James Chittick

Students at EdStart Schools Bury celebrated improved GCSE results after overcoming exclusion from mainstream education and social, emotional and mental-health challenges. Across the EdStart group, 107 students sat GCSEs, with the proportion achieving four or more results rising from 44% to 51%, while 73% gained grades in both English Language and Maths. Individual students are progressing to further education or employment, and school leaders attributed the outcomes to tailored teaching, pastoral support, staff relationships and students’ perseverance.

A man was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences in the Pilkington Park area of Whitefield after residents raised concerns at a Police and Communities Together meeting. Greater Manchester Police said the arrest was made during targeted patrols by the Whitefield Neighbourhood Policing Team and was the second immigration-related arrest in the area. Officers said they would continue high-visibility patrols and work with residents and partner organizations to address local problems.

Rochdale Old Road near Bury Hospice and Fairfield Hospital will be closed overnight from 7pm to 6am for 19 nights, from August 17 to September 4, while Bury Council resurfaces the road. The road will remain open during the day, with diversions in place and a dedicated emergency-vehicle corridor providing access to Fairfield Hospital’s A&E department.

Bury Council is proposing to demolish 30 disused and badly deteriorated garages across three blocks on Heap Street and Charles Street in Whitefield. The structures have generated frequent complaints and contain asbestos cement roofing, which would be removed and disposed of under relevant safety and environmental regulations. The cleared sites would be levelled and made safe, with no redevelopment currently planned. Existing garage users would be offered relocation to refurbished units, and the council will assess the planning application at a later date.

Greater Manchester Police deployed mounted officers from the Radcliffe Neighbourhood Team on high-visibility patrols along Outwood Trail and nearby areas in response to reports of off-road bikes and drug dealing. Police have also seized an off-road bike in Whitefield and urged residents to report incidents through official and anonymous channels to help identify those responsible.

The Get Together Group provides twice-weekly dementia support sessions at The Goat’s Gate in Whitefield and The Woodthorpe in Prestwich, offering conversation, entertainment, refreshments and companionship for people living with dementia and their carers. Founded by Joseph Holt employee Sonia Schofield after caring for her grandmother, the informal pub setting is intended to reduce anxiety, challenge stigma and reinforce participants’ place in the community. The original group attracts around 50 people weekly, prompting a second venue and plans to expand to the Bay Horse in Urmston. Joseph Holt, which owns the pubs, supports the initiative as part of its community role.

Farm Cottage Boarding, located between Bolton and Bury, will host a charity car boot sale at Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary in Edenfield over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The event, organised as part of the sanctuary’s Business Battle for Rescue Animals challenge, will raise money for animals in Bleakholt’s care. Sellers can book pitches for £15 for a car or £20 for a small van, while shopper entry is free.

Bury Council and Greater Manchester Police seized hundreds of illegal cigarettes, tobacco pouches and vapes from eight premises in an operation targeting illicit tobacco, vaping products and counterfeit goods. The enforcement action comes alongside Andy Burnham’s proposals to give councils greater control over betting shops, vape stores and adult gaming centres, including new planning requirements and longer Closure Orders. Bury North MP James Frith welcomed the measures, which are intended to protect public health, support legitimate traders, limit criminal activity and help regenerate declining high streets.

Greater Manchester Police conducted a series of high-visibility Project Servator deployments in Bury, involving uniformed and plain-clothes officers, stop searches, and patrols intended to disrupt crime and detect suspicious activity. One vehicle was seized after its driver failed to stop, and the driver is expected to be reported. Police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour, while stressing that the routine deployments do not indicate a specific threat.

Developers have applied for permission in principle to build nine detached homes on 0.26 hectares of open space off Oak Avenue in Holcombe Brook, Ramsbottom. The wider 0.95-hectare site would largely remain public open space, with an illustrative plan proposing landscaping, ecological improvements, play facilities, a pond and upgraded footpaths. The applicant argues that the scheme would help address Bury’s recently confirmed five-year housing land supply shortfall while improving the retained green space. Bury Council will review the application, and any approval in principle would require a later Technical Details Consent application covering design, layout, access and landscaping.

