Category: Newcastle

A Staffordshire college group has been named as part of a new West Midlands group helping to shape the rollout of new vocational qualifications.

Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, which includes Stafford College, is one of three West Midlands organisations listed by the Department for Education as “Qualification Practitioners”. The group has been set up to help share best practice as colleges and schools move towards new post GCSE qualification routes.

The announcement comes alongside a wider government package aimed at creating more construction industry placements and supporting new vocational qualifications.

The Department for Education says £96 million will be allocated nationally to create tens of thousands of placements on building sites for learners starting construction courses from September.

The funding forms part of the government’s £625 million Construction Skills Package, which aims to train up to 60,000 skilled workers by 2029.

The government says the construction industry is facing shortages, with Office for National Statistics figures showing more than 35,000 vacancies.

The changes also include plans for V Levels, which are due to sit alongside A Levels and T Levels from 2027.

V Levels will be equivalent to one A Level and are intended to allow students to combine academic and vocational subjects where they have not yet chosen a specialist route.

New subjects announced for delivery from 2028 include V Levels in construction design, engineering design and engineering manufacturing.

The government has also announced new Occupational Certificates in subjects including bricklaying, painting, plumbing, accounts and finance, and adult care worker.

Foundation Certificates are also planned in engineering, health, legal services and social care.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said

“We’re removing the snobbery from hands-on learning and putting it on par with academic to break down barriers for young people to get rewarding jobs.

“Our landmark vocational qualifications and placements will create a strong pipeline of workers by equipping young people with the real-world skills that employers need and that will fuel the jobs of the future.”

The other West Midlands organisations named in the Qualification Practitioners group are Heart of Worcestershire College and Three Spires Trust.

The Department for Education says new guidance has also been published to reduce restrictions around T Level industry placements, including removing limits on the percentage of remote hours a student can complete and how many employers they can work with.

For students in Stone and across Staffordshire, the changes could affect the range of post GCSE routes available through local colleges and training providers in the coming years.

A timetable has been laid outNeil Lancefield, Will Meakin-Durrant and Abbie Llewelyn, Press Association and Dave Knapper West Midlands Content Editor14:56, 19 May 2026The cost of HS2 has shot up(Image: PA)High-speed trains between London and Staffordshire won’t be running for at least another 14 years. The announcement comes as Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced the HS2 project could end up costing more than £100 billion.The Cabinet minister told the Commons she was “angry” about the “obscene increase in time and costs”, which she blamed on “the failures of successive Conservative governments”. She said the expected cost of completing the high-speed railway was between £87.7 billion and £102.7 billion (in 2025 prices).That means it will be more expensive than the Artemis II mission to send four astronauts to the Moon, which is estimated to have cost 93 billion US dollars to date (£69 billion). Constructing HS2 from London to Birmingham – plus the now abandoned onward legs to Leeds and Manchester – was initially estimated to cost £32.7 billion (in 2011 prices), but the budget has spiralled.Services were planned to launch in 2026, but the new target schedule is between May 2036 and October 2039. Ms Alexander also announced that HS2 trains will run slower than planned to save money.She said the maximum speed of services will be 320km/h (199mph), down from the original design of 360km/h (224mph). She branded the previous plans a “massively over-specced folly, with the prospect of the fastest trains anywhere in the world tickling the fancy of Conservative ministers”.Services will still be among “the fastest trains in Europe” despite the top speed being cut, she told MPs. Ms Alexander said the cost increase is mostly because of “past misunderstanding of the work required, underestimation and inefficiency, issues within the control of HS2 Ltd, some of its suppliers, and previous governments”.HS2 services between Old Oak Common in west London and Birmingham’s Curzon Street station are expected to start running between May 2036 and October 2039.Meanwhile in Staffordshire and the high-speed trains will not run between Euston station in central London and Handsacre Junction – which sits between Rugeley and King’s Bromley – until between May 2040 and December 2043. Handsacre Junction is where HS2 trains are planned to leave the dedicated high-speed tracks and merge onto the conventional West Coast Mainline.Ms Alexander said the overall budget includes work at Euston, but the Government was still seeking a private investor for the site. The revised cost and schedule for HS2 follows a comprehensive review by HS2 Ltd chief executive Mark Wild, who began his role in December 2024.A major review published following the announcement found that “gold plating” HS2, including by focusing on achieving the “highest possible speeds”, is among the faults that contributed to the project’s woes. Sir Stephen Lovegrove, the former national security adviser, criticised the “original sins” in the decision-making behind the scheme.Labour ministers commissioned an internal review into whether scrapping the entire project would be better value for money than continuing with it. This found that abandoning the scheme – which has already cost an estimated £40 billion – would cost at least as much as completing it.Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

Staffordshire Police will hold an open day at Staffordshire County Showground next month, giving families and residents a closer look at the work carried out by officers, staff and partner organisations.

