Main News

School’s curriculum criticised over "inadequate" Ofsted inspection

A primary school in Rochdale has vowed to get back on track after an Ofsted inspection in which they were described as ‘inadequate’. Spotland Primary School previously held a ‘good’ rating with the education watchdog before inspectors came knocking at the beginning of July.

Date Published 04/10/2024

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

Lots to do in and around the borough this weekend: Starlight Ball, Boobs and Banter Comedy Night for Prevent Breast Cancer, Yoga, Live music across various venues, Last days of...

Date Published 03/10/2024

Rochdale mosques celebrate first ever Duke of Edinburgh awards ceremony

Neeli Mosque and Madina Mosque hosted their inaugural Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Awards presentation, marking the first time mosques in the UK have been involved in the prestigious...

Date Published 04/10/2024

Heartfelt tributes to a “remarkable” community man and volunteer

The family of a dedicated volunteer who worked tirelessly for local charities has paid tribute to a “remarkable man.” Peter Smith, a trustee at Jolly Josh and a volunteer at the...

Date Published 04/10/2024

Police seized machete and 39 knives from schools last year in ‘epidemic’

Police seized a machete and 39 knives from Greater Manchester schools last year as cops were called to nearly 100 weapons incidents. Three knuckle dusters, two hammers, a saw, a...

Date Published 04/10/2024

MP praises health system after birth of her first child

Elsie Blundell, MP for Heywood and Middleton North, has announced the birth of a baby girl, born on Monday (30 September). In a statement, the local MP expressed her joy at the...

Date Published 03/10/2024

Steve Rumbelow to leave role as chief executive of Rochdale Council

After a decade in the role, Steve Rumbelow has announced his decision to bow out as chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council. Joining the council in 2014 from Burnley Borough...

Date Published 03/10/2024

New Mediterranean restaurant will be allowed to serve alcohol

A new Mediterranean-style restaurant in Middleton has been told it will be allowed to serve booze to customers. The venue, to be named Woodside when it opens, will now be able to...

Date Published 03/10/2024

Woman in her 70s seriously injured after being struck by a car whilst crossing the road

A woman in her 70s has been hospitalised with life-threatening injuries after being struck by a car as she was crossing the road. The serious road traffic collision occurred on...

Date Published 03/10/2024

Three arrested in crackdown on Rochdale drug offences

Officers from Rochdale Police Station have arrested and charged three individuals in connection with drug offences following a proactive operation in the area. The arrests,...

Date Published 03/10/2024

Middleton to have third election of the year following councillor’s removal

Middleton is set to have its third election of the year following the removal of a North Middleton councillor from his post. Peter Allonby, the former ward representative for...

Date Published 02/10/2024

Police appeal after man in his 70s died after being hit by car

Police are appealing for information following a tragic road traffic collision in Middleton that resulted in the death of a man in his 70s. The incident occurred at approximately...

Date Published 02/10/2024

Richard Street Studios opens doors as creative hub for Rochdale

The official opening of Richard Street Studios took place on Friday 27 September and was attended by local MP Paul Waugh and Councillor Sue Smith, the council's portfolio holder...

Date Published 02/10/2024

The moment an irresponsible driver is stopped from causing serious injury on M62

A potentially dangerous incident was averted on Sunday (29 September) when a driver’s reckless decision to use the hard shoulder put lives at risk. The incident took place between...

Date Published 02/10/2024

Major update as more diesel buses coming ‘to clean air’

A major update on Greater Manchester’s new clean air plan has been issued, with more diesel buses coming in ‘to clean the air’. The new ‘investment-led’ clean air plan replaced...

Date Published 02/10/2024

Roadworks, temporary road closures and restrictions

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

Date Published 01/10/2024

Former nursery will be transformed into new special needs school

The planning application for a new special needs school in Rochdale has been approved by Rochdale Council.

Date Published 01/10/2024

Nominations open for Rochdale Diversity Awards 2024

KYP is pleased to announce that nominations for the Rochdale Diversity Awards (RDA) 2024 are now officially open. The annual event, which celebrates the borough's rich cultural...

Date Published 01/10/2024

Whitworth young reporters’ first sporting newsletter printed

Young reporters have put together the first edition of The Whitworth Whistle to capture sporting news from Whitworth Community High School. Editor was Josh Dews, now in Year 11,...

Date Published 01/10/2024

New housing development to replace former transport depot

A derelict former transport depot in Middleton will be transformed into a new affordable housing development. The site off Greenhill Road, once owned and operated by JW Lees...

Date Published 30/09/2024

Rochdale Infirmary "among best" in Greater Manchester emergency care struggle - but still falls short of targets

Patients are facing long waits in A&E departments across Greater Manchester as NHS bosses say hospitals are under major pressure ahead of winter. A new report on emergency care...

