Local News
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Man arrested at Manchester Airport in Heaton Park synagogue terror probe
A seventh person has been arrested in connection with the deadly terrorist attack on Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed.
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Teenage musician sets sights on top Manchester music college
BUDDING performer Isla Connell has been singing and playing instruments since primary school and is now hoping to land a place at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
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Heywood AODS honours retiring President after 40 years at the helm
Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society has paid tribute to its long-serving President, Keith Greenwood, during a surprise celebration marking his retirement after four decades of dedicated leadership.
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Businesses warned of budget ‘moment of truth’ as tax fears mount
A senior insolvency expert has warned that businesses in Rochdale and across the UK are facing a pivotal week, with fears that the upcoming budget could unleash damaging tax hikes across multiple sectors.
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Fire and light transform Rochdale as Christmas countdown begins
More than 10,000 people visit town hall for spectacular three-day festival and lights switch-on
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Man arrested after pedestrian hit in serious collision in Bury town centre
A man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at a major junction in Bury town centre.
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Mayor reflects on a busy first half-year of community, culture and commemoration
I am halfway through my mayoral year and it has been an inspiring and insightful six months. I have been to every part of the community, across our township areas of the Pennines, Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale, visiting businesses, schools, care settings, charities, voluntary organisations, seeing at first-hand what makes our borough the amazing place it is to live, work and grow up in.
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Reform UK councillor backtracks after falsely claiming Roch Valley Radio insulted him
A Rochdale councillor has retracted a claim he made on social media, after attributing a critical remark to Roch Valley Radio without verifying the source.
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Old bank to be transformed into church
The former RBS bank in Middleton will be converted into a new church.
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Mum of two makes urgent plea for kidney donor as transplant options run out
A mother from Rochdale is appealing to the public to consider becoming a living kidney donor as she faces an increasingly desperate wait for a life-saving transplant.
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Rochdale man walks 4,200 miles from Azerbaijan to raise money for homelessness charities
A 34-year-old man from Rochdale has completed a 233-day trek across 17 countries, walking over 4,200 miles from Baku to raise money for two Manchester homelessness charities.
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Children lead the way as Freehold estate praised for pioneering police partnership
Pupils at Broadfield Park Primary School have been hailed for their role in helping Greater Manchester Police tackle organised crime on the Freehold estate.
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Exhibition train marking 200 years of rail travel to stop in Bury
A free family-friendly exhibition train celebrating 200 years of modern railway history is set to arrive in Bury in January as part of a nationwide tour.
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Emergency road closure on Milnrow Road for final phase of major gas works
A key section of the A640 Milnrow Road in Rochdale has been closed to allow urgent gas mains upgrade work, as part of a £75 million project by Cadent.
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Middleton residents share bold ideas for town’s future at MMDC event
Residents in Middleton took part in a community event at the Edgar Wood Rooms to share ideas for the town’s future. The session followed the launch of the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation, introduced the night before by actor Steve Coogan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
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Middleton hits reset as Mayoral Development Corporation launches with community backing and call for change
Middleton’s regeneration took a major step forward tonight, Wednesday 19 November, with the launch of the Middleton Mayoral Development Corporation, known as MMDC, a new public body that promises to transform the town through investment, housing and community-led development.
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New maternity membership offers discounts for mums across Greater Manchester
A Rochdale mother has launched a new discount membership platform to support women during pregnancy and maternity leave.
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Hundreds of homes on Littleborough’s countryside set for approval
Hundreds of new homes are set to be built on the Littleborough countryside near a popular beauty spot.
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Town to get ‘real boost’ from major planning reforms
Housebuilding next to train stations being given a default ‘yes’, will be a real boost for Castleton, says the town’s MP.
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Plans for battery storage plant on green belt next to country park approved after ‘knife edge’ vote
A battery energy storage plant is to be built on green belt land close to a country park.
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Hotel expansion approved
A hotel on the edge of Bury and Heywood will be expanded to create space for 30 new bedrooms.
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New drive-thru planned for Sandbrook Park
The former home of a dessert takeaway in Rochdale could soon be transformed into a drive-thru restaurant.
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Pensioner’s battle over her blue bin
A pensioner who struggles to lug her bins from her garage to the pavement said she has been left dumbfounded by a string of missed collections.
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Fraud specialists to support residents during Black Friday and Christmas shopping period
Greater Manchester Police’s Economic and Cyber Crime Unit (ECCU) will be running pop-up fraud advice events in the run-up to Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas, including a session at Virgin Money in Rochdale on Tuesday 19 November.
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Mayfield RL’s ‘Movers’ raise over £8,500 for Rochdale charities after 52-mile walk to Blackpool
A group of dedicated volunteers from Mayfield Rugby League Club have raised £8,556.87 after completing a 52-mile sponsored walk from Rochdale to Blackpool in support of three local charitable causes.
