Tameside Reporter

06/06/2026

Land at Droylsden Marina has been sitting empty for years, but now a plan to regenerate it has sparked concern among locals.

Although those living near the marina are keen to see the vacant land transformed, they were taken aback when they saw the plan for 192 ‘high quality’ affordable homes. When CERT and True North Partnerships tabled their scheme for the small 0.93 hectare plot adjacent to the Lock Keepers site - it was almost triple the expected size.

The original project briefing document produced by Tameside council suggested between 65 and 70 homes would be appropriate.

Celia Poole, a resident of Bridgewater House, said: “The general concerns are around the scale and scope of the development. It should be developed as it’s been left as it is for a number of years.

“This scale (192 homes) has taken everyone by surprise. If you look at the Tameside council guidance it says between 65 and 75 homes - but they are planning up to 192. It doesn’t make any logical sense.

“That junction in Droylsden on Manchester Road, near the tram stop, has been a nightmare and this will make things worse.

“I have not found anyone who lives around here in favour of this plan. The general consensus is that development is good for the area but the scale is just too much.”

Celia was also concerned by the number of parking spaces allocated to the site, 35, which doesn’t match up to the 192 homes proposed. She fears this will create a mass of parked cars on the streets around the development.

Celia went on to criticise the council for failing to put strict measures in place to prevent overdevelopment. She believes the local authority is allowing developers to ‘ride roughshod’ over the area.

A statement on behalf of CERT and True North Partnerships said: “The proposals at Droylsden Marina will deliver 192 high-quality, 100 per cent affordable homes on a long-vacant waterfront site, alongside a community hub, commercial space and improved public realm. The scheme has been developed in partnership with Tameside council and our registered provider, Legal & General, and reflects the wider regeneration ambitions for Droylsden.

“We held a public consultation in April 2026 to give local residents and stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the proposals, including a drop-in event at Droylsden Library, a leaflet drop to around 2,500 local households and businesses, and an online feedback portal. 91 responses were received in total.

“The feedback has helped shape the final scheme, with refinements made post-consultation to landscaping, public realm and community-focused features. The application is supported by a full transport assessment and travel plan, a daylight and sunlight assessment, and a construction management plan, which respond directly to the points raised through consultation.

“A statement of community involvement documents the engagement process and our response to feedback received.”

The development also includes a proposed community hub, helping to activate the waterfront. The plans form part of a wider regeneration strategy for Droylsden, with the marina identified as a key transformational area.

Developers say these proposals aim to reinforce the waterfront as a focal point, improve connections between Manchester Road and the Marina and contribute to a renewed sense of place that attracts people to live, work and invest in the town.

Tameside council declared the site off A662/Manchester Road surplus to requirements in September 2020, following the relocation of library services to Guardsman Tony Downes House. Last year, the local authority sold the land to a joint venture between True North Partnerships, CERT Property and Legal & General Affordable Homes.

Story: Local Democracy Reporter George Lythgoe
Photo: CGI of how the 192 homes at Droylsden Marina could look. (Credit: True North Partnerships/CERT).

05/06/2026

A new programme has launched to help residents aged over 50 in Dukinfield and Stalybridge to have a happier, healthier life as they grow older.

Live Well in Later Life (LWILL) is supported by Tameside Council and run by Jigsaw Support (part of Jigsaw Homes) as part of Greater Manchester’s wider Live Well movement and Greater Manchester’s Age-friendly Strategy, an investment of £4.8 million is being delivered across the region to help older people live well, stay connected, and thrive within their communities.

At a launch event at The Together Centre in Dukinfield on Tuesday 2 June, residents and stakeholders came together to find out more about the opportunity for people over 50 in Dukinfield and Stalybridge to get involved and have their say on what would support them locally to live well in later life.

The scheme follows a similar project named Aging in Place that was delivered in Rigehill, Stalybridge, between 2022 and 2025 to support improvements for older people living in the area.

