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Traffic lights in placeAuthor: Adam SmithPublished 4 hours agoRepair work on a collapsed retaining wall in Wetley Rocks began this week.Staffordshire County Council’s highways crews are set to strengthen the dry-stone wall with concrete, after it fell last month. Drivers along A520 Cheadle Road near the Powys Arms Pub will have to contend with barriers and two-way traffic lights, which will remain for 4-6 weeks. Improvements to traffic flow and resilience to vehicle weight are key features of the repair programme. Patrick Allen, Cabinet Support Member for Highways North at Staffordshire County Council, explained: “After carrying out thorough investigations following the collapse of the wall, we now have a comprehensive programme of repairs which, due to the nature of the works, will take around 4-6 weeks to complete. “Our priority will be to get the works completed and get traffic flowing again as soon as possible, so our crews will be working hard to complete these repairs as soon as possible. “Traffic management will be in place to keep drivers, pedestrians and our crews safe. I want to thank people for their patience, and I would ask that drivers take extra care when passing through the area.” Motorists might not visibly notice parts of the construction, as some elements are below the road level. 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.

Announcing her promotion, Palletways member Emerge said it reflected the company’s commitment to developing talent from within.
Logistics has been part of Oram’s life from an early age. Some of her earliest memories are of sitting beside her father in his truck during school holidays – an experience that set her on the road to the career she would go on to build.
Speaking about her appointment, Oram said: “I’ve grown up around the world of transport and have built my career with Emerge, so I couldn’t be prouder to be stepping into this role.
“We have a dedicated team who take real pride in what they do, and I’m excited to continue building on that as we deliver for our customers every day. It’s a privilege to lead this department, and I’m looking forward to supporting our people and helping them grow alongside the business.”
Richard Harris, Emerge managing partner, added: “Tasha’s progression is a brilliant example of what can be achieved through dedication and hard work.
“She understands our operation inside out and has earned the respect of colleagues and drivers alike.
“We’re confident she will continue to strengthen our transport offering in the years ahead.”
Warwick Trimble, Palletways UK network director, commented: “Congratulations to Tasha on this well-earned appointment.
“It’s fantastic to see a new generation of leaders rising through the logistics sector, and we’re proud that our members are helping make that happen.”
Emerge is a member of the Palletways UK pallet network and provides palletised freight distribution and logistics services from its Staffordshire base.
The company is one of more than 130 independent transport businesses operating within the Palletways UK network, which provides nationwide and international pallet distribution through a hub-and-spoke model.
 
 
 

Firefighters are tackling a house fire. They are on Pinnox Street, in Tunstall.StokeonTrentLive was made aware of the incident at 7.45pm tonight. Now Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to ‘avoid the area’.A fire service spokesman said: “We have crews in attendance at an incident on Pinnox Street, Tunstall, where we are responding to a property fire. Please avoid the area.”StokeonTrentLive has approached Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for further statements.This is a live blog. For the very latest on this house fire follow our life blog below.

Up to 55 new homes could be built in a Staffordshire Moorlands village if a planning application is approved.An outline planning application has been submitted to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to build up to 55 homes on a field north of Breach Road in Brown Edge.The 3.21 hectare site, which is currently used for sheep and horse grazing, lies within the Staffordshire Green Belt.However, the application explains that a formal pre-application enquiry was undertaken with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council which confirmed that “the site could be regarded as a Grey Belt site and the development as proposed would be acceptable in principle”.The application states: “The proposal is for the development of a Grey Belt site.”The site is sustainably located, would meet an unmet need for housing, conform with the ‘Golden Rules’ and would not fundamentally undermine the purposes (taken together) of the remaining Green Belt land across the plan area.”The planning statement added: “It makes efficient use of land by proposing an appropriate housing density and directing development towards land which is not classed as best and most versatile for agricultural purposes.”The development would consist of a mix of house types and sizes ranging from one to four bedrooms including two storey dwellings and a two storey apartment block.

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Of the homes, 27 would be open market while the remaining 28 would be affordable housing.The planning statement concluded that the development could provide a “significant number of benefits” including the delivery of accessible open space, assisting in meeting unmet housing need and the “provision of up to 55 dwellings in a sustainable location”.Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has yet to make a decision on the proposals.If the application is approved, it is expected that a more detailed application would be submitted before building begins.To view the full application, visit the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council planning website here.

Police and paramedics have been deployed to the A500. They have been called to the Sideway section of the A500 following ‘concern for the welfare of a man’.StokeonTrentLive was notified of the incident at 4.37pm this afternoon.A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “We are currently responding to an incident near the A500 Sideway following concern for the welfare of a man. Specially-trained officers, along with colleagues from West Midlands Ambulance Service, are attending the scene and hope to bring the incident to a safe conclusion. We kindly ask that drivers find alternative routes, if possible.”This is a live blog. For the very latest on this incident follow our live blog below.

