Investigation underway following large fire in Middleton

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• Vintage Vibes turns Bury station into something you simply do not see anywhere else

  For one weekend every year, Bury Bolton Street stops feeling like a railway station and starts feeling like something much harder to describe.

• RECAP from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway on Day One

  We're down at the two-day music festival hosted by East Lancashire Railway and this year we’re fully embracing the stadium scene, with heavy hitting tributes to Queen and Cher, as well as even more Northern Soul and 1980s bangers.

• Parents face over 12 days of more disruption as St Cuthbert’s strike action continues

  St Cuthbert’s R.C. High School in Rochdale has told parents that industrial action is set to continue after half term, with disruption expected across June.

• Community groups across Oldham mark World Bee Day with local events

  Community groups across Oldham held activities this week to mark World Bee Day after receiving funding from First Choice Homes Oldham to support events focused on biodiversity and pollinators.

• Oldham students paddle for children's hospital appeal

  Students from Oldham College are preparing to take part in a Dragon Boat Race to raise money for The Royal Oldham Hospital Children's Unit through the Sunshine Appeal.

• Oldham campaign aims to create 100 apprenticeships in 100 days

  Oldham College and Oldham Council have launched a campaign encouraging employers to create 100 apprenticeship opportunities in 100 days to help more young people into work, training and education. The initiative launched on 21 May and will run throughout the summer recruitment period.

• Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield

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• Six-way battle looms for crucial final seat on Bury council in Moorside ward

  Six candidates will go head-to-head to secure the final seat on Bury council. 

• Vintage Vibes returns to East Lancashire Railway with music and nostalgia packed weekend

  Vintage Vibes is returning to the East Lancashire Railway this weekend with live tribute acts, Northern Soul favourites and all day heritage rail travel included in ticket prices across Saturday 23 May and Sunday 24 May.

• Newhouse Academy receives national careers education award

  Newhouse Academy has been awarded the Quality in Careers Standard full award following an external assessment completed in March 2026. The school said the accreditation recognises two years of work developing its careers education programme.

• Heywood firm develops AI rail safety technology for driverless trains

  A manufacturer based in Heywood is preparing to launch new artificial intelligence technology designed to improve safety on driverless rail networks. The system is being developed by GJD Manufacturing and is expected to enter the market in 2026.

• Heywood HMO Community Guard leader reveals police bail restrictions

  New allegations from women in Heywood have emerged after Jamie Thomason publicly disclosed that he had attended a police interview and had been placed on bail conditions.