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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

• 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.

• 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.

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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

• 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

• 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.

• Ex-Premier League footballer Joey Barton denies alleged assault outside golf club

  Former Premier League footballer Joey Barton has denied assaulting a man outside a golf club.

• Man, 21, dies after being stabbed at Primrose Hill viewpoint

  A 21-year-old man has died after being stabbed at the viewpoint on Primrose Hill, London, according to police.

• 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.

• 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.

• Asylum seeker filmed alleged rape on Brighton beach 'to try to stop it', court hears

  An asylum seeker filmed an alleged rape by two others on Brighton beach because he was "trying to stop it", a court has heard.

• Scott Mills 'stepping back' from MS Society charity role after BBC sacking

  Sacked BBC Radio 2 host Scott Mills is "stepping back" from his role as an ambassador for a multiple sclerosis (MS) charity.

• UK weather: 'Unusually warm' temperatures are on the way - but it isn't good news for everyone

  The UK is going from Storm Dave to sunny days - and could have the warmest start to April in six years.

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Entertainment

• 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.

• Scott Mills 'stepping back' from MS Society charity role after BBC sacking

  Sacked BBC Radio 2 host Scott Mills is "stepping back" from his role as an ambassador for a multiple sclerosis (MS) charity.

• 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.

• Bryan Cranston on his new role - inspired by the complicated relationship with his father

  Bryan Cranston says there's a lot of his father in his latest stage role, playing Joseph Keller, the patriarch of Arthur Miller's 1947 tragedy All My Sons.

• 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.

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Sport

• 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.

• The Masters 2026: Rory McIlroy 'relaxed' ahead of title defence and sets new goals after Grand Slam glory at Augusta

  Rory McIlroy insists there is more he wants to achieve in golf ahead of his title defence at The Masters, a year on from seeing his "dream come true" by completing the career Grand Slam.

• Florian Wirtz: Liverpool attacker disagrees with Virgil van Dijk's 'gave up' criticism after Man City FA Cup rout

  Liverpool attacker Florian Wirtz does "not agree directly" with captain Virgil van Dijk's belief that they gave up in their FA Cup humiliation at Manchester City.

• Harry Maguire: Manchester United defender signs new one-year contract at Old Trafford

  Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has signed a new one-year contract at Old Trafford, with the additional option of a further 12 months.

• Aaron Ramsey retires: Former Arsenal and Wales midfielder announces end of two-decade playing career

  Aaron Ramsey has announced his retirement from football, bringing the curtain down on a 20-year playing career.

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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

• 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.

• 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.

• Is the US about to commit war crimes in Iran?

  Donald Trump has given Iran a deadline and threatened to send the country back to the "Stone Ages" if it does not comply by attacking power plants and bridges.

• 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. 

• What we know about the F-15 pilot who survived two days on Iranian mountain

  Donald Trump has praised the US fighter pilot who was rescued from an Iranian mountain over the weekend.

• North Korea: Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter could be considered his successor, Seoul's spy agency reportedly says

  The teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could be considered his successor, Seoul's spy agency has been reported as saying.

• 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.

• German men could require military permission to leave country for more than three months

  German men aged between 17 and 45 could have to get military approval if they want to leave the country for more than three months, according to recent changes to the law.

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Politics

• 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".

• 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.

• Why is so much at stake in the May elections?

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

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Technology

• Former Facebook worker investigated by police over 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.

• 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.

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World

• 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.

• Is the US about to commit war crimes in Iran?

  Donald Trump has given Iran a deadline and threatened to send the country back to the "Stone Ages" if it does not comply by attacking power plants and bridges.

• Train driver dead and 16 injured after crash with lorry carrying military equipment

  A driver was killed and 16 passengers were injured when a high-speed train and a truck carrying military equipment collided in France.

• 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.

• Australian SAS veteran Ben Roberts-Smith charged with war crime murders in Afghanistan

  Australia's most decorated living veteran has been charged with allegedly killing five unarmed Afghans between 2009 and 2012.

• What we know about the F-15 pilot who survived two days on Iranian mountain

  Donald Trump has praised the US fighter pilot who was rescued from an Iranian mountain over the weekend.

• North Korea: Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter could be considered his successor, Seoul's spy agency reportedly says

  The teenage daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could be considered his successor, Seoul's spy agency has been reported as saying.

• Baby and mother among three killed after tree topples during Easter egg hunt in Germany

  A 10-month-old girl has died along with two other people after a tree toppled during an Easter egg hunt in northern Germany, police say.

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Business

• 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.

• Mark Kleinman blog | London-listed Young's toasts £30m swoop on pub group Cubitt House

• 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. 

• 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.

• Why leaving 'delivery instructions' could cost you big | 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.

• 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.

• New worker rights kick in - including on parental leave and sick pay

  Employees have a raft of new rights.

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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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