News

Featured

• Social prescribing helping Bury patients rebuild their lives

  Patients across Bury say social prescribing has played a vital role in improving their mental and physical health, as NHS leaders encourage more people to seek support through talking therapies and community based help.

• EXCLUSIVE first look inside the transformed Heywood Civic

  Roch Valley Radio has been given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Heywood Civic ahead of the official launch, offering the first look at a landmark redevelopment that will see the venue reopen as a fully accessible cultural and community hub.

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Local News

• Bury pub The Blue Bell unveils £400,000 refurbishment with new fireplaces and expanded space

  A well known Bury pub has reopened following a £400000 refurbishment that introduces three fireplaces, an upgraded kitchen and a redesigned indoor and outdoor layout.

• New McDonald’s drive-thru refused on health grounds

  A new McDonald’s drive-thru for Rochdale has been rejected due to the potential impact on public health.

• Rochdale home buyers invited to explore new homes at Silver Hill Manor event

  House hunters in Rochdale are being invited to attend a spring home buyers event at the Silver Hill Manor development on Saturday 14 March.

• Charity in Bury appeals for help after Henry Hoover stolen from community project

  A charity in Bury has appealed for help after a Henry Hoover used in its community work was stolen from its premises.

• Candidates confirmed for Tottington by election

  Five candidates have been confirmed for the Tottington by election which will take place on Thursday 2nd April.

• Reform UK selects George Martin as candidate for Tottington by election

  Reform UK Bury has selected George Martin to stand in the Tottington ward by election next month. The party said he was chosen after reviewing several applicants.

• Prestwich Prep to close down

  A private pre-school in Prestwich has announced its shock closure, leaving parents with just three weeks to find an alternative.

• New padel club approved for Rochdale

  The padel craze will officially expand in Rochdale following approval of new courts. Rochdale Padel Club has been granted permission by the council to build six new padel courts on the grounds of the cricket club.

• Schools across the borough celebrate World Book Day with costumes and reading events

  Pupils across the Rochdale borough dressed as favourite story characters as schools marked World Book Day this week, with themed activities designed to encourage reading for pleasure.

• Police appeal for witnesses after 19 year old shot in Rochdale street

  Police are appealing for witnesses after a 19 year old man was shot in the leg in Rochdale on Thursday afternoon.

• Man taken to hospital after reported shooting in Rochdale street

  A 19 year old man has been taken to hospital with suspected life changing injuries to his leg, as police are responding to reports of a shooting on Beswicke Royds Street in Rochdale this afternoon.

• 🟥 LIVE: Reports of serious incident in Rochdale amid major emergency service presence

  Emergency services are at the scene of a reported serious incident in Rochdale this afternoon.

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Local Sports

• Sheffield Eagles score eight tries to defeat Rochdale Hornets in Championship clash

  Rochdale Hornets suffered a 44 to 20 defeat against Sheffield Eagles as the visitors maintained their unbeaten start to the Betfred Championship season. The South Yorkshire side ran in eight tries in an entertaining contest.

• Bury’s unbeaten run ends with 2–0 home defeat to Vauxhall Motors

  Bury’s long unbeaten run came to a sudden and underwhelming end defeated 2-0 at home to playoff chasing Vauxhall Motors.

• Whitehaven score four first half tries to beat Rochdale Hornets 20 0

  Rochdale Hornets were beaten 20 0 by Whitehaven in Cumbria after four first half tries secured the home side’s first win of the Betfred Championship season.

• Shakers maintain perfect run with emphatic win in top-of-the-table clash

  In a Friday night top of the table clash Bury emerged victorious over Lower Breck. A storming second half saw the Shakers score three goal casting off their demons and beating the Merseyside club for the first time in Liverpool.

• Rochdale Hornets beaten by Hunslet as Faraimo scores five at Crown Oil Arena

  Rochdale Hornets suffered their first league defeat of the 2026 Betfred Championship season as Hunslet ran in eight tries in a 42 to 6 win at the Crown Oil Arena.

