On Air Now

George Buswell

10:00pm - Midnight

Now Playing

Status Quo

Caroline (Album Version)

Listen Live Watch

Kirkholt Man ordered to repay covid grant after false cafe claim uncovered in Rochdale

Tuesday, 14 April 2026 21:13

By David Murphy

A Rochdale man has been sentenced after fraudulently claiming a ten thousand pounds covid business grant. He pleaded guilty at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court.

Jake Gorton, aged 41, of Raneley Grove in Kirkholt, claimed a small business grant in April 2020 at the start of the covid pandemic.

The court heard he falsely claimed to be running a cafe known as The Little Diner on New Road in Littleborough in order to access the funding, which was intended to support businesses during lockdown restrictions.

Rochdale Borough Council’s fraud team began investigating after receiving information that Gorton had vacated the premises in October 2019. As part of the investigation, officers arranged three interviews with him, which he did not attend.

Gorton appeared in court on 30 March where he was ordered to repay the ten thousand pounds. He must also pay one thousand five hundred pounds in court costs and a ninety pound victim surcharge. The court further ordered him to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work within 12 months.

Samantha Smith, director of corporate services at Rochdale Borough Council, said the grants were intended to help businesses survive during a national crisis. She said Gorton had taken money from the public purse that he knew he was not entitled to and warned the council would take action against dishonest claims.

Share

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

Comments

Add a comment

Log in to the club or enter your details below.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

 

Recently Played

Newsletter

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated.

   

Coming up next On Air

  • George Buswell

    10:00pm - Midnight

  • After Hours

    Midnight - 2:00am

    For the night owls, night workers and everyone still going while the rest of the town sleeps. Music, chat and company after dark.

  • Wide Awake Club

    2:00am - 5:00am

    For those who find themselves awake at 3am more often than they’d like. Calm music, understanding voices and quiet company.

  • Up Before the Alarm

    5:00am - 7:00am

    for early starters, commuters and anyone already on their second brew. Livelier music and new voices warming things up before breakfast.

  • Wednesday Breakfast

    7:00am - 10:00am

    getting you out of bed and to work and school with great music and headlines.

  • Business Spotlight

    10:00am - 11:00am

    Join Geoff Kirkman on The Business Spotlight show on Roch Valley Radio.

Roch Valley Radio is a not-for-profit radio station serving Bury and Rochdale including the surrounding areas on DAB, your Smart Speakers and Online.

© Copyright 2026 Roch Valley Radio CIC. Powered by Aiir.