Janet Pitts, a 68-year-old Bury grandmother, suffered a sudden massive brain haemorrhage at home and was transferred to Salford Royal Hospital for weeks of critical-care treatment. Although doctors initially warned her family that she might not survive, she has begun breathing independently, responding to commands and showing other signs of improvement, while facing severe brain injury and a long, uncertain rehabilitation. Her daughter Gemma Goswami and other relatives have launched a GoFundMe appeal to fund rehabilitation, equipment, home adaptations and family support; any surplus will go to NorthCare Charity's critical-care unit. The family is sharing Janet's experience to raise awareness of the unpredictable impact of brain haemorrhages.

Bury Council has approved a lawful development certificate allowing the former Floors To Go building at the corner of Millett Street and Bolton Street to be converted into an indoor padel court. The council determined that the existing retail use and proposed sporting use both fall within Use Class E, meaning full planning permission was not required. The vacant building, previously used as a carpet and flooring outlet for more than a decade, had been described as being in poor condition. A previous proposal to convert it into a boxing gym was approved in 2019 but was never implemented.

Mill Gate Shopping Centre in Bury has received a Gold Commonwealth Environment and Corporate Social Responsibility Award for its community work. The centre has raised more than £90,000 for good causes, converted vacant retail units into spaces for organizations including Veterans in Communities, Bury Hospice and The Met Theatre, and provided promotional support to local charities and community groups. Its accessibility and inclusion initiatives include a weekly Quiet Hour, free period products, stoma-friendly facilities, a food bank donation point, an honesty library, a Safe Space and a Hate Crime Reporting Centre. Centre manager Angela Tierney credited retailers, charities, volunteers, schools, community groups and visitors, while Mill Gate said it plans to expand its community programme.

An anonymous resident criticized Bury town centre as dirty, unsafe and visibly deteriorating, arguing that investment was concentrated in the borough’s south and focused too heavily on links with Manchester. Councillor Charlotte Morris rejected the claim that the centre is in decline, citing strong footfall, national and independent businesses, cultural attractions and Purple Flag status. She highlighted £33 million invested in Bury Market, an £80 million Interchange transformation, Mill Gate ownership, a planned food and drink hall, new town-centre housing and cleaning and enforcement initiatives. Morris acknowledged problems including illicit shops and antisocial behaviour but said the council was continuing to invest in a vibrant town centre with a strong future.

The government has announced £343 million to expand NHS mental health services in England, including 100 Community Mental Health Centres and 59 Mental Health Emergency Departments. New facilities in Greater Manchester are expected to improve early access to coordinated care and specialist crisis treatment, with openings beginning in autumn 2026 and further sites following from March 2027. Bury North MP James Frith welcomed the investment and said he would work with local health partners to ensure Bury benefits.

A donation-based Holcombe Hill Sunset Sound Bath is scheduled for August 23, following the popularity of the previous year's gathering. Organiser Teresa Jackson says the event will feature crystal sound healing, music, meditation, candles and sunset views, with attendees invited to participate in whatever way feels comfortable. Children, grandparents and dogs are welcome, no tickets are required, and visitors are advised to bring outdoor seating, warm clothing and candles.

A planning application has been submitted to Bury Council to convert the vacant and derelict property at 252 Bolton Road, Radcliffe, into three self-contained apartments. The proposed homes would include one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging from 45 to 90 square metres. The applicant says the scheme would bring the building back into use, provide additional housing, avoid greenfield development and support sustainable urban growth without extending the existing footprint or causing unacceptable effects on neighbours.

Bury Council approved the demolition of Pioneer Mill in Radcliffe after a prior approval application, despite some emergency demolition work already having taken place following fire, vandalism and safety concerns. The three-storey mill, outbuildings and chimney will be dismantled using a controlled method, with materials sorted for recycling. Conditions require protection and reinstatement of a nearby public right of way, ecological supervision because bats were found on the site, restrictions during bird-breeding season, and measures to prevent the spread of invasive species. The council concluded that these conditions would mitigate environmental, highway and public safety impacts.

INFANTTS is returning to Townside Primary Care Centre in Bury on Friday, August 7, to provide specialist assessments and support for babies with breastfeeding and infant-feeding difficulties. The clinic assesses conditions including tongue-tie and can provide frenulotomy where appropriate, alongside feeding advice and follow-up care. Appointments can be booked through the INFANTTS website or by phone, and the clinic operates in Bury every other week.

