http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk/ Top stories for Rochdale Observer http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123802_schools_hit_by_swine_flu PARENTS are being urged not to panic after it emerged that pupils from four schools in Rochdale are being treated for swine flu. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123802_schools_hit_by_swine_flu Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124308_pub_couples_terror_as_masked_gang_strikes THE landlord and landlady of a Norden pub were tied up by masked robbers during a terrifying raid. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124308_pub_couples_terror_as_masked_gang_strikes Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124390_fresh_bid_to_halt_mental_health_unit A GROUP of neighbours are set to launch a second legal challenge against plans to build a £10M mental health unit behind their homes. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124390_fresh_bid_to_halt_mental_health_unit Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124389_star_grade_but_service_still_needs_more_polish ROCHDALE’S housing support services, branded among the worst in the country, are improving. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124389_star_grade_but_service_still_needs_more_polish Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/rugby_league/s/1124381_depleted_hornets HORNETS will be without Steven Roper (broken ankle) for the rest of the season while Mick Fogerty (ankle ligaments) also fell victim to a serious injury at Keighley last weekend. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/rugby_league/s/1124381_depleted_hornets Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/s/1124380_henley_debut_for_hollingworth THE Hollingworth Lake Rowing Club’s Women’s Eight entered Henley Womens Regatta for the first time in the club’s history. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/s/1124380_henley_debut_for_hollingworth Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/cricket/s/1124378_butterworths_family_pride FOR the first time in many years, Rochdale Home2Home field three members of the same family in today’s home game against Monton and Weaste, and possibly tomorrow in the JW Lees Wood Cup semi final against Crompton at Glebe Street. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/cricket/s/1124378_butterworths_family_pride Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/s/1124377_law_in_expert_class_of_his_own THE Rochdale club hosted a round of the northwest centre championship at their 400 acre Cowm site. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/s/1124377_law_in_expert_class_of_his_own Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/rugby_league/s/1124376_depleted_mayfield_fight_to_the_end_ A YOUNG Rochdale Mayfield side, severely depleted by holidays and work commitments, travelled to Ovenden in Halifax in the latest round of the National Conference Summer League’s Pennine division. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/rugby_league/s/1124376_depleted_mayfield_fight_to_the_end_ Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/rugby_union/s/1124375_st_johns_are_top_of_the_borough ST JOHN’S RC School were the winning team in the Rochdale Borough Partnerships Rugby tournament played at Littleborough RUFC. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/rugby_union/s/1124375_st_johns_are_top_of_the_borough Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/s/1124374_fourth_win_for_newton ALMOST from the start there seemed something predictable about Chris Newton’s fourth Rochdale Grand Prix win. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//sport/s/1124374_fourth_win_for_newton Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124388_grand_prix_brings_out_the_crowds WORLD champion cyclist Chris Newton took the field by storm at the annual Rochdale Grand Prix. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124388_grand_prix_brings_out_the_crowds Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124392_health_boss_leaving_for_top_job_in_wales A TOP health boss is leaving Rochdale to take up a new post in Wales. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124392_health_boss_leaving_for_top_job_in_wales Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124279_convicted_child_molester_extradited A CONVICTED sex offender has been brought back to Manchester after being extradited from Mexico. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124279_convicted_child_molester_extradited Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124320_boy_rescued_from_reservoir_plunge A TEENAGER escaped with his life after attempting to leap 45ft into a reservoir. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124320_boy_rescued_from_reservoir_plunge Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124309_hunt_is_on_for_health_heroes HEALTH heroes are set to be honoured at a glittering ceremony. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124309_hunt_is_on_for_health_heroes Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124310_boy_hurt_in_fight_at_party A TEENAGE boy suffered a serious head injury following a fight outside a party in Syke. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124310_boy_hurt_in_fight_at_party Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124311_ranvir_calls_hospice_crew_into_the_night NORTH West Tonight’s Ranvir Singh is urging people to step out for Springhill Hospice and support the Ladies’ Midnight Walk. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124311_ranvir_calls_hospice_crew_into_the_night Fri, 03 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123916_dadtobe_killed_in_bike_crash A FATHER-to-be was killed when he fell from his motorbike on a notorious Lancashire road. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123916_dadtobe_killed_in_bike_crash Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123470_club_shut_down_after_mass_brawl ROCHDALE’S main nightclub owner is threatening to pull out of the town centre after one of his venues was shut down following a gang brawl. