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Rochdale people could be charged for bins - and see a tax rise of 4.99% this year

Rochdale residents could soon be charged for new bins and see a council tax hike of 4.99 per cent. The proposed rise as well as further budget cuts have been tabled as town hall bosses look to make cuts worth £5.5m. This needs to be done in order to balance their budget. 

Date Published 24/01/2025


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

Lots to do in and around the borough this weekend: Burns Cèilidh, Hello Again – The Neil Diamond Songbook, Burns and Brass, Insomnia – 90's Club Classic Show, Gordon Stewart Organ...

Date Published 23/01/2025

New Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone plan ‘still doesn’t go far enough’, anti-pollution campaigners say

Greater Manchester’s new clean air plan ‘still doesn’t go far enough’, anti-pollution campaigners have said. Ministers confirmed on Thursday morning (23 January) that Andy...

Date Published 24/01/2025


Toast of the town: Mayor of Rochdale celebrates 25 years at renowned bakery company

The Mayor of Rochdale Shakil Ahmed, joined by consort Councillor Rachel Massey, marked a significant personal milestone this week with a visit to Allied Bakeries.
The mayor, who...

Date Published 24/01/2025

No charge Clean Air Zone for Greater Manchester is a ‘truly great outcome’, Burnham says

Andy Burnham says the government’s decision to not impose a charging clean air zone in Greater Manchester is a ‘truly a great outcome’. Ministers confirmed on Thursday morning (23...

Date Published 24/01/2025


Council leaders want 100 new homes for the homeless

More than 100 new ‘bespoke homes’ for the homeless could be built across Rochdale in the next two years. The council has already secured funding to build 53 of the homes specially...

Date Published 23/01/2025

New chief executive appointed by Rochdale Council

James Binks has been appointed as the new chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council. Currently an assistant chief executive at Manchester City Council, he will replace the...

Date Published 23/01/2025


Public urged to report suspicious drone activity near Rochdale prison

Residents in Rochdale are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drone activity near Buckley Hall Prison as criminals increasingly use drones to smuggle...

Date Published 23/01/2025

Castleton, Littleborough and Rochdale among stations to be served by Bee Network trains

Nearly 100 Greater Manchester railway stations will be served by yellow Bee Network trains by 2030, including all the stations in the Rochdale borough, Transport for Greater...

Date Published 23/01/2025


Government announces pothole funding - and crackdown on roadworks

Two of Rochdale Borough’s MPs, Paul Waugh (Rochdale) and Elsie Blundell (Heywood and Middleton North), have welcomed a landmark government announcement addressing long-standing...

Date Published 23/01/2025

High school students raise over £2,000 for hospice

A whole school glow dodgeball event was one of several fundraising activities which helped students raise more than £2,000 for Rossendale Hospice. Twelve Year 10 members on the...

Date Published 22/01/2025


High Sheriff visits Rochdale’s Army of Kindness

The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Eamonn O’Neal OBE, paid a visit to Rochdale’s Army of Kindness Hot Food Kitchen last week, where he met the volunteers who dedicate their...

Date Published 22/01/2025

GMP reveals numbers of drink and drug drivers recorded over festive period

Police in Greater Manchester recorded an equal number of drink and drug driving offences during a month-long campaign which covered Christmas and New Year, with 570 arrests made...

Date Published 22/01/2025


Consultation opens for Northern Gateway development

A plan to create around 20,000 jobs and boost the Greater Manchester economy by £570m has taken another step forward.
People are now being invited to have their say on plans for...

Date Published 21/01/2025

Free workshops to boost Rochdale's retails and hospitality sectors

Rochdale Development Agency has unveiled a series of free workshops aimed at bolstering the retail and hospitality sectors. Fully funded by Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale...

Date Published 21/01/2025


Numerous arrests in Rochdale retail crime crackdown

Police officers in Rochdale North Neighbourhood have taken action in recent weeks to tackle prolific shoplifting offenders in the town centre and surrounding areas. Their efforts...

Date Published 21/01/2025

Roadworks, temporary road closures and restrictions

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

Date Published 20/01/2025


GMP and banking institutions are clamping down on fraudsters exploiting vulnerable victims in Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester Police have reinforced their partnership with banking institutions to tackle fraudsters targeting vulnerable residents in Rochdale and across Greater...

Date Published 19/01/2025

Toad Lane Concerts: Tim Kennedy concert pianist

Tim Kennedy appeared as a concert pianist at this week's Toad Lane concer but he is also well-known as a professional singer, vocal coach and organist.

Date Published 19/01/2025


National accreditation for Heywood Sports Village, Middleton Arena and Rochdale Leisure Centre

Three leisure venues operated by the charity Your Trust have achieved a national accreditation in recognition of providing best-in-class quality and excellence. Heywood Sports...

