Hannah Richardson

Mike Jones, a 69-year-old Bury resident, suffered severe blood loss after cutting his leg and allegedly faced delays in receiving help through his assisted-living care alarm. His family says the call handler failed to pass on crucial information about his blood thinners, did not immediately alert relatives and allegedly ended a follow-up call. Paramedics then reportedly spent about 10 minutes unable to enter the building because emergency access details had not been updated. Jones suffered a cardiac arrest in hospital and required resuscitation. Muir Group Housing Association expressed its support and said it was investigating with partners, while Tunstall Healthcare UK said its team followed the agreed protocols.

A Morrisons supermarket on Stanley Road in Whitefield received a food hygiene rating of two out of five after inspectors found widespread rodent and mouse droppings, a gnawed flour bag indicating possible food contamination, pest access points and extensive food debris in several food preparation areas. Bury Council cited significant failures in cleaning, disinfection, pest control and management oversight, and ordered a deep clean and repairs. Morrisons said it had taken immediate action, that a subsequent environmental health visit found improvements satisfactory, and that it had applied for a new rating.

Residents of Baguley Crescent in Prestwich say the estate has deteriorated over the past decade, citing violence, attempted murder, arson, squatters, fly-tipping, drug-related disorder, theft and poorly maintained properties. Residents and MP Christian Wakeford blame inadequate enforcement, absent or unscrupulous landlords and the council’s failure to secure or demolish a fire-damaged building and derelict garages. Bury Council says the problems are longstanding and complicated by mixed ownership, absent landlords and limited legal powers, while councillors and public agencies have carried out a community action day. Residents and political representatives argue that clean-ups alone will not solve the problems and are calling for stronger enforcement, landlord accountability and redevelopment.

Local leaders in Bury warn that illicit mini‑marts, vape shops and American candy stores are linked to organised crime, including drug dealing, money laundering and human trafficking. Recent raids uncovered large quantities of illegal tobacco and vapes, prompting the council to adopt a zero‑tolerance strategy and plan a borough‑wide summit to combat illegal trading. Councillors stress the impact on legitimate businesses, community safety and town‑centre vitality, with cross‑party support for stronger enforcement measures.

Bury Council approved masterplans for major developments at Elton Reservoir, Walshaw and Simister Bowlee, enabling around 6,300 new homes alongside schools, local centres, transport links and new roads. Council leader Eamonn O’Brien said the plans strengthen the authority’s ability to secure necessary infrastructure and reject substandard proposals, while opposition councillors and residents criticised greenbelt loss and pressures on local services. Conservative and Labour councillors expressed differing reservations but agreed on the need for strong oversight of developers. Full planning permission will still be required for each site, with assessments needed to demonstrate acceptable environmental and community impacts.