News

Featured

• Famous Toad Lane Pioneers Museum at risk of closure without urgent funding

  The trust responsible for Rochdale Pioneers Museum has warned the birthplace of the modern co operative movement could close within two years unless a long term funding solution is found.

• Nominations now open for the Roch Valley Radio Community Hero Awards 2026 to honour local legends

  Roch Valley Radio has officially opened this year's nominations for our Community Heroes Awards, celebrating the everyday people, groups and organisations going above and beyond to make Rochdale and Bury a better place to live.

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Local News

• Reform UK launches Greater Manchester mayoral manifesto with tax, policing and transport pledges

  Reform UK has launched its manifesto for the Greater Manchester mayoral election, setting out proposals on policing, transport, housing, migration and council tax.

• Car flips onto roof after alleged dangerous driving in Littleborough as police make arrest

  Police are appealing for witnesses after reports of dangerous driving in Littleborough that left two pedestrians with minor injuries.

• Woman dies after driving wrong way on M62 police believe

  A woman in her 50s has died following a collision on the M62 near Rochdale after police believe the car she was driving was travelling in the wrong direction.

• Dovestone moor fire sends smoke across Saddleworth as firefighters battle blaze

  Firefighters remain at the scene of a moorland fire near Dovestone Reservoir after large plumes of smoke were seen rising above Saddleworth on Saturday evening.

• Heywood HMO protest moved from Memorial Gardens to Civic Centre after backlash

  Another protest against plans for a house in multiple occupation next to a primary school in Heywood has been moved from the town’s Memorial Gardens to the Civic Centre following concerns raised by local residents, Rochdale Council and the Heywood Veterans’ Association.

• Hundreds celebrate community and culture at third annual Dumpling Day in Rochdale

  Hundreds of people gathered at the Ukrainian Centre in Rochdale for the third annual Dumpling Day, a free community event celebrating the borough’s diverse cultures ahead of Refugee Week. The event was organised by Touchstones, part of Your Trust, and brought together people of all ages through food, music and creative activities.

• Rochdale Mayfield secures more than £10,000 to improve community facilities

  Rochdale Mayfield has secured more than £10,000 in funding to invest in its facilities and expand its community activities. The money has been awarded through Rochdale Borough Council’s Township Fund and The Football Foundation.

• Rochdale’s Ian Murgatroyd selected to represent England Masters Rugby League

  Rochdale rugby player Ian Murgatroyd has been selected to represent England in Masters Rugby League. He is due to play against Scotland in Edinburgh this October after earning international recognition for his long standing commitment to the sport.

• Paul Waugh says climate emergency demands urgent action to protect Rochdale

  Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has urged continued action on climate change after raising the issue with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband during questions in the House of Commons. He said communities including Rochdale are already experiencing the effects of more frequent extreme weather.

• Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary chosen as The Rock charity partner for second year

  Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary has been named The Rock Shopping Centre’s charity partner for the second consecutive year after receiving the most support in a public vote.

• Greens unveil Greater Manchester manifesto with affordable homes and free bus travel pledge

  The Green Party has launched its manifesto for Greater Manchester, setting out plans including 20,000 genuinely affordable homes, free bus travel for under 22 year olds and investment in town centres if its mayoral candidate Geraldine Coggins is elected.

• New fire station plans for Heywood move forward

  A new temporary fire station is planned for Heywood while the existing site is rebuilt.

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Local Sports

• Milnrow CC secured a three wicket victory over Droylsden CC after chasing down a revised target of 139 in 33.5 overs.

  After winning the toss and choosing to field, Milnrow restricted Droylsden to 134 for seven from their allotted 34 overs before reaching 141 for seven with one ball remaining.

• Thornham posted 221 for eight from 48 overs after Westleigh won the toss and chose to field.

  Westleigh were set a revised target of 231 from 48 overs but were bowled out for 87 in 29.4 overs.

• Rochdale Mayfield secures more than £10,000 to improve community facilities

  Rochdale Mayfield has secured more than £10,000 in funding to invest in its facilities and expand its community activities. The money has been awarded through Rochdale Borough Council’s Township Fund and The Football Foundation.