This included creating Health Care Champions to help bring NHS and local health services closer to residents. It also involved creating outdoor places such as memorial trees, edible walkways and age-friendly planters and the creation of a new charitable organisation, Ridgehill Together, that will sustain and build on the work of Ageing in Place.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Inclusivity, Cllr Jackie Lane, said:

"Listening to what support our communities need is at the heart of Live Well in Later Life. We’ve seen great things grow in Ridge Hill during the pathfinder project and so it’s exciting to see how Dukinfield and Staybridge will build on this learning. Every town in Tameside is unique and I really encourage residents in the area who are over 50 to get involved and shape exactly what local support they need to live well."

Phil Brooke, Community Engagement Worker for Jigsaw Support, said:

“Live Well in Later Life is about working with residents to understand what matters most to them and building on the strengths that already exist in Dukinfield-Stalybridge.

"We want to bring together local people, community groups and partner organisations to create more opportunities for people to stay connected, active and supported as they get older. Ultimately, we hope this programme will help shape a community where people can live well, feel valued and age positively. We are particularly keen to hear from people who may not usually get involved, so that this work reflects the needs of the whole community.”

Donna Kelly, Group Director of Support and Neighbourhoods at Jigsaw Homes Group said: “Live Well in Later Life builds on what we learned through the Ageing in Place Pathfinder in Ridgehill, where we saw the real difference that listening to residents and working alongside local partners such as housing providers, community empowerment programmes, councils, the NHS and other voluntary organisations, can make.

“We want to take that learning and use it to shape support in Dukinfield-Stalybridge, creating more opportunities for people to stay connected, active and independent as they get older. By working together with local people, community groups and organisations, we hope to build stronger, more age-friendly communities where everyone can live well in later life.”

Find more information on the scheme and a survey for people over 50 in the Dukinfield/Stalybridge area at:

https://support.jigsawhomes.org.uk/information-article/live-well-in-later-life

05/06/2026

Inspectors have described Tameside Adult Services as showing a "mixed but improving picture" after the service received a "Requires Improvement" rating in its first-ever assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) back in 2025.

The new report highlights a number of strengths, including a strong learning culture, effective prevention work and dedicated staff committed to helping people live independent and fulfilling lives.

Inspectors also recognised improvements made through new initiatives aimed at reducing waiting times and connecting residents with support in their communities.

However, the assessment identified areas where further progress is needed, including care reviews, partnership working and support for carers. Council leaders say they have already begun implementing improvements and are confident the service is on a positive path forward.

Read the full story via the link in the comments.

05/06/2026

New community forums are being launched across Tameside to listen to residents and give them a say on issues which matter in their towns.

Tameside Council is introducing 'Community Forums', developed from the former Neighbourhood Forums, to provide stronger opportunities for town-level engagement between residents and the council.

The Community Forums, which will start from 17th June 2026, will provide a space to discuss borough-wide developments, town-specific issues, and funding opportunities. Forums will also hear from local partners and community groups and gather residents’ views on proposals for future investment, helping inform decision-making.

In the first year the forums will support the development of funding bids for small to medium-scale projects that will revitalise town centres and public and community spaces from the Pride in Place Impact Fund.

The initiative was developed following feedback from residents and councillors to help boost community involvement in decision making in each of the borough’s nine towns.

Each forum will consist of elected ward councillors, partner organisations and local people. Agendas will include borough-wide and community matters, as well as a question-and-answer session. Partner organisations and community groups will be able to share items, and residents can submit questions, with responses published on the council’s website.

Areas will be grouped into five committee areas: Ashton and Mossley, Dukinfield and Stalybridge, Denton, Droylsden and Audenshaw, and Hyde and Longdendale – with meetings held in-person, three times a year, with locations rotating to ensure a presence in every town.

The first round of forums will run as follows:

▪️ Denton: Wednesday 17th June, 6.30pm-8.30pm, at Tameside Wellness Centre, Denton.

