Ask Citizens Advice: I am dreading my council tax bill going up again - how will I cope if my payments for this year go up?

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

Date Published: 09 Jan 2025

Ukrainian Easter egg decorating in Rochdale

Recently displaced Ukrainian adults and children escaping from the Russian war against Ukraine were amongst those who took part in a traditional Easter Egg…

Date Published: 19 Mar 2024

Asda Awards Night raises over £50k for local veterans’ charity

A special Asda awards night celebrating achievements within the haulage industry has raised an incredible £54,957 for Greater Manchester charity, Veterans into…

Date Published: 08 Mar 2024

Operation Wolverine recovers more than £2 million through vehicle seizures in 2023

Operation Wolverine reached another significant milestone as the team from Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operations Branch recovered £2,227,571.36…

Date Published: 07 Mar 2024

Police still using ‘sub-optimal’ IT system chief promised would go two years ago

Officers at Greater Manchester Police are still using a ‘sub-optimal’ IT system that the Chief Constable said would be abandoned two years ago.

Date Published: 06 Mar 2024

Next step for Rochdale sections of GM Ringway walking trail

Two Rochdale sections of the GM Ringway, Greater Manchester’s walking trail, that take walkers through the borough have now been signposted. The two trails…

Date Published: 06 Mar 2024

Rochdale Town Hall reopens to visitors after multi-million pound restoration

Rochdale Town Hall reopened with a fanfare on Sunday 3 March 2024 after being closed for more than three years for restoration work.

Date Published: 05 Mar 2024

Plans to improve public transport and active travel in Heywood town centre revealed

New proposals looking to improve journeys in Heywood town centre have been revealed. They include new signal-controlled pedestrian and cycle crossings, a bus…

Date Published: 05 Mar 2024

‘A disgrace’: Locals fuming after two homeless support complexes are approved

Two new housing complexes for those at risk of homelessness have been approved for Heywood, following a tense meeting of the planning committee. The meeting at…

Date Published: 05 Mar 2024

Autistic Middleton author's latest book explores how to survive puberty as a teenage girl with autism

An autistic author and blogger from Middleton has released her latest book on 1 March, aimed at surviving puberty as a teenage girl.

Date Published: 04 Mar 2024

Roadworks, temporary local road closures and restrictions

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

Date Published: 04 Mar 2024

Serious collision on Wildhouse Lane leaves driver in life-threatening condition

A head-on crash on Wildhouse Lane on Sunday 3 March 2024 has left one person in hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Date Published: 04 Mar 2024

Mayor’s Column: Councillor Mike Holly

Councillor Mike Holly was sworn in as the Mayor of Rochdale in May 2023. This column is about the places he has been and the people he met in February 2024.

Date Published: 03 Mar 2024

Toad Lane Concerts: Eccles Community Choir

The Toad Lane Concerts series welcomes choirs and vocal groups, both local and visiting, as part of its diverse schedule of all kinds of musicians. Eccles…

Date Published: 03 Mar 2024

Citizens Advice calls for inclusive support for digital landline transition

The UK’s telephone network is being upgraded, and landline services are changing. For decades, landlines have been delivered through an analogue network, but…

Date Published: 01 Mar 2024

David Tully’s reaction to being the runner up in the Rochdale by-election

All the headlines for the Rochdale by-election will go to George Galloway with his win for the Workers Party of Britain – but even he had to commend local man…

Date Published: 01 Mar 2024

Free scheme to make homes more energy efficient only taken up by 129 homes in Greater Manchester

Just 129 households in Greater Manchester have had insulation measures installed under a government scheme to help them save money on energy bills. The Great…

Date Published: 01 Mar 2024

Vicolo Del Vino pledges support for Petrus’ hub kitchen

Vicolo Del Vino has become the first restaurant to join Petrus’ new Kitchen Twinning Programme, which calls for local restaurants, cafes and even workplaces to…

Date Published: 01 Mar 2024

NHS To Roll Out ‘Martha’s Rule’

The head of the NHS has announced the rollout of ‘Martha’s Rule’ in hospitals across England from April, enabling patients and families to seek an urgent…

Date Published: 29 Feb 2024

‘Financial crisis, destitution and homelessness’ predicted if support fund is ended, town hall boss states

The money supporting poorer families is due to stop at the end of next month prompting Rochdale’s council leader to write to the government demanding that it…

Date Published: 29 Feb 2024

Ambulance service appeal to learn how to save a life on leap year day

On this year’s extra day, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is asking Greater Manchester residents to take a few minutes out to learn Cardiopulmonary…

Date Published: 29 Feb 2024

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

Lots to do in and around the borough this weekend: World Famous Elvis Show starring Chris Connor, SHOUT! Motown & 60’s Dance Party, Ellenroad Engine House…

Date Published: 29 Feb 2024

Rochdale by-election: Residents prepare to cast their vote

Polling stations will open at 7am tomorrow morning (Thursday 29 February) for residents in the Rochdale constituency to vote for their new MP following the…

Date Published: 28 Feb 2024

‘The last wild green space’ that locals fear could be turned into housing or a car park

A beloved bit of wild green space in Littleborough has been fenced off by the council – now locals fear they could build houses or a car park there.

