Latest news with #RochdaleCouncil
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Illegal products found under loo in closed-down shop
A shop has been ordered to close temporarily after illegal vapes and counterfeit tobacco were found on the premises, with some products hidden under a toilet. Large volumes of illegal and potentially dangerous goods were discovered at the Drake Street Food Store, also known as Polski Sklep, in Rochdale, during undercover visits, the local authority said. The shop was also found to have sold foods not labelled in English and toys that did not meet safety standards, it added. A Rochdale Council spokesperson said that since June 2024, they had seized more than 33,000 fake cigarettes and 26kg of hand-rolled tobacco during a series of undercover visits there. The authority's deputy leader and portfolio holder for climate change and environment, Tricia Ayrton, said: "Our efforts to take these illegal products off our streets really uncover the extent these criminals will go to, to supply fake cigarettes and other items to their customers – not least concealing them in a hole under a toilet of all places." She said the people running the business "clearly" believed "they were above the law which is why we have been left with no alternative but to shut them down". Insp Meena Yasin, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "This closure order represents our work with trading standards to use enforcement legislation on business premises." A closure order was granted at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court on Wednesday after the council argued the illegal activity was likely to continue unless the business was closed. It will remain shut for a total of three months, which is the maximum period of time enforceable under the terms of the closure application. Cigarettes in fake packaging were found to have been sold well below standard prices at £4 and £5, with illegal tobacco products also found concealed inside the store, in a commercial bin at the rear of the property and in nearby parked cars. Several warnings were given to the director of the business, the property's landlords and shop staff, but they had continued to sell illegal goods from the premises at 138a Drake Street, the council said. Anyone who is aware of illicit tobacco or any other illegal items on sale at a local business is asked to contact Rochdale Council's trading standards team. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Illegal vapes worth over £95k seized in shop raids £10k haul of banned disposable vapes seized Rochdale Council
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Greater Manchester town that's about to get a makeover
Heywood's civic square is about to get a complete makeover. Plans for Peine Square, which were approved this week, will see it turned into a striking public space for events - and a place for people to simply relax. Currently, the area on the doorstep of the civic centre is just paved with some trees and benches for public use. READ MORE: Morrisons confirms closure of 17 stores - full list and dates READ MORE: 'He went into the boys' bedroom at 1am... I think on some level his soul knew' But Rochdale Council wants to create new green spaces and seating areas to 'encourage community interaction', which can double up as a performance space. The design incorporates new seating, footpaths, improved gardens and a flexible event space. The vision sees the flexible space catering for temporary market stalls, a stage, an outdoor cinema as well as food trucks - depending on the event. When the proposal was launched earlier this year, Coun Danny Meredith, cabinet member for regeneration and housing, said: 'Peine Square is an important area in the heart of Heywood, but it feels a little unloved at the moment. 'That's why these proposals have been put together to transform this space into a vibrant area which will serve as a focal point for the community and as a space where fantastic events can be staged. 'Together with the ongoing work to completely revamp Heywood Civic Centre, these improvements will transform this key part of the town centre as part of our wider masterplan for this area.' These proposals form part of a wider investment into Heywood. This includes the revamp of the civic centre, which is getting a new bar, seating, lighting and sound systems. As the improvement works are carried out the council says they will move important local structures, like the Heywood book and the memorial benches, to other parts of the town centre to ensure people can still use them. *** Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News.
