Local News
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Firefighters tackle Whitefield house blaze as five taken to hospital
A serious house fire in Whitefield on Sunday evening has left five people in hospital, with emergency services remaining at the scene.
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Man arrested over indecent exposure incidents near Wardle parks
A 20-year-old man is in custody after women and girls were reportedly exposed to in Rochdale earlier this week.
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'You've got a friend in me' as Whitworth wind band hits new high with over 40 players from across the school community
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.
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'Heywood is leading the way' as minister hails £20m regeneration plan as town becomes national model
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.
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“We’re in this together” as Bury unites for first suicide prevention conference
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.
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Teen jiu jitsu champion brings home European gold to Rochdale
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.
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Rochdale fans invited to join Her Game Too as club strengthens anti-sexism drive
Rochdale AFC is looking for more supporters to become advocates for its Her Game Too campaign ahead of the 2025–26 football season.
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Middleton Arena shut by warehouse fire but members can still swim and gym at no extra cost
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.
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THREE days on, Middleton fire still burning as crews forced to TEAR DOWN building
A commercial storage facility in Middleton is being demolished as fire crews work to extinguish a major blaze that broke out on Wednesday afternoon.
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Hopwood Hall College unveils plans for new four-storey building in Rochdale
Hopwood Hall College is set to have a huge campus overhaul after revealing plans to replace a teaching block.
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Fire guts Middleton storage building as roof collapses during second day blaze
Firefighters remain on scene for second day as smoke billows and structure is left severely damaged
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Fire crews battle second day of Middleton storage blaze while customers fear everything is lost
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.
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Middleton man told to pay back over £218,000 from drug profits or face prison
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.
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Minister backs £20m regeneration plans during visit to Rochdale and Littleborough
Two landmark projects in Rochdale and Littleborough have been hailed as examples of successful community-led regeneration during a ministerial visit this week.
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They abused 47 girls and tore up passports to dodge deportation from the UK
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.
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Dig deep into Rochdale’s past at Broadfield Park this July
Locals of all ages invited to join free archaeological dig and discover the town’s industrial roots.
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Fire crews battle large blaze at Middleton storage unit
Residents warned to stay indoors with windows shut as emergency crews battle massive fire in Townley Street.
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Big win for Hopwood Hall as teaching staff scoop national awards
Hopwood Hall College is celebrating after staff were honoured in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, one of the biggest accolades in the education world.
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Bury flies Purple Flag for tenth year with focus on safety and evening economy
Bury celebrates a decade of Purple Flag accreditation as new measures are introduced to boost town centre safety and nightlife
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Bury man among four charged with smuggling cocaine through Manchester Airport
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.
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Rotary Middleton joins forces to clear balsam and rubbish from Alkrington Woods
Rotary Middleton and the Friends of Alkrington Woods joined up for a community cleanup, clearing litter and invasive plants from the local beauty spot.
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Young footballer from Rochdale shines in international tournament as she dreams of Lioness future
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.
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Heritage tramline in Heaton Park could soon be back on track
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.
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Middleton road made safer as new pedestrian crossing opens near primary school
A new pedestrian crossing has opened on one of Middleton’s busiest roads in a major win for safety and local schoolchildren.
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Littleborough Brass Band hits the right notes with Whit Friday contest wins
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.
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Grinning Rochdale drug boss jailed after stabbing his own dealer and raking in £370k from cocaine empire
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
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Rochdale in Rainbows returns this Sunday with a Pride Parade and celebration at Town Hall
Rochdale Pride is making a vibrant return this Sunday, 22nd June, with a community celebration and colourful parade.
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Superheroes, stormtroopers and sci-fi stars to take over Bury town centre for Comic Con 2025
Comic Con returns to Bury with dinosaurs, dancing stormtroopers and Doctor Who stars in an all day, free family event on Sunday 29 June.
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Middleton vinegar plant to get £17M expansion as Japanese firm backs Rochdale growth
Mizkan’s £17 million investment will boost jobs, innovation and sustainability at its Middleton site
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Bury shopping centre marks 15 years with £1,500 summer giveaway
Shoppers at The Rock could win a £1,500 spending spree as part of birthday celebrations
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Lifesaving legacy of ‘devoted’ dad-of-three who died during Holcombe hill run
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.
