Dan Dougherty

Roadworks on Bury Road between Bolton and Bury are causing significant delays for drivers and bus passengers, with temporary traffic lights restricting eastbound traffic. The works, directed by Electricity North West, began in late July and were expected to continue until August 30. Councillor Emily Mort said the statutory work could not be stopped, acknowledged the disruption, and argued that carrying it out during the school holidays would minimize its impact.

H.M. Pasties collaborated with Genuine Futures to give four young people from the Bolton area practical experience designing and developing pasties for the Bolton Food and Drink Festival. After brainstorming ideas, conducting market research and assessing production feasibility, the group selected chilli con carne and cheese and cheese and jalapeno pasties for sale at the festival. Managing director Lee Wakeham said the initiative reflects the company’s wider work providing opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds and helping young people develop skills that may support positive changes in their lives.

Community Shop Sunnyside, a social supermarket supported by Warburtons and Bolton Council, is due to open at the former Sunnyside Park Lodge in Great Lever on September 16. The facility will include a discounted food store, a community hub offering skills and confidence-building programmes, and a café serving home-cooked meals with free food for children. Free membership will be available to local residents receiving means-tested benefits, while profits will be reinvested into community support. The project is intended to help residents facing cost-of-living pressures and regenerate a vacant community building in one of the UK’s most deprived areas.

Bolton Council planning officers have recommended rejecting Sumaiyya Hafeji’s proposal to extend a property on Salford Road in Over Hulton. The plans include two-storey side and front extensions, a single-storey rear extension, garage and roof conversions, and bay windows. Officers say the scale, massing, height and design would be disproportionate, engulf the original dwelling, harm the street scene and reduce the openness of the Green Belt. Councillors are due to consider the application at a planning meeting on August 20.

Bolton Council has scrapped the £100,000 “Get Bolton Moving” project, which was intended to create a walking route linking cultural and historical sites across the borough. Consultation with local rambling groups found that a route connecting the sites would take around nine hours and would not provide sufficient value, particularly given the number of existing routes. The funding, originally allocated through the £1.5 million Pride in Place Impact Fund for delivery in 2027, will instead support a “Food Cubes” facility at Longsight Park, replacing unsafe changing rooms with a container-style food and beverage unit with indoor and outdoor seating.

Residents on one side of Moorfield Grove in Tonge Moor say their bins have gone uncollected for eight weeks, leaving them overflowing and contributing to rubbish and alleged rat problems. Lorraine Money says repeated complaints about the missed collections and dumped bulky items have not been resolved. Bolton Council attributed wider collection disruptions to operational issues and said crews aimed to collect missed bins within two working days, but the affected street was not included on its published list of 250 streets experiencing delays.

A burst water main on Cleggs Lane left households in Little Hulton and Walkden without water or with low-pressure, brown and sludgy supplies on August 14. United Utilities said repair teams were making progress and deployed water tankers and bottled water to help maintain supplies, warning that pressure fluctuations and discolouration could occur while the network was restored.

A three-hour guided tour starting at the Lancashire Mining Museum in Astley Green will explore the canals that transported coal during Lancashire’s industrial development. Organised by Heritage with a Twist with support from Healthy Arts and the Over Hulton Community Group, the tour costs £5 per person and highlights the museum’s steam engine, winding wheel and surviving colliery headgear.

Police cordoned off Spinning Meadows in Halliwell, Bolton, after a man suffered serious injuries consistent with a knife wound at around 2:25 p.m. on August 7. He was taken to hospital, while officers and ambulance crews, including an air ambulance, attended the scene. Reports of a machete and a possible connection to bikes remained unconfirmed, and no arrests had been reported as the investigation continued.

Ramsbottom councillor and vegan Tom Pilkington criticized PETA's suggestion that the World Black Pudding Throwing Championships should use vegan black pudding, saying the charity had apparently not submitted an official complaint and that the issue was not yet one to be militant about. He supported the event's economic benefits for local businesses while affirming his commitment to animal welfare and vegan products. The championships, launched in 1984, remain a major Ramsbottom attraction.

