Critical care nurses at Royal Oldham Hospital are striking on April 7, 2026, over a dispute about overtime pay and agency staff use. The strike follows collapsed talks with UNISON union, which claims nurses are paid less for overtime than regular shifts despite contracts requiring time-and-a-half rates. The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust says patient safety remains their priority while working to minimize disruption. The union argues staff are being forced onto secondary NHS Professionals agency contracts, losing proper overtime payments and pension contributions. The trust has refused further negotiations despite union requests.
Three Oldham businesses have been named on the government's latest tax defaulters list. Mushtaq Cash and Carry, previously on Coldhurst Street, defaulted £304,212 in tax between June 2019 and February 2024 and received a £190,132.44 penalty. Slimconstruction Ltd, formerly on Belmont Street, defaulted £44,732 between May and August 2024 and was dissolved in October 2024 with a £29,075.80 penalty. S'N'S Spaces Limited, trading as Saniya's Brow Bar in Spindles Shopping Centre, defaulted £43,938.30 between January 2022 and November 2023 with a £24,605.44 penalty. All three businesses are either dissolved or in liquidation.
Critical care workers at Royal Oldham Hospital and Fairfield Hospital in Bury will strike for 24 hours on Tuesday, April 7, in their second walkout over overtime pay. The Northern Care Alliance Foundation Trust uses external agency NHS Professionals to manage overtime, resulting in lower pay and no pension contributions for staff. UNISON says workers are relying on food banks due to pay cuts of more than £10 per hour. The trust has refused to negotiate despite union requests. Striking staff include nurses, clinical support workers, and housekeepers. Similar strikes occurred on March 12, with pickets outside both hospitals.
Oldham College students visited the Northern Roots site to witness construction of a £12.9 million visitor centre and forest school. The visit was part of Open Doors 2026, showcasing construction careers. Students toured the site, met the team, and heard from Ryan Ormonde, senior build manager at Willmott Dixon. Councillor Abdul Jabbar encouraged students to stay focused and aim high. The Northern Roots project will transform 160 acres into the UK's largest urban farm and eco-park, including a visitor centre with cafe, shop, and learning facilities. Construction began in June 2025 with an autumn 2026 opening planned.
Three Greater Manchester Police officers have been cleared of misconduct following an IOPC investigation into the handling of information about four Vietnamese men who died in the Bismark Mill fire in Oldham on May 7, 2022. The men - Uoc Van Nguyen, Duong Van Nguyen, Nam Thanh Le, and Cuong Van Chu - were believed to be working on a cannabis farm when the mill burned down. Two months later, on July 23, their remains were found. The IOPC found that a senior officer failed to share information received from the Vietnamese Catholic Chaplaincy about concerns for a man's welfare at the mill, amounting to gross incompetence. Two other officers were investigated for not properly reviewing the information. No prosecutions have been pursued in connection with the deaths.
Marlborough Street Community Centre in Oldham has submitted plans to Oldham Council for three new padel courts in its car park. The proposal includes two double courts and one single court, all with rain canopies and wire meshing above glass walls. Padel Republic Oldham Ltd, incorporated February 16, 2026, is the applicant. The application was validated March 26 and will be decided by May 21. The centre, formerly the Pakistani Community Centre, was refurbished by Oldham Council after closing due to health and safety concerns.
Police are searching for two men in connection with a theft at B&Q on Westhulme Way, Oldham. Tools were reportedly taken from the store on March 19 at around 6.15pm. An image of the two men has been shared by GMP Oldham on Facebook. Police believe the men could help with their investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101 quoting log 1115 of 20/03/2026 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A woman in her 20s was stabbed on Greenwood Street, Oldham at 10:40pm on March 27, 2026, leaving her in serious condition. Police arrested two men in their 20s and a juvenile boy on suspicion of Section 18 assault. One man remains in custody while the other man and boy have been bailed. Detective Inspector Mike Ogiliev said the incident is believed to be isolated with no wider threat to the community.
The Renew Paint Shop at Arkwright Street Recycling Centre in Oldham sells recycled water-based paint for a minimum £3 donation. Since opening in November 2024, it has distributed 5,710 litres of paint. The shop, open daily from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 6pm, accepts leftover paint donations and is part of a joint venture between Recycle for Greater Manchester and SUEZ. Councillor Elaine Taylor said the scheme benefits both residents' pockets and the planet. Funds raised support the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity and Renew Community Fund.
A woman in her 20s was stabbed in Greenacres, Oldham, on March 27, 2026, leaving her in critical condition in hospital. Greater Manchester Police responded to Greenwood Street at 10:40pm following reports of an assault. A Crime Scene Investigation unit and forensics van were deployed to the area on March 28, with police dogs assisting officers. The suspect remains at large as police continue their investigation. A cordon was established around Spring Street, Raper Street, and Greenwood Street. Chief Inspector Ian Partington stated officers are 'exhausting all lines of enquiry' to locate the suspect.
