Lees Village Service Station in Oldham has asked customers to 'be kind' as fuel prices rise substantially due to the war in the Middle East. The family-run business posted on Facebook that it had 'more or less' sold out of fuel, forcing prices to increase the following day. The station clarified it would not benefit from the price increase and urged customers not to panic buy, noting that 38,000 litres were due the next day. The price rise follows air strikes by Israel and the US on Iran and the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Staff have been asked to be treated kindly during these difficult times, with the business noting that fuel prices do eventually come down unlike many other goods.
Lees Village Service Station in Oldham ran out of fuel on March 4, 2026, after panic buying began following Middle East conflict. The independent station said it had 38,000 litres arriving the next day but would run out again due to high demand. Management blamed the situation on motorists panic buying, noting prices were already set to rise before the war. The station warned prices would increase further next week and urged people to only buy what they need. The conflict involves US and Israeli missile strikes on Iran, with Iran responding with attacks across the Gulf and at US and Israeli-linked sites.
Adina Foey, 34, has opened Manes Hair and Beauty salon on Thomas Street in Lees after running her hair extension business from her bedroom for 18 months. The salon launched on February 28 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by family and friends. Foey and co-owner Jack Ford renovated the former salon premises in three weeks after getting the keys on February 1. The business now employs eight hairdressers and beauticians, including Holly Ditchfield from Married at First Sight 2024, offering hair, aesthetics, brows and lashes. Customers have given positive feedback, with walk-ins already coming in during the first week.
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.