Police are at the scene of a Stoke-on-Trent bus crash. They have been dispatched to Williamson Street, in Tunstall, near its junction with High Street.Pictures from the scene appear to show a collision involving a bus and a car. The Sentinel was alerted to the incident at 4.20pm this afternoon.The Sentinel has approached Staffordshire Police for a statement following the collision. Any witnesses can call the police on 101.This is a live blog. For the very latest traffic and travel news follow our live blog below.
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Live: Police at Stoke-on-Trent bus crash
Liverpool venue in running to be ‘best town pub’ in Britain
Two Merseyside venues are vying for accolades in the Great British Pub Awards15:41, 18 Jun 2026Updated 15:41, 18 Jun 2026Daniel Gillbanks and David Scowcroft, owners of The Dog & Collar on Hope Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)A Liverpool city centre venue is in the running to be named the “best town pub” in Britain. The Great British Pub Awards have announced this year’s finalists across 18 categories which include titles like “best community pub”, “best country pub” and “best town pub”.The awards honour hardworking teams across the country for delivering great settings, customer services and places for people, communities and pets to feel at home. Only two Merseyside venues have been named finalists in more than 100 entries. The Dog & Collar on Liverpool’s Hope Street is vying for the title of “best town pub” after opening just over a year ago.Since opening in February 2025, the Georgian Quarter pub has built a reputation for its cosy taproom snugs, open fires and relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The venue is led by 32-year-old Daniel Gillbanks, from Aigburth, who runs Group Road Trip Hospitality alongside business partner David Scowcroft. Together, they are behind The Dog & Collar, PINS on Duke Street and Almost Famous on Parr Street.Daniel Gillbanks and David Scowcroft, owners of The Dog & Collar on Hope Street in Liverpool(Image: Liverpool Echo)On receiving the nomination, a spokesperson told the ECHO: “To be shortlisted just 16 months after opening is a huge moment for everyone at the Dog & Collar. It feels like real recognition for the work the team has put in since day one.”Being considered in the Best Town Pub category means a lot to us. It reflects everything we have tried to build here. We wanted to create a pub for everyone, but more than that, we wanted to show what else a pub could be in Liverpool city centre, and it is gratifying to see that ambition recognised on a national stage.”The process from here is a rigorous one. It includes an unannounced visit from the judging panel and interviews with members of the team which only adds to how meaningful it would be to win. More than anything though, this shortlisting is a reflection of how hard the team have worked to get us to this point, and we couldn’t be prouder of them.”The second Merseyside nomination goes to Bootle’s Lock & Quay, which hopes to take home the “best community pub” award. Tucked away beside the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, the pub has been welcoming patrons for more than 10 years, come rain or shine.The Lock & Quay in Bootle, with Liz Bromilow and Ben Ashcroft pictured(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)Originally named The Little Merton, the pub was acquired by the charity SAFE Regeneration – which operates from the adjacent old St Mary’s School building – back in 2014.Initially, the charity planned to use the site just for a one-off fundraising event. Fast forward to today, and the Lock & Quay still stands proud, billing itself as Liverpool’s only microbrew pub.The Lock & Quay has received a number of awards specifically for its community feel, including At the Hero Awards the PubAid’s Community Pub Hero Awards.Both venues will learn whether they are victorious on Wednesday, September 23 during a ceremony in the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds.
Glitzy awards dinner delivers vital five-figure windfall for community champions | InYourArea
A Milton Keynes housebuilder has built more than just new homes this year, raising a massive £10,000 to support grieving children and mental health services across the region.The impressive five-figure sum was generated during Taylor Wimpey South Midlands’ annual Contractor Awards.An evening of dinner, raffles, and high-stakes auctions turned into a major fundraising triumph for two vital local causes: bereaved children’s charity Harry’s Rainbow and mental health champion Mind BLMK.The awards, which celebrate the commitment, craftsmanship and partnership of their contractors and suppliers, included dinner, an awards ceremony, a raffle and an auction.The event helped raise vital funds for bereaved children’s charity, Harry’s Rainbow, and mental health charity Mind Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes (BLMK). Each charity received £5,000 following the generous uptake of the raffle and auction.Harry’s Rainbow is a Milton Keynes-based charity that has supported bereaved children in the Buckinghamshire city since 2011 through a range of bereavement support services such as trips out, therapeutic mentoring, and short breaks at the charity’s Rainbow Retreat.Alison Johnson, fundraising and events manager at Harry’s Rainbow, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Taylor Wimpey for being chosen as one of the fundraising charities as part of their annual Contractor Awards.
