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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Organists at large … in Middleton

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

• MP backs grooming gangs probe and says inquiry must confront race and institutional failures

  An MP for Heywood and Middleton North has welcomed the formal start of a national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs across England and Wales.

• 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.

• Rochdale woman organises Easter gifts and performance for dementia hub residents

  A Rochdale woman has organised an Easter initiative bringing entertainment and gifts to residents at a local dementia hub.

• 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.

• Solar panels installed at Rochdale schools and family hubs to cut energy costs

  New solar panels have been installed at a primary school and a family hub in Rochdale borough, with thousands of pounds in annual energy savings expected.

• 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.

• Rochdale Mayor unveils Bronze Bust in celebration of strong female leadership and female creative talent

  A stunning bronze bust of Rochdale mayor councillor Janet Emsley has been unveiled at the town hall.

• 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.

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Local Sports

• Bury extend lead at top with dominant win over Runcorn Linnets

  Through high winds, hail and rain a maelstrom of Bury attacks saw the Shakers overwhelm hosts Runcorn Linnets. Three first half goals from Jordan Lazenbury, Mo Touray and Bebeto Gomes gave Bury a win that strengthens their position at the top of the table.

• FC St Helens 1-2 Ramsbottom United

  Rams had to dig deep but first half strikes from Jacob Holland-Wilkinson and Richie Baker, the latter direct from a corner kick, proved just enough for all three points.

• AFC Liverpool 0-2 Ramsbottom United

  Ramsbottom United had the opportunity to show what they're made of as they travelled to the Atlantic Coast and the hinterland of the docks to play the ‘non-league Reds,’ AFC Liverpool, at Bootle on Tuesday evening.

• Ramsbottom United 1-1 Litherland REMYCA

  Ramsbottom faced table propping Litherland at home under the lights on Tuesday evening, a glorious spring-like day led to a green pitch prepared by hard working volunteers. Litherland, clad in red, are enduring a torrid time this season, going through three managers but notched an impressive four-one victory at the weekend.

• Ramsbottom United 1-0 Padiham

  Maine Walder’s free-kick on the half hour proved the difference in this hard-fought encounter with fellow promotion rivals Padiham at the HWRS on Saturday afternoon. A first home league win over our near rivals since all the way back in 2009.

• Ramsbottom United 0-1 Euxton Villa

  The Rams lose their first home league game of the season and waste an opportunity to gain ground on leaders Wythenshawe.

• Ramsbottom United beat Chadderton in high stakes clash to stay in title race

  A lovely spring day as Ramsbottom United welcomed an in-form Chadderton side, coming into the match of on a run of thirteen games unbeaten including eight straight victories, a daunting proposition, with both teams flying high in the North West Counties Premier League.

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Lifestyle

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

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

• Organists at large … in Middleton

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

• Lodge Mill fire destroys historic Middleton site as community launches urgent fundraiser

  A major fire has caused extensive damage to Lodge Mill in Middleton, leaving the building largely destroyed and prompting an urgent community fundraising appeal.

• New Polish academy opens in Rochdale to support language and culture

  A new Polish academy has opened in Rochdale, offering language lessons and cultural activities for local families and residents.

• Green space launch planned at Langley allotments this Saturday

  A charity in Langley is launching plans to turn two pieces of land beside Status 4 All Leisure Garden and Allotments into a new nature and wildlife space.

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Greater Manchester

• 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.

• Green MP Hannah Spencer delivers maiden speech in Parliament during International Women’s Day debate

  Green Party MP Hannah Spencer has delivered her first speech in the House of Commons, reflecting on her journey from training as a plumber to representing her community in Parliament.

• 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.

• M60 closed near Prestwich after multi-vehicle crash saw two rushed to hospital

  Traffic halted and delays expected following collision between junctions 16 and 17

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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

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UK

• Grenfell survivors call Reform UK housing chief's comments on tragedy 'deeply dehumanising'

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

• Resident doctors lose jobs package and will strike next week

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

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

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

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt too soothe concerns

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

• Stop censoring books, teachers warn school libraries

  Teachers have called for an end to censorship in school libraries, with their union warning it "should ring alarm bells for all of us".

• Woman, 88, dies after being hit by lorry in Largs

  An 88-year-old woman has died after being struck by a lorry in North Ayrshire.

• Three girls arrested after crowds of young people swarm London high street in social media 'flash mob'

  Police have warned parents to "take responsibility" for their children as three teenage girls were arrested after crowds flooded a London high street as part of a social media "link-up".

• Mark Kleinman blog | EQT among suitors for £5bn AA breakdown recovery service

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Entertainment

• Jesy Nelson celebrates plans for rollout of SMA screenings

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

• Scott Mills releases statement after BBC sacking as he addresses police investigation

  Scott Mills has released a statement after his sacking by the BBC as he addressed the police investigation into him.

• Celine Dion: Eiffel Tower lit up to announce singer's comeback gigs

  Celine Dion has announced her first series of full-length concerts since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS).

• Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to Belfast to receive honorary doctorate

  Arnold Schwarzenegger has said it is "unbelievable" after receiving an honorary doctorate from Ulster University - and recalled how Belfast gave him a "breakthrough".

• Bronze Age shield returns to Scotland for first time in more than 230 years

  A Bronze Age shield has returned to Scotland for the first time in more than 230 years.