Bury Labour councillor and cabinet member Ayesha Arif is facing calls to resign after her son, Muhammad Zakir Arif, was jailed for terrorism-related offences. Opposition councillors George Martin and Shadman Zaman allege she failed to report warning signs after he expressed a desire to carry out a terrorist attack, and say she should clarify whether police, PREVENT or safeguarding agencies were contacted. They stress that she is not accused of involvement in his crimes. Arif condemned her son's conduct, said she had tried to support him amid mental health, neurodivergence and substance-misuse issues, and accused Reform politicians of exploiting a family tragedy. Her statement did not directly answer whether a referral was made, while Bury Council declined to comment.

Residents of Bury are invited to attend a Drumhead Service commemorating the Battle of Minden, fought in 1759 during the Seven Years' War. Organized by the Lancashire Fusiliers Association, the event includes wreath-laying ceremonies honoring those who died, including at a memorial plaque on Minden Parade. The battle is remembered as a major British victory in which the 20th Regiment of Foot, later the Lancashire Fusiliers, participated. The Fusilier Museum continues to preserve the regiment's connection to the battle through maps and contemporary journal accounts.

Labour and Co-operative candidate Bev Craig won the 2026 Greater Manchester mayoral election with 309,525 votes, defeating Reform UK's Sian Astley by more than 152,000 votes after second preferences were counted. Craig also won decisively in Bury, receiving 18,837 first-preference votes to Astley's 9,111. Bury's turnout was 28%, above the 25.14% regional turnout. The Conservatives finished third in Bury but fifth across Greater Manchester, while the Green Party was third region-wide and Restore Britain placed fourth in Bury. Labour therefore retained control of the Greater Manchester mayoralty.

Emma Warwick opened Oh So Tasty café in Radcliffe after an 18-year career in education, pursuing her long-standing ambition to run a food business and spend more time with family. The café has built a loyal customer base by using quality, locally sourced ingredients and offering dishes such as breakfast wraps, honey halloumi and avocado on toast, and Tasty Boxes. Food reviewer Just Jack TV gave everything sampled a 10/10 rating, helping raise the café’s profile online. Warwick is also offering low-cost children’s meals and lunch boxes during the school holidays, while the café has become a social hub for local residents. Despite taking a pay cut, she says she has no regrets and hopes to expand the business.

Businesses using the Tottington telephone exchange in Bury will face restrictions on ordering or upgrading copper-based phone and broadband services from August 19, 2026, where fibre is available. Crystaline warns that legacy connections may also support payment terminals, alarms, lift emergency lines and building-entry systems, and advises organisations to identify affected services and begin migration to digital alternatives. With most North West exchanges already in stop sell or scheduled to follow, delayed migration could lead to capacity-related delays, with typical transitions taking 30 to 60 days.

The Heaton Park Food and Drink Festival will return for its fifth anniversary over a weekend in August, featuring expanded entertainment and activities. New attractions include the Sizzling Showdown Arena, Viking Heritage Kitchen demonstrations and additional family performances, alongside live music, cookery demonstrations hosted by Makbul Patel, 32 independent food stalls, bars and an artisan market with more than 95 businesses. Final-release tickets are available.

Pub landlords in Bury cautiously welcomed a proposed 20% reduction in business rates for eligible pubs, social clubs and smaller live-music venues in England, which would add to existing relief and could save businesses an average of about £1,100 a year. Landlords said the measure could provide useful breathing space but warned that rising utility bills, National Insurance costs, employment expenses and changing drinking habits continue to threaten the hospitality sector. They also stressed the community role of local pubs, particularly for older customers, and called for wider support and meaningful implementation details. The additional relief is expected to begin next April, with eligibility to be confirmed in the autumn Budget.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended a fire near a building at St Mary's Park in Prestwich shortly before 8.30pm on July 23. Crews made the area safe and remained for about an hour; no injuries were reported. Social-media users alleged that items had been set alight and that youths were present, but authorities did not confirm that the fire was deliberate, and no arrests had been made.

