Local News

Senior leaders at Rochdale Borough Council have formally committed to using inclusive, respectful language when referring to children, especially those in care or with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), following growing concerns raised by councillors.

A historic cricket club in Heywood is aiming for a six with planners, having submitted a formal application to Rochdale Borough Council to build a new eco-friendly community pavilion.

Last month a massive Greater Manchester motorway upgrade was announced which will affect millions of journeys a year.

A new sporting hub could be on the horizon in Rochdale as proposals emerge to transform wasteland at a local sports club into the town’s first dedicated padel tennis facility.

Friends, family and lecturers fill Great Hall as Hopwood Hall College celebrates higher education success.

Free arts training programme returns this November with real-world experience and job opportunities

Two Drake Street shops have been forced to close after trading standards officers seized thousands of illegal cigarettes, banned vapes, and hand-rolling tobacco as part of an ongoing town centre crackdown.

Couple sentenced under Dangerous Dogs Act following toddler’s death on rural property.

Walkouts by Bee Network bus drivers at Stagecoach and Metroline suspended after new pay offer, but minor disruption still possible

Parents in Heywood say they no longer feel safe at the school gates after new WhatsApp leaks revealed members of the self-styled Heywood Community Guards discussing direct action, late-night drives, and “door knocks” on local residents.

A long-dumped van with a rotting load and rat infestation is set to be cleared.

Counter Terrorism Policing North West has re-arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with last week’s terror attack in Crumpsall.

Planned bus strikes across Greater Manchester have been called off after Unite the Union agreed to ballot its members on a new pay offer, meaning most Bee Network services will now run as normal this weekend.

A Rochdale family has issued an urgent appeal to the public after their much-loved pony vanished from a field off Albert Royds Street.

Children in care from across Rochdale were honoured for their remarkable achievements at a joyful awards ceremony that combined celebration, entertainment and heartfelt recognition.

Specsavers Rochdale is hosting a special after-hours clinic to provide free sight and hearing checks for people experiencing homelessness, as part of national efforts marking World Homeless Day.

Organisers confirm 2026 date for town’s flagship summer music and food event, with main stage acts and tickets to be announced soon

It has been another extremely busy few weeks, with a packed diary of events, visits, and concerts.

Claims Places for Everyone campaigners had ‘very little time’ to respond to last-minute changes have been slapped down by landowners’ lawyers.

A week on from an unimaginable tragedy, a community gathered to honour two heroes – and show that ‘light can push away the darkness’. 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that three Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers who fired their weapons during last week’s terror attack in Crumpsall are being treated as witnesses in the ongoing investigation.

Counter terrorism police have confirmed that the man behind the attack on the Synagogue in Crumpsall last Thursday, pledged allegiance to Islamic State in a 999 call.

Rochdale’s world-class murals could be crowned the best street art on the planet, but only if local people get voting before it’s too late.

Work is set to begin on a facility that will unlock thousands of jobs in Rochdale.

An 18th century building that was once home to ‘The Nile’ nightclub in Rochdale will be transformed into apartments.

A supposed community safety group based in Heywood has been exposed as a breeding ground for hostility, conspiracy theories and unregulated activity, according to evidence seen by Roch Valley Radio.

Bus services across Greater Manchester will be disrupted later this week following confirmation that staff from two operators, Stagecoach and Metroline, will go ahead with further planned strikes.

A council has been slammed by one of its own members after the town hall power supply was used for an vigil commemorating Gaza child victims.

Almost 6,000 council workers have reported assaults and abuse in the last three years across Greater Manchester.

Elton councillor Jack Rydeheard has quit the Conservatives and joined Reform UK, marking the party’s first seat on Bury Council.

The town’s first full-scale comedy festival has drawn to a close after ten days of shows across Rochdale, bringing together established performers, newcomers and audiences from across the region and beyond.

A legal challenge claiming the loss of green belt land in a regional masterplan is not necessary for growth is to be heard this week.

A manhunt, vehicle chase and property search have led to a major drugs bust in Rochdale, with class A and class B drugs worth £200,000 taken off the streets.

Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) says its investigation into the terrorist attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday is “continuing at pace.”

Members of Greater Manchester’s Jewish community have gathered outside Manchester Cathedral this morning in a powerful show of unity and defiance, just days after a terror attack targeted a synagogue in Crumpsall.

Middleton’s Engine House plays host to a night of belly laughs during Rochdale’s Town of Culture year.

Six held as counter-terror police probe 'appalling' act outside Manchester synagogue

Budding young artists across Bury have been invited to take part in a festive tradition by designing the official Christmas card for the town’s mayor, Councillor Noel Bayley.

A Whitworth schoolgirl is preparing to take centre stage in HeyKids’ upcoming production of Nativity the Musical at Middleton Arena.

Cardinal Langley RC High School has been shortlisted for an Educate Award for its commitment to school sport and running events across Rochdale.

