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Julie Hesmondhalgh

Julie Hesmonhaugh to help reshape Oldham Coliseum Theatre's Reopening Programme as Guest Curator

Award-winning actor and writer Julie Hesmondhalgh will join Oldham Coliseum Theatre as Guest Curator, working with CEO Martina Murphy to help shape the theatre's reopening programme.

Date Published 11/04/2026


Full candidates list for 2026 election

Residents will head to the polls on Thursday, May 7, to vote in new representatives for their areas across Oldham. A third of council positions are up for grabs in this election,...

Date Published 10/04/2026

Visiting Angels Manchester East Raises £550 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice

Visiting Angels Manchester East Raises £550 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice
A multi-award-winning home care company in Oldham has raised £550 for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice following a raffle...

Date Published 10/04/2026


A lecturer is urging Oldham MPs to attend a parliamentary debate on statutory sick pay for women with endometriosis.

A lecturer is urging Oldham MPs to attend a parliamentary debate on statutory sick pay for women with endometriosis.

Date Published 09/04/2026

Garden centre event brings together women in horticulture across Greater Manchester

More than 40 people attended a community event at a garden centre in Failsworth celebrating women working in and entering the horticulture sector.

Date Published 09/04/2026


Three men arrested after early morning stop uncovers suspected theft equipment in Royton

Three men have been arrested after police stopped a vehicle in Royton and found suspected tools linked to theft offences.

Date Published 09/04/2026

Queen Elizabeth Hall final date confirmed

The Queen Elizabeth Hall in Oldham will soon open its doors for the last time before it permanently closes to the public and is prepared for demolition. The brutalist theatre and...

Date Published 09/04/2026


Ofsted report finds pupils not safe and often left distressed at Royton SEND school

A SEND school in Oldham that charges up to £95,000 a year has been ordered to ‘urgently improve’ by a government watchdog. A damning Ofsted report found pupils at Supreme Start in...

Date Published 08/04/2026

Progress on new outdoor market

Oldham’s new outdoor market is taking shape behind the Spindles shopping centre. Foundations have been laid for the new retail space on George Square, which will become the new...

Date Published 08/04/2026


Suspected human trafficking uncovered after house collapse

A building collapse in Oldham has sparked fears over potential human trafficking after it displaced more than 40 people living in flats neighbouring the property, the LDRS...

Date Published 03/04/2026

Tommyfield Outdoor Market approved for use as new Eton-backed school

The government has agreed in principle to a plan for Oldham’s historic market site to be turned into a new sixth form by elite boarding school Eton College and education trust...

Date Published 02/04/2026


Inside Oldham’s new market

Oldham’s brand new £40m market will open this morning (Saturday).

Date Published 28/03/2026

Heartbroken wife of man who died following a collision on Broadway has paid tribute to 'her rock'

The wife of a man who died following a collision on Broadway in Royton has paid a heartfelt tribute to him.

Date Published 18/03/2026


Police arrest 11, seize drugs and £70k cash in early morning strikes against organised crime

Yesterday morning (Thursday) eight warrants were executed simultaneously across Oldham, Tameside and Rochdale to tackle a suspected criminal network involved in the distribution...

Date Published 18/03/2026

Oldham dad Ben shares baby loss story on tv for Comic Relief in bid to support other fathers

An Oldham father has shared his experience of baby loss on BBC Morning Live this week, helping to raise awareness of the support available for dads and families.

Date Published 18/03/2026


Oldham Mayor praises Salvation Army for the work it does in supporting the local community

The Salvation Army welcomed the Mayor of Oldham and shared the work it does for the local community as many people continue to struggle with high food prices and increasing...

Date Published 18/03/2026

Oldham students collaborate with international artist to create school mural

Students at EdStart Schools’ Oldham site have teamed up with internationally recognised artist Evan Barlow to create a vibrant mural at their school, celebrating their identity,...

Date Published 16/01/2026


All the traders due to move into Oldham’s new market

Oldham is getting ready to launch its new market.

Date Published 16/01/2026

GMP makes 40 arrests, closes 20 drug lines and seizes class A and B drugs during County Lines Intensification Week

Throughout a week of action, various policing activities took place alongside partners across all of Greater Manchester's districts.

Date Published 16/01/2026


Seventh and final dog recovered after dog walker's van was taken in theft

All of the dogs taken from a stolen van and dumped in the Oldham area have now been recovered thanks to the efforts of local volunteers and officers.