Police will maintain an increased presence in Breightmet while investigating the death of a woman in her 30s at a Yewdale Avenue address. A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Greater Manchester Police said the incident is believed to be isolated and poses no wider risk to the public, while specialist officers are supporting the victim’s family. North West Ambulance Service confirmed it attended the scene, and police appealed for information.

Traffic slowed on Newbrook Road in Over Hulton after a bus and car collided near the Crescent Road and Four Lane Ends junctions at about 7:45pm. The bus had no passengers, but the conditions of the driver and the car’s occupants were unknown. Both vehicles sustained damage and were towed away, while emergency services were contacted for comment.

Bolton Council is referring an enforcement report to its legal services team after an unauthorised metal lean-to and corrugated shutters were added to the former NatWest building on the corner of Church Street and Market Street in Farnworth. The council notified the owner and allowed 28 days for action; it is now finalising an expediency assessment to determine whether formal measures, potentially including removal of the structure, are warranted. The historic building was constructed in 1877, and previous plans to convert it into a seven-bedroom house in multiple occupation were refused.

MP Jo Platt has reaffirmed her opposition to Peel Land's proposed Gibfield Park masterplan, which would include around 500 homes and warehousing between Daisy Hill and Atherton. She argues that local roads and infrastructure cannot support a development of this scale and warns of green-space loss, HGV traffic, noise, light pollution and impacts on residents' quality of life. The Gibfield Preservation Group has also raised concerns about biodiversity and rare heathland. Platt plans to object formally and is urging Wigan Council not to approve the proposals, while residents have until 1 September to submit consultation feedback.

Bolton Council says the Rivington Chase Spine Road remains a top regeneration priority despite delays caused by legal issues and unresolved agreements with landowners. The road is intended to connect Horwich Loco Works with Middlebrook, support a masterplan for about 1,700 homes, and provide a new bus route plus pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The council will continue negotiations but may consider other options to secure completion and public opening.

Westhoughton Town Council unanimously opposed plans for up to 310 homes on green belt land between Westhoughton and Hindley, citing traffic, loss of green space, impacts on the Marsh Brook valley, and pressure on local doctors and schools. The developer argues that the site qualifies as grey belt land and would provide housing along with social, economic and environmental benefits. Bolton Council’s planning department will make the final decision, as the town council’s role is advisory.

Plans submitted by June Borek propose building one house on land east of Heights Farm on Roading Brook Road near Bottom o' the Moor in Harwood. The site is currently designated as green belt, but the planning statement argues it should be treated as grey belt because the small-scale development would be contained by existing trees, would not create an important gap between Bury and Bolton, and would not cause unacceptable visual or sustainability impacts.

A water pipe on Wearish Lane in Westhoughton has burst for the fourth time in several years, frustrating residents and local councillor David Wilkinson. United Utilities repaired the latest leak and apologized, saying it is developing a longer-term plan to strengthen the local network and reduce the likelihood of future incidents. Wilkinson criticized the repeated failures, lengthy previous repairs and wider number of leaks in the area.

JB the Barber Shop has been named The Bolton News barbershop of the year for 2026. Owner Jamil Sharif, who joined the business as an apprentice three decades ago, credited the award to the team’s hard work, customer service and loyal local clientele. Several employees have worked at the shop for more than a decade, and Sharif emphasized that the business treats customers as friends and relies on the contribution of the whole team.

Police footage shows Pamela Gwinnett being arrested at Manchester Airport after returning from Tenerife. She had fled the UK in 2025 after being convicted in her absence of defrauding an elderly woman of nearly £300,000 and sentenced to six years in prison. Greater Manchester Police, the National Crime Agency and Spanish law enforcement worked to locate and return her; she was due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on July 31, 2026. Police said the victim had died in 2022 and expressed hope that Gwinnett’s return would provide some closure to the victim’s family.

