Oldham Reporter

26/09/2025

26/09/2025

ROAD CLOSURE

A640 Huddersfield Road, Denshaw

Due to an ongoing incident on New Hey Road, Kirklees (West Yorkshire), a temporary road closure is currently in place.

The closure affects the stretch from Huddersfield Road, Denshaw at the junction with Range Lane, heading towards Kirklees.

This is expected to remain in place for several hours. Please avoid the area and seek alternative routes.

West Yorkshire Police log number 1036 of 26/09/25 refers.

26/09/2025

Road closure - A640 Huddersfield Road, Denshaw

26/09/2025

Eleven s*x offenders arrested in 24-hours including one from Failsworth

Police have arrested eleven men, including a 65-year-old man from Failsworth, as part of a major operation targeting crimes committed by registered s*x offenders.

Six men have already been charged and four have been through the courts since their arrests on Wednesday (September 24).

These proactive teams conduct regular visits to registered s*x offenders’ homes to ensure compliance with court orders, manage them in the community, and investigate any crime identified by offender managers or partner agencies.

They have the highest positive outcome rate in the force and have significantly increased the number of arrests, charges and home visits they are conducting in the last year. More information can be found here.

In just 24 hours, the following men have been charged with breaching the s*x offenders’ register:

Brendan Bennett (53), from Leigh, has been bailed to appear in Wigan Magistrates Court on November 19.

Matthew Diggle (22), from Crumpsall, was remanded into custody to appear in Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on October 2.

Lewis Matthews (23), from Droylsden, has been bailed to appear in Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on January 6, 2026.

David Kenny (46), from Stretford, has been bailed to appear in Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court on May 1, 2026

Robert Dixon (65), from Failsworth is awaiting a court date

Cole Delevigne (31), from London was also charged with breaching a s*xual harm prevention order and bailed until December 23, 2025, with the investigation passed back to the Met Police

Abdimalik Salad, 22, from Mill Hill, Bolton has been jailed for 24 weeks at Wigan Magistrates Court, after his offender manager identified he’d breached his s*x offender registration requirements.

He was circulated as wanted before handing himself into Bolton Police Station, then arrested, charged, and quickly dealt with through the justice system with 24 hours.

A 35-year-old man of no fixed abode received an eight-week custodial sentence, suspended for 12-months, and a fine following his appearance at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court yesterday (Thursday).

A 33-year-old man from Staffordshire received a conditional discharge for 12-months, and a 76-year-old man from Mossley was fined.

Another 41-year-old man arrested in Bury for a breach of the s*x offenders’ register has been recalled to prison, awaiting further investigation by colleagues in another force.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Turner, from the S*x Offender Management Unit, said: “The public rightly expect us to robustly manage and deal with s*x offenders, and we have two dedicated and passionate teams here to do that.

“We would encourage anyone with information to come forward to us, as we will act.”

How to get support

If you or someone you know has been a victim of r**e or s*xual assault, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

There are also lots of organisations and support agencies available across Greater Manchester and nationally that can help and provide support for you.

For more information and to find the support services available to you, please visit our support pages.




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26/09/2025

Section 60 authorised in Limeside area of Oldham following violence reports

A Section 60 has been authorised in the Limeside area of Oldham following reports of violence last night (Thursday, September 25).

The order comes due to several reports of anti-social behaviour and criminal damage being caused within the area, resulting in the order being granted from 7.48pm last night.

The Section 60 authority will last for a period of 24 hours until this evening (Friday, September 26).

Under a Section 60, officers have extra powers to stop and search people in a defined area within a certain timeframe.

No serious injuries have been reported.

A man, aged 22, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic offences as part of the wider work being done. He remains in custody for questioning.

The enforcement of the order has been granted as part of police response to tackling crime in the area. Extra officers will be in the area over the coming days.

Inspector Amie Whitehead, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “This order grants officers extra powers to proactively tackle crime and stop-search people within the area that has seen criminality over the last day.

“We will have extra officers in the area and I would urge anyone with any concerns to get in touch with us.”

You can contact police via 101 or the Live Chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 2944 of 06/09/25.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.




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26/09/2025

Mahdlo Youth Zone benefits from GMP's ARIS fund

A dozen community projects and charities including Mahdlo Youth Zone in Oldham are the latest good causes to benefit from cash seized from criminals in Manchester.

Around £200,000 is redistributed through GMP’s Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).

The latest successful groups are:

Third Space Bolton

Rochdale Council of Mosques

Ince Rose Bridge Sports & Community Club, Wigan

Elite Community Hub CIC, Bolton

Abraham Moss Warriors, Manchester

Pure Insight, Stockport

Base X, Bolton

Manchester Airport Multi-Faith Chaplaincy

First Kick Foundation, Bury

Mahdlo Youth Zone, Oldham

Highway Hope, Manchester/Stockport

Salford Youth Service

Detective Superintendent Andrew Buckthorpe who leads GMP’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “It’s only right that the money recovered from criminals is reinvested into the communities we serve, supporting those who need it most.