Residents near Woodgate Hill in Bury are invited to a public information session about United Utilities’ Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme. Construction preparations at Woodgate Hill Water Treatment Works are expected to begin in August, with enabling works planned for 2026 and Cascade Infrastructure due to replace six ageing tunnel sections later this year. The wider £2.5 billion–£2.9 billion programme will refurbish the 110-kilometre aqueduct, which supplies about 2.5 million customers across Lancashire and Greater Manchester, while creating hundreds of jobs. The drop-in event will be held at St John the Baptist Church on Castle Hill Road on August 4 from 10am to 7pm.

Greater Manchester Police officers from the Bury Neighbourhood Team stopped 52 vehicles during Operation Halt in Whitefield and issued 29 Traffic Offence Reports. The offences included 14 seatbelt violations, eight speeding offences, six non-conforming registration plates and one mobile phone offence. Police also seized four vehicles, removed an unroadworthy vehicle from the road and dealt with a disqualified driver. GMP said targeted operations would continue across the borough to deter dangerous and illegal driving and reduce the risk of serious collisions.

Greater Manchester Police issued an urgent appeal to locate two 13‑year‑old girls, Ayesha and Aeryn, who were last seen separately in Ramsbottom but are believed to be together. Officers, increasingly concerned for their safety, said the pair may have travelled across Bury or into Manchester city centre and urged the public to report any information using specified police log numbers.

Residents on Ivy Road in Bury won £1,000 each after their postcode BL8 2PN was selected in the People’s Postcode Lottery daily draw, continuing a streak of recent local wins. The lottery awards daily cash prizes to players who subscribe using their postcode, with a portion of ticket revenue supporting a range of charitable causes. Earlier wins in April brought more than £500,000 to other Bury streets, including large prizes on Railway Street. The lottery has raised billions for charities, and the latest draw adds to the community’s recent run of good luck.

Radcliffe Road Baptist Church in Bury is inviting community members to an open day on September 12 to celebrate the 40th anniversaries of its Ladybird Toddlers and Friday Club groups. The event aims to reunite past and present participants and highlight the church’s long-standing role in supporting local families since its re-establishment at the current site in 1986.

A filmmaker from Bury is preparing the second edition of the Membrana Film Festival, set for August 2026 at CULTPLEX Cinema in Manchester, featuring 25 films across multiple genres. Founder Mike Marks aims to support local and emerging filmmakers while attracting international work. The festival highlights include award-nominated short films and a mix of short-film blocks and feature presentations. Marks has also assisted in developing the new Bury Film Festival with a focus on hyperlocal filmmaking. Submissions and ticket sales have grown since the festival’s first year, and future plans include networking sessions, panels, and educational partnerships.

Demolition of the fire-damaged Pioneer Mill in Radcliffe is progressing ahead of a pending planning decision after Bury Council approved separate building-control measures due to structural dangers. Concerns raised about asbestos handling, safety procedures and site management led to inquiries with the Health and Safety Executive, which confirms an assessment is ongoing. Bury Council maintains demolition is proceeding lawfully under safety conditions, while Ashworth Demolition states asbestos has been managed appropriately by licensed specialists and supporting documentation is available. Two major fires in 2025 and 2026 left the structure unstable, prompting the need for demolition, and the site is expected to be cleared for future redevelopment.

A long-serving Fairfield Primary School teacher, Karen Tomlinson, retires after 32 years in education, including 26 years at the Bury school. Colleagues highlight her contributions across multiple roles, her commitment to inclusion, and her influence on pupils, families, and staff. The school praises her leadership, compassion, and lasting impact on the community as she begins her retirement.

Bury Council approved an outline planning application for a new warehouse next to Genesis House on Stopes Road in Radcliffe, submitted by Go Wallpaper. Planning officers deemed the commercial site suitable for further development, noting alignment with employment land policies. Some residents objected over traffic, HGV activity, noise, lighting and access issues, although later comments accepted the plan with limits on vehicle movements. The council concluded the project would not significantly increase heavy vehicle disruption and imposed conditions relating to ground investigations, ecology, lighting, drainage, carbon reduction and biodiversity net gain. The site carries moderate contamination risks and lies within a Coal Authority high‑risk area, requiring further assessments. Biodiversity net gain will be achieved through offsite credits. The application includes some council-owned land, though related covenants fall outside the planning process.

