Local News

A Heywood takeaway has been ordered to make urgent improvements after receiving the lowest possible food hygiene rating during its most recent inspection.

New powers given to local councils to crack down on ‘dangerous’ pavement parking come as a ‘relief’ to Greater Manchester campaigners and the partially sighted.

Andy Burnham “100 per cent” stands by his handling of the grooming gang scandal since becoming mayor, and has accused critics of “trying to pull everyone apart”.

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Shop owners at the Longfield Centre in Prestwich have been told to leave their premises by April, as the council gears up to bulldoze the precinct for a £100m pound regeneration project.

A concerned mum feels her child is in danger crossing a major road junction without a lollipop lady. Woodland Community Primary School in Heywood has been without a crossing guard since their previous lollipop lady retired almost a year ago.

Households taking out new mortgages in Heywood and Middleton North are seeing lower costs, as typical interest rates have dropped below 4% for the first time in more than two years.

Norden has secured a prestigious Gold award for the fifth consecutive year in the RHS North West In Bloom 2025, celebrating the sustained efforts of its volunteers, businesses and local community.

Hundreds of new affordable homes are planned for Oldham after First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) agreed a £110 million funding deal with Santander UK.

Rochdale’s Masters Rugby League team is calling on new and returning players aged 35 and over to get involved as it gears up for pre-season training this January.

A major new photography exhibition marking the 25th anniversary of NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo is set to open at Number One Riverside in Rochdale town centre.

Residents in Rochdale can now borrow ukuleles for free as part of a musical wellbeing initiative launched at Langley Library.

Rochdale Borough Council has confirmed that chief executive James Binks has resigned from his role, bringing to an end weeks of speculation following his suspension.

Work to replace the pitch at Rochdale AFC’s Crown Oil Arena is ahead of schedule, according to Managing Director Andy Duff.

A lifelong music lover and Roch Valley Radio presenter has captured the hearts of millions online after a candid video of him dancing in his record room went viral.

People across Greater Manchester are being advised to check travel plans and allow extra time as Storm Goretti is forecast to hit the region this evening, bringing snow and the risk of widespread disruption.

A teenager fined by Metrolink despite paying in full for his journey has been refunded after the Local Democracy Reporting Service’s intervention.

Senior councillors are due to meet next week to consider the next stage of an investigation linked to the suspension of Rochdale Council’s chief executive in December.

Anne Ferguson was killed while crossing the street near her home in Whitworth on July 11, 2023. The man who was driving the van that struck her was 75-year-old Vernon Law – and he had such poor vision that he failed to read the top line of an eye test chart.

A long standing butchery business with roots dating back to 1935 has closed with immediate effect, blaming sustained economic pressure and steep increases in beef prices.

A huge energy storage project in Rochdale has hit a new milestone. An infrastructure agreement has been made between the National Grid and battery energy storage (BESS) operator Root-Power.

Closures at Big Lamp Roundabout

Kingsway Park High School will be closed to all students and staff on Wednesday 7 January 2026 due to issues with the heating and building management system.

Pets, farm animals and wildlife across Rochdale are set to benefit from sweeping new animal welfare reforms backed by the town’s MP, Paul Waugh.

A busy main road in Bury town centre will be shut for five months from today Monday, January 5, as part of a £6m active travel overhaul. Market Street will be closed to traffic until June 26 as the council carries out works to introduce new cycle lanes and crossing signals.

Police in Greater Manchester say they are now acting faster and more effectively to protect vulnerable children following past failures, with one recent hotel incident showing how joined-up safeguarding is making a difference.

Police have confirmed the arrest of a man following a serious crash at a bus stop in Wardle that left two people in hospital with fractured limbs.

Police are dealing with an incident at the Norton Grange Hotel and Spa in Castleton this morning, with part of the site sealed off and a visible emergency presence on Manchester Road.

Greater Manchester is expecting disruption this morning as snowfall and freezing temperatures combine with the first major commuter and school run of 2026.

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

Emergency services closed Wardle Road in Rochdale following an ongoing incident this afternoon. 4 January, causing disruption for drivers in the area.

A woman has been taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after falling from a bridge onto the M66 motorway in Bury. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday 3 January.

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

A severe weather warning is now in place for all parts of Greater Manchester, as the Met Office updates its forecast to include the entire region in its snow and ice alert.

Three members of Greater Manchester Police staff, including two sergeants and a custody officer, were injured on New Year’s Day while processing a suspect at Manchester Airport.

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 23-year-old Joe Burton, who died following a fatal incident in Bury on New Year’s Eve.

