Category: Newcastle

Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards service has issued a warning about ‘squishy’ sensory toys which have recently become popular online due to social media trends.The toys, which are often designed to look like doughnuts, dumplings and other desserts, are causing concerns after some products failed to meet UK safety standards.Although some of the items are perfectly safe, others have been seized by officers in Staffordshire because of their potential risk to children.According to Staffordshire County Council: “Issues include the risk of skin irritation or nausea, choking hazards if products split or leak and reports of burns where toys have been heated. “Parents are being advised to supervise younger children during use and to remove and report products causing skin irritation, headaches or respiratory symptoms.”Anthony Screen, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, said: “These ‘squishy’ toys have become incredibly popular, particularly with children and young people, but safety should always come first.”While many products on sale are perfectly legitimate, some cheaper imitation versions may not meet the standards required in the UK. “We would encourage parents, carers and anyone buying these toys to check labels carefully, look for UKCA or CE markings and only buy from reputable retailers.”

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The council is keen to remind businesses of their legal responsibilities when placing products on the market, ensuring that items meet UK safety requirements, are correctly labelled and can be traced back through reputable supply lines.Do you have concerns about an unsafe product?Report it here or call 01785 330356.

Police want witnesses and footageAuthor: Adam SmithPublished 7 hours agoA young girl is in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries after a collision involving a motorbike in Tamworth.She was riding a push bike across a footpath on a playing field near Cambrian when the incident occurred at around 4.10pm on 13th July. The motorbike, which had a rider and passenger, collided with the girl, leading to her being taken to hospital by ambulance. Her condition is described as serious but stable. Police have arrested a 20-year-old man from Tamworth on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He remains in custody as the investigation continues. Additionally, a 16-year-old boy was arrested last night on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He is also still in custody. Authorities are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have footage from CCTV, dashcams, doorbell cameras, or mobile phones. If you have information, you are urged to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 601 of 13th July. For anonymous reports, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.

Shrewsbury Town’s first pre-season outing ahead of the 2026/27 campaign will now kick off at 7.15pm on Tuesday night, with Stafford Rangers and Shrewsbury Town set to meet at Marston Road in Staffordshire.The change gives supporters a clear new time for the fixture, which is the first run-out of the summer for Gavin Cowan’s side. It also places the focus firmly on a useful opening test rather than the clock, with Shrewsbury Town beginning their build-up in familiar friendly fashion.First outing in StaffordshireThe trip to Staffordshire is the start of Shrewsbury Town’s pre-season schedule, and it comes before the squad moves on to the Isle of Man. After Staffordshire, the Salop squad will head to the Isle of Man and begin that trip with a fixture against Radcliffe.For now, though, the immediate detail is simple: Stafford Rangers vs Shrewsbury Town now has a 7.15pm start on Tuesday night at Marston Road. For supporters making plans, that is the key change. For Cowan, it is the start of the work that will shape the weeks ahead.

Double-yellow lines are set to be painted on 31 Stoke-on-Trent junctions. Stoke-on-Trent City Council is currently consulting with motorists, residents and businesses after listing 62 streets across the 31 junctions.The consultation runs until Thursday 16 July.The council wants double-yellow lines on the following junctions:Abbey Lane and Abbey Road, in Abbey HultonAshendene Grove and Ampthill Place, in TrenthamAshworth Street and Smithpool Road, in FentonAtholl Rd and Lennox Road, in NormacotBankhouse Road and Ivy Grove, TrenthamBemersley Road and Whitfield Road. in Ball GreenBlurton Road and St Margarets Grove, in BlurtonBlurton Road and Whitaker Road, in BlurtonBramley Place and Greenwood Avenue, in Trent ValeBrierley Street and Ford Green Road, in SmallthorneCumming Street and Trafalgar Road, in HartshillElder Road and Rushton Road, in CobridgeLondon Road and Flash Lane, in Trent ValeGladstone Place and Munster Terrace, in PenkhullGoms Mill Road and Byatts Grove, in LongtonHareshaw Grove and Rainham Grove, in Fegg HayesHawkins Street and Napier Street, in FentonIvy Grove and Jubilee Road, in TrenthamKnypersley Road and Whitfield Road, Ball GreenMain Street and East Street, in Weston CoyneyMain Street and Bannock Street, in Weston CoyneyNapier Street and Stewart Street, in FentonNapier Street and Ashworth Street, in FentonNapier Street and Edison Street, in FentonNursery Lane and Roundfields, in Stockton BrookPetersfield Road and Farland Grove, in ChellRiverdale Drive and Sudbourne Close, in PackmoorRonson Avenue and Newcastle Lane, in Trent ValeRuby Close and Sapphire Drive, in Norton HeightsWell Street and Waterloo Street, in HanleyWilson Road and Mayne Street, in HanfordTo take part in the consultation, email here quoting reference: DF/NM/TRO8/2026.Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is freeWhat do you think of the state of the roads in Stoke-on-Trent

A man has been charged following a police investigation into a rape on Berryhill Fields in Stoke-on-TrentJason William Heaton, 53, of Hulme, Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with two counts of the rape of a woman, one count of sexual assault on a female, one count of attempted rape of a woman and one count of theft from the person of another.Staffordshire Police was called at around 8.15pm on Thursday 2 July to an area off Dividy Road after a 17-year-old girl reported she had been raped by a man.A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: “Specialist officers are continuing to support her at this time.”Heaton appeared at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Saturday (11 July) and has been remanded ahead of his next appearance due at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Monday 27 July.

