Hopwood Radio

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

Middleton News

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

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

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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

Court Hearing Set in Hopwood Hall Estate Dispute

A court hearing in the ongoing dispute between Mr. DePree and Rochdale Council has been scheduled for Monday, 19 January, at the Manchester Civil Justice Centre. 1 Bridge Street West, Manchester, M60 9DJ The case follows a series of events surrounding the management and future of Hopwood Hall Estate, a Grade II* listed historic property in Rochdale. In 2024, Rochdale Council barred Mr. DePree and a group of volunteers from the estate, citing health and safety concerns. The co

HOPWOOD HALL ESTATE

Hopwood Hall Estate: A Year After Hopwood DePree and Volunteers Lost the "Keys to the Castle"

Today (8th November 2025) has been exactly one year since Mr. DePree and Volunteers lost the "Keys to the Castle" when Rochdale Council assumed full control of Hopwood Hall Estate, citing health and safety violations and Mr. DePree's failure to present a feasible business plan. Hopwood Hall Estate 25/08/2025 | 📷 Hopwood Radio Hopwood Hall Estate was a site of grandeur, celebrations, and a secure venue for community gatherings, all hosted by the Hopwood Family until the two h

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

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

Middleton News

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

GMFRS Crews Lend a Helping Hand at Lodge Mill Recovery Effort

Community Call to Action: Middleton, We Need You

Hopwood Hall Estate

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

Court Hearing Set in Hopwood Hall Estate Dispute

Hopwood Hall Estate: A Year After Hopwood DePree and Volunteers Lost the "Keys to the Castle"

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

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

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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