Main News

Siblings Alan Selby and Suzanne Holden with parents Janet Selby and Karl Selby at Alan’s wedding

Suzanne Holden pays tribute to brother and father, both taken by Covid-19 just months apart

A Heywood woman has paid tribute to her brother and her father after they both died of Covid-19 just months apart.
In under a year, Suzanne Holden, of Heywood, has lost both her beloved brother and then her father to the disease – just days after the latter was evacuated from home due to a fire.

Date Published 26/01/2021

M60’s missing link scheme moves closer to reality

The M60 around Manchester could soon get its missing link road at Simister Island to make it England’s only complete orbital motorway.

Date Published 27/01/2021

Holocaust survivor speaks with Wardle Academy students

Students at Wardle Academy recently heard the testimony of Holocaust survivor Tomi Komoly in a special online session.

Date Published 26/01/2021

Policeman who learned to walk again after an ear infection left him with a brain injury, to run 300 miles for NHS charity

A local policeman, who had to learn to walk again after an ear infection left him with a brain injury, will take on a 300-mile charity run to thank the NHS staff that ‘saved his...

Date Published 26/01/2021

Former Springhill Hospice fundraising manager becomes Co-op Member Pioneer for Castleton, Heywood and Middleton

Former Springhill Hospice Fundraising Manager, Ian Jenkins has joined the Co-op Group as their Member Pioneer for Castleton, Heywood and Middleton.

Date Published 26/01/2021

Woman and child rescued after becoming stuck in mud

A woman and a child were rescued by firefighters after becoming stuck in a muddy Heywood footpath at the weekend (Saturday 23 January).

Date Published 26/01/2021

Channel Four drama which filmed scenes in Norden airs

The first episode of new Channel Four drama ‘It’s A Sin’ which filmed scenes in Norden aired on Friday (22 January).
Film crews were spotted on Shelfield Lane during the first...

Date Published 26/01/2021

Spike in burglary and vehicle crime in Rochdale, say police

There has been an increase in burglary and vehicle crime in Rochdale since Christmas, Rochdale Police are warning.
In an update on social media, PC Chadwick warned that the...

Date Published 26/01/2021

Clean Air Zone could be signed off by the summer

Greater Manchester’s long-delayed Clean Air Zone could be signed off by leaders by the summer after months of public consultation.
Vans, buses, coaches, taxis, private hire...

Date Published 26/01/2021

Rochdale man jailed for £460,000 fraud and dangerous driving

A Rochdale man has been jailed for six years after pleading guilty to fraud offences and dangerous driving.

Shahid Khan, 27, pleaded guilty at Minshull Crown Court on Thursday...

Date Published 25/01/2021

Consultation opens for Castleton cycle lane

Plans to create a brand new cycle lane in Castleton are now out for public consultation, with residents encouraged to provide their thoughts and feed into the plans.

Date Published 25/01/2021

Man taken to hospital after hit and run

A man, 35, has been taken to hospital following a hit and run collision on Milnrow Road, Rochdale during the early hours of Sunday morning (24 January).

Date Published 25/01/2021

New Micro Businesses Grant available for small businesses in the Rochdale borough

Rochdale Borough Council has launched a new Micro Business Grant to help businesses which have not been eligible for most of the previous Covid-19 support schemes.

Date Published 25/01/2021

Thug who attacked former headteacher jailed for drug dealing

A thug who left his former headteacher needing reconstructive surgery after glassing him has been jailed for drug dealing.
Jermaine Bullen, 37, was sentenced to 12 months’...

Date Published 25/01/2021

Lee Rigby killer 'seriously ill' with Covid

One of Lee Rigby’s killers is ‘seriously ill’ with Covid-19, according to reports.
Michael Adebowale, who is serving a life sentence for murdering Fusilier Lee Rigby, is...

Date Published 25/01/2021

Penny Appeal helps 150 families in Rochdale over December holidays

150 families in need throughout Rochdale were given a helping hand over the December holidays, receiving hot meals and food packs donated and distributed by the international NGO...

Date Published 25/01/2021

Man charged with death by careless driving after collision on M60 near Alkrington

A 33-year-old man has been charged following a fatal collision on the M60.
Shirley-Ann Dumbuya, a 38-year-old married mother-of-four from Moston, and final year nursing student...

Date Published 25/01/2021

Rochdale scientist urges people to unite for World Cancer Day

A scientist from Rochdale is backing Cancer Research UK’s campaign for World Cancer Day and is urging everyone to join him.