• Rochdale’s Ian Murgatroyd selected to represent England Masters Rugby League

  Rochdale rugby player Ian Murgatroyd has been selected to represent England in Masters Rugby League. He is due to play against Scotland in Edinburgh this October after earning international recognition for his long standing commitment to the sport.

• Police announce drink and drug driving checks after England match

  Greater Manchester Police has warned football supporters not to get behind the wheel if they could still be over the drink drive limit following England's match.

• Rochdale Masters complete first international rugby league tour in Perpignan

  Rochdale Masters has marked a major milestone after completing its first international tour with a visit to Perpignan in southern France.

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Lifestyle

• Hundreds celebrate community and culture at third annual Dumpling Day in Rochdale

  Hundreds of people gathered at the Ukrainian Centre in Rochdale for the third annual Dumpling Day, a free community event celebrating the borough’s diverse cultures ahead of Refugee Week. The event was organised by Touchstones, part of Your Trust, and brought together people of all ages through food, music and creative activities.

• Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary chosen as The Rock charity partner for second year

  Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary has been named The Rock Shopping Centre’s charity partner for the second consecutive year after receiving the most support in a public vote.

• Health experts share fan safety advice as heatwave continues across the UK

  With temperatures remaining high across much of the UK, health and safety experts are urging people to use electric fans safely to reduce the risk of overheating and electrical faults.

• College Bank relocation programme reaches 100 home offer milestone

  Rochdale Boroughwide Housing has reached a major milestone in its College Bank relocation programme after the 100th customer accepted an offer of a new home.

• Gabrielle to headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival with Ash and Starsailor

  Two time BRIT Award winner Gabrielle will headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival when it returns on Saturday 8 August 2026, joined by Ash, Starsailor and a line up of established and emerging acts.

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Greater Manchester

• Reform UK launches Greater Manchester mayoral manifesto with tax, policing and transport pledges

  Reform UK has launched its manifesto for the Greater Manchester mayoral election, setting out proposals on policing, transport, housing, migration and council tax.

• Housebuilder raises more than £21000 for hospital charity after Three Peaks Challenge

  Fourteen employees from Barratt Homes have raised £21820 for Manchester Foundation Trust Charity after completing the National Three Peaks Challenge in less than 24 hours.

• Bolton man, Sultani Bakatash found guilty of raping two 14 year old girls

  A Bolton man has been found guilty of raping two 14 year old girls after a trial at Bolton Crown Court.

• Joseph Holt launches £1 children’s meals and £20,000 summer charity appeal

  Joseph Holt has reduced the price of children’s meals to £1 across its pubs, including those in Bury, as part of a summer initiative to help families during the school holidays.

• Football helps foster family create a sense of belonging for children in their care

  A foster family from Heywood have shared how their love of football has helped build strong relationships and a sense of belonging for the young people they care for.

• The Green Party pledges 20,000 homes for Greater Manchester – but is it realistic?

  From the streets of Hulme, Greater Manchester’s housing problems are glaringly obvious. Standing here, the glass skyscrapers towering above the region come into view. Many of these buildings went up thanks to loans from taxpayers.

• Andy Burnham's devolution plans supported by the Leader of Devon County Council

  Andy Burnham's devolution plans move forward despite him not yet being Prime Minister as Julian Brazil, Leader of Devon County Council 'strongly supports' extended devolution to the South West county.

• Grieving mother's campaign continues as teenager sentenced following e-scooter collsion death

  A 15-year-old boy has received a youth referral order and a driving ban, after earlier pleading guilty to causing the death of a 14-year-old passenger on his e-scooter when it collided with a car.

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Local Entertainment

• Gabrielle to headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival with Ash and Starsailor

  Two time BRIT Award winner Gabrielle will headline Rochdale Feel Good Festival when it returns on Saturday 8 August 2026, joined by Ash, Starsailor and a line up of established and emerging acts.

• Prestwich Community Picnic celebrates the town’s community spirit

  The Prestwich Community Picnic is taking place today, bringing residents together for an afternoon in the park.

