Former Oldham mayor Dr Zahid Chauhan has expressed 'deep concerns' following an incident at Manchester Central Mosque where a man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon and class B drugs. The incident occurred at approximately 8:40pm on February 24 when a white male in a high-viz jacket entered the mosque during Taraweeh prayers with a large bag. Greater Manchester Police arrested a man in his 50s and seized weapons including an axe and knife. Assistant Chief Constable John Webster confirmed the incident is not being treated as terrorism but is being investigated by Counter Terrorism Policing North West. Police are also seeking a second suspect described as a black man in his late 40s wearing a grey hoody and navy blue jacket.
The Tandle Hill Tavern, a pub near Oldham on Thornham Lane, has issued a public statement defending its staff against 'rude' and 'intimidating' customers. The pub addressed complaints about muddy floors, explaining that 98% of customers bring mud in from the surrounding countryside. They also responded to a one-star Google review about a pre-booked table that was originally for two people but was booked on their busiest day. The pub clarified they can only seat 35 people in the main room and 10 in the snug area, and that dogs are welcome with healthy treats available. The statement emphasized they are 'not the Ritz' but a 'proper old fashioned British pub' and that 'it's not to everyone's taste and that's ok.'
Greater Manchester Police responded to reports of a concern for welfare near Thatcher Street, Oldham at 9:15am on February 23, 2026. A man was found dead by attending officers at Snipe Clough, a nature reserve linking to Alexandra Park. The area was cordoned off by police, though it's unclear if the cordon remains today. Police stated there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death. Social media users described the incident as 'heartbreaking' and expressed condolences.
Oldham Youth Council has been credited with helping shape a government bill to lower the UK voting age to 16. MP Jim McMahon, who represents Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, introduced the Representation of the People Bill to the Commons earlier this month. The bill is based on work McMahon did with Oldham Youth Council in 2017, when they drafted a Private Members' Bill together. The council advocated for lowering the voting age, tougher political donation rules, zero tolerance of foreign interference, automatic voter registration, and measures against intimidation. McMahon previously won a Youth Voice Champion award for his campaign work on the issue.
Oldham Youth Council has been credited with helping shape a government bill to lower the UK voting age to 16. MP Jim McMahon, who represents Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, introduced the Representation of the People Bill to the Commons earlier this month. The bill is based on work McMahon did with Oldham Youth Council in 2017, when they drafted a Private Members' Bill together. The council advocated for lowering the voting age, tougher political donation rules, zero tolerance of foreign interference, automatic voter registration, and protection from intimidation. McMahon's 2017 bill ran out of time but earned him a Youth Voice Champion award. He praised the council for never stopping their leadership on the issue.
Several Oldham pubs have been recognised for their long-standing inclusion in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide, with some featured more than 20 times over the organisation's 50-year history. The White Hart in Lydgate has been included 21 times, while the Ashton Arms on Clegg Street received special recognition for 21 consecutive years of inclusion. Other notable entries include the Swan Inn in Dobcross (22 editions), Tandle Hill Tavern (32 times), and Cross Keys in Uppermill (46 mentions). The Puckersley Inn in Royton stands out as the only pub to have been included in both the 1975 and 2025 editions of the guide, earning an award presented by branch deputy chairman Mike Robinson in July 2025.
Imran Choudhury, 41, from South Chadderton, fell 200ft from the Trinnacle rock formation in Peak District National Park on February 23, 2021 while training for a charity climb. The avid walker fainted while posing for a photo and suffered skull fractures, brain injuries, spinal bone fracture, shattered shoulder, broken ankle, and a leg hanging by skin. He was airlifted to Sheffield Northern General Hospital after a three-hour rescue involving Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Oldham Mountain Rescue, and Coast Guard Helicopter. Choudhury spent two months in hospital including 19 days in coma during COVID-19 lockdown, unable to eat or move without help. Five years later, he continues fundraising through his website coinsandcollectibles.co.uk.
A new Lidl supermarket has officially opened at the Hollinwood Junction site in Oldham, marking another milestone in the town's retail expansion. The opening is part of the broader Building a Better Oldham regeneration programme, which has also seen the historic Old Library building brought back to public use. Oldham Council has unveiled major developments for the town centre at the Town Centre Forum, with plans to transform key areas as part of the ongoing regeneration efforts. The Old Library, a much-loved building, is being repurposed as part of Oldham's transformation, with a new exhibition at Gallery Oldham looking forward to its next chapter.
Gallery Oldham hosts multiple exhibitions including 'Women Portraits: Trades & Professions' celebrating women's labour, 'Indian Perspectives' featuring over 100 works exploring UK-India connections, and 'In Which Language Do We Dream?' examining a Syrian family's experience. Festival Oldham returns to Oldham Town Centre with the Summer Music Festival. The historic Oldham Coliseum Theatre building will reopen in 2026 after delays. Local artists are invited to submit work for The Oldham Open exhibition. Two major venues received £564,375 funding for modernisation. Sarah Lancashire, known for Coronation Street and Happy Valley, received New Year Honours for services to drama.
Oldham Libraries has been awarded a Met Strong rating from Arts Council England, recognising its national standing. The service is promoting 2026 as the National Year of Reading to encourage residents to rediscover libraries. Royton Town Hall and Library have reopened following a major restoration that returned the building to its original Victorian splendour. Oldham Archives will temporarily close over summer 2025 while relocating to a purpose-built new home in the redeveloped Spindles Centre. Gallery Oldham is hosting an exhibition looking forward to the next chapter in the history of the Old Library building.
