Cllr Gareth Staples-Jones

16/10/2026

Still a long way to go but good to see more progress on tackling dodgy shops on our high streets!

And well done Wagtail 🐾

🚬🧸 Illegal to***co and counterfeit goods seized in coordinated crackdown across Bury

A major day of action on 13 October brought together partners from HMRC, Greater Manchester Police, Immigration Enforcement, Bury Council's Licensing Service and Trading Standards to tackle the sale of illicit to***co, counterfeit goods and other unlawful activity.

Officers visited six premises across Tottington, Ainsworth, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Bury, supported by Wagtail, a specially trained to***co detection dog.

As a result of the operation:
✅ Three premises were found to be selling or storing unlawful goods
✅ 124 packets of illicit ci******es were seized
✅ 18 pouches of hand-rolling to***co were seized
✅ 54 counterfeit or potentially unsafe toys were seized
✅ Goods worth an estimated £3,000 were removed from circulation

This work is part of our ongoing commitment to tackling so-called "dodgy shops" and protecting residents from harmful and illegal products.

Councillor Gavin McGill said: "By removing illicit goods from circulation, we are helping to protect residents, support legitimate businesses and ensure our town centres remain safe, fair and welcoming places to live, work and visit."

Investigations are continuing, and enforcement action will be considered where offences are identified.

15/10/2026

Free half-term activities and healthy meals available for eligible Bury families

Bury families are being encouraged to make the most of an expanded Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme this half term, offering free activities, healthy meals and enriching experiences for eligible children and young people.

The HAF Programme is funded by the UK Government and co-ordinated locally by Bury Council. It supports children and young people who receive benefits-related Free School Meals, helping them stay active, socialise with friends and access nutritious food during the school holidays.

To support families during the holidays, Bury Council has expanded its HAF Programme, creating more opportunities for children and young people to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across the borough.

The programme offers everything from sports, arts and crafts, outdoor activities and wellbeing sessions to opportunities to learn new skills, make friends and have fun in a safe and supportive environment.



Read more in the comments

14/10/2026

Pleased we’ve been able to make some progress over at St John in the wilderness, had some really good discussions with Rev Ian Fleming about how we care for the graveyard and area.

The parish team have managed to get a landscaper in to cut back much of the rough growth in the older Victorian section to make sure it’s accessible and I’m in talks with the council about how we care this part in the long term.

The current parish no longer includes a church at St John in the wilderness but the team still have to maintain for 3 other churches across Ramsbottom and Edenfield - no easy task.

The newer plot at the land will continue to be maintained by the church moving forwards with a proper regime in place and I’m grateful to those family members who have engaged with me and volunteered with me previously.

Ramsbottom Labour Party

13/10/2026

11/10/2026

Successful weekend including…

Early morning walks up to Peel Tower ✅
Clean up day with the Nuttall Park team ✅
Knocking on Doors and delivering our leaflet ✅

Ramsbottom Labour Party

09/10/2026

05/10/2026

Popped into Cocoa Tree Ramsbottom for a coffee today and a chat today about some local issues with a resident, brilliant service as always - would highly recommend!

Great to see so many businesses dressing up their displays and shop fronts for Autumn, we have some brilliant businesses on our high street so please if there is something you can buy locally - support local businesses.

Noticed the flagstones near the Urn have been touched up and reset as well which is good to see. I’ve already reported the cobble setts which need fixing but have chased up again.

04/10/2026

As someone who has written to Andy Burnham when he was GM Mayor about wildfire fighting PPE for GMFRS - I completely supported this push by Fire Brigades Union to win more support at Labour conference.

Ultimately this is why conference is so important, standing on your principles, winning support from other members and securing a democratic mandate to change policy.

The FBU has won resounding support at Labour Party conference for the recruitment of 5000 firefighters and the introduction of nationally recognised wildfire training.

03/10/2026

Great day knocking on doors on Lancaster Ave, lovely pint at Irwell Works Brewery

03/10/2026

Ramsbottom looking gorgeous in the sun today.

Good to see cleaning and remedial works progressing at market place near the urn, expected to be completed at the end of October weather dependant.

Upgrades include structural improvements to the surrounding walls, repainting railings, securing loose bollards, clearing drainage, and enhancing the small stone feature known as the "castle".

As always a huge thanks to Ramsbottom Civic Pride who do a wonderful job at bringing colour to the town centre.

Ramsbottom Labour Party