News

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.

• More from Featured
• Feed

Local News

• 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.

• 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.

• More from Local News
• Feed
• X

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.

• More from Local Sports
• Feed

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.

• More from Lifestyle
• Feed

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.

• 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

• M66 traffic stopped southbound due to ongoing Police incident

  Traffic was stopped this evening on the M66 southbound between the A56 and Junction 1.

• More from Greater Manchester
• Feed

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.

• More from Local Entertainment
• Feed

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.

• More from Elections
• Feed

UK

• Boy, 14, shot dead in London - as three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder

  A 14-year-old boy has died after being shot in London, with three teenagers arrested on suspicion of murder.

• 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.

• Two men arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after girl, 9, killed in crash

  Two men have been arrested on suspicion of drug-driving after a nine-year-old girl died in a crash in Birmingham.

• 'Flat-pack' coffins, DIY flowers and unpaid bills: Inside Robert Bush's 'nightmare' funeral home in Hull

  To grieving families and colleagues, Hull funeral director Robert Bush seemed a "nice guy".

• 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.

• Boy, 14, arrested on suspicion of murdering Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16, in Leeds

  A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder over the death of Chloe Watson Dransfield, 16.

• Choc horror: Why 'flavour' bars and small packs are here to stay

  Chocolate-flavour bars and smaller packs appear here to stay despite the fall of cocoa costs to a near three-year low and a 20% drop in the sugar price.

• Young girl and man riding pony and trap die in collision with truck

  A young girl and a man riding in a pony and trap have died in a collision with a truck in Kent.

• More from UK

Entertainment

• 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.

• Jesy Nelson celebrates plans for rollout of SMA screenings for newborn babies

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

• BBC sacked Scott Mills 'after discovering alleged victim in police investigation was under 16'

  Scott Mills was sacked by the BBC after bosses discovered the alleged victim in the police investigation into the DJ was under the age of 16, the broadcaster has reported.

• 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".

• More from Entertainment

Sport

• Hull KR 24-6 Hull FC: Robins pull clear of local rivals to win fiery 250th derby in Super League Rivals Round opener

  Hull KR claimed successive Betfred Super League victories for the first time this season with a 24-6 win over Hull FC in a fiery 250th edition of the Hull derby.

• Enzo Fernandez: Chelsea drop midfielder for Port Vale and Man City games over Real Madrid comments

  Liam Rosenior says Real Madrid target Enzo Fernandez will not play in Chelsea's next two matches because of comments he made about his future.

• Pep Guardiola has 'zero' concerns over Phil Foden's form as Man City boss discusses Rodri's intentions

  Pep Guardiola has "zero" concerns about Phil Foden despite the Manchester City player struggling to impress on England duty.

• Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has returned from long lay-off stronger and fitter, says Arne Slot

  Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City will come too soon for Liverpool striker Alexander Isak, but head coach Arne Slot says the Swede now looks in a much better physical place than before he broke his leg.

• Terri Harper believes Caroline Dubois 'panicked' after push | 'She didn't know what to do. She was off script'

  Terri Harper believes Caroline Dubois has blinked first in the psychological battle ahead of their fight on Sunday.

• More from Sport

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.

• More from Strange

Videos

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

• More from Videos

Politics

• Speculation Miliband will approve drilling new oil and gas field 'unfounded' government claims

  Speculation that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband will approve the controversial Jackdaw oil and gas field is "unfounded", the minister's department said.

• How much economic damage is Trump doing?

  ? Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app ?

• 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.

• Reform UK housing chief sacked over 'deeply dehumanising' Grenfell comments

  Reform's new housing chief has been sacked over his comments about Grenfell Tower fire victims, which survivors and families called "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.

• More from Politics

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• More from Technology

World

• Eight ‌Muslim-majority countries 'strongly condemn' Israel's new death penalty law

  Eight ‌Muslim-majority countries have "strongly condemned" a new Israeli law which makes death by hanging ​a default ‌sentence for Palestinians convicted ​in military courts of deadly attacks.

• Head of Myanmar's ruling junta who led coup against Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi becomes president

  The head of Myanmar's ruling military junta, who overthrew the previous government five years ago, has been elected president after winning a parliamentary vote.

• ICC prosecutor who issued arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu facing disciplinary proceedings

  The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will face disciplinary proceedings over accusations of sexual misconduct, it has been reported.

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt to 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• More from World

Business

• 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.

• Mark Kleinman blog | KKR and Pinewood-owner Aermont join race to bed down with staycation provider Park Holidays

• Choc horror: Why 'flavour' bars and small packs are here to stay

  Chocolate-flavour bars and smaller packs appear here to stay despite the fall of cocoa costs to a near three-year low and a 20% drop in the sugar price.

• Clear market uncertainty despite latest Trump attempt to 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.

• Top chef reveals the two supermarkets that do great meat and fish - and shares most underrated store cupboard ingredient

  Every month we interview top chefs from around the UK, hearing about their cheap food hacks, views on the industry and more.​​​​​​​ This time, we speak to multiple Michelin-starred chef Kenny Atkinson, chef-owner at Solstice and House of Tides in Newcastle and Solaya in London.

• 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.

• More from Business

Rochdale Council Leaders Column

No stories to show.

• More from Rochdale Council Leaders Column
• Feed

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.  

• More from Rochdale Council Mayors Column
• Feed