A ten-month police investigation into nine members of the neo-Nazi group British Movement who celebrated Hitler's birthday in an Oldham pub has ended without criminal charges. The group gathered at the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Royton on April 19, 2025, displaying swastika flags and a swastika-decorated cake. Greater Manchester Police conducted dawn raids on May 7, 2025, recovering replica weapons including an imitation AK47, a suspected grenade, and a Nazi-era Zyklon gas canister. Despite the concerning findings, investigators determined there was insufficient evidence to prove a public order offence under Section 18 of the Public Order Act. Oldham MP Jim McMahon expressed outrage at the group's conduct, while Hope Not Hate criticized the apparent impunity with which British Movement operates.
Housebuilder Redrow has unveiled a new 'view home' at its Bishop Meadows development between Royton and Shaw. The four-bedroom Windsor property is fully styled and allows potential buyers to explore layouts, finishes, and energy-efficient features. The development will eventually include more than 200 homes, five acres of green space, and an orchard. A Windsor property is currently available to reserve for £435,000. Redrow offers a Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme providing up to £25,000 and a Movemaker scheme to help with selling existing properties.
Oldham councillor Marie Bashforth has defected from Labour and will sit as an independent for the remaining eight weeks of her term. She was deselected as Labour's candidate for Royton South in the May 7 local election, with Kathryn England selected instead. Bashforth, who has represented Royton South since 2013, said she felt 'stabbed in the back' and believes her challenges to leadership on CSE issues and Places for Everyone contributed to her deselection. She failed to attend council meetings for several months after the decision and was warned she could lose her seat. The council's political makeup will now include 26 Labour councillors, nine Liberal Democrats, nine Oldham Group independents, six Conservatives, three Reform UK members, and six area-specific independents.
Residents of Bullcote Green in Oldham are opposing traffic plans for a 1,700-home development near Bullcote Lane, Royton. The proposals would make Bullcote Lane one-way eastbound and turn Bullcote Green into the main traffic route. More than 60 residents have signed a petition against the plans, citing concerns about noise, pollution, safety for children, and the destruction of their community. Retired engineer Brian Gilbraith, 71, said the plans would be 'devastating' and reduce house values. Residents prefer building a new spine road in the first phase rather than waiting. Oldham Council has launched a new consultation open until March 27, 2026.
Teachers at St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic High School in Rochdale, attended by Oldham students, will strike for nine days over workload, pupil behaviour, and alleged unsafe working conditions. NASUWT members began industrial action on February 24, with the school closing to Years 7-10 pupils while Year 11 students attend for mock exams. The trust running the school claims it has addressed concerns and will continue dialogue, while the union says staff feel unsafe and pupils are being failed. Strikes are scheduled in three rounds through March 12.
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.'