Transport for Greater Manchester recommended new pedestrian crossings, improved cycling connections, and a review of bus services as part of a proposed mixed‑use development of up to 350 homes off Walmersley Road. The organisation accepted the developers’ transport assessment but called for additional studies, including an expanded traffic analysis area and checks on local walking routes. Residents have raised concerns about traffic, environmental impact, and strain on local services, while developers dispute the need for a full Environmental Impact Assessment. Bury Council is still considering the application.

FoodCycle is seeking volunteers across Greater Manchester to help transform surplus food into free three‑course community meals during July and August. The organisation faces a summer shortage due to holidays and shifting volunteer availability, needing more than 8,500 volunteer slots filled nationwide. Local projects in Prestwich, Salford, Oldham, Levenshulme and Wythenshawe continue to serve thousands of meals while addressing food poverty and loneliness. Charity leaders emphasise the rising demand for support and encourage residents to sign up and assist through various volunteer roles.

Police in Bury arrested a man who fled down a cobbled street after failing to stop for officers. He was caught shortly after abandoning his vehicle and providing false details. Police identified and detained him on suspicion of driving offences, obstructing an officer, and failing to appear in court for theft-related matters. He remains in custody as part of ongoing neighbourhood policing efforts targeting crime and traffic offences.

Research identifies Bury as one of the UK's most affected areas for invasive plants, with high densities of Himalayan balsam and Japanese knotweed. Data from SAM Conveyancing and Environet places Bury second in Greater Manchester for invasive plant sightings and highlights the financial and legal risks knotweed poses to homeowners. Experts advise vigilance and proper management plans to protect property values and ensure mortgage eligibility.

Garden City Medical Centre achieved the highest patient satisfaction rating in Bury in the 2026 NHS GP Patient Survey, significantly outperforming the national average. Practice manager Nicola Guffogg credited the success to a patient‑first culture, strong teamwork and an emphasis on compassion, communication and continuity of care. The practice balances digital access with traditional contact methods and regularly reviews feedback to guide improvements. Despite pressures on general practice nationwide, the leadership aims to maintain high standards by adapting, supporting staff and staying responsive to patient needs.

Reform UK mayoral candidate Sian Astley has supported efforts to restore and reopen Bury’s historic Castle Armoury, meeting campaigners and backing a Bury Council motion urging its removal from the market. The council called for a detailed plan on repair costs and funding options and will seek support from local MPs to secure part of a national funding programme. Campaigners want the building preserved for community and cultural use, though decisions ultimately rest with the Bury and Heywood Drill Halls Trust, which owns the site.

Bury Council announced that green bin collections scheduled for July 16 will occur on July 18 due to ongoing delays. Residents are asked to leave bins out the night before or by 7 a.m. as crews work to catch up following recent disruptions, including changes made during a heatwave.

More than 70 staff from Tower Family Health Care participated in the Burrs Community Run to promote physical activity and community wellbeing. The event, organised by The Sunnywood Project, encouraged participants to run or walk 2km or 5km and highlighted the practice’s commitment to the Active Practice Charter. Local officials praised the initiative for supporting healthier lifestyles and strengthening community engagement.

A charity fun day at Openshaw Park in Bury will raise funds for Bury Cancer Support, featuring more than 30 stalls, traditional fairground rides from Billy Hill’s fun fair, animal displays, games and tombolas. Organised by the Bury Lions Club with support from the Bury Blind Society and Rotary of Tottington & Bury West, the annual event aims to support the independent cancer support centre that relies entirely on donations.

The 2026 NHS GP Patient Survey shows significant differences in patient satisfaction among GP practices in Bury. The Birches Medical Centre received the highest overall experience rating at 90 percent, followed by Radcliffe Medical Practice and Knowsley Medical Centre. Rock Healthcare Limited had the lowest satisfaction rating at 55 percent, with Whittaker Lane Medical Centre also performing poorly. The survey revealed wide variation in how easily patients could contact their GP by phone, with Greyland Medical Centre performing best and Whittaker Lane worst. Six practices exceeded the national average satisfaction rating, while eight fell below it.