A man has been charged with murder after a 24-year-old was found dead in Bury on New Year's Eve.

Firefighters spent over three hours at the scene of a commercial building fire on Rooley Moor Road in Rochdale on Thursday evening.

A man has been arrested following a violent incident in Middleton that left three people seriously injured in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

A man in his 20s has died following a stabbing at a residential address in Bury on New Year’s Eve. Two people have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Residents and businesses across Rochdale and Greater Manchester are being urged to protect their water pipes as temperatures are forecast to plunge this weekend, raising the risk of bursts and flooding.

Bolton Mountain Rescue Team has announced the death of veteran volunteer Geoff Seddon, saying the team is devastated following what it described as a short but brutal battle with cancer.

Three floors of an iconic building at the heart of Bury’s nightlife ‘strip’ could be turned into flats. Developers plan to renovate the upper levels of the former Silver Chambers at 8 to 12 Silver Street into nine apartments.

A new community walking initiative called Mayfield Movers is set to launch in 2026, with the goal of improving physical health, reducing isolation, and strengthening community ties across the borough.

After five years in Westminster, Liz McInnes is finding joy in getting stuck into her role as a local councillor.

When Rochdale Online closed its doors earlier this year, Roch Valley Radio stepped up to ensure the stories from the boroughs we serve didn’t go untold.

The Principal and Chief Executive Officer of Hopwood Hall College has been named in the King’s New Year Honours List, recognising her long-standing contribution to education in Rochdale and across Greater Manchester.

Veteran football broadcaster Clive Tyldesley, who grew up in Radcliffe, has been awarded an OBE for services to broadcasting and charity in the King’s New Year Honours List 2026.

Rochdale-born footballer Keira Walsh has been named in the King’s New Year Honours list, receiving an MBE for her services to the sport.

A long serving mountain rescue volunteer from Bury has been recognised in the New Year Honours for more than fifty years of lifesaving work across Cumbria and the Lake District.

The Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester has been recognised in the New Year Honours for his role in delivering major changes to public transport across the city region.

A senior Greater Manchester Police detective is to be recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for his work supporting victims and bereaved families following major incidents and complex deaths.

A fire service specialist from Chadderton has been recognised in the New Year Honours for his work supporting burn victims and developing a pioneering programme to prevent deliberate fire setting.

A paedophile from Bolton who died in custody was “wrongly” handcuffed despite being unable to walk unaided, a prison watchdog has found.

A man has died after suffering a suspected heart attack at a bus stop in Prestwich, prompting a police and ambulance response in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A man has died after suffering a suspected heart attack at a bus stop in Prestwich, prompting a police and ambulance response in the early hours of Sunday morning.

More than 1.6 million people took part in Your Trust’s community programmes last year, marking a record high for the Rochdale-based charity.

Greater Manchester Police has reported a drop of 10,000 crimes in the past year, alongside a sharp rise in solved cases, as the force sets its sights on delivering a safer 2026.

One of Britain’s most iconic steam locomotives is making a highly anticipated return to the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) next summer, with the Flying Scotsman confirmed for a special run of events in June 2026.

Residents across Rochdale can now register for Springhill Hospice’s annual Christmas tree collection service, running between 9 and 12 January 2026.

Teletubbies, blind mice, and Top Gun pilots brought festive chaos to the streets of Edgworth on Sunday as the village’s annual charity three-legged race returned, raising thousands for Cancer Research UK.

More than 350 people were welcomed to St Andrew’s Church in Rochdale on Christmas Day for the 10th Annual Meal organised by the Army of Kindness.

‘Build, baby, build’ is the mantra Rochdale is destined to follow in 2026, with bricks and mortar set to be in hot demand due to the sheer scale of development. Housebuilding is set to dominate the calendar across all Rochdalian towns, with a plethora of residential developments getting the go ahead in 2025.

Over the course of 2026 hundreds of residents living in the iconic Seven Sisters tower blocks in Rochdale are expected to move out.

Supporters gathered in their hundreds in Pleasington on Boxing Day for the historic Holcombe Hunt, as debate over the future legality of trail hunting continues.

Prestwich has long been considered a pretty desirable place to live.

Dozens of volunteers gave up their Christmas Day to serve hot meals and friendly company at Bury Parish Church Hall, as part of a long-running effort to support people in need over the festive period.

A couple whose ‘extraordinary commitment’ to being foster carers has transformed dozens of children’s lives are to be awarded Bury’s highest honour. Keith and Helen Atkinson, from Walmersley, are to be given the ‘freedom of the borough’ in early 2026 after looking after 31 children, mainly teenagers, since 1994.

