Main News

Richard Mills. Image courtesy of GMP

'Perverse' detective who was based in Oldham convicted of sexual offences, dismissed and banned from policing

Greater Manchester Police have dismissed Detective Sergeant Richard Mills and barred him from policing at an Accelerated Misconduct Hearing.

Date Published 16/04/2025


Changeable with a risk of rain edging in from the west at times

Our amazing first half of April is over and we’ve finally measured some rainfall this month.

Date Published 14/04/2025

VE Day events are planned across Oldham

Oldham will be celebrating VE Day with a whole week of events and activities across the borough. 

Date Published 14/04/2025


New images of Failsworth ‘charging oasis’ released

CGI images show how a huge new £4m electric vehicle charging site will look in Failsworth.

Date Published 14/04/2025

Thousands of arrests made by GMP's specialist crime fighting Operation Vulcan team - with more promised

Greater Manchester Police's Operation Vulcan team have demonstrated they are a force to be reckoned with.

Date Published 14/04/2025


£13m funding secured for Northern Roots

A £13m project will bring a new cafe, visitor centre and ‘forestry hub’ to the heart of Oldham.

Date Published 14/04/2025

Plans for battery storage system next to lake opposed by locals

Plans to build an energy storage facility in Failsworth have sparked dismay among locals who fear it will ‘destroy’ their lakeside haven. 

Date Published 14/04/2025


Civic Centre building could be turned into hotel

A ‘landmark’ building in Oldham could be transformed into a hotel.

Date Published 14/04/2025

Chadderton flat issued closure order after reports of 'nightmare' anti-social behaviour

A flat in Chadderton has been locked down after a ‘nightmare neighbour’ caused ‘years’ of misery for those living nearby.

Date Published 14/04/2025


Oldham Lib-Dems - Local workers will be 'more than £2,000 worse off' over the next decade following Labour Government NI hike

The average worker in Oldham Borough will be £2,276 worse off over the next decade because of the Labour Government’s hike in National Insurance - insist the Oldham Liberal...

Date Published 14/04/2025

How this literacy project with families is helping to give Oldham's young children the best start

"My daughter was struggling with conversations but this is massively boosting her confidence," said one happy parent.

Date Published 14/04/2025


Residents urged to sign up and support Royton banking hub bid

Paul Coughlan the Postmaster, his team at Royton Post Office and Royton North Councillor Lewis Quigg are collecting as many surveys as possible to get a review of banking services...

Date Published 12/04/2025

Plea issued for public to leave Diggle scarecrows alone after Trump's head is stolen

A school charity has issued a heartfelt appeal for visitors to leave hand-build scarecrows alone after an effigy of Donald Trump’s head was stolen.

Date Published 12/04/2025


Oldham man charged with non-recent CSE offences

A man in Oldham will appear at court in the New Year on trial for non-recent child sexual offences in the town.

Date Published 11/04/2025

Local community responds to GMP's Operation Vulcan in Derker - initiative hasn’t come a day too soon

A little girl, aged maybe 11 or 12 years old, stands up in front of a room full of police officers and asks nervously: “What do I do if someone is bringing drugs to school?”

Date Published 10/04/2025


Rescue heroes dash to the aid of trapped pooch Lily

Returning from a Peak District Mountain Rescue Organisation water rescue training exercise, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team were sorting through kit when a call came from Greater...

Date Published 10/04/2025

Oldham council to face leadership challenge from independent group

An independent councillor plans to challenge the leadership of Oldham Council’s Labour boss.

Date Published 10/04/2025


‘These houses are like chicken coops…it’s bad for people’s health’

Oldham council wants to crack down on ‘chicken coop’ HMOs after the number of shared houses has ‘almost doubled’ in the last five years.

Date Published 10/04/2025

Man with Oldham links is wanted on suspicion of 'domestic' offences

Police are searching for Sarfraz Nazir.

Date Published 10/04/2025


An egg-stra treat for worthy causes in Oldham

Generous-spirited Rotary Oldham Metro have spread some Easter cheer by distributing 600 Easter eggs to worthy causes across the borough.

