Trainee Digital Reporter at the Bury Times
ruby.watson@newsquest.co.uk
Articles by Ruby Watson
Plans for nine 'zero carbon' homes refused in Ramsbottom on 'disused, unkempt land'
A planning application has been refused by Bury Council for nine new 'zero carbon' homes near Ramsbottom town centre. The plans, submitted by Hodson Homes Limited, proposed up to nine properties on land to the west of Bury New Road and Peel Brow. Documents submitted to Bury Council say these homes would be "zero carbon" and would utilise "disused, unkempt land". However, the council rejected the scheme, raising concerns about access, environmental impact and the suitability of the site for housing.
Update for plans to build 390 new homes on farmland in Bury as council takes decision
A screening opinion will be required from Bury Council if up to 390 new homes are built on farmland off Starling Road. The proposal, put forward by Taylor Wimpey, includes the demolition of Pilkington Fold Farm and would see residential development on a 16.53-hectare site currently used for agriculture and grazing. Plans were first outlined in May when the developer set out its plans for potential housing development on the land.
Can you spot yourself as 57 photos show the opening day of Parklife Festival 2026
Tens of thousands of music fans packed into Heaton Park as Parklife Festival 2026 got underway. Around 70-80,000 visitors are expected to flock to the festival this weekend for the annual festival, which got underway on Saturday (June 20). The opening day of music and entertainment began at 12pm and ran through to 11pm, with rap icon Skepta and electronic DJ and producer Sammy Virji among the standout performers. Wilkinson, Nia Archives, Andy C, and Mall Grab also featured on Saturday's line-up.
Fire crews from Whitefield called to M60 crash this morning
Fire crews from Whitefield and Agecroft were called to a crash between two cars on the M60 this morning near Clifton. This morning, Saturday, June 20, traffic was stopped on the M60 clockwise due to a collision near J15 and J16. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) confirmed that two engines from Whitefield and Agecroft were called out to the incident shortly after 6.30am.
Radcliffe street drawn in Postcode Lottery daily prize for third time this week
A Radcliffe postcode has been drawn for the third time this week in the Postcode Pottery. Residents of Kingmoor Avenue, M26 2TZ, who hold a ticket in the lottery, have started their weekend £1,000 richer after their postcode was pulled in the daily draw. Every ticket holder on the street is entitled to the daily prize. The winners come alongside 19 other postcodes nationwide today. Today's win follows two other Radcliffe postcodes that were drawn this week.
Inside hauntingly deserted Wild West Japan amusement park uncovered by Bury explorer
An urban explorer from Bury stumbled across a hauntingly deserted Wild West-themed amusement park in Japan - left untouched for almost two decades. Luke Bradburn, 28, uncovered the park during a visit to the long-forgotten tourist attraction known as Western Village, a once-popular Western-style arcade and entertainment park in Nikko.
Bury group issues summer donation appeal to help children 'fight boredom'
A volunteer-run project in Bury that supports those facing homelessness has issued an appeal for donations to help children fight boredom in the summer holidays. Bury Homeless Project (BHP) is a community group that offers 1-to-1 support for homeless and housed clients and families. On Monday, June 8, the group shared an appeal on social media asking for donations ahead of the school summer holidays.
Bury's Strictly star Layton Williams nominated for Tony Award for Titanique musical
Bury's West End and Strictly star Layton Williams has recently been nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in Titanique. The Tony Awards are known as the Antoinette Perry Awards for Excellence in Broadway Theatre and are regarded as one of the highest accolades in American Broadway theatre. Bury's very own Layton Williams, who grew up on the Dickie Bird estate, has been nominated for Best Featured Actor in a Musical at the Tony Awards.
Food influencer takes trip to Bury takeaway with hygiene rating of one
A food blogger took a trip to a Bury business with a food hygiene rating of one and sampled the menu in a viral video viewed over 20,000 times. Justjacktv, an online food reviewer with over 20,000 followers on Facebook, visited Mix Grill, 93 Bolton Road, Bury, BL8 2AH. The food influencer uploaded a clip trying the food on social media on Sunday, April 26 as part of a series where he tries takeaways with low hygiene ratings in the UK.