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Rochdale tip jar thief jailed after viral video sparks public hunt
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.
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Hundreds fined as drivers swamp Bury streets without permits during Parklife and Catfish concert
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.
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'I was given 48 hours to live' as Rochdale mum survives meningitis after ear infection triggers brain swelling
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.
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Chaos at Parklife as Matinee stage shut down over safety fears
DJs axed and fans evacuated after 'overcrowding' prompts emergency response at Heaton Park
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Warning issued over triple-strength MDMA pills found at Parklife
A charity has issued an alert after dangerous 'Dior' and 'Pop Smoke' ecstasy tablets were tested at the Heaton Park event.
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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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Local MPs call on House of Commons leader to allocate more time to assisted dying bill
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.
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Long-running playground saga hit with yet another delay
A plan to build a playground in Alkrington has been delayed once again.
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The town that is finally getting Metrolink
Trams have been promised to Heywood for years and now it’s finally happening – but locals have curbed enthusiasm.
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Paul Waugh MP says ‘Bravery of Rochdale grooming victims shames their cowardly abusers’
Rochdale’s MP, Paul Waugh, speaks out after convictions in latest grooming gang case, calls for tougher inquiries and full accountability.
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Inside Rochdale’s deadly playground with urban explorers caught on camera in toxic asbestos factory
Just north of Rochdale town centre sits an abandoned asbestos factory that was once the world’s largest.
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Officers release image of man after Heywood phone theft
Police are appealing for information following the theft of a mobile phone from a shop in Heywood.
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What you can expect to pay for drinks at Parklife 2025
Parklife is back at Heaton Park this weekend with a buzzing crowd, booming stages, and bars and street vendors offering a huge range of drinks to suit every taste, whether you’re after a refreshing lager or a cocktail.
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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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Local mental health champion Jo Allen awarded British Empire Medal for community service
The head of a Greater Manchester mental health charity has been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours List for her decades-long dedication to improving lives.
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Young nurse from Bury awarded MBE for outstanding service to remembrance and emergency care
A 31 year old critical care nurse and Army reservist from Bury has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours for his extraordinary unpaid work supporting the ex-service community at state events.
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100-mile Hadrian’s Wall trek raises over £800 for Rochdale hospice
Couple’s six day walk supports end-of-life care in memory driven challenge.
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Royal recognition for Rochdale volunteer Paul Ellison in King’s Birthday Honours
Norden’s Paul Ellison has been made an MBE after more than three decades of dedicated service to his local community.
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Rochdale’s Champness Hall saved from ruin and ready to turn 100
Once set for demolition, the century old Champness Hall is now back in action and preparing to mark its milestone birthday in style.
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Parklife's hidden heroes show how one team makes big events work for residents
Roch Valley Radio visited the Maccabi Community Centre in Prestwich, where the Community Impact Team is operating from to support local residents during Parklife and Oasis
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Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable awarded knighthood
Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Stephen Watson QPM has received a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours.
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Foodies set to flock to Shawclough as The Oxford launches its first ever global food festival
A Rochdale pub best known for its award winning beer garden and standout events is going one step further this weekend with its first ever international food festival, promising a mouth watering lineup of street food, tapas and sweet treats from across the world.
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He faced four charges of child sex abuse and then vanished the day court began
One of the seven men convicted for child sex offences in Rochdale has gone on the run after failing to attend court, prompting a nationwide manhunt led by Greater Manchester Police.
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Court hears how Rochdale girls were passed around for sex ‘like takeaway orders’
Seven men who subjected two vulnerable girls to years of horrific sexual abuse in Rochdale have been found guilty of 50 offences, following a dedicated Greater Manchester Police investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation.
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From street patrol to high-speed pursuit as GMP deploys new motorbike unit to tackle rogue riders
Greater Manchester Police have officially launched a dedicated Motorbike Unit aimed at clamping down on illegal and anti-social vehicle use across all ten boroughs, including Rochdale.
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Festival drivers warned that charging your mates could cost you up to £2,500
Drivers heading to festivals like Parklife this summer are being warned that giving friends a lift could land them with hefty fines, if they ask for more than just petrol money.
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Thousands of pupils to enjoy extra time off as schools close early on Oasis show days
More than 2,000 pupils at schools close to Heaton Park are set to enjoy additional time away from the classroom next month due to the Oasis shows.