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Teenager named after fatal M66 crash as friends set off fireworks at the scene
A 19-year-old man who died after being struck by a car on the M66 has been named locally as Kade Hughes.
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Lib Dems unveil plan to cut energy bills and support local high streets
Heywood and Middleton North’s Liberal Democrat spokesperson Tom Shaw has welcomed a national party proposal to slash energy bills and boost local spending as part of a £12 billion cost-of-living package.
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Wheels in motion as Rochdale’s winter gritting service gears up
Rochdale Council’s winter highways team is on standby as freezing temperatures and wintry conditions begin to take hold across the borough.
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Police investigate fatal collision at Simister Island after GMP pursuit
A 19-year-old man has died after being hit by a car on the junction between the M60 and M66 following a police pursuit in north Manchester.
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GMP pays out nearly £9,000 after unlawful arrest of former soldier
A former military police officer has been paid almost £9,000 in damages by Greater Manchester Police after being locked in custody for almost 12 hours.
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Seized designer trainers redistributed to help survivors of modern slavery
Hundreds of pairs of trainers seized by Greater Manchester Police as part of a money laundering investigation are now supporting survivors of modern slavery and trafficking across the North.
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Rochdale man jailed for 16 years after fatal stabbing on New Year’s Eve
A man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of the manslaughter of Alberto Ursu, who died following a stabbing at a New Year’s Eve party in Rochdale.
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William Howarth jailed for nine years and eight months for abusing girls online
William Howarth, a registered sex offender, has been jailed for nine years and eight months after pleading guilty to 35 offences involving the online grooming and abuse of girls under the age of 16.
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Two arrested and over 400 cannabis plants seized in Rochdale town centre raid
Two men have been arrested after police uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm in the heart of Rochdale early on Friday morning.
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Highway to Littleborough or highway to hell? as MP slams roadworks nightmare
Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has condemned the “chaos” caused by uncoordinated roadworks across Littleborough, warning that congestion is reaching breaking point for local residents, schools and businesses.
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Fire tears through Rochdale garage as residents told to avoid area
A large emergency response remains in place after a commercial garage fire in Rochdale forced major road closures early on Friday morning.
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Valley Thai Boxing Club fighters bring home 15 gold medals for Team GB
A group of young athletes from Valley Thai Boxing Club in Rochdale have returned from Italy with 15 gold medals, after representing Team Great Britain at the WTKA World Championships.
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Historic Rochdale manor house transformed into homes for veterans
A Victorian manor house in Rochdale has been restored and converted into accommodation for armed forces veterans as part of a council-led project to bring the heritage site back into community use.
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Bury personal adviser shortlisted for national care leaver award
A personal adviser from Bury Council’s Next Chapter Leaving Care Team has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award recognising exceptional support to young people transitioning out of care.
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Ignite Fire Festival returns to Rochdale with fiery spectacles and family fun
Three-night event leads into town’s Christmas lights switch-on
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Tributes paid to popular community activist from Milnrow
A staunch Labour activist and local community legend has died after giving decades of her life to the people of Rochdale.
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Rochdale sisters strike gold at World Martial Arts Championships in Norway
Two young sisters from Rochdale have returned from Norway as world champions after an extraordinary medal haul at the World Martial Arts Championship Games.
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Andy Burnham launches major Atom Valley scheme in Rochdale
A major project that will bring 20,000 jobs, employment space and new homes over a ‘decade of growth’ has finally started.
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Suspected shoplifter arrested moments after leaving prison
A 44-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of theft within seconds of walking free from prison, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.
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Weapons and nitrous oxide seized in Rochdale business unit raid
A warrant executed by the Rochdale North Neighbourhood team has led to the seizure of dangerous weapons and controlled substances from a commercial unit in the town centre.
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Charity shop given festive makeover by UK's biggest preloved bookseller
A Chadderton charity shop has been given a high-end festive window transformation thanks to World of Books, the UK's largest preloved book retailer.
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Rochdale Christmas Toy Appeal returns to brighten festive season for children in need
Thousands of vulnerable children in Rochdale are set to receive festive cheer again this year, as the council's annual Christmas Toy Appeal launches with collection points across the borough.
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Start of Atom Valley project marks ‘big day’ for Greater Manchester
The groundbreaking of a new manufacturing and research facility signals the start of a ‘new decade of growth’ in Greater Manchester, says mayor Andy Burnham.
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Government to give councils powers to suspend rogue councillors
Councillors who commit serious misconduct could face suspension under new government proposals aimed at restoring trust in local politics.
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Lest we forget as borough unites in silence to honour the fallen
Communities across Rochdale came together on Remembrance Sunday to honour the sacrifices of service personnel past and present.
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Rochdale couple share joy of hosting young people leaving care
A Rochdale couple have shared the rewarding experience of opening their home to young people leaving care, as part of a supported lodgings scheme aimed at helping 16 to 21-year-olds find stability and independence.