Love Island couple pay two visits to Whitefield bar in one day
A Love Island couple visited a cocktail bar in Whitefield twice in just one day. Two celebrities were spotted enjoying a few drinks in Northern Crafthouse, on Bury New Road, M45 8QP. Staff at the bar and eatery said that winners of the first series of Love Island All Stars, Tom Clare and Molly Smith, stopped into the establishment twice on Friday, April 24. The first time was earlier in the evening, and general manager Rebecca Greatorex said they ordered a Guinness and a glass of wine.
Plans for resuscitation unit at Fairfield Hospital approved by Bury Council
Plans for a dedicated resuscitation unit at Fairfield Hospital have been approved as part of the site's A&E expansion. Bury Council has approved plans for the resuscitation department building, which is going to be built as part of the latest phase of extensions to the hospital. A new emergency department was granted planning consent in December 2023, with the expansion representing a multi-million-pound investment in patient care.
New Bury Market stall dedicated to all things feet opened by cousins
A pair of cousins have opened a new stall on Bury Market dedicated to foot health and care. Kirsty Brook and Melissa O’Neil opened their business, Elite Feet Clinic, on the market last week, when they held a small opening party with goodie bags. The duo offer foot health services such as toenail trimming, fungal nail treatments, verruca treatments, ingrown toenails and hard skin removal.
Homes destroyed in Bury after gas explosion rebuild plan takes step forward
Plans to rebuild three Bury homes destroyed in a suspected gas explosion have taken a step forward after new drainage proposals were approved. A woman in her 70s was hospitalised with serious injuries following the blast on Nelson Street in Fishpool in February 2024. It caused the terraced 104 Nelson Street, where the explosion occurred, to be entirely demolished, alongside neighbouring end-of-terrace 106 Nelson Street.
Bury man charged with arson and making threats to appear in court next month
A man from Bury will appear in court next month charged with arson and threatening to damage or destroy property. Lee Geddis, 46, was charged with threatening to damage or destroy property following an incident on Saturday, April 18, at the Black Pub Inn, on Bolton Street, Bury. Geddis, of Belbeck Street, Bury, was also charged with arson with recklessness as to whether life was endangered. This was following an incident involving a bin being set on fire on Sunday, April 19.
Ramsbottom mums tackling clothing poverty through swap event
Two mums from Ramsbottom have teamed up to bring a children's clothes swap to town, hoping to encourage parents to opt for pre-loved clothes for their kids rather than buying new. Caroline Donohoe, 36, and Lucy Gilson, 38, both have children of school age and after seeing a news report about clothing poverty, the friends were inspired to start a clothes swap.
Changes coming to Prestwich as Longfield Centre demolition preparations start
Work has begun to pave the way for the demolition of the 60-year-old Longfield Centre, marking a major milestone in the £100 million transformation of Prestwich Village. The regeneration project is being delivered by Prestwich LLP, a joint venture between nationwide placemaker Muse and Bury Council, who say the Longfield Centre has reached the end of its usable life and can no longer support the needs of the community.
Teenager sentenced for 7 years for manslaughter of 19-year-old with “pure” heart
A 19-year-old was sent away for seven years after being found guilty of the manslaughter of another teenager with a “pure, generous heart". Mohammed Afzal, known to his loved ones as Isa, died after a violent incident outside Power League on Market Street, Bury, on August 1 last year. A trial at Manchester Crown Court in March found Abbas Hussain, 19, Mohammed Rayhan, also 19, and Biryan Ak, 20, all not guilty of murdering Mr Afzal.
New Bury town centre takeaway refused due to 'over-concentration'
Plans for a new takeaway on a Bury town centre street have been refused due to fears of an "over-concentration" of hot food outlets. The plans for the ground floor of 4-6 Silver Street wanted to change the use of the premises from commercial offices to takeaway use. Applicants behind the proposals said the building is currently vacant due to a "lack of demand", and they wanted to bring it back into use for hot food.