A woman in her 20s is in critical condition in hospital after being stabbed in Oldham. Greater Manchester Police responded to Greenwood Street at 10.40pm on March 27 following reports of an assault. Crime scene units and sniffer dogs were deployed to the area, with large cordons blocking parts of Spring Street, Raper Street and Greenwood Street. The suspect remains at large as officers continue their investigation through the night. Residents were unaware of the incident until discovering police tape the following morning.
A woman in her 20s is in critical condition after being stabbed on Greenwood Street in Greenacres, Oldham, at approximately 10:40pm on Friday, March 27, 2026. Greater Manchester Police responded to reports of an assault and found the victim with serious injuries consistent with a stabbing. No arrests have been made as detectives exhaust all lines of enquiry to locate the suspect. A police cordon remains in place with Greenwood Street and neighbouring streets taped off. Chief Inspector Ian Partington confirmed increased patrols in the area and urged witnesses or anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or mobile phone footage to come forward. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Greater Manchester Police are searching for Terry Dervan, 37, who escaped lawful custody and was last seen at Greenacres Cemetery in Oldham on Thursday, March 26. Dervan is wanted on recall to prison and also has links to the Tameside area. Police say he does not pose a risk to the wider community. Officers are appealing for public assistance and have released an image of Dervan. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 0889 or 101 quoting log 1838 of 26/03/26, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A 17-year-old girl was found with scratches on her back and in pain following an incident at Tandle Hill Country Park on March 21, 2026. Greater Manchester Police cordoned off two areas of the park after receiving a report from hospital staff. A member of the public found the girl's phone in the park, prompting the police investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Johnston said the girl is being supported by officers while forensic specialists examine evidence. Police have closed their scenes at the park but continue investigating to establish what occurred.
Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust has issued an alert stating that A&E departments at Royal Oldham Hospital and three other hospitals it manages are experiencing extremely high demand. The trust warns patients may face longer wait times but emphasises patient safety remains the top priority. The alert, first published earlier this month and confirmed on March 25, advises A&E should only be used for major life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Patients with less urgent issues are directed to use NHS 111, local pharmacies, GPs, or walk-in centres instead. The trust is working with health and social care partners to maintain safe services amid growing demand.
Greater Manchester Police cordoned off two areas at Tandle Hill Country Park on March 23 after reports of a teenage girl being assaulted. The alleged assault occurred on March 20, with police called on March 21. Scenes were placed around the monument viewpoint and cafe entrance while forensic teams conducted searches. Police confirmed the scenes have now been closed. Officers remain visible locally to provide reassurance and support the investigation.
Greater Manchester Police are appealing for help to find Sarah Butler, a white woman with a small, slim build and short dark hair, who was last seen on Rochdale Road in Oldham at 12:50pm on March 19. She was wearing black trousers, a black top, and a grey bubble coat when she disappeared. Police are growing increasingly concerned for her welfare and want to ensure she is safe and well. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact police on 0161 856 8961, quoting log 1746 of 19/03/26.
Dr Gaity Ahmad, clinical director of obstetrics and gynaecology at Royal Oldham Hospital and Rochdale Infirmary, has highlighted that March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. In a video posted by Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Ahmad stated that endometriosis is widely under-recognised and often misunderstood, taking up to nine to 11 years to diagnose. She leads the Pennine Endometriosis Centre based at Royal Oldham Hospital and is regarded as an expert by Endometriosis Awareness North (EAN), a charity founded by Dr Anita Sharma. Endometriosis lesions can appear in the pelvic area including ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowel, but have also been found in the brain, kidneys, liver, lungs, and scar tissue.
First Choice Homes Oldham has completed a £2.3 million retrofit project upgrading 130 homes in Abbeyhills and Roundthorn with triple glazing, insulation, and heating controls. The work is part of a £31.4 million programme to achieve EPC C ratings for all FCHO properties by 2030. Resident Sylvia Jones reported her winter gas bills dropped from £40-50 to £20 weekly, with faster heating and reduced noise. Similar improvements are underway in Shaw and Chadderton, with Saddleworth, Holts Village and Alt scheduled for April.
An inquest has opened into the death of 43-year-old Benn Warburton, a labourer from Honeywell Lane, Oldham, who was found dead at Snipe Clough Nature Reserve on February 23. A construction worker at a nearby site spotted his body in woodland, prompting emergency services to respond. CPR was administered but Mr Warburton was declared dead at the scene. Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. Assistant coroner Matthew Cox adjourned the inquest, setting a review date for April 16, and requested information from Mr Warburton's GP and any mental health services he may have used.