James Mcneill

Shloff has opened a luxury bed showroom at 130 Bury New Road in Prestwich. The showroom displays 36 bespoke bed designs and offers fabric selections, design consultations and customization options including headboard height, base style, storage, fabric and size. Co-founder Darren Cohen said the company aims to create individually tailored beds, all handcrafted in Britain.

Blue Cross in Radcliffe has taken in 42 kittens during the first half of the year, matching its total for all of the previous year. The charity attributes the rise in unwanted litters partly to owners delaying neutering because of financial pressures and suspects some kittens are being abandoned by breeders unable to find buyers. It expects the situation to worsen during the summer breeding season and is seeking donations, foster carers, volunteers and adopters, highlighting the intensive care required by orphaned kittens such as Gamma and UV.

Hoot Savings & Loans has merged with Manchester Credit Union, bringing Hoot’s members and Bolton branch under the Manchester Credit Union brand. The combined not-for-profit credit union will have 36,500 members, £19.3 million in savings and an £18.6 million loan book, expanding access to ethical and affordable financial services across Bolton and Bury. Hoot CEO Chris Canham will retire, while the Bolton branch and staff will remain in place and accounts will transfer automatically. The merger will also extend Manchester Credit Union’s community financial education programme.

Bury is expected to have a mix of sunshine, cloud and showers over the weekend. Saturday will bring scattered afternoon showers and highs of 19–21°C, while Sunday will be warmer and mostly cloudy with fewer showers and highs of 20–22°C. Both nights should remain largely dry, with temperatures falling to around 12–14°C.

Akin, a patient receiving support on West Hampton Ward at Cygnet Bury Hudson, has been shortlisted for the Individual Progress Award at the National Lived Experience Awards. His nomination highlights major improvements since admission, including using music and songwriting to support his recovery, as well as helping fellow patients and contributing ideas to improve hospital services. The awards, hosted by Cygnet Group, are due to be presented at Statfold Country Park in Tamworth.

People in Bury are being encouraged to use Diabetes UK’s free online Know Your Risk tool to assess their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Research commissioned in connection with a Tesco and Diabetes UK partnership found that 71% of 2,000 surveyed UK adults had never checked their risk, while many were unaware that an online assessment was available. Diabetes UK estimates that around 6.9 million people in the UK are at increased risk, although early awareness and lifestyle changes can prevent or delay many cases. Tesco pharmacies will also offer advice, with most respondents saying they would feel comfortable discussing their risk with a pharmacist.

Lancashire County Council has temporarily closed Public Footpath FP1403236 in Ramsbottom, including the section crossing Closes Bridge over Cheesden Brook, because of public safety concerns. The closure began on July 20 and may last up to six months, although it could end earlier if necessary works are completed. Access to nearby premises, emergency vehicles and public rights of way officers will be maintained.

Bury environmental health officers inspected local food businesses over the previous two weeks using Food Standards Agency criteria covering facility cleanliness, food safety procedures and food handling. ARAMARK Defence Services Limited, Best Meat UK, Caterplus at McCarthy & Stone’s Broadfield Court, Seedlings Day Nursery and Trust House all received the top rating of five, meaning very good. Ratings may change following subsequent reinspections.

Demolition of Prestwich’s Longfield Centre is expected to begin in early August and continue into the new year as part of a £100 million regeneration scheme led by Bury Council and Muse through Prestwich Regeneration LLP. The work will start with an internal strip-out before full demolition, with measures to manage noise, dust, vibration and traffic disruption. Some businesses and pedestrian routes will remain accessible, although part of Rectory Lane will close for about four weeks. The redevelopment is planned to include 248 build-to-rent apartments, a market hall, library, green spaces and an enlarged village square, while a £14 million travel hub is expected to be completed this summer.

The Heaton Park Food and Drink Festival will return on August 1 and 2 with a full schedule of live cookery demonstrations featuring 12 chefs, bakers and nutrition experts. Hosted by Makbul Patel, the programme includes local culinary figures showcasing a range of cuisines and cooking styles, from Indian comfort dishes to low-waste British cooking. Notable participants include Mary-Ellen McTague, Barrington Douglas and Junior Bake Off champion Fin Woodward. Tickets and additional details are available through the festival’s website.

