Hopwood Radio

Hopwood Hall Estate loses High Court case against Rochdale Council over option agreement

Hopwood Hall Estate Ltd has lost its High Court case against Rochdale Borough Council after a judge found that planning permission obtained for Hopwood Hall did not satisfy the planning condition contained in an option agreement concerning the historic property. The judgment was delivered by His Honour Judge Hodge KC at Manchester Civil Justice Centre on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, following a two-day hearing in Hopwood Hall Estate Ltd v Rochdale Borough Council. The procee

Middleton News

Kristina Harrison Solicitors Agrees Compensation After Legal Ombudsman Upholds Complaints

Kristina Harrison Solicitors has agreed to compensate a former client after the Legal Ombudsman upheld complaints over the firm's handling of callback requests and its subsequent communications with him. The Ombudsman found that the firm failed to deal reasonably with requests for contact and that its communication was not clear, consistent or proactive enough. By Hopwood Radio - 22nd Sept 2026 Kristina Harrison Solicitors, 3 Wood St, Middleton, Manchester M24 4DH The Middlet

Middleton

Hostility at Middleton Shopping Centre’s Coffee House After Change in Management

An investigation into The Coffee House at the Middleton Shopping Centre has revealed a serious drop in standards, customer service, and staff professionalism following a recent change in management. The Coffee House located on the ground floor at Units 21-22 in the Middleton Shopping Centre (M24 4EL). The café, previously popular with local residents, has seen a sharp decline in customer satisfaction since its former manager was moved to the Rochdale branch. Following a flood

Middleton

Circus Mondao Returns to Middleton for One Week Only

The big top is back in town as Circus Mondao returns to Middleton, bringing a week of live family entertainment, thrills, and traditional circus magic. Located at Heywood / Middleton, Junction 19 off the M62, Hollin Lane / Middleton Road, Circus Mondao will officially open this Friday, 10th July, for a limited one-week run. Known for its exciting live performances and fun for all ages, Circus Mondao promises an unforgettable experience packed with spectacular acts, laughter,

Middleton

Award-Nominated Disabled Volunteer Raises Concerns Over RBH Service Standards and Complaint Handling

A disabled Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) tenant who was previously shortlisted for an RBH VIP Community Volunteer Award has raised concerns about service standards, complaint handling, and support for vulnerable residents, claiming that issues reported to the housing provider have remained unresolved despite repeated attempts to seek action. The resident, who has a neurodivergent disability and has spent years supporting their local community through voluntary work, says

Middleton

Family Considers Legal Action Against Edgarwood Academy

A family is considering legal action against Edgarwood Academy following a safeguarding referral that led to a visit from Greater Manchester Police and Social Services on Friday, 19 June. Disgraced Edgarwood Academy, Heywood Old Rd, Middleton, Heywood OL10 2QN The referral concerned allegations that a student had allegedly been struck outside of school premises by a family member. The family strongly disputes the allegations and maintains that no such incident occurred. Accor

Middleton

Family Describe “Nightmare Neighbour” Ordeal During a Mother’s Cancer Battle

A grieving family has spoken out about what they describe as years of torment caused by a “nightmare neighbour” while a mother battled terminal cancer and struggled to raise her children under extreme emotional pressure. According to relatives, the mother spent years trying to shield her children from ongoing complaints and confrontations while also enduring cancer treatment and the devastating reality of her illness. Family members allege that repeated complaints were made t

Middleton

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Hopwood Hall Estate

Hopwood Hall Estate loses High Court case against Rochdale Council over option agreement

Hopwood Hall Estate Ltd has lost its High Court case against Rochdale Borough Council after a judge found that planning permission obtained for Hopwood Hall did not satisfy the planning condition contained in an option agreement concerning the historic property. The judgment was delivered by His Honour Judge Hodge KC at Manchester Civil Justice Centre on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, following a two-day hearing in Hopwood Hall Estate Ltd v Rochdale Borough Council. The procee

HOPWOOD HALL ESTATE

High Court hears Hopwood Hall ownership dispute as DePree faces cross-examination

A High Court dispute over the future ownership of historic Hopwood Hall has begun in Manchester, with Hopwood DePree facing detailed questioning over planning permission, the proposed use of the building for weddings and events, catering facilities and the physical works required to bring the hall into use. The proceedings concern a dispute over an option agreement relating to Hopwood Hall and whether the conditions necessary for the historic property to be transferred by Roc

HOPWOOD HALL ESTATE

First Hearing Held in Hopwood Hall Estate Ltd v Rochdale Council Case

The first court hearing between Hopwood Hall Estate Ltd and Rochdale Council took place today at Manchester Civil Justice Centre, marking the opening stage of a legal dispute that is now expected to proceed to a full two-day hearing. The hearing began at approximately 3:15pm and lasted around one hour. The defendant, Rochdale Council, presented its case first, outlining what it described as valid reasons for ongoing delays in correspondence with Mr DePree and his legal repres

HOPWOOD HALL ESTATE

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Greater Manchester Police

Operation Avro in Rochdale Town Centre

Rochdale — Greater Manchester Police’s latest Operation Avro deployment in Rochdale Town Centre has come under scrutiny after a member of the press alleged they were subjected to an unlawful stop-and-search by an officer during the operation. Officer's preparing for #OpAvro | Image: GMP Operation Avro is a high-visibility policing initiative carried out across Greater Manchester boroughs, designed to target crime hotspots through increased patrols, arrests, and community enga

Manchester Police

Corrupt Chief Constable Stephen Watson given Knighthood in Kings Birthday Honours

Chief Constable Stephen Watson the corrupt Cop received a Knighthood in the Kings Birthday Honours on (Friday 13th 2025) Corrupt Chief...

