Councillors and government officials have issued last-call warnings to residents of Oldham that the borough may be facing full lockdown restrictions “within days” after a spike in cases.
Residents in Oldham are being urged to “work with” the council and “follow the guidance” to help prevent the borough from having to enter into a Leicester-style local lockdown.
These warnings come after confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have almost doubled in Oldham over the past week.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Oldham Council, the latest figures – released yesterday for the week ending August 8 – show that there have been 255 new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Oldham, which is a rate of 107.5 cases per 100,000 people.
The week prior to this there were 137 cases, which is a rate of 57.8 per 100,000.
A statement to residents on the Oldham Council website reads: “To help halt the spread of coronavirus, save lives and prevent a local lockdown, we need all Oldham residents and businesses to follow our new guidance.”
“You need to act now.”
“If everyone makes these small changes we can avoid a second lockdown, but there is no time to lose. The best way to stop the spread of the virus is to limit those who you have contact with – spend time with those in your household and work from home where possible, but do not have visitors to your home or garden.”
“If you must meet people from outside your household, do so in an outdoor location, maintain social distancing and avoid physical contact [and] when visiting shops, on public transport or in other enclosed or crowded spaces, you should wear a mask.”
This latest data comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock made the announcement on the evening of Thursday 30th July that people in certain areas of Northern England – crucially including all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester – would no long be permitted to congregate privately with others outside their household or support bubble due to a rise in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases across these regions.
Legislation to legally enforce these new restrictions was published by the government five days after the announcement and came into force on Wednesday 5th August.
Katrina Stephens – Director of Public Health for Oldham Council – said officials were discussing with central government the possibility of closing bars, restaurants and gyms in the borough following a “sudden increase” in the infection rate.
She said: “This isn’t just about Oldham making a decision on its own, this is a conversation between us, colleagues in Greater Manchester but importantly with national government as well because a lot of the measures that a full lockdown would relate to need to be instigated by national government.”
“It’s a two way conversation and because we’re acting on this early we’re in a position to have that.”
“A local lockdown still isn’t inevitable, actually if people can work with us and follow that guidance then there is still that opportunity to turn round the tide of rising infections.”
Councillor Arooj Shah – Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for COVID-19 recovery – added: “We know people in Oldham have, on the whole, been behaving responsibly and abiding by the coronavirus restrictions, but coronavirus has not gone away and rates are now rising.”
“To avoid a second lockdown, there is no time to lose.”
“We need everyone to act now and make changes to the way they live, to prevent strict lockdown restrictions being implemented in the coming days or weeks. Figures are showing us that cases are rising here in Oldham in all areas, in all age groups, and in all communities.”
“We are all at risk of this terrible virus and it is our responsibility to protect ourselves, our friends and wider society by obeying this tougher guidance and acting responsibly.”
You can find more information about the local restrictions via the Oldham Council website here, and the latest infection rates across Greater Manchester can be found in full here.
For further information and guidance amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, do refer to official sources via gov.uk/coronavirus.
#StaySafeSaveLives
News
Salford Red Devils have assured that their next game will ‘go ahead as scheduled’
Danny Jones
Salford Red Devils have assured their supporters that their next game is set to go ahead as planned following the cancellation of their previous match over the weekend.
The local rugby league club is set to take on fellow Greater Manchester outfit Leigh Leopards this Friday, but there remain lingering doubts as to whether or not this latest fixture will be played either.
Nevertheless, Salford Red Devils have now issued a statement assuring those watching Super League round 23 at home and, more importantly, those travelling to nearby Wigan for the clash that “will go ahead as scheduled.”
Then again, the meeting against Wakefield Trinity RLFC was only called off two days prior, so many are still opting for a ‘touch wood’ mentality.
Sharing a statement on social media at the start of the week, the Red Devils said: “We can confirm this Friday’s Betfred Super League Round 23 clash between Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils will go ahead as scheduled.
“The Club, in consultation with the Rugby Football League (RFL), RL Commercial and Rugby League Cares, reluctantly decided to cancel last Sunday’s scheduled fixture versus Wakefield Trinity due to significant concerns regarding player welfare.
“However, with first-grade players back from injury this week, and others with Super League experience set to join on loan, this Friday’s fixture will proceed as planned.
“Your support this season has been incredible, both at home and on the road – thank you for backing the boys in such a tough period.”
While there were no issues on Wakefield’s end last Sunday, 17 August, it was made apparent that the home tie simply had to be cancelled, as the Salford side were effectively unable to raise a team.
Only two players were said to be actually available for the match, with the Devils having to depend on loanees for others in the division to stay afloat following several individuals departing this year.
So much passion as fans of Salford Red Devils came together to peacefully protest against the owners of the club.
Pretty special to also see supporters of rivals Wigan, Warrington & Widnes here to support the rugby league community ❤️
— Nick Hope – the athlete’s journalist (@NickHopeTV) August 17, 2025
Against the backdrop of yet more woe for the 125-year-old organisation, more than 500 fans decided to march outside the ground – led by passionate supporters group, The 1873 – with a clear message regarding problematic ownership and their equally ever-troublesome finances: “enough is enough.”
The board insist that the recent and increasingly decisive decision-making hasn’t been “taken lightly”, but the climate around the Salford Community Stadium is nevertheless turbulent, with some deeply distressing claims being made behind the scenes.
Perhaps one of the most alarming allegations came on Thursday, 14 August, when now former COO (chief operating officer) Claire Bradbury resigned within less than a year with the Devils after an ownership figure suggested she “sleep with someone at the RFL” to help their struggles.
She shared details of incidents in a lengthy open letter via LinkedIn; we sincerely hope the toxicity and lingering air of uncertainty abate soon, not just for the fans’ sake, but for the evidently long-suffering staff and everyone who has kept the club going this long.
Cooking classes aimed at getting students ready for university are taking place near Manchester
Thomas Melia
A cooking workshop has launched just in time to teach students kitchen hacks as they prepare for university, and it’s less than an hour from Manchester.
With September just around the corner and the inevitable bedroom-packing, car-cramming, finance-faffing action already underway, there’s only one thing left to box off – cooking.
That’s where Saddleworth Cookery School steps in, with a five hour culinary experience that hopes to teach aspiring academics how to chef up some budget-friendly foodie feasts.
Located in Diggle, this cooking class will not only provide you with some essential cooking skills, but also aim to boost your confidence in the kitchen environment ahead of university.
A cooking workshop aimed at university students is taking place near Manchester / Credit : Brooke Cagle via Unsplash / Adbulmajeed Hassan via Pixabay
Throughout the session, you will learn how to prepare meals for yourself that are healthy and cost-effective, and also tailored to students and their lifestyles.
This cooking class doesn’t just show you how to batch cook a meal or two either, they also provide reassurance for students who may be anxious about food safety, storage, and preparation.
The dishes made within the workshop can be adapted and modified to suit all dietary requirements subject to prior notice – meaning veggies and vegans, this one’s for you too.
Anyone looking to advance their kitchen knowledge or start from scratch must be 16 years or older, and you can also attend without a parent or guardian.
Each participant will leave the session with a selection of recipes, as well as a shopping list, and even a goody bag containing some starting essentials to becoming a kitchen conqueror.
Cooking for yourself may seem daunting, but this kitchen has lots of positive feedback – with one user noting: “Thank you so much Pam and her wonderful, helpful and welcoming team,” while another added: “Kate taught us tons of recipes in a super relaxed and friendly setting.”
The ‘Get ready for University Cooking Class’ is taking place at Saddleworth Cookery School in Diggle across a range of dates, and you can find key info and get in touch with them directly HERE.
The Manc -
12th August 2020 