• Rochdale extend unbeaten run with comfortable win over Woking

  Rochdale remain top of the Enterprise National League after a 3 to 0 home victory against Woking on Saturday, extending their unbeaten start to 2026.

• Bury cruise past Sporting Khalsa as Stepans and Touray record fifth straight win

  First half goals from Rustam Stepans and Mo Touray were enough to complete a comfortable victory for Bury over Sporting Khalsa at Gigg Lane.

• Managing director Andy Duff to step down at end of 2025 to 2026 season

  Rochdale AFC has confirmed that managing director Andy Duff will leave his role at the end of the current 2025 to 2026 campaign.

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Lifestyle

• OMD to play first ever Rochdale show at Town Hall Square this summer

  Synth pop pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark will perform their first ever live show in Rochdale this August at Town Hall Square.

• Prestwich Library to relocate to Phoenix Centre during regeneration works

  Prestwich Library will temporarily move to the Phoenix Centre while demolition work begins at the Longfield Centre as part of the wider regeneration of Prestwich Village.

• Bowlee car boot sale returns for the 2026 season

  Bowlee Car Boot Sale and Market will return to Bowlee Community Park on Sunday 5 April for the start of its 2026 season.

• Littleborough Brass Band secures second place at North West regional championships

  Littleborough Brass Band has finished second in the Third Section at the North West Regional Brass Band Championships in Blackpool.

• Inside the major refurbishment transforming Tenpin Rochdale

  Tenpin Rochdale has a brand new look following the major refurbishment due completion on 13 March 2026, bringing new attractions and upgraded facilities to the town.

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Greater Manchester

• Oldham manufacturer accelerates shift to automated production with regional support

  An Oldham manufacturer is expanding its use of robotics and digital systems as part of a major transformation aimed at boosting productivity and opening new markets.

• Greater Manchester businesses invited to join June trade mission to Shenzhen and Hong Kong

  Businesses across Greater Manchester are being invited to join an official trade mission to Shenzhen and Hong Kong this summer aimed at building new international partnerships.

• Bernard Manning’s World Famous Embassy Club set to be demolished for health centre

  The World Famous Embassy Club in Harpurhey is set to close down this month and be demolished, Manchester council says.

• Civil war erupts as Labour activists in Gorton and Denton say party is ‘not willing to change’

  Civil war has erupted within Labour as activists in Gorton and Denton accused the party of ‘not being willing to change’ during its by-election campaign. It comes as Labour suffered a bruising defeat in the race which saw it lose the seat to the Green Party despite having a 13,000-vote majority in the 2024 general election.

• Greater Manchester Police prepare for Brit Awards debut in Manchester

  Greater Manchester Police have confirmed a comprehensive policing operation is in place as the Brit Awards take place in Manchester for the first time. The ceremony will be held tonight at the Co Op Live arena.

• Hannah Spencer elected new MP for Gorton and Denton

  Hannah Spencer has been elected the new Green MP for the constituency of Gorton and Denton. Spencer succeeds former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who resigned on health grounds earlier this year.

• Lucy Powell appears to concede defeat in Gorton and Denton by-election

  Labour’s Deputy leader Lucy Powell has appeared to concede defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election. 

• 🟥 LIVE: Updates from the Gorton and Denton by election count

  Voters in Gorton and Denton will decide their next Member of Parliament tonight, with the result expected in the early hours of Friday morning.

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Local Entertainment

• OMD to play first ever Rochdale show at Town Hall Square this summer

  Synth pop pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark will perform their first ever live show in Rochdale this August at Town Hall Square.

• Inside the major refurbishment transforming Tenpin Rochdale

  Tenpin Rochdale has a brand new look following the major refurbishment due completion on 13 March 2026, bringing new attractions and upgraded facilities to the town.

• Local performers to take centre stage at BBS on Tour 2.0 in Bury

  An evening of live music and performance will bring together visually impaired performers, volunteers and students in Bury this month. BBS on Tour 2.0 takes place at The Met on Market Street on 12 March at 7.30pm.