• Fully funded music programme launched to support Rochdale Music Artists

  A new fully funded music development programme has been launched in Rochdale to help emerging artists and aspiring sound engineers develop their skills and gain industry experience.

• Award winning Trainspotting production returns to Ramsbottom after record breaking ticket demand

  An award winning production of Trainspotting is returning to the Geoffrey Sword Studio from 12 July to 18 July after record breaking demand saw some performances sell out.

• Local Arts champion to help lead £20m regeneration of Smallbridge, Hurstead, and Belfield

  Managing director of M6 Theatre Company, Laura Rodwell, has been chosen to chair the board of a £20m initiative as part of Rochdale Borough Council's plans to boost regeneration in the local area

• Something Rotten! is a hilarious love letter to musical theatre at Manchester Opera House

  If you've ever watched one of Neil Patrick Harris's unforgettable opening performances at The Tony Awards, you'll already have a sense of what Something Rotten! has in store.

• More than 220 young musicians perform at Rochdale Music Service Summer Sizzler

  More than 220 young musicians took to the stage at Middleton Arena as part of Rochdale Music Service’s annual Summer Sizzler event.

• Cancer choir calls for new members as rehearsals resume in Bolton

  A Bolton choir for people affected by cancer is inviting new singers to join as it begins rehearsals for the new year.

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Elections

• Reform UK launches Greater Manchester mayoral manifesto with tax, policing and transport pledges

  Reform UK has launched its manifesto for the Greater Manchester mayoral election, setting out proposals on policing, transport, housing, migration and council tax.

• Greens unveil Greater Manchester manifesto with affordable homes and free bus travel pledge

  The Green Party has launched its manifesto for Greater Manchester, setting out plans including 20,000 genuinely affordable homes, free bus travel for under 22 year olds and investment in town centres if its mayoral candidate Geraldine Coggins is elected.

• The Green Party pledges 20,000 homes for Greater Manchester – but is it realistic?

  From the streets of Hulme, Greater Manchester’s housing problems are glaringly obvious. Standing here, the glass skyscrapers towering above the region come into view. Many of these buildings went up thanks to loans from taxpayers.

• Bev Craig pledges Bee Network expansion and fare freeze in Greater Manchester mayoral campaign

  Labour's candidate for Mayor of Greater Manchester, Bev Craig, has announced plans to expand the Bee Network, freeze bus fares and introduce more free public transport as part of her election campaign.

• Conservatives and Liberal Democrats announce their candidates for mayoral by-election

  The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have confirmed who will be standing for each respective party at the upcoming Greater Manchester mayoral by-election.

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UK

• Allow councils to put up council tax by as much as they want, MPs tell Burnham

  A cross-party group of MPs has told prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham he should allow councils to increase council tax by as much as they want.

• British special forces 'dropped prisoners from forklift for fun', Afghanistan Inquiry hears

  British troops dropped Afghan prisoners from a forklift "for fun", and a soldier who raised concerns about the killing of three farmers in a raid by special forces was called a "Taliban-loving apologist", an inquiry has heard.

• Burnham's 'challenge' as pledge to halve schools disadvantage gap gets tougher

  The persistent disadvantage gap in schools will be an "early challenge" for the next prime minister, researchers are warning.

• World-class UK medical research not delivering enough benefits for British people

  World-leading medical research in the UK is not yet delivering better health outcomes for enough people in the country, according to a new report.

• Fifth British national identified as victim of wildfire in Spain

  A fifth British national has been identified as a victim of a wildfire in southern Spain in which killed more than a dozen people.

• Dozen arrested by counter terror police over suspected threat to Islamic event

  Twelve people have been arrested over an alleged "extreme right-wing terrorism" threat to an Islamic event in Suffolk.

• Daniel Khalife had help from prisoner on the inside while on the run, court hears

  A prisoner inside Wandsworth jail helped Daniel Khalife get money while he was on the run after escaping from prison under a food delivery truck, a court has heard.

• Police launch murder investigation after three people found dead in family home in Co Antrim

  Police have launched a murder investigation after the bodies of three people were found in a family home in Ballymena, Co Antrim. 