Independent councillors in Oldham have formed an electoral alliance with George Galloway's Workers Party ahead of the 2026 local elections. The Oldham Group, one of the largest opposition groups in Oldham Council, will field two joint candidates: Rangzaib Nazir in Werneth and Saqib Javaid in South Chadderton. The partnership emerged after a meeting on September 23, 2025, between the groups. The Workers Party, founded by former MP George Galloway, describes itself as socialist and working class, with socially conservative views and anti-Nato stance. The Oldham Group consists of independents and former Conservatives who campaigned on anti-Labour and pro-Palestine platforms in 2024.
Environmental health officers in Oldham have inspected local food businesses over the past fortnight, assessing cleanliness, food safety procedures, and hygiene standards according to Food Standards Agency guidelines. Ratings from five to zero are awarded, with five being the best. Coffee 3:16 at Hope Church, 30 Eastway, Shaw, received a top rating of five on February 4. Moorhaven Care Home at 193 Ripponden Road also achieved a five-star rating on February 11. Businesses may have been reinspected since these assessments.
The Egyptian Room food hall in Oldham opened over a year ago in the restored Old Town Hall building. Despite its Victorian grandeur and five food traders including Ply, Tuk Tuk, The Famous Sumo, Smash n Dunk, and Seacoles, the venue faces low footfall issues. During a Tuesday afternoon visit, only four traders were open with around five tables occupied. The Eatery Bakery left after six months citing insufficient footfall. Local residents interviewed said they rarely visit, preferring Manchester or other Oldham establishments like Nando's, Green Room cafe, German Doner Kebab, or Fox and Pine pub. The venue offers lunchtime deals and evening entertainment, operating Tuesday-Saturday 9am-11pm and Sunday 9am-8pm.
A four-bedroom detached period property built in 1914 on Dogford Road, Royton, has been listed for £475,000. The three-storey home includes three reception rooms, two bathrooms, and attic rooms. Estate agents Alistair Stevens describe it as an extended period property with open-plan kitchen/diner, conservatory, and additional guest sitting room. The house features original details including a glazed front door with lead lights, a feature fireplace, and coving. Gardens surround three sides, with driveway and integral garage beneath a mezzanine guest room. The property is close to Royton town centre, local schools, amenities, and transport links.
Photographer Dan Willis visited Daisy Nook country park in Oldham to search for the elusive water rail bird. In a 20-minute YouTube vlog, he documented encountering Canada geese, greylag geese, coots, moorhens, and a mink swimming in the water. Willis highlighted ongoing volunteer restoration work at the park, noting that after years of neglect, a constituted group is working with Oldham Council, local businesses, and charities to restore and maintain the historic site. He eventually captured photos of the small, quick water rail before fading light and rain. The Friends of Daisy Nook community thanked Willis for highlighting their restoration efforts.
The Angel Inn in Lees has addressed confusion about its future after landlords announced they will leave in May. The pub will reduce hours to Thursday-Sunday until then, but is not closing or becoming a house in multiple occupation. Landlords cited rising costs and pressure as reasons for departure, inviting customers to a farewell party on May 30.
Residents on four Chadderton streets lost water supply on February 19, 2026, after an issue on Cathedral Road interrupted service. United Utilities reported the problem at 8:20am and stated it was investigating. The outage affected homes on Rydal Avenue, Tavistock Drive, Cathedral Road and Minster Way. By 9:15am, the company confirmed repairs were complete and water had been restored. A spokesperson said emergency repairs were carried out and apologised for the inconvenience.
Blocked storm drains in Oldham are putting drivers and pedestrians at risk, according to Councillor Howard Sykes. Roads in Shaw and Crompton have been flooded despite gullies being reported to the council for months. Milnrow Road is particularly affected, with large puddles forcing drivers to swerve into oncoming traffic and pedestrians to wade through water. Councillor Sykes reported the issue in December but claims he has received no response from the council. Other affected roads include Cowie Street, Smallbrook Road, and Glebe Street, with problems also reported in Royton and Saddleworth. The council attributes the flooding to heavy rainfall rather than blocked drains, though it has faced criticism for slow responses to drain maintenance in the past.
A £13 electric shoe warmer purchased on TikTok ignited in an Oldham garage, causing £200,000 in damage to Kaela Rigg's five-bedroom detached home on January 12. The 46-year-old mum detected a burning smell while dropping off shopping, discovered smoke billowing from her garage, and evacuated with her dog before firefighters arrived within 10 minutes. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the device, used to dry her son's rugby boots, was plugged in but hadn't been used for two weeks when it unexpectedly burst into flames. The family is staying with Kaela's 75-year-old mother while repairs take approximately 12 months.
A new play area has opened in Oldham town centre as part of the ongoing regeneration project. The facility, funded by the Mayor's Challenge Fund and United Utilities, features equipment for children of all ages including slides, swings, a mini roundabout, and climbing rocks. The design incorporates natural materials and celebrates Oldham's industrial heritage with whirling bobbins. Safety was prioritised throughout the development, with all features meeting national safety standards. Council Leader Arooj Shah described the play area as a brilliant addition where families can enjoy time together.