Local News

An eyewitness described the scene as 'absolutely terrifying' after two explosions and power loss rocked a neighbourhood in Ainsworth, today, Saturday 5 July.

The Mayor of Rochdale, Cllr Janet Emsley, and her consort, Mr Ken Emsley, paid a visit to Bamford Academy on Friday 27 June, joining pupils for a hearty start to the day as part of a government funded breakfast initiative.

Bolton took centre stage in Greater Manchester’s fight against terrorism as around 200 representatives from emergency services and local councils gathered at the Albert Halls on Wednesday, 2 July.

Eleven local young people have completed a remarkable transformation of Rochdale and District Mind’s Listening Lounge, a vital space providing support to people experiencing mental health distress.

Plans to convert a 19th century Rochdale pub into flats have been put back on the table.

Up to 80,000 dogs a year are dying on UK roads, with many motorists unaware their beloved pets could become lethal projectiles during a crash, a leading TV vet has warned.

A major regeneration project of the Touchstones gallery in Rochdale has been hit by a huge delay.

A group of Year 11 students from Whitworth Community High School made a memorable entrance to their prom by arriving in a bright pink party bus.

Over 3,000 visitors basked in blazing sunshine as Rochdale Town Hall Square hosted the return of its popular Street Eat festival, serving up global cuisine, family fun and live entertainment on Saturday 28 June.

Rochdale based care provider Rochcare has been named the fastest growing small business in the North West, after topping this year’s Ward Hadaway Fastest 50 list.

Building work had started on a new fire station in Whitefield. Demolition at the site began in May to clear the old buildings at the Bury New Road site.

A huge industrial space planned for Heywood could bring more than 500 jobs to the area.

‘Minimum dress standards’ and ‘buffer zones’ should be introduced for Oasis’ Heaton Park reunion gigs to prevent incidents of ‘indecent exposure’, a ‘concerned resident’ has said.

GMP’s chief constable ‘sleeps well at night’ after the police inspectorate found cops have improved fighting grooming — but need to do more in some areas.

A new mobile app aims to make trusted parenting advice easier to access for families across Rochdale, with localised guidance available in over 75 languages.

Greater Manchester Police has improved tackling child grooming by treating it like organised crime - but still face fundamental issues in fighting ‘devastating’ exploitation. 

Rochdale Harriers have completed a dramatic non-stop relay run covering 192 miles across England, tackling iconic national parks and unpredictable conditions in just over 42 hours.

Gabriel Cullen, 17, beat a reigning world champion in Dublin to win gold, now he’s aiming for Abu Dhabi glory.

Rochdale Borough Council has received a gold award from a local veterans’ charity in recognition of its continued support for former armed forces personnel.

Transport bosses have unveiled a detailed travel plan ahead of Oasis’ five night reunion run at Heaton Park this July, which will draw more than 300,000 fans to the 80,000 capacity venue.

Officers are appealing for help in identifying individuals following pitch invasion and disorder after Rochdale v Spennymoor Town match

Bury based cat rescue is on the brink of shutting down after being hit with nearly £18,000 in vet bills, prompting desperate volunteers to plead for public help to save their lifesaving work.

Bury Conservative leader Cllr Russell Bernstein has resigned from the party, citing moral collapse, a 'cabal' of local members, and the appointment of a convicted fraudster as key reasons for his departure.

A man has been charged following a series of concerning incidents in Middleton town centre that led to multiple reports of criminal damage and assault on Saturday afternoon.

Deputy leader of the Bury Conservatives, Cllr Jo Lancaster, has resigned from the party, citing concerns over the internal treatment of fellow councillor Russell Bernstein and a growing culture of dysfunction within the local association.

Cllr Dene Vernon of Bury West has resigned from the Conservative Party, publishing a full statement alleging misconduct and internal breakdowns in local leadership.

A Bury councillor has dramatically quit the Conservative Party, citing local infighting, political vendettas and a breakdown in core values as the reasons behind his resignation.

Bury town centre was buzzing this weekend as Comic Con returned with a packed day of cosplay, sci-fi, and family fun.

A new café is set to open its doors in Bury, offering 18 custom chocolate drink options.

Rochdale’s Keira Walsh has been praised in Parliament by local MP Paul Waugh, just days before starring in England’s 7–0 win over Jamaica

A new social group for autistic adults is being launched in Rochdale following calls for more tailored social opportunities in the borough.