“A key principle of justice is ensuring that individuals who profit from crime are stripped of those gains and prevented from enjoying them at the expense of others.

“That is an ongoing process as well look to strip even more money from criminals and redistribute within our communities.

“It’s even more rewarding to know that these funds are now being used for positive, meaningful purposes within our communities.

“It’s particularly pleasing that the successful groups are based right across the GMP force area and their projects supported by our district policing teams.

“The projects have been chosen as they align with our goals of reducing and preventing crime, especially among young people.”

The Economic Crime Unit's work is ongoing as it continues to deprive criminals of their ill-gotten gains – this year convicted drug dealer Lee Whiteley was ordered to pay back more than £200,000 and Umair Zaheer, the ringleader of a nationwide drugs and fi****ms conspiracy, ordered to pay £350,000.

Non-profits which benefit a large number of people can apply for a maximum of £20,000 through ARIS to fund 12 months’ activities and there will be another application window in early 2026.

The activities must support GMP’s objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims.

To find out more about ARIS, visit Giving back: Investing in our community | Greater Manchester Police




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26/09/2025

Council leader shortlisted for national award

Oldham Council Leader says she is deeply honoured to be nominated for a top award.

Councillor Arooj Shah has been shortlisted for Leader of the Year Award by the Local Government information Unit (LGiU) & CCLA Cllr Awards 2025.

The LGIU & CCLA Cllr Awards are the only national Awards to recognise and honour the hard work and dedication of councillors.

On their website, they state that the awards are a platform to celebrate the vital contributions that these heroes of our local democracy make to communities and the lives of residents across England, Wales and Scotland.

Oldham Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah said: “I’m deeply honoured to be nominated for Leader of the Year. For me, this recognition is not just personal – it’s for the people of Oldham. Everything I do comes back to the community where I was born and raised, and I’m incredibly proud to serve them.

“When I first entered politics, my goal was simple: to make life better for the people of the borough where I grew up. Over the years, this has meant tackling inequality, rebuilding trust, and putting residents at the heart of every decision.

“I’m especially proud that, together, we’ve delivered real change – from over 1,000 new affordable homes and a once-in-a-generation regeneration of our town centre, to Oldham’s Children’s Services being rated Good by Ofsted after years of challenges and Oldham Council named the Most Improved Council at the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2025. These are achievements that belong to our whole community.

“I know the road hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve always remained focused on what matters: improving lives, giving people hope, and restoring pride in Oldham.

“This nomination is a reminder of how far we’ve come – and of my commitment to keep working hard for Oldham and its people. It is their trust, their ambition, and their belief in change that makes progress possible.”

The winners in England & Wales will be announced at the Guildhall in London, at 7pm on November 18, 2025.





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26/09/2025

Oldham Hulme Grammar set to host Higher Education and Apprenticeship Fair – open to all students

Hulme Grammar School is hosting its annual Higher Education and Apprenticeship Fair at the school’s historic main hall next week.

The flagship event, which takes place at the Chamber Road School on Tuesday, October 1, is open to all students in Years 10 to 13 across Oldham, as well as parents and members of the wider community, as part of Hulme’s ongoing commitment to public benefit and outreach.

With over 40 exhibitors confirmed, including prestigious institutions such as Newcastle University, Imperial College London, Durham, Salford and the University of Manchester, alongside leading employers like Muller, AJ Bell, Fletchers, and Weightmans, students will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of academic and vocational pathways.

Katie Flett, Head of Futures at Hulme Grammar explained: “As well as a vibrant marketplace of universities and companies on-hand to over advice throughout the day, attendees will benefit from classroom-based presentations offering insights on university applications, apprenticeship routes, and career decision-making.

“These sessions are designed to empower students with the knowledge and confidence to take their next steps.”

Registration and Timings: · Register your place online

· Careers Fair timings: 3:45pm – 6:00pm

· Free Open Access: All students, parents, and the wider community are welcome

This event reflects Hulme Grammar’s dedication to working collaboratively with local schools, industry leaders, and academic partners to raise aspirations and broaden horizons for young people in the region.

Organisations offering apprenticeships are warmly invited to connect with Hulme’s Future’s team to explore opportunities to participate – [email protected]




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26/09/2025

Dr Kershaw’s partners with local solicitors for Will Month

Throughout October and November, people can access an affordable will-writing service while donating to vital patient care at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Wrigley Claydon Solicitors, O’Donnell Solicitors, Garratts Solicitors and Kirkham Legal are all taking part in Will Month to highlight the importance of having a will.

Dr Kershaw’s Hospice has partnered with trusted local solicitor firms to help people in Oldham ensure that their last wishes are granted.

