The Mancunian Way: The curious spat between Rochdale Council and a Hollywood star

Hello,

It’s not something you hear about everyday - an unlikely fight between rochdale-council>Rochdale Council and a Hollywood actor.

At the centre of the dispute is Grade II listed Hopwood Hall, which actor Hopwood DePree committed to restoring in an ‘exclusivity agreement’ with the council.

But the agreement has been axed after the town hall said there has not been sufficient progress made - something that came as a shock to Mr DePree.

“For years I have personally funded many efforts that have enabled the Hopwood Hall Estate rescue project to progress,” he told the M.E.N

“The funds I have spent do not include any of the thousands of hours of my time. Rescuing a derelict building is expensive and requires a huge commitment but I was willing to take on that role as a partner with Rochdale Council.

“'Invest in Rochdale' is their slogan. That is exactly what I did, moving over to Rochdale Borough from the USA, because I trusted the council and believed in the community with all my heart. It is now hard to believe that any council would then turn around and treat us in this way. Wow, what a life lesson this shocking experience has been.”

George Lythgoe has the fascinating story here.

Simply having a wonderful Christmastime

Sir Paul McCartney was back in Manchester over the weekend for two huge gigs at Co-op Live - and the M.E.N’s Ian Hughes was there to witness greatness.

It’s a show where sentimentality is dialled up to 11, he writes, and backed by a setlist full to the brim with classics, it’s hard to not feel anything but extremely jealous when reading his review.

“Tonight, it is clear that in spite of his advancing years, it’s clear McCartney is still operating at a level unmatched by almost anyone else in the business,” Ian says. You can read his full review here.

Notorious serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga attacked in 'planned prison hit'

Notorious Manchester rapist Reynhard Sinaga was attacked in prison following an alleged planned hit by inmates, it's been reported.

The 41-year-old was jailed in January 2020 for carrying out 159 sex offences including 136 rapes of young men in Manchester after tricking them into taking a date rape drug. He is currently serving a minimum of 40 years behind bars.

The rapist is said to have narrowly avoided serious injuries following the alleged planned attack at HMP Wakefield in July before it was stopped by prison guards. He is said to be 'in danger' and a 'clear target' for inmates due to his horrific crimes. More here.

Tributes paid to dad found in River Roch

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to a dad whose body was found in the River Roch over the weekend.

It brought to a close weeks of searching for Nathaniel Favour Enemona, who police feared had entered the body of water during Storm Bert. Nathaniel's family said: “Nathaniel was a loving man and daddy, he was the most loving and caring husband and dad who always put his family first.

"We ask for time and peace to process the tragic loss we feel as a family. We want to take this opportunity to thank the people of Heywood for the outpouring of love and support they have shown." More here.

An eerie coincidence

As the Manchester Evening News campaigns for a change in the law to protect victims of domestic abuse, politics writer Joseph Timan spent an afternoon at the domestic violence court in Manchester, where an eerie coincidence left him in disbelief.

Jo was at Manchester Magistrate’s Court to see one of the first new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in the country set to be issued.

But as a defendant’s name and address was read to the court, he realised the incident had taken place exactly where Caroline Gore had been murdered by her ex-partner in October 2023. It is her death that inspired the campaign to see breaches of protective orders met with immediate prison sentences. You can read more here.

Weather etc

Tuesday: Partly cloudy changing to light rain by nighttime. 11C.

Roadworks: A6051 Chapel Road in both directions closed due to water main work between A669 Chew Valley Road and A670 Oldham Road.

Manchester headlines

• Court: A mum who repeatedly groped a teenage boy has been spared jail after a judge ruled she was 'immature' and not sexually attracted to children. More here.
• Missing man: Police have issued an urgent appeal to find a missing man last seen two days ago. Officers are concerned for Michael, 53, from Middleton. More here.
• Fan death: A Manchester City fan has died after collapsing at yesterday's Manchester football derby, the club has confirmed. More here.

Worth a read

Last week we took a look at the inquest of Daniel Burke, a former paratrooper who was shot in Ukraine after a coroner ruled he was ‘unlawfully killed’.

Today, Neal Keeling has an in-depth look at the Manchester man who had become a ‘freedom fighter’ around the world. You can read it here.