Date Published 24/01/2021

Covid: A child’s view

A year five pupil at Newhey Primary School has produced a thought-provoking poem about a child’s view of the Covid-19 pandemic.
As part of a home learning task, Jessica Gerrard...

Date Published 24/01/2021

Bright future for Turners Dance student

A student at Turners Dance Studio, Rochdale, has been accepted into three of the top dance and drama schools in the country.

Date Published 24/01/2021

Rochdale Freemasons team up with HMR Circle to help most vulnerable

Over Christmas, members of the charitable fraternal organisation Rochdale Freemasons teamed up with HMR Circle’s Volunteer Drivers Service to help those most in need across the...

Date Published 24/01/2021

Walkers encouraged to stick to footpaths to avoid damaging farmers' crops and wildlife habitats

Walkers and farmers must work together to avoid damage to crops and wildlife habitats; so use a pair of wellies and stick to the footpaths, says rural body.

Date Published 24/01/2021

Independent local filmmaker releases first feature film on Amazon Prime and Vimeo

A low-budget independent feature film by a local filmmaker is now available to rent on Amazon Prime (UK and US) and Vimeo On Demand.

Date Published 23/01/2021

Look beyond lockdown and join Race for Life Manchester - with 30% off entry fee in January

People across the region are being encouraged to look beyond lockdown by making a date to join Cancer Research UK’s annual Race for Life events - and you can claim 30% off the...

Date Published 23/01/2021

Sign Along With Us raising money for inclusive holiday home to benefit those with disabilities

Britain’s Got Talent’s local sign language champions Sign Along With Us have started a JustGiving fundraiser to finance an adapted holiday home for its users.

Date Published 23/01/2021

New endoscopy unit has opened at Fairfield General Hospital

A Greater Manchester Endoscopy Modular Unit based at Fairfield General Hospital has begun treating its first patients.
The twin-roomed unit will operate for six months initially...

Date Published 23/01/2021

Wettest January day since 1954

Tuesday 19 January was the wettest January day in Rochdale since 1954, as almost half a month’s rainfall fell in just one day.
The Met Office has confirmed 46.8mm of rain fell in...

Date Published 23/01/2021

Man who raped a woman on her way to Asda is jailed for nine years

A man who grabbed and raped a woman whilst she was on her way to the supermarket in Rochdale has been jailed for nine years.

Jake Casey, 23, of no fixed abode, was jailed for...

Date Published 22/01/2021

11,000 residents in top three priority groups vaccinated

So far, more than 11,000 people in the borough have received at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine - including residents of 50 of the 57 local care homes.

Date Published 22/01/2021

Tributes paid to Cameron McGowan

The family of Cameron McGowan, who sadly ended his life on Monday (18 January), has paid tribute to him.

Date Published 22/01/2021

Icy weather to continue

Snow and ice may cause travel disruption tonight and early Saturday (22 January) as the Met Office has extended the yellow weather warning for ice.

Date Published 22/01/2021

63-year-old woman left with serious head injuries after violent robbery

A violent robbery has left a 63-year-old woman with serious head injuries.

Date Published 22/01/2021

You could now be fined £800 for attending a house party under new rules

The fine for anyone attending a house party with 15 or more people has been increased to £800, Home Secretary Priti Patel announced on Thursday (21 January).

Date Published 22/01/2021

Middleton man charged after early morning warrant

A man has been charged following a warrant in Middleton.

Date Published 22/01/2021

Littleborough FAST Covid-19 testing site opens for frontline workers with no symptoms

The Littleborough Find And Stop Transmission (FAST) testing site has opened today, Friday 22 January, after being launched in other sites across the borough earlier this week.

Date Published 22/01/2021

Manchester terror attack memorial given go-ahead

Planning approval has been granted for the memorial to those who lost their lives in the 22 May 2017 Manchester terror attack.
The Glade of Light, designed to be a living...

Date Published 22/01/2021

Pride Stages Bursary launched by Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ Arts and Culture Network

A new opportunity has arisen for a Greater Manchester LGBTQ+ performer/company to develop a new performance to be showcased as part of Pride celebrations in 2021.

Date Published 22/01/2021

Woman dies after M60 collision near Alkrington

A woman has sadly died following a collision close to junction 20 (Alkrington) of the M60 on Thursday morning (21 January).

Date Published 22/01/2021

MP and council leader in a row over grants for small businesses hit by Covid

A row over Covid small business grants has broken out between Heywood and Middleton MP Chris Clarkson and Rochdale Council leader Allen Brett.

Date Published 22/01/2021

Nearly 200 people waited over 12 hours for a bed at A&E departments run by Pennine Acute in December

Nearly 200 people waited over 12 hours for a bed at A&E departments run by Pennine Acute Trust last month, the highest figures in the North West.

