A four-bedroom detached home on Highthorne Green in Royton is on the market for £410,000. The 1,528 sq ft property features a bright hallway, downstairs WC, and a generously sized living area with a front-facing window. The open-plan kitchen and dining area includes modern units, integrated appliances, and double doors for flexible space use. Upstairs offers three double bedrooms, a single room, a master en-suite, and a family bathroom. The recently landscaped rear garden includes a patio, lawn, and planting beds. Off-street parking and an integral garage provide additional storage and secure parking. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac, the home is close to schools, shops, and transport links.
A planning application has been submitted to Oldham Council to convert the former Bodycare store in Royton into a nail salon. The store, also known as Graham's, closed on September 5, 2025, after Bodycare appointed administrators from Interpath following funding shortfalls and creditor pressure. The application was submitted by Atif Rauf of Sheet Anchor Investments Ltd. The plans show the retail layout will remain similar with ground floor retail and first floor staff areas. Social media users expressed mixed reactions, with some concerned about existing nail businesses in the precinct while others welcomed any new business to prevent boarded-up shops.
Topps Tiles has announced plans to close 23 stores nationwide, representing seven per cent of its 319-strong estate, as part of significant cost-cutting measures. The company has not yet confirmed which branches will close, leaving the future of its Oldham store on Laurel Trading Estate in Royton uncertain. Eight stores have already closed since September 2024, with the remainder scheduled to shut over the next six months. The retailer previously operated a second site on Oldham Road in Failsworth, which closed between September 2020 and April 2021. Chief executive Alex Jensen cited subdued consumer sentiment, geopolitical uncertainty, and cumulative cost inflation as reasons for the closures. The company reported six-month sales of £142.7 million, down 0.1 per cent, though excluding the CTD acquisition impact, sales rose 2.1 per cent.
No criminal charges will be brought after an investigation into an alleged far-right gathering at the Duke of Edinburgh pub in Royton to celebrate Hitler's birthday. In April 2025, images circulated online showing people with flags and a swastika-decorated cake. Nine people were arrested on suspicion of Section 18 Public Order Act offences but GMP confirmed no further action will be taken due to insufficient evidence. Police recovered imitation firearms, weapons, and Nazi memorabilia during raids across Rochdale, Bolton, Trafford, Stockport, and Southport. A suspected grenade was found in Bolton and made safe by Explosive Ordnance Disposal. MP Jim McMahon condemned the event as an affront to those who fought Nazis.
Ofsted has rated Supreme Start, an independent school in Royton, Oldham, as needing 'urgent improvement' in all areas after finding pupils were at 'significant risk'. The report said pupils were not safe, staff lacked expertise to support them or manage behaviour, and there was an 'overreliance' on 'restrictive physical interventions'. Pupils found school 'stressful and confusing', with significant gaps in knowledge due to a 'poorly' organised curriculum. Attendance was poor, registers were incorrect until recently, and a 'culture of low expectations' had taken root. Headteacher Rachael Martin said the school has voluntarily closed to implement a 'comprehensive improvement plan' focusing on safeguarding, learning environment, and staff practice, and is awaiting Department for Education approval to reopen.
Rebecca Shaw, 36, from Royton, died of stage four cervical cancer in October 2025, leaving husband Graham and four children. Her friends and family are raising £10,000 through a 24-hour running and workout challenge on April 4, 2026, at HyFit HQ gym in Diggle, to send the family on her dream holiday to Tenerife and cover living costs. Organiser Matthew Lees runs the annual 'Leg it for Leesy' campaign in memory of his brother. Over £1,000 has been raised via JustGiving. Around 30 people, including close friend Vikkilee Henson, will participate in hourly 5k runs or workouts from 9am. QR codes will be available for on-site donations.
An air ambulance was dispatched to Royton town centre on Thursday morning following a crash on Middleton Road near the Co-op store. Emergency services responded to the incident at the junction with Rochdale Road. A pedestrian was treated for injuries that were not considered major. The North West Air Ambulance Charity confirmed its H72 helicopter responded to a road traffic collision in Oldham. Middleton Road was closed for several hours before reopening before midday. No arrests were made in connection with the incident.
A red car overturned on Broadway near Elk Mill in Royton on Thursday 20 March at approximately 4.15pm. Three people inside the vehicle managed to get themselves out before firefighters arrived. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service attended with two engines from Chadderton and Oldham, plus a Technical Rescue Unit from Ashton. Firefighters worked with police and ambulance crews to stabilise the vehicle and clear debris. The North West Ambulance Service assessed the casualties at the scene but they did not require hospital treatment. Police confirmed no one was seriously injured. This crash occurred just days after a fatal three-car collision on the same stretch of road killed Michael Margetson from Oldham on March 17.
Residents in Oldham have raised safety concerns about Broadway after multiple crashes including a fatal collision on March 18, 2026. The road through Chadderton, Royton and Failsworth has seen four fatal crashes since 2015 according to police data. A March 15 crash on the A627M near Elk Mill Retail Park and a March 18 three-car crash that killed a man in his 50s have intensified calls for safety improvements. Residents cite dangerous driving, lane-swapping at the roundabout, and speeding as major issues. Oldham Council and National Highways share responsibility for the road, with National Highways installing 11 new speed and traffic light cameras. Councillors Christine Adams and Dave Arnott have called for an urgent review of the junction and increased traffic policing.