ITV crews have returned to Bolton’s Le Mans Crescent to prepare for filming new Coronation Street episodes, likely including a courtroom scene in the old courthouse. The specific storyline has not been confirmed, but possibilities include Dylan Wilson’s attack, the conflict involving Ross Wilkes and Cassie Plummer, or the aftermath of Theo Silverton’s murder. Bolton’s historic architecture has made it a popular filming location and earned the town the nickname “Hollywood of the North.”

Steakaway owner Felipe Pereira agreed at short notice to fund a charity football match organised by veteran James Burns after the event faced cancellation because of insufficient funds. Held at Bolton Wanderers FC’s Toughsheet Stadium, the match raised £4,917.38 for the Royal British Legion. Burns later visited the restaurant to thank Pereira for supporting the event.

Residents, volunteers and Bolton Council officers carried out a community litter pick around Queens Park, Mayor Street and Gilnow Road after persistent littering and fly-tipping. Volunteers collected smaller rubbish while a council van removed larger waste, including pallets and sofa cushions. The council is using additional environmental enforcement officers, CCTV and door-to-door engagement to deter illegal dumping and promote recycling, with organizers aiming for lasting improvements rather than a one-off clean-up.

Three people were injured in a dog attack at a home on Barrie Way in Hall i'th' Wood, Bolton. One person suffered potentially life-changing injuries, while the other two injuries were not considered life-threatening or life-changing. Police, armed officers and an air ambulance attended, and the dog was seized for specialist examination to determine its breed. Greater Manchester Police said there was no wider risk to the public, with enquiries continuing.

Campaigners from the Gibfield Park Preservation Group are opposing Peel Land’s proposal to build 500 homes on Gibfield Park, a former colliery site and popular green space between Atherton and Daisy Hill. They argue the development would destroy wetlands, ponds, acid grassland and habitats supporting protected species including great-crested newts, bats and numerous birds, while reducing recreational space for local children and residents. Wigan Council reports have also identified mining-related ground risks, including ten mine entries, a colliery spoil heap and backfilled open-cast mines whose methods were not documented. The planning consultation was extended for six weeks from July 21, allowing residents and politicians to submit views, while campaigners hope to stop or mitigate the development.

Patient survey data identifies Dr S Naseef Surgery at Pikes Lane Medical Centre as having Bolton’s highest-rated GP reception team, with 97% of respondents describing staff as helpful. Crompton View Surgery, Edgeworth Medical Centre and Burnside Surgery followed with 96%. Halliwell Surgery Two was reported as the easiest to contact by phone and received the highest proportion of very good overall reviews. Beehive Surgery ranked lowest for reception helpfulness at 64%, followed by Al-Fal Medical Group at 68% and Greater Lever One at 71%.

Harley Wright, 25, pleaded guilty to three counts of blackmail after threatening two women and a 17-year-old girl with the release of nude or personal images unless they paid him money. He contacted the victims through Yubo and other messaging platforms, using threats that included exposing them to family and friends and, in one case, assaulting the victim at work. The court heard that Wright used his own bank details and that no images were ultimately distributed. Judge Geoffrey Lowe sentenced him to 12 months in prison suspended for two years, along with 20 days of rehabilitation activities and a six-month mental-health treatment requirement; breaching the conditions could result in imprisonment.

Several kingfishers were photographed near the water at Moses Gate Country Park, giving visitors an opportunity to observe the birds' distinctive blue-and-orange plumage and fishing behavior. The park forms part of Bolton’s 14-mile Kingfisher Trail, which connects the West Pennine Moors with Bury, Bolton and Salford and also includes Leverhulme Park Nature Reserve and Seven Acres Local Nature Reserve.

Free family theatre performances are continuing every Thursday at Elizabeth Park during the six-week school holidays, with shows at 11am and 2pm. Performances last 30–45 minutes, require no tickets, and include a Circus House show followed by optional circus-skills workshops. No performance will take place on August 27.

