A council in Greater Manchester has confirmed plans to open ‘Warm Banks’, to help people keep warm this winter as energy bills skyrocket.
Oldham Council will be creating welcoming, heated, sheltered spaces for those who ‘cannot afford to put the heating on’.
The move will see places like libraries turned into Warm Banks as part of the council’s £3m plans to tackle the cost of living crisis.
In a statement, Cllr Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said that schemes such as Warm Banks ‘should not be necessary in 2022’.
It’s hoped that the plans will particularly help vulnerable residents, such as the elderly and families with young children, through the colder months.
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Oldham is setting up Warm Banks to help those who ‘can’t afford to put the heating on’. Credit: Unsplash
She said: “As part of our £3m commitment to tackle the cost of living, we’re setting up Warm Banks so that Oldham residents who are cold and cannot afford to put the heating on have a place where they can get warm.
“These should not be necessary in 2022, but the reality for many people is that the cost of energy is unaffordable and without support, they will be cold in their own homes. This is particularly worrisome for our vulnerable residents such as the elderly or families with young children.
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“Our Warm Banks are places already open to the public, such as our libraries. We’ll be investing into these spaces over the coming weeks to make sure they’re as welcoming as they can be. We’ll also be working with our partners to identify places in the community that can be used as Warm Banks to ensure none of our residents are forced to be cold.
“As we approach the winter months and face another rise in our energy costs tomorrow with the October price cap increase, this situation is going to get worse for residents. But they’re not alone and as a council, we can help.
“Our team are on hand to help anyone who is already struggling with their energy costs. Through our Warm Homes Scheme, residents can access a range of support including claiming for Warm Homes Discount, help to switch energy suppliers or tariffs as well as ways to maximise your income to help make the basics more affordable.
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“If you’re struggling, we can help. Please contact our emergency helpline on 0161 770 7777 and our staff will do everything they can to make things a little easier for you.”
Featured image: Oldham Council
Oldham
Police shut down suspected brothel in Oldham following concerns raised by locals
Emily Sergeant
Police have shut down what they believe to have been a brothel in Oldham during the early hours of this morning.
Following concerns raised by the local community and years of gathering intelligence, officers from Greater Manchester Police‘s (GMP) Oldham Neighbourhood Team executed a warrant at a premises on Broadway in Oldham earlier this morning (14 October 2026), as they believed it to be operating as a brothel.
The warrant was executed as a result of the unrelated arrest of a man believed to be connected to the business.
When police seized a mobile phone from the man, examination of the device uncovered evidence which provided them with grounds to suspect the premises was being used for the control of prostitution.
During the operation this morning, a woman in her 40s was found and spoken to by officers. Once safeguarding measures were put in place by GMP, she was subsequently arrested on suspicion of immigration-related offences and possession of Class A drugs.
Police have shut down a suspected brothel in Oldham following concerns raised by locals / Credit: GMP
A man – who police believed to be the owner of the premises – was also arrested on suspicion of controlling prostitution for gain.
Officers seized a number of items from the address too, including cash and timesheets, as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The concerns surrounding this premises have been raised by local residents and businesses for a considerable period of time, and today’s action is the result of years of intelligence gathering and partnership working,” explained Police Sergeant Tom Layton.
“By securing a Closure Notice, we have been able to immediately disrupt the activities taking place at the premises and prevent further harm, nuisance and criminality while legal proceedings continue.
“Premises suspected of facilitating criminality can have a significant impact on those living and working nearby, causing nuisance and concern.
“We have listened to the concerns of the community and have taken robust action to address them.”
Neighbourhood Inspector Amie Whitehead added: “Our priority is always to identify and safeguard those who may be vulnerable while pursuing those suspected of criminal offences.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to target anyone who seeks to exploit others and to ensure Oldham remains a safe place for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”
Featured Image – GMP
Oldham
RSPCA appeals after French bulldog found dead in Oldham canal
Daisy Jackson
The RSPCA has launched an appeal for information after finding a French Bulldog dead in a canal in Oldham.
The dog was discovered by a dog walker earlier this week, floating in the middle of a canal in Chadderton.
The French Bulldog was wearing a pink-red lead and matching collar, which were wrapped around his head and front leg.
He did not have a microchip, but the charity is hoping his lead might help him to be identified.
The dog was found at around 12.20pm on Monday 5 October on a section of the canal near Middleton Road.
The harness and lead the French bulldog was found wearing in the canal. Credit: RSPCA
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Beth Fazackerley said: “This was an incredibly upsetting incident for the member of the public who made this distressing discovery, and it is heartbreaking that this poor dog was found in such circumstances.
“We are keen to establish what happened, and would urge anyone who was in the area around Middleton Road at midday, on October 5, and may have information about what happened, to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the RSPCA appeals line on 0300 123 8018, quoting incident number 01919098.
Daisy Jackson -
3rd October 2022 