A man in his 50s named Michael Margetson from Oldham died following a three-vehicle collision on Broadway in Royton at around 5.22pm on Tuesday, March 17. His wife Diane paid tribute calling him 'her rock' and 'best friend'. A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been bailed pending further investigation. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from the area at the time.
E-ACT The Oldham Academy North hosted a community Iftar event attended by more than 600 guests. The gathering, held during Ramadan, brought together students, staff, families, and local residents for an evening of reflection and unity. Interim headteacher Natalie Kennerley described the event as 'incredibly special,' emphasizing the school's commitment to inclusion and respect for all faiths. Guests broke their fast together, shared food, and engaged in conversation. Funds raised during the event will be used to install water pumps in Bangladesh and Pakistan, each bearing the academy's name.
Mabels restaurant in Royton has closed its Rochdale Road venue after announcing it will operate as a delivery-only dark kitchen. The family-run business cited rising costs and building issues beyond their control as reasons for the closure. The last day of trading at the physical location was Sunday March 15. Customers expressed disappointment with one calling the food 'delicious' and 'phenomenal' after a review by food blogger Peety Scranz. The business plans to continue operations through delivery and catering services from a non-prime location. Contact details remain available via Facebook.
Patrick O'Hare, known as Paddy, a 48-year-old father and popular musician from Oldham, died suddenly on March 8 at a property on Higginshaw Lane in Royton. His family and friends have launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise £4,500 for funeral expenses, with nearly £2,000 raised by March 18. The funeral will be held at 12:30pm on March 27 at St Edward's RC Church in Lees, followed by a private burial. Guests are invited to wear colourful clothing in honour of O'Hare's love of music and vibrant personality. Any remaining funds after funeral costs will be placed in a trust for his daughter.
Emergency services responded to a car fire on the A627 near Royton at approximately 3.30pm on Wednesday, March 18. Two fire engines from Rochdale and Chadderton stations attended the incident on the slip road between the A664 and A627. A male occupant had already exited the vehicle before firefighters arrived. Crews worked to bring the blaze under control while Greater Manchester Police assisted with traffic management. Firefighters remained at the scene for around an hour to make the area safe. No further details about injuries have been confirmed.
Patrick O'Hare, known as Paddy, a 48-year-old father and musician from Oldham, died suddenly on March 8 at a property on Higginshaw Lane in Royton. The father-of-one was a popular musician who performed at pubs and events across the borough. His family described him as the beloved son of Paddy and Christine O'Hare, treasured brother of Tina, and loving uncle of Carmen and Marcus. They also noted he was the adored father of Luna Rose and partner to Gina. A 49-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but the case was dropped after a post-mortem found no third-party involvement or suspicious circumstances. An inquest is scheduled to be opened later this month at Rochdale Coroners' Court.
A three-car collision closed Broadway in Royton on Tuesday March 17 at approximately 5:20pm between Elk Mill Shopping Park and Netherhey Lane. The crash involved a Mercedes, a Toyota Prius, and an unidentified third vehicle. Greater Manchester Police, fire crews from Chadderton and Oldham stations, and ambulance services responded to the scene. The area remained taped off for much of the evening, affecting traffic including Match Day Bus 13 heading to Manchester City's Champions League match. Staff at Elk Mill Shopping Park were allowed to leave as they finished shifts, but public access was blocked.
A family assessment centre on Queen Street in Royton has received planning permission to expand into the neighbouring house. The expansion will create internal access between the two properties and allow two additional families to be placed at the centre. The original unit was approved in 2023. Residents were divided on the plans, with six support comments highlighting the centre's positive community impact and five objections raising concerns about parking issues on the street. Planning officers stated the additional people would be a 'replacement' of typical home comings and goings, and highways officers raised no objections.
Teachers at St Cuthbert's Roman Catholic High School in Rochdale have announced nine additional strike dates over concerns about workload and pupil behaviour. NASUWT members began striking on February 24 and most recently on March 12, citing an 'unsafe and chaotic working environment'. The school's trust, St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust, says it remains committed to negotiations and has kept Year 11 pupils on site for GCSE preparation. Union representative Rachel Knight stated members feel unsafe and lack confidence in management. The strikes will proceed unless a resolution is reached.
A six-bed HMO at Kevin Avenue, Royton, has been approved by Oldham Council despite 40 objections from neighbours. Property owner Footlong (UK) Ltd can extend the house to create the HMO. Resident Angela Collier found 16 three and four-bedroom HMOs in the local area and reported 'anger and upset' among neighbours who fear family homes are being eradicated. Councillor Jade Hughes warned the HMO could displace vulnerable families and foster a transient population. Concerns about parking and emergency vehicle access were raised, though planners confirmed the household would get no parking permits due to off-road parking. The application passed by one vote after councillors feared a second deferral could lead to costly non-determination appeals.
Residents on Bamford Street in Royton have won £1,000 each in the People's Postcode Lottery daily prize draw on March 11, 2026. The postcode OL2 6YY was selected in the lottery's daily draw, which awards £1,000 to players in 20 chosen postcodes. The People's Postcode Lottery operates 20 individual lotteries for charities, with at least 30 per cent of ticket prices supporting charitable causes. The lottery has raised over £1.5 billion nationally for organisations and projects across the UK. Participants pay a £12.25 monthly subscription to take part in the draws.