News

Featured

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  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.

• 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.

• 🟥 LIVE Eurovision 2026 and what we all think during the final

  Live commentary on tonight’s Eurovision

• More from Featured
• Feed

Local News

• Woman charged after repeated incidents at The Rock's Car Park

  A woman has been charged following a series of incidents at The Rock car park in Bury during May.

• Who is keeping the lights on at Oldham council?

  A top boss is keeping the lights on at Oldham Council while councillors work out who is going to take over.

• Metal recycling scheme provides £17,000 boost for Andy’s Man Club

  A national metal recycling scheme has generated a £17,000 donation for Andy’s Man Club from cremations carried out at Rochdale Borough Council crematoria.

• La Latte Lounge opens new community space and women’s workshop

  La Latte Lounge Community Cafe CIC has opened a new community space and women’s workshop on Bank Street aimed at supporting people facing isolation, mental health challenges and abuse.

• Closure notice issued for Boro General Store on Church Street

  A property on Church Street in Rochdale has been served with a Closure Notice by Rochdale Borough Council following concerns linked to nuisance and disorder at the address.

• Huge Medieval fair to bring Rochdale’s history to life this summer

  Rochdale town centre will be transformed into a Medieval village this June as a large scale event featuring combat displays, music, activities and historical reenactments takes over the area.

• Free Rocky the Rhino trail launched at The Rock for half term families

  Families visiting The Rock during May half term can take part in a free interactive trail with the chance to win a £150 shopping voucher.

• Community spirit stitched into new Rochdale banner celebrating unity and heritage

  A new embroidered banner created by women from communities across Rochdale is set to go on public display after months of collaborative work celebrating the borough’s history and identity.

• Rochdale sewer heat project could warm hospital, schools and homes

  Wastewater flowing beneath Rochdale could soon be used to heat public buildings and homes under plans backed by £1 million in government funding.

• New speed camera vans to target Greater Manchester speeding hotspots

  Greater Manchester Police has increased its speed enforcement capability with the introduction of two new vehicles aimed at tackling dangerous driving across the region.

• Housebuilders join Queensway litter pick as concerns remain over Cowm Top fly-tipping

  Two Greater Manchester housebuilders joined Rochdale’s Mayor and a litter picking charity for a community cleanup on Queensway amid continuing concerns over fly tipping and littering around Cowm Top Lane.

• Man arrested in Salford over synagogue terror attack investigation

  Counter Terrorism Policing North West officers have arrested a man in Salford as part of an ongoing investigation into the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue last year.

• More from Local News
• Feed
• X

Local Sports

• Jos Buttler signs new three year Lancashire Lightning deal

  England white ball star Jos Buttler has signed a new three year Vitality Blast contract extension with Lancashire Lightning. The agreement keeps him linked with the club through to the end of the 2028 season alongside his existing ECB central contract.

• High school student helps footballers net second title

  FOOTBALLER Summer Taylor helped her team to add the Manchester FA Girls Cup to their Bolton and Bury League title and now she hopes they win the treble.

• Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams steps back after 60 years at the club

  Ramsbottom United chairman Harry Williams has announced he is stepping back after six decades leading the club he helped establish in 1966.

• Rob Henry appointed new Ramsbottom United manager after Steve Wilkes retirement

  Ramsbottom United have confirmed Rob Henry as the club’s new manager following the retirement of Steve Wilkes at the end of last season.

• More from Local Sports
• Feed

Lifestyle

• La Latte Lounge opens new community space and women’s workshop

  La Latte Lounge Community Cafe CIC has opened a new community space and women’s workshop on Bank Street aimed at supporting people facing isolation, mental health challenges and abuse.

• Free Rocky the Rhino trail launched at The Rock for half term families

  Families visiting The Rock during May half term can take part in a free interactive trail with the chance to win a £150 shopping voucher.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  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.

• 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.

• More from Lifestyle
• Feed

Greater Manchester

• Burnham calls water industry 'broken'

  Andy Burnham, the Labour Candidate for the Makerfield By-Election, has called the Water industry 'broken' but fell short of calling for the nationalisation of United Utilities, following a discussion with local residents about how they have been affected by flooding in their local area.

• Who is keeping the lights on at Oldham council?