Aldi store near Heaton Park embraces Manc music nostalgia with cheeky new name ahead of Oasis reunion gigs.

A drug trafficking operation between Manchester and Newcastle has landed two men behind bars for more than 27 years, after police uncovered a £21,000 cash handover linked to heroin and cocaine deals.

A 38 year old man has been arrested in Rochdale on suspicion of raping a girl under 18, as part of Greater Manchester Police’s ongoing investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation

Coldplay meets musical theatre in spectacular school choir showdown.

Fundraising campaign honours lost loved ones while boosting hospice care in Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood

A woman has suffered injuries after being bitten by her own dog, prompting an armed police response in the Spotland area of Rochdale.

Three teenagers have been charged in relation to a series of robberies in Rochdale town centre.

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

Milnrow Memorial Park was a sea of red, white and blue on Saturday as the Milnrow & Newhey Districts Community Carnival brought a festive wave of patriotism and community pride to the borough.

Liam James Dean has been elected as the new chairman of the Bury North and South Conservative Federation, following the party's recent annual general meeting.

Uniformed Protective Services students at Middleton Campus were honoured today, Friday 27 June, during a proud passing out parade attended by dignitaries and service representatives.

Oldham based care provider Future Directions CIC is celebrating after being shortlisted for three prestigious honours at the upcoming National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards.

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary has been selected as The Rock Shopping Centre’s new charity partner, following a public vote that drew more than 1,000 responses.

Residents across Rochdale are being encouraged to dig deep and get creative as the 'Alleyways in Bloom' competition returns for its 18th year.

A Rochdale man already awaiting trial over multiple child sexual offences has now been charged with eight further crimes, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.

A massive new housing estate in Rochdale has been given the final sign off.

Rochdale’s only Reform councillor says he was subjected to a terrifying attack.

A tennis club in Middleton has got permision to push ahead with plans for controversial new floodlights.

A Middleton primary school was evacuated after a threatening phone call claimed a bomb had been planted, prompting an emergency police response just before home time

Health officials are urging residents to check the credentials of cosmetic providers after illegal Botox-style treatments were discovered in local businesses across the borough.

A choir formed to support people with cancer has reached its 13th birthday, defying early doubts and proving that music can be a powerful source of healing, connection and joy.

Families turned out in droves for a sun and showers weekend as Prestwich Carnival returned for its 2025 celebration, with music, floats, and community spirit taking centre stage.

Second annual Pride weekend hailed a success with parades, performances and powerful messages of inclusion.

Club members will run the full Wainwright coast-to-coast route from 26 to 28 June, a 40 hour team effort ending in Whitby.

From alpacas and wallabies to digger simulators and 3D printing, Middleton’s Hopwood Hall College wowed hundreds of locals at its Family Fun Day, a showcase of how the college is transforming lives and challenging expectations.

Restoration project hailed for community involvement and care for local wildlife.

Club managing director Andy Duff visits Rochdale Village in Queens, bringing shirts, stories and a vision for future links.

A man in his 20s is in hospital following a daytime stabbing in Castleton as police arrest a woman on suspicion of assisting an offender

Middleton Band's winning year continues as they make history with multiple contest wins, setting their sights on national finals.

A cash contribution secured to compensate for disruption caused by the upcoming Oasis Heaton Park shows has been slammed as ‘pocket money’.

A temporary new route to Bury town centre’s tram stop is to be created as plans accelerate to demolish and rebuild the towns’s transport interchange.

A campaign co-led by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has succeeded in pushing the government to tighten laws on hate crimes against LGBT+ and disabled people, ensuring they carry the same legal weight as offences motivated by race or religion.

A group of sixth form students from Rochdale have scooped a national award for their visionary proposal to breathe new life into the town’s disused Wheatsheaf shopping centre.

A serious house fire in Whitefield on Sunday evening has left five people in hospital, with emergency services remaining at the scene.

A 20-year-old man is in custody after women and girls were reportedly exposed to in Rochdale earlier this week.

More than 40 students, staff and former pupils are making music together every week at Whitworth Community High School, as the school’s wind band grows from strength to strength.

Government local growth minister Alex Norris MP visited Heywood this week to praise the town’s rapid progress and successful community engagement on a major neighbourhood investment plan.

Mental health professionals, advocates and leaders came together in Bury on Wednesday, 18 June for the town’s first ever Suicide Prevention Conference, a powerful event focused on saving lives through support, collaboration and compassion.

