Local News from Thursday, January 15th, 2026

Tributes are flooding in following the sudden death of ‘deeply respected and passionate’ community hero Dale Harris. The 31-year-old, well-known in the community for supporting youngsters into football and championing local sports, passed away at Royal Oldham Hospital on Monday, January 12

Impressive CGIs have given a first glimpse at the scale of a new business centre in Bury that could bring 250 jobs and £8m to the local economy.

What was once a popular gastropub fronted by celebrity chef Andrew Nutter will be converted into a nursery. The Bird at Birtle was relaunched under the Nutter banner back in 2016 after a £1m makeover.

Commuters faced severe disruption this morning as flooding forced the closure of a key section of the M60, bringing widespread gridlock across Heywood and Middleton.

A building in Bury’s hospitality district could soon be turned into emergency housing for families facing homelessness.

A beautiful Grade-II listed building in Oldham is offering one lucky couple the chance to win a free wedding ceremony. Chadderton Town Hall, a recently renovated baroque-style town hall, will host a free draw for those attending their wedding fair on Sunday, January 25.

The organisers behind some of Littleborough’s best-loved community events have issued a stark warning: without new volunteers, this year’s programme could face serious cuts.