“The emotional and practical support for bereaved children and families that we offer during the difficult grieving process wouldn’t be available without these types of generous donations. “We can’t thank the efforts of Taylor Wimpey South Midlands and those who attended their Contractor Awards enough for their continued and dedicated support.”Mind BLMK works across the Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes communities to champion positive mental health and wellbeing, and make sure that no one faces mental health struggles alone. Across the community, Mind BLMK offer peer support and mentoring, wellbeing hubs, crisis cafes and mental health recovery lounges, a safe environment for those recovering from mental health struggles.
Jeanette Spiksey, income generation manager at Mind BLMK, said: “The mental health services that we’re providing to people across Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes are a vital part of these thriving communities.“We offer a variety of services in varying forms, including hubs, lounges, cafes, suicide prevention pathways, suicide by bereavement support, mentoring sessions to ensure there is a comfortable environment for everyone to access the support they need, and mental health training and education.“This outstanding donation means that we can continue to offer this wide range of services for those seeking support from Mind BLMK.”Hayden Dolby, managing director for Taylor Wimpey South Midlands, said: “Our annual Contractor Awards is always an exciting event in the calendar, not only to celebrate the outstanding work of our contractors and suppliers, but also to seize the opportunity to raise vital funds for our chosen charities.“Harry’s Rainbow and Mind BLMK give so much to the local area in which we build, and we’re so proud of our team, suppliers and contractors for helping to raise such an incredible amount.”
Birmingham City should target ambitious move for 25-year-old goalkeeper: Opinion News: The72 – Football League News
Birmingham City opinion: Blues should sign Hull City’s Ivor Pandur
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Hundreds of inmates caught smuggling drugs at HMP Leicester
It said drones were used at night to deliver illegal drugs to inmates through their cell windows, sometimes through holes in perspex cell-window covers.Also, 25% of mandatory drug tests proved positive, and 298 inmates were found to be under the influence of drugs.The report stated: “This continues to demonstrate a significant amount of illegal drug use.”Between 60 to 80 inmates, at any one time, were receiving methadone treatment for addiction, and were often given emergency medication, for overdoses, to carry upon release, it added.The IMB also warned of serious concerns around resettlement, with 38% of inmates released without accommodation, up from 33% the previous year.It said this was partly because supported accommodation in Leicester was “consistently full”, increasing the risk of reoffending and urged the government to expand the provision to meet demand.Mental health provision remained under pressure, with delays transferring severely ill inmates to secure hospitals – which exceeded the 28‑day target. About 40% of prisoners did not have access to work or education, following a 50% cut to education funding, leaving many spending long periods locked in their cells.The report found in some cases, inmates spent up to 22 hours a day in “cramped cells”.
Leeds United news: How is ‘massive’ Elland Road expansion job going?
