Local News

The cloth cap-wearing pigeon fancier from Wigan who became the unlikely godfather of New York crime
Owney Madden served time in Sing Sing, worked the bootlegging gangs during Prohibition, romanced Mae West and hung out with Duke Ellington

Local messages

Concerns grow for missing Wigan pensioner
Wigan police have issued an appeal to find a missing pensioner.


Urgent appeal for missing Greater Manchester woman last seen this morning
Barbara was last seen on Sunday morning

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Take a look inside the world's first 'living coffins' made from mushrooms being sold in UK
Poetic Endings in Forest Hill is selling the ‘living coffins’


Moment man arrested after dramatic chase involving police helicopter
The driver took some 'extreme risks' police say


Wigan hospital wards almost full to capacity
Almost every bed at Wigan’s hospitals was occupied at the start of this month, with many beds taken by patients fit to be discharged.


National Wine Day 2025: 11 places in Wigan where you can celebrate
It’s National Drink Wine Day on Tuesday February 18, so you’ve no excuse not to enjoy a glass or two.


Wigan man found with knife and drugs gets suspended sentence
A Wigan man caught carrying a knife in public has been handed a suspended prison sentence.


Eufy E20 review: A robot vacuum and a handheld vacuum in one neat package
Consumer technology writer Gareth Butterfield tests the innovative new Eufy E20 robot vacuum cleaner


Wigan thug involved in violent disorder armed with three blades
A Wigan 34-year-old has admitted to taking part in violent disorder while armed with three blades in Leyland.


A look back at Wigan life in pictures from 1979
Brownie and guide groups, snow scenes and police visiting pupils are among the people and events pictured in this collection of photos taken in Wigan 46 years ago in 1979.


Wigan woman reveals plans to expand bereavement group set up in her dad's memory
A bereavement group launched after the death of a much-loved Wigan granddad is expanding.


Man shares home with 16 tarantulas and a huntsman spider and says arachnids make ideal pets
Take a look inside the unique home of a man who owns 16 tarantulas and a huntsman spider, explaining his passion for these creatures and why they make ideal pets.


Rod Stewart dances with superfan during surprise hospital visit
Watch the heartwarming moment when veteran rocker Rod Stewart entertains a 74-year-old superfan during a surprise hospital visit.


Adorable young magician Cillian O Connor shares heartwarming autism and dyspraxia journey
Watch as adorable teen, Cillian O Connor, shares his heartwarming personal tale of how magic has helped him to cope with having autism and dyspraxia.


Here’s how to get Sonny Angels, the super-cute toys making grown-ups so happy
A look at the new toy craze Sonny Angels - what they are, why they’re so popular, and why you should buy them now.


This twin pack of 10000mAh power banks is now £19.99 thanks to a double voucher deal
If you use any sort of 12v tech, you’ll find a power bank handy - these might just be the best value options online right now


NHS nurse has car stolen by ‘scumbag’ thieves as she recovers from cancer treatment in hospital
This was the shocking moment when ‘scumbag’ thieves broken into the house of an NHS nurse and stole her Land Rover while she was in hospital with cancer.


Tough winter for NHS: all Wigan hospital figures for December
Tens of thousands of patients were waiting for routine treatment at Wigan hospitals in December, new figures show.


Wigan man caught drug-driving again gets second road ban
A Wigan man, banned from the road for drug-driving but who then got behind the wheel when high on cocaine and cannabis has been hit by another four-year disqualification.
