Firefighters were called to an allotment. They were dispatched to the allotments off Lorne Street, in Burslem.
The alarm was raised at 9pm on Sunday 19 April. But fire crews were unable to locate a fire.
A Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We were called to Lorne Street following reports of a fire in a metal bin within a nearby allotment. One crew attended. A search was carried out. No fire was located. We left the scene a short time later. The incident was deemed a false alarm with good intent.”
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The developer says the solar farm could generate 40 MW of electricity
A large solar farm could be built next to a country lane that was part of the 2025 Tour of Britain cycle race.
The developer said the project near Maulden, Bedfordshire could generate enough power for more than 13,000 homes.
Some of the people who live nearby said the solar farm would spoil the scenery and the site should be left as agricultural land.
The developer said the location was chosen for its distance from large numbers of houses and natural screening.
Limbersey Lane was part of the third stage of the 2025 men’s Tour of Britain between Milton Keynes and Ampthill.
The Greenstead Solar farm is planned for land near Haynes West End, alongside Limbersey Lane to the north of Maulden.
According to developer Brockwell Energy’s website, the development could cover about 75 hectares (185 acres) and generate up to 40 MW of electricity.
The company said this would be enough to power more than 13,000 homes.
Limbersey Lane was part of stage three of the Tour of Britain, which took riders through Woburn Abbey Deer Park
A spokesperson said: “The proposed site for Greenstead Solar was selected due to the offer of a viable grid connection, its location away from a large number of residents, and the availability of natural screening due to mature vegetation.”
However, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said some local residents had raised concerns about the scale of the scheme and its potential impact on the surrounding countryside, including farmland, landscape and nearby woodland.
One resident said the proposals risked changing the character of the area, which they described as valued for its rural setting.
Posting on social media, another resident argued solar panels should be placed on retail and industrial buildings and car parks, rather than on farmland.
The construction phase is expected to last around 32 weeks, with minimal activity once the site becomes operational.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council in the summer.
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Our thoughts are with those who have lost a loved one
Deborah Dennis-Jones(Image: Funeral Notices)
Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements. Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.
Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling the team on 01482 908084.
Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.
Death Notices
Joyce ABRAHAM
Passed away at St George’s Court Care Home on Tuesday 31st March 2026, aged 95 years. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth. Loving mum to Linda, Claire, Ian, Keith (deceased), Bruce, and Lesley. Wonderful grandmother to all her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Joyce will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Funeral service to take place at Cambridge Crematorium, West Chapel on Monday 27th April at 3.15pm. Family flowers only but donations if desired for the benefit of Alzheimer’s Research UK may be made online via Joyce’s personal InMemory page at www.peasgoodandskeates.co.uk. All other enquiries to 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA 01223 415255
Bernie CARTER (NÉE FERRIS)
(NÉE FERRIS) Of Peterborough. Passed away on Tuesday 31st March 2026 at Peterborough City Hospital, aged 61 years. Devoted Wife to Jon. Dearly loved Mother to Joseph and Samuel. Treasured Sister to Maria, Brenda, Tom, Eddie and Brian. Bernie shall be deeply missed by all. Funeral service to be held on Thursday 23rd April 2026 at Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs, Cambridge at 12:15pm followed by the committal at Fulbourn Parish Cemetery. The family welcome all floral tributes. All other enquiries to 617 Newmarket Road Cambridge CB5 8PA Tel: 01223 415255
Deborah Elizabeth (Debbie) DENNIS-JONES
Passed away peacefully on Sunday 22nd March 2026 aged 76. Loving mum to Tim and Sarah. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Funeral to take place at St Andrew’s Church, Sutton on Tuesday 21st April 2026 at 13:30. Donations, should they be desired are for Cancer Research UK. All enquiries to Ely Funeral Service, 4 Tower Road, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4HW. Tel: 01353 666566
Helen Ruth GORDON
(née Lyttle) of Comberton, Cambridge, died peacefully on Thursday 26 March, 2026, aged 77 years. She was the much loved wife of Robert, mother of Graham, Claire and Alasdair, grandma to Eva and Sophia, and mother-in-law to Ruth and Suzi. A service of thanksgiving for Ruth’s life will be held at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, 40-43 St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge, on 29 April at 2.15 pm. Family flowers only, but donations in memory of Ruth may be made to Smile Train UK or Samaritan’s Purse UK, and can be forwarded via H. J. Paintin Ltd, 43 High Street, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4HS.