• REVIEW: Sequins, sass and survival as Priscilla struts into Manchester

  The 30th anniversary tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert has arrived at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, bringing disco anthems, striking costumes and a story rooted in love and resilience to the city until 28 February 2026.

• Review: Operation Mincemeat turns wartime deception into a five star musical

  Just as the real Operation Mincemeat was a plan that shouldn’t have worked, the idea of turning it into a musical feels equally improbable.

• Rochdale Culture Awards finalists revealed ahead of Town Hall ceremony

  Nineteen individuals, creatives and organisations have been shortlisted for this year’s Rochdale Culture Awards, with winners set to be announced at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 27 March.

• Heywood 1940s Day is at risk without urgent call for volunteers

  Organisers of Heywood 1940s Day have warned the popular event may not go ahead this year unless more volunteers come forward within the next five days.

• EXCLUSIVE first look inside the transformed Heywood Civic

  Roch Valley Radio has been given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Heywood Civic ahead of the official launch, offering the first look at a landmark redevelopment that will see the venue reopen as a fully accessible cultural and community hub.

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Elections

• Conservatives select Emma Lee as candidate for Tottington by election

  The Conservative Party has selected Walshaw resident and business owner Emma Lee as its candidate for the Tottington by election on Thursday 2nd April. The party said protecting the local Green Belt and strengthening community representation would be central to her campaign.

• Civil war erupts as Labour activists in Gorton and Denton say party is ‘not willing to change’

  Civil war has erupted within Labour as activists in Gorton and Denton accused the party of ‘not being willing to change’ during its by-election campaign. It comes as Labour suffered a bruising defeat in the race which saw it lose the seat to the Green Party despite having a 13,000-vote majority in the 2024 general election.

• Together for Bury selects Greg Keeley as Tottington by election candidate

  Together for Bury has confirmed that former councillor Greg Keeley will stand for the party in the forthcoming Tottington by election.

• Hannah Spencer elected new MP for Gorton and Denton

  Hannah Spencer has been elected the new Green MP for the constituency of Gorton and Denton. Spencer succeeds former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who resigned on health grounds earlier this year.

• Lucy Powell appears to concede defeat in Gorton and Denton by-election

  Labour’s Deputy leader Lucy Powell has appeared to concede defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election. 

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UK

• Man charged with murder after death of child killer Ian Huntley

  A man has been charged with murder after the death of Ian Huntley.

• MPs vote down social media ban for under-16s

  MPs have voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media.

• First subjects for new V-level qualification revealed

  Students in England will be able to take a new qualification known as V-levels from 2027, under major reforms designed to give teenagers more flexibility in how they study after GCSEs.

• Glasgow Central: Scotland's busiest station still closed after 'Blitz-like' fire

  Scotland's busiest railway station will remain closed for a third day today after a devastating fire at a nearby vape shop.

• Wintry weather to return to UK with heavy rain and chance of snow

  The spring-like conditions many have enjoyed in recent weeks are likely to be disrupted with heavy rain and snow forecast in parts of the UK.

• Rethink plans for jury trials, thousands of lawyers tell Starmer

  More than 3,200 lawyers have written to the prime minister urging him to "rethink" plans to restrict jury trials for all but the most serious cases.

• New anti-Muslim hate definition announced by government

  The government has announced a new definition of anti-Muslim hate that includes violence, harassment and prejudicial stereotyping - as it insisted the move will not curtail free speech.

• RAF jets shoot down drones heading towards Jordan and Bahrain

  Two drones heading towards Jordan and Bahrain have been shot down by RAF Typhoon jets during defensive air sorties in the Gulf, the defence secretary said.

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Entertainment

• Woman arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after shots fired at Rihanna's LA home

  A 35-year-old Florida woman has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after shots were fired at Rihanna's home.

• BBC 'profoundly regrets' BAFTAs incident, says director general Tim Davie

  The BBC regrets its "serious mistake" during the BAFTAs broadcast, the corporation's outgoing director general Tim Davie has said.

• Britney Spears seen driving 'erratically' before arrest, say police

  Britney Spears was spotted driving "erratically" before her arrest on suspicion of operating her vehicle under the influence, police say.

