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.

• More than 100 volunteers power Roch Valley Radio as World Radio Day 2026 is marked

  World Radio Day is today, 13 February 2026, and is a moment to celebrate the impact of broadcasting across the globe, it is also a chance to recognise the people behind the microphone who keep local radio alive every single week.

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Local News

• 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.

• Road safety improvements under way in Kirkholt

  A series of road safety upgrades are being introduced in Kirkholt as part of wider investment into highways across the borough.

• More than 90 percent of Bury pupils offered first choice secondary school for September

  More than nine in ten children in Bury have been offered a place at their first choice secondary school for September 2026, according to newly released placement figures.

• Greater Manchester schools add green playground spaces to help manage rainwater

  Schools across Greater Manchester are transforming hard playground surfaces with nature based drainage features designed to reduce flooding and support wildlife.

• Langley streets and park to be dedicated in memory of three former soldiers

  A dedication service will take place in Langley later this month to honour three soldiers with strong links to the Middleton community.

• Whitefield neighbours launch Bury’s second Right to Grow community growing project

  Residents in Whitefield have launched Bury’s second community food growing project under the Right to Grow initiative, transforming unused public land into a shared space for growing food.

• 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.

• Suspected grenades found at unoccupied property on Manchester Road in Rochdale

  Police were called at around 2.40pm this afternoon after suspected grenades were discovered at an unoccupied property on Manchester Road in Rochdale.

• Bartender has alcohol license revoked due to drink driving

  A 24-year-old bartender has had his alcohol license revoked after he was caught drink-driving nearly three times over the legal limit. Dylan Lealand of St. Johns Gardens, Bury, the registered director of Ramsbottom cocktail bar No. 5 Rams, will no longer be allowed to sell alcohol.

• Radcliffe child sex offender jailed for life after abusing five children

  A man from Radcliffe has been jailed for life after being convicted of dozens of child sex offences against five children as young as seven.

• 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.

• 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.

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Local Sports

• 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.

• Hornets fight back to maintain unbeaten start with win over Keighley

  Rochdale Hornets came from behind to secure a 24 to 10 victory over Keighley Cougars and preserve their 100 per cent start to the new Betfred Championship season.

• Bury Council approves £4.5 million investment in leisure centres

  Bury Council has approved £4.5 million of investment to improve its leisure centres in Ramsbottom and Bury town centre.

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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

• 'Total shambles': Passenger hits out at delayed UK charter flight from Middle East - as minister responds

  A British passenger who was set to leave the Middle East on a plane chartered by the government has described the situation on the ground as a "total shambles".

• Politics of migration 'difficult' for Labour, Mahmood says - as she tightens asylum rules

  The home secretary has admitted the politics of migration is "difficult" for Labour as she announced measures to tighten Britain's asylum system.

• Shoplifter who killed Asda security guard at Arbroath superstore jailed for five years

  A shoplifter who killed a security guard during a struggle at an Asda superstore as she tried to flee with stolen alcohol has been jailed for five years and four months.

• £22m fine for South East Water over repeated supply failures

  South East Water is to be fined £22m for repeated supply failures, watchdog Ofwat has said.

• More than 60 sick babies linked to toxic baby formula, says UK Health Security Agency

  The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed it is investigating more than 60 cases of babies falling ill after being fed toxic baby formula.

• Why wars are bad news for the 'special relationship'

  Nothing puts the so-called "special relationship" between the UK and the United States under strain like the Americans going to war.

• £8bn private dentistry industry to be investigated after 'significant' price hikes

• European nations step in to protect Cyprus as UK warship delay criticised

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Entertainment

• 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.

• 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.

• BAFTAs host Alan Cumming addresses 'trauma triggering' broadcast

  BAFTAs host Alan Cumming has spoken out about the controversy surrounding the broadcast of the film awards, describing it as a "trauma triggering shitshow".

• The Actor Awards fashion: All the best looks from the red carpet

  Celebrating a brand-new name, The Actor Awards - formerly the SAGs - welcomed a host of stars to the red carpet in LA on Sunday night.

• Actor Awards: Sinners shakes up Oscars race as Jessie Buckley remains undefeated

  Sinners triumphed at this year's Actor Awards, with the vampire horror winning best ensemble and best actor for Michael B Jordan.

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Sport

• Championship play-offs: EFL confirms expansion from four to six teams from 2026/27 season onwards

  The EFL has confirmed the Sky Bet Championship play-offs will be expanded from four to six teams from next season onwards.

• Robert Lewandowski interview: Barcelona and Poland icon on Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and the secrets to a star striker

  "I see my record of 41 goals in 29 games… Wow!"

• Fabian Hurzeler slammed Arsenal's time-wasting against Brighton but their ball in play time is above average this season

  Fabian Hurzeler sensationally accused Arsenal of "making their own rules" and applying time-wasting tactics as they beat Brighton at the Amex Stadium, so were his accusations justified?

• Fabian Hurzeler: Brighton manager fumes at Mikel Arteta's Arsenal for 'not trying to play football' and 'making their own rules' in the game

  A furious Fabian Hurzeler said "only one team tried to play football" in Brighton's 1-0 loss to Arsenal and accused the Gunners of "making their own rules" as he railed against perceived time-wasting.

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Strange

• 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.

• 'Britain's loneliest sheep', Fiona, gives birth for first time

  "Britain's loneliest sheep" has given birth for the first time.

• Fire-juggling unicyclist caught performing on crossing

  Police have caught a man juggling fire while riding a unicycle on a pedestrian crossing.