Date Published: 28 Feb 2024

Places for Everyone plan for 175,000 homes goes to final stage following inspectors’ report

The Places for Everyone plan for new homes and jobs in Greater Manchester has reached its final stage, following a report by planning inspectors.

Date Published: 28 Feb 2024

Hopwood Hall College and University Centre receives award from the Queen at Buckingham Palace

The Queen has presented Hopwood Hall College and University Centre with the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize.

Date Published: 28 Feb 2024

Council leader's column: The council budget and the re-opening of Rochdale Town Hall

Neil Emmott is the leader of Rochdale Council and a councillor for West Middleton. This month he dedicates his column to the setting of the council budget, the…

Date Published: 27 Feb 2024

Q Gardens celebrates first birthday

The volunteers at Q Gardens in the Community on Queens Drive are celebrating their first Birthday with a remake of the garden. The group reformed last February…

Date Published: 27 Feb 2024

WaterSHED at Wardle Academy shortlisted for architecture award

The WaterSHED at Wardle Academy has been shortlisted for the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) North West Awards 2024.

Date Published: 27 Feb 2024

GMP Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit spring on two suspected burglars following burglaries in Heywood

Two suspected burglars were arrested in Heywood by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit (TVIU) on Friday 23 February 2024.

Date Published: 26 Feb 2024

Rochdale commemorates the 2nd anniversary of Russia’s war against Ukraine

On Saturday 24 February, Ukrainians in Rochdale commemorated the 2nd anniversary of Russia's invasion war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian flag was lowered to…

Date Published: 26 Feb 2024

Roadworks, temporary local road closures and restrictions

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

Date Published: 26 Feb 2024

Local business takes on the Yorkshire Three peaks challenge for Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity

Ikonic, an IT technology distributor based in Heywood, will be taking on the three peaks challenge in April to fundraise for the charity Duchenne UK. They are…

Date Published: 26 Feb 2024

Six-year-old Middleton artist wins Axel Scheffler original

A budding young artist from Middleton has impressed professionals with her illustrations, beating hundreds of children from across the country in a competition…

Date Published: 26 Feb 2024

Shadowing the damp and mould taskforce from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing

The issue has been going on for years, but after the death of the toddler Awaab Ishak, mould in rented homes was thrust into the national spotlight. The…

Date Published: 26 Feb 2024

Toad Lane Concerts: Dimitra Ananiadou violin & Richard Whalley piano

The sensational Greek violinist Dimitra Ananiadou is a graduate of the Universities of Iona (Greece), York and Manchester. Along with her violin playing she…

Date Published: 25 Feb 2024

Local artist Brooke Ellis extends her incredible talent and generosity to help Springhill Hospice

Rochdale-born artist Brooke Ellis has kindly decided to sell her hand-drawn colouring books, in order to help raise vital funds for Springhill Hospice. Brooke…

Date Published: 25 Feb 2024

Care home that was put in special measures two-year-ago still needs to improve on safety, watchdog says

A care home in Middleton has managed to make improvements two years on from being put in special measures – but there are still safety issues. Although Clare…

Date Published: 24 Feb 2024

Council agrees additional funding for Heywood Civic Centre

Plans to transform Heywood Civic Centre have become more ambitious, after councillors agreed to plough an additional £2.25m into the scheme at this week’s…

Date Published: 24 Feb 2024

42 arrests, £20,000 cash, 17kg of drugs seized and two replica firearms recovered as Operation AVRO returns to borough

Rochdale was a hive of activity on Thursday (22 February 2024) as Operation AVRO returned to the borough once again for a proactive day of police action.

Date Published: 23 Feb 2024

Council tax rise confirmed for Rochdale but residents will get a 2% reduction again

People in Rochdale will pay more in council tax from April, as a 4.99 percent hike in the household precept has been agreed.

Date Published: 23 Feb 2024

Man 'assaults child on way to school'

Police are appealing for witnesses after a child was assaulted on their way to school in Rochdale on 13 February.

Date Published: 23 Feb 2024

By-election candidates tell us how they would help Rochdale constituents

Rochdale has found itself at the centre of a national political storm. What was expected to be a straightforward by-election for Labour has turned into one of…

Date Published: 23 Feb 2024

NHS warns five-day junior doctors strike will lead to significant disruption

Residents in Greater Manchester are being urged to use NHS 111 Online for all non-emergency healthcare needs during the next strike action in the NHS.