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Bury born actress Lisa Riley joins I’m A Celebrity for milestone 25th series
Actress Lisa Riley says milestone birthdays, personal achievements and the show’s landmark year convinced her to finally take part in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!
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Hundreds gather for magical lights switch-on at The Rock’s first Christmas parade
A festive celebration brought hundreds of local families to The Rock Shopping Centre in Bury as it hosted its first-ever Christmas Lights Switch-On Parade.
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North West life sciences firms explore new Irish partnerships
A joint Mayoral trade mission to Ireland has brought together life sciences companies from Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region to strengthen cross-border collaboration.
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Inclusive Cinderella pantomime breaks barriers on stage in Chadderton
A North West care provider is putting on a reimagined Cinderella pantomime featuring a cast made up entirely of people with complex needs
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J Star Academy locked out of studio amid rent dispute as parents and donors demand clarity
Prestwich community shocked after landlord changes locks on performing arts academy despite crowdfunder effort to save space.
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Security guard jailed after raping woman who asked for help in Manchester
A woman who asked a security guard for directions ended up being raped inside his security booth, now he’s been jailed for over seven years.
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Bikers form ‘ring of red’ on M60 to honour Remembrance Sunday
Thousands of bikers took to the M60 on Sunday afternoon to form a striking ‘ring of red’ tribute, marking the 13th annual motorcycle memorial ride in honour of the UK’s Armed Forces.
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Two Edenfield Centre staff charged with ill-treatment of patients following undercover investigation
A support worker and a registered nurse who were employed at a mental health facility in Prestwich have been charged with multiple counts of ill-treatment against vulnerable patients.
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Bury shoppers raise £1,000 for veterans through handmade Wall of Remembrance
A community art installation at Mill Gate Shopping Centre has raised £1,000 for the Royal British Legion, thanks to hundreds of handmade poppies donated by schools, scouts and local groups.
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Officers targeted anti-social behaviour in Rochdale and beyond during Bonfire Night clampdown
More than 2,000 emergency calls fielded and 27 arrests made across Greater Manchester as GMP warns ‘we’ll be knocking on doors’
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🚒 LIVE: We join Greater Manchester fire crews in Rochdale tonight for a ride-along
Live updates during the evening as we embed with GMFRS for a behind-the-scenes look at frontline fire service work during one of the busiest times of the year.
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🟥 RECAP: Glaston-BURY live updates, photos, interviews and more
Thousands of music lovers descended on Bury during Bank Holiday Monday, 25 August 2025, for Glaston-Bury, the annual one day music festival in aid of Bury Hospice and other local causes. Since it began in 2008, the event has raised over £300,000 and has become one of the town’s biggest highlights of the year.
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Thousands attend Heywood 1940s Day as parade and street party return
Thousands packed into Heywood for the town's annual 1940s Day on Saturday 21 June, transforming the area into a tribute to wartime Britain.
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RECAP: Parklife 2025 Day Two - updates, photos & travel news
Day One at Parklife 2025 is done, and what a day it was. Over 50,000 people packed into Heaton Park for a massive Saturday, with sets from FLO, Rudimental and a huge headline performance by 50 Cent.
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RECAP : Parklife 2025 Day One - updates, photos & travel news
Tens of thousands of music fans are pouring into Parklife, as the day one of the festival gets underway.
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Sister of Lee Rigby to run two races in his memory 12 years after his murder
The sister of murdered soldier Lee Rigby is preparing to run two major fundraising events this autumn, twelve years after his death at the hands of extremists.
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Protest outside Rochdale Police Station
The following statement is attributable to Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry:
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Knife Angel launched in Bury as part of its National Anti-Violence Tour
Bury Business Improvement District have begun hosting the Knife Angel in partnership with Bury Council and GMP and several organisations and partners.
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New supported housing for those with mental health needs
An old empty mill is to be transformed into much-needed housing for people with mental health issues.
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Poppy Appeal launched in Bury
The National Poppy Appeal has been launched in Bury today (Thursday 26 October) as we remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives and livelihoods during past and current conflicts.
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Family appeal for information after husband's ashes stolen from a house in Bury
On Tuesday 19 September 2023, Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a burglary on Brandlesholme Road, Bury.
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Salaam BCR Community Radio and Project 29 face backlash for displaying Controversial anti-LGBT Education Signage in Bury
Asian Community Radio Station in Moorgate, Bury Sparks Controversy with Anti-LGBT Education Signs
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LGBTQI+ Forum Statement about the Project 29 charity and Salaam BCR
The charitable organisation known as the LGBTQI+ Forum in Bury, has issued a statement.
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Man charged with attempted murder following an attack in Bury
On Tuesday 29 August 2023 at around 11:55pm, officers were called to reports of a man who had been attacked with a knife on Haworth Walk in Radcliffe, Bury.
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New homes under way in Whitefield
Housing association Onward Homes and construction firm John Southworth will be working in partnership on a new development of 30 affordable homes in Whitefield, Bury.

