Local News
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Holcombe Hunt returns to Pleasington as future of trail hunting faces uncertainty
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.
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Seven reasons why Prestwich is still ‘on the up’
Prestwich has long been considered a pretty desirable place to live.
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From behind the radio mic to serving free Christmas dinners to support local residents in Bury
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.
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‘We’ve been ‘parents’ to 31 children and every one of them means the world to us’
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.
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Community centre left with £10,000 of damage just before Christmas
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.
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From survival to belief as Rochdale AFC look ahead to 2026
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.
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Changes to Christmas and New Year bin collections across the borough
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.
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Hephzibah’s Christmas artwork chosen for Rochdale council card
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.
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Heywood AODS and Heykids secure 19 nominations at NODA District 7 awards
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.
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Greater Manchester Police make 671 arrests during Festive Friday weekend
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.
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Young sporting stars honoured in school Hall of Fame
SPORTING superstars who are excelling in cricket and gymnastics have had their photographs added to their school’s Hall of Fame.
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New letters to loved ones post box opens at Bury Cemetery
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.
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Cycling Santas raise more than £700 for Rochdale homelessness charity
Eight cyclists dressed as Santas have raised more than £700 for Petrus after completing a 19 mile fundraising ride around Rochdale.
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Army of Kindness spreads festive cheer with hamper delivery to Rochdale residents
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.
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Three men convicted after foiled antisemitic terror plot in Greater Manchester
Three men have been convicted following a major counter terrorism investigation into a planned antisemitic attack targeting Jewish communities in Greater Manchester.
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Rochdale businesses recognised at annual awards ceremony
Hundreds gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate local success stories at the 12th annual Rochdale Business Awards.
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Tetrosyl strike deepens as union accuses employer of illegal tactics and Christmas ‘cruelty’
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.
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Peine Square transformed in £1m Heywood regeneration project
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.
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Music and creativity team win national award for bringing joy to supported lives
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.
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United Utilities begins £4.5 million project to protect Castleton waterways
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.
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Rochdale to be transformed by immersive nighttime storytelling experience
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.
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UK economy faces tipping point as small firms warn of rising insolvency risk
The UK economy is at a ‘delicate crossroads’ as 2025 draws to a close, according to Steven Mason, a senior insolvency practitioner at Inquesta.
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Prison watchdog flags safety concerns and strained resources at HMP Buckley Hall
A report has raised fresh concerns about safety, staffing and deteriorating facilities at HMP Buckley Hall, a category C men’s prison near Rochdale.
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Grinch Christmas card withdrawn from Sainsbury’s following transphobia complaints
A festive card featuring the Grinch has been pulled from Sainsbury’s stores after concerns it mocked transgender identities.
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The relief road that could save a town from traffic nightmare
It has been rumoured for over two decades, but deafening calls for a relief road just won’t quieten down for a town at traffic breaking point.
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Child Protection Investigation Unit praised for relentless work safeguarding children in Rochdale
A specialist police team based in Rochdale has been recognised for its unwavering efforts to protect children from serious harm, with more than 300 arrests made in the past year.
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Before the red suit this the surprising history of Father Christmas
When people picture Father Christmas, most see a jolly, bearded man in a red suit trimmed with white fur. But that iconic outfit has a more complex origin than many realise, and for centuries, he wore green.
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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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🚒 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.

