Hopwood Radio

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

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

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

There are buildings that simply exist, and then there are those that become part of a town’s soul. Today, Middleton lost one of its own Lodge Mill. Lodge Mill - Middleton Demolition | Image: Hopwood Radio The demolition of the historic Lodge Mill has left a deep, aching void across the town. For generations, its red-brick walls did more than shape the skyline, they held the sweat, resilience, and pride of Middleton’s past. Families built their lives around it. Ancestors walke

A major fire has left the historic Lodge Mill building severely damaged, with only its outer brick shell still standing in the aftermath. Lodge Mill - Middleton | Image: Hopwood Radio Emergency services were called to the scene following reports of a blaze that tore through the former mill, destroying its internal floors and roof. Images taken after the incident show rows of empty, blackened window frames and exposed brickwork, with large sections of the upper structure missi

Café Zinho, located in Middleton Shopping Centre, is facing growing scrutiny after a photo submitted by a member of the public highlighted apparent cleanliness issues within its food preparation area a second time in the same Month. Café Zinho, located in Middleton Shopping Centre The image shows a worn and visibly dirty oven glove left on top of a metal fridge or appliance, surrounded by grime and debris. The condition of the surface suggests it has not been properly cleaned

Emergency services responded to a large fire at Lodge Mill in Middleton in the early hours of Sunday morning, with crews remaining at the scene for several hours as efforts to bring the incident under control continued. Lodge Mill - Middleton | Image: Hopwood Radio Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) was called shortly after 5:48am on Sunday 29 March to reports of a significant blaze at a commercial building on Townley Street. Six fire engines were dispatched,

All That Sparkles – Vintage Tea Room  offers a delightful blend of traditional charm and modern comfort, creating a welcoming escape for visitors seeking a relaxed dining experience. All that Sparkles - Vintage Team Room | Image: Hopwood Radio From the outside, the tea room presents itself as a quaint and inviting establishment. With its dark-framed frontage, neatly arranged outdoor seating, and subtle decorative touches, it immediately gives off a calm, homely feel. Small ta

Sometimes the best food experiences begin before you even walk through the door. At Hollins Fish Bar, the familiar smell of freshly cooked chips and rich curry sauce drifts out onto the street, drawing you in with the comforting aroma that only a traditional chippy can offer. Hollin's Fish Bar | Image: Hopwood Radio Once inside, the welcoming atmosphere continues. The staff greet customers with genuine friendliness, serving with a smile and a light-hearted sense of humour tha

A visit to Middleton Fish Bar in Middleton shows why traditional fish and chip shops remain a treasured part of the local food scene. Combining classic British comfort food with outstanding customer care, this local establishment continues to impress customers with its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality. Middleton Fish Bar | Image: Hopwood Radio From the moment customers walk through the door, the staff make sure everyone feels welcome. The service is friendly, at

Middleton, Greater Manchester  — Customers have raised hygiene concerns about Cafe Zinho , located inside Middleton Shopping Centre, after noticing visible dust accumulation around areas close to the café’s food preparation and service counters. Cafe Zinho Middleton Shopping Center | Image: Hopwood Radio Several visitors to the café say they observed layers of dust on surfaces near where food is displayed and served, prompting questions about the café’s cleaning standards an

A serious three-vehicle collision has led to the closure of the M62 motorway near Rochdale and Heywood this evening, causing major disruption for motorists in both directions. J19 Heywood/Middleton Traffic at a Standstill | @ Hopwood Radio Emergency services were called to the westbound carriageway between junction 20 (Rochdale) and junction 19 (Heywood), where police, fire crews and National Highways officers attended the scene. Two air ambulances were also seen landing near

Concerns have been raised following the conduct of an E.ON Next  employee during a gas meter visit to a vulnerable tenant, after issues were reported relating to identification, language, and professionalism. E.ON Next According to the resident, the employee attended the property for a scheduled gas meter-related appointment. Before allowing entry, the resident requested that the employee present physical photographic identification, in line with commonly recommended home sec

A teenager has been charged with multiple offences following a road traffic collision in Middleton  in which a woman walking with a pram was injured. Rochdale Road Middleton | Image: Hopwood Radio Bradley Price (09/08/06) , of St Agnes Court, Whalley Road, Middleton, has been charged after the incident on Rochdale Road. He faces the following charges: Possession of an offensive weapon in a public place No insurance Dangerous driving Causing serious injury by dangerous driving

Police were called to reports of a collision involving an electric Siron scooter and a mother pushing a baby on Rochdale Road in Middleton . Hopwood Radio | Photo Submitted. Officers from Greater Manchester Police  attended the scene alongside the ambulance service. The mother sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics. The baby was assessed as a precaution and was found to be unharmed. The rider of the electric scooter, a 16-year-old boy, also receiv

A dog owner has raised concerns about the veterinary care provided by PrimaVets after their Siberian Husky, Blue, experienced a significant decline in health following multiple visits to the clinic, later being diagnosed with zinc responsive dermatosis. Siberian Husky Blue before the first vet visit Blue was taken to PrimaVets in Heywood on 20 December 2025 after her owner observed changes including hardened, flaky and painful ears, as well as redness around her eyes. An appo

Police have launched an investigation after a knife was discovered close to St Annes CE Academy  on Hollin Lane in Middleton. St Annes CE Academy (Hollin Lane, Middleton) The weapon was found by a member of the public earlier today (22/01/2026) near the school premises on Hollin Lane . the member of the public stated that they were told by the operator "we are unsure when officers would be able to attend" . 2-hours later police arrived to secure the knife and to remove any p

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

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

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