Date Published 18/01/2025

Life-changing work of NHS staff celebrated at awards ceremony

The care, compassion and life changing contributions of NHS staff were recognised at the Pennine Care People Awards ceremony.

Date Published 18/01/2025


Police team calls for public assistance on abandoned vehicles

The Rochdale Town Centre Neighbourhood Team is urging residents to help keep local streets clear of abandoned and untaxed vehicles by reporting any such cases promptly.

Date Published 18/01/2025

The museum undergoing £8.5m transformation now needs a new roof

The historic Touchstones in Rochdale is set to get an overhaul to sort ‘failings with the roof’. Water got into the Grade-II listed building following failings in the guttering, a...

Date Published 17/01/2025


The plan for two new apartment blocks with an unusual car parking system

Two new apartment blocks could soon be built on vacant grassland in Rochdale, and a unique parking system could be on the cards. The site off Bentley Street, Shawclough, would...

Date Published 17/01/2025

Residents urged to be vigilant after spike in Shawclough burglaries

Residents in the Shawclough area of Rochdale are being urged to take precautions following a recent spike in residential burglaries over the past week, according to the Rochdale...

Date Published 17/01/2025


Andy Burnham responds to harrowing reports from hospital nurses

Andy Burnham said he was shocked by a report that revealed patients have died in hospital corridors in the north west. Appearing on the weekly ‘In The Hotseat’ programme on BBC...

Date Published 17/01/2025

Police seize £48,000 in Rochdale property search

Greater Manchester Police have seized over £48,000 in cash during a search of a property in Rochdale. The operation, which took place following information provided by members of...

Date Published 17/01/2025


£1.31 million boost for Rochdale families through Start for Life initiative

Families across the borough of Rochdale are set to benefit from a significant £1.31 million funding boost as part of the government’s Start for Life programme.

Date Published 16/01/2025

Illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco seized in police operation

Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Neighbourhood Teams, alongside Rochdale Borough Council Trading Standards, conducted a joint operation targeting businesses on Drake...

Date Published 16/01/2025


Cold weather payments activated for Rochdale residents

Eligible residents across the Rochdale borough will automatically receive Cold Weather Payments following a recent cold spell. Covering the period from 5 to 11 January 2025, these...

Date Published 16/01/2025

Nominate your health and care champions for Greater Manchester-wide awards

Nominations are now open for the Greater Manchester awards for members of the health and care workforce. Back for their sixth year, the Greater Manchester Health and Care Champion...

Date Published 16/01/2025


23 arrests made in Rochdale domestic violence operation

Police in Rochdale have made 23 arrests as part of a focused crackdown on domestic abuse in the borough. Working in partnership with the local authority and support organisations,...

Date Published 15/01/2025

Bee Network says its making public transport "more accessible and inclusive" in Greater Manchester

A public transport campaigner has been praised for his work to make public transport in Greater Manchester more accessible and inclusive. Last week saw the final phase of bus...

Date Published 15/01/2025


Work gets underway on 191 new houses in Castleton

Councillors, council officers and representatives from Kellen Homes donned their hard hats and boots last week to break ground at the new Hawks View development in Castleton,...

Date Published 15/01/2025

New mental health service helps people avoid A&E

Mental health professionals and ambulance staff have joined forces to help people in Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale experiencing a mental health crisis avoid A&E. The new mental...

Date Published 14/01/2025


Councillor demands emergency meeting over Rochdale grooming gangs

An emergency town hall meeting to discuss historic child sexual exploitation in Rochdale has been demanded. Councillor Farooq Ahmed has asked for an extraordinary meeting of the...

Date Published 14/01/2025

Further seizures in police off-road biking crackdown

Officers from Rochdale North and East Neighbourhood Teams, accompanied by three Special Constables, community volunteers, and United Utilities, launched the first ‘Operation...

Date Published 14/01/2025


Police target "dangerous" begging hotspots amid safety concerns

Police in Rochdale have stepped up efforts to tackle persistent begging at dangerous locations on the town’s busiest roads, citing safety concerns and links to organised crime....

Date Published 13/01/2025

A heartwarming success for families and volunteers

Deeplish Community Centre has celebrated the successful conclusion of its Winter Playscheme 2024, a vibrant and inclusive initiative designed to keep children and young people...

Date Published 13/01/2025


Police appeal to find missing man

Rochdale police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating a missing man from the area. Jake, aged 40, was last seen on 11 January 2025 near Bridge Street in Heywood....