Date Published 30/09/2024

Thought-provoking film about gambling addiction coming to Rochdale

A unique, immersive and free pop-up film that warns about the dangers of gambling addiction is coming to Rochdale. The award-winning and critically-acclaimed Inside Odds On will...

Date Published 30/09/2024

Police disperse Rochdale 'car meet' to prevent anti-social behaviour

Rochdale's Neighbourhood Policing Team swiftly intervened in an advertised car meet on Sunday, (29 September), preventing any potential anti-social behaviour from occurring.
The...

Date Published 30/09/2024

Co-op remains closed after car smashed into building

Police have said the driver who smashed into the side of th Co-op in Milnrow over the weekend had lost control of the car for reasons which are “unclear.”
The busy village shop...

Date Published 30/09/2024

Council expands cost of living support for vulnerable residents this winter

Rochdale Council is taking proactive steps to support thousands of older residents, vulnerable individuals, and young families during the upcoming winter months.
At Tuesday (24...

Date Published 30/09/2024

Minibus donation brings new hope to The Willows Dementia Hub

The Willows Dementia Hub has taken a significant step towards enhancing the quality of life for its residents and Comfort Day service users, following the donation of a brand-new...

Date Published 29/09/2024

Police crackdown on off-road bikers in Rochdale moorlands

Police officers from Greater Manchester, West Yorkshire, and Lancashire teamed up to tackle off-road biking in the moorland areas of Rochdale North and Rochdale East last weekend....

Date Published 29/09/2024

Toad Lane Concerts: Tim Kennedy's solo piano recital

Standing in at very short notice, Tim Kennedy gave a varied and enjoyable solo piano recital on the refurbished heritage 1935 Challen Grand Piano at St Mary in the Baum. No...

Date Published 29/09/2024

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

Lots to do in and around Rochdale borough this weekend: Charity Quiz Night 2024, Art Battle Manchester 24 Going Northside, Ladies down Under, Freelance Friday, Visit Fireground...

Date Published 26/09/2024

St Anne’s C of E Academy celebrates positive Ofsted report

St Anne’s Church of England Academy in Middleton has been rated as 'Good' in all areas following its latest Ofsted inspection, marking a significant milestone in the school’s...

Date Published 28/09/2024

New therapy for children hearing voices and seeing visions trials in Rochdale

A new talking therapy for children and young people experiencing unusual sensory experiences, such as hearing voices and seeing visions, is being trialled in Rochdale. The...

Date Published 28/09/2024

Littleborough Brass Band shines in national brass band championships

Littleborough Brass Band proudly secured 4th place in the Fourth Section at the National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain, held at Cheltenham Racecourse. The event, which...

Date Published 28/09/2024

Thousands of transport staff across Greater Manchester to receive dementia awareness training

Thousands of frontline transport staff are set to receive dementia awareness training as part of move intended to make the Bee Network more inclusive and accessible.
Following an...

Date Published 27/09/2024

Pensioners will ‘struggle to survive’ winter without energy payments

Pensioners in Greater Manchester could be left “struggling to survive” this winter following cuts to winter fuel payments, councils have warned. Fears are growing in town halls...

Date Published 27/09/2024

Memorial garden party at Stamford House in memory of long-serving manager

A garden party at Stamford House Care Home in Rochdale took place on 28 August 2024 to honour the memory of Sheila Runane, a beloved manager who dedicated 26 years of service to...

Date Published 27/09/2024

New arts website 'Rochdale Creates' launched with enthusiastic backing from local leaders and artists

Local businesses, artists, politicians, and residents gathered at Rochdale Town Hall to celebrate the launch of a brand new arts website for Rochdale borough.
Rochdale Creates,...

Date Published 27/09/2024

Local hero Helen receives BEM for 11 years of Christmas toy donations

A council policy officer received a British Empire Medal (BEM) for the work she has done over the past 11 years to ensure the borough’s poorest children receive a Christmas...

Date Published 27/09/2024

Andy Burnham addresses fears over government slashing bus passes for elderly

The Greater Manchester mayor has said there is ‘no suggestion’ the Labour government is planning to axe free bus passes for the elderly – adding that he would ‘speak out’ against...

Date Published 27/09/2024

Network Rail completes work to rebuild motorway bridge near Rochdale

Rail passengers and motorists are being thanked for their patience during work to demolish and rebuild a bridge over the M62. The railway between Manchester Victoria and Rochdale...

Date Published 26/09/2024

Burying babies in unmarked public graves was "common practice"

The discovery of a grave with almost 300 bodies of infants and stillborn children in a cemetery in Oldham shocked Greater Manchester. It also raised many questions.
The mass...

Date Published 26/09/2024

Construction begins on new school for students with autism

A ground-breaking ceremony has officially marked the start of construction on Heywood Academy, the newest addition to the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust (MAT). The school, which...