Anne Frances (Ward) LEONARD
Leonard, Anne Frances (nee Ward) of Sheringham, previously of Cambridge. Passed away March 17th 2026 aged 90 years. Beloved wife of Roger (dec) dear mum of Susan (dec), Alan, Brian and Karan (dec), mother-in-law to Stephen and Jane, grandmother and great-grandmother at the seaside. Anne’s funeral is at Cromer Crematorium on Friday 17th April 2026 at 1:30pm. Family flowers only but donations made payable to Lakeshore Health Care Limited can be sent c/o Blyth and Sons Funeral Directors, 4 Cremer Street, Sheringham, NR26 8DZ.
Margaret (Née Nichols) OCHOTNY (Betty)
(Betty) (Née Nichols) Of Fulbourn, passed away peacefully on Monday 30th March 2026, aged 94 years. Beloved wife of the late Zygmunt, devoted mother of Elizabeth, Ingrid, Anna, Ryszard and Janina, a much loved grandma, great grandma and aunt. Funeral Service at St. Vigor’s Church, Fulbourn on Wednesday 29th April at 12.00 noon, followed by burial at Fulbourn Cemetery. Traditional funeral dress preferred. All flowers may be sent c/o R. J. Pepper & Son Family Funeral Directors, 1, Telegraph Street, Cottenham, Cambridge, CB24 8QU Tel: 01954 251919
Sheila Ann SOLANKI
Passed away peacefully at Hunters Down Care Home. Beloved Mum, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and friends. Funeral service to take place on Thursday 30th April at 1.15pm at Huntingdon Crematorium, followed by burial at Sapley Road Cemetery. Family flowers only – donations if desired to Alzheimer’s Society. All enquiries to Central Coop Funeralcare 3 St Peters Road Huntingdon PE29 7AA Tel: 01480 410388
Anthony (Tony) STUBBINGS
(Tony ) Of Milton, passed away peacefully on April 6th 2026 aged 92 years. Beloved Husband of the late Brenda. Dearly loved Dad of Alison. Much loved Grandfather of James and Grace. Loving Great-Grandfather of Skye, Zach and Milo, also a dear Brother, Uncle and Father-In-Law. Funeral Service at All Saints Parish Church, Milton, on Friday May 1st 2026 at 2pm, followed by private cremation. Family flowers only, donations if desired made payable to The Scout Association, may be left at the service, or sent c/o F W Cook Funeral Service 49 Church Street, Willingham Cambs, CB24 5HS
In Memoriams
Robert (Rob) ARBON
Dearest Rob, 12th April 2016 – 10 years have passed. And we keep you close in our hearts and in our memories always. Jacqui, Kate, Mia, Izzy, Dolly, Mary, Jean; dear friends and all our families.
To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.
A new county council plan aimed at better coordinating roadworks and managing traffic across Staffordshire could affect how disruption is handled on roads in Stone over the coming year.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet was asked on Wednesday 15 April to agree the Traffic and Network Management Plan, known as the TANMP, which sets out how the authority manages its highways network and carries out its legal duties as the county’s highway authority.
The council says the refreshed plan is intended to support better coordination of works, reduce unnecessary disruption and help keep people and goods moving on the road network. It also says the approach is about making the most of time spent working on a stretch of road, so that more work can be completed in one go and repeat visits can be reduced.
That could be especially relevant in places such as Stone, where roadworks, utility works and temporary traffic measures can quickly have an impact on busy routes through and around the town.
Councillor Peter Mason, cabinet member for strategic highways, said
“Our road network plays a vital role in everyday life in Staffordshire, from getting people to work and school to supporting local businesses and communities. We know that roadworks and temporary disruption can be frustrating, which is why this Traffic Network Management Plan sets out how we will manage activity on our roads more carefully and consistently.
“By improving coordination, strengthening oversight and planning works more effectively, our aim is to reduce unnecessary disruption, keep Staffordshire moving and make sure our highways are managed in a way that puts residents first.”
The report says the plan is informed by other existing county council policies, including the Local Transport Plan, the Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan, the Winter Policy, and the On Street Parking Policy and Strategy.
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It breaks the council’s approach into three broad areas, understanding the network, managing the highway network, and managing traffic demand. That includes road classification, coordination of activities, planned events, unplanned disruption, car parking and bus lane enforcement, intelligent transport systems, traffic signs and traffic regulation orders.
The report describes the TANMP as an operational plan that supports delivery of the Local Transport Plan and the council’s duties under the Traffic Management Act 2004 and other legislation.
It also notes that no specific legal or financial changes are proposed, with the document instead setting out how existing responsibilities and functions fit together.
That means the plan is more about how Staffordshire County Council organises and oversees road and traffic management across the county, rather than announcing a major new scheme for any one town.
For residents in Stone, the real test is likely to be whether the promised better coordination leads to fewer overlapping roadworks and more predictable journeys on key local routes.
Albatross Lending Group has completed a £336,227 second charge bridging facility secured against a five-bedroom detached house in Bedfordshire.