Greater Manchester Police are searching for Mia, a 13-year-old girl last seen in Glenbrook Gardens, Bolton, at about 8:20 p.m. on July 27. She is described as approximately four feet tall with straight, shoulder-length brown hair and was reportedly wearing grey leggings, a black jacket, black socks and beige Crocs. Police are asking anyone with information to call 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting log 3508-27/07/26.

A 64-year-old pedestrian died after being struck by a road sweeper on Cleggs Lane in Little Hulton, Salford, at about 8:16 a.m. on 28 July 2026. The road sweeper driver, a 39-year-old man, was uninjured. Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses, CCTV, dashcam, doorbell and mobile-phone footage, while the road was closed for much of the day.

Westhoughton Farmers Market is scheduled to return for its fifth edition at Kyria Wellness Studio near Market Street. Organized by Andreana Bateman of KYRIA Yoga & Wellness Studio in collaboration with Welcome to Westhoughton, the free family event will feature local food, baked goods, Balkan cuisine, crafts, flowers, cheese, honey and sourdough from small vendors, running from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 1.

A review of Westhoughton's new Mid Ground coffee shop samples three products supplied by Charcoal and Cream and Katkas Bakehouse. The Basque cheesecake receives five stars for its rich, slightly tart flavour, the strawberry and almond tart earns four stars despite being overly sharp, and the New York deli croissant scores 3.5 stars because it contains too little pastrami, though the pickle improves it. Overall, the café is presented as offering a varied and tempting selection of sweet and savoury items.

Julie Catterall praised staff at the Premier store on Castle Street in Bolton after they spent around 90 minutes reviewing CCTV and searching for her lost car and house keys. The keys had become attached to another customer's bag, later fell under a car, and were recovered by pharmacy staff before store manager Millen Patel drove them to Catterall's home. She presented the store team with flowers in appreciation of their assistance.

Bolton Council says it will repair two loose paving stones outside the Wetherspoons on Market Street in Westhoughton after a delay of almost four months. Councillor David Wilkinson criticized the council for failing to act since the issue was reported in April, warning that the damaged pavement had become a serious trip hazard and that someone had reportedly tripped there. The council attributed the damage to vehicles using the pavement and said a contractor had scheduled repairs in coordination with local businesses, with completion expected that week.

John Phelps, 42, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to threatening a man with a knife during an attempted theft of marshmallows from Heron Foods in Tonge Moor. The incident breached a Criminal Behaviour Order barring him from local shops, and the judge cited his record of 125 offences and an existing suspended sentence as aggravating factors. Phelps also received concurrent sentences of one month for attempted theft and ten months for breaching the order. His defence highlighted his engagement with methadone treatment and drug services while in custody.

Posters advertising the revived Westhoughton Carnival were cut down with a knife and dumped in Central Park, marking the second vandalism incident after similar damage to Party in the Park notices in June. Organiser Hazel Bumby said the event team cannot afford or find time to replace the posters, while councillor David Wilkinson condemned the damage and urged residents to support the carnival. The event is scheduled for August 1, with backing from the council, local residents and the safety advisory group.

Police are seeking information after a man allegedly threw a brick at a parked car’s windscreen on St James Street in Farnworth early on July 19, 2026. Officers released an image of a man they believe could assist with enquiries and urged the public to call 101 with reference CRI/06KK/0018107/26.

A 49-year-old woman, Samantha Nuttall, appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court charged with the murder of 75-year-old Trevor Hilton, who was found dead at his home in Bolton. The case was deemed too serious for the magistrates and was transferred to Bolton Crown Court for a hearing on July 21. Family members of both the victim and the accused attended, and the charge follows a police investigation into the incident on Ormrod Street, where Hilton was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two Westhoughton venues, Nabucco Italian Restaurant and the White Lion pub, have applied for street licences that would expand outdoor dining options and enhance the town’s growing café culture. Local business owners and residents welcome the potential for increased vibrancy on Market Street, citing the success of similar outdoor experiences and the area’s appeal as a food and drink destination. The applications will now be reviewed by Bolton’s licensing department.

