In 1879, the district was enlarged by the addition of part of Thornham township. The Local Government Act 1894 reconstituted the area as an urban district, and Royton Urban District Council replaced the local board. The urban district was divided into five wards: Dogford, Dryclough, Haggate, Heyside, and Thornham, with each ward returning three councillors to the fifteen-member council.
In 1879, the district was expanded by the addition of part of Thornham township. The Local Government Act 1894 reorganized the area as an urban district, and Royton Urban District Council replaced the local board. The urban district was divided into five wards: Dogford, Dryclough, Haggate, Heyside, and Thornham, with each ward electing three councillors to the fifteen-member council.