The loan sat behind an existing Santander first charge and was used to clear a £71,228 high-street bank second charge, with £208,772 released to support the borrowers’ expansion into the private special educational needs (SEN) sector.
The property has five double bedrooms, four reception rooms, an outdoor heated pool and a garage.
The borrowers have owned the house since 2005 and have experience running nurseries and primary schools across the UK.
The funds are being used for a new business venture, with interest retained for the full 12-month term and no monthly payments required during the loan period.
Albatross Lending Group worked with the borrowers and their introducer to put together a facility based on the strength of the case.
Interest was retained to reduce pressure during the business transition, and there were multiple exit options.
David Cardoso, lending associate at Albatross, said: “This was a case where the borrower’s established track record and clear operational plan gave us real confidence.
“Our focus was on structuring around the complexity of the second charge position to deliver capital efficiently and on terms that worked for them.”
The garden centre not only sells plants and garden furniture but also has fresh food, a boutique and even a mini-golf course.
The Twenty Pence Garden Centre could be a great place to go for a family day trip(Image: CambridgeshireLive)
If you are looking for a garden centre that not only has a wide range of plants and flowers to choose from but also plenty of activities for the whole family, you might need to take a trip to Wilburton. The village is home to the Twenty Pence Garden Centre that you could easily spend a day exploring.
You can spend some time walking around the outdoor section to get some inspiration for how to design your garden with statues, bird baths, and garden paints to add some colour. You can also find a range of garden furniture and plants to make your space more homely.
If you are looking for houseplants, the garden centre has plants for all spots in your house from bathrooms and shady areas to places that get loads of light. There are plenty of items to help you grow and manage your house and garden plants.
Twenty Pence Garden Centre could also be a great place to pick up a gift for someone with lots of soaps, reed diffusers, and kitchenware. The Blossom Boutique is home to a few different fashion brands selling clothes, accessories, and on-trend designs.
Alongside home and garden items, the garden centre has its own food hall where you can do some grocery shopping. The in-store bakery sells savoury and sweet options from sausage rolls to scones and cakes and the butchers has plenty of meat to choose from including BBQ bundles and roast dinner specials.
Lots of the products have been made by local produces including the chutneys, jams, and sauces. You can also find some everyday essentials from eggs and cheeses to Wilcox cakes and a few other sweet treats.
To keep the children occupied, you can take a trip to the Putting Shed, a nine-hole mini golf course found at the garden centre. The course will take you through garden-themed challenges and costs only £3.99 for adults and £3.50 for children under 13 years old.
If mini-golf isn’t quite for your children, there is also an enclosed play area with climbing frames, a sand pit with buckets and spades, and things to explore to allow them to let off some steam. There are also a variety of go-karts available for kids to drive around the racetrack.
After exploring the garden centre and spending sometime outside with your children, you might need somewhere to enjoy some food. You could visit the Applejacks Restaurant where you can have a freshly prepared breakfast or lunch.
The restaurant also serves a roast on Sundays if you want to get the family together for a weekend treat. Throughout the spring and summer, you can pop into the Orchard Ice Cream Parlour for some Devon ice cream, a sundae, or a fresh waffle.
The Twenty Pence Garden Centre can be found on Twenty Pence Road in Wilburton. The centre is open from 9am to 5.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays and from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Sundays.
Leaders have confirmed a fire at a North Staffordshire church. The blaze occurred at Cheadle’s historic St Giles the Abbot.
But Reverend Garry Higgs says the damage has been ‘minimal’ and nobody was hurt. However the church has been forced to cancel any planned sessions at the Grade II-listed building.
He wrote on Facebook: “Unfortunately we have had a minor fire at St Giles the Abbot. No one was hurt, the damage is minimal.
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Cambridge has a rich history dating back hundreds of years and many ghosts are believed to haunt the streets and buildings of the city. One place said to be one of the most haunted sites in Cambridge is Magdalene Bridge.
Now a popular place to start a punt tour, the bridge was once where suspected witches were punished. It was also used for ducking stools to humiliate people and is often said to be haunted by those who were believed to be witches.
One of the most ghostly tales to come from the bridge is one of a drowned woman who died in the river near the bridge centuries ago. Her spirit is said to linger around the river and bridge.
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Some say she was a heartbroken lover in search of her special someone, or she was someone who fell into the river by accident. Locals and students have reported seeing a female figure near the water, especially at night or at dusk.
People have also reported suddenly feeling cold while on or near the bridge. It’s also been reported that people have heard unexplained splashes or footsteps while on the bridge.
The nearby college, Magdalene College, is also said to be haunted. Outside the college, it is said that a former student mysteriously disappeared within the walls.