Four publicly accessible defibrillators were installed in Little Hulton and Walkden following a community-led campaign honoring the memories of Ben Morrison and Branigan Smith. Spearheaded by Georgina Morrison, Paul Whitelegg and the late Ruth Culvert, the initiative received support from local groups, businesses and councillors. The latest installation at Mice to Meet You Day Nursery included a memorial plaque and tributes from attendees, highlighting the campaign’s emphasis on community solidarity and lifesaving resources.

Survey data highlights large differences in patient satisfaction among Bolton GP surgeries. Crompton View Surgery receives the highest approval with 98 percent positive responses, followed by Dr S Naseef Surgery and Bromley Meadows Surgery. Deane Clinic ranks lowest with 61 percent satisfaction and notable negative ratings, although it performs better in phone access. Several practices excel in accessibility and patient experience, with Drs Jeyam and Jesudas Surgery leading in phone responsiveness and reception helpfulness.

The family of Jordan Barnes, missing since June 18, has issued an urgent appeal for information amid concerns about visible injuries seen shortly before he disappeared and reports that others may have taken over his flat. Relatives describe him as vulnerable due to significant mental health conditions and fear he may be homeless. Greater Manchester Police confirm an active investigation, and the public is urged to report any sightings or relevant information.

Greater Manchester Police issued an appeal for information to locate James Davies, a man from Atherton wanted for breaching a court order on June 30. Authorities noted his links to the Atherton area and encouraged the public to report any information to police or Crimestoppers.

Westhoughton Town Council supported plans to refurbish a Tudor-style house on Dobb Brow Road by replacing its traditional frontage with modern red brick, installing new windows, adding a garage, and incorporating electric vehicle charging points. Councillors noted the change would significantly alter the property’s character but approved the proposal, which now awaits a final decision from Bolton Council’s planning department.

A car crashed through the front wall of a family's home on Somerton Road in Breightmet, narrowly missing their young son and causing significant damage but no injuries. Emergency services secured the scene, and a council inspection confirmed the impact did not compromise the structure. The driver apologised and offered to cover repairs, while neighbours assisted the family. A similar collision occurred the previous day in Deane, prompting renewed concerns about local road safety.

The UK Government is allocating more than £250 million over three years to strengthen security for Jewish communities across England and Wales following rising antisemitism and recent attacks. The plan includes over 500 additional police officers, enhanced patrols around Jewish institutions, and expanded specialist policing such as Project Servator. Greater Manchester will receive more than £22 million after the deadly 2025 attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation. Funding will also support antisemitism training for police and additional security measures for schools, synagogues and community centres. Police leaders and community representatives welcomed the investment as essential amid increasing hate crime and heightened national threat levels.

A two‑vehicle collision on the M61 southbound between junctions 4 and 2 caused delays of up to 40 minutes as traffic was temporarily held. Greater Manchester Police confirmed three people were treated for non‑life‑threatening injuries and no arrests were made. Lanes reopened gradually, with National Highways later reporting reduced delays and congestion as traffic returned to normal.

A family pays tribute to teenager Leon Pafu Ngoy, who died after getting into difficulty in the water at Clifton Country Park, describing him as kind, joyful and ambitious. They emphasise the incident was a tragic accident and urge others to take water safety seriously. Emergency services recovered his body after responding to the June 27 call, and the family hopes sharing his story will prevent similar tragedies.

Travellers who had occupied Hart Common Golf Club left the site on July 11 after delaying eviction due to incomplete paperwork. The club, closed during the occupation, is now prioritising cleanup and course maintenance and has been advised by police and security to install a height barrier before reopening. Several caravans had been parked on the green, and security had been maintained around the clock. The club thanked members, police and the NFU for their support.