Date Published 21/01/2021

Ice warning

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for ice overnight (21-22 January) across north west England, including Rochdale.

Date Published 21/01/2021

Groundwork Prince’s Trust now recruiting 19–25-year-olds for next programme

Groundwork Prince’s Trust is recruiting for the next Prince’s Trust 13-week programme on self-development, employability, and community skills, starting 1 February.

Date Published 21/01/2021

Freemasons launch ‘Tech for Good’ scheme

Following a recent appeal for computer equipment for young people who are missing out on online learning due to a lack of equipment, the Rochdale District Freemasons have been...

Date Published 21/01/2021

Police arrest Middleton man in early morning raid and seize a car, £1k and £100k worth of designer clothing and jewellery

A 36-year-old man was arrested this morning on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to supply heroin and money laundering.

Date Published 21/01/2021

Warning issued after man seriously burned by vape that caught fire

Fire officers have issued a warning to always buy electrical products from reputable outlets and never to smoke in bed.
It comes after a 21-year-old man from Bury suffered...

Date Published 21/01/2021

Stay at home and avoid travel unless “absolutely essential” says TfGM

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is asking people in Greater Manchester to stay at home and avoid travelling unless absolutely essential, as roads and public transport...

Date Published 21/01/2021

Roadworks, temporary local road closures and restrictions

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

Date Published 21/01/2021

High flu vaccine uptake in people aged 65+ in North West

Despite the challenges of Covid-19 this winter, record numbers of people in the North West have received their flu vaccination.

Date Published 21/01/2021

Consultation launched to improve local railways

A new consultation on improving the performance on the rail network in and around Manchester has been launched.

Date Published 20/01/2021

Rochdale BID asks for donations of digital equipment for pupils in need

Following the closure of schools and colleges due to the national lockdown, Rochdale BID is asking for your unused equipment to help those pupils still in need.

Date Published 20/01/2021

East Lancashire Railway spread festive cheer by donating 16,000 mince pies to charity

The East Lancashire Railway (ELR) brought some much-needed festive cheer to local hospitals, community centres and food banks at Christmas by donating over 16,000 mince pies to...

Date Published 20/01/2021

Power cut in Whitworth

A power cut in Whitworth has left 175 customers without electricity on Wednesday (20 January).
Electricity North West estimates power to be restored by 2.06pm and says the power...

Date Published 20/01/2021

‘It’s like a carrot being dangled’ – Couple forced to retire due to ill health on how it feels to be waiting for a vaccine after a year of shielding

The rollout of the country’s coronavirus vaccination programme appears to be off to a good start.

Date Published 20/01/2021

Flooding expected after heavy rainfall from Storm Christoph

Flooding is expected across the borough following heavy rainfall since the arrival of Storm Christoph.
Flooding of property is expected due to high river levels from persistent...

Date Published 20/01/2021

Police element of council tax could rise by up to £15 for 2021/22

A consultation has been launched on the 2021/22 police element of council tax, the Mayoral Police and Crime Commissioner Precept, which suggests a maximum increase of £15.

Date Published 20/01/2021

Full planning application submitted for new secondary school set to open in Middleton next year

A fully detailed application of a new secondary school in Middleton has now been submitted.
Planning officials have already given ‘outline’ permission for the new school – dubbed...

Date Published 20/01/2021

Police appeal after occupants of stolen car injure person with an air weapon after crash

Police are appealing for information following a collision in Rochdale, involving a stolen vehicle.

Date Published 19/01/2021

Project Together aims to bring Milnrow and Newhey communities together

A new initiative has been launched at Butterworth Hall to bring the community together in Milnrow and Newhey.

Date Published 19/01/2021

Make sure your relationships are having a purple patch

From 25 January until 29 January, WHAG will be running its annual Purple Patch campaign, promoting healthy relationships.

Date Published 19/01/2021

PHE study shows that past Covid infection provides some immunity - but people may still carry and transmit virus

People infected with Covid-19 in the past are likely to be protected against reinfection for several months, a Public Health England (PHE) study has found.

Date Published 19/01/2021

Covid vaccination centre to open in Littleborough on Wednesday

The borough’s fourth community vaccination centre opens in Littleborough on Wednesday 20 January.

Date Published 19/01/2021

More Main News

Skills & Training Workforce Support Fund - Up to £27,000 (per employee)

Rochdale Training are reaching out to employers across the Rochdale Borough, Greater Manchester, and the North West to understand what skills and training support they can offer...

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