A section of Footpath 272 (Chew Road) in Saddleworth will remain closed until September 30, 2026, or until United Utilities completes spillway improvement works, whichever comes first. The closure spans from the junction with Footpath 274 at Chew Brook to the junction with Footpath 270. Oldham Borough Council extended the temporary closure order on March 30 with Secretary of State consent. The path will be reopened outside working hours and at weekends whenever possible. Full details of the order are available at Spindles Oldham.
Springhead Infant and Nursery School in Oldham has been graded as a 'strong standard' by Ofsted in its latest inspection. The report praised the school's 'high quality' education and 'joyful' atmosphere, with pupils describing it as a happy place where they feel safe. Inspectors highlighted that pupils are 'confident, skilful' learners benefiting from a curriculum 'rich in stories and books' that excites them about learning. The school's disadvantaged students and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) progress 'very well' through the curriculum. Teachers' subject knowledge and understanding of how to help pupils retain important knowledge in their long-term memory was also commended. The executive headteacher expressed pride in the outcome, noting it reflects the hard work of the whole school community.
Tyromancer, a new cheesemonger opening on High Street in Uppermill, has applied to Oldham Council for an alcohol licence. The licence would allow the shop to sell alcohol from 9am to 8pm, seven days a week, as part of its delicatessen operations. The application states alcohol will be sold in sealed containers only, with no consumption on site, and the shop will have a single supervised retail area with clear visibility of customer areas. Staff will be trained in responsible retailing, age verification, and refusing sales to intoxicated people or suspected proxy purchasers. The applicant, TDH Strategy & Retail Ltd, has proposed conditions including CCTV recording for 28 days, keeping records of sale refusals, and accepting only passport, UK photocard driving licence, or PASS-approved proof-of-age cards as ID.
Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham was extremely crowded on Saturday, March 21, with traffic and parking chaos reported by Councillor Helen Bishop. Fire risks emerged as people were seen barbecuing, prompting Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to extinguish a barbecue fire near the boathouse area. A fire engine was dispatched to investigate rising smoke behind trees near a brook. Councillor Bishop highlighted the need for a multi-agency information day to promote the Countryside Code. The area has a history of fire incidents, including the 2018 Saddleworth Moor wildfire, the largest in UK history.
The Spirit of Saddleworth Awards, launched by Saddleworth Parish Council, honoured 11 individuals and five community groups at the Civic Hall on March 19, 2026. Recipients included Carol Oldham for supporting independent businesses, Erica Ryan for 12 years with Scouts, Dr Eamon O'Daly for dementia support work, and Jennifer Greenwood for Lydgate community projects. Other honourees were Kye Steadman for youth projects, Katie Hodson as PTA head, William Smith for 20 years with Delph Allotment Society, Nicola Brown for recovery community work, Karen Jakeman for multiple Saddleworth initiatives, Tracy Buckley for securing £16,000 for Diggle School's Trim Trail, and Christopher Bannatyne for volunteer set building. Community groups recognised included Moorgate Campaign Group, Saddleworth Parish Council Chairman's Charity, Street Scene Greenfield, Dobcross Village Store, and Scouthead &...
Saddleworth FC has been granted a 30-year lease by Oldham Council to develop a neglected field at Bishops Park into their new home pitch. The club, which has 15 junior teams and an academy of over 50 children, plans to create a pan-disability team. The field, previously used as a pitch until 2019, will be maintained by the club and opened to public use when not in use. Local councillor Josh Charters said the development would help deter anti-social behaviour in the area.
The Cross Keys in Uppermill, dating back to 1745 and originally known as 'The Gravemakers' due to its former use as a mortuary, has become a thriving destination pub. Landlords Craig Wilkes and David Devine, who previously managed the pub from 2013 to 2018, took over again in 2023. The JW Lees pub specialises in real ales, with Manchester Pale Ale and bitter as longstanding bestsellers, and has featured 48 times in CAMRA's Good Beer Guide over the last 50 years, making it the most mentioned pub in Oldham. The pub offers classic pub food including homemade pies and puddings, plus adventurous specials like sea bass and Thai curry. Annual highlights include the Rushcart Festival featuring Saddleworth Morris dancers. Despite industry pressures and increasing costs, the pub remains focused on keeping its doors open.
Our Place cafe opened in January 2026 in Uppermill's former Bloc location on High Street. The reviewer visited on a Friday afternoon without booking and was served by two friendly staff members. They ordered a deli meat, cheese and pesto toastie with homemade tomato relish (£20 total with caramel oat milk latte and takeaway lemon drizzle cake). The sourdough toastie contained salami, ventricina, prosciutto crudo, pesto and melted cheddar, served with a sweet tomato relish. The cafe has riverside views of the River Tame and stylish, bright decor.
Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Primary School in Oldham has been granted permission to install CCTV cameras on four six-metre poles around the site. The plans initially included a tannoy system, but this was removed after noise concerns. Eleven neighbours objected, citing privacy, light pollution, and property value impacts. Planning officers concluded the cameras would be designed to obscure images beyond school boundaries and lighting would not cause significant light pollution. The approved plans will not create significant adverse impact on nearby residents' amenity.