The event takes place from 11am to 4pm on Saturday 13 June 2026 at the showground on Weston Road, Stafford, ST18 0BD.

Entry and onsite parking are free.

Visitors will be able to watch live demonstrations from the police dog team, public order team and armed response officers, with demonstrations running from 11.30am.

Specialist teams from across the force are also expected to attend, including recruitment, local policing, forensics, road crime, driver training, police dogs, cadets and specials.

There will also be virtual reality experiences, including a simulated blue light run, a VR taser display and a motorbike simulator focused on road safety.

Community safety partners due to attend include Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the Air Ambulance, the Armed Forces and Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership.

Families can also take part in an activity trail, with the chance to win a family pass to Play at Lower Drayton Farm. Activity sheets will be available at the main gate on the day.

Food and drink will be available from catering outlets, although visitors can bring their own food and drink. Alcohol is not permitted on site.

Free open day parking will be available in the field opposite the County Showground, with disabled parking also available. Visitors using public transport can use the bus stop outside the showground gates.

Staffordshire Police says visitors may be asked to have their bags searched as part of safety and security arrangements. Large bags should be avoided where possible.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Assistance and guide dogs will be the only animals allowed on site, as working police dogs will be present.

The police have also advised:“To support fire safety, this is a no smoking or vaping event.

Anyone found smoking or vaping will be asked to extinguish their cigarette or asked to stop vaping.”

Toilets, baby changing, breastfeeding facilities, first aid and the lost and found point will be located in Bingley Hall.

Find out more – https://www.staffordshire.police.uk/police-forces/staffordshire-police/areas/staffordshire-police/campaigns/campaigns/open-day/

Paul Wicks has got his senses back – thanks to chewing gumDr Paul WicksA dad who lost his sense of taste and smell for YEARS after catching Covid has had both senses restored – thanks to specially-developed CHEWING GUM. The revolutionary clinical trial at the University of Nottingham saw a group of participants chew flavoured chewing gums for 12 weeks.The specially-developed gums had different super-strength flavours – including spicy, minty, sour and sweet. The successful pilot study, designed by Dr Nicole Yang, aimed to encourage repair of brain connections associated with smell and taste.One such participant was Dr Paul Wicks, 44, who lost his taste and smell after catching Covid in August 2022 – and it never came back. The Staffordshire dad-of-two could eat the spiciest curries with no effect and couldn’t smell a thing when he changed nappies.But he longed to smell his favourite smells – coffee beans, shaving cream, his favourite foods, and his children’s hair.After just six weeks of the 12-week trial starting in November 2024, Paul noticed his sense of taste and smell returning – and says it has now been restored to what it was before Covid.Paul, a medical researcher, said: “My sense of smell and taste went with Covid – and never came back. I couldn’t smell anything when taking out the bins or changing nappies – but I also found it sad that everything smelled like nothing.”Your memory formation is influenced by smells – birthday cakes, your dog, things from your childhood. I was concerned I wasn’t making good memories, especially with my kids and wife. For the first few weeks of the trial I didn’t notice anything, until I tasted a blueberry in my oats for breakfast one day and this sweet flavour exploded. That was the first time I had tasted my breakfast in years.”Over the weeks I started being able to taste and smell things again, and now I’m back to where I was pre-Covid. I feel great. Now one of the highlights of my week is refilling my coffee machine with beans. When you lose something and then get it back, it gives you a new appreciation. I literally stop and smell the roses.”Paul first learned about the trial thanks to the charity SmellTaste, for people with impaired smell and taste. There were 16 people on the pilot and 67% saw their sense of smell improved – and 83% reported an improvement in their taste. The decentralised clinical trial – meaning it was done from home instead of at the research facility – saw participants being given specially formulated chewing gums.Paul said: “The theory Nicole [Yang] had was that if you want to train yourself to distinguish flavour, you have to eat things. The chewing gums were specially formulated to keep their flavour for longer, and actually change flavour as you chew. The flavours were formulated to hit different combinations – like sweet, salty, sour, cooling menthol, a spicy one.”Paul chewed the gums every morning and every evening, and after six weeks noticed the change when he ate a blueberry for breakfast.A few days later it was confirmed when he went over dog poo with his lawnmower.He said: “The dog poo and cut grass assaulted my senses – but it gave me hope something was working. Over the next six weeks I started being able to taste food, smell my kids’ hair after the shower, and smell my deodorant. And by the end of the trial, I had clinically significant improvements.”Paul added: “I’d pretty much accepted I’d never get my taste or smell back. Once I had gone for a nice meal for my birthday and they brought out all this lovely food and wine, and I couldn’t smell or taste any of it. The world felt a bit grey. Now, I still say ‘hooray!’ whenever I smell the bin – until I have to empty it.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