Manchester Police

Greater Manchester Police “TARGET” two Autistic members of the public

GMP Middleton have found themselves in a court battle with two autistic victims after an unlawful and intimidating stop where one of the...

Manchester Police

GMP cop banned from policing after 'repeated' domestic abuse

Abigail Barlow caused 'serious psychological impact' to her victim, a disciplinary hearing was told Former PC 17159 Abigail Barlow A...

Manchester Police

News

A major housing contractor faces an intense investigation and the risk of losing its local authority contract

A major housing contractor faces an intense investigation and the risk of losing its local authority contract after being caught on camera fabricating records and mocking a local grandmother. Time-stamped CCTV and Ring doorbell footage obtained by this publication exposes a serious sequence of contractor misconduct, safeguarding failures, and data manipulation. The incident involves operatives from the firm currently partnered with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) to delive

News

Family Describe “Nightmare Neighbour” Ordeal During a Mother’s Cancer Battle

A grieving family has spoken out about what they describe as years of torment caused by a “nightmare neighbour” while a mother battled terminal cancer and struggled to raise her children under extreme emotional pressure. According to relatives, the mother spent years trying to shield her children from ongoing complaints and confrontations while also enduring cancer treatment and the devastating reality of her illness. Family members allege that repeated complaints were made t

Middleton

Family Raises Concerns Over LPA Fees and Lack of Refund Clarity

The Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) has come under criticism following a complaint about its handling of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) fees, with claims that key information about refunds is unclear or missing from its website. The issue centres on a case where an individual submitted two LPA applications on behalf of a family member, one covering Property and Financial Affairs and the other Health and Welfare. The total cost for both applications came to £184, in line

News

GMFRS Crews Lend a Helping Hand at Lodge Mill Recovery Effort

In a heartfelt show of community spirit, firefighters from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) spent time at Lodge Mill in Middleton this week, helping with the ongoing clean-up following recent damage. Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service - Lodge Mill Middleton | Image: Hopwood Radio The crew, more accustomed to emergency callouts, rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in shifting bricks, clearing rubble, and helping make the area safer for those continuin

Middleton

Community Call to Action: Middleton, We Need You

There are moments when a community truly shows what it’s made of. This is one of them. Lodge Mill - Middleton | Image: Hopwood Radio Over the past few days, the outpouring of kindness, support, and willingness to step up has been nothing short of incredible. Martin and Paula have been deeply moved by the messages and offers of help from people across Middleton, so much so that it’s brought them to tears more than once. It’s a powerful reminder that even in tough times, commun

Middleton

Community rallies after devastating fire at Lodge Mill in Middleton

There are some places that mean more than bricks and mortar. Lodge Mill in Middleton was one of them. The Engine House - Lodge Mill in Middleton | Image: Hopwood Radio For years, it stood as a symbol of local pride, quietly transforming from a historic mill into something far more meaningful, a place where small businesses grew, friendships formed, and the community came together. But in the early hours of Sunday morning, that story changed in an instant. A devastating fire t

Middleton

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Hopwood Radio

Supporting the Community

Hopwood Hall Estate loses High Court case against Rochdale Council over option agreement

Middleton News

Kristina Harrison Solicitors Agrees Compensation After Legal Ombudsman Upholds Complaints

Hostility at Middleton Shopping Centre’s Coffee House After Change in Management

Circus Mondao Returns to Middleton for One Week Only

Award-Nominated Disabled Volunteer Raises Concerns Over RBH Service Standards and Complaint Handling

Family Considers Legal Action Against Edgarwood Academy

Family Describe “Nightmare Neighbour” Ordeal During a Mother’s Cancer Battle

Hopwood Hall Estate

Hopwood Hall Estate loses High Court case against Rochdale Council over option agreement

High Court hears Hopwood Hall ownership dispute as DePree faces cross-examination

First Hearing Held in Hopwood Hall Estate Ltd v Rochdale Council Case

Greater Manchester Police

Operation Avro in Rochdale Town Centre

Corrupt Chief Constable Stephen Watson given Knighthood in Kings Birthday Honours

Greater Manchester Police “TARGET” two Autistic members of the public

GMP cop banned from policing after 'repeated' domestic abuse

News

A major housing contractor faces an intense investigation and the risk of losing its local authority contract

Family Describe “Nightmare Neighbour” Ordeal During a Mother’s Cancer Battle

Family Raises Concerns Over LPA Fees and Lack of Refund Clarity

GMFRS Crews Lend a Helping Hand at Lodge Mill Recovery Effort

Community Call to Action: Middleton, We Need You

Community rallies after devastating fire at Lodge Mill in Middleton

Hopwood Hall Estate loses High Court case against Rochdale Council over option agreement

High Court hears Hopwood Hall ownership dispute as DePree faces cross-examination

Kristina Harrison Solicitors Agrees Compensation After Legal Ombudsman Upholds Complaints

Local History

Local Weather

Old Boars Head

late 16th century half-timbered building

St Leonards Church

Oldest Church in Middleton dating to September 1412

There are many interesting historical sites in Middleton to explore. To learn more, visit our page, which is devoted to the local history of our town.

Hopwood Hall Estate

Grade II* historic house in Middleton, Manchester

Membership

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