• Rapper Ghetts jailed for killing student in hit-and-run

  Rapper Ghetts has been jailed for 12 years after killing a Nepalese student in a hit-and-run collision.

• Sky News wins best news channel at Royal Television Society Awards

  Sky News has won news channel of the year and Yousra Elbagir has been named television journalist of the year at the Royal Television Society (RTS) Awards.

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Sport

• T20 World Cup final: India thrash New Zealand to make history with third title and first for any team on home turf

  India became the first men's side to win the T20 World Cup three times and the first to claim back-to-back titles with an emphatic 96-run victory over New Zealand continuing their white-ball dominance.

• Joey Barton: Former footballer arrested after alleged assault in near a golf club in Merseyside

  Former footballer Joey Barton has been arrested after an alleged assault near a golf club.

• Luke Littler: World darts No 1 targets clean sweep of PDC titles after retaining UK Open with win over James Wade

  Luke Littler says he is inspired by history as he aims to hold all the major PDC titles simultaneously following his successful defence of the UK Open.

• Mercedes 'are back' declares Toto Wolff after Australian GP one-two but insists his team are in 2026 title battle with Ferrari

  Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has declared his team "are back" after their one-two in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, but insists the Silver Arrows have a fight on their hands against Ferrari.

• Australian GP: Martin Brundle's verdict on new 2026 F1 cars and 'assured' George Russell after opening weekend

  It was a wild, unpredictable, and occasionally scary adventure in Melbourne for the first Grand Prix of this new era of cars. I enjoyed it and there were so many stories to tell.

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Strange

• 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.

• Obama says aliens 'are real' - but he hasn't seen any

  Barack Obama has said aliens are "real" in an interview, before later taking to social media to clarify his comments.

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Videos

• The global economy's worst nightmare is here and the consequences could be scary

  For years, geopolitical analysts warned us that among the scariest of all scenarios for the world economy was the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

• Donald Trump is not impossible to predict, Beijing now knows that

  Who says the world is impossible to predict these days?

• BBC 'profoundly regrets' BAFTAs incident, says director general Tim Davie

  The BBC regrets its "serious mistake" during the BAFTAs broadcast, the corporation's outgoing director general Tim Davie has said.

• 'The fighting feels like we're going to finish it - once and for all'

  Metula in northern Israel is like a ghost town. Shops are shut, hotels closed and there's very little sign of life.

• First subjects for new V-level qualification revealed

  Students in England will be able to take a new qualification known as V-levels from 2027, under major reforms designed to give teenagers more flexibility in how they study after GCSEs.

• Rethink plans for jury trials, thousands of lawyers tell Starmer

  More than 3,200 lawyers have written to the prime minister urging him to "rethink" plans to restrict jury trials for all but the most serious cases.

• Iran's miscalculation has 'destroyed everything', Qatar's PM says

  Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani has described Iran's strikes on Gulf countries as a "dangerous miscalculation" - warning the escalation risks destabilising the region and sending shockwaves through the global economy.

• Iran war: Markets are plummeting as the conflict escalates - but not every industry is affected

  The conflict in Iran is inflicting misery on millions - driving up bills and upending energy markets.

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Politics

• MPs vote down social media ban for under-16s

  MPs have voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media.

• Rethink plans for jury trials, thousands of lawyers tell Starmer

  More than 3,200 lawyers have written to the prime minister urging him to "rethink" plans to restrict jury trials for all but the most serious cases.

• Starmer facing new Labour rebellion as MPs fight to extend porn ban

  The government is trying to find a solution to banning depictions of step-incest in online pornography amid warnings of a "significant rebellion" from female MPs.

• New anti-Muslim hate definition announced by government

  The government has announced a new definition of anti-Muslim hate that includes violence, harassment and prejudicial stereotyping - as it insisted the move will not curtail free speech.

• Elon Musk's X grilled over 'appalling and offensive' Grok posts on Hillsborough

  X has been questioned by MPs over "the most appalling and offensive" AI posts about the Hillsborough disaster. 