Council to discuss new strategy involving local charities for safe accommodationAuthor: Adam SmithPublished 3 hours agoStaffordshire County Council is set to discuss a new four-year strategy that aims to support victims of domestic abuse with safe accommodation services.Last year, 460 people – including children – in Staffordshire required refuge due to domestic abuse. In response, the council plans to continue commissioning local charities to operate safe accommodation and refuges. Staffordshire Women’s Aid, Glow, and Pathway Project currently collaborate with the council to provide essential support for adults and children affected by domestic abuse in the county. These organisations offer specialised services within refuges and secure units. Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling domestic abuse. “Domestic abuse is a terrible crime that has a huge impact on victims, their families and the wider community,” Screen said. He added, “Working together with local organisations, as well as our wider partners, is the best way to support and keep victims and their families safe. This way, we can build a future where every person can live free from fear and harm.” To ensure ongoing support, the council intends to continue its partnership with these three specialist organisations over the next four years. Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.

‘Serious enquiries’ welcomedThe Secret Tea Room, in StoneA Staffordshire tea room is up for sale – as the current owner prepares to retire. The Secret Tea Room – on Adies Alley, in Stone – is the ‘number one food establishment in Stone on TripAdvisor’.The venue is inviting ‘serious enquiries’. It remains open for business.In a social media post to customers, the venue stated: “The Secret Tea Room is officially looking for a new owner. Due to retirement, this much loved independent tea room is now for sale. The Secret Tea Room has become a favourite with both locals and visitors alike. Known for its homemade food, afternoon teas and warm atmosphere, The Secret Tea Room has been built with love, hard work and passion — serving quality locally sourced food and drinks wherever possible. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone dreaming of owning a successful café or tea room in one of Staffordshire’s most popular market towns.”Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

A crash has shut one of North Staffordshire’s most accident-plagued roads. Police, firefighters and paramedics are at the scene of the crash near the junction of Draycott Cross Road, The Green, Delphouse Road, and Brookhouse Road, on the outskirts of Cheadle.The collision was reported this evening.The Huntsman – on The Green, in Cheadle – has shared a picture of the road closure.StokeonTrentLive has approached Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, and West Midlands Ambulance Service for statements following the collision. Any witnesses can call the police on 101.This is a live blog. For the very latest traffic and travel updates follow our live blog below.

End of an eraBrewers Fayre, Etruria Road, HanleyStaff have been left ‘devastated’ by the proposed closure of a Stoke-on-Trent restaurant. Hospitality giant Premier Inn is proposing to remove Brewers Fayre restaurants from its hotels.It means Hanley Brewers Fayre – on Etruria Road – is set to shut. The restaurant has been open for 12 years.It is possible that the venue could shut as early as this summer.In a social media plea to customers, Hanley Brewers Fayre stated: “Myself and the team are devastated but at the moment this is just a proposal. I can’t express how important it is that you and our community keep on supporting us like you have done for the last 12 years. We are currently open for trade as normal. As a sales-driven business I want everyone to know we are open. As always thank you for your support and a huge thank you to my team who have been great throughout such a worrying time.”Premier Inn is also planning to shut The Redwood – on Talke Road, in Newcastle-under-Lyme – as well as Brewers Fayre Orbital, on Eastern Way, Cannock.Premier Inn’s Beefeater restaurants are also facing closure. The Ladybridge, in Tamworth, and Longford House, in Cannock, are earmarked for closure as well as The Farmhouse, on Coppenhall Lane, in Crewe.Get even more North Staffordshire exclusives – and it is free

Drivers from Stone heading towards Stafford and the M6 are being warned about new traffic management arrangements near Junction 14 from Monday 18 May.