Date Published 10/04/2025

Meet Bella the happy wanderer!

Meet Bella The Fella, the happy wanderering King of Kiln Green in Saddleworth.

Date Published 09/04/2025


Community champion Steve is featured in prestigious art exhibition

Intrepid fundraiser Steve Hill from Shaw has featured in a prestigious art exhibition.

Date Published 09/04/2025

Police day of traffic and knife-arch work in Derker sees arrests, seizures and fines

Greater Manchester Police officers from the Operation Vulcan team secured two arrests and dozens of fines and traffic offence reports during their latest proactive outing in...

Date Published 08/04/2025


Change is coming after a prolonged sunny and dry spell of weather

What a spell of weather we’re currently experiencing - it’s been immense.

Date Published 08/04/2025

Walker rescued by ten-strong Oldham team

A ten-strong team from Oldham Mountain Rescue were involved for two hours after being contacted by North West Ambulance Service to assist with the movement of a young female who...

Date Published 08/04/2025


Council issues statement after government update on grooming inquiry cash

Oldham council’s inquiry into local grooming gangs will ‘not be impacted’ despite concerns it will have to bid for government funding.

Date Published 08/04/2025

Police seize more drugs and e-bikes in early morning Derker raid

Early this morning (Tuesday), Greater Manchester Police officers from the Operation Vulcan team executed a warrant in Derker as they continue to tackle crime in the area with...

Date Published 08/04/2025


Failsworth pub has licence suspended following brawl and stabbings

One of Oldham’s oldest pubs has been ordered to shut its doors until further notice following a stabbing and mass brawl on Sunday night (April 6).

Date Published 07/04/2025

Government rejects council’s request to withdraw from PfE

Oldham’s request to withdraw from a ‘controversial’ Greater Manchester housing plan has been rejected by the government.

Date Published 07/04/2025


Tesco to provide donation bags in Oldham stores this Easter as they aim to help families over school holidays

Oldham Tesco customers can pick up an extra bag to put through the checkout this Easter to support families facing financial difficulties during the school holidays.

Date Published 07/04/2025

‘Life-changing’ mental health employment support service helps Joana

An Oldham woman has praised a local service for changing her life and giving her hope for a brighter future.

Date Published 07/04/2025


Protestors gather to oppose ‘flood of HMOs’ in Shaw

Neighbours in Shaw took to the streets to oppose a ‘flood of HMOs’ entering their town.

Date Published 07/04/2025

What a showpiece - Grenadier Guards capture everyone's hearts with another stunning Uppermill performance

They came, they played, and they captured everyone’s hearts.

Date Published 07/04/2025


Wrigley Head solar panels will be plugged into national grid

Plans to build a huge new solar energy farm next to Rochdale Canal could be ‘completed by autumn’ after years of delay.

Date Published 06/04/2025

Honour your loved ones and support families like Natasha’s with a Dr Kershaw's Rose to Remember

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice is inviting the local community to take part in this year’s Rose to Remember Appeal.

Date Published 06/04/2025


Searching for the heroes and the villains in Diggle!

The 2025 Diggle Scarecrow Trail has launched, with some lovely weather forecast.

Date Published 06/04/2025

‘Sneak peak’ at new town-centre park

Oldham’s brand new town-centre park will open in March 2026, the council has revealed.

Date Published 04/04/2025


New female mental health hospital officially opens in Oldham

A new mental health hospital for women has officially opened in Oldham, creating more than 130 local jobs.

Date Published 04/04/2025

Residents to protest HMOs as councillors call for tighter restrictions

Residents are gearing up for a peaceful protest following what they describe as a ‘deluge of HMOs’ in an Oldham town.

Date Published 04/04/2025


Oldham men kidnapped and assaulted an Imam

Two men have been found guilty of kidnapping and violently assaulting an 87 year-old Imam in Oldham last year, causing significant injuries including a brain bleed alongside...

Date Published 04/04/2025

Reminder issued ahead of road closures due to Transpennine Route Upgrade

Drivers have been reminded that a popular destination for holiday outings will be closed to all traffic for two weekends, including the May bank holiday.