Craney, who lives in Cannock, told the BBC: “As soon as I’ve seen a sign that says 14ft 3in, I’m like, ‘right, I’m all right on that road’.”But if you get to the bridge and it’s suddenly 13ft 9in, you aren’t going to make it. That’s the big issue.”If we hit any other bridge, it’s a fine from the police. If we hit a railway bridge, it’s an invitation to an interview with the traffic commissioner, and we do lose our licence for it.”Peter Mason, cabinet member for strategic highways at the council, said all signs associated with the bridge would be updated where necessary to reflect the correct maximum headroom of 13ft 9in (4.2m), with work part-funded by Network Rail.”We will also continue to monitor this location,” he said.

Police are investigating and appealing for information following the incident at Oakwell CourtAuthor: Adam ClarkPublished 4 hours agoLast updated 4 hours agoA woman in her 20s has been found dead at a flat in LongtonPolice were called to the scene in Oakwell Court, at around 3:30am this morning, 12th July, where they discovered the woman’s body. A 30-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently being questioned in custody. The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specially trained officers. Increased Police Presence in LongtonA scene remains at the address as investigations continue, with police seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident. Neighbourhood officers have increased their presence in the area to provide reassurance to the local community and to gather evidence. Detectives are conducting door-to-door enquiries in an effort to locate any witnesses. Appeal for InformationPolice are urging anyone who witnessed suspicious behaviour overnight, or who can provide CCTV or doorbell camera footage from the area, to contact them on 101, quoting incident number 188 of 12th July. For those wishing to report anonymously, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or via their website at crimestoppers-uk.org.First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.

They’ve got a second chance!13:25, 08 Jul 2026Updated 01:51, 12 Jul 2026Inside The New Finney Gardens (stock image)(Image: Pete Stonier / Stoke Sentinel)Barred drinkers are being welcomed back to a Stoke-on-Trent pub. New landlord Chris Holdforth had originally announced that all blacklisted drinkers would remain barred from The New Finney Gardens, in Bucknall.But the venue has now reversed the decision. It comes as Chris – who has revived The Albion, in Hanley – has moved to The New Finney Gardens from The Marquis of Granby, in Penkhull.In a social media post, The New Finney Gardens stated: “We have agreed that all previously barred people will be unbarred. We want to give everyone at least a chance but let me make it perfectly clear any issues and you will be rebarred. We want to have a sense of community and to do this we need to make sure we give everybody a chance.”I have brought a brilliant new team with me, both front of house and in the kitchen, and we’re all buzzing to get stuck in. Our aim is simple – get this beautiful pub back to being the place everyone wants to be. We can’t wait to meet you all and we’re looking forward to making some great memories together. Thanks again for all the support – it honestly means the world.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

There was a ‘closing down sale’Cancer Research UK has shut its Cheadle High Street shopCharity Cancer Research UK has shut another of its North Staffordshire shops. It staged a ‘closing down sale’ ahead of the closure of the Cheadle High Street branch.It comes as Cancer Research UK has already shut its Leek shop as well as one of its Newcastle-under-Lyme branches. It leaves superstores in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stafford as well as a shop in Congleton.Cancer Research UK had aimed to shut 90 shops by May 2026 – with up to 100 more by April 2027.Cancer Research UK chief executive Michelle Mitchell said: “I am deeply grateful to our dedicated supporters, volunteers and staff for their role and contribution in beating cancer together. Without action, we predict many of our shops will become unprofitable. A smaller, high-performing retail operation will mean we will fund more life-saving cancer research and better serve our customers, staff and volunteers. This news will be difficult. Our decisions have been taken after serious consideration. We’re committed to supporting everyone affected by these changes, and will provide clear information and support throughout the process.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

Toxic risks prompt warning from county’s Trading StandardsAuthor: Adam ClarkPublished 2 hours agoParents in Staffordshire are being cautioned about potentially dangerous fake “squishy” sensory toys following concerns from the County Council’s Trading Standards service.These soft and squeezable toys, often resembling food items like doughnuts and dumplings, have gained popularity due to social media trends. While genuine products are safe, officers in Staffordshire have discovered toys that may not meet UK safety standards, raising alarms about risks to children. Concerns include skin irritation, nausea, choking hazards from splitting or leaking toys, and reports of burns when toys are heated. Parents are advised to supervise young children when using these toys and to remove and report those causing skin irritation, headaches, or respiratory issues. Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: “These ‘squishy’ toys have become incredibly popular, particularly with children and young people, but safety should always come first.” “While many products on sale are perfectly legitimate, some cheaper imitation versions may not meet the standards required in the UK. We would encourage parents, carers and anyone buying these toys to check labels carefully, look for UKCA or CE markings and only buy from reputable retailers.” Businesses are reminded of their legal responsibilities to ensure products meet UK safety requirements, are labelled correctly, and possess traceable supply chains. Potentially unsafe products can be reported online on the Trading Standards Report It webpage or by calling 01785 330356.First for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Rayo app.