The changes are part of work to create a new junction and widen the road for the Stafford Gate commercial development at Creswell, on the A5013 Creswell Grove.

Stone sits between Junction 14 and Junction 15 of the M6, with many local drivers using the A34 south towards Junction 14 or north towards Junction 15, depending on their route. The latest works may affect journeys towards Stafford, Creswell and Junction 14.

The 39 week scheme started earlier this month, but traffic management was temporarily halted this week while arrangements were reviewed following safety concerns raised by the project team.

A one way order is now due to be introduced at 6am on Monday 18 May. Staffordshire County Council says it will be in place for most of the scheme, alongside other phased traffic management.

Warning signs will be installed ahead of any changes, with signed diversion routes in place. Drivers are also being reminded that anyone flouting the traffic order will be reported to police.

The road scheme forms part of the Stafford Gate development, close to Junction 14 of the M6. It is being delivered for Strawsons Property and is fully funded by the company.

The first phases of work include new drainage, works apparatus, widening of the Creswell Grove westbound section and resurfacing of the A5013 Creswell Grove in the new junction section.

Patrick Allen, cabinet support member for highways at Staffordshire County Council, said

“Following an immediate review of traffic management at Creswell Grove due to the project team’s concerns over safety, a new one-way order will be in place from Monday.

“This is a significant development which will create jobs and provide local facilities which we welcome, but the road scheme providing access is a lengthy one which will impact our network.

“While every effort will be made to keep disruption to a minimum, this scheme will inevitably cause delays and additional journey planning so we would like to thank people in advance for their patience during the works period.”

Further details, including scheme plans and diversion routes, are available on Staffordshire County Council’s scheme webpage.

Ch Insp Saqib Butt said Staffordshire Police is carrying out ‘reassurance patrols’ in the area after a man in his 60s was stabbed16:34, 15 May 2026Updated 16:35, 15 May 2026Chief inspector Saqib ButtA police chief inspector has sought to reassure members of the public after a man was stabbed in Stafford.The victim, aged in his 60s, was attacked while walking through Stafford Castle golf course, near Newport Road, at 7pm yesterday on Thursday, May 14.He remains in a critical but stable condition today, Staffordshire Police said.READ MORE: Stafford manhunt live after stabbing leaves man in critical conditionGet breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to joinA large police presence remains in place at the scene today, May 15, while officers hunt the attacker.A blue forensic tent was in place while the scene was taped off, and officers in high-vis uniforms patrolled.Chief Inspector Saqib Butt on stabbing at golf club in StaffordThe attacker is described as being a man in his mid-to-late 20s, potentially of Eastern European heritage, of average build, and wearing dark clothing.Asked by BirminghamLive if there was any indication of the cause of the attack, Chief Inspector Butt, who is the Stafford Borough local policing team commander, said: “At the minute, all I’d say to the public is that the enquiries are ongoing.”Our detectives are working really hard and at pace, as are some of our officers.”So don’t be alarmed to see them in the area; we are giving you our reassurance patrols, and all I’ll say is that inquiries are continuing.”Staffordshire Police at the scene of Stafford Castle golf courseCh Insp continued: “We understand this incident will cause concern within the local community.”I want to reassure residents that we are doing everything we can to identify and apprehend the person responsible.”Detectives are keen to hear from anyone who was “in the area around Redgrave Drive towards Stafford Castle shortly before the assault and who may have seen anything suspicious,” said Ch Insp Butt.He added: “If you live nearby or were passing through and have CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage, please take the time to review it and get in touch if you have anything that could assist our investigation.”I would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information.”Your support is invaluable and we are continuing our inquiries today.Staffordshire Police at the scene of Stafford Castle golf course”A dedicated online portal has been set up to make it as easy as possible for people to share information with us.”Alternatively, you can contact us directly, or if you wish to remain anonymous, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”