Ramsbottom rescue gives tiny hedgehog unable to lift its head a second chance
A Ramsbottom rescue nursed a desperately injured hedgehog back to health after the animal arrived fighting for its life. Steph Malpas, who runs Ramsbottom Hedgehog Care & Rehabilitation with her husband Terry Malpas, took in a hedgehog weighing less than a bag of sugar at 334g. The animal, affectionately named Twiggy, was brought into the rescue by a friend of Steph's who had previously cared for hedgehogs in the area. Twiggy had been captured on a garden camera struggling to lift her head.
Theatre company in Bury to bring two major productions to the stage this summer
A Bury theatre company is set to stage two major productions at The Met Theatre this summer. All Saints Elton Theatre Company has been a cornerstone of the Bury arts scene since 1912 and has long-delighted audiences with annual musical productions, plays and events, bringing together performers of all ages and backgrounds. In 2020, the group became a registered charity, expanding its reach and impact by launching a thriving youth theatre alongside its well-established adult company.
New Bury town centre flats approved above row of shops
Four new flats will be built above a row of shops in Bury town centre after the council approved new plans. The application, for 44-48 Bolton Street, will see a pair of two and one-bedroom apartments created above three shops - including one recently shut down by Bury Council for selling counterfeit goods. The new accommodation would take over office space by changing the use of this section of the building to housing.
Pet owners urged to bring tortoises for a free health check this weekend
Any tortoise and terrapin owners in the borough are encouraged to attend a health check for their pet this weekend, completely free of charge. Organised by John Thorpe, the Nth Region Chairman of the British Chelonia Group (BCG), the events have been running for more than 35 years. The BCG is a long-standing organisation that supports conservation projects and promotes proper captive care for tortoises, terrapins, and turtles in captivity.
Bury man ordered to pay almost £900 following prosecution for fly-tipping
A Bury man has become the latest person to be prosecuted for fly-tipping on the streets of the borough. Keiran Reynoldson, 32, was originally given a £400 fixed penalty notice for fly-tipping on Ormrod Street, Bury. However, he failed to pay the penalty, and last week, on April 17, Salford and Manchester Magistrates' Court fined him £440. The court awarded £276 costs to Bury Council and imposed a victim surcharge of £176. This meant Reynoldson had a total of £892 to pay.
Mental health staff in Greater Manchester striking for three weeks from today
Mental health staff in Greater Manchester will begin further strike action over pay from today, lasting three weeks. Drivers at Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust will begin three further weeks of strikes from Tuesday, April 21, after UNISON claim bosses ignored their own report and failed to improve staff pay.
Whitefield primary school praised by Ofsted for 'inclusive and ambitious approach'
A primary school in Whitefield has been praised by Ofsted for its "inclusive and ambitious approach" that prepares pupils for life after school. St Michael’s RC Primary School on Ribble Drive, Whitefield, was visited by the education watchdog on January 20.
Charity concert at Tesco Bury for people with Down’s syndrome raises £1,500
A supermarket in Bury played a key part in raising £1,500 for a Down's syndrome charity. Four Tesco stores across Lancashire organised a series of joint fundraising events, supporting vital work carried out by the East Lancashire Down's Syndrome Support Group. Tesco Bury Superstore invited community groups to perform as part of a charity concert and dance session for people with Down’s syndrome.
Everything we know so far about Whitefield crash that hospitalised cyclist
A collision between a car and a cyclist in Whitefield on Saturday saw one person hospitalised with serious injuries. On Saturday, April 18, the incident took place shortly after 3pm on Bury New Road, with a police cordon put in place near Morrisons. The cordon blocked traffic in both directions while ambulance crews took the cyclist to hospital, and police said the driver remained at the scene to assist with enquiries.
Wildlife flourishing at Burrs Country Park in stunning local snaps
A walk through Burrs Country Park has revealed thriving wildlife after one keen photographer spotted birds, sheep and squirrels going about their daily lives. You might think you have to travel far to catch a glimpse of interesting wildlife, but one person in the borough has proved that nature is right on the doorstep in Bury. A contributor to the Bury Times Camera Club submitted a selection of striking photos from a busy natural world in Burrs Country Park.
Wildlife rescue issues plea to cat owners after nestling robins injured
A wildlife rescue in Bury has shared an urgent message with pet owners after taking in two nestling robins caught by a cat. As the birds are only young, they are fragile and even the smallest injury or stress can be life-threatening to them, the Kirklees Valley Wildlife Rescue said. Sadly, the two birds did sustain an injury and needed antibiotics and pain relief. Now the rescue is caring for them round-the-clock to provide warmth and specialist feeding in order to give them a fighting chance.