A children’s disability support service operated by Action for Children in partnership with Bury Council marked its 25th anniversary with a celebration at the Eldon Centre. The programme, which provides short breaks and inclusive activities for young people aged five to 18, was praised for its long-standing impact on families in the community. Former service user Kobi, now a staff member, shared how the service shaped his experiences and inspired his interest in baking and catering studies. Staff highlighted the service’s evolution, expanding activities to include sensory play, outdoor trips and holiday programmes aimed at building confidence, creativity and social connection.

Bury Council validated multiple planning applications, including amendments to previously approved developments, proposed changes of use for residential and commercial properties, home extensions, and the discharge of planning conditions tied to infrastructure projects such as Metrolink. Locations across Bury, Prestwich and Radcliffe feature proposals ranging from certificates for lawful development to operational management requirements for transport-related construction.

Fifteen parks and cemeteries in Bury retained Green Flag Awards for 2026, with eight sites holding the status for 21 consecutive years. Bury Council highlighted the value of well‑maintained green spaces, while Keep Britain Tidy praised the work of staff and volunteers in meeting award standards.

The Bury Food and Drink Festival returns July 24–26, featuring more than 70 food and drink traders across Bury town centre. Highlights include Beers & Bands on Bank Street, a Hong Kong Market in Kay Gardens, and offerings from local and international vendors. Fringe events will host live music and themed activities at venues throughout the town. Organised by Bury BID with support from Bury Market and Bury Council, the free festival aims to attract visitors from across the North West with food, drink and entertainment.

Zip World is offering discounted prices and free children’s meals across select locations for the summer holidays at its Manchester site in Heaton Park, supported by a temporary UK Government VAT reduction. The promotion includes reduced-rate bookings for the Full Trek high-ropes course and access to the Forest Tubing slide, aiming to encourage families to spend more time outdoors during the holiday period.

Children under 16 can bowl for free before midday throughout the school summer holidays at King Pins venues in Manchester, with the offer valid until August 31 when accompanied by a paying adult. The promotion is part of the company’s Summer Voucher Campaign, which provides weekly discounts, and both the Manchester Arndale and Trafford Palazzo sites feature a range of additional entertainment options.

Four recent death notices report the passings of Mavis I Brooks, James Albert Ryder, Geoffrey Gee and Dwayne Michael BEM Wells, providing brief details about their lives, ages and surviving family members, with links to full notices for condolences.

Bury Council is reviewing several newly validated planning applications, including multiple residential extensions, loft conversions, and prior approval requests for demolition works at former mill sites in Whitefield, Bury, Radcliffe, and surrounding areas.

Environmental health inspectors issued new food hygiene ratings across Bury, awarding seventeen kitchens the top five‑star score and several others four or three stars. Ratings were based on Food Standards Agency guidelines assessing cleanliness, food handling and safety management. The roundup includes schools, restaurants, cafés, care homes and service‑station outlets inspected between late June and early July 2026.

Two Tottington High School students raised £1,000 for Millie’s Time, a charity supporting bereaved parents. One student ran 5km each morning while the other organised a community car wash. The charity was founded by staff member Sarah Dandy in memory of her daughter. School leaders praised the students for their compassion and community spirit, noting the funds will help families across the UK.

Regeneration projects across Bury, including developments in Radcliffe and Prestwich, are advancing as part of a major investment programme backed by nearly £1.8 million in funding. Recent council decisions support the Local Plan, Housing Strategy, and completion of the Prestwich Travel Hub, while work continues on the Radcliffe town centre hub and Enterprise Centre. Council leaders highlight visible progress in town centre improvements, business support, redevelopment of brownfield sites, and efforts to strengthen the local economy.

Fuel prices in Bury are compared across major petrol stations, with Tesco offering the lowest prices for both unleaded and diesel. Listings from Esso, Shell, Asda and BP show slight price variations across locations, based on data from petrolprices.com.

The latest death notices from Bury include announcements for Jack Branagan, Paul Chambers and John Anthony Cooper, offering brief details about their passing, family members and funeral arrangements, and directing readers to full notices for further information.