Police are searching for Kirsty Haslam, a 37-year-old woman last seen in Brierfield in May and reported missing in July, who has links to Bolton and other areas in Lancashire and Greater Manchester. She is described by authorities, who note they also wish to speak with her regarding a reported theft, but emphasize that their priority is confirming her safety. The public is urged to contact police immediately with any sightings or relevant information.

Bolton’s planning committee chair Andy Morgan responded to online criticism following approval of a house in multiple occupation, emphasising that the proposal met all planning policies and that rejecting it could have led to a costly appeal. He rejected claims the property would house immigrants and stressed decisions must follow law and evidence. The dispute intensified after Reform councillor Trevor Jones posted voting information, prompting clarification on the appeal process and its financial implications for taxpayers.

A car crash on Anglia Grove in Deane left a family shaken after a vehicle struck their garden wall, prompting renewed calls for road safety measures. The homeowner urged installation of speed bumps due to heavy speeding and increased traffic caused by a nearby road closure. A local councillor acknowledged the area’s long-standing collision issues and said efforts to improve road markings and safety measures are ongoing. Emergency services responded quickly, making the area safe and handling a fuel leak before handing the scene over to police.

Police in Bolton seized 102 boxes of nitrous oxide valued at more than £20,000, with two men under investigation on suspicion of intent to supply following the reclassification of the substance as a Class C drug in 2023. Another two men were arrested earlier the same day after reports of anti‑social behaviour on Eagley Brook Way. Authorities urged the public to share any relevant information.

Police seized a car and recovered multiple boxes of nitrous oxide after responding to reports of antisocial driving on Eagley Brook Way. Two men were arrested on suspicion of possessing class C drugs with intent to supply following a vehicle search. Both remain in custody for questioning, according to Greater Manchester Police.

Police in Bolton seized a Lamborghini and arrested two men after responding to reports of dangerous and anti‑social driving. One vehicle was confiscated on St Helens Road under Section 59 powers, while another at The Valley was found with boxes of nitrous oxide and cash, leading to arrests on suspicion of intent to supply a Class C drug. The incidents are part of ongoing efforts to address persistent anti‑social driving complaints in the area.

A collision involving two cars on Anglia Grove in Deane sent one vehicle through a garden wall, causing significant damage. Emergency crews from the fire service, police, and ambulance service responded, secured the area, and addressed a fuel leak while casualties were assessed. A similar incident had occurred on nearby Deane Road earlier the same evening.

A car overturned during rush hour on Deane Road in Bolton, causing traffic delays and a temporary road closure. Emergency crews from fire, ambulance, and police services responded, assessed one person on scene, and secured the vehicle before it was removed. The incident prompted a councillor to call for renewed attention to road safety measures in the area, citing previous collisions and ongoing community concerns.

Multiple litter bins in Horwich and Blackrod were removed after complaints about overflowing waste, leading to frustration among traders who argue the removals have worsened littering. Councillor David Grant raised the issue with Bolton Council, prompting the reinstatement of one bin but no commitment to replace others. Business owners report increased rubbish and negative effects on their shops, while the council cites limited resources but commits to consulting ward councillors before future changes to bin provision.

Council workers across multiple local authorities, including Bolton, are being balloted for strike action after rejecting a 3.3 percent pay offer they say represents a real-terms pay cut. Unite argues the offer was made without negotiation and follows years of below‑inflation increases. Union leaders warn that strike action could significantly disrupt essential services but place responsibility on national employers for refusing to engage in talks. The ballot runs from mid‑July to mid‑August and may expand to additional councils.

A group of travellers who had set up camp at Westhoughton Golf Club left after the club threatened bailiff action, relocating to Hart Common Golf Course. Staff at Hart Common plan to obtain a court order and use bailiffs to remove them, though only parts of the course will be restricted. The group previously requested payment from Westhoughton Golf Club to leave, leading to temporary course closures and financial losses. Local councils are not responsible for evicting travellers from private land, leaving action to landowners.