Will Elland Road’s West Stand expansion “uncover any artefacts”? That’s the question on BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope’s mind.Following Leeds United’s announcement that work has now begun, external on the first phase of transforming the ground into a Uefa Category 4 stadium, the Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet podcast discussed the developments.”The Norman Hunter Suite has been smashed apart now,” Pope said. “The one thing I would be really interested to see is if they uncover any artefacts as they go along.”The whole stand actually burned down in the 1950s before being rebuilt, so I reckon they will find all sorts once they get going.”But if people are expecting them to have completed the demolition process by the time pre-season gets going, it is worth reminding them that it won’t be the case. Games will still continue in the normal way, but they are having to go up and over the top [of the existing structure].”Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix added: “It is weird because the whole big thing is around the club ‘knocking the stand down’, but the one thing the club isn’t doing is ‘knocking the stand down’.”They have already got to the back wall of John Charles. They are going to build over it which is fine, but when they do get rid of the underneath it is going to be really hard depending on what they do on the outside of the ground.”It will be a massive job to physically get all of the bits out from underneath the stand. They basically can’t build anything on the bottom level because they will need to get that bottom level out at some point [during the redevelopment].”Listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds
CPS drops ‘public nuisance’ court action against woman on A500 bridge
Prosecutors have dropped court action against a woman charged with ‘causing a public nuisance’ on an A500 bridge. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had charged a 46-year-old Newcastle-under-Lyme woman with causing a public nuisance.It followed the repeated closure of the M6, A500, and Northwood Lane due to welfare concerns over the course of A week. But the CPS has since withdrawn the charge after the case was heard at North Staffordshire Justice Centre.The incident happened on Friday 5 June. The Sentinel has chosen not to name the defendant at the centre of the court case.A CPS spokesman said: “The case was withdrawn by the Crown Prosecution Service in court having determined that it was not in the public interest to pursue a prosecution.”Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service had been called to the bridge.A police spokesman said: “We were called at 9.45pm on Friday 5 June to Northwood Lane following concerns for the welfare of a woman near junction 15 of the M6 at Hanford interchange. Council highways closed the A500 southbound carriageway while emergency services attended the scene. The woman was assisted to safety and the road reopened at 12.50am the following morning.”An ambulance service spokesman said: “We were called to an incident on Northwood Lane and sent a specialist paramedic and a paramedic officer to the scene. On arrival, crews found a woman who was assessed and discharged and left in the care of police.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free
London visitor in Toronto for FIFA World Cup gives glowing review of city
Sometimes we forget how truly special Toronto is until we see it through the eyes of a visitor.
Travel vlogger and Twitch streamer Jide, known online as @saintjidz, recently documented his time in Toronto while travelling to various FIFA World Cup host cities, including New York City and Mexico City.
Jide, who boasts over 130,000 followers on both Instagram and TikTok, is currently on a mission to visit all 48 nations competing in the tournament. After visiting 18 countries, Jide had nothing but incredible things to say about Toronto during his short stay.
“Toronto, I’ve been told, is the best international city in the world; it is immigration done right,” he said in one of his videos. “I have to say, Toronto is probably one of the most diverse cities I have seen in my life.”Like many other visitors arriving for the World Cup, Jide documented everything from navigating the city’s humidity to struggling to find an Uber after high-traffic events, but it was Toronto’s food scene that left the biggest impression.
“The food so far — I haven’t had a bad quality meal in Toronto. The food here is insane,” Jide said.
The travel vlogger attended Toronto’s first World Cup match day (which resulted in a 1-1 draw between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina), and along the way, he picked up some local slang and tried local delicacies, like poutine and BeaverTails.
One particular restaurant earned a special shoutout, Sunnys Chinese, which the creator praised for its innovative dishes and welcoming service. “I had sweet and sour chicken, and I’ve never had it taste like that in my life,” he said.
Despite all the praise for its culinary scene, one observation Jide made was that Toronto didn’t seem to be quite as consumed by the World Cup as some of the other host cities in North America.
“Canadians don’t care about the World Cup,” he noted in one of his recap videos. “If anything, everyone’s just telling me to go to a Blue Jays game.”
Still, he encouraged those coming to Toronto for the global tournament to embrace more than just soccer.“Overall, if you’re visiting Toronto for the World Cup, make sure that you lock in with the locals, the other sports as well, because it’s a massive sports city, and also you try some poutine and some BeaverTails.”
Jide’s videos quickly attracted hundreds of comments from Toronto residents, many of whom dished out recommendations for future visits.
“Soccer is huge in Toronto. The city is missing Italy, Jamaica, and Nigeria in the World Cup. Those communities would definitely bring a lot of noise and hype. Great work, brother, and welcome to the Tdot/6ix,” one person wrote.
“We love you and your enthusiasm for our great city. Feel free to stay here permanently,” another comment reads.
blogTO has reached out to Jide to learn more about his experience in Toronto.
MEET THE SPEAKERS – RSVP NOW FOR THE FREE ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL FORUM 2026 – Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership
As Liverpool City Region prepares for a landmark period of international events, the conversation around accessibility is evolving quickly.
For visitor economy businesses, this is not just about keeping pace, it is about understanding what comes next, learning from those shaping the agenda, and applying that insight in a practical, commercial way.