WHN Solicitors has appointed Rudy Fendlen as director and head of employment law to expand the firm’s services for North West businesses. He will work alongside CEO Michael Shroot, who highlighted Fendlen’s value in advising owner‑managed firms without in‑house HR support. Fendlen emphasised the need for businesses to adapt to changes under the new Employment Rights Act and stressed the importance of clear legal structures to manage risk and resolve disputes efficiently.

Hot and sunny weather is forecast for Bury over the weekend, with temperatures on Saturday expected to peak around 28C and feel hotter due to humidity. Conditions remain mostly dry with only a slight chance of showers later in the day. Sunday will be marginally cooler with highs of 23C to 25C and a greater chance of scattered light showers, though generally mild and partly cloudy throughout.

Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary has been chosen again as The Rock Shopping Centre’s charity partner following a public vote. The renewed partnership aims to expand on last year’s fundraising success of more than £4,500 through continued events and campaigns running until 2027. Leaders from both organisations expressed appreciation for community support and highlighted the ongoing benefits for animal care and related projects.

A split-level four-bedroom home in Kirkburn View, Bury has been listed for £450,000, offering 180‑degree countryside views over Kirklees Country Trail. Marketed by Pearson Ferrier, the property includes upper-level living spaces with a balcony, a fitted kitchen, and a polished stone fireplace, while the lower ground floor provides four bedrooms, including an en‑suite main room and a modern family bathroom. The house, built in the 1980s, features direct garden access, contemporary finishes, and integrated appliances.

Bury Council validated several new planning applications, including multiple home extensions, changes of use for residential and commercial properties, demolition and construction of extensions, and proposals such as converting office space into a synagogue and a takeaway into a restaurant.

A Rochdale family is seeking information about possible asbestos exposure that led to the mesothelioma death of Eleftheria Yiatrou, who worked in Manchester textile mills during the 1960s. Her relatives have engaged Irwin Mitchell solicitors to investigate conditions at mills operated by Abraham Moss and Cromer Ring Mill. Yiatrou, originally from Cyprus, fell ill in early 2025 and died later that year after returning to Cyprus to be with family. They hope former colleagues will provide details to support the investigation and raise awareness on Action Mesothelioma Day.

A redevelopment of the former Heywood Ropeworks site is nearing completion, delivering 72 affordable homes through a partnership led by Places for People and Westchurch Homes. Supported by Homes England and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the project combines regeneration with social value initiatives, including school donations and planned career activities. Local MP Elsie Blundell praised the development for increasing access to quality housing and supporting community engagement. Final handovers are expected this month.

Tottington Primary School is marking its 50th anniversary with a term-long project exploring its history, present and future, alongside themed events including a Popstar Day and technology exhibition by The Code Show. Pupils will perform classic school songs, and time capsules will be buried to represent the school community in 2026. The celebrations also honour Mrs Kennedy, who is retiring after more than three decades of service.

Recent death notices from the Bury area report the peaceful passing of several residents, with brief tributes summarizing their ages, family relationships and places of residence. Each notice directs readers to the full memorial page and invites condolences from the community.

A remodelled three-bedroom semi-detached home on Springside Road in Walmersley is listed for £390,000 through eXp World UK. The property features an open-plan kitchen and family area with bi-fold doors, landscaped gardens with countryside views, multiple terraces, and smart home technology including integrated AV systems and CCTV. The house includes a bay-fronted living room, office or playroom, utility room, three bedrooms, and a modern bathroom. Its location offers access to scenic walking routes and proximity to Bury and Ramsbottom amenities, with the agent highlighting its rarity and recommending early viewing.

A three-year-old cockapoo named Riley plays a key role in supporting pupils’ emotional, social and academic development at Holly Mount Primary R.C School in Bury. Integrated into the school since puppyhood, Riley helps particularly with SEND pupils by easing anxiety, improving communication and encouraging engagement. Staff and parents describe her presence as calming and beneficial during daily routines, and the school has implemented a supervised wellbeing programme to ensure her safe involvement in activities such as reading groups and emotional support sessions.