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

• Rochdale students win national award for online safety film

  Students from Skills 4 All in Rochdale have won second place in the secondary category of the 2026 Childnet Film Competition with a film exploring the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

• Potting Shed returns to The Rock for summer holiday family activities

  The Potting Shed will return to The Rock shopping centre in Bury for five weeks of free gardening themed family activities during the summer holidays.

• Twelve Rochdale borough parks retain Green Flag awards

  Twelve parks and green spaces across Rochdale borough have retained Green Flag Award status, recognising the quality of their management and maintenance. The awards come as the Green Flag scheme marks its 30th anniversary.

• Bury didn't cut the shortlist for UK Town of Culture

  Bury has not been shortlisted for the UK’s first Town of Culture competition after submitting its bid earlier this year.

• Tottington High School students raise £1,000 for bereavement charity

  Two Tottington High School students have raised £1,000 for Millie’s Time, a charity supporting bereaved parents that was founded by a member of staff in memory of her daughter.

• Bury technology firm Avoira shortlisted for two Greater Manchester business awards

  Bury based technology company Avoira has been shortlisted in two categories at the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce Excellence Awards as it marks its 50th anniversary.

• Rochdale Sea Cadets finish second in national Gibraltar Cup competition

  Rochdale Sea Cadets have been named the second best Sea Cadet detachment in the country after finishing runners up in the Gibraltar Cup at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstone, Devon. The unit also won the Best Team Medic Award during the national competition.

• 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.

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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.

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Lifestyle

• Potting Shed returns to The Rock for summer holiday family activities

  The Potting Shed will return to The Rock shopping centre in Bury for five weeks of free gardening themed family activities during the summer holidays.

• Twelve Rochdale borough parks retain Green Flag awards

  Twelve parks and green spaces across Rochdale borough have retained Green Flag Award status, recognising the quality of their management and maintenance. The awards come as the Green Flag scheme marks its 30th anniversary.

• 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.

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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

• Rochdale students win national award for online safety film

  Students from Skills 4 All in Rochdale have won second place in the secondary category of the 2026 Childnet Film Competition with a film exploring the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

• 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.

• 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

• Eight men accused of being part of grooming gang charged over rape and child sexual abuse

  Eight men have been charged with rape and child sexual abuse offences as part of an alleged grooming gang operating in South Wales, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

• Fraudster who stole £300k from pensioner and spent it on Botox and lavish meals arrested in Tenerife

  A "shameless" fraudster who stole £300,000 from a vulnerable pensioner has been arrested after Sky News tracked her down to Tenerife.

• Revealed: Steel rescue deal costs surpass £600m | Mark Kleinman blog

• Asylum seekers given lengthy prison sentences for rape of woman on Brighton beach

  Two asylum seekers have been given lengthy prison sentences for repeatedly raping a woman on Brighton beach, while a third who filmed the attack has also been jailed.

• England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with brain condition caused by repeatedly heading football

  England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a brain condition caused by repeatedly heading a football, a coroner ruled.

• Boy, 14, charged with terror offence over 'plot to target mosques' in south London

  A 14-year-old boy has been charged with terrorism over an alleged plot to target two London mosques.

• Man arrested over social media post threatening to shoot Nigel Farage

• From 5 August, thousands of single-sex toilets will need to change to be birth sex only

  As many as 13,000 toilets and thousands of changing-rooms across the UK will need to be changed when new guidance on single-sex spaces comes into force next month. 

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Entertainment

• Scott Mills was BBC's highest earner before his sacking, new figures reveal

  Former Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills was the BBC's highest earner until he was sacked in March, latest figures reveal.

• '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.

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Sport

• France 0-2 Spain: French media reacts to disappointing World Cup semi-final loss - including scathing L'Equipe player ratings

  The French media delivered a frank assessment of the national team on Wednesday morning after their World Cup semi-final exit to Spain.

• Conor Benn vs Ryan Garcia: WBC welterweight title fight announced in Las Vegas on September 12

  Conor Benn will challenge Ryan Garcia for the WBC welterweight title in Las Vegas on September 12.

• India vs England: Shubman Gill makes majestic 80 to propel India to series-opening six-wicket ODI victory at Edgbaston

  Shubman Gill made an imperious 80 off 75 balls before retiring injured to propel India to a six-wicket victory over England in the one-day international series opener at Edgbaston.

• World Cup ODI and T20 cricket format changes revealed by ICC including 12-team main group phase for 2027

  The ICC has announced revamped structures for its two men's World Cup tournaments, including the creation of new 'Super Series' and 'Super 7' rounds at next year's 50-over tournament.

• Nobby Stiles: Former Man Utd midfielder and England World Cup winner's death linked to heading footballs, coroner rules

  England 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a brain condition caused by repeatedly heading a football, a coroner has ruled.

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Strange

• Gus the $50m T-rex breaks dinosaur fossil sale record at New York auction

  A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton has become the most expensive dinosaur fossil sold at auction after an unidentified buyer paid more than $50m (£37.3m) for it.

• 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. 

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Videos

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

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

• 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.

