Local News
Got a news story? email us: newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com
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Man pleads guilty to sending ‘online threat’ to ex-Rochdale MP
A man has pleaded guilty to sending an ‘online threat’ to Simon Danczuk a former MP for Rochdale.
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Changes to council services for Christmas and New Year
Changes to opening times over the Christmas and New Year holidays mean most non-critical Rochdale Borough Council services will not be available from 4pm on Wednesday 24 December until Friday 2 January.
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OMD to headline major music event at Rochdale Town Hall Square in 2026
Synth-pop pioneers to return to their roots with all-star line-up as part of Greater Manchester Town of Culture.
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A year of listening, learning and lifting others up
As 2025 draws to a close, I want to offer a few reflections on my first seven months as Mayor of Rochdale.
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Mosque expansion given the green light
The planned expansion of a mosque in the heart of Rochdale will go ahead.
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Local pantries save Rochdale families over £160,000 in essentials and support
Community food pantries across Rochdale are helping hundreds of residents cut their shopping bills while also offering vital emotional and financial support.
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Woman, 78, dies after being hit by van on supermarket car park
A 78-year-old woman has died following a collision with a van in a supermarket car park in Oldham.
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William Rush, Waterloo Road star and son of Debbie Rush, dies aged 31
Debbie Rush, best known for her role as Anna Windass in Coronation Street, has confirmed the death of her son William Rush at the age of 31.
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Two arrested in Middleton dawn raids targeting suspected Oldham drug network
Two men have been arrested following early morning police raids at homes and a business in Royton and Middleton as part of an investigation into a suspected organised crime group distributing class A drugs across the Oldham area.
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Julie Murphy named interim chief as councillors question 'five-week delay'
Julie Murphy’s appointment as interim chief executive of Rochdale Council has sparked internal questioning within the Rochdale Labour Group raising concerns over a reported five-week delay in escalating serious allegations linked to her department.
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Blocks of flats to be built at former care home site
Blocks of flats to be built at former care home site
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Nod to area’s past as new 90-home ‘brownfield’ estate launches show homes
A new 90-home estate on a former school site is to be named Scholar’s Park.
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Heywood town centre scheme presented to government
A revitalised town square, civic centre and newly improved shopfronts are all in store for Heywood, once a multi-million-pound scheme gets the green light. The Rochdalian town is on its way to receiving a £20m boost, with the Pride in Place plan now submitted to the government by the Heywood Town Board.
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Julie Murphy on the line up as interim chief executive at Rochdale Council
Documents seen by Roch Valley Radio confirm that Rochdale Council will be asked to approve Julie Murphy’s appointment as interim chief executive, following the suspension of James Binks.
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Charity Santa’s sleigh run hit by online abuse from ‘shameful, entitled parents’
It’s a tradition bringing smiles, joy and cheer to hundreds of families in the run up to Christmas. But the volunteers behind Radcliffe Rotary Santa Sleigh run say they have been forced to endure ‘rude or inappropriate comments about their efforts’.
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Flood alert issued for Rochdale and Bury as heavy rain continues across Greater Manchester
Residents warned to be prepared as river levels rise in wake of persistent rainfall.
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Bury FC part company with Michael Jolley days after managerial appointment following backlash
Bury Football Club has confirmed that Michael Jolley has been relieved of his duties as first team manager by mutual consent just days after taking up the role.
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A candid conversation at Roch Valley Radio with Colin Lambert on truth, trust and local media
On Saturday 6th December, I spent a couple of hours at Roch Valley Radio with Tim, Dave and Dean.
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Rochdale Scouts to represent UK at World Scout Jamboree in Poland
Eleven young people from across Rochdale have been selected to represent the borough, and the UK, at the World Scout Jamboree 2027 in Gdańsk, Poland.
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GMP cracks down on internal corruption in proactive investigation into officer misconduct
Eight officers and two staff under investigation over inappropriate contact with sex workers as Greater Manchester Police steps up efforts to root out those unfit to serve.
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Rochdale Council launches consultation on changes to Council Tax Support Scheme
Proposed changes include lowering the maximum discount from 85% to 80% and reducing the number of income bands, as the council seeks to balance its budget amidst ongoing cuts to government funding.
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Live music debuts at Theatre Royal with acclaimed Manchester act
Ramsbottom’s Theatre Royal has launched its first ever live music event, welcoming Manchester swing artist Dominic Halpin and the Honey B’s to a packed and appreciative audience.
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71 dogs and puppies rescued from suspected illegal breeders in Bury
Dozens of dogs and puppies have been rescued and rehomed following a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) investigation into suspected illegal puppy breeding and sales in Bury.
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£1m cannabis farm dismantled by GMP officers in Heywood raid
A man has been arrested after officers uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm in the centre of Heywood, with a potential street value of £1 million.