A 14 year old from Rochdale has made his mark on the international stage after winning gold at a major Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournament in Italy.

Rochdale AFC is looking for more supporters to become advocates for its Her Game Too campaign ahead of the 2025–26 football season.

Middleton Arena remains closed after a major fire broke out at a neighbouring commercial warehouse on Wednesday afternoon, forcing emergency services to cordon off the area.

A commercial storage facility in Middleton is being demolished as fire crews work to extinguish a major blaze that broke out on Wednesday afternoon.

Hopwood Hall College is set to have a huge campus overhaul after revealing plans to replace a teaching block.

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Firefighters remain on scene for second day as smoke billows and structure is left severely damaged

Storage unit users in Middleton have been left fearing the worst as a major fire involving lithium ion batteries continues to burn through a commercial building, with thick smoke, water, and fire damage expected to have affected much of the site.

A Middleton man caught growing and supplying drugs has been ordered to repay over £218,000 after a dramatic court turnaround revealed the true scale of his criminal wealth.

Two landmark projects in Rochdale and Littleborough have been hailed as examples of successful community-led regeneration during a ministerial visit this week.

Two members of the Rochdale child sex grooming gang cannot be deported after renouncing their Pakistani citizenship, a development that has stalled their removal from the UK, it has emerged.

Locals of all ages invited to join free archaeological dig and discover the town’s industrial roots.

Residents warned to stay indoors with windows shut as emergency crews battle massive fire in Townley Street.

Hopwood Hall College is celebrating after staff were honoured in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, one of the biggest accolades in the education world.

Bury celebrates a decade of Purple Flag accreditation as new measures are introduced to boost town centre safety and nightlife

A man from Bury is among four suspects facing court today after being charged with cocaine smuggling at Manchester Airport, following an investigation by the National Crime Agency.

Rotary Middleton and the Friends of Alkrington Woods joined up for a community cleanup, clearing litter and invasive plants from the local beauty spot.

A 13 year old footballer from Whitworth has returned from the Barcelona Girls’ Cup in Spain with a standout performance and hopes of one day representing England.

A major boost from TfGM and VolkerRail has taken the historic Heaton Park Tramway a step nearer to welcoming passengers again after over a year out of service.

A new pedestrian crossing has opened on one of Middleton’s busiest roads in a major win for safety and local schoolchildren.

Littleborough Brass Band brought rhythm and revelry to Saddleworth’s streets with a crowd pleasing twist at the 2025 Whit Friday March Contests, bagging a string of fourth section prizes while donning cowboy hats and playing a pop hit.

A man who ran a large scale drug operation from his Rochdale home and violently assaulted an associate has been jailed for more than six years

Rochdale Pride is making a vibrant return this Sunday, 22nd June, with a community celebration and colourful parade.

Comic Con returns to Bury with dinosaurs, dancing stormtroopers and Doctor Who stars in an all day, free family event on Sunday 29 June.

Mizkan’s £17 million investment will boost jobs, innovation and sustainability at its Middleton site

Shoppers at The Rock could win a £1,500 spending spree as part of birthday celebrations

The sudden death of an ‘ultra-fit’ father-of-three while running on Holcombe hill has led to lifesaving cardiac equipment being installed at the Peel monument.

A man who stole from the tip jar of a local Rochdale cafe has been charged and remanded in custody following a wave of public support that helped identify him.

It has been revealed that Bury Council issued 456 Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) over one busy weekend, as music fans attending the Parklife Festival and a Catfish and the Bottlemen concert parked illegally in residential areas.

A Rochdale mother has shared her harrowing story of surviving bacterial meningitis, after what began as a simple earache left her in a coma and fighting for her life.

DJs axed and fans evacuated after 'overcrowding' prompts emergency response at Heaton Park

A charity has issued an alert after dangerous 'Dior' and 'Pop Smoke' ecstasy tablets were tested at the Heaton Park event.

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.

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh and Bury North MP James Frith have launched opposition to the parliamentary process surrounding the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill, calling for urgent reform to how private members' bills are debated in Westminster.

A plan to build a playground in Alkrington has been delayed once again.

Trams have been promised to Heywood for years and now it’s finally happening – but locals have curbed enthusiasm.

Rochdale’s MP, Paul Waugh, speaks out after convictions in latest grooming gang case, calls for tougher inquiries and full accountability.

Just north of Rochdale town centre sits an abandoned asbestos factory that was once the world’s largest.

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.