Date Published 16/01/2026

Last bank in Failsworth turned into flats

Failsworth’s last bank will be transformed into seven one-bedroom apartments and a co-working lounge.

Date Published 16/01/2026


Public inquiry announced into rail upgrade that could leave villages ‘cut off’ for months

The government has launched a public inquiry into part of a major rail upgrade that is ‘crucial’ – but could leave a thriving local area ‘cut off’ for months. 

Date Published 16/01/2026

Majority of GMP police stations operating ‘reduced hours’ across our region

Several police stations across Greater Manchester have been operating at reduced hours for more than a year, an FOI has revealed.

Date Published 13/01/2026


Trio arrested, drugs and weapons seized following Chadderton raid

Yesterday (Thursday), Greater Manchester Police officers executed an arrest warrant at an address on Brooklands Avenue in Chadderton, resulting in three arrests.

Date Published 13/01/2026

A quiet spell of weather but ‘hints’ of another cold spell later in the month

Our cold spell has come to an end and we are back to the usual weather that we see in January - milder-than-average with rain at times and occasionally windy.

Date Published 13/01/2026


Real voices being brought to life by Dare to Know Theatre

Dare to Know Theatre are returning with their The Community Project, working in collaboration with Oldham Positive Action Network to bring real Oldham stories to life. 

Date Published 13/01/2026

Three arrested and more than £20k worth of drugs seized in Derker raids

Three people have been arrested following early morning raids conducted by Greater Manchester Police's Operation Vulcan team.

Date Published 13/01/2026


Former Oldham Chronicle journalist becomes a paperback writer

A former Oldham Chronicle journalist’s debut novel will be published in paperback this month after a series of five-star reviews.

Date Published 13/01/2026

Police step up appeal following now-fatal collision in Failsworth

Greater Manchester Police officers are continuing to appeal for information following a now-fatal collision between a car and pedestrian on Albert Street West in Failsworth...

Date Published 13/01/2026


Tributes paid following death of hugely respected Oldham community figure Dale Harris

Tributes are pouring in from across Oldham following the death of well-known and highly respected community figure Dale Harris, who has passed away.

Date Published 13/01/2026

Former Failsworth bank to be turned into flats

A building formerly home to Failsworth’s last bank is to be converted into seven apartments.

Date Published 13/01/2026


Rescue teams dash to aid lost walkers

The Oldham Mountain Rescue Team was called out to search for two lost walkers in the Dovestones area of Saddleworth.

Date Published 13/01/2026

Man charged with drugs supply and engaging in sexual activity with a child

A man has been charged following a drugs raid in Moorside.

Date Published 13/01/2026


Man sought after alleged assault on New Year's Eve in Uppermill

Greater Manchester Police officers are appealing for information following an alleged assault at a bar in Uppermill on New Year’s Eve.

Date Published 13/01/2026

Primary school in Uppermill considers introducing new ‘faith-based’ entry criteria to tackle oversubscription

An oversubscribed primary school may introduce a new ‘faith-based’ entry criteria for kids.

Date Published 12/01/2026


You can score free tickets to a Latics game while supporting Dr Kershaw’s Hospice

Football fans can get free tickets to a Latics game while helping Dr Kershaw’s Hospice by signing up for its upcoming Hartley’s Hero Walk.

Date Published 12/01/2026

More than 600 new houses pledged in Oldham in £110m mega deal

An Oldham housing association has pledged to build at least 600 more affordable homes and refurbish thousands of existing properties after a £110 million mega deal with Santander...

Date Published 11/01/2026


Golden delight for 'incredible' Angela and Catherine

Two long-serving members of staff at a local Oldham charity are being recognised after each reaching more than 25 years of service.

Date Published 11/01/2026

Touching back story adds to rescue team cheque presentation

There was added intimacy at a cheque presentation following a concert for the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team organised by Greenfield Methodist Church.

Date Published 11/01/2026


The truth MUST be addressed: Allegations of child abuse, cover-ups, car bombings, corruption and suppression in Oldham

Sometimes the truth needs to be pursued, even when doing so comes at personal and professional cost.

Date Published 09/01/2026

Police issue witness appeal following Failsworth collision involving woman in her 90s

Officers from Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for information following a collision between a car and pedestrian on Albert...