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AFC Supporters comic Poem written about Rochdale's last match called Muddy Hell!
Following a costly spell of mid-season maintenance brought on by unplayable conditions resembling a mud bath, Rochdale AFC’s pitch is now undergoing full renovation.
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Bury GPs urge parents to vaccinate children against flu ahead of Christmas
Doctors warn that unvaccinated children could endanger grandparents and vulnerable relatives during festive family gatherings
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Rochdale teenager clinches national racing title in debut car season
A teenage racing driver from Rochdale has claimed his first motorsport championship in cars, finishing a standout season by lifting the Clubman Class A title in the 2025 Supersport Endurance Cup.
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Mill complex left derelict by massive fire goes up for sale
A mill complex recently hit by a major fire has been put up for sale. A huge blaze broke out at Pioneer Mill in Radcliffe on September 27, leaving a firefighter seriously injured and several businesses in ruins.
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Ellie Roebuck completes Joseph Holt training course at pub that shares her name
A 23-year-old pub worker from Alkrington has taken the next step towards her dream of running her own pub, graduating from a pioneering training scheme at the very venue that shares her surname.
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New canopies unveiled as Bury Market revamp takes major step forward
Striking new canopy structures have been installed over the outdoor market at Bury Market, marking a key milestone in the site’s £33 million redevelopment.
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Man charged with rape of two teenage girls in Bolton
A man has been charged with multiple sexual offences against two 14-year-old girls following an incident at a flat in Bolton.
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Family-led bands raise hundreds for Uganda summer school through Drumbeat UK
THREE bands played in a charity concert and helped to raise more than £700 towards a camp for 100 children in Uganda in Summer 2026.
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Roof repairs completed at historic Hopwood Hall as £640,000 restoration project finishes
Work to secure the future of Grade II* listed Hopwood Hall in Middleton has reached a milestone with the completion of major roof repairs
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Photography exhibition marks 25 years since KFOR deployment in Kosova
An acclaimed photojournalism exhibition commemorating 25 years since the NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosova is coming to Rochdale next month.
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What grooming gang chair announcement means for Oldham as town to be at centre of investigation
Following months of delays and disagreements, the national inquiry into grooming gangs is moving forward.
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‘Iconic’ former town centre pub and club on the market for £725k
A prominent former pub and nightclub building is up for sale for £725,000.
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“I was training for an ultra-marathon and felt a groin strain – 10 days later I had terminal cancer”
It was the ‘special medal’ which lured Tony Collier to go through hell and back again.
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Bury men jailed for historic sexual abuse of five girls
Two men have been jailed for a total of 58 years for the systematic sexual abuse of five teenage girls in Bury between 1996 and 1999.
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Rochdale firm chosen for hydrogen mission to Bosch HQ in Germany
A Rochdale-based water treatment specialist is among a select group of Greater Manchester firms heading to Bosch’s hydrogen headquarters in Germany to tackle barriers to clean energy.
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Forget Me Not tree recycling service expands to Oldham and Rochdale
Families across Oldham, Rochdale and all OL postcodes can now take advantage of Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice’s Christmas tree recycling service, as the charity expands its reach for 2026.
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Vets warn festive food could be fatal for pets this Christmas
Animal charity urges caution as nearly half of UK pet owners plan gifts for their pets.
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MP condemns Rochdale firm over ‘fire and rehire’ tactics before Christmas
A Greater Manchester MP has condemned a Rochdale-based company in Parliament for trying to reduce workers’ pay just before Christmas using controversial employment tactics.
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Wheelchair-accessible ‘Pennine Queen’ boat launches at Hollingworth Lake
A new chapter in inclusive outdoor activities has begun at Hollingworth Lake with the official launch of the ‘Pennine Queen’ a fully wheelchair-accessible Wheelyboat now available for community use.
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Rochdale Mayfield canteen to become community café thanks to lottery funding
A long-standing part of Rochdale's rugby scene is getting a new lease of life, as Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC prepares to convert its old canteen into a modern community café.
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Magic, mayhem and mega laughs as Aladdin shines in Middleton
A vibrant cast delivers festive joy in this year’s pantomime at Middleton Arena.
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The big ‘Bee Network Boats’ proposal Andy Burnham’s team ‘would support’
It’s a warm May day in 2038, around 5:40pm. You’ve just finished work in MediaCity and you need to meet some friends in town by 6pm.
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Heavy delays near Prestwich and Simister Island after M60 breakdown blocks lanes
Traffic is building around Prestwich and Simister Island this morning after a vehicle broke down on the M60
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Man charged with terrorism offences following synagogue-related arrest at Manchester Airport
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Bolton Cancer Voices to host festive concert at Bolton Parish Church
A special evening of seasonal music is set to take place this weekend as Bolton Cancer Voices presents ‘Christmas With Friends’ at Bolton Parish Church.
