https://northwestmercury.co.uk News from the North West of England, county by county: economy, society, culture, politics and local life from Manchester and Liverpool to Carlisle. en Tue, 06 Oct 2026 19:38:34 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/trafford-council-funds-14-community-projects-for-wellbeing Trafford Council has awarded funding to 14 community projects focused on enhancing wellbeing and reducing health inequalities. — Font oficial: Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:56:05 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/trafford-council-funds-14-community-projects-for-wellbeing Megan Worthington societat Community members engaging in various wellbeing activities funded by Trafford Council. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/stockport/stockport-town-hall-hosts-health-and-social-care-jobs-safari-for-young-people Young people in Stockport discover diverse health and care careers at an event held at the Town Hall, organised by Stockport Council and NHS Trust. — Font oficial: Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:55:43 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/stockport/stockport-town-hall-hosts-health-and-social-care-jobs-safari-for-young-people Megan Worthington local Stockport Town Hall hosting a careers event for young people. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/barnoldswick/power-cut-risk-increased-after-metal-theft-hits-grid Northern Powergrid warns of increased power cut risk in Barnoldswick due to metal theft damaging the electricity network. — Font oficial: Barnoldswick Town Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:54:47 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/barnoldswick/power-cut-risk-increased-after-metal-theft-hits-grid Megan Worthington local Red-brick houses under a dramatic, cloudy North West England sky. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/westmorland-and-furness-councils-greening-businesses-scheme-opens-for-third-round Westmorland and Furness Council invites local businesses to apply for the Greening Businesses Scheme, offering free carbon footprint assessments and sustainability support. — Font oficial: Westmorland and Furness Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:57:58 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/westmorland-and-furness-councils-greening-businesses-scheme-opens-for-third-round Megan Worthington local A green leaf symbolising environmental efforts against a backdrop of North West England's industrial heritage. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/general/cheshire-west-and-chester-gears-up-for-remembrance-sunday-2026 Details of Remembrance Sunday services, parades, and wreath-laying ceremonies taking place across Cheshire West and Chester on November 8th and 11th, 2026. — Font oficial: Cheshire West and Chester Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:57:37 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/general/cheshire-west-and-chester-gears-up-for-remembrance-sunday-2026 Megan Worthington local A solemn wreath-laying ceremony at a war memorial in North West England on an overcast day. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/greater-manchester-opioid-initiative-wins-national-award-for-safer-pain-relief NHS Greater Manchester and MFT recognised for improving opioid stewardship, enhancing patient safety and reducing harm. — Font oficial: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:56:14 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/greater-manchester-opioid-initiative-wins-national-award-for-safer-pain-relief Megan Worthington societat Opioid medication and prescription bottle, representing pain relief management. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/winstanley/winstanley-college-open-day-attracts-record-700-families Winstanley College hosted a record-breaking Open Day, welcoming over 700 families and showcasing opportunities for September 2027 entry. — Font oficial: Winstanley College (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:55:56 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/winstanley/winstanley-college-open-day-attracts-record-700-families Megan Worthington local Winstanley College Open Day with over 700 families attending. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/congleton/congleton-bus-network-boosted-with-new-evening-and-sunday-services Improved bus connections in Congleton with new evening, Sunday, and Public Holiday services introduced by Cheshire East Council. — Font oficial: Congleton Town Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:54:52 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/congleton/congleton-bus-network-boosted-with-new-evening-and-sunday-services Megan Worthington local A bus stop in Congleton with a bus arriving. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/warrington/anti-bullying-display-by-young-ukrainian-refugee-installed-in-warrington An exhibition by a young Ukrainian refugee in Warrington shares her experiences of displacement and adapting to a new life, promoting an anti-bullying message. — Font oficial: Warrington Borough Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:55:36 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/warrington/anti-bullying-display-by-young-ukrainian-refugee-installed-in-warrington Megan Worthington societat An art display about a young person's experience of displacement and adapting to a new environment. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/bolton/bolton-launches-kinship-zone-to-support-grandparents-and-carers Bolton Council officially launches its new Kinship Zone, offering crucial support to grandparents and family carers raising children. — Font oficial: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:58:14 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/bolton/bolton-launches-kinship-zone-to-support-grandparents-and-carers Megan Worthington local Bolton Town Hall facade with a diverse group of people at a community event. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/cumbria-fostering-launches-recruitment-drive-for-local-children Cumbria Fostering launches a new campaign to recruit foster carers for children of all ages and circumstances across the county. — Font oficial: Cumberland Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:57:51 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/cumbria-fostering-launches-recruitment-drive-for-local-children Megan Worthington societat A diverse group of people attending a Cumbria Fostering information session in North West England. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/carlisle/carlisle-fireshow-2026-plea-for-charity-donations Support local charities at the free-to-attend Carlisle Fireshow 2026 in Bitts Park. Donations requested for Rotary in Carlisle and chosen mayoral charities. — Font oficial: Cumberland Council (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 13:56:07 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/carlisle/carlisle-fireshow-2026-plea-for-charity-donations Megan Worthington local Spectacular fireworks display over a large bonfire at Carlisle Fireshow in Bitts Park. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/general/nhs-expands-free-winter-jabs-across-north-west-england The NHS in North West England is extending free flu and pneumococcal vaccinations to vulnerable groups, including the homeless, to combat winter illnesses. — Font oficial: NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 12:55:38 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/general/nhs-expands-free-winter-jabs-across-north-west-england Megan Worthington societat NHS mobile vaccination bus offering flu jabs in a North West England shopping centre. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/general/public-consultation-launched-on-lancashire-and-south-cumbria-vascular-services NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB launches an eight-week public consultation on proposed changes to vascular services. — Font oficial: NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (06/10/2026) Tue, 06 Oct 2026 11:55:32 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/general/public-consultation-launched-on-lancashire-and-south-cumbria-vascular-services Megan Worthington local Medical chart and stethoscope in a North West England hospital setting. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/wellbeing-courses-launch-for-autumnwinter-term Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Trust launches new wellbeing courses and resources for its Autumn/Winter term, supporting mental health and addiction recovery. — Font oficial: Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:55:52 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/wellbeing-courses-launch-for-autumnwinter-term Megan Worthington societat People attending a wellbeing workshop at the Recovery Academy. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/rossendale-borough-council/marl-pits-leisure-centre-undergoes-major-energy-efficiency-overhaul Rossendale Borough Council is investing in Marl Pits Leisure Centre to enhance energy efficiency and reduce its carbon footprint with new heating and lighting. — Font oficial: Rossendale Borough Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 18:56:02 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/rossendale-borough-council/marl-pits-leisure-centre-undergoes-major-energy-efficiency-overhaul Megan Worthington local Marl Pits Leisure Centre undergoing energy efficiency upgrades. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/bolton-town-centre-set-for-5m-walking-and-cycling-upgrades Bolton Council secures over £5m for major upgrades to walking and cycling infrastructure in the town centre, enhancing safety and regeneration. — Font oficial: Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:57:07 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/bolton-town-centre-set-for-5m-walking-and-cycling-upgrades Megan Worthington local Construction of a new segregated cycle path in Bolton town centre, with red brick buildings and a grey sky. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/parkside/parkside-care-home-achieves-veteran-friendly-framework-status Parkside Care Home in Maryport has achieved Veteran Friendly Framework status, becoming the first Cumberland Council home to receive the accreditation. — Font oficial: Cumberland Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:57:41 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/parkside/parkside-care-home-achieves-veteran-friendly-framework-status Megan Worthington local Parkside Care Home in Maryport, recognised for its support of veterans. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/general/new-partnership-to-enhance-care-for-young-people-in-cheshire-and-merseyside NHS Cheshire and Merseyside partners with local authorities to fund new Appropriate Places of Care for children and young people with complex needs. — Font oficial: NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:57:21 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/general/new-partnership-to-enhance-care-for-young-people-in-cheshire-and-merseyside Megan Worthington societat Symbolic image of hands supporting a young person's outline, with a North West England landscape in the background. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/merseyside/general/merseyside-housing-association-awards-62390-to-community-projects Livv Housing Group's 'Livv in Your Community' Grant Scheme has awarded over £62,000 to 12 local organisations. — Font oficial: Growth Platform (Liverpool City Region) (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:55:09 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/merseyside/general/merseyside-housing-association-awards-62390-to-community-projects Megan Worthington societat Close-up of a grant certificate being held, representing community funding. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/merseyside/liverpool/north-west-backs-clean-energy-jobs-plan Liverpool City Region joins North West and North Wales in backing a plan to create thousands of clean energy jobs. — Font oficial: Growth Platform (Liverpool City Region) (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:54:54 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/merseyside/liverpool/north-west-backs-clean-energy-jobs-plan Katie Ashworth economia Liverpool waterfront with a wind turbine blade, symbolising clean energy job opportunities. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/trafford-school-receives-45-computer-monitors-to-boost-digital-learning Trafford Council's Tech4All initiative delivers 45 refurbished computer monitors to Stretford High School, enhancing digital learning opportunities for pupils. — Font oficial: Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:09:50 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/trafford-school-receives-45-computer-monitors-to-boost-digital-learning Megan Worthington local Refurbished computer monitors ready for use in a school classroom. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/general/wyre-council-reopens-popular-spa-facilities Wyre Council announces the reopening of Spa on The Breck at Poulton Health and Fitness Centre after refurbishment, featuring a hydrothermal suite. — Font oficial: Wyre Borough Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:09:26 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/general/wyre-council-reopens-popular-spa-facilities Megan Worthington local Interior of a modern spa with sauna, jacuzzi, and steam room. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/cumberland-council-seeks-views-on-post-16-send-transport-changes Cumberland Council is consulting residents on proposed changes to post-16 transport for young people with SEND, considering financial contributions. — Font oficial: Cumberland Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:07:50 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/cumberland-council-seeks-views-on-post-16-send-transport-changes Megan Worthington local A young person with a disability contemplates a bus timetable at a rural train station. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/chester/chester-gears-up-for-vibrant-diwali-festival-of-light Chester celebrates Diwali with a vibrant parade, traditional Indian dance, and community workshops on Saturday 31 October. — Font oficial: Cheshire West and Chester Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 15:00:57 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/chester/chester-gears-up-for-vibrant-diwali-festival-of-light Michael Threlfall cultura Diwali parade in Chester with traditional Indian dancers and musicians. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/north-cumbria-nhs-trust-to-host-baby-loss-remembrance-services North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust is holding two remembrance services for Baby Loss Awareness Week in October and November. — Font oficial: North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:54:53 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/north-cumbria-nhs-trust-to-host-baby-loss-remembrance-services Megan Worthington societat A chapel interior set up for a remembrance service, with empty chairs and soft lighting. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/westmorland-and-furness-council-invests-485-million-in-school-maintenance Westmorland and Furness Council is investing £4.85 million in school maintenance to improve learning environments and building safety. — Font oficial: Westmorland and Furness Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:02:13 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cumbria/general/westmorland-and-furness-council-invests-485-million-in-school-maintenance Megan Worthington local School building with modernised windows and roof, indicating recent maintenance work. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/general/new-youth-hub-launched-in-rossendale-to-boost-employment-and-wellbeing A new Youth Hub has opened in Rossendale, offering employment, training, and wellbeing support for young people aged 16-24. — Font oficial: Rossendale Borough Council (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:01:33 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/general/new-youth-hub-launched-in-rossendale-to-boost-employment-and-wellbeing Megan Worthington societat Young people collaborating in a modern community hub in Rossendale. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/stockport-nhs-boosts-urgent-care-capacity-with-new-treatment-centre New facilities at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust enhance urgent care capacity, improve patient flow, and reduce A&E pressure. — Font oficial: Stockport NHS Foundation Trust (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:01:14 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/stockport-nhs-boosts-urgent-care-capacity-with-new-treatment-centre Megan Worthington local Exterior of the new Urgent Treatment Centre at Stockport NHS Foundation Trust. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/merseyside/liverpool/liverpool-and-hertsmere-forge-creative-corridor-partnership Liverpool and Hertsmere councils sign landmark deal to create a Creative & Innovation Corridor, boosting investment and creative industries. — Font oficial: Growth Platform (Liverpool City Region) (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:00:52 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/merseyside/liverpool/liverpool-and-hertsmere-forge-creative-corridor-partnership Megan Worthington local Split image of Liverpool waterfront and Elstree Film Studios, representing a creative corridor partnership. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/north-west-colleges-unite-for-educational-partnership Three North West colleges have launched the Pennine Educational Partnership to improve outcomes for young people through collaboration. — Font oficial: Oldham Sixth Form College (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:00:32 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/north-west-colleges-unite-for-educational-partnership Megan Worthington local Students walking through a college corridor in North West England. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/ai-minister-and-professor-discuss-future-of-artificial-intelligence UK's first AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan, met with Professor Celestine Iwendi from the University of Greater Manchester to discuss AI's role in work and society. — Font oficial: University of Greater Manchester (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 13:00:03 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/greater-manchester/general/ai-minister-and-professor-discuss-future-of-artificial-intelligence Liam Garside tecnologia Abstract representation of artificial intelligence and government policy. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/chester/countess-of-chester-hospitals-new-building-secures-seven-major-awards-in-first-year Countess of Chester Hospital's Women & Children's Building wins seven major awards in its first year, recognised for design and sustainability. — Font oficial: Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:58:06 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/cheshire/chester/countess-of-chester-hospitals-new-building-secures-seven-major-awards-in-first-year Megan Worthington local The award-winning Women & Children's Building at Countess of Chester Hospital. https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/preston/preston-astronomers-apollo-17-journey-featured-in-new-documentary A new documentary by Sarah Bullough, 'The Custodian of the Goodwill Moon Rock', tells the story of Preston astronomer Dermot Gethings' experience at the Apollo 17 mission. — Font oficial: University of Central Lancashire (05/10/2026) Mon, 05 Oct 2026 12:56:46 GMT https://northwestmercury.co.uk/lancashire/preston/preston-astronomers-apollo-17-journey-featured-in-new-documentary Michael Threlfall cultura Close-up of a vintage NASA Apollo 17 mission patch against a starry night sky.