The Accessibility for All Forum 2026 brings together an exceptional line up of speakers, each offering a distinct perspective on accessibility, from national strategy and major events, through to lived experience and day to day delivery.
Here is who you will hear from, and why their insight matters to your business.
ADE ADEPITAN MBE
ADE ADEPITAN MBE
Host, Paralympian, Broadcaster and Accessibility Advocate
Ade Adepitan is one of the UK’s most recognisable voices on accessibility, inclusion, and social impact.
A Paralympic medallist and award-winning broadcaster, Ade has built a career telling powerful stories around the world, while championing better access and opportunity for disabled people. His work spans sport, global issues, and major live events, bringing both credibility and a compelling human perspective to the conversation.
As host of the forum, Ade will guide the day and set the tone, challenging businesses to rethink accessibility not as a requirement, but as a fundamental part of delivering great experiences. His ability to connect lived experience with real world application makes him a powerful voice for any organisation looking to improve.
DAVID CLARKE OBE
DAVID CLARKE OBE
Chief Executive, British Paralympic Association
David Clarke brings a national and international perspective that few can match.
As CEO of the British Paralympic Association, he sits at the centre of one of the most influential sporting movements in the world. His work focuses on elite performance, but also on how sport drives wider change, influencing policy, participation, and public perception.
David’s insight is particularly valuable for businesses preparing for major events. He understands how accessibility impacts not only the experience itself, but a destination’s reputation, its ability to attract events, and the long-term legacy it creates.
For visitor economy businesses, this is an opportunity to understand how your offer contributes to the bigger picture.
AMY TRUESDALE MBE
AMY TRUESDALE MBE
Paralympic Gold Medallist, Para Taekwondo
Amy Truesdale is one of the UK’s leading Paralympic athletes and a multiple world champion.
Her experience competing at the highest level, across different countries and venues, gives her a unique perspective on accessibility in practice. She understands what works, what feels genuinely inclusive, and where the experience can fall short.
Amy brings honesty and clarity to the conversation, helping businesses move beyond assumptions and understand what good accessibility really looks like from the perspective of the visitor.
CLARE BRIEGAL MBE
CLARE BRIEGAL MBE
Chair of Sport Liverpool, LCR Destination Partnership Board Member
Clare Briegal plays a key role in shaping the future of sport and events in Liverpool City Region.
With a career that includes leading global sporting organisations, Clare brings strategic insight alongside a clear understanding of local priorities. She sits at the intersection of ambition and delivery, helping translate regional goals into practical action.
For businesses, Clare’s contribution is vital. She connects the broader vision for Liverpool City Region with the steps needed on the ground, helping organisations understand how they can play their part in creating a more accessible destination.
ROSS CALLADINE
ROSS CALLADINE
Accessibility and Inclusion Lead, VisitEngland
Ross Calladine plays a leading role in advancing accessible tourism nationally.
As Accessibility and Inclusion Lead at VisitEngland, he develops and leads initiatives that help destinations and businesses grow their accessible tourism offer. His work includes creating best in class toolkits, frameworks, and development models that drive measurable improvements.
Ross also convenes England’s Inclusive Tourism Action Group and has served as the UK Government’s Disability and Access Ambassador for Tourism from 2022 to 2026.
His insight helps businesses understand where the sector is heading, what visitors expect, and how to unlock the full potential of this high value market.
RIO BOOTHE
RIO BOOTHE
Para Athlete, Content Creator and Accessibility Advocate
Rio Boothe represents a new generation of voices shaping the accessibility conversation.
As a para-athlete and content creator, he uses his platform to challenge perceptions, raise awareness, and highlight the realities of travelling and experiencing places as a disabled person.
Rio brings a direct, honest perspective that resonates strongly with businesses. He understands how digital presence, communication, and first impressions influence decisions, and how quickly trust can be gained or lost.
NIAMH PARRINGTON
NIAMH PARRINGTON
Visitor Services Manager, Eureka! Science + Discovery
Niamh Parrington leads visitor experience at one of the region’s most recognised accessible attractions.