Police have stepped up high visibility patrols across Greater Manchester this week, with officers focusing on Jewish communities and busy public events.

A councillor has warned Manchester’s Jewish community is living in fear after an attack on a holy day and urged government ministers to take decisive action against anti-Semitism.

Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that six people have now been arrested following a terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, with detectives seeking extended detention warrants as the investigation continues.

Pro-Palestine demonstrations will go ahead in Manchester this weekend, according to organisers.

Tributes have now been paid to 66-year-old Melvin Cravitz who died during yesterday’s attack at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.

A man who carried out a deadly attack outside a synagogue in Manchester was reportedly on police bail for an alleged rape at the time, though this has not been confirmed by Greater Manchester Police.

Cheers greeted powerful speeches made by Bev Craig and Andy Burnham at a vigil for the victims of the Crumpsall synagogue terror attack.

Tributes have been paid to 53-year-old Adrian Daulby who died during yesterday’s terrorist incident at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue.

Forward signs until end of season as club bolsters attacking options with familiar face

Greater Manchester’s political leaders have issued a joint statement after an antisemitic attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Synagogue in Crumpsall left worshippers dead and injured.

Over 600 residents braved torrential rain to support Springhill Hospice and raise a record-breaking £54,363

Bus strikes by First Manchester drivers have been called off after an ‘exceptional’ pay deal was secured, but industrial action will continue at Metroline and Stagecoach depots across Greater Manchester.

From award wins to job offers, Hopwood Hall College has highlighted a string of apprenticeship success stories as it continues to grow its links with employers across Rochdale and beyond.

A man killed during a suspected terrorist incident at a synagogue in Crumpsall may have died as a result of a police bullet, Greater Manchester Police has confirmed.

Jewish communities in North Manchester, Bury and Salford to see increased officer presence as police respond to Crumpsall synagogue stabbing

The two men who tragically lost their lives in the Heaton Park Synagogue attack have been named locally as Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, as police continue their investigation.

Two killed, three injured and three arrested after shocking morning violence in north Manchester.

A terrorist attack which killed two people in Crumpsall on this morning, October 2, has left a ‘deep mark’ on Manchester, but the city’s leaders have vowed they will ‘never let hatred succeed’.

A community champion from Norden has been recognised by royalty for decades of dedication to Rochdale, receiving an MBE from the Prince of Wales in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Controversial plans to demolish six empty blocks of flats on a housing estate in Rochdale were stalled last month – now they’ve been thrown out entirely.

A verified image shows the man believed to be behind Thursday’s deadly terror attack outside a Manchester synagogue, moments before he was shot by police.

A politician working to improve relations between communities of Greater Manchester says she is ‘broken for the Jewish community’ after a fatal synagogue attack.

Statement from Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson in response to today's incident on Middleton Road, Crumpsall

The attack at the synagogue in Crumpsall this morning is being treated as terrorism.

Security across the city has been stepped up in the wake of the fatal attack on a north Manchester synagogue, according to an MP.

Two members of the public killed, three others seriously injured and a bomb squad called in after gunman shot outside Crumpsall synagogue.

A man convicted of child sex offences after absconding mid-trial is now in custody and will begin a five-and-a-half year prison sentence.

The attack outside a north Manchester synagogue has ‘appalled’ the area’s MP, who dubbed it an attempt to ‘damage our very tolerant city’.

Andy Burnham has sought to reassure Greater Manchester the ‘immediate danger has been averted’ after a ‘major incident’ outside a north Manchester synagogue.

Police have declared a major incident after a man drove a car towards members of the public outside a synagogue in Crumpsall this morning.

Armed police opened fire after a man reportedly drove at worshippers and stabbed a member of the public outside Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall.

A new crossing has been installed on a busy main road in Rochdale in order to reduce potential deaths and injuries.

A bright and bubbly stage version of the cult rom-com has launched at Manchester Opera House, packed with sparkle, sass, and more than a few surprises.

The controversial scheme taking a cycle lane from Castleton all the way to Rochdale town centre has reached a new milestone.

A Chadderton business owner has been acquitted of murder following the death of a teaching assistant during a violent road rage incident in Oldham.

Kasir Bashir, 50, was sentenced to 29 years in prison in his absence after being found guilty of abusing a vulnerable girl in Rochdale in the early 2000s.

A predatory ringleader dubbed 'Boss man' has been jailed for 35 years, as six others are handed lengthy sentences for a campaign of sexual abuse against two girls in Rochdale.

A multi-agency crackdown on dangerous driving and organised crime has made Rochdale’s roads safer, with eight arrests and hundreds of offences recorded over a 10-day policing blitz.

Andrew Nutter says ‘scum’ won’t keep him grounded as community rallies around popular pub after overnight attack

Andy Burnham chose not to watch Keir Starmer’s Labour Party conference speech in person, the Local Democracy Reporting Service can reveal.

A new locally brewed ale is pouring into Rochdale pubs to mark the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

A man is due to appear in court after making an alleged ‘online threat’ to Rochdale by-election candidate Simon Danczuk last year.