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Technology

• MPs vote down social media ban for under-16s

  MPs have voted against a proposal to ban under-16s from using social media.

• The planet just got incredibly close to breaching landmark global warming target

  Earth experienced its fifth-warmest February on record last month - with temperatures at 1.49C above pre-industrial levels, scientists have said.

• AI tech firm Anthropic sues over blacklisting by Pentagon

  Anthropic, which owns the AI assistant Claude, is suing the Trump administration after what it called an "unprecedented and unlawful" decision to blacklist the firm on national security grounds.

• Elon Musk's X grilled over 'appalling and offensive' Grok posts on Hillsborough

  X has been questioned by MPs over "the most appalling and offensive" AI posts about the Hillsborough disaster. 

• Grok posts about fatal football disasters 'sickening', says government

  Elon Musk's Grok is producing hate-filled, racist posts online after being asked for "vulgar" comments in the latest concerning trend by users on X.

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World

• 'The fighting feels like we're going to finish it - once and for all'

  Metula in northern Israel is like a ghost town. Shops are shut, hotels closed and there's very little sign of life.

• Donald Trump is not impossible to predict, Beijing now knows that

  Who says the world is impossible to predict these days?

• Energy prices ease amid hopes Trump will soon call halt to Iran war

  Oil prices have fallen and stock markets are clawing back some lost ground after Donald Trump raised hopes that Iran war disruption to the global economy would soon be over.

• Turkey's Erdogan has tough, no-nonsense reputation - and his message on Iran war is clear

  The Turkish president with a reputation for being bullish, no-nonsense and tough was clear as he addressed his cabinet on Monday.

• RAF jets shoot down drones heading towards Jordan and Bahrain

  Two drones heading towards Jordan and Bahrain have been shot down by RAF Typhoon jets during defensive air sorties in the Gulf, the defence secretary said.

• Iran's women footballers granted visas and in 'safe location', says Australian PM Albanese

  Australia has given visas to five members of the Iranian women's football team amid fears for their safety after they were criticised for not singing the national anthem.

• Iran's miscalculation has 'destroyed everything', Qatar's PM says

  Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al Thani has described Iran's strikes on Gulf countries as a "dangerous miscalculation" - warning the escalation risks destabilising the region and sending shockwaves through the global economy.

• The planet just got incredibly close to breaching landmark global warming target

  Earth experienced its fifth-warmest February on record last month - with temperatures at 1.49C above pre-industrial levels, scientists have said.

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Business

• Iran war: The outlook for your finances - whether hostilities end or not

  Donald Trump has raised hopes that the US-Israel military strikes on Iran may soon be over.

• Energy prices ease amid hopes Trump will soon call halt to Iran war

  Oil prices have fallen and stock markets are clawing back some lost ground after Donald Trump raised hopes that Iran war disruption to the global economy would soon be over.

• Mark Kleinman blog | Waterstones to book chairman for £2bn London stock market listing

• Iran war: Markets are plummeting as the conflict escalates - but some industries stand to benefit

  The conflict in Iran is inflicting misery on millions, driving up bills and upending energy markets.

• 'We can earn six figures': Personal trainer on salary, top fitness tips and essential supplements

  What's it really like to be a... personal trainer? Luke Worthington, who specialises in physical preparation for TV and film work, answers the Money blog's questions.

• The 'dropping tax band' trick that could boost your pension | Money newsletter

  More than 170,000 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.

• The global economy's worst nightmare is here and the consequences could be scary

  For years, geopolitical analysts warned us that among the scariest of all scenarios for the world economy was the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

• German media giant Axel Springer to buy Telegraph Media Group in £575m deal

  German media giant Axel Springer is to buy Telegraph Media Group in a £575m deal that will see the Daily and Sunday Telegraph print titles and their online business come under overseas ownership.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

• Council leader’s column: Why Middleton’s regeneration and this year’s budget matter for our borough

  When I became leader of the council in 2021, I set out my vision for the borough, key priorities and the services local residents want and expect the council to deliver.

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

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