Littleborough is a village within the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale, in Greater Manchester. It is located in the upper Roch Valley by the foothills of the South Pennines, 3 miles (4.8 km) northeast of Rochdale and 12.6 miles (20.3 km) north-northeast of the city of Manchester. In 2001, Littleborough and its surrounding suburbs of Calderbrook, Shore and Smithy Bridge were noted as having a population of 13,807. When cotton was introduced as a base to make textiles, Littleborough experienced an increase of families, mainly from the neighbouring county, the West Riding of Yorkshire. Upscale homes and estates were created on the borders of the town. Coal mining, engineering ventures and progressively large fabric mills promoted Littleborough's population development and urbanisation, which provoked its status as a mill town. Through the mid-20th century, imports of less expensive foreign goods contributed towards the progressive deindustrialisation of Littleborough, but the commercial diversity of the town helped it to fend off the developing economic depression, which was felt elsewhere in North West England. Littleborough's stone-built town centre is designated as a Conservation Area for its special architectural qualities. The town also boasts good dining and leisure facilities, with Littleborough Rugby Union Football Club being appointed 'Club of the Year' at National Ruby Football Awards. For all of your home upgrades, make certain to make use of trustworthy experts in Littleborough to make certain of quality.