Neil Emmott: Last News

Emergency work is set to be carried out at Hopwood Hall in Middleton, the council has reported.

Council tax in Rochdale is set to rise by 4.99 per cent.

Striking images have been shared of Rochdale Town Hall's clock being repaired in time for Remembrance Day.

The Metrolink could soon come to Middleton and Heywood if the latest plans from transport bosses come to fruition in proposals that have been hailed as 'vital'.

The operators of a landfill with a ‘stunning stench’ should be stripped of their licence, according to a council leader.

Tributes have poured in for the man known as ‘Mr Heywood.' Coun Peter Rush, died yesterday (February 21) following years of service to the people of Rochdale.

People in Rochdale will pay more in council tax from April. A 4.99 per cent hike in the household precept has been agreed. Of that, 2pc will go towards adult social care.

People living in Rochdale will be hit with a 4.99 per cent tax rise after initial approval from council bosses.

A dad-of-two from Rochdale has reportedly been shot dead in Pakistan after travelling to the country to 'surprise his family.'

It's been out of sight for decades but now one of the most historic rooms in Rochdale Town Hall is ready to open to the public following a complete transformation.

A 76-year-old woman in Rochdale has complained that a broadband mast from IX Wireless was put up directly outside her home without warning.

Rochdale council has passed its annual budget unopposed for the first time in nearly 50 years - including plans for a 2pc council tax rebate to all households. Labour’s proposals were unanimously approved by members, with none of the three opposition parties tabling an alternative budget or amendments.The financial plan for the next 12 months will see council tax bills rise by 4.99pc - including 2pc ring fenced for adult social care - rising to 5.15pc with Andy Burham’s mayoral precepts. It means the average 'Band D' household’s bill will rise by around £9 more per month from April.However, to cushion the blow somewhat, every home will automatically receive a 2pc rebate regardless of which council tax band it is in. This will be funded by reserves. An extra £500k has also been put aside for targeted support to help the poorest households in the borough ‘weather the storm of the cost of living crisis’.READ MORE: Council smash huge £65m-a-year crime network after being led to single Manchester trader

A huge criminal counterfeit goods operation 'worth up to £65m a year' has been smashed. Investigations by Rochdale council trading standards led to the discovery of a trader at the heart of a huge distribution network of counterfeit goods across the UK.

Labour councillors have been left ‘flabbergasted’ after a former colleague announced a surprise return to Rochdale’s political scene - as a Tory candidate. John Hartley wore the red rosette while representing Littleborough Lakeside for nine years - only standing down at last year’s local elections to take ‘a few years break’.But he has shocked - and angered - his one-time allies by declaring he will stand as a Conservative in the ward in May, after just one year away. Furious over the move, they have accused him of trading his Labour principles and opting for the Tories as ‘they wouldn’t expect him to work as hard’.

A masterplan that will underpin the transformation of Middleton town centre has been officially adopted - but it could still see some big changes.The ambitious strategy which aims to make it a ‘beautiful and exciting place’ was voted through at a sometimes fiery township meeting at the Arena.Key proposals include the creation of a public square with cafe seating, improved walking and cycling links and the regeneration of brownfield sites such as historic Warwick Mill. Town hall bosses said a public consultation produced a largely favourable response - with respondents particularly enthusiastic about pedestrianising parts of Market Place and showcasing the town’s heritage.

Lionesses hero Keira Walsh is to be given the freedom of her hometown of Rochdale. The 25-year-old was one of the stars of England's historic Euro 2022 victory and was named player of the match in the final against Germany.

The leader of Rochdale council has urged the government to ensure every area of the country is taking in its fair share of asylum seekers, claiming the current policy ‘continues to disproportionately affect' the borough. Councillor Neil Emmott’s angry letter to the home secretary comes after migrants were recently moved into hotels in the borough against the council’s wishes.

Three new railway stations have been mooted for Rochdale in a bid to improve the borough's links with Manchester and the wider city region. While residents can hop on a train in Rochdale and be in the city centre within 15 minutes, there are concerns other parts of the borough are less well served.

The towns in Greater Manchester have always held a fierce pride in their own sense of identity and community.

People in Rochdale will soon be entitled to two free bulky waste collections every year in a move bosses hope will drive down illegal dumping.