Former Elton High School headteacher Neil Scruton has stepped down as vice‑chair of governors after more than 40 years of service. His tenure included significant improvements in academic results, securing specialist visual arts status and leading a successful campaign for a £12 million school redevelopment. Known for building strong relationships with families and maintaining openness, he continued contributing through governance roles and initiatives long after his retirement. His departure marks the end of an era for a figure credited with transforming the school’s reputation and infrastructure.

A garden designer urges Bury Council to increase residential street‑tree planting to reduce heat, improve air quality, and support biodiversity. He argues that hotter summers are driving residents toward costly air‑conditioning and outlines the environmental and practical benefits of well‑chosen tree species. Bury Council responds positively, highlighting existing planting efforts, including more than 1,100 trees added in 2024–25, and reiterates its commitment to expanding tree cover and supporting the region’s carbon‑neutral goal for 2038.

Bury Council approved Peel Brow Primary School’s plan to replace its deteriorating perimeter fence with a taller 2.4‑metre mesh barrier to address safeguarding and crime concerns. Planning officers concluded the fencing would not harm the conservation area and would not affect public footpaths or residential views. The project is funded through the Government’s Condition Improvement Fund, awarded for security and safeguarding improvements. The school cites the need to meet Department for Education height requirements, protect pupils from intruders and road hazards, and comply with statutory safety obligations, with work expected to begin in summer 2026. Several other Bury education providers also secured funding for safety‑related upgrades.

Drainage work has begun at two properties near a stalled development on Tanners Street in Ramsbottom, where residents have long raised concerns about land instability and safety. Although United Utilities is installing a new wastewater connection, the company emphasises that the work addresses only those properties and does not resolve the wider slope and drainage issues linked to the unfinished development abandoned after the builder entered liquidation. Local councillor Gareth Staples-Jones reports progress after coordinating discussions among residents, council officers and agencies, but major questions about land stability and the future of the site remain unresolved.

Bury Council approved masterplans for major developments at Elton Reservoir, Walshaw and Simister Bowlee, enabling around 6,300 new homes along with schools, transport upgrades and local centres. Many residents criticised the plans, citing loss of greenbelt land, traffic pressures and overstretched public services, while Conservative councillors echoed concerns over environmental and infrastructure impacts. Supporters argued the housing is needed to address shortages and bring investment. Labour councillors maintained that structured planning allows the council to demand infrastructure commitments. The adopted masterplans do not grant planning permission, and developers will need to show that impacts on services, traffic and the environment can be managed.

A Ramsbottom councillor reported progress on resolving two growing sinkholes on Church Close after coordinating with residents and council highways officials, thanking locals for their patience. The councillor said earlier challenges stemmed from the site not being part of the public highway but confirmed that a solution has now been agreed. A former resident noted similar issues in the past, prompting acknowledgment of previous poor construction work.

Nearly 8,000 potholes were recorded across Bury between 2023 and 2026, highlighting road safety concerns and increasing costs for repairs and compensation. Spending on repairs totalled more than £3.5 million, while payouts for damage and injury exceeded £500,000. A legal expert criticised inadequate maintenance, arguing it leads to injuries and financial hardship. Bury Council said road safety remains a priority, outlining emergency repair procedures and significant investment in preventative resurfacing and maintenance aimed at reducing future defects.

James Frith publicly endorses Andy Burnham for Labour leader, praising his record as Greater Manchester Mayor and his ability to connect with voters. Burnham returned to Parliament after winning the Makerfield by‑election, prompting Keir Starmer’s resignation and triggering the leadership contest. Frith argues that Burnham can restore hope, accelerate change and unite the country, with Burnham potentially becoming prime minister if unopposed by July 20.

A Greater Manchester woman with advanced breast cancer is urgently fundraising for private access to a drug the NHS will not fund due to eligibility and cost‑effectiveness rules. After her latest chemotherapy stopped working, her family launched an appeal seeking over £200,000 for treatment with Sacituzumab Govitecan, while another drug, Enhurtu, is available in Scotland but not in the rest of the UK. Despite praising NHS staff, the family criticizes restrictive access criteria and rejected exceptional funding requests. They are appealing for donations as they work to secure treatment that could extend her life.