A ‘mindless attack’ has left a community centre in Oldham with more than £10,000 of damage just before Christmas. Holts Community Centre, on Near Birches Parade in the Holts housing estate, was last week targeted by vandals.

Just over 18 months ago, the future of Rochdale AFC looked bleak, with the club facing an uncertain existence after years of instability both on and off the pitch.

Residents are being reminded that bin collections will follow a revised schedule over Christmas and New Year, with garden waste services paused and most other collection days temporarily moved.

A ten year old pupil from a Middleton primary special school has seen her festive artwork turned into an official Christmas card used by the borough council.

Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and its youth section Heykids have been recognised with a total of 19 nominations at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association District 7 awards.

Greater Manchester Police made 671 arrests across the force area during the Festive Friday weekend, marking an increase of almost 15 percent compared with the same period last year.

SPORTING superstars who are excelling in cricket and gymnastics have had their photographs added to their school’s Hall of Fame.

A new post box allowing residents to leave letters and cards for people who have died has been installed at Bury Cemetery, following requests from members of the local community.

Eight cyclists dressed as Santas have raised more than £700 for Petrus after completing a 19 mile fundraising ride around Rochdale.

A Rochdale based community charity has marked the end of the year by delivering Christmas hampers to residents in supported housing, continuing its weekly work supporting people facing hardship.

Three men have been convicted following a major counter terrorism investigation into a planned antisemitic attack targeting Jewish communities in Greater Manchester.

Hundreds gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate local success stories at the 12th annual Rochdale Business Awards.

Workers at a Rochdale manufacturing site will walk out again in January after union leaders accused management of unfair dismissal, unlawful strike-breaking, and refusing to negotiate.

A major upgrade to Peine Square in Heywood town centre has been completed, delivering new performance spaces, greenery and public seating as part of a £1 million investment.

Two members of staff from a Rochdale-based social care provider have received national recognition for their work enriching the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism.

A £4.5 million scheme to improve water quality in Castleton has begun, with United Utilities aiming to reduce pollution in Trub Brook and the River Irk.

Rochdale will host a major public art installation this winter, as the town’s streets become the stage for a free, after-dark audio-visual experience led by local voices.

The UK economy is at a ‘delicate crossroads’ as 2025 draws to a close, according to Steven Mason, a senior insolvency practitioner at Inquesta.

A report has raised fresh concerns about safety, staffing and deteriorating facilities at HMP Buckley Hall, a category C men’s prison near Rochdale.

A festive card featuring the Grinch has been pulled from Sainsbury’s stores after concerns it mocked transgender identities.

Live updates during the evening as we embed with GMFRS for a behind-the-scenes look at frontline fire service work during one of the busiest times of the year.

Thousands of music lovers descended on Bury during Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August 2025, for Glaston-Bury, the annual one day music festival in aid of Bury Hospice and other local causes. Since it began in 2008, the event has raised over £300,000 and has become one of the town’s biggest highlights of the year.

Thousands packed into Heywood for the town's annual 1940s Day on Saturday 21 June, transforming the area into a tribute to wartime Britain.

Day One at Parklife 2025 is done, and what a day it was. Over 50,000 people packed into Heaton Park for a massive Saturday, with sets from FLO, Rudimental and a huge headline performance by 50 Cent.

Tens of thousands of music fans are pouring into Parklife, as the day one of the festival gets underway.

The sister of murdered soldier Lee Rigby is preparing to run two major fundraising events this autumn, twelve years after his death at the hands of extremists.

The following statement is attributable to Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry:

Bury Business Improvement District have begun hosting the Knife Angel in partnership with Bury Council and GMP and several organisations and partners.

An old empty mill is to be transformed into much-needed housing for people with mental health issues.

The National Poppy Appeal has been launched in Bury today (Thursday 26 October) as we remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives and livelihoods during past and current conflicts.

On Tuesday 19 September 2023, Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a burglary on Brandlesholme Road, Bury.

Asian Community Radio Station in Moorgate, Bury Sparks Controversy with Anti-LGBT Education Signs

The charitable organisation known as the LGBTQI+ Forum in Bury, has issued a statement.

On Tuesday 29 August 2023 at around 11:55pm, officers were called to reports of a man who had been attacked with a knife on Haworth Walk in Radcliffe, Bury.

Housing association Onward Homes and construction firm John Southworth will be working in partnership on a new development of 30 affordable homes in Whitefield, Bury.