Osaka-Manchester link celebrated as R17 hosts Japanese delegation in international trade boost

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• Six-bed HMO approved despite local anger

  A six-bed HMO in Royton has been given the greenlight by councillors, despite ‘anger and upset’ in the local community. Property owner Footlong (UK) Ltd can extend a house at 3 Kevin Avenue to create a six-person house of multiple occupation.

• Councillor Ashley Dearnley looks back on his 44 years of service

  Rochdale’s longest serving councillor is due to step aside in May after 44 years in the job. Coun Ashley Dearnley’s cheeky smile has been a constant in the council chamber since 1982, when he was elected at the age of 21.

• Two men jailed after masked burglary at Radcliffe home while mother and child were inside

  Two men have been jailed after breaking into a Radcliffe home in the early hours of the morning while a woman was inside caring for her young child. The pair stole a BMW from the driveway before being stopped by police minutes later.

• Major police operation in Rochdale leads to 41 arrests and large drug seizures

  Police made 41 arrests and uncovered three cannabis farms during a major day of action across Rochdale.

• New Littleborough family hub planned as work on £2.9m project progresses

  An old primary school in Littleborough will be revamped in a £2.9m project to convert it into a family hub. This will provide a dedicated resource for young people, offer health checks and cater for general community use for families in the Rochdalian town.

• Row erupts over claims Tottington Facebook group removed posts about by election candidate

  A Bury councillor has accused administrators of a large local Facebook group of removing posts about a by election candidate while allowing other political content to remain.

• Councillors raise concerns over strike dispute at St Cuthbert’s High School in Rochdale

  Two Rochdale councillors have written to a Catholic academy trust raising concerns about an ongoing strike at St Cuthbert’s High School. They say the dispute is affecting pupils, families and the wider community.

• Rochdale MP calls on Travelodge to strengthen hotel security after guest assaulted in room

  Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has criticised the Travelodge hotel chain after a woman was assaulted in her room while she slept. He is among more than 100 MPs seeking answers from the company after the attacker was given a key card to her room.

• What is really happening at the former soap star’s home in Heywood

  The former home of a Coronation Street legend has become the epicentre of a planning furore in Heywood.

• Green Party selects Tottington resident Chloe King as candidate for Bury by election

  The Green Party has selected Tottington resident Chloe King to stand as its candidate in the upcoming Tottington ward by election in Bury.

• Bury pub The Blue Bell unveils £400,000 refurbishment with new fireplaces and expanded space

  A well known Bury pub has reopened following a £400000 refurbishment that introduces three fireplaces, an upgraded kitchen and a redesigned indoor and outdoor layout.

• New McDonald’s drive-thru refused on health grounds

  A new McDonald’s drive-thru for Rochdale has been rejected due to the potential impact on public health.