A child rapist convicted in the Rochdale grooming scandal has complained about prison life after being attacked twice behind bars – but his victims suffered far worse, for far longer.

A large part of a mill building in a Greater Manchester town lies in ruins in the wake of a huge fire which left a firefighter with serious injuries.

Two women who were abused as teenagers in Rochdale have spoken out about the trauma they endured, as their abusers are finally convicted after a long fight for justice.

Rochdale's award-winning IT support provider, No Fuss IT, based on Queensway in Rochdale, is warning residents to step up their online defences, as new figures reveal a steep rise in cybercrime affecting people across the UK, from pensioners and parents to small businesses and young professionals.

A PCSO from Heywood has been recognised for her work in the community, picking up the Emergency Service Award at this year’s Roch Valley Radio Community Hero Awards.

A Rochdale takeaway is celebrating after being shortlisted in a prestigious national food awards ceremony dubbed the “Curry Oscars” by industry insiders.

Most Greater Manchester bus services to run as normal this week after unions call off industrial action

A powerful night of local pride, emotion and celebration unfolded on Friday 26 September as Roch Valley Radio held its inaugural Community Hero Awards, honouring those who go the extra mile to make life better in Bury and Rochdale.

After a long pause caused by Covid and Brexit, the town of Bury has reconnected with its French twin town, Tulle, with a fresh visit that reignited decades-old links.

Emergency services worked through the night as part of a large-scale response to a devastating fire in Radcliffe.

Local muralist celebrates industrial heritage, diversity and creativity across borough

Emergency services cordon off town centre road after vehicle smashes into shopfront and leaves building in ruins.

A main road through Heywood remains closed after a car struck a building overnight, bringing down part of the structure.

A mother and her young child had a narrow escape after their car was deliberately set alight outside their home in Littleborough during the early hours of Saturday, 6th September.

Firebrand politician George Galloway was detained under the Terrorism Act at Gatwick Airport on Saturday after returning from Russia, sparking accusations of “politically motivated intimidation” from his party.

Andy Burnham has given an update on speculation he will challenge Keir Starmer for leadership of the Labour Party.

A senior councillor has claimed civic minded volunteers are being asked to ‘pay for the privilege’ of giving up their time to improve parks and public places.

Three terraced houses destroyed in a huge gas explosion are set to be rebuilt ‘like-for-like’.

Sections of major roads through a town centre are to close between Monday and Friday for a nine month period as a transport hub is built.

Is Manchester becoming too posh? That’s the question a new inquiry is essentially going to be looking into.

Tributes have been paid to Bury journalist Neil Brandwood following his sudden death at the age of 56.

Local people will soon have the power to block betting shops, rescue derelict pubs and reopen empty shops, under radical plans unveiled by the government today.

A man who boasted he would never be caught has been jailed for eight years after officers exposed his role at the head of a major drugs operation in Bury.

A Rochdale man is among twelve people charged under terrorism legislation following a high-profile Palestine Action protest in Manchester city centre earlier this summer.

Campaigners in College Bank and Lower Falinge have unveiled a costed community-led plan to transform their estates, amid growing concern from local councillors over the future of social housing in Rochdale.

A striking new mural honouring Rochdale AFC legend Joe Thompson has been unveiled at the Crown Oil Arena, capturing one of the most emotional moments in the club’s history.

A long-awaited makeover of Peine Square has officially begun, marking the first step in a decade-long regeneration programme backed by £20 million of government funding for Heywood.

Hundreds of Heywood students have begun the new school year in purpose-built learning environments following a major transformation of Newhouse Academy by Manchester-based design consultancy Space Zero.

TV stars, improv duos and rising talent headline borough-wide celebration of comedy.

Emergency services rushed to the M62 service station near Heywood but the 50-year-old sadly died at the scene.

An 81-year-old woman has been rescued from a body of water on Queens Park Road in Heywood after police were called to a concern for welfare this morning, Sunday, 21 September.

Rochdale’s suspended 406 bus service to Kirkholt is set to resume tomorrow, Monday 22 September, but commuters are being warned it will only run once an hour and strike action may still impact wider routes.

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.

Thousands packed into Heywood for the town's annual 1940s Day on Saturday 21 June, transforming the area into a tribute to wartime Britain.

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.

Tens of thousands of music fans are pouring into Parklife, as the day one of the festival gets underway.

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.

The following statement is attributable to Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry:

Bury Business Improvement District have begun hosting the Knife Angel in partnership with Bury Council and GMP and several organisations and partners.

An old empty mill is to be transformed into much-needed housing for people with mental health issues.

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.

On Tuesday 19 September 2023, Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a burglary on Brandlesholme Road, Bury.

Asian Community Radio Station in Moorgate, Bury Sparks Controversy with Anti-LGBT Education Signs

The charitable organisation known as the LGBTQI+ Forum in Bury, has issued a statement.

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.

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.