Jane Dronsfield, owner of K&M Global automotive wholesaler, has urged developers to abandon plans to build 26 new homes on the Wall Hill Mill site in Saddleworth. Instead, she wants them to focus on creating a new road opening to improve safety on Mill Lane, a narrow country road currently accessed at the top of Wall Hill Road. The mill site, which K&M Global currently occupies, previously had planning approval for housing but the permission was surrendered due to historic industrial contamination. The proposed housing development has received 20 public comments, with seven objections citing traffic concerns and 12 in support who view it as an improvement over the current brownfield site.
Dob X Tea, a new traditional tearoom, has opened within the Swan Inn pub in Dobcross village. The tearoom offers daily afternoon tea service in an upstairs room with views across Dobcross and the Saddleworth hills. Menu items range from £2 for sausage rolls to £4.95 for finger sandwiches, with scones, jam and clotted cream priced at £3.50. The Swan Inn, taken over by the Welby family in August, also operates a kitchen serving pub classics. For Mother's Day on March 15, the tearoom will offer afternoon tea with prosecco for £32.50 per person.
Dinnerstone, a popular restaurant in Uppermill, Saddleworth, closed in early 2025 after operating for 20 years. The High Street property, which served as the restaurant's home, is now available to let for £72,000 per annum. The stone-built end-terrace building includes a basement, ground floor, and first floor, offering approximately 126 covers across two floors. Property company Fleurets is managing the letting on flexible, free-of-tie terms. The ground floor features an open-plan bar and dining area centred around a double-height space. Owner Charles Brierley still operates The White Hart at Lygate, another popular Oldham eatery.
A Grade II-listed four-bedroom cottage in Delph, Saddleworth, has been listed for sale at £675,000 by Ryder & Dutton. The semi-detached property sits on a 0.25-acre plot in a private hamlet off Gatehead Road, featuring south-facing gardens, a stable block, and a large garage. Inside, the cottage includes exposed beams, a country-style kitchen with modern appliances, three double bedrooms, and a bathroom with a panelled bath and electric shower. The property is heated by gas central heating and is located near Delph's cafes, pubs, and wine bars, with easy access to neighbouring villages. Drainage is via a shared septic tank.
Residents on Hob Mill Rise in Oldham's OL5 9DT postcode won £1,000 in the People's Postcode Lottery on March 6, 2026. The daily draw selects random postcodes, with players paying £12.25 monthly to enter. The cul-de-sac sits near Saddleworth Cricket, Bowling and Tennis Club on the Saddleworth-Mossley border. The lottery supports UK charities, with 30% of ticket prices going to good causes, and has raised over £1.5 billion nationally.
Jodie Bennett has taken over the Three Crowns pub in Saddleworth, announcing her new role on social media on March 2, 2026. The pub had been listed as needing new landlords since September 2025, with previous owners leaving in January 2026. Bennett's announcement received over 100 comments and was shared more than 250 times, with locals offering advice and wishing her success. She previously worked at The Old School BBQ bus and plans to transform the venue into a family-friendly community hub rather than a traditional pub. Local residents have expressed hopes for reasonably priced food, children's menus, and a return to the welcoming atmosphere when former landlord Ray ran the establishment.
Nonnas, a popular Stalybridge cafe with a 4.9-star Google rating, is opening a new location in Greenfield on Chew Valley Road. The venue will open for a soft launch on Sunday, March 8, before permanently opening on Wednesday, March 11. The cafe will serve coffee, deli foods, wine, beer, and cocktails, with alcohol service beginning at the end of April. Owner Anthony Zazzarino announced the spring 2026 opening, aiming to offer something unique to Saddleworth while maintaining the warm, intimate atmosphere of the original location.
Greater Manchester Police launched an attempted murder investigation after officers were called to Stoneleigh Road in Springhead, Oldham at 5:12pm on March 1, 2026. They found a man in his 80s with multiple injuries who was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition. A man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody. Police Superintendent Cara Charlesworth stated the victim and suspect are known to each other and pose no wider community risk. Officers have increased patrols in the area while conducting their investigation.
Woodlands Primary School in Oldham has received planning approval for a single-storey extension to increase places for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The extension will provide extra teaching space to meet rising demand for specialist provision and enhance the learning environment for existing students. The school, located on Broadbent Road near Oldham Community Sports Club, received no objections from residents or consultees. Environmental conditions require a landfill gas risk assessment and contaminated land investigation due to the site's proximity to a former landfill. United Utilities requires a detailed drainage strategy with sustainable surface water management. Several trees will be removed but replaced on the wider school grounds.
Mike Anderson, headteacher of Saddleworth School, has departed after 5.5 years of service. Parents were notified on February 23 that Anderson would no longer lead the school from February 24. The Cranmer Education Trust praised his leadership during the school's move to a new site, growth period, and COVID-19 lockdowns. Until a new headteacher is appointed, the school will be led by Rob Higgins from Blue Coat and Chris Heyes from St Anne's, along with an interim headteacher. Parents are advised to contact heads of year for pastoral matters or heads of department for learning queries.