Date Published 07/01/2026


FCHO achieves SHIFT gold status

How First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) makes its properties, communities and business even greener has led to the housing association receiving a coveted national accolade.

Date Published 07/01/2026

New pavement parking powers welcomed by Marie and Charlie, and so many others across our region

New powers given to local councils to crack down on ‘dangerous’ pavement parking come as a ‘relief’ to Greater Manchester campaigners and the partially sighted.

Date Published 07/01/2026


Oldham Tesco customers thanked for generous Winter Food Collection support

Stores in Oldham have been overwhelmed by the generosity of customers who donated at the Tesco Winter Food Collection.

Date Published 07/01/2026

Hero Lee's three decades of proud rescue team service

Hero Lee Allport has received his 30 Years’ Service Award from the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team.

Date Published 07/01/2026


Storm Goretti first, then becoming less cold

Happy New Year! Oldham weather expert Jon Baylis's weekly forecast is back after a well-earned rest over the festive period.

Date Published 07/01/2026

Oldham town centre’s new policing team is here, vowing to tackle neighbourhood crime

Headed up by Sergeant Graham Craven, Oldham town centre’s new policing team team launched last month and an extra six officers will be available to police the streets of the...

Date Published 07/01/2026


Work officially begins on £32m project to transform an ‘underused car park’ into more than 300 homes

Construction can officially start on a major £32m project to transform an ‘underused car park’ into more than 300 new homes in Oldham.

Date Published 05/01/2026

Residents left without grit bins

People in an Oldham neighbourhood have had to take matters into their own hands after they were left with snow-lined streets and ‘zero grit’.

Date Published 05/01/2026


Closures at Big Lamp roundabout in Shaw

A major roundabout in Oldham will see road and lane closures for two weeks, with ‘delays expected’ for motorists heading in and out of Shaw.

Date Published 05/01/2026

Man jailed for 33 years following investigation into years of abuse in Oldham

A man has been jailed for 33 years after being found guilty of 17 counts of rape, and 14 counts of indecent assault against six children during a two decade-long campaign of abuse...

Date Published 05/01/2026


‘Abandoned’ Coldhurst medical centre put up for auction

An ‘abandoned’ medical centre that shut down ‘without warning’ in 2021 is being put up for auction.

Date Published 02/01/2026

Saddleworth milestones set to be more than just signs of the times

Two local councillors, with the help of volunteers, are closing in on restoring all the traditional metal milestones across Saddleworth.

Date Published 02/01/2026


Uppermill mum’s bid to combat loneliness has helped 30,000 people living in isolation

The Chatty Café Scheme, UK’s leading non-profit social enterprise designed to tackle loneliness, set up by Oldham mum Alex Hoskyn (42), has reached a major milestone having helped...

Date Published 02/01/2026

Mountain rescue team dash to help injured walker

Oldham Mountain Rescue Team were called out on Saturday evening to assist a walker who had sustained a lower leg injury near Yeoman Hey Reservoir in Saddleworth.

Date Published 02/01/2026


Gavin is FCHO’s December 'Hidden Hero'

A First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) customer who helps organise affordable food for those in need was voted the housing association’s December Hidden Hero.

Date Published 02/01/2026

Private mental health unit in Oldham ordered to improve

A private mental health unit where patients were given out of date medication and a distressed woman was told by staff to ‘stop crying’ has been ordered to improve.

Date Published 02/01/2026


Karen's walk to Hartshead Pike proves to be a load of rubbish

Photographer Karen Jakeman set out on what should have been a beautiful 7.5 km circular walk up to a treasured local beauty spot, Hartshead Pike, near Mossley.

Date Published 02/01/2026

‘Magnet for fly-tipping’ leaves residents disgusted

A junction with a public bin in Oldham has become a ‘magnet for fly-tipping’ creating a ‘disgusting’ eyesore, according to locals.

Date Published 30/12/2025


The Oldhamers handed awards in King’s New Year’s Honours List

Hopwood Hall College Principal and CEO, Julia Heap, has been awarded an OBE in the King’s New Year’s Honours List.

Date Published 30/12/2025

Oldham slammed over ‘shameful’ deprivation statistics

Oldham Council has been slammed over ‘bleak and shameful’ deprivation statistics that show conditions in the borough are worsening.

Date Published 30/12/2025


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