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Joe Thompson pictured playing for Rochdale in 2018

Former Rochdale player Joe Thompson reveals devastating news that he has cancer for the third time

Former Rochdale AFC midfielder Joe Thompson has vowed to fight cancer once again after announcing that he has been diagnosed with the devastating disease for a third time.

Date Published 12/04/2024

“Railway stations are a great ‘platform’ for my work”, says Middleton artist

An autistic artist from Middleton in Rochdale, Greater Manchester has spoken out about the role that railway stations have played in his mission to inspire the region’s...

Date Published 15/04/2024

Rochdale man charged after teenager attacked with substance in Stockport

Two people have been charged with various offences following an investigation into reports of a teenager being attacked with a substance in Stockport, on 24 March.

Date Published 15/04/2024

When is the deadline to register to vote?

It’s just under three weeks until local elections, when residents will be able to vote for candidates to represent them at their local council. But only those who have registered...

Date Published 14/04/2024

Northern Healthcare opens supported living service in former Rochdale hotel

In April, an 18-room supported living service will officially open in Rochdale to provide accommodation for adults with a mental health diagnosis, autism and/or a learning...

Date Published 14/04/2024

Week of action targeting sexual predators leads to eight arrests and 21 children safeguarded

Greater Manchester Police's teams responsible for tackling online child sexual abuse and managing sex offenders in the community took part in a dedicated week of action between 25...

Date Published 14/04/2024

Toad Lane Concerts: Isabel Williamson and Jonathan Ellis

Following the Easter break, the Toad Lane Concerts resumed with a highly qualified and experienced duo (both first class honours and postgraduates of the RNCM and Manchester...

Date Published 14/04/2024

Residents of Whitworth to cast their vote in Rossendale Council election on 2 May

Candidates standing for election to Rossendale Council in a whole-council poll for every single seat on 2 May have been confirmed.
All seats in every borough ward will be...

Date Published 13/04/2024

Have your say on proposals for a new borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order

Residents are being asked for their views about plans to introduce a new Rochdale borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at reducing antisocial behaviour.

Date Published 13/04/2024

‘There are mushrooms growing from my skirting boards… my kids and I can’t live like this’

Mushrooms have grown behind the skirting boards at the home of a family plagued by a leak. Shannon Hopley, who lives on Rochdale’s Freehold estate, claims she’s had a leaking bath...

Date Published 11/04/2024

Our guide to what's on in the borough this weekend

Lots to do in and around the borough this weekend: The Mersey Beatles, Riverside Artisan Market, Rochdale AFC v Dorking Wanderers, Bowlee Car Boot Sale and Market, Springfield...

Date Published 11/04/2024

Charity walk to support football coach from Littleborough who is fighting leukaemia

A Rochdale junior football club really stepped up their fund-raising efforts for one of their coaches by completing a gruelling 24-hour walk around Hollingworth Lake.

Date Published 11/04/2024

Labour launch their local election campaign as they aim to rebuild trust following “circus” by-election

Labour officially launched their local election campaign this week – and have vowed not to let it become “a circus” like the by-election.
Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of the...

Date Published 10/04/2024

Investigation into complaint against incoming mayor concludes with no findings

An investigation into the conduct of the incoming Rochdale mayor has concluded.
Councillor Shakil Ahmed, who chairs the council’s planning and licensing committee, faced an...

Date Published 10/04/2024

Roadworks, temporary local road closures and restrictions

Information on current and forthcoming roadworks planned to take place across the borough.

Date Published 09/04/2024

Former Man of Rochdale and 'the singing jeweller', John Swinden dies

Much-loved former Man of Rochdale John Swinden has passed away suddenly.
Affectionately known as 'the singing jeweller', businessman John, a prolific fund-raiser for local...

Date Published 09/04/2024

George Galloway’s by-election rival who has now joined him for the local elections

An unlikely alliance has formed between Rochdale MP George Galloway and one of his by-election rivals from February.
Billy Howarth has been named as a candidate flying the...

Date Published 09/04/2024

Lib Dems, Middleton Independents and David Tully deny association with George Galloway following controversial statement

The Liberal Democrats and the Middleton Independents have declared they do not want to be associated with George Galloway despite a Worker’s party press release endorsing some of...

Date Published 09/04/2024

All the candidates standing in this year's local election for the borough of Rochdale

Dozens of election hopefuls will be hoping to pull off a similar upset in the local elections to Rochdale MP George Galloway did in the February by-election.
The leader of the...

Date Published 08/04/2024

Whitworth residents will vote in Rossendale Council elections every four years, starting this May

Rossendale Council elections will be held just once every four years, with all seats in every ward contested, councillors have decided.

Date Published 08/04/2024

Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery enjoy talk by geologist Stephen Poole

The regular meetings of the Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery group are continuing even without a gallery to be friends of. However, the relationship between the Friends and...