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Videos

• Trump's solutions to Iranian shipping threat leave insurance sector unimpressed

  Donald Trump's offer of US-backed insurance and naval escorts for shipping travelling through the Strait of Hormuz has not prevented maritime premiums soaring as underwriters scramble to reassess the risks to oil, gas and cargo vessels.

• 'Total shambles': Passenger hits out at delayed UK charter flight from Middle East - as minister responds

  A British passenger who was set to leave the Middle East on a plane chartered by the government has described the situation on the ground as a "total shambles".

• I've seen nothing to suspect my husband, says Labour MP after China spying arrests

  A Labour MP whose husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China has said she's "never seen anything" to make her suspect him of breaking the law.

• Israel is trying something it's always wanted. The fight is on

  As acts of vengeance go, which is what Hezbollah says its strikes on northern Israel in the early hours of Monday morning were, this was not especially dramatic.

• £22m fine for South East Water over repeated supply failures

  South East Water is to be fined £22m for repeated supply failures, watchdog Ofwat has said.

• Politics of migration 'difficult' for Labour, Mahmood says - as she tightens asylum rules

  The home secretary has admitted the politics of migration is "difficult" for Labour as she announced measures to tighten Britain's asylum system.

• Major VPN network to block 'despised and despicable' child sexual abuse material

  A major VPN service is becoming one of the first to block websites known for hosting child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

• 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.

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Politics

• The hole in Starmer's story on Iran

  ?Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app?

• Politics of migration 'difficult' for Labour, Mahmood says - as she tightens asylum rules

  The home secretary has admitted the politics of migration is "difficult" for Labour as she announced measures to tighten Britain's asylum system.

• UK's first visa ban in asylum crackdown

  The government will halt visa routes for nationals from four countries who the home secretary says have "abused" the UK's generosity.

• I've seen nothing to suspect my husband, says Labour MP after China spying arrests

  A Labour MP whose husband was arrested on suspicion of spying for China has said she's "never seen anything" to make her suspect him of breaking the law.

• First Minister John Swinney 'confident' of Queen Elizabeth University Hospital safety despite dirty water revelations

  Scotland's first minister has said he is "confident" Glasgow's scandal-hit super-hospital is safe, despite Sky News revealing mould and dirty water had forced the partial closure of a cancer ward.

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Technology

• Stopping weight loss jabs can lead to rapid weight regain in one year, study suggests

  People on obesity jabs will regain the majority of the weight they lose within a year of stopping the drugs, a new study suggests.

• Major VPN network to block 'despised and despicable' child sexual abuse material

  A major VPN service is becoming one of the first to block websites known for hosting child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

• AI could be giving US lethal edge in Iran war - but there are dangers

  Forget science fiction. The age of AI in war is here.

• Do you want to ban kids from social media? The government is asking

  The government wants to know if you want to ban young people from social media.

• Trump's furious response to Anthropic is as much about power as it is about AI safety

  In the most clear and consequential policy move on AI safety yet, the Trump administration has announced it will blacklist a leading AI lab over its refusal to allow unfettered access to its technology for military purposes.

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World

• European nations step in to protect Cyprus as UK warship delay criticised

• 'You can hear the boom': Sky News takes cover from rocket fire as Israel tries to wipe out Hezbollah

  As acts of vengeance go, which is what Hezbollah says its strikes on northern Israel in the early hours of Monday morning were, this was not especially dramatic.

• Millions in Cuba hit by blackout as Trump embargo bites

  Millions of people were left without electricity in Cuba after a shutdown at one of the country's largest thermoelectric power plants.

• Talk of what comes next for the Iranian people was conspicuous in its absence from White House briefing

  Regime change isn't what it used to be. Donald Trump himself had talked it up as a reason for attacking Iran.

• Donald Trump gets 'the last laugh' as US kills alleged Iranian assassination plotter

  US defence secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday that an Iranian official behind an attempt to ​assassinate Donald Trump in 2024 has been killed by the US military.

• Trump's solutions to Iranian shipping threat leave insurance sector unimpressed

  Donald Trump's offer of US-backed insurance and naval escorts for shipping travelling through the Strait of Hormuz has not prevented maritime premiums soaring as underwriters scramble to reassess the risks to oil, gas and cargo vessels.

• Why Europe is finally standing up to Donald Trump

  ? Listen to This Is Why on your podcast app ?

• Unafraid of the wrath of Donald Trump, Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez has said 'no to war'

  At a time when few seem willing to risk the wrath of the US president, Spain is an outlier.

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Business

• £22m fine for South East Water over repeated supply failures

  South East Water is to be fined £22m for repeated supply failures, watchdog Ofwat has said.

• £8bn private dentistry industry to be investigated after 'significant' price hikes

• Mark Kleinman blog | Celebrity handbag favourite Radley explores sale after decade with Freshstream

• Trump's solutions to Iranian shipping threat leave insurance sector unimpressed

  Donald Trump's offer of US-backed insurance and naval escorts for shipping travelling through the Strait of Hormuz has not prevented maritime premiums soaring as underwriters scramble to reassess the risks to oil, gas and cargo vessels.

• Company admits supplying water unfit for humans after parasitic outbreak in Devon

  A company has admitted it supplied water that was unfit for human consumption after a parasitic outbreak in Devon.

• 'Our house is worth £550,000 - what are pros and cons of equity release?' | Money newsletter

  More than 165,000 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.

• Iran war leaves forecast for low UK inflation not worth the paper it was written on

  The rise in gas prices over the past 48 hours is without precedent.

• Britons could pay £10,000 extra after student loan change

  Middle-income earners will be hardest hit by a freeze to the student loan repayment threshold, experts have said.

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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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