Travellers who returned to the car park at Westhoughton Golf Club reduced their request for payment to leave the site from £30,000 to £3,000. Chairman Steve Holmes said all eleven caravans had come back after briefly departing and that bailiffs were scheduled to arrive later in the day. The club closed its course and clubhouse for two days, incurring additional costs estimated at £2,000 on top of bailiff fees.

Travellers who set up an encampment on land owned by Westhoughton Golf Club allegedly requested £30,000 to leave, according to club chairman Steve Holmes. The club closed its course and clubhouse for two days, incurring costs of about £2,000 before obtaining eviction notices from a bailiff agency. Most caravans left within the required timeframe, while a few remained temporarily. The incident occurred on private land, leaving responsibility with the club rather than the local council, which has spent over £19,000 this year managing illegal encampments on public property.

Repairs were carried out at Westhoughton’s Central Park after damaged turf around the playground and issues with the park’s access path were reported. Westhoughton Town Council confirmed that the turf fix is temporary while Bolton Council considers a long-term solution. Recent work also levelled and resurfaced the steep access path to improve safety and accessibility at a cost of £5,000.

Bolton Council approved £2.39 million in capital funding to carry out significant structural and systems improvements at Brandwood, Heathfield and Claypool primary schools after costs rose far above initial estimates. The increased spending is driven by a full roof replacement required at Brandwood and expanded heating and infrastructure upgrades at Heathfield and Claypool. Councillors approved the measures without debate, with officials explaining that council‑run schools rely on central government capital grants for major works, unlike church schools and academies, which must fund their own repairs.

A Westhoughton wildlife rescue centre, The Hoggery, has closed indefinitely due to health issues affecting its operator, Jayne Scofield, who announced the decision in an emotional statement. The sanctuary will focus on safely transferring or releasing the 39 hedgehogs currently in its care and will not accept new admissions. Scofield expressed hope of reopening after recovering, thanked supporters and donors, and urged the public to seek alternative rescues or veterinary help for injured hedgehogs.

Bolton Council planning officers have recommended approval for redevelopment plans at historic Rock Hall, including a new exhibition space, café, office space for Lancashire Wildlife Trust and a revised three‑storey rear extension with a roof terrace. Heritage concerns from the council conservation officer and the Georgian Group prompted design revisions that reduced the proposed extension’s height. The £5.9 million project, dependent on a National Lottery Heritage Fund bid, would restore the listed building, improve accessibility and enhance the surrounding landscape as part of the wider Farnworth masterplan. With no public objections submitted, the planning committee will make a final decision on July 9.

Stephen Ludlum received a 30‑month suspended sentence for assaulting his former partner and her children in a violent incident triggered by an argument over a text message. The attack caused significant injuries, forced the family to leave their home, and led to ongoing emotional and physical consequences for the victims. The judge cited the seriousness of the violence but noted Ludlum’s recent good behaviour and potential for rehabilitation. Additional concurrent sentences, a restraining order, and financial penalties were imposed.

Bolton Council is set to decide on a proposal to convert a Horwich home into a small HMO for three occupants. The application, previously deferred, has been recommended for approval despite objections citing overdevelopment, parking pressures and amenity concerns. Planning officers concluded the impact would be comparable to a typical family home and that several objections were not material planning grounds. Horwich Town Council recommended refusal, but officers stated communal space exceeds required standards.

Councillors in Westhoughton are discussing potential locations for new deterrent-style speed cameras in response to public concern over speeding. Four sites, including multiple points on Manchester Road, are under review following meetings with Bolton Highways. Councillors David Chadwick and Arthur Price emphasise the need for improved safety measures, citing road design issues and a fatal 2022 collision. Further consultation with the new police inspector will determine the most suitable locations.