Date Published 07/04/2024

Ask Citizens Advice: How do I understand my payslip?

Citizens Advice Rochdale is a local charity that provides free, independent, impartial, confidential advice to people in Rochdale.
Each month, we share advice around a key issue...

Date Published 07/04/2024

Local community projects receive £470,000 from townships' funding

More local community investment totalling over £470,000 will be delivered across the borough following the latest round of townships funding agreed by Rochdale Borough Council.

Date Published 06/04/2024

First phase of work on Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme completed

The Rochdale and Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of Phase 1A (Littleborough), marking a crucial step forward in...

Date Published 06/04/2024

Full list of Greater Manchester mayoral candidates confirmed

The list of candidates for this year’s Greater Manchester mayoral election has been confirmed.
Nominations to run in the election officially closed at 4pm on Friday (5 April),...

Date Published 06/04/2024

‘Be prepared’ warning to motorists ahead of Storm Kathleen this weekend

Motorists are being advised to take care on the roads tomorrow (Saturday 6 April) with Storm Kathleen expected to bring high winds to the west of the UK.
National Highways has...

Date Published 05/04/2024

Delayed secondary school in Littleborough could now open in 2027

A new high school planned for Littleborough that was supposed to open last year is now estimated to open in 2027.
The new high school, Star Lakeside Academy, was given the...

Date Published 05/04/2024

Wanted Rochdale CSE suspect detained at Manchester Airport

Police have arrested a wanted man at Manchester Airport after he was previously charged as part of an investigation into non-recent child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Rochdale.

Date Published 05/04/2024

The village green space left ‘trashed’ by Rochdale Council

A beloved green space in Littleborough has been torn up by council workers conducting studies to see if it could be suitable for housing or a car park and local residents are...

Date Published 05/04/2024

Care home kept in special measures after being hit with yet another damning inspection

A care home in Rochdale remains in special measures after a damning report from inspectors highlighted unaddressed trip hazards and choking risks.

Date Published 05/04/2024

A bright new future beckons for Whitworth Leisure Centre thanks to significant funding boost

Members and friends of the Whitworth Leisure Centre Community Interest Company (WLC CIC) are celebrating a significant funding boost which will enable an exciting transformation...

Date Published 04/04/2024

Nightmare stretch of road was plagued with 100 days of temporary lights in 2023

A busy stretch of road was plagued with temporary traffic lights for 100 days in 2023 – leaving many residents sitting in snaking queues on a regular basis.

Date Published 04/04/2024

“Truly amazing school” celebrates its continued ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted

A primary school in Heywood has celebrated their continued ‘outstanding’ status following their first Ofsted inspection in 13 years.

Date Published 04/04/2024

Drugs seized and three people arrested in Rochdale raid

Three people were arrested this morning as neighbourhood officers from GMP executed an early morning warrant on Muriel Street, Rochdale.

Date Published 03/04/2024

Major town centre scheme ‘will cause gridlock’ warns business group

A major new road scheme being considered for Heywood town centre to make it more accessible would have the opposite effect and cause gridlock, transport bosses have been warned.

Date Published 03/04/2024

Changes to the voting system for mayoral election this May

A major change has been made to Greater Manchester’s mayoral election with the way votes are cast and counted changing from the supplementary vote (SV) system to...

Date Published 03/04/2024

Roadworks, temporary local road closures and restrictions

Information on current and forthcoming roadworks planned to take place across the borough.

Date Published 02/04/2024

Primary school continues excellence by maintaining ‘outstanding’ status

A primary school in Heywood has managed to maintain its excellent standard after managing to hold on to its ‘outstanding’ Ofsted status.

Date Published 02/04/2024

Street Eat food festival returns to Rochdale Town Hall Square

Over 2,000 people flocked to the Street Eat festival last summer and it is set to return to Rochdale Town Hall Square for another serving of food, drink, free entertainment and...

Date Published 01/04/2024

Rochdale woman appointed as Deputy Lieutenant

A Rochdale resident has been appointed as a new Deputy Lieutenant to the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins JP LLB.
Deputy Lieutenants are appointed for their...

Date Published 01/04/2024

The village in Rochdale where cycle lanes have sparked trouble

The new cycle lanes are part of an active travel scheme designed to promote healthier living and sustainable travel – but they are causing controversy in a Greater Manchester...

Date Published 31/03/2024

Tears as charity brings endometriosis message home to Claire

When a Rochdale teaching assistant learned an endometriosis event was being staged at her local bowling club, she cried – because she “never believed something like that would...

Date Published 31/03/2024

Toad Lane Concerts: Tonacliffe Primary School

For the second year, nearly fifty children from Tonacliffe Primary School were added to the list of distinguished visiting performers at Toad Lane Concerts. The Grade-1 listed...