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123470_club_shut_down_after_mass_brawl Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124237_stroll_to_see_towns_top_sights A SUMMER stroll taking in the sights of some of the town's finest architecture, hidden gems and countryside will be held this weekend. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1124237_stroll_to_see_towns_top_sights Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123699_man_jailed_after_firing_shots_in_shop A MAN has been jailed after he fired a gun and stole cash from a Co-op. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123699_man_jailed_after_firing_shots_in_shop Wed, 01 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123477_surgeon_pioneers_key_to_kindest_cut A PIONEERING consultant surgeon has carried out two gallbladder operations through patients’ navel. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123477_surgeon_pioneers_key_to_kindest_cut Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123472_act_cool_and_cut_weather_victims DOCTORS are bracing themselves for large numbers of heatwave victims as temperatures are expected to soar this week. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123472_act_cool_and_cut_weather_victims Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123483_new_fuel_protest_could_leave_motorists_in_jam DRIVERS travelling west bound on the M62 on the morning of Thursday, 9 July, should expect travel chaos during a planned go-slow by motorcyclists angry about rising fuel costs. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123483_new_fuel_protest_could_leave_motorists_in_jam Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123488_town_honours_true_sporting_giant FRIENDS and family joined with civic guests to honour Simon Jackson MBE as one of Rochdale’s finest sporting ambassadors. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123488_town_honours_true_sporting_giant Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123490_sign_of_trouble_ahead_for_firm A FIRM of solicitors which has an office in Oldham Road, Welfield, could face a difficult task in getting permission to illuminate a fascia sign. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123490_sign_of_trouble_ahead_for_firm Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//community/obituaries/s/1123506_accolades_for_popular_and_talented_stage_star A POPULAR face on the amateur dramatic circuit has died suddenly at the age of 49. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//community/obituaries/s/1123506_accolades_for_popular_and_talented_stage_star Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123509_rain_cant_keep_garden_revellers_stuck_indoors ELDERLY residents at Half Acre House enjoyed cream cakes and entertainment at their 20th charity garden party. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123509_rain_cant_keep_garden_revellers_stuck_indoors Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123510_curb_speeding_traffic_or_someone_could_die MOTORISTS are warning someone will be killed unless urgent action is taken to curb speeding traffic. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123510_curb_speeding_traffic_or_someone_could_die Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123467_planners_bid_to_reject_caravan_plan PLANNING chiefs are recommending planning permission be denied for two static caravans at an award-winning caravan park, even though the borough's tourism officer supports it. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123467_planners_bid_to_reject_caravan_plan Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123462_ishmael_goes_ga_ga_for_grandads_radio_show A TINY tot is going ga ga for a life on the airwaves thanks to his hospital radio DJ grandad. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123462_ishmael_goes_ga_ga_for_grandads_radio_show Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123445_council_aims_to_save_100m_in_five_years COUNCIL services are set to go under close scrutiny in an effort to save £100M over the next five years. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123445_council_aims_to_save_100m_in_five_years Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123469_chris_joins_his_mates_back_on_the_front_line THREE soldiers have deployed to Afghanistan together – for the third time in three years. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1123469_chris_joins_his_mates_back_on_the_front_line Tue, 30 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122825_200k_surgery_theft THE MANAGER of a GP practice has been jailed after stealing more than £200,000 from his surgery to fund his gambling addiction. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122825_200k_surgery_theft Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122824_mp_rowen_i_have_always_striven_to_put_rochdale_first PAUL ROWEN has blasted ‘unsubstantiated and false’ accusations he used taxpayers’ money to fund party-political activity. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122824_mp_rowen_i_have_always_striven_to_put_rochdale_first Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122939_caravans_destroyed_in_new_arson_attack EIGHT caravans stored at a yard in Littleborough have been torched in a suspected arson attack. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122939_caravans_destroyed_in_new_arson_attack Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122940_services_out_in_force_for_new_flag_day THE first British Armed Forces Day was marked in Rochdale with a flag raising ceremony at the Town Hall. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122940_services_out_in_force_for_new_flag_day Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000 http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122938_700000_bill_for_missing_patients ROCHDALE patients who miss dental appointments are costing the taxpayer £700,000 a year. http://www.rochdaleobserver.co.uk//news/s/1122938_700000_bill_for_missing_patients Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000