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Celebrating ageing with community spirit at Milnrow cafe event
A special event celebrating positive ageing and tackling ageism brought people together from across Rochdale and Greater Manchester this week.
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New poets in residence to bring Rochdale's stories to life during cultural year
Two young writers will help celebrate Rochdale’s identity through poetry after being named poets in residence as part of the borough’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture celebrations.
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Investigation launched after prisoner dies at Buckley Hall the day after his birthday
An independent investigation is underway after the death of a 64 year old man at HMP Buckley Hall in Rochdale, just one day after his birthday.
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Besses councillors campaign to turn Boz Park into protected nature reserve
Local councillors in Besses have launched a community campaign to secure official nature reserve status for Boz Park in Whitefield, aiming to preserve the green space for future generations and boost investment in biodiversity.
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Hollingworth Lake marks 20 years of helping young people onto the water
A milestone in outdoor education was celebrated as schools, sailing staff and community leaders marked 20 years of the OnBoard programme at Hollingworth Lake in Rochdale.
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Rain can't dampen spirits as hundreds celebrate Bury Pride 2025
Bury Pride returned in vibrant form on Saturday 7 June, with hundreds of LGBTQI+ people and allies gathering in the town centre to celebrate visibility, inclusion and acceptance, despite grey skies and scattered showers.
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Tenth anniversary of Littleborough Food Festival takes place this weekend
Littleborough’s popular Food and Drink Festival returns this Saturday, 14 June, with a full day of food, music and family fun to mark its tenth anniversary. The free event runs from 11am to 4pm across the town centre.
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Bury Council responds to ‘speculation’ over sale of Whitefield library
Bury Council has responded to online ‘speculation’ about the sale of Whitefield Library.
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Bury launches community clean-up drive with 40 bags of rubbish cleared
More than 40 bags of litter have been cleared from the streets of Bury during the first of a series of community clean-up days organised to bring people together and improve neighbourhoods.
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Rochdale AFC co-chair issues summer update as club prepares for new season
Rochdale AFC co-chairman Cameron Ogden says fans have strong reasons to be optimistic ahead of the 2025/26 season, after a year of big improvements on and off the pitch.
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Heywood 1940s Day returns with vintage fun and a Dakota flypast
Heywood’s popular 1940s Day is back on Saturday 21 June, with a full day of live music, vintage vehicles and a special flypast from a historic Dakota plane.
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Colour and sound spectacular to light up Rochdale Town Hall Square this July
A kaleidoscope of colour is returning to Rochdale this summer as Colourscape returns for a second year, promising a vibrant and immersive experience for all ages.
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Volunteer Fair brings local groups together at Number One Riverside
Dozens of community groups gathered at Rochdale's Number One Riverside today, Wednesday 11th June as Action Together hosted a Volunteer Fair to connect residents with vital local causes.
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‘Rotten stink’ Pilsworth landfill site set to be allowed to expand operations
A controversial landfill site plagued by complaints about a ‘rotten stink’ is set to expand its operations – despite concerns of those living nearby.
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Rochdale dancers win national titles at UK wide competition
A local dance school is celebrating major success after students took home championship trophies at the Endeavour Championships in Boston, Lincolnshire.
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Parklife travel: What you need to know if you’re heading to Heaton Park this weekend
Major road closures, Metrolink changes and travel advice as Parklife returns.
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Everything you need to know about Parklife 2025: lineup, tickets, stage splits and travel advice
Charli xcx, 50 Cent and Jorja Smith headline Parklife 2025 as the festival marks its 15th anniversary at Heaton Park.
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Former Rochdale police officer convicted of criminal damage and cocaine use in misconduct case
A former Rochdale based police officer has been placed on the national barred list after gross misconduct findings and a criminal conviction.
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Gunshot fired at Middleton house as police seal off street
A police cordon was set up in Middleton today, Tuesday 10 June, after a gunshot was fired through the window of a house, triggering a forensic investigation in a residential area.
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MP supports campaign to ban medically incapable drivers from the road
An MP has called for medically unfit people to be prevented from driving following the tragic death of a pensioner.