Bury charities benefit as police hand back £100k taken from criminals
Bury community groups and charities are among eight that will share more than £100,000 claimed back from criminals. Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Economic and Cyber Crime Unit (ECCU) recovered a record £18m from criminals in the past year. A proportion will be used to support local communities through the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS) across Greater Manchester.
Nine in 10 Bury children get into first choice primary school
This year sees 98 per cent of children in Bury allocated a place at their primary school of preference, with more than nine in 10 getting their first choice. All Bury children have been allocated a school place, with more than 1,900 children in Bury heading to a primary school of their preference this September. According to Bury Council, 98 per cent have been offered a place for their child at one of their three preference schools.
Police officers find £3,000 in cash and concealed tobacco during dawn raids
Officers uncovered £3,000 in cash and concealed tobacco products after dawn raids. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been out in force across Bury this morning as part of a huge operation. Operation AVRO takes place in different Greater Manchester boroughs each month using additional police resources and specialist teams.
Travelling museum train to visit East Lancashire Railway next month
A travelling train exhibition is set to visit Lancashire and Greater Manchester next month. The Railway 200 Inspiration Train, an interactive experience marking 200 years of modern railways, will be taking a trip down the East Lancashire Railway and stopping at Rawtenstall station on Monday, May 11 and Bury Bolton Street station on Tuesday, May 12. The train is touring Britain and will also stop at Hull and Scarborough among other stations along its travels.
'They helped us through worst day’ - Ramsbottom family reunites with ambulance crew
A family from Ramsbottom recently reunited with the ambulance crew who supported them during a deeply emotional call-out, thanking them for the compassion they showed in their loved one’s final moments. Paramedic Matt Williams and Emergency Medical Technician Lynsey Hulme were called to his home on November 20, 2024. At the time, there had been plans for an ambulance to take David to The Christie Hospital in Manchester for specialist care.
Bury Council election for Moorside Ward cancelled after Reform candidate’s death
The Bury Council elections in the Moorside ward have been cancelled following the death of one of the candidates. The council received the sad notification that Victor Hagan, who was standing for Reform UK, has passed away. The council will now reschedule the election in Moorside, which must be held within 35 working days of the planned local elections on Thursday, May 7. It will write to all residents of the ward informing them of the change.
JD Gyms Bury reopening this afternoon following car crash that saw two injured
JD Gyms in Bury will reopen this afternoon after a short closure following a car crashing into the building's wall. Yesterday, Tuesday, April 14, a car crashed into the gym on George Street and prompted a major emergency response. The vehicle appears to have driven directly through the brick wall of JD Gyms causing significant structural damage and leaving two people injured.
JD Gyms Bury 'closed until further notice' after car smashes through wall
JD Gyms in Bury announced the site on Angouleme Retail Park will be "closed until further notice" following a car crashing into the building. Yesterday, Tuesday, April 14, a car crashed into the gym on George Street and prompted a major emergency response. The vehicle appears to have driven directly through the brick wall of JD Gyms causing significant structural damage and leaving two people injured.
Bury estate agent opening from 5am Saturday to help with Record Store Day
A Bury estate agent will open its doors from 5am on Saturday to offer Record Store Day queuers respite and has organised a special acoustic concert for those waiting. This Saturday, April 18, is Record Store Day, and more than 300 independent record shops across the UK and Ireland will participate. Each year, exclusive records are available at independent retailers across the country, and people queue for hours for a chance to purchase them and secure other deals.
Pictures show best spots to see cherry blossom trees in and around Bury
From local parks to residential streets, cherry blossom trees have added a splash of colour across Bury this spring season. Camera club members have shared their favourite shots of the trees this season and their pictures show familiar spots across the borough at their very best. Cherry blossom trees, known for their distinctive pink colour, are only at their very best for a fleeting moment each spring season, normally during April.
