Main News

Roads that are some of the worst affected by air pollution - specifically nitrogen dioxide

Greater Manchester delays Clean Air Zone until 2022

Plans to impose a daily�penalty on the most polluting lorries, vans, buses and taxis using the region�s roads have been pushed back by a year as�Greater Manchester finds itself in a 'standoff' with government over funding.

Date Published 15/07/2020

Burnham raises concerns about jobs retention scheme not doing enough for staff more at risk of redundancy

Firms rewarded for bringing furloughed employees back into the workplace should do more for those more at risk of redundancy, says Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.

Date Published 15/07/2020

Good to be back � bars, pubs and restaurants open their doors

The Rochdale borough�s bars, pubs and restaurants are happy to be back in business, with the majority of customers on their best behaviour since the first re-openings on 4 July.

Date Published 15/07/2020

Youth Opportunity Fund opens for young people�s bright ideas

Young people from across the borough can now apply for grants of up to �2,000 from the council�s Youth Opportunity Fund.

Date Published 15/07/2020

High costs of PPE could be passed to dental patients to cover costs

Private dental practices could have to pass on the costs of PPE to their patients, meaning you could be paying extra when you visit the dentist.

Date Published 15/07/2020

Roadworks, temporary local road closures and restrictions

Information on current and forthcoming roadworks and road closures across the borough.

Date Published 15/07/2020

New coronavirus walk-in testing centre is being set up in Middleton

A walk-through coronavirus testing facility is to open at Market Place car park near Middleton Arena.

Date Published 14/07/2020

Help bees thrive this annual Bees' Needs Week

This week is the fifth annual Bees� Needs Week, highlighting what you can do at home to help our favourite pollinators.

Date Published 14/07/2020

Prime Minister announces planning permission shake-up

New regulations to allow a building�s change of use without applying for planning permission have been announced by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.

Date Published 14/07/2020

Nearly 90 �much-needed� new homes to be built on Middleton estate

Planners have given the go-ahead for two separate developments which will bring a further 89 properties to Langley, in Middleton.

Date Published 14/07/2020

Bridging the access gap in Rochdale with Makaton and BSL workshops

A new initiative to encourage more people to take up sign language and Makaton as an extra language and skill, will be taking place at Rochdale Central Library.

Date Published 14/07/2020

Face coverings to be compulsory in shops and supermarkets from 24 July

Face coverings will have to be worn in England�s shops and supermarkets from 24 July, health secretary Matt Hancock is expected to announce today (Tuesday 14 July).

Date Published 14/07/2020

Successful conclusion for Middleton Rotary�s water pan project

After more than 10 years of fundraising, a project by Rotary Club of Middleton to bring irrigation to Kajuki in Kenya has come to a successful conclusion.
Kajuki is a parish in...

Date Published 13/07/2020

Special collection service is launched at selected libraries

A new �request and collect� service has launched at selected library branches across the borough.
Starting on Monday July 13, library customers will be able to borrow books in a...

Date Published 13/07/2020

Number of mourners allowed at funerals increases

More people can now attend funerals held in the Rochdale borough, as of Thursday (9 July).
As public gatherings can now total 30 people, the number of mourners present at a loved...

Date Published 13/07/2020

Be aware of investment scams

As the impact of the coronavirus leaves many with financial concerns, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) warns the public to remain vigilant to fraudsters who use this time of...

Date Published 13/07/2020

Business as usual won�t tackle the challenges we face, warns Environment Agency

Returning to business as usual after the Coronavirus pandemic won�t be enough to address the challenges of the future, warns Sir James Bevan, chief executive of the Environment...

Date Published 13/07/2020

Half Acre House�s founder Anita Lewis appears on Leaders Council podcast

Anita Lewis, who runs the Half Acre House residential care home in Rochdale, has appeared on an episode of the Leaders Council�s podcast alongside its chair, Lord Blunkett.

Date Published 12/07/2020

Bev Yarwood is named as new president of Rotary�Middleton

Bev Yarwood has been named as Rotary Club of Middleton�s new president.
Bev took the reins during an online ceremony via Zoom on Monday 29 June, taking over from the 2019-2020...

Date Published 12/07/2020

Suicide prevention charity launches pioneering online care service

A leading suicide prevention charity has launched a digital service to provide online care plans for vulnerable young people across the UK.