This autumn, people can access a reduced-fee will-writing service as part of Will Month. Wrigley Claydon Solicitors, O’Donnell Solicitors and Garratts Solicitors are all taking part in October.

Kirkham Legal will then provide the service throughout November. In return for a suggested donation, people can write or update their will.

It costs £125 for a Simple Individual Will or £175 for a Simple Mirror Will for a couple, representing a significant saving.

There is also the option to include Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in the will to provide future care for patients and their families.

Rachel Damianou, partner at Wrigley Claydon Solicitors, said: “Making a will during Will Month is an excellent way of making everything easier for your loved ones when the time comes, whilst also supporting a really worthwhile cause.

“Accidents and illness can sadly happen at any time.

“It is always best to be prepared and it is never too early to make a will.”

People with children may particularly benefit from putting a will in place.

Under law, there is no presumption that a child must live with a biological parent after the death of the other. If both parents die without a will naming a guardian, the bereaved child becomes the responsibility of the courts.

Rachel added: “A will can appoint guardians to look after young children and ensure your wishes are followed, rather than the courts and the law stepping in to say who should look after your children.”

According to the Money & Pensions Service, around 56 per cent of UK adults do not have a will. This includes 53 per cent of adults aged 50-64 and 22 per cent of those aged 65 and above.

Without a will, assets are at risk of being shared out by legal default, rather than in the way people choose.

Unmarried couples – including those who live together – have no automatic legal rights to inheritance from their partner’s estate.

Even married couples cannot guarantee how their estate will be shared without a will.

Jill Latimer, solicitor at Garratts Solicitors, said: “There is a common misconception that assets will automatically go to the ‘next of kin’ upon death.

“Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

“If you do not have a valid will, intestacy laws can determine how your estate is handled and this may not align with your intentions.

“If you are married but do not have a will, your entire estate may not pass to your surviving spouse.

“Similarly, if you are not married, your estate will not automatically go to your partner, regardless of how long you have been together.

“Even if you have an existing will, it is always worthwhile reviewing it to take any changes into account.

“This could include additional children or grandchildren, protecting assets from potential care fees, or even being lucky enough to win on the Dr Kershaw’s Lottery!”

For more information or to take part in Will Month, visit www.drkh.org.uk/willmonth.




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26/09/2025

New Market DELAYED until new year

The opening of a new Greater Manchester market has been pushed back by several months due to complications in fitting out stalls.

Tommyfield Market traders in Oldham were due to move into a brand new venue in the town centre this September.

But vendors were informed last week their leases for the current premises would be extended into the new year as some units are not ready to move into. Oldham Council has now confirmed the new market next to The Spindles shopping centre won’t be ready until 2026.

Read more here:
https://www.notreallyheremedia.com/news/oldham-reporter/new-market-delayed-until-new-year/




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25/09/2025

In tonight’s edition of The Hour, we highlight the wide range of Health & Wellbeing services showcased at the recent HealthWatch Tameside event. It’s also Behaviour Awareness Week, Mark Andrews speaks with Michelle and Donna from Great Minds Together (GMT) about neurodiversity and behaviour.

You can also explore more resources from GMT via their website https://greatmindstogether.co.uk/ or follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/greatmindstogether.

We’ll also be bringing you the top stories from Tameside, Oldham and Glossop.

Tune in at 7pm on Tameside Radio https://www.facebook.com/1036tamesideradio or listen online at https://www.notreallyheremedia.com/player/.

25/09/2025

Police offer university students advice on how to protect themselves as the academic year begins

As the academic year begins - officers are urging university students living in student accommodation to take simple but effective steps to protect themselves and their belongings from burglary.

Student accommodation can be a target for opportunistic thieves, especially in shared housing or halls of residence where multiple valuables may be stored.

Police want to ensure students feel safe and secure as they settle into university life this academic year.

Top tips to prevent burglary:

Remember to lock your front door and windows if you go out or are not in the room. It only takes a minute for a burglar to sneak in.

Light timers are a great way to make burglars think your home is occupied. Time them to come on and off intermittently as it goes dark to give the impression somebody is at home.

Make sure valuables are out of sight. Keep items such as mobile phones, laptops, and car keys out of reach from doors, letterboxes, and windows, especially if they’re open.

Register possessions on www.immobilise.com

Detective Superintendent Paul Rollinson, force lead for residential burglary crime, said: “We want students to enjoy their university experience without the worry of crime. By taking a few precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary.

“Nationally, one in three burglaries is caused by an insecurity, whether it be a window left open or a door unlocked, which makes it easier for opportunistic burglars.

“Our officers are working closely with universities and accommodation providers to keep students safe. PCSOs will patrol the Fallowfield area and deliver leaflets in student areas offering crime prevention advice throughout the term.”

GMP can be contacted via 101 or through the Live Chat function on the website, www.gmp.police.uk. Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.




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