Date Published: 23 Feb 2024

Rochdale hustings “affront to democracy” as handful of candidates invited to debate issues

The Rochdale hustings has been labelled “an affront to democracy” by the public after just a handful of candidates were invited to the event at Wardleworth…

Date Published: 23 Feb 2024

Gang jailed for laundering £26m

A gang that sent £26 million of dirty money to Dubai after depositing criminal cash at banks a dozen times a day for nearly a year have been jailed for more…

Date Published: 23 Feb 2024

Small talk is no small thing says Rochdale and Oldham District Samaritans

Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans is reminding the public that small talk can save lives and we are better at it than we think, as part of the charity’s…

Date Published: 22 Feb 2024

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

Lots to do in and around the borough this weekend: Crusoe, Fleetwood Mac Legacy, Castleton Literary and Scientific Society, Alkrington Village Craft Market…

Date Published: 22 Feb 2024

Couple in 70s found dead in Castleton house

A couple in their 70s have been found dead in a house at The Woods in Castleton (Wednesday 21 February).

Date Published: 22 Feb 2024

Tributes paid to former mayor and Heywood councillor Peter Rush

Tributes have been paid to Heywood Councillor Peter Rush, who sadly died at the age of 88 on Wednesday (21 February).

Date Published: 22 Feb 2024

Social enterprise addresses job search confidence crisis

A local social enterprise which has a free clinic at the Number One Riverside Council Offices in Rochdale has shared its top tips for creating a succinct CV.

Date Published: 22 Feb 2024

No trams to operate through Victoria this Sunday as further engineering works take place

No trams will operate through Victoria this Sunday due to further engineering works taking place following the removal of a cracked rail last month.

Date Published: 21 Feb 2024

Bee Network moves ahead as Greater Manchester gets ready for phase two of bus franchising

Greater Manchester will see its ambitious plans for the full delivery of the Bee Network – transforming public transport across the region – take a big step…

Date Published: 20 Feb 2024

Three Rochdale dads plan epic bike ride in memory of friend

A group of “Saturday cyclists” from Rochdale will be taking on an epic challenge when they ride more than 1,000 miles across Europe in memory of a close friend…

Date Published: 20 Feb 2024

George Galloway is now the favourite to win Rochdale by-election, say bookies, after Labour denounces candidate

Outspoken former MP George Galloway, 69, has become the bookies’ favourite to win the Rochdale parliamentary by-election, following Labour’s withdrawal of…

Date Published: 20 Feb 2024

Stage set for grand reopening of Rochdale Town Hall

Details of the grand opening of Rochdale Town Hall have been revealed, with free tickets for the event now available. The stunning grade I listed building…

Date Published: 20 Feb 2024

Rochdale town centre one of the best in the North West after winning place in RHS Britain in Bloom finals

Rochdale Town Centre has been selected as one of the best in the North West and will compete in the 2024 Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK…

Date Published: 20 Feb 2024

Woman taken to hospital after falling down an embankment at Hollingworth Lake

A woman has been taken to hospital after falling down an embankment at Hollingworth Lake on Monday (19 February).

Date Published: 19 Feb 2024

Roadworks, temporary local road closures and restrictions

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

Date Published: 19 Feb 2024

Rochdale by-election: Greens call on members to vote for independent candidate Mark Coleman "who holds same values as us" after denouncing own candidate

The Rochdale Green Party is calling on its supporters to back an independent candidate in this month’s by-election, after withdrawing support for its own…

Date Published: 19 Feb 2024

Have your say: Healthwatch wants to know about your experience of accessing children’s mental health services

A research project has been launched by patient watchdog service Healthwatch to understand the experiences of accessing child and adolescent mental health…

Date Published: 18 Feb 2024

New employment platform to help ‘unlock potential’

A revamped platform offering a one-stop-shop for people looking for jobs, training or employment support across Greater Manchester has launched.

Date Published: 18 Feb 2024

Toad Lane Concerts: Louise Taylor soprano and Jonathan Ellis piano

Popular local soprano Louise Taylor began solo singing at the age of 24, going on to perform over 30 lead roles in light opera and musicals as well as singing…

Date Published: 18 Feb 2024

Lioness Keira Walsh becomes ambassador for Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary

Lioness Keira Walsh ihas linked up with Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary as the England and Barcelona midfielder has become an ambassador for the charity.

Date Published: 17 Feb 2024

Architectural Heritage Fund supports Hopwood Hall Estate ‘vision’ awarding £10,000 grant to enable further viability studies

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has awarded £10,000 for new viability studies at the historic Hopwood Hall estate.

Date Published: 17 Feb 2024

Man found dead in Ashfield Road home where ‘replica WW2 guns’ were found

The body of a man has been found at the Ashfield Road home in Rochdale where the bomb disposal team were dispatched to after ‘replica guns’ were discovered on…

Date Published: 16 Feb 2024