Bury Council report highlights how everyday places shape local health

Tuesday, 27 January 2026 19:39

By Adam Clark

A new report from Bury Council has set out how the types of shops, services and businesses in neighbourhoods can have a direct impact on people’s health, particularly in areas facing higher levels of deprivation.

The Public Health Annual Report looks at how places such as alcohol outlets, gambling venues, fast food takeaways, and shops selling tobacco and vapes influence health outcomes across the borough. While many businesses support jobs and local life, the report warns that a high concentration of certain outlets can make it harder for people to live healthy lives.

Alcohol related harm is a key concern. The report shows that deaths linked to alcohol in Bury are higher than the England average. Some neighbourhoods, including parts of Radcliffe, see particularly high numbers of hospital admissions connected to alcohol use.

Gambling harm is also widespread. The council estimates that around 13,000 people in Bury are affected when gamblers, their families, and others impacted by gambling related harm are taken into account.

Fast food availability is another issue highlighted. Bury has a high number of fast food outlets, with the greatest concentration in more deprived areas. Public health teams say this is contributing to rising levels of overweight and obesity among both children and adults.

Smoking and vaping patterns show mixed progress. Overall smoking rates are falling, but some communities still smoke at much higher levels than others. The report also flags the continued sale of illegal tobacco and vapes within the borough.

The council says work is already under way to tackle these issues. A new Alcohol Licensing Matrix is being used to challenge high risk licence applications by drawing on local health and crime data. Partnerships with Bury Market and the Bury Food Partnership are promoting healthier food options, while enforcement teams continue to seize illegal cigarettes and vapes.

Training and support is being provided to help frontline staff and community groups recognise gambling harm. The council is also working with Bury Football Club to improve the range of healthier food choices available on match days.

Looking ahead, the report sets out further actions aimed at improving health across the borough. These include limiting new fast food outlets near schools, reducing harmful advertising in public spaces, and supporting local businesses to offer healthier options. Community programmes such as Right to Grow and Healthy Markets are expected to expand, alongside continued pressure on national government for stronger rules on alcohol, smoking and vaping.

Cllr Tamoor Tariq, Cabinet member for Health, Care and Public Sector Reform at Bury Council said: “Where we live and shop has a big impact on our health and we want to make it easier for everyone in Bury to live a healthy life.

“By working together, we can build a healthier and fairer borough and the report sets out the evidence for how we can do that.

“Our local businesses are key to a thriving economy but there are consequences for people’s health when we see too many fast food takeaways within an area or when gambling becoming addiction.

“Our report highlights how unhealthy lifestyles are not just a matter of individual choice but shaped by the world around us.”

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Green Party leader rallied supporters in Gorton and Denton by election campaign

The co leader of the Green Party of England and Wales, Zack Polanski, visited Gorton and Denton to lead a rally backing the party’s campaign in the upcoming by-election.
Three Bury residents awarded Freedom of the Borough for decades of public service

Three people described as among the very best of Bury have been granted the borough’s highest civic honour in recognition of decades of service to local communities.
James Frith MP backs expansion of review rights for rape and sexual assault cases in Bury North

Victims of rape and serious sexual assault in Bury North are set to gain stronger safeguards when prosecutors decide to drop cases, following the expansion of a national review scheme supported by local MP James Frith.
Rochdale MP’s Commons pub plea goes viral as Government confirms support package

A light hearted Commons moment by Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has racked up tens of thousands of views online after he used a well known local phrase while pressing ministers to support struggling pubs.
Reform UK candidate says voters are ‘angry’ over HMOs, crime and decline of high streets

Reform UK’s candidate for the upcoming Gorton & Denton by-election has criticised the growth of houses of multiple occupancy, rising crime and the decline of town centres.
New party announces local election candidates after political rift

Bury’s newest party will be putting forward several candidates in the upcoming local election after a political rift tore the Conservative group apart. Together for Bury will be represented by three councillor hopefuls in Pilkington Park, Bury West and Tottington.
Five councillors on Labour’s long list for Gorton and Denton

Five Greater Manchester councillors have been long-listed to be Labour’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election, the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands.
Matt Goodwin announced as Reform candidate in Gorton and Denton

Reform UK has confirmed that political commentator and academic Matt Goodwin will stand for the party in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by election.
Another Rochdale store shut down over illegal tobacco sales

A shop operating on Oldham Road in Rochdale has been shut down for three months following a court order prompted by illicit tobacco sales, marking the fifth closure in the area within seven months.
Eamonn O’Brien applies for Labour selection in Gorton and Denton

The leader of Bury Council, Eamonn O’Brien, has applied to be selected as the Labour candidate for the Gorton and Denton parliamentary constituency, it's understood.
Andy Burnham block could shape Labour’s future, says political expert

Labour’s decision to prevent Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election could have serious national consequences, according to a leading political academic.
GMP chief backs 'FBI-style' National Police Service in long-overdue reform

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police has thrown his weight behind government plans to create a US-style national crime-fighting agency, calling the overhaul of policing structures “bold” and “decades overdue”.