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Entertainment

• 'One of the greats': Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has died

  Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders star Sam Neill has died aged 78.

• Ed Sheeran inspires new £12.5m music education in libraries scheme

  Ed Sheeran has inspired a new £12.5m government initiative to bring music education into libraries across England.

• The West End will not go dark this summer, as Equity reaches an agreement

  Potential theatre strikes across London's West End this summer have been averted after union members reached a proposed agreement with The Society of London Theatre (SOLT).

• US states sue to block Paramount's $110bn merger with Warner

  Twelve US states have sued to block Paramount from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery in a $110bn deal.

• Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell dies aged 39

  Antiques Roadshow star Theo Burrell has died aged 39, her family said in a statement.

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Sport

• Youri Tielemans: Manchester United in talks to sign Aston Villa and Belgium midfielder

  Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for a fee in the region of £36m.

• England vs India, Lord's Test player ratings: Sophie Ecclestone makes history as Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight retire from international cricket

  England suffered a 270-run defeat to India in the first women's Test match to be played at Lord's - here's how the players rated...

• The Open 2026 tee times: Rory McIlroy given late start to opening round at Royal Birkdale as R1 groupings revealed

  Rory McIlroy has been grouped alongside Xander Schauffele and Matt Fitzpatrick for the first two rounds of The 154th Open, with Scottie Scheffler on the opposite side of the draw at Royal Birkdale.

• World Cup 2026: Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel's 'battle of wills' is healthy for England

  Passionate, driven, uncompromising. Those are terms that can be equally applied to both Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham.

• France vs Spain: World Cup semi-final preview - Lamine Yamal and Rodri hold keys to stopping Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus storming to final

  And so there were four. As it happens, the four still standing at this World Cup are the same quartet who sit atop FIFA's international food chain. A semi-final line-up for the ages. Aren't we lucky?

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Strange

• Man breaks Guinness world record for loudest ever shout

  An Australian man has broken the world record for the loudest-ever shout.

• Wild black bear captured in Japan after multi-day hunt through major city

  Japanese authorities have captured a bear following a multi-day search that saw nearly 100 schools close.

• Viral 'Donald Trump' buffalo spared from Eid sacrifice in Bangladesh

  A viral buffalo nicknamed "Donald Trump" for its blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention.

• Cheese-rolling legend beaten by German YouTuber

  The Gloucestershire cheese rolling contest's most successful ever competitor has been beaten by a German YouTuber. 

• The Wargame - episode two: Armed Attack

  👉 Click here to listen to The Wargame on your podcast app 👈

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Videos

• More than 2,700 deaths linked to May and June heatwaves, study suggests

  More than 2,700 people in England and Wales died from heat-related causes during May and June's record hot spells, experts estimate.

• Allow councils to put up council tax by as much as they want, MPs tell Burnham

  A cross-party group of MPs has told prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham he should allow councils to increase council tax by as much as they want.

• Fifth British national identified as victim of wildfire in Spain

  A fifth British national has been identified as a victim of a wildfire in southern Spain in which killed more than a dozen people.

• 'One of the greats': Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has died

  Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders star Sam Neill has died aged 78.

• Energy costs rise and stocks fall sharply as US-Iran peace is shattered

  There has been a marked increase in global energy prices amid fears of a prolonged resumption to hostilities between the US and Iran.

• Financial stability at risk from artificial intelligence - Bank of England says

  The UK financial system is at increased risk from artificial intelligence (AI), the Bank of England has said.

• NESO issues rare summertime plea for more power as temperatures to soar

  For only the third time in its history, the British electricity system operator has warned of tight supplies in the summer months.

• Wild black bear captured in Japan after multi-day hunt through major city

  Japanese authorities have captured a bear following a multi-day search that saw nearly 100 schools close.

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Politics

• Allow councils to put up council tax by as much as they want, MPs tell Burnham

  A cross-party group of MPs has told prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham he should allow councils to increase council tax by as much as they want.

