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

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.

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.