A new Safe Haven Bolton centre has opened on Market Street in Westhoughton to expand mental health support services for local residents and families. Westhoughton’s mayor praised the dedicated staff and highlighted a beneficiary’s testimony describing the organisation as life‑saving. The new facility offers counselling, in‑home care, specialist support and wellbeing activities, aiming to provide a safe, welcoming environment for those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Generators installed by Electricity North West in Westhoughton will remain on standby for several days following repairs to major cable faults that have caused repeated power outages. The company said the precaution ensures stability after issues, including generator failures and third-party interference, which were resolved quickly each time. Local councillors highlighted ongoing problems and encouraged residents to report disturbances to help build evidence of recurring supply issues.

Bolton Council is set to decide on plans to convert two units in Halliwell Business Park into a specialist events venue capable of hosting up to 350 people. The proposal includes noise‑control measures, restricted operating hours, accessibility improvements, and expanded parking arrangements. While transport and environmental assessments found no significant issues, residents raised concerns about noise, traffic, and potential disturbances. Planning officers noted the site’s existing mixed uses and former unrestricted industrial activity, concluding that, with conditions and legal agreements, the development complies with planning policy and would provide social and economic benefits.

Emergency services responded to a four‑vehicle collision on the eastbound M62 between junctions 18 and 19, where one person was taken to hospital and others were treated at the scene. Fire crews, police and ambulance teams secured the area, while lane closures caused delays for several hours as recovery and repairs to damaged roadside infrastructure were carried out.

Police are investigating a stabbing on Coniston Avenue in Farnworth in which a man in his 30s was injured but later discharged from the hospital. Two men, aged 35 and 39, were arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault and affray. Detectives are appealing for witnesses and seeking to reassure the community that the investigation is progressing quickly.

Police are seeking information following a disturbance after the Bolton Wanderers versus Bradford City match on May 9, releasing a CCTV image of a man believed to have relevant information. Greater Manchester Police requested the public’s assistance through phone, LiveChat and Crimestoppers, referencing log 1918 of the incident.

The Farnworth Streets for All project has moved into its second phase, prompting new roadworks on Market Street as part of a £5m initiative aimed at improving the coexistence of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists. Bolton Council clarified that the new work is not correcting errors from phase one but continues construction at the previous phase boundary, including preparation for green cycle lane surfacing. Phase one, begun in June 2024, included pavement upgrades, public space improvements near Home Bargains and installation of segregated cycle lanes. The overall project seeks to enhance safety through clearer separation of road users and to improve traffic flow through more efficient signal staging.

A long‑running Westhoughton painting and decorating shop, Decorsave, closed after owner Terry Whatmough chose to retire at age 80 following recent health issues. Customers visited to say goodbye, and the store’s closure ends more than two decades of service. Whatmough reflects on his career, family ties in the area, and the shop’s well‑known “free paste tomorrow” joke.

Two rare black‑necked grebes were photographed at Moses Gate Country Park, a notable sighting given the small number of breeding pairs in the UK. The birds were identified with guidance from RSPB forums, and local experts noted that while uncommon, grebes breed at several sites in the region. Descriptions of their appearance, breeding behavior, and preference for secluded nesting areas highlight their elusive nature. Population numbers have fluctuated since their first UK record in 1904 but have generally risen since the 1980s.

Farnworth Cemetery is receiving an extensive trim after complaints about overgrown grass and neglected grounds. Local councillors, Friends of Farnworth Cemetery representatives, and Bolton Council officers met to discuss maintenance challenges and agreed to a dedicated week-long effort by a four-person team. The council has shifted from a six-week to a four-week cutting rota and cited unusually warm and wet weather for rapid grass growth. Officials acknowledged public concerns and outlined a plan to restore acceptable standards across the site, which includes numerous Commonwealth war graves.

Two men from Greater Manchester were charged following the robbery of a vehicle and the assault of an emergency worker in Bolton. Police report that the victim was attacked while sitting in his car before it was stolen and later detected by ANPR cameras. Officers located the vehicle in Bury, where it collided with another car during the pursuit, with additional vehicles possibly damaged. Jordan O’Reilly faces multiple charges including robbery, dangerous driving and assaulting emergency workers, while Koby Boateng is charged with robbery and cannabis possession. Both were scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court.