• Burnham's 'challenge' as pledge to halve schools disadvantage gap gets tougher

  The persistent disadvantage gap in schools will be an "early challenge" for the next prime minister, researchers are warning.

• What does Starmer's last week look like?

  👉Listen to Politics At Sam And Anne's on your podcast app👈

• Home secretary to change law to allow her to deport grooming gang leader but warns 'no guarantee'

• Ex-Foreign Office boss launches legal challenge after being fired by Starmer

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Technology

• World-class UK medical research not delivering enough benefits for British people

  World-leading medical research in the UK is not yet delivering better health outcomes for enough people in the country, according to a new report.

• More than 2,700 deaths linked to May and June heatwaves, study suggests

  More than 2,700 people in England and Wales died from heat-related causes during May and June's record hot spells, experts estimate.

• Europe's first total solar eclipse in almost 30 years: What you need to know

  Day will briefly turn into night for parts of Europe next month as the continent experiences its first solar eclipse in nearly three decades.

• 'It's time to do a test': Bowel cancer screening for people in their 50s critically low, NHS warns

  The number of Britons in their 50s who take part in bowel cancer screening remains critically low, the NHS has warned.

• Vape flavours and packaging that are 'attractive' to children could be banned under reforms

  Vapes will be sold in plain packaging, and enticing flavour descriptions will be banned under a proposal to stop e-cigarettes being marketed to children.

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World

• World Cup: Ex-Spanish PM under fire for saying France has 'no French players'

  A former Spanish prime minister has come under fire for saying France's World Cup team had "no French players".

• Senators demand Pentagon reveals outcome of Minab school strike probe

  Senators have demanded the US military urgently reveals the findings of its probe into a deadly missile strike on an Iranian school.

• Fifth British national identified as victim of wildfire in Spain

  A fifth British national has been identified as a victim of a wildfire in southern Spain in which killed more than a dozen people.

• Wildfire of 'exceptional scale' breaks out in forest near Paris

  A wildfire of "exceptional scale" has broken out in a forest near Paris, as the country battles it third heatwave of the summer.

• 'One of the greats': Jurassic Park star Sam Neill has died

  Jurassic Park and Peaky Blinders star Sam Neill has died aged 78.

• Man wanted in UK over murder of wife and two children appears in South African court - as cause of death revealed

  A man suspected of murdering his wife and two children in the UK has appeared in court in South Africa, as their causes of death have been revealed.

• UK proscribes Iran's IRGC after 'threats to life' on British soil

• Alleged hackers linked to Russia facing UK and EU sanctions

  Alleged hackers linked to Russia have been jointly sanctioned by the UK and EU.

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Business

• Spire chair Cheshire quits as £1bn takeover looms | Mark Kleinman blog

• US states sue to block Paramount's $110bn merger with Warner

  Twelve US states have sued to block Paramount from acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery in a $110bn deal.

• Rival bid to take over easyJet beats previous offer

  A rival bid for budget airline easyJet has been accepted by the company, beating a previous offer that had only been approved by the carrier on Monday.

• NESO issues rare summertime plea for more power as temperatures to soar

  For only the third time in its history, the British electricity system operator has warned of tight supplies in the summer months.

• Disability benefits 'not fit for purpose' and assessments 'dehumanising', new report finds

  Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are "not fit for purpose" and can create barriers to work, while the assessment process can be "dehumanising", a new report found.

• Energy costs rise and stocks fall sharply as US-Iran peace is shattered

  There has been a marked increase in global energy prices amid fears of a prolonged resumption to hostilities between the US and Iran.

• The cheapest - and most expensive - fuel brands

  Fears of a fuel spike have reignited after the resumption of hostilities in the Middle East.

• Financial stability at risk from artificial intelligence - Bank of England says

  The UK financial system is at increased risk from artificial intelligence (AI), the Bank of England has said.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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Rochdale Council Mayors Column

• Mayor Faisal Rana shares the personal reasons behind his five chosen charities

  It has been a few weeks since I had the great honour of becoming Mayor of Rochdale. It is a huge privilege to serve the community, along with my wife, Mayoress of Rochdale Iram Faisal.

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