The Halfway House pub in Royton has been named Pub of the Week after transforming from a struggling establishment to an award-winning community hub. Landlord Vinnie Caira took over seven years ago and completely refurbished the pub, with his daughter Vikki joining eight months later as restaurant manager. The pub now employs up to 12 staff during daytime hours and has won awards including JW Lees Pub of the Year in 2022 and Charity Champion in 2025. Head chef Connor Thwaite leads the kitchen specialising in pub classics and weekend specials. The pub raises over £10,000 annually for Dr Kershaw's hospice and hosts weekly Friends to You meetings for lonely residents.
Heyside Plastics, based in Royton, Oldham, has partnered with University of Salford robotics student Enoch Adediran for a three-month digital transformation internship. The 28-year-old student worked hands-on in production environments, applying automation concepts and digital tools to real-world manufacturing challenges. The internship was delivered through Made Smarter North West, a government-backed programme supporting SME manufacturers with digital transformation. Business executive Garreth Brown said Enoch helped fill a vital skills gap and fast-tracked the company's digital roadmap. Since 2019, Made Smarter has supported over 2,500 manufacturers across the North West with digital advice, technology adoption, and funded projects.
A four-bedroom detached period property built in 1914 on Dogford Road, Royton, has been listed for £475,000. The three-storey home includes three reception rooms, two bathrooms, and attic rooms. Estate agents Alistair Stevens describe it as an extended period property with open-plan kitchen/diner, conservatory, and additional guest sitting room. The house features original details including a glazed front door with lead lights, a feature fireplace, and coving. Gardens surround three sides, with driveway and integral garage beneath a mezzanine guest room. The property is close to Royton town centre, local schools, amenities, and transport links.
Popeyes is set to open its Oldham restaurant at Elk Mill Retail Park on February 27, 2026, in the former Pizza Hut building. The Louisiana-style chicken chain has reclad the building in blue, orange and white brand colours and installed signage visible from Broadway. The restaurant will offer dine-in and takeaway options featuring halal-certified chicken marinated for 12 hours in Louisiana seasoning. First-day customers can win prizes including free deluxe chicken sandwiches for a year, with the first 50 receiving exclusive merchandise and the first 100 getting a free sandwich. The opening follows successful launches in Greater Manchester, with CEO Tom Crowley noting strong regional demand.
A £13 electric shoe warmer purchased on TikTok ignited in an Oldham garage, causing £200,000 in damage to Kaela Rigg's five-bedroom detached home on January 12. The 46-year-old mum detected a burning smell while dropping off shopping, discovered smoke billowing from her garage, and evacuated with her dog before firefighters arrived within 10 minutes. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the device, used to dry her son's rugby boots, was plugged in but hadn't been used for two weeks when it unexpectedly burst into flames. The family is staying with Kaela's 75-year-old mother while repairs take approximately 12 months.
Forty families from Heyside Pre-School and Blackshaw Lane Primary School participated in a Christmas literacy event as part of Oldham Council's 'Making It REAL' programme. The event featured festive activities including reading Christmas books, making cards and decorations, and drawing festive images. The programme, based on research from the University of Sheffield, aims to create positive home learning environments and has engaged 130 children across 17 schools in Oldham. Parents reported improved engagement and literacy development in their children, while staff highlighted strengthened community links between schools.