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Former England cricketer to attend historic international match in Bury thanks to Rome encounter
A cricket match sparked by a chance meeting in Vatican City will see Elton Cricket Club host its first ever international fixture this Fathers’ Day.
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Woman charged with murder after body of 84-year-old man found in Prestwich
Police have charged a woman with murder following the death of an 84-year-old man, whose body was found in Prestwich earlier this year.
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Funeral parlour could be transformed into new homes
A funeral director’s in Rochdale could soon be transformed into a new ‘high-quality’ apartment block, complete with a gym and concierge service.
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Bury Conservatives confirmed four ward selections ahead of 2026 local elections
Bury Conservatives have confirmed four prospective candidates for next year's local elections in the borough.
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Police make arrest and seize drugs and valuables in a raid targeting organised crime
A man has been arrested and suspected drugs and high-value items seized in Rochdale following a warrant targeting serious criminal activity.
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ELR mourns passing of 93 year old volunteer ‘Godfather’ Bob Johnson
One of the East Lancashire Railway’s most devoted figures, Bob Johnson, has died peacefully aged 93, after dedicating over three decades to the heritage railway.
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Bury North MP launches push for smartphone-free schools
James Frith unveils campaign aimed at tackling distraction and improving wellbeing in local classrooms
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Festival-goers urged to plan ahead as Parklife prepares to welcome 110,000 music fans
Greater Manchester gears up for one of its busiest weekends of the year with travel advice issued for Parklife, Co-op Live and Soccer Aid
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MP backs calls to fix legal loophole that resulted in fatal Whitworth crash
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh joins push for new laws after a pensioner with poor eyesight killed a woman in a crash
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Residents believe that Labours promise for Middleton ‘township hub’ still missing as councillors praise crime drop and welfare success
Police and Councillors in Middleton say crime is falling and residents are getting more help with benefits and debt, but residents believe that a promised township hub still hasn’t been delivered, three years after Labour pledged it in their local election manifesto.
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Man arrested after serious crash following police pursuit in Rochdale
A teenager has been arrested after a police chase through Rochdale ended in a crash that left one passenger fighting for their life.
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Bury Pride returns this weekend with all day celebration in town centre
Bury town centre will be a sea of colour this weekend, Saturday 7th June as Bury Pride returns for its annual celebration of LGBTQI+ inclusion and visibility.
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Police cordon off Drake Street after multi-vehicle crash in Rochdale town centre
A major emergency operation is underway in Rochdale this evening following a serious crash involving multiple vehicles on Drake Street.
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Young Whitworth rugby talent aims for professional dream after international tour
A teenage rugby player from Whitworth is aiming to be scouted by a professional club after impressing during an overseas tour with his Saddleworth Rangers teammates.
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Bog standard crime as Illegal vapes and tobacco found under toilet at town shop
A shop on Drake Street has been forced to close for three months after council officers found counterfeit cigarettes, illegal vapes and unsafe goods hidden inside, including under a toilet.
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Girls smash boundaries as Woodbank Cricket Club launches first ever under-9s team
A Bury cricket club has launched its first ever girls only team, and it’s already winning matches and attracting fresh talent to the sport.
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Major roof restoration under way at Hopwood Hall as heritage project gathers pace
Work to restore Middleton’s grade II listed Hopwood Hall has entered a significant new phase with the launch of a £466,000 roof repair scheme jointly funded by the council and Historic England.
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Chancellor announces £2.5bn transport boost for Greater Manchester, with tram-trains for Rochdale
Rochdale is set to benefit from a revolutionary new transport investment announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Mellor’s bus factory this morning, as part of a £15.6 billion national package.
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Greater Manchester’s wins in transport deal
Greater Manchester is set for a bumper transport deal with £2.5bn coming to the city in the next seven years — with 1,000 buses, new tram stops, tram-trains, revamped interchanges, and a Metrolink extension in the offing.
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Up to 120 taxi drivers in Bury face ‘immediate suspension’
Up to 120 taxi drivers operating in Bury face ‘immediate suspension’ as they have not agreed to enhanced criminal record checks.
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£3.2m bridge project begins in Radcliffe next week
A project to restore a long-missing link in Radcliffe’s local infrastructure is about to get underway.
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Electricity firm wants to build battery energy storage plant on green belt site
A battery energy storage plant could be built on green belt farmland.
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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.