  A top boss is keeping the lights on at Oldham Council while councillors work out who is going to take over.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  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.

• 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.

• 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.

• More from Greater Manchester
• Feed

Local Entertainment

• Free Rocky the Rhino trail launched at The Rock for half term families

  Families visiting The Rock during May half term can take part in a free interactive trail with the chance to win a £150 shopping voucher.

• Ramsbottom Duck Race draws record crowds as event sells out

  Thousands of ducks were sold at the Ramsbottom Rotary Duck Race as organisers reported their busiest year since the event began. Organisers said both cash prize races sold out and hundreds of children also took part in the day.

• 🟥 LIVE on Day Two from Vintage Vibes 2026 at the East Lancs Railway

  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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Parklife transport plans changed as festival travel pick up points move for 2026 event

  People travelling to Parklife 2026 are being urged to check updated transport arrangements after organisers confirmed changes to pick up and drop off locations around Heaton Park.

• Rochdale dancer wins national Anna Jones award at IDTA scholarships

  A young dancer from Rochdale has won a prestigious national award after being nominated among more than 5,000 children from across the country.

• More from Local Entertainment
• Feed

Elections

• Burnham calls water industry 'broken'

  Andy Burnham, the Labour Candidate for the Makerfield By-Election, has called the Water industry 'broken' but fell short of calling for the nationalisation of United Utilities, following a discussion with local residents about how they have been affected by flooding in their local area.

• Andy Burnham launches election campaign in sunny Makerfield

  Audio

• 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. 

• Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour’s Candidate for Makerfield by-election

• Reform's new Rochdale boss - who might be gone in 12 months - on immigration, the cost of living crisis and housing

  Reform UK has a new leader in Rochdale and he believes his party can be an effective opposition in the town hall

• More from Elections
• Feed

UK

• Peter Kay show bomb hoax suspect removed from court hearing after trying to take off his trousers

  A man charged with an alleged bomb hoax at a Peter Kay show has been removed from a court hearing after trying to strip off his clothing.

• Funeral held for soldier who died at Royal Windsor Horse Show

  A funeral has taken place for a soldier who died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

• Football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish reveals he has cancer

  Football legend Sir Kenny Dalglish has revealed he has cancer.

• 'Missed opportunity' as government rejects call for mass prostate cancer screening

  The health secretary has decided only a few thousand men at high risk of getting prostate cancer will be offered targeted screening for the disease.

• Woman tells court she was raped by ex-DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson while at school

  A woman has told a trial she was raped and sexually abused by former Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson while at primary school.

• UK weather: Met Office warns of increased likelihood of summer heatwave

  The UK has just experienced a warm and dry spring, with England and Wales having their warmest spring on record, while several counties in the South East saw only one third of their average seasonal rainfall.

• Police watchdog investigates Avon and Somerset force over contact with mother before fatal house explosion

  The police watchdog is investigating the contact that a force had with a mother and her former partner who were killed in a house explosion.

• Three arrested and murder investigation launched after police recover body from Poole Harbour

  Police have recovered a body from Poole Harbour and arrested three men on suspicion of murder after a man went missing from a sailing boat off the Dorset coast.

• More from UK

Entertainment

• Kanye West banned from performing in Italian city

  A Kanye West concert in Italy has been cancelled over public order and security concerns.

• Donald Trump makes Elvis Presley claim as he floats 'major speech' after artists pull out of birthday concerts

  Donald Trump is considering cancelling a series of concerts after a number of artists pulled out - and holding a political-style rally instead.

• Oscar-winning editor of original Star Wars films Marcia Lucas dies at 80

  The Oscar-winning editor of the original Star Wars films, Marcia Lucas, has died aged 80.

• Donald Trump lashes out after judge orders removal of his name from Kennedy Center

  President Donald Trump has lashed out after a judge ordered the removal of his name from the Kennedy Center.

• Man jailed for 15 years after plotting terror attack at Taylor Swift concert

  An Austrian man has been jailed for 15 years for plotting to attack a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna during her record-breaking Eras tour.

• More from Entertainment

Sport

• Marco Silva to leave Fulham: Portuguese head coach to depart after five seasons in charge amid Benfica links

  Marco Silva is set to take over as Benfica head coach after his exit from Fulham was confirmed.