▪️ Droylsden and Audenshaw: Thursday 18th June, 6.30pm-8.30pm, at Guardsman Tony Downes House, Droylsden.

▪️ Ashton and Mossley: Monday 22nd June, 6.30pm-8.30pm, at St Ann’s Social Centre, Burlington Street, Ashton.

▪️ Stalybridge and Dukinfield: Tuesday 23rd June, 6.30pm-8.30pm, at Stalybridge Victoria Market Hall.

▪️ Hyde and Longdendale: Wednesday 24th June, 6.30pm-8.30pm, at the Newton Suite, Hyde Town Hall.

Tameside Council Executive Leader Cllr Eleanor Wills said: “Everyone is welcome to attend the Community Forums - our aim is to bring people together to influence and support decision-making in their towns and give residents the opportunity to have their say on how funding is allocated.

“We really want to work in partnership with our communities and listen to what’s important to them. We’ve taken on board feedback from residents, including what they told us at public sessions such as the Cabinet in the Community sessions we held last autumn, and I hope the Community Forums will help them to get involved and help us to work together to improve local areas and opportunities for everyone.”

05/06/2026

We were recently lucky enough to be invited to a special press preview of the musical 'Something Rotten!' and what a preview it was! 🎭

Packed with laugh-out-loud moments, clever gags, brilliant performances, 10/10 vocals and plenty of relatable themes, this is a musical that doesn’t take itself too seriously and delivers a fantastic evening of entertainment.

Featuring stellar performances from Jason Manford, Marisha Wallace and Richard Fleeshman, it’s one you won’t want to miss.

At the Opera House in Manchester from Tuesday 16th June - Sunday 19th July, grab your tickets while you can over at ATG - see link in the comments.

Something Rotten Musical UK

04/06/2026

Hyde United’s summer squad shake up has begun, with three signings already confirmed ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.

Firstly, speedy winger João Silva has made the switch to Ewen Fields following his departure from fellow NPL Premier side Guiseley.

Hyde United’s summer squad shake up has begun, with three signings already confirmed ahead of the upcoming 2026/27 campaign.

04/06/2026

⏳2 WEEKS TO GO⏳ The Tour of Tameside is almost here.

🚨 The full Tour is now SOLD OUT

But there are still places available in:
🏃 Hero Half Marathon
🏃 Ron Hill 7 Mile Race

Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.

Enter now while places remain! Link in the comments 👇

04/06/2026

A businesswoman who always wanted to start her own family has shared her adoption journey to highlight the difference it can make to a child’s life.

Adoptive parent, Jessica, whose real name has been changed to protect her identity, has given an insight into what to expect when going through the adoption process.

In 2023, Jessica started the process with Adoption Now as a single adopter, following an unsuccessful IVF journey.

Tameside Council works in partnership with Adoption Now, alongside Bolton, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale councils, to find local children and young people a permanent place to call home. There are currently 94 children waiting to be adopted across Tameside and the other four authorities.

Jessica said: “Adoption felt like the natural, right route for me, as my nieces are adopted and I had considered adopting for many years.

“My only worry was being a single person and whether that would that go against me. But families come in all shapes and sizes. They are just looking for people that can give a child a good life.”

Throughout the process Jessica and her social worker built a strong relationship, which she said was so important. She said: “Everything was explained to me really well, and my social worker was always on hand if I had any questions.”

Jessica was approved to adopt in 2024, and one month later was matched with Leo under early permanence.

Early permanence is an approach to adoption where a child is placed with carers as early as possible, with the plan that those carers may go on to become the child’s adoptive parents if they cannot return to their birth family.

Jessica cared for Leo while court proceedings were ongoing and took part in birth parent contact, visiting his birth mum four times per week for over a year. She said: “If you’d asked me before, I was a bit worried about hostility towards me as an adopter, but it wasn’t like that at all. It was a real benefit as it gave us a chance to get to know each other.

“She feels comfortable that I’ve adopted him, and it gave me the opportunity to learn things about him that aren’t written down on a piece of paper.”