Eureka! Science + Discovery has earned national recognition for its inclusive approach, winning awards for accessible and inclusive tourism. Niamh’s work focuses on delivering that experience day to day, ensuring accessibility is built into every part of the visitor journey.
Her insight is practical, grounded, and immediately applicable for businesses looking to improve what they offer on the ground.
CHRISTOPHER MASSAM
CHRISTOPHER MASSAM
Accessibility Lead, Everton Football Club
Christopher Massam is responsible for accessibility strategy and delivery at one of the region’s most high-profile venues.
His work at Everton Football Club focuses on creating inclusive environments for both matchdays and wider events, ensuring accessibility is considered from design through to delivery.
With major venues playing a key role in the visitor economy, Christopher offers valuable insight into how accessibility can be embedded at scale, and how it supports both experience and business growth.
TERRI BALON
TERRI BALON
Area Campaigns Officer, RNIB
Terri Balon brings extensive experience in improving accessibility for blind and partially sighted people.
Working across regions, she collaborates with local authorities, organisations, and partners to remove barriers and create more inclusive environments. Her work is rooted in lived experience and practical change, focusing on what makes a real difference.
Terri helps businesses understand where accessibility often breaks down, particularly in areas that are frequently overlooked, and how small adjustments can have a significant impact.
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR LIVERPOOL CITY REGION BUSINESSES
What makes this line up so powerful is the combination of perspectives.
National strategy, global events, lived experience, and day to day delivery all come together in one place, creating a rare opportunity to learn, reflect, and act.
For visitor economy businesses in Liverpool City Region, this is your chance to hear directly from the people shaping the future of accessibility, and to take those insights back into your own organisation.
The conversation is moving forward. This is your opportunity to be part of it.
Secure your free place today and take the first step towards becoming truly event ready. Register now HERE.
Residents say village will be left in a ‘vice grip’ by huge East Midlands Gateway expansion | West Bridgford Wire
Residents in a quaint Leicestershire village fear that plans for a ‘horrific’ new industrial estate will leave them in a ‘vice grip’ of development.SEGRO, the developer behind the existing East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park, has unveiled proposals for an expansion on land between Diseworth and the M1, just south of East Midlands Airport.The proposed development, known as East Midlands Gateway 2, would cover around 252 acres – the size of around 150 football pitches – and deliver up to 326,500 square metres of ‘state-of-the-art’ employment space, as well as create 5,000 jobs.Ian Robertson, 83, said that Diseworth was a “lovely conservation village” and, if the plan went ahead, it would be a “complete disaster”.He added: “I’m 83, getting close to the end, and for those six years it’s being built, there’s going to be traffic, noise, and pollution.- Advertisement -“They’re talking about putting 4,500 houses near Isley Walton. We’re going to be surrounded and absolutely hemmed in.Ian Robertson“I think it’s bad news and I think it’s appalling.”Alan Leech, 86, said he believed there were “far better” brownfield sites on which to situate the planned development.He added: “We’re a very historical village and we’ve got a strong community, and we’re being threatened.Alan Leech“The people living here have no idea that this was going to happen to us. It happened to Lockington-Hemington. They’ve got sheds over there, and these sheds will be monstrous, high, and encroaching upon people’s lives and people’s property in the village.“The approach we’ve taken through Protect Diseworth is very strong indeed, and we have hopes of coming through it if we attack their plans on the infrastructure, which is nonsense.”Andy Foxall, 64, who sits on the committee of Protect Diseworth, said he felt the village was being put under a “vice grip” with the planned development.He said: “We’re absolutely not opposed to growth and development because we live in the United Kingdom and the country depends on growth and development.“But it has to be appropriate to the area, to what is already there, and to offer some benefits to those in the area. And, at the moment, it feels like the convenient dumping ground for huge logistics barn developments is in North West Leicestershire.“The village road network wasn’t designed for a massive amount of traffic to go through it. We’re okay with Download [Festival]. That’s fine – it produces a lot of traffic for a couple of days.“But what would another x-hundred goods vehicles a day do to that road?“It will be filled up with traffic.”The application is currently being examined by the Planning Inspectorate and will ultimately be decided by the relevant Secretary of State.Formal examination hearings began in March 2026 and are scheduled to continue until September.
