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Featured

• Winners at Rochdale Culture Awards ceremony

  Artists, organisations and community groups have been recognised at the Rochdale Culture Awards held at Rochdale Town Hall. Seven winners were selected from 19 finalists during the borough’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme.

• 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

• Community run theatre will get makeover

  A theatre in Rochdale will get a revamp to mark its centenary. The Curtain Theatre will get a new design for the building’s façade, inspired by its signature red colour.

• Snooker club must tighten rules after assault

  Bosses at a Bury snooker club were hauled before councillors after a customer was knocked unconscious after hours.

• Projects around Rochdale Town Hall approved

  Two more restoration projects sandwiching the iconic Rochdale Town Hall have been approved.

• New apartment plan refused because rooms are too small

  The plan to create a new ‘high-quality’ apartment block in Rochdale has been refused because the flats are too small. Cope Funeral Service has been a mainstay on Manchester Road for years, but a scheme to demolish it and build 28 apartments was tabled last year.

• Winners at Rochdale Culture Awards ceremony

  Artists, organisations and community groups have been recognised at the Rochdale Culture Awards held at Rochdale Town Hall. Seven winners were selected from 19 finalists during the borough’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme.

• Road closed in Middleton after crash involving two cars and motorbike

  Emergency services attended a collision on Long Street in Middleton on Monday evening. Two people were injured and one was taken to hospital.

• Free Teddy Bears’ Picnic playground opens at The Rock for Easter holidays

  A free Teddy Bears’ Picnic themed playground has opened at The Rock in Bury for the Easter holidays, with activities running until 19 April. Families are invited to take part in daily sessions and special themed events.

• 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.

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Local Sports

• Bury stage rapid comeback with four goals in eleven minutes to beat Congleton

  Anthony Johnson had his substitutes to thank as Bury turned a one goal deficit into a 4-1 lead in just eleven minutes. Luca Navarro and Lewis Rawsthorn both came off the bench to claim a brace each as Bury started their Easter weekend with a win.

• Rochdale beaten at home as Morecambe claim 4 2 win

  Rochdale suffered their first home defeat since October despite taking an early lead and mounting a late response against Morecambe.

• 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.

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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

• Community run theatre will get makeover

  A theatre in Rochdale will get a revamp to mark its centenary. The Curtain Theatre will get a new design for the building’s façade, inspired by its signature red colour.

• Snooker club must tighten rules after assault

  Bosses at a Bury snooker club were hauled before councillors after a customer was knocked unconscious after hours.

• 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.

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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

• British teenager Orla Wates dies in Vietnam

  A 19-year-old from the UK has died after a reported motorbike crash in Vietnam.

• RSPCA denies using AI after image of dozens of neglected dogs in living room branded fake

  The RSPCA has denied using AI-generated images after a photo of dozens of dogs crammed into a living room was branded fake online.

• UK temperatures reach 26.6C, before cooler weather arrives

  The UK has seen one of its warmest April days on record, forecasters have said.

• Finbar Sullivan named as 21-year-old victim of Primrose Hill stabbing

  A man stabbed to death on London's Primrose Hill has been named by police as Finbar Sullivan.

• The final Great Celebrity Bake Off episode has been pulled - as it features sacked BBC host Scott Mills

  The final episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer has been cancelled over allegations made against Scott Mills.

• Body recovered from Lake District tarn in search for missing teenager

  A body has been recovered in the search for a 17-year-old who got into difficulty in a Cumbrian lake.

• New treatment offers 'hope' for children with rare and aggressive cancers

  A new cancer trial, which aims to train the immune systems of children and young people to fight the disease, offers a "real sense of hope", according to the chief executive of a company funding it.

• Rangers footballer Dujon Sterling in court charged with drink-driving

  Rangers star Dujon Sterling has appeared in court charged with dangerous driving and drink-driving.

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Entertainment

• 'Ketamine Queen' Jasveen Sangha jailed for 15 years over death of Matthew Perry

  A woman known as the "Ketamine Queen", who supplied the fatal dose of the drug that killed actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to 15 years in jail.

• The final Great Celebrity Bake Off episode has been pulled - as it features sacked BBC host Scott Mills

  The final episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer has been cancelled over allegations made against Scott Mills.

• BBC breached editorial standards over BAFTAs racial slur, investigation finds

  The inclusion of a racial slur during the broadcast of the BAFTAs was a breach of the BBC's editorial standards, a review has found.

• Wireless Festival cancelled after Kanye West blocked from entering UK

  This year's Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the government blocked Kanye West from coming to the UK.

• Savannah Guthrie returns to Today show for first time since her mother's disappearance

  US television presenter Savannah Guthrie returned to NBC's Today show on Monday for the first time since her mother's disappearance more than two months ago.

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Sport

• Tyson Fury: My father wanted me to retire six years ago after second Deontay Wilder fight. But for me it's everything

  Criticism from his own father will not distract Tyson Fury ahead of his fight with Arslanbek Makhmudov.

• Premier League secures fifth Champions League spot for a second season running

  The Premier League has secured a fifth Champions League spot for next season's competition - although that could yet rise to seven places.

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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.

