  A mother left blind after the birth of her first child has had her sight restored following a plasma donation.

• 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.

• 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.

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World

• At least eight dead after earthquake hits Afghanistan and Pakistan

  At least eight people are dead, and a child injured, after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan late on Friday.

• Eight ‌Muslim-majority countries 'strongly condemn' Israel's new death penalty law

  Eight ‌Muslim-majority countries have "strongly condemned" a new Israeli law that makes death by hanging ​a default ‌sentence for Palestinians convicted ​in military courts of deadly attacks.

• Head of Myanmar's ruling junta who led coup against Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi becomes president

  The head of Myanmar's ruling military junta, who overthrew the previous government five years ago, has been elected president after winning a parliamentary vote.

• ICC prosecutor who issued arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu facing disciplinary proceedings

  The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will face disciplinary proceedings over accusations of sexual misconduct, it has been reported.

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt to soothe concerns

  The latest attempt by Donald Trump to ease uncertainty over the US and Israel's war on Iran has only heightened investor concerns.

• Alleged Bondi Beach gunman loses bid to suppress his family's identities

  A terror suspect accused of killing 15 people in a shooting spree on Bondi Beach has lost a bid to protect the identities of family members.

• Greek island of Crete is cloaked by Saharan dust storm - turning its blue skies blood red

  The island of Crete, known for its blue skies, is seeing red - thanks to a cloud of Saharan dust.

• Jonathan, the giant tortoise, the world's oldest living land animal 'is alive' after getting caught up in alleged crypto scam

  A giant Seychelles tortoise, believed to be the world’s oldest living land animal, is alive and well after claims he had died turned out to be part of an alleged crypto scam.

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Business

• M&S boss issues stark warning over worsening crime

  Marks and Spencer's retail boss has warned crime is getting "more brazen, more organised and more aggressive" after a week plagued by antisocial behaviour.

• Mark Kleinman blog | KKR and Pinewood-owner Aermont join race to bed down with staycation provider Park Holidays

• Choc horror: Why 'flavour' bars and small packs are here to stay

  Chocolate-flavour bars and smaller packs appear here to stay despite the fall of cocoa costs to a near three-year low and a 20% drop in the sugar price.

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt to soothe concerns

  The latest attempt by Donald Trump to ease uncertainty over the US and Israel's war on Iran has only heightened investor concerns.

• Top chef reveals the two supermarkets that do great meat and fish - and shares most underrated store cupboard ingredient

  Every month we interview top chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks, views on the industry and more.​​​​​​​ This time, we speak to multiple Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson, chef-owner at Solstice and House of Tides in Newcastle and Solaya in London.

• Chelsea reveal largest pre-tax loss in Premier League history

  Chelsea FC have announced a pre-tax loss of £262.4m - the biggest in Premier League history.

• 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.

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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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