• Asylum seekers given lengthy prison sentences for rape of woman on Brighton beach

  Two asylum seekers have been given lengthy prison sentences for repeatedly raping a woman on Brighton beach, while a third who filmed the attack has also been jailed.

• Labour MPs form new squad to ensure Burnham keeps key pledge

  Labour MPs are demanding Andy Burnham sets a target of creating one million jobs in production over the next decade as part of a reindustrialisation strategy.

• Thames Water boss sees Burnham 'risk' as customer complaints surge 101%

  Thames Water has warned funding is due to dry up by November and further money will be dependent on the views of incoming PM Andy Burnham, as its major lenders seek to shore up its financial future.

• 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.

• UK working to ban goods and services exports to and imports from Israeli settlements

  The UK government is working on a ban on imports and exports to illegal Israeli settlements, the trade minister confirmed on Wednesday morning.

• Seven Britons among 13 dead after wildfires in Spain

  Two more British nationals are confirmed dead after wildfires in southern Spain.

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Politics

• Labour MPs form new squad to ensure Burnham keeps key pledge

  Labour MPs are demanding Andy Burnham sets a target of creating one million jobs in production over the next decade as part of a reindustrialisation strategy.

• Revealed: Steel rescue deal costs surpass £600m | Mark Kleinman blog

• UK working to ban goods and services exports to and imports from Israeli settlements

  The UK government is working on a ban on imports and exports to illegal Israeli settlements, the trade minister confirmed on Wednesday morning.

• Nicola Sturgeon's statement to police on SNP finances will not be released, says lawyer

  The written statement Scotland's former first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, gave to police investigating the SNP’s finances will not be released, her lawyer has said.

• Police Scotland probing comments made by University of Aberdeen employee who hoped Ann Widdecombe had 'extremely painful death'

  Police Scotland is carrying out "additional enquiries" after a university employee posted online that they hoped Ann Widdecombe suffered "an extremely painful death".

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Technology

• Gus the $50m T-rex breaks dinosaur fossil sale record at New York auction

  A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton has become the most expensive dinosaur fossil sold at auction after an unidentified buyer paid more than $50m (£37.3m) for it.

• Blood test for Alzheimer's rolled out as part of 'landmark' study

  A blood test which could detect early signs of Alzheimer's is being rolled out to patients via their GP as part of a "landmark" study.

• 'Unprecedented' climate change facing UK - with extreme temperatures here to stay

  The UK is experiencing a period of "historic and unprecedented change" to its climate, and extreme conditions that have caused recent heatwaves are here to stay, says a new report.

• UK teenagers to face social media curfew and no infinite scrolling - but can switch it off

  Sixteen and 17-year-olds will face an overnight social media curfew and the disabling of addictive features under government plans – but critics say it won't achieve anything as the settings can be turned off.

• What is a 'firewave'? And when will the risks from blazes during this heatwave end?

  At least 19 wildfires are burning across the UK as a third heatwave in as many months continues - causing a phenomonon experts have previously called a "firewave".

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World

• Ebola outbreak in Congo passes 2,000 cases and 750 deaths

  The number of confirmed cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached 2,011, with 754 deaths, according to government data.

• Gus the $50m T-rex breaks dinosaur fossil sale record at New York auction

  A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton has become the most expensive dinosaur fossil sold at auction after an unidentified buyer paid more than $50m (£37.3m) for it.

• UK working to ban goods and services exports to and imports from Israeli settlements

  The UK government is working on a ban on imports and exports to illegal Israeli settlements, the trade minister confirmed on Wednesday morning.

• Gibraltar ushers in new era as British territory's border fence with Spain removed

  Spain and Gibraltar are celebrating the removal of a border checkpoint following a historic treaty between the EU and the UK.

• Family of girl injured in Dublin mass-stabbing that sparked riots welcome baby boy

  The parents of a seven-year-old girl who was severely injured in the 2023 Parnell Square attack in Dublin have spoken of their joy after welcoming a baby into their family. 

• 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.

• British man jailed with wife in Iran given additional sentence, family says

  A British man jailed in Iran along with his wife has been handed an additional two-year prison sentence, according to the couple's family. 

• Seven Britons among 13 dead after wildfires in Spain

  Two more British nationals are confirmed dead after wildfires in southern Spain.

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Business

• Revealed: Steel rescue deal costs surpass £600m | Mark Kleinman blog

• Thames Water boss sees Burnham 'risk' as customer complaints surge 101%

  Thames Water has warned funding is due to dry up by November and further money will be dependent on the views of incoming PM Andy Burnham, as its major lenders seek to shore up its financial future.

• UK working to ban goods and services exports to and imports from Israeli settlements

  The UK government is working on a ban on imports and exports to illegal Israeli settlements, the trade minister confirmed on Wednesday morning.

• South East Water facing £30.5m penalty for multiple failures

  Troubled South East Water (SEW) is facing a £30.5m redress package for multiple customer service failures, the industry watchdog has announced.

• 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.

• US returns $81bn after Trump tariffs ruled illegal

  The US has returned tens of billions of dollars raised through tariffs after they were ruled illegal by the Supreme Court.

• 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.

• 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.

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Rochdale Council Leaders Column

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