Date Published 31/03/2024

Pilsworth Road in Heywood reopens after work is completed to widen the road

Work to extend the link road, which connects junction 19 of the M62 to the South Heywood Distribution Park, has been completed this week.

Date Published 31/03/2024

Highfield Hospital staff and patients spread Easter joy in Rochdale

In a heart-warming display of community spirit, the staff and patients of Highfield Hospital, rallied together to collect over 210 Easter eggs for Rochdale Council.

Date Published 31/03/2024

State-of-the-art Middleton housing scheme opens its doors

An innovative housing project in Middleton that will provide affordable apartments for residents aged 55 and over has opened its doors.
The development, delivered by Rochdale...

Date Published 30/03/2024

Feel good family days out this summer

This summer sees the return of the Feel Good Family Picnics at four parks across the borough.
The free events for families organised by the council team behind Rochdale Feel Good...

Date Published 30/03/2024

Under four weeks left to apply for free voter ID

Voters without ID have less than four weeks left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, before the local council election and Mayor of Greater Manchester election in...

Date Published 30/03/2024

Connolly donation boosts boroughwide pantry projects

The Your Local Pantry projects across Rochdale borough have received a boost RBH contractor Connolly Ltd made an £800 donation to support the food clubs.

Date Published 30/03/2024

Clocks go forward this weekend

Don’t forget to set your clocks forward by one hour this Sunday 31 March.
The change will officially take place at 1.00am so it is advised that you change your clocks before...

Date Published 29/03/2024

Over 60s in Rochdale could get grants worth up to £300

Grants of up to £300 are available to retired residents in Rochdale.
Registered charity ‘The Norman Barnes Fund’ managed by Rochdale Borough Council provides financial...

Date Published 29/03/2024

Springhill Hospice launches The One Day Club with big backing from Crown Oil

As a charitable organisation, Springhill Hospice has to raise £8,000 per day to fund running costs; much of that is aided by their amazing Fundraising Department, but they rely...

Date Published 28/03/2024

Our guide to what's on in the borough this weekend

Lots to do in and around the borough this weekend: Easter Treasure Hunt, Dale-Con, Sapere Aude’s 24 Hour Walk for Kyle, Pace Egg Play, Rochdale AFC v Hartlepool United, Mini Live...

Date Published 28/03/2024

Council cash transforms community centre in Middleton

Rochdale Borough Council has made a cash injection of £200,000 to refurbish the Jumbo Community Centre and library in Middleton.
The investment includes a new roof, replacing the...

Date Published 28/03/2024

Big ideas come to life at Rochdale’s new festival

Imagination, creativity and discoveries were celebrated during a busy week of inspirational events accompanying the re-opening of Rochdale Town Hall at the first Rochdale Borough...

Date Published 27/03/2024

Two suspected family gold burglars arrested in Rochdale

Officers responded to a 999 call from members of the public of reports that a burglary was in progress at a property in Meanwood in Rochdale at around 4.30pm yesterday (25 March...

Date Published 27/03/2024

Four-year-old boy battling leukemia dies

Four-year-old Whitworth boy Tommy Squibbs has tragically passed away after losing a brave battle with cancer.
Tommy was diagnosed with leukaemia in early September 2023, after...

Date Published 27/03/2024

Rochdale’s peregrine falcons lay first egg in their new nesting box

The first peregrine falcon egg of 2024 was laid last night (Monday 25 March).
One of around 1,500 breeding pairs across the UK, falcons have nested at the clock tower of the...

Date Published 26/03/2024

“We’re not safe”: Furious locals looking to sell up and move after controversial homeless complex approved

Furious residents have slammed a decision to build a new homeless support complex in Heywood – with some saying they will move out of the area because of it.
Across the way from...

Date Published 26/03/2024

Mural of lioness Keira Walsh to recognise Rochdale’s England hero

A mural celebrating Rochdale-born England midfielder Keira Walsh has been commissioned by Rochdale Borough Council, in partnership with her agency Rept Sports, and will be...

Date Published 26/03/2024

The Bee Network has landed in Rochdale following launch at Oldham Interchange

Yellow buses will now be seen buzzing through Rochdale, Oldham, Salford, Bury and north Manchester following the launch of the Bee Network’s second phase.

Date Published 25/03/2024

More Main News

Local outfit CPS Mobility Scooters offer outstanding service and performance

A long-established mobility scooter business serving the Rochdale, Oldham and Shaw areas continues to pride itself on offering the best service and advice, just when people might...

'Access All Areas' open event at Hopwood Hall College and University Centre

Hopwood Hall College and University Centre is holding its first ‘Access All Areas’ Open Event since being awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
Hot on the heels of...

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