• 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

• Wireless Festival cancelled after Kanye West blocked from entering UK

  This year's Wireless Festival has been cancelled after the government blocked Kanye West from coming to the UK.

• HMS Dragon docks in eastern Mediterranean with 'minor technical issue' as Iran war escalates

  HMS Dragon, deployed to protect British air bases in Cyprus, has docked for maintenance - less than a month after leaving Portsmouth.

• Jeremy Hunt: Let mums with cancer delay maternity leave

  Sir Jeremy Hunt has called on ministers to change the law around maternity leave so that it can be delayed for those recently diagnosed with cancer.

• 'Ketamine Queen' Jasveen Sangha jailed for 15 years over death of Matthew Perry

  A woman known as the "Ketamine Queen", who supplied the fatal dose of the drug that killed actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to 15 years in jail.

• Oil prices fall sharply after Trump announces two-week Iran war ceasefire

  Oil prices have fallen sharply and stock markets have soared on news of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.

• 2026 Scottish parliament election: Key challenges next Holyrood government will face

  In just a few weeks' time, voters will go to the polls to cast their ballot in the 2026 Scottish parliament election.

• BBC breached editorial standards over BAFTAs racial slur, investigation finds

  The inclusion of a racial slur during the broadcast of the BAFTAs was a breach of the BBC's editorial standards, a review has found.

• Facebook worker investigated by police after download of 30,000 private images

  A former worker at Meta is being investigated by police over suspicions he downloaded about 30,000 private Facebook images.

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Politics

• Jeremy Hunt: Let mums with cancer delay maternity leave

  Sir Jeremy Hunt has called on ministers to change the law around maternity leave so that it can be delayed for those recently diagnosed with cancer.

• 2026 Scottish parliament election: Key challenges next Holyrood government will face

  In just a few weeks' time, voters will go to the polls to cast their ballot in the 2026 Scottish parliament election.

• Revealed: The incidents that almost triggered UK emergency alerts

  The Southport riots, a falling Chinese rocket and parasitic water all almost caused the UK government to use its emergency alerts system.

• What's at stake for Wales in May's elections?

  Labour has been winning in elections in Wales for more than a century - and if the polls are anything to go by, this will change in the Senedd elections in May. 

• 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".

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Technology

• New treatment offers 'hope' for children with rare and aggressive cancers

  A new cancer trial, which aims to train the immune systems of children and young people to fight the disease, offers a "real sense of hope", according to the chief executive of a company funding it.

• RSPCA denies using AI after image of dozens of neglected dogs in living room branded fake

  The RSPCA has denied using AI-generated images after a photo of dozens of dogs crammed into a living room was branded fake online.

• Greece to ban under-15s from social media from next year

  Greece will ban under-15s from social media from next year.

• Facebook worker investigated by police after download of 30,000 private images

  A former worker at Meta is being investigated by police over suspicions he downloaded about 30,000 private Facebook images.

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World

• Trump speaks to Trump100 

  ? Follow Trump100 on your podcast app ?   

• Oil prices fall sharply after Trump announces two-week Iran war ceasefire

  Oil prices have fallen sharply and stock markets have soared on news of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.

• What is Iran's 10-point peace plan - and what has Trump said?

  Donald Trump says the US has received a "workable" peace plan from Iran after the two countries agreed to a two-week ceasefire, labelling it a "complete victory" for his nation.

• British teenager Orla Wates dies in Vietnam

  A 19-year-old from the UK has died after a reported motorbike crash in Vietnam.

• Greece to ban under-15s from social media from next year

  Greece will ban under-15s from social media from next year.

• Scottish 'crime boss' Steven Lyons extradited after Bali arrest

  An alleged Scottish crime boss wanted by Spain has been extradited from Bali, Indonesian authorities have confirmed.

• HMS Dragon docks in eastern Mediterranean with 'minor technical issue' as Iran war escalates

  HMS Dragon, deployed to protect British air bases in Cyprus, has docked for maintenance - less than a month after leaving Portsmouth.

• Iran war: How the crisis in key Strait of Hormuz waterway is affecting fuel supplies for different countries

  Fears of fuel shortages have been sparked recently as the number of tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz was reduced to a trickle amid threats from Iran, which experts say effectively controls the waterway.

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Business

• Oil prices fall sharply after Trump announces two-week Iran war ceasefire

  Oil prices have fallen sharply and stock markets have soared on news of a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran.

• Mark Kleinman blog | Co-op Group swoops with deal to take over struggling Southern Co-op

• Iran war: How the crisis in key Strait of Hormuz waterway is affecting fuel supplies for different countries

  Fears of fuel shortages have been sparked recently as the number of tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz was reduced to a trickle amid threats from Iran, which experts say effectively controls the waterway.

• Interest rate to be capped on some student loans

  Interest rates on plan 2 and 3 student loans will be capped at 6% for one year from September, the government has announced. 

• Are you due £40 compensation from your bank? | 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 week.

• Iceland offers job to Waitrose worker sacked for tackling shoplifter

  The boss of Iceland has offered a job to the man who says he was sacked from Waitrose for tackling a shoplifter.

• Popular holiday hotspot airport is out of fuel - with more running out

• Six big tax changes as new financial year begins

  Several changes that could affect your tax bill took effect as the new financial year began this week.

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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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