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Sport

• Tottenham: Premier League relegation to Championship possibility put into perspective by Spurs transfer spend, stadium size and trophies

  If Tottenham are relegated from the Premier League it will be one of the biggest stories in the competition's history.

• Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal (Agg: 2-3): Sonia Bompastor fumes again on VAR after Katie McCabe hair pull on Alyssa Thompson not reviewed in WCL game

  Sonia Bompastor once again took aim at VAR after the system did not review a Katie McCabe hair pull on Alyssa Thompson for a red card - with the Chelsea boss instead being booked and then sent off.

• F1 driver ratings: Find out where Sky Sports ranks Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen after opening stages of 2026 season

  As the 2026 Formula 1 season pauses after the first three rounds, Sky Sports F1 rates the performances of the drivers so far.

• Tiger Woods will not captain US Ryder Cup team for 2027 tournament in Ireland after stepping away from golf after car crash

  Tiger Woods has told the PGA of America he will not captain the US Ryder Cup team in 2027, following his decision to take a break from golf after his car crash.

• Chelsea finances: Blues announce biggest pre-tax loss of any club in Premier League history

  Chelsea have announced the biggest pre-tax loss ever recorded by a Premier League club.

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Strange

• 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.

• Radio DJ's parents conned out of £20,000 after falling for fake Martin Lewis advert

  An Absolute Radio DJ has warned of a "hidden crime epidemic" after his parents' life savings were stolen by a crypto scammer.

• 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.

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Videos

• Celine Dion: Eiffel Tower lit up to announce singer's comeback gigs

  Celine Dion has announced her first series of full-length concerts since being diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS).

• Car finance scandal: What happened and am I eligible for compensation?

  Millions of motorists who were mis-sold car finance agreements are due to receive £829 on average in compensation, it has been announced.

• Grenfell survivors call Reform UK housing chief's comments on tragedy 'deeply dehumanising'

  Survivors and victims' families of the Grenfell fire have called a leading Reform spokesman's comments about the tragedy "not just insensitive, it is deeply dehumanising".

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt too soothe concerns

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

• Tiger Woods 'stepping away for treatment' after not guilty plea

  Tiger Woods has said he is "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" after being charged with driving under the influence.

• Resident doctors lose jobs package and will strike next week

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

• Scott Mills releases statement after BBC sacking as he addresses police investigation

  Scott Mills has released a statement after his sacking by the BBC as he addressed the police investigation into him.

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

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

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Politics

• Resident doctors lose jobs package and will strike next week

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

• Grenfell survivors call Reform UK housing chief's comments on tragedy 'deeply dehumanising'

  Survivors and victims' families of the Grenfell fire have called a leading Reform spokesman's comments about the tragedy "not just insensitive, it is deeply dehumanising".

• Two migrants die during attempt to cross English Channel

  Two migrants have died off the coast of France during an attempt to cross the English Channel.

• Assisted dying supporters plan to enlist 200 MPs to bring back bill

  Supporters of the assisted dying bill are planning to enlist some 200 MPs to attempt to bring it back into contention this summer.

• How did we get to another NHS doctors' strike?

  Doctors' strikes have become commonplace over the past few years as they walk out over NHS pay, hours and jobs.

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Technology

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

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

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

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

• Discovery offers hope to children with rare and severe epilepsy

  Scientists say they have discovered a new condition behind one of the most common genetic causes of severe epilepsy in children.

• Countless horror stories linked to social media - but a ban for children isn't cut-and-dried case

  For months, the UK has felt like it's barrelling towards banning under-16s from social media.

• The countries that have social media bans, or are planning to implement one

  Ever since Australia banned its young people from social media, governments across the globe have been considering following suit.

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World

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt too soothe concerns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Dwindling diesel and jet fuel supplies due to Iran war prompt warning from EU - as return to 2022 measures considered

  The European Union (EU) could revive measures brought in after Russia cut gas supplies in 2022 amid a mounting energy crisis due to the Iran war.

• 'System malfunction' causes more than 100 driverless taxis to stop mid-traffic in China

  A system failure caused more than 100 driverless cars to suddenly stop mid-traffic in China.

• Two migrants die during attempt to cross English Channel

  Two migrants have died off the coast of France during an attempt to cross the English Channel.

• Tiger Woods 'stepping away for treatment' after not guilty plea

  Tiger Woods has said he is "stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment" after being charged with driving under the influence.

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Business

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt too soothe concerns

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

• Mark Kleinman blog | EQT among suitors for £5bn AA breakdown recovery service

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

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

• What business cost increases are being introduced in April?

  For months businesses have been anticipating the impact of a range of tax and regulatory measures announced by the government in the budget and in the weeks since.

• How countries are dealing with rising oil and gas prices

  With the US-Iran conflict continuing, governments worldwide are desperately trying to curb the effect of soaring energy prices on populations.

• Ryanair warns of jet fuel supply disruption in May

  Jet fuel supplies could be disrupted in early May if the Middle East conflict continues, the boss of Ryanair has warned.

• The common insurance that's often a complete waste of money | 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 Friday.

• Car finance scandal: What happened and am I eligible for compensation?

  Millions of motorists who were mis-sold car finance agreements are due to receive £829 on average in compensation, it has been announced.

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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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