Date Published 04/04/2025


Tram crashes surge, new data reveals

Crashes involving Metrolink trams and cars surged by 30 per cent last year, new data shows.

Date Published 02/04/2025

Wembley-bound students’ plan to get more girls into football is truly kicking off!

Students from E-ACT The Oldham Academy North (TOAN) are winners of this year’s Manchester United Foundation Premier League Inspires social action challenge, following a day of...

Date Published 02/04/2025


Lees School Street trial is setting new safety standards

With support from Oldham Council and TfGM, Hey with Zion Primary School and St. Edwards RC Primary School introduced a new School Street at the start of the 2024 academic year,...

Date Published 02/04/2025

Plenty more dry and sunny weather on the way, but cooler for a time

As weather forecasts go, this looks pretty much straight-forward this week with high pressure in charge.

Date Published 02/04/2025


Oldham firms become next-door neighbours thanks to Mahdlo link

A chance remark while crossing boggy Saddleworth moorland has led to two established Oldham businesses becoming next-door neighbours.

Date Published 02/04/2025

CWTC Disability Awareness event proves a big success

The Centre of Wellbeing, Training and Culture Oldham hosted a Disability Awareness event in partnership with Scope at the CWTC headquarters.

Date Published 02/04/2025


Anthony quits smoking aged 72 after his wife's death from COPD

Seventy-two-year-old Anthony Fearon has proved you’re never too old to change your ways.

Date Published 01/04/2025

Great British Spring Clean continues at Failsworth section of the Rochdale Canal

Community volunteers - including staff from First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) - cleaned rubbish out of the Failsworth section of the Rochdale Canal at the weekend using canoes and...

Date Published 01/04/2025


New community café to be built

The old sports pavilion in Mossley will be demolished and replaced with a café/bar and function room.

Date Published 01/04/2025

Government responds to request for statutory powers in Oldham CSE inquiry

Oldham council will not get a statutory public inquiry into child sexual exploitation in the borough, the home secretary has confirmed. 

Date Published 01/04/2025


Moorland fire causes major road closure

A moorland fire and the emergency response closed Holmfirth Road near the Saddleworth border with West Yorkshire last night (Tuesday).

Date Published 01/04/2025

Heartbroken school community launch support appeal following death of 'much loved' teacher Paul

A shocked school community has launched an appeal to support the family of a “much loved” teacher after an incident in Chadderton last Wednesday.

Date Published 01/04/2025


More than 100 new homes approved for Foxdenton Farm site in Chadderton

More than 100 new houses to be built in Chadderton could ‘help people get on the property ladder’, developers say. 

Date Published 01/04/2025

Hathershaw pupils shine at MEGAHUB event

Hathershaw College has been celebrating the significant achievement of its students at the recent MEGAHUB event, which encourages secondary school pupils to explore and excel in...

Date Published 30/03/2025


Air cadets light up annual opening of Royton bowling green

Royton Cricket, Bowling and Running Club held its annual opening of the bowling green, which was this year graced by the 1855 Royton Air Cadets. 

Date Published 30/03/2025

Searching for Peter's next of kin

Do you know the next of kin of a man from Oldham?

Date Published 30/03/2025


Oldham Temple spreads joy at Holi Festival with rainbow of colours.

Oldham’s Hindu community once again came together in multi-coloured joy to celebrate the festival of Holi at the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.

Date Published 30/03/2025

Police investigate 'shocking' stabbing incident at Oldham retail park

A police investigation is underway after a 19-year-old man was stabbed at Alexandra Road retail park at 3.25pm yesterday afternoon (Sunday).

Date Published 30/03/2025


Family pay tribute to 'true gentleman' who was murdered following reported fight close to Elk Mill roundabout

Greater Manchester Police have named the victim who lost his life during an incident in Chadderton earlier this week as 50-year-old Paul Bowles.

Date Published 29/03/2025

Murder charge secured following incident near Elk Mill roundabout earlier this week

Following an incident on Broadway in Chadderton on Wednesday (March 26), Greater Manchester Police officers have secured charges.

Date Published 29/03/2025


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