• England reveal World Cup squad numbers with Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford handed key shirts

  England have announced their squad numbers for this summer's World Cup.

• Chris Billam-Smith hits back at 'irrelevant' Ryan Rozicki warning after intense face-off ahead of cruiserweight showdown

  Chris Billam-Smith has hit back at Ryan Rozicki's "irrelevant" claim that the Canadian can prevent a hometown victory in Saturday's cruiserweight fight in Bournemouth, live on Sky Sports.

• Ibrahima Konate transfer news: Defender edges closer to joining Real Madrid as talks continue with LaLiga giants

  Ibrahima Konate is in talks to join Real Madrid after it was confirmed he would leave Liverpool as a free agent.

• England vs New Zealand: Shoaib Bashir to play and Sonny Baker pushing for Test debut in Lord's opener

  England are considering handing Sonny Baker a debut Test cap at Lord's after the 23-year-old fast bowler was included in the 12-man squad named for the first Test against New Zealand, starting on Thursday.

• More from Sport

Strange

• Viral 'Donald Trump' buffalo spared from Eid sacrifice in Bangladesh

  A viral buffalo nicknamed "Donald Trump" for its blond tuft has been spared from Eid al-Adha sacrifice after a last-minute government intervention.

• Cheese-rolling legend beaten by German YouTuber

  The Gloucestershire cheese rolling contest's most successful ever competitor has been beaten by a German YouTuber. 

• Driver filmed with football net on top of car

  Police say a driver made an "own goal" by dangerously driving with an unsecured football net on top of their car.

• The robot that can outplay elite table tennis players

  A robot has become so good at playing table tennis that at times it defeated elite human players, in what has been hailed as "a longstanding milestone for AI".

• Monkeys eating soil to settle upset stomachs from junk food, says research

  Monkeys in Gibraltar have learned to eat soil to settle their stomachs from all the junk food they consume, research suggests.

• More from Strange

Videos

• Peter Kay show bomb hoax suspect removed from court hearing after trying to take off his trousers

  A man charged with an alleged bomb hoax at a Peter Kay show has been removed from a court hearing after trying to strip off his clothing.

• Two dead in Kenya after protests against US planned Ebola quarantine zone - as court blocks construction

  Two people have died in Kenya during protests against a US-proposed quarantine facility for Ebola patients, according to the organiser.

• Florida becomes first state to sue OpenAI - claiming ChatGPT helped criminals including school shooters

  The state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its chief executive – accusing the company of offering children guidance on self-harm and providing information helping school shooters and other criminals.

• If Cuba collapses, the US will be forced to deal with the consequence of its actions

  It's only a couple of months or so since I was last in Cuba, and conditions then were pretty dire: power cuts, large queues for bread and fuel, state-run grocery stores virtually empty, mounting piles of rubbish on street corners, and few foreign visitors.

• UK firms 'suffering financially' as government drags heels on Defence Investment Plan

  A majority of UK defence technology firms have suffered financial harm because of a chronic delay in the publication of a government investment plan for defence, a survey has revealed.

• Anthropic becomes latest AI company to go public in once in a generation moment for Wall Street

  The maker of the popular Claude AI chatbot has announced plans to become a public company.

• John McFall: British ex-Paralympian set to be first physically impaired person to live and work in space

  Former Paralympic athlete John McFall could become the first person with a physical disability to live and work in space, with blast-off scheduled for as soon as next year.

• 'Missed opportunity' as government rejects call for mass prostate cancer screening

  The health secretary has decided only a few thousand men at high risk of getting prostate cancer will be offered targeted screening for the disease.

• More from Videos

Politics

• UK firms 'suffering financially' as government drags heels on Defence Investment Plan

  A majority of UK defence technology firms have suffered financial harm because of a chronic delay in the publication of a government investment plan for defence, a survey has revealed.

• Andy Burnham on Britain's future... and his own

  ? Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app ?

• Epstein survivor urges Starmer to meet victims after latest Mandelson files released

  A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein has said the latest release of documents relating to Peter Mandelson raises fresh questions that should be examined through a UK public inquiry.