A man sustained potentially life‑changing injuries after a collision between a bicycle and a car on Brandlesholme Road in Bury. The incident occurred shortly after midday, prompting Greater Manchester Police to close the road for several hours while emergency services responded. The injured man remains in hospital, and no arrests have been made. Bury Council advised the public to avoid the area, and bus services later returned to normal once the road reopened.

A third-generation family business in Bury marks six decades of operation, sustaining its independence through a focus on service, craftsmanship and UK-made products. Founded by Tom Sandiford in 1966, Bury Bed Centre continues under grandchildren Sam Brett and Emily, who emphasize personal service, heritage and quality amid pressures from online competition and rising costs. The company operates from its long-standing Victorian building, preserving historic features and uncovering pieces of its past while maintaining strong ties to the community and its loyal customer base.

A long‑established Bury nursery, Little Holcombe, is marking its 25th anniversary, highlighting its strong community presence, high staff retention and multiple Outstanding Ofsted ratings. Owners Linda and Stuart Butterworth credit their focus on staff wellbeing, emotional support for children and a family‑like environment for the nurseries’ success. Sister site Tower View Nursery shares similar achievements, and both settings offer enriching experiences beyond the classroom. Staff will celebrate the milestone with a special event recognizing their dedication.

A Eurovision-themed showcase at St Andrews CE Primary School in Ramsbottom featured performances by pupils from all year groups, celebrating notable songs from the contest’s history. The event aimed to build confidence and performance skills, with teachers praising student engagement. A parallel poetry event included class performances and an original poetry competition, with winners receiving medals. The activities emphasized the school’s commitment to creativity and the arts.

Temperatures in Bury are forecast to reach 30C on Friday, surpassing expected highs in Tenerife, Lisbon and Nice, and matching Miami. The heat marks a return of UK heatwave conditions, with steadily rising temperatures through the week and clear skies across the North West. Residents are advised to enjoy the warm weather while taking precautions such as staying hydrated and seeking shade, as the country experiences another period of above‑average heat.

Gustaffson will perform an acoustic set at Bury’s Wax & Beans on August 23, 2026, showcasing songs from their debut album and participating in a Q&A with producer Craig Potter of Elbow. Frontman Andrew Gower describes the band’s rapid growth, its roots in storytelling, and its strong Northern identity. The band’s collaborations with notable actors and musicians, along with expanding live shows and a completed second album, underscore their momentum as they continue to build a dedicated fanbase.

A Bury Council licensing panel refused Bubble Gum City’s alcohol licence following evidence of counterfeit cigarette sales, illicit vapes, unsafe toys and repeated underage sales confirmed through test purchases, complaints and intelligence reports. Trading Standards and Greater Manchester Police urged refusal, citing risks to crime prevention, child protection and public safety. Despite the licence holder’s denial of wrongdoing, councillors deemed him unable to meet statutory licensing objectives.

A fallen branch on the overhead line near Radcliffe halted Metrolink services between Bury and Whitefield, affecting routes toward Altrincham and Piccadilly. Transport for Greater Manchester enabled ticket acceptance on multiple Bee Network bus services while engineers worked to clear the obstruction. Passengers were advised to allow extra travel time as efforts continued to restore normal operations.

Reactions to Andy Burnham’s visit to Bury were split, with supporters praising his backing of Bev Craig’s campaign and critics questioning his priorities and constituency focus. Burnham emphasised unity and Greater Manchester’s achievements while promoting policies centred on devolution, regional economic growth and expanded public control over essential services. Bev Craig announced a plan to extend free bus travel for teenagers. Burnham later outlined national pledges including a Number 10 North hub to shift government functions to Manchester, a large-scale council housebuilding programme and long-term strategies to reduce living costs and drive reindustrialisation.

The Millie's Cookies store at The Rock Shopping Centre in Bury is ending its franchise agreement and reopening as The Cookie Giants after 15 years. The store will retain its ownership and staff, continue selling freshly baked and personalised cookies, and add stuffed cookies, cookie pies and new flavours. It will also introduce online ordering, alcohol-free flavourings and revised opening hours.