Date Published 26/09/2024

Friday deadline for half-price school run train tickets

Students across the North of England have until tomorrow (Friday 27 September) to get 50%-off the cost of their commute to school with Northern. The train operator hopes the...

Date Published 26/09/2024

Council explains what the giant baby was doing in Rochdale town centre

Rochdale Council has shone some light on what a massive, 8.5 metre baby was doing in the town centre this week. It turns out that the huge, moving infant called Lilly was part of...

Date Published 26/09/2024

Whitworth gears up for WoW Pink Trail in October

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, The WoW Project is set to organise a vibrant community event, the WoW Pink Trail, taking place in Whitworth from 1 to 18 October 2024....

Date Published 25/09/2024

Burnham's crucial plan to "change education" for youngsters in Greater Manchester

Andy Burnham has rolled out a crucial part of his plan to change education for young people in Greater Manchester. At Rayner Stephens High School in Tameside on Friday (20...

Date Published 25/09/2024

Cars engulfed in flames as fire spreads to nearby house

Emergency services were called to a large blaze in the early hours of Monday morning (23 September), after two cars caught fire, with flames quickly spreading to a nearby house....

Date Published 25/09/2024

Parents urged to get children MMR jab as nearly one in six not fully vaccinated

Parents across the north west are being urged to get their children vaccinated as new NHS figures show nearly one in six had not received both doses of the MMR vaccine by the age...

Date Published 25/09/2024

‘Creepy’ giant baby in town centre ‘terrifies’ locals

Rochdale pedestrians have been left scratching their heads following a ‘creepy’ appearance in the town centre. An 8.5 metre puppet of a giant baby called Lilly arrived for a...

Date Published 24/09/2024

Impressive £37,000 raised in reservoir ramble for Springhill Hospice

The local community has once again shown its support for Springhill Hospice, with an impressive £37,000 raised during the Three Reservoir Ramble, held on Saturday 21 September....

Date Published 24/09/2024

Police appeal for man after stolen credit card used at petrol station

Police are looking to speak to this man that they believe he can assist with investigations following a stolen credit which was used at a petrol station.
The stolen card was used...

Date Published 24/09/2024

Cash-strapped NHS Trust spends £370,000 on employment tribunals

A cash-strapped NHS Trust in Greater Manchester has spent more than £370,000 on employment tribunals so far this year. Data from a freedom of information (FOI) request showed the...

Date Published 24/09/2024

Conservative leader's column: £324K local funding to deliver "real benefits" to the community

Steve Anstee is the leader of the local Conservative party in Rochdale and a councillor for Bamford. This month he dedicates his column to the leadership election, large funding...

Date Published 24/09/2024

Man hospitalised after suspected 'medical episode' behind the wheel causes car smash

A driver was rushed to hospital after a suspected medical episode behind the wheel caused a crash with three other vehicles. The man, whose age has not yet been confirmed, is...

Date Published 23/09/2024

Toad Lane Concerts: Anne Butterworth, Stephen Taylor & Elaine Marsden

We are fortunate in our area to have many performers of high calibre: singers, instrumentalists, ensembles, bands, choirs and amateur operatic and choral societies. They make a...

Date Published 23/09/2024

Rochdale MP pledges to fight for easier Pension Credit claims for elderly

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh has promised to take a pensioner’s petition to government ministers to make it easier for older people to claim Pension Credit. At a meeting on Friday 20...

Date Published 23/09/2024

Multiple arrests in town centre 'anti-social behaviour patrols'

Rochdale town centre tram stops and bus interchange has seen heightened police patrols in recent weeks as part of an ongoing operation to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Officers...

Date Published 23/09/2024

Thousands of people could get access to broadband ‘at cheaper rates, for less hassle’, says council

Thousands of people in Greater Manchester could soon be getting access to cheaper broadband. A new scheme by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) could connect 260k...

Date Published 23/09/2024

Kutchenhaus delivers mindfulness initiative as part of 20th anniversary

As part of its continued 20th anniversary celebrations this year, German kitchen retailer Kutchenhaus, recently delivered a mindfulness initiative for its Support Centre personnel...

Date Published 23/09/2024

Volunteers to host Christmas craft event in Whitworth

Whitworth Town Council’s tourism and leisure committee has been getting in the Christmas spirit planning this year's Christmas celebrations.

Date Published 22/09/2024

Northern Rail rolls out special training in how to spot vulnerable people on the railway

Employees working for Northern are being given special training to help protect the rising number of vulnerable people using the railway.

Date Published 22/09/2024

Event spotlights neglect on endometriosis and women's health

An event focused on highlighting bias against women’s health and “painful stagnation” around endometriosis took place in Norden. The recent Endometriosis Awareness North coffee...

Date Published 22/09/2024

More Main News

Hopwood Hall's first open events of the year promise to inspire school leavers

Hopwood Hall College and University Centre is holding its first open events of the year – and there’s plenty in store. The college, which has campuses in Middleton and Rochdale,...

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