Life & Community
Young voices take the lead as Westhoughton launches new Youth Council
Sixteen pupils from the town’s primary schools have joined Westhoughton’s first Youth Council, sharing ideas on road safety, litter, and the environment.
Michael Wilkinson
Michael has written for publications including The Daily Telegraph, Wiltshire Times and Gloucester Citizen. He was born and grew up in Westhoughton.
Heritage
Row over plans for greyhound statue in Westhoughton
Councillors say new artwork risks glorifying a cruel sport unless it includes a plaque remembering the dogs
Life & Community
Westhoughton park keeper retires after 41 years
Described by the mayor as tending Westhoughton's Central Park “as if it were his own garden”, Stephen Gilmore has hung up his boots after more than four decades of service. There were warm tributes at Westhoughton Town Council recently as long-serving park keeper Stephen was thanked for 41
Life & Community
Six-bed Westhoughton HMO plan sparks objections
Applicant insists conversion will provide “high-quality homes for professionals,” but local representatives fear further strain on neighbourhoods
Life & Community
Three new statues planned to celebrate Westhoughton’s sporting and cultural heritage
Public art project to feature cow, greyhound and cricket sculptures celebrating Westhoughton’s quirky history and sporting past
Sports
Daisy Hill FC manager Lee Hill steps down after two years in charge
Tributes flood in as Hill leaves post for personal and family reasons
Eat & Drink
Slow coffee bar plans bring fresh buzz to Westhoughton
Chris Newton’s small-batch roasting started in his Westhoughton home. Now he’s bringing his passion—and his beans—to the town's high street.
Life & Community
A dog called Mercy: the rescue that changed everything
How one Irish rescue dog sparked a £65,000 mission of love and why her memory still inspires Westhoughton's Sarah Dunscombe-Berry to help others.
Profiles
From loss to legacy, Hazel Bumby’s breast cancer mission
After losing her mum at 15, Westhoughton's Hazel Bumby turned her grief into a lifelong mission to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research.
Eat & Drink
A rising success: Hive Bakehouse brings new café to Westhoughton
How a lockdown hobby became one of Westhoughton’s tastiest success stories – and what’s next for the Hive Bakehouse
Life & Community
Bikers roll through Westhoughton in Easter egg convoy
Special event in aid of local children’s charities brings colour and noise to the town centre
Life & Community
Hedgehog rescue charity devastated by fraudsters who stole nearly £2,000
Westhoughton’s beloved hedgehog rescue faces crisis after scammers drain funds – but community generosity offers hope