The former student’s ghost has reportedly been seen lingering in staircases or older rooms, while others have heard footsteps along empty corridors. If you have an interest in the haunted world, the Magdalene Bridge is worth a visit.
Residents in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Cannock and Tamworth will cast their votes in their council elections on 7 May
Another spring, another set of council elections in Staffordshire – this year on 7 May.
History was made in the county last year, when Reform UK swept to power with a huge majority to take control of Staffordshire County Council, ending 16 years of Conservative reign.
2026 will bring the ballot boxes to several of the county’s boroughs including an all-out election in Newcastle-under-Lyme, meaning all the authority’s seats are up for election.
In the south of the county, both Tamworth Borough and Cannock Chase District councils will see voters select a third of their seats.
So who is in control of them at the moment, how can you vote – and why could this be the last time people can vote for these authorities?
A final roll of the dice?
These elections could see local authorities change hands between political parties.
But it is also the last chance to vote before these councils are set to become abolished and replaced in a major shake-up of local government.
Ministers will make a decision on how the new authorities will be broken up but the plan is for Staffordshire to get a mayor overseeing two – or three – new unitary authorities.
This means those councillors elected on 7 May in Newcastle, Tamworth and Cannock, might only serve 1-2 years in post before facing another vote.
Click here to see the BBC interactive
Political pick ‘n’ mix
Castle House, headquarters for Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council where all 44 seats are being contested
The three authorities holding elections this May are all what are known as second-tier councils – so they are responsible for services like bin collections, leisure centres and planning. Staffordshire County Council manages others including social services and education.
Traditionally, the market town of Newcastle is seen as a barometer for how political parties are performing nationally.
Which means, like other areas currently, it is no longer seen as just a two-horse race for votes.
As it stands, Newcastle is a bit of a political pick ‘n’ mix.
The area was seen for decades as a red-wall borough, represented by a Labour MP for 100 years, until a Tory MP was elected in 2019 – Labour then won it back in 2024.
Since 2018, the Conservatives have run the council and they strengthened their hold by taking majority control in 2022.
This year there are 44 seats up for election, a contest which could see some swings in power.
The Conservatives admit they are on the defensive and it will be a tough set of elections. As do Labour, who are defending fewer seats.
Both parties will be battling for votes against Reform, who will look to maintain their momentum from 2025.
Independents and the Greens appear confident they could cut through and hope to make some gains.
Cannock and Tamworth
Cannock Chase has also been considered as historical Labour heartlands and the district council is led by a Labour administration.
The party holds 18 of the total 36 seats but this could be a difficult election for Labour with the Tories currently forming the main opposition party on the council.
Even though this election will only see a third of the seats contested, battles for those 12 seats could easily see a shift in power.
In 2025, Reform took all eight of Cannock’s county divisions, a success they will be looking to build on this year. The Greens will also be looking to expand their representation here.
Some of the wards up for grabs include Norton Canes, Hednesford and Brereton.
Over to Tamworth, which changed hands in 2024 when Labour took control for the first time in 21 years.
The borough was once was known as a safe Conservative parliamentary seat but has recently become a competitive one after Labour won a by-election and then defended it in the general election of 2024.
Labour will be looking to defend their wards with a third of seats up for grabs while Reform, the Tories and the Greens, will look to challenge them.
Key dates
9 April – Close of nominations for people to stand in May’s elections
28 April – Deadline to apply for a proxy vote, where you can name someone to vote on your behalf. It is also the deadline to apply for a voter authority certificate if you do not have ID like a driver’s licence or passport. You need to show ID at a polling station to be able to vote
7 May – Polling stations open at 07:00 BST and close at 22:00. If you are in the queue by 22:00, you will be able to vote but do not forget your ID
The victory lap
The votes for Newcastle-under-Lyme and Tamworth will be counted overnight so we can expect results to start to come in from midnight, with an idea on how parties have performed during the early hours of 8 May.
Counting will start for Cannock Chase district during the day on that Friday, with a result expected by early afternoon the same day.
The full list of candidates standing in your area is available by putting your postcode in the checker above, or on your local council website.
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A high-risk offender is still wanted by police months after being recalled to prison. Jordan Thomas, 25, remains wanted by Essex Police four months after an appeal was first issued.
Jordan, from Chelmsford, is wanted for a number of offences. He is also known as SJ and Yung and is described as 5ft 9ins tall. He is of medium build and has short brown hair.
Thomas is wanted for offences including serious assault, harassment and robbery. Crimestoppers has listed him as a high-risk and prolific offender.
He has a previous history of drugs, self-harm, weapons, violent behaviour, and breaches of bail conditions. Essex Police says he has links to Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Essex.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts should call Essex Police on 101. Alternatively, they can contact police online.
