Ryan Greenhow, 37, from Oldham, has been jailed for seven years and four months after pleading guilty to 22 counts of non-contact child sex offences. Between November 2024 and March 2025, Greenhow contacted six victims aged 12-15 via WhatsApp, TikTok, and Snapchat, sending them indecent images falsely claiming they depicted the victims. He threatened to share these images with their friends and family unless they sent him indecent images in return. Greenhow's threats included messages like 'This is your last chance, everyone will know this is you' and 'I have seen your nudes, add me'. Some victims complied and reported his activity to parents, carers, and teachers. Detective Constable Adair of Greater Manchester Police's City of Manchester Division thanked the victims for coming forward and highlighted the detailed phone analysis that identified further victims.
Oldham Council has begun construction of its first large-scale solar farm at Wrigley Head in Failsworth. The 830,000 kWh facility, funded entirely by the Council, will power approximately 310 homes annually. Built by Vital Energi over the next few months, it's part of Oldham's Green New Deal initiative to create green jobs and training opportunities. The project will improve wildlife conditions through new tree and flower planting, with security fencing designed to allow animal movement. MP Jim McMahon and Cllr Abdul Jabbar attended the site launch, with operations expected to begin in spring 2026.
A woman in her 90s was seriously injured in a collision with a reversing vehicle on Albert Road West, Failsworth at around 2pm on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses, including anyone with dashcam or CCTV footage. The pedestrian was taken to hospital where she remains in serious condition. Police have provided contact details including phone number 0161 856 4741 and reference log 1936 of 07/01/2026.
A 90-year-old woman died after being struck by a reversing vehicle on Albert Street West in Failsworth on January 7, 2026. The collision occurred around 3pm, and she was taken to hospital in serious condition but died from her injuries on January 13. A 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of driving offences has been released on police bail. Greater Manchester Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses, dashcam footage, or CCTV of the incident. Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log 1936 of 07/01/26 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to create a mural honouring The Stone Roses bassist Mani in Failsworth, where he grew up. Mani, whose real name was Gary Mounfield, died in November 2025 aged 63 from respiratory issues. The campaign by GRIT Studios aims to raise £10,000, with over £7,000 already donated by nearly 200 people. The mural will be created by Pic.One.Art, known for the Gallagher brothers mural in Burnage. All profits will go to Maggie's Manchester, a charity close to Mani and his wife Imelda's hearts during her cancer treatment.