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Rochdale Trading Standards win national award after £16 million fake goods seizure
Rochdale’s Trading Standards team has been honoured with a national award for its leading role in protecting families from counterfeit goods and illegal drugs.
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Police appeal after man in his 20s stabbed in Rochdale
Officers are appealing for information following a serious stabbing in the early hours of Saturday morning in Rochdale
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Rochdale MP hails record road funding to tackle potholes and improve journeys
A major increase in road repair funding has been welcomed by Paul Waugh MP, who says the investment will make a real difference to Rochdale’s roads after years of decline.
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Tributes paid to former Rochdale academy player Ellis Robinson following his death aged 22
Former Rochdale AFC academy player Ellis Robinson has died, nine years after suffering a life-changing spinal injury while playing football.
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Two arrested after high-speed chase following Oldham burglary
Two men have been arrested after a burglary in Oldham led to a 10-minute police pursuit reaching speeds of over 100mph.
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Wildlife Trust launches £1 Christmas appeal to restore local habitats
Lancashire Wildlife Trust has launched a festive appeal encouraging residents to donate just £1 to help protect wild spaces and struggling species across the region.
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Critical Wanted Unit wins GMP’s top award after tracking most dangerous criminals in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester Police’s elite fugitive-hunting team has been named Team of the Year at the Chief Constable’s Awards, recognising its outstanding results in locating and arresting the region’s most dangerous criminals.
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Village pub to be transformed into flats
A pub in Newhey that has seen less and less punters coming through its doors will be turned into flats.
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Timescale for emptying Seven Sisters tower blocks revealed
It will take more than a year to move everyone out of the iconic Seven Sisters tower blocks in Rochdale, it has been revealed.
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Bury FC launches search for new men’s first team manager amid club restructure
Bury Football Club is on the lookout for a new men’s first team manager following a senior restructure that sees Dave McNabb move into the role of Head of Football Operations.
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Emergency crews respond to Rochdale crash involving child and two adults
Emergency services rushed to the scene of a two-car crash on Edenfield Road in Rochdale on the evening of Monday 1 December, with a child and two adults treated for minor injuries.
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Middleton lights up in memory of beloved council officer Lauren Mason
A specially commissioned Christmas light has been installed outside Middleton Library in tribute to popular local council officer Lauren Mason, who died suddenly last November.
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Another bank will be converted into a church in Middleton
A town centre bank which closed its doors in spring will be transformed into a church.
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Rochdale Council Leader Neil Emmott provides update on suspended Chief Exec
Leader Neil Emmott confirms suspension of James Binks following allegations linked to his previous role at Manchester City Council.
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Chief executive of Rochdale council suspended
The chief executive of Rochdale council has been suspended following allegations of ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
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Rochdale Council chief exec accused of ‘grinding’ on young care leaver during drunken awards night
Rochdale council is under pressure after it emerged that its chief executive, James Binks, was subject to a disciplinary investigation into inappropriate behaviour toward a young female graduate during his previous role at Manchester City Council.
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🚒 LIVE: We join Greater Manchester fire crews in Rochdale tonight for a ride-along
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.
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🟥 RECAP: Glaston-BURY live updates, photos, interviews and more
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.
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Thousands attend Heywood 1940s Day as parade and street party return
Thousands packed into Heywood for the town's annual 1940s Day on Saturday 21 June, transforming the area into a tribute to wartime Britain.
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RECAP: Parklife 2025 Day Two - updates, photos & travel news
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.
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RECAP : Parklife 2025 Day One - updates, photos & travel news
Tens of thousands of music fans are pouring into Parklife, as the day one of the festival gets underway.
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Sister of Lee Rigby to run two races in his memory 12 years after his murder
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.
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Protest outside Rochdale Police Station
The following statement is attributable to Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry:
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Knife Angel launched in Bury as part of its National Anti-Violence Tour
Bury Business Improvement District have begun hosting the Knife Angel in partnership with Bury Council and GMP and several organisations and partners.
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New supported housing for those with mental health needs
An old empty mill is to be transformed into much-needed housing for people with mental health issues.
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Poppy Appeal launched in Bury
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.
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Family appeal for information after husband's ashes stolen from a house in Bury
On Tuesday 19 September 2023, Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a burglary on Brandlesholme Road, Bury.
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Salaam BCR Community Radio and Project 29 face backlash for displaying Controversial anti-LGBT Education Signage in Bury
Asian Community Radio Station in Moorgate, Bury Sparks Controversy with Anti-LGBT Education Signs
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LGBTQI+ Forum Statement about the Project 29 charity and Salaam BCR
The charitable organisation known as the LGBTQI+ Forum in Bury, has issued a statement.
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Man charged with attempted murder following an attack in Bury
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.
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New homes under way in Whitefield
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.