Date Published 12/07/2020

Local volunteers deliver afternoon tea to 90 residents

Spotland and Falinge community volunteers got together again to provide afternoon tea to 90 local residents over the last week.

Date Published 11/07/2020

Volunteers at Hopwood Hall Estate learn the craft of renovating its historic leaded glass windows

As lockdown has eased, local volunteers, including members of �The Friends of Hopwood Hall Estate� met at�historic Grade II* listed Hopwood Hall in Middleton, to enjoy a workshop...

Date Published 11/07/2020

Outdoor performances can now take place

Performing arts can now take place outdoors from today, Saturday 11 July with a socially distanced audience present.

Date Published 11/07/2020

Doggy Dash goes virtual for 10th anniversary

Now in its 10th year, this year�s Doggy Dash for Life will be a virtual event on Saturday 1 August.
The sponsored dog walk is a fun family event which usually takes place at...

Date Published 11/07/2020

Castleton Health and Leisure Centre undergoes refurbishment as it prepares to reopen after lockdown

As it prepares to re-open its doors to the public for the first time since March, Castleton Health and Leisure Centre has spent the Covid-19 lockdown period being refurbished with...

Date Published 10/07/2020

John Bright: Legacy of Rochdale�s radical social reformer �could be ripe for revival� as debate continues over monuments to slave traders and imperialists

The toppling of slave trader Edward Colston�s statue in Bristol � and subsequent dunk in the city�s harbour � has sparked an angry debate about the nation�s monuments.

Date Published 10/07/2020

Can you help police find a missing woman from Milnrow?

UPDATE SATURDAY 11 JULY 8am -�Maddie Howley has been found safe and well.

Date Published 10/07/2020

Indoor gyms and swimming pools can reopen from 25 July

Gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities have been given the green light to reopen from 25 July, ensuring millions of people can get back into more sport and fitness activities.

Date Published 10/07/2020

Alternative plans for HS2 and Northern Powerhouse Rail �could save billions� with new underground station at Manchester Piccadilly

New proposals �which could save billions� have been drawn up for a new and fully integrated high-speed station development at Manchester Piccadilly Station.

Date Published 10/07/2020

Young professionals from across Greater Manchester to help shape Covid-19 recovery

A new panel of young professionals will give their perspective on plans for the coronavirus recovery across Greater Manchester, with a special focus on infrastructure and...

Date Published 10/07/2020

Beauty salons and tattoo studios set to reopen for some services next week under new government guidelines

Beauty salons, nail bars, tattoo and massage studios, physical therapy businesses and spas across England will be able to reopen from Monday 13 July.

Date Published 10/07/2020

Councillor receives special award for Coronavirus volunteering

A local councillor has received a special award from the High Sheriff�of Greater Manchester for his voluntary work during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Date Published 09/07/2020

Beech House shortlisted for 2020 Independent School of the Year awards

Rochdale private school Beech House has been shortlisted for the Independent Schools of the Year 2020�awards.
Founded in 1850, the school is an independent co-educational school...

Date Published 09/07/2020

Being a councillor in the time of Covid-19

Kingsway ward councillor Shakil Ahmed shares his experience of how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted everyday life, and how it has affected councillor duties.

Date Published 09/07/2020

Soldiers who died 75 or 80 years ago during World War Two

Volunteers at Littleborough History Centre have been researching the service personnel from the Pennine districts of Rochdale (Littleborough, Milnrow, Newhey, Smallbridge and...

Date Published 09/07/2020

Healthwatch Rochdale publishes 2019/20 annual report

Healthwatch Rochdale has published its 2019/20 annual report �Guided by you�, demonstrating how the people of the Rochdale borough have made a difference to local NHS and social...

Date Published 09/07/2020

Hundreds of pounds raised for repairs at St Thomas' School in Newhey

Hundreds of pounds have been raised towards repairs at St Thomas� School in Newhey following flash flooding in June.

Date Published 09/07/2020

Regional rate of Covid-19 infection and hospital admissions fall in a week

Greater Manchester�s coronavirus infection rate and the number of daily hospital admissions has fallen in the last week, according to new figures.

Date Published 08/07/2020

Government to offer 50% off eating out, up to value of �10 per person

An �eat out to help out� discount scheme will be launched across the UK next month, offering a 50% discount � up to �10 per person � on meals.

Date Published 08/07/2020

Roadworks, temporary local road closures and restrictions

Information on current and forthcoming roadworks and road closures across the borough.