• Operation Branchform timeline: The downfall of ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell

  Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted embezzling £400,310.65 from the party.

• Life after Keir - will any Labour leadership race be a coronation or contest?

  ?Listen to Politics at Sam and Anne's on your podcast app?

• More from Politics

Technology

• 'Missed opportunity' as government rejects call for mass prostate cancer screening

  The health secretary has decided only a few thousand men at high risk of getting prostate cancer will be offered targeted screening for the disease.

• UK weather: Met Office warns of increased likelihood of summer heatwave

  The UK has just experienced a warm and dry spring, with England and Wales having their warmest spring on record, while several counties in the South East saw only one third of their average seasonal rainfall.

• John McFall: British ex-Paralympian set to be first physically impaired person to live and work in space

  Former Paralympic athlete John McFall could become the first person with a physical disability to live and work in space, with blast-off scheduled for as soon as next year.

• Florida becomes first state to sue OpenAI - claiming ChatGPT helped criminals including school shooters

  The state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its chief executive – accusing the company of offering children guidance on self-harm and providing information helping school shooters and other criminals.

• Anthropic becomes latest AI company to go public in once in a generation moment for Wall Street

  The maker of the popular Claude AI chatbot has announced plans to become a public company.

• More from Technology

World

• Two dead in Kenya after protests against US planned Ebola quarantine zone - as court blocks construction

  Two people have died in Kenya during protests against a US-proposed quarantine facility for Ebola patients, according to the organiser.

• Man accused of plotting 20 Iran-linked terror attacks in Europe and Canada appears in court

  An Iraqi man has been accused of plotting at least 18 terror attacks across Europe, according to charges filed by the US Department of Justice (DOJ).

• British couple jailed in Iran lose appeal, family says

  A British couple jailed on spying charges in Iran have lost an appeal against their convictions, their family has said.

• If Cuba collapses, the US will be forced to deal with the consequence of its actions

  It's only a couple of months or so since I was last in Cuba, and conditions then were pretty dire: power cuts, large queues for bread and fuel, state-run grocery stores virtually empty, mounting piles of rubbish on street corners, and few foreign visitors.

• Tactical timeout ban and new VAR powers - major World Cup rule changes unveiled

  Major rule changes have been announced ahead of the 2026 World Cup - including expanded powers for VAR, 10-second substitutions and a crackdown on tactical timeouts.

• Israeli forces seize strategically important Crusades-era fortress in Lebanon

  Israeli forces have captured a strategically important fortress from the Crusades, marking the country's deepest incursion into Lebanon in more than a quarter of a century.

• Britain helps the French navy seize Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in the Atlantic

  UK forces helped the French navy intercept an oil tanker under international sanctions that was coming from Russia, alleged to be part of its shadow fleet.

• More from World

Business

• Modella plots rent and job cuts at footwear chain Wynsors | Mark Kleinman blog

• Florida becomes first state to sue OpenAI - claiming ChatGPT helped criminals including school shooters

  The state of Florida has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and its chief executive – accusing the company of offering children guidance on self-harm and providing information helping school shooters and other criminals.

• Tube strikes: Full list of days and lines affected in June walkout on London Underground

  Strikes by some London Underground train drivers begin today, kicking off a week of heavy disruption for commuters.

• Anthropic becomes latest AI company to go public in once in a generation moment for Wall Street

  The maker of the popular Claude AI chatbot has announced plans to become a public company.

• Why easyJet is attracting takeover interest

  There is not even a deal on the table but there is little surprise in the City that easyJet has become the latest big UK name to face takeover interest.

• Two more children's sand kits withdrawn from sale over asbestos content

  Two more children's sand kits have been removed from sale after testing found they contained asbestos.

• Former M&S boss drafted in to help ministers tackle NEET crisis

  A former chief executive of Marks and Spencer has been appointed by the government to get more than one million young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) into work.

• Disruptive passengers could be banned from all flights under UK government plan

  Disruptive plane passengers could find themselves banned from flying by all airlines under a new UK government proposal.

• More from Business

Rochdale Council Leaders Column

No stories to show.

• More from Rochdale Council Leaders Column
• Feed

Rochdale Council Mayors Column

No stories to show.

• More from Rochdale Council Mayors Column
• Feed