Four weeks of temporary traffic lights planned for Ramsbottom town centre
Bury Council has given motorists advanced notice of planned roadworks in Ramsbottom town centre that will see temporary traffic lights in place for four weeks. The council issued advanced warning to residents of Ramsbottom about 'vital repair' works that will be carried out by United Utilities, Electricity North West and Bee Network. Bury Council posted on social media about the works on Tuesday, April 14.
Bury Council paid out more than £1.5 million in five years due to pothole damage
Motorists across the borough have claimed more than £1.5 million in compensation from Bury Council for road or highway defects over the last five years. New figures have shown that, since April 2021, the total value of claims against the council (including solicitors' costs for open and closed claims) between April 2021 to date is £1,592,747.66.
Fire safety improvements approved for historic Bury pub
Major safety improvements have been approved for a pub that describes itself as "Bury's oldest hostelry". The Two Tubs Inn, on The Wylde, was formerly called The Globe Inn, and parts of its historic, Grade II listed building date back to the 1600s. The award-winning Thwaites venue is known for being at the "heart of Bury" and is a community-focused pub.
Walking festival across the region launches with more than 70 routes in Bury
A walking festival across the region has launched for May – with more than 70 walks in Bury included. The Greater Manchester Walking Festival has returned this spring, the perfect opportunity to blow away the winter cobwebs. The festival is a month‑long celebration encouraging residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to enjoy the simple power of walking. It takes place throughout May and features over 70 volunteer-led and community-led walks across Bury.
Temporary lights and bus stop closed for emergency repairs on Prestwich road
Bury Council has given drivers advanced notice of emergency repair works in Prestwich that will see temporary traffic lights and a bus stop closure. The council issued advanced warning to residents of Prestwich about repair works that will be carried out to fix a leaking valve on a busy road. Bury Council posted on social media about the repairs on Thursday, April 9. The post stated that between Tuesday, April 14 and Thursday, April 16, works will be carried out by United Utilities on Church Lane.
Bury MP and Trades Council row over 'on deaf ears' meeting about water companies
A row has erupted between a Bury MP and a group of campaigners after a petition was handed to both the borough's MPs calling for the water industry to be brought back into public ownership. Members of Bury Trades Council, a group which brings together local trade union members on workplace and community issues, delivered the petition to MP James Frith and the office of Christian Wakeford.
Talented dogs across borough encouraged to enter charity show in Tottington
Any dogs with special talents are encouraged to take part in a show next month to raise funds for a local animal sanctuary. The show is set to take place on the Early May Bank Holiday, Monday, May 4 at Farm Cottage Boarding, Higher Bury Meadows Farm, Roading Brook, Tottington, BL2 4JQ. All money raised on the day will be donated to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary.
Tottington teenager wins British Muay Thai title following fight in Liverpool
A teenager from Tottington has won a British Muay Thai title and already has his sights set on another title later this year. Cobie Tomlinson first got into the combat sport, sometimes referred to as Thai Boxing, when he was just four years old. The now 18-year-old began fighting in the contact sport when he was around 14 and recently won the 63kg British Champion in the B class program.
Plans for 'moveable structure' in Ramsbottom pub's beer garden
A Ramsbottom pub has lodged plans to add a 'moveable structure' to the grounds of its beer garden. The Eagle and Child, on Whalley Road, has asked Bury Council for lawful consent to install the large structure in its outdoor seating area. Planning papers say it is similar to a cabin and can be "erected and taken down within a day". Drawings show the upgrade would be metal, have windows, and is listed as a "flat pack" facility.
Tribute to Manchester Arena attack responder who 'just loved helping people'
A brother and sister have paid tribute to their ‘selfless’ sister from Bury, who was one of the responders on the day of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. Valerie Carr died on March 23, 2026, in hospital following a short illness. The 64-year-old was known by family and friends as ‘Val’ and leaves behind her husband, Dave Carr, her son Thomas Kwan, her daughter Meggan Kwan and her three grandchildren.
Retro steam trains rolling into East Lancashire Railway event this weekend
East Lancashire Railway will hold its first large-scale steam train event of the year this weekend, which will see retro trains roll into the borough. For any train fanatics, the Legends of Steam III event will be their chance to ride a variety of express steam locomotives. This is the third year the event has been held, and it is an all-steam event, with some star locomotives too.
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