Date Published 08/07/2020

NHS staff thanked as health care service turns 72

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Group has thanked all its staff for their hard work and dedication over the year, coinciding with the 72nd birthday of the NHS on Sunday 5 July.

Date Published 08/07/2020

Falinge Park High School students donate to Rochdale Foodbank

Students at Falinge Park High School have donated to Rochdale Foodbank through a virtual initiative called Falinge Pledges.

Date Published 08/07/2020

Singer Ashanti has hair styled by award-winning Rochdale hair stylist

A multi-award-winning hair stylist from Rochdale has revealed how he came to style the hair of one of his celebrity idols, the award-winning singer Ashanti.

Date Published 08/07/2020

Campaign highlights challenges of distancing for blind and visually-impaired

As lockdown eases, blind and partially sighted people face a growing list of social distancing challenges.

Date Published 08/07/2020

Council's home adaptation service for adult care resumes

The council�s adult care service has resumed its disabled facilities grants work, which includes home improvement adaptations for older and vulnerable people.

Date Published 08/07/2020

�130 million raised for NHS Charities Together Covid Appeal

Since launching in March, the NHS Charities Together Covid Appeal has raised a staggering �130 million.

Date Published 07/07/2020

Over 550 knives handed in via Forever Amnesty bins across Greater Manchester

Over 550 knives have been handed in across Greater Manchester since February, thanks to forever�amnesty bins.

Date Published 07/07/2020

Tesco donates over 100k meals in Rochdale through Community Food Connection scheme

Tesco has donated 104,444 meals of surplus food in Rochdale in the last five years, the supermarket has revealed.
The food has been donated through the Community Food Connection...

Date Published 07/07/2020

Rochdale community pulls together to help NHS staff and patients during Covid-19

At the start of the pandemic, iCare, a local charity organisation, set out to help their local hospital. Following online meetings with Rochdale Infirmary managers and Tariq...

Date Published 07/07/2020

Wanted Kirklees man may be in Rochdale

A wanted Kirklees�man may be in Rochdale.
Patrick Doran, 29, from the Cleckheaton area, has been recalled to prison for breaching the terms of his prison licence.

Date Published 07/07/2020

Local GP calls for more respect from government and the public

NHS staff have been praised throughout the pandemic for risking their lives to treat others, but a leading health campaigner now wants the public and decision-makers to...

Date Published 07/07/2020

Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing to review town centre demolition plans

A collaborative review on the investment requirements on the College Bank flats will be held by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH).

Date Published 06/07/2020

Rochdale�s Got Talent winner Xela presented with grand prize

Talented 11-year-old dancer Xela Mills has been presented with the grand prize after winning the Rochdale�s Got Talent competition 2020.

Date Published 06/07/2020

Primary school pupils brighten up local GP practice with colourful artwork

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic,�staff at Littleborough Group Practice have received a much needed morale boost from artwork created by children at Littleborough Community...

Date Published 06/07/2020

Children at Fisherfield Childcare celebrate superheroes

Bamford's Fisherfield Childcare was happy to welcome back children and parents last week following the recent partial government closure of nurseries.

Date Published 06/07/2020

Have your say on council plans for Edgar Wood Academy at Bowlee

A council consultation on the planned Edgar Wood Academy school in Middleton closes on Monday 13 July.

Date Published 06/07/2020

Over 2,200 drivers caught speeding during two-week police campaign

More than 2,200 drivers were caught speeding in Greater Manchester during a two-week police campaign throughout May and June.

Date Published 06/07/2020

Support for those affected by domestic abuse

Rochdale�s WHAG will host a free webinar on Wednesday 15 July, giving the public an insight into how WHAG work locally to support those affected by domestic abuse.

Date Published 06/07/2020

Rochdale police column: How we are engaging with communities and why

Inspector Robert MacGregor, of the Rochdale East Neighbourhood Policing Team, on what the police are doing to tackle local issues across the borough.

Date Published 05/07/2020

Music collective complete recording of songs under lock down

Local music collective Sable 097�have completed three songs under lockdown with each member recording their parts separately.

Date Published 05/07/2020

Heywood postman�s fancy dress fundraising for foodbank

Walking around town as a parrot, monkey and even a kangaroo might seem strange to some people but not to Steven Kay, a postman from Heywood.

Date Published 05/07/2020

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