Date Published 13/01/2025

Toad Lane Concerts: Voci Voices

The first Toad Lane concert of 2025 at St Mary in the Baum coincided with a fiercely cold snap. However, a fair number of brave souls braved the elements to enjoy a feast of...

Date Published 12/01/2025


Greater Manchester pioneers return of locally controlled and accountable bus services in historic first

Greater Manchester has heralded a new era in public transport, transforming how people get around the region. Following a phased approach, all bus services – totalling 577 routes,...

Date Published 12/01/2025

High school adds two more sporting students to Hall of Fame

Two sporting stars from Whitworth Community High School have been inducted onto the school’s Hall of Fame wall.

Date Published 11/01/2025


Inclusive rugby in Rochdale scores support from Anwyl

Children and young people in Rochdale with disabilities are being encouraged to tackle playing rugby with sponsorship ‘Love From Anwyl’. Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC were among the...

Date Published 11/01/2025

Plans for ‘England’s largest onshore wind farm’ take step forward

Plans to build ‘England’s largest onshore wind farm’ on the edge of Greater Manchester have taken another step forward. Scout Moor II – a landmark 100 MW onshore wind farm between...

Date Published 10/01/2025


War memorial in Middleton targeted by vandals will be restored

A war memorial that has been targeted by vandals for years will be repaired.
The Memorial Gardens in Middleton commemorates those who fought and died in the First and Second...

Date Published 10/01/2025

Heywood will see its civic square transformed

A vision for a transformed Peine Square in Heywood has been revealed. 
Proposals would see the town’s civic centre turned into a striking public space for events – and a place...

Date Published 10/01/2025


Mayor ‘not opposed’ to new national grooming inquiry

Andy Burnham has said that he ‘would not be opposed’ to a new national inquiry into grooming gangs.
The mayor launched a review into systematic child sexual abuse In Greater...

Date Published 10/01/2025

Places in Rochdale to keep warm as temperatures plummet

Councils, voluntary organisations and businesses across Greater Manchester are opening their doors to people who need to keep warm as temperatures plummet amid the current cold...

Date Published 10/01/2025


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

Lots to do in and around the borough this weekend: Heywood Model Railway Group Open Day, Twist & Shout – A Journey Back to the Swinging 60s, First Friday Business...

Date Published 09/01/2025

Man charged with murder after New Year's Day knife attack

A 30-year-old man has been charged with murder after the New Year's Day fatal stabbing in Rochdale. Hassan Suliman, of Rothesay Terrace, Rochdale, has been charged with murder,...

Date Published 09/01/2025


Funding boost for children’s accessibility charity Jolly Josh

Following the launch of the Cadent Foundation Community Fund, colleagues at the UK’s largest Gas Distribution Network have chosen to work with Rochdale based charity Jolly Josh as...

Date Published 09/01/2025

Government issues statement on clean air zone

The government body deciding if motorists will pay to drive in Greater Manchester has issued a statement on alternative plans. A clean air zone, which would have charged £60 for...

Date Published 08/01/2025


Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society celebrates 180th anniversary

In August 1844 a group of 28 artisans working in the cotton mills in the town of Rochdale, established the first modern co-operative business, the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers...

Date Published 08/01/2025

Andy Burnham asks taxpayers for at least £9 more a year to help fund police

Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham wants to increase the police element of council tax bills, saying it’s ‘vital to maintain GMP’s improvement’. Tax paying for Greater...

Date Published 08/01/2025


Council issues warning as temperatures set to plummet yet again

Rochdale is bracing itself for severe weather conditions yet again after a challenging weekend of snow, ice and freezing rain. On Sunday, Greater Manchester woke up to a blanket...

Date Published 07/01/2025

Rochdale-born businesswoman honoured with King’s CBE award

Managing director and co-founder of GGR Group, Gill Riley, has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2025 King’s New Year’s Honours List in...

Date Published 07/01/2025


Record for Toy Appeal as over 2,500 children receive gifts

Another huge team effort for the Rochdale Giving Back Christmas Toy Appeal and lots of local generosity meant over 2,500 less fortunate children had gifts to open on Christmas...

Date Published 07/01/2025

Roadworks, temporary road closures and restrictions

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

Date Published 06/01/2025


'No plans whatsoever to enforce a paid-for clean air zone in Greater Manchester', says transport secretary

There are ‘no plans whatsoever to enforce a paid-for clean air zone in Greater Manchester’, according to the transport secretary, but a ‘formal’ decision still hasn’t been made....

Date Published 06/01/2025

Rochdale Sixth Form College celebrates outstanding achievements at annual event

Rochdale Sixth Form College hosted its annual celebration evening in December, bringing together students, staff, and alumni to honour the remarkable achievements of the past two...

Date Published 06/01/2025


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