Leo is now two years old and settled into family life and Jessica has just started the adoption process for a second time.

To anyone considering adoption, Jessica said: “Start the process! Don’t delay because you’re worried about having the perfect home, good enough finances or the right time; there’s a period of time in the process. Make that first enquiry and I think you’ll find out loads about adoption that you didn’t know.”

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children’s and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith said: “Jessica’s story goes to show that you don’t need the ‘perfect’ life to adopt.

“What matters most is providing a safe, loving and stable home where children can thrive. We are incredibly proud to support adopters like Jessica, who are being the difference to the lives of children and young people in Tameside.”

Find out more about adopting in Tameside by visiting www.adoptionnow.org.uk or calling 01204 336096.

(Photo: stock image).

04/06/2026

People who look after someone across Tameside are invited to come together during Carers Week to enjoy two events designed to provide opportunities for connection and support.

The events are part of Carers Week, a national campaign running from 8 to 14 June celebrating the vital contribution carers make. An unpaid carer is anyone who looks after a partner, family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without their support.

In Tameside, carers are supported year-round by a team based at Tameside Carers Centre, at the People Place in Tameside One, Market Place, Ashton-Under-Lyne. The centre offers advice, drop-in sessions, signposting and social activities, helping carers feel supported, connected and less isolated.

Carers Week will begin with a fun-filled Bingo and Banter afternoon on Wednesday 10 June at the 4C Community Centre, Taunton Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne from 1 to 3pm. The event will give carers and those they care for the chance to relax together, share a laugh and enjoy some well deserved appreciation in a friendly and supportive setting.

With bingo games, prizes and plenty of time to chat, the afternoon promises a fun and relaxed atmosphere, along with a pie lunch. Places for this event must be booked in advance to support catering arrangements and to ensure carers are registered for the activity.

Activities will continue on Thursday 11 June with the Stronger Together Event at Hyde Town Hall, running from 1pm to 3pm. This informative and supportive afternoon will bring carers, professionals and voluntary organisations all together.

A marketplace of local services will give carers the opportunity to gather information, ask questions and find out what support is available. Attendees are encouraged to book a place in advance, although additional drop-ins can be accommodated on the day.

To book onto the events, email [email protected] or call 0161 342 3344.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Inclusivity, Cllr Jackie Lane, said:

“Carers Month is an important opportunity to recognise unpaid carers and the incredible support they provide, as well as the dedication of the staff at the Carers Centre.

“These events are a great chance for carers to relax, meet others who understand their experiences and find out what support is available. We’d encourage carers to come along and take part.”

The events support wider council priorities around improving wellbeing, reducing isolation and building strong, inclusive communities.

04/06/2026

To celebrate ‘World Cheese Day’ today, Kirsty has been busy in the kitchen creating a delicious French Tartiflette.

INGREDIENTS:

750g potatoes
1 onion
25g butter
2 garlic cloves - chopped
6 rashers smoked bacon
250g reblochon cheese or a soft rind like Camembert or brie
142ml tub single cream
Bunch fresh thyme
Salt and pepper

METHOD:

Step 1 - Preheat the oven to 220C/Gas 7/fan oven 200C. Peel and slice the potatoes into thick 1cm rounds. Boil in salted water for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain and then set aside.

Step 2 - Chop the onion finely and fry in gently butter for 5 minutes. Chop the bacon into small pieces and add to the pan; stir well and cook for a further 5 minutes until the onion and bacon are lightly coloured. Add the garlic and thyme and warm through, then add to the potatoes and mix.

Step 3 - Tip the potatoes, onion and bacon mix into a buttered ovenproof dish. Chop the cheese into chunks, rind and all - layer this over the potato mix. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Repeat layers, then pour cream evenly over the top and bake for around 15 minutes until golden. Rest for 5 minutes and then serve.

A fresh salad, crusty bread and a chilled glass of champagne will match perfectly with this dish!