Six fire engines attended the blazeGary Porter West Midlands Content Editor for StokeOnTrentLive16:01, 30 May 2026Emergency services on High Street, TunstallStoke-on-Trent City Council has issued an update following a building fire in Tunstall. Firefighters rescued four kittens from the blaze-hit town centre building on Friday.A total of six fire engines – including the aerial ladder platform – ended up being deployed to Tunstall where a ‘large’ fire saw part of High Street shut. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed crews rescued four kittens from what they have described as a derelict building.The alarm had been raised at around 5.15am after smoke was spotted pouring from the property.A Stoke-on-Trent City Council spokesperson said: “Members of the council’s building surveyor team have attended the scene of a major fire on High Street, Tunstall. Following an assessment, High Street and Roundwell Street are to remain closed until further notice to allow for contractors to safely demolish parts of the structure and render the building safe. During this time, the public is advised to avoid the area.”Police are appealing for information. A spokeswoman for Staffordshire Police said: “We are appealing for information following a large fire in Stoke-on-Trent. We were called to High Street in Tunstall following reports of a fire.”Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service. High Street remains closed whilst firefighters work to dampen down hotspots. Our investigation is ongoing. We are appealing for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage to contact us.”Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search

Getting onto the property ladder in your 20s may seem like an impossible goal for many aspiring homeowners, but research by a major mortgage provider shows that in some parts of the UK, the typical first-time buyer is as young as 27.The West Midlands features prominently on the list, with three areas of Staffordshire appearing amongst those with the lowest first-time buyer ages, according to Lloyds.South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase both recorded an average first-time buyer age of just over 27.As well as highlighting the youngest typical first-time buyers, Lloyds also looked at the most affordable locations across the UK for those attempting to get onto the property ladder, spotlighting areas where buying a home may be more achievable.East Ayrshire in Scotland was identified as the most affordable location, based on the average price paid by first-time buyers. The typical first-time buyer property price in East Ayrshire stands at £147,353, according to Lloyds, which highlighted that the region benefits from excellent links to Scotland’s central belt, with access to Glasgow and neighbouring job centres, reports Birmingham Live.This could allow buyers to combine countryside living with a manageable commute to work.Amanda Bryden, head of mortgages at Lloyds, said: “Our research shows there are still genuine pockets of value for first‐time buyers, particularly for those with an open mind who are willing to be flexible on location and property type.”With ongoing cost-of-living pressures and wider economic uncertainty, it’s completely understandable that some people are feeling cautious.”But there are opportunities out there, and for many buyers, that flexibility can make a real difference.”The data comes from Lloyds Banking Group’s housing statistics records, drawing on mortgage approval information from Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland customers. Average house prices were assessed across the 12 months leading up to February.Providing general advice to those looking to buy their first home, Ms Bryden urged them to research the property purchasing process thoroughly, speak to a mortgage adviser early on and look into the various types of support available.Last week, Lloyds announced it is launching a new low-deposit mortgage which could help first-time buyers get onto the housing ladder with a deposit of only £5,000.Below are the top 10 locations with the youngest average ages for UK first-time buyers, showing the average age and typical property price for first-time purchasers, according to Lloyds:1. Ribble Valley, North West, 27.0, £219,9802. South Staffordshire, West Midlands, 27.8, £259,6783. Pendle, North West, 27.9, £188,1364. Rutland, East Midlands, 28.1, £281,1305. Cannock Chase, West Midlands, 28.3, £213,3996. North Norfolk, Eastern England, 28.4, £242,3187. Staffordshire Moorlands, West Midlands, 28.5, £219,616=8. Chorley, North West, 28.7, £221,232=8. Mid Suffolk, Eastern England, 28.7, £289,37210. Westmorland and Furness, North West, 28.8, £212,848Below are the top 10 most affordable locations for UK first-time buyers, according to Lloyds, showing the average property price for first-time purchasers:1. East Ayrshire, Scotland, £147,3532. Inverclyde, Scotland, £149,9293. Blackpool, North West, £150,7804. Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire and the Humber, £151,1715. Na h-Eileanan Siar, Scotland, £155,3006. Hyndburn, North West, £155,9117. Clackmannanshire, Scotland, £156,0418. Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, £156,4989. South Tyneside, North East, £157,55110. West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, £159,437Below are the most affordable locations for first-time buyers across each UK region, according to Lloyds, showing the average property price for first-time purchasers:East Midlands, Bolsover, £191,564East of England, Great Yarmouth, £236,447London, Barking and Dagenham, £363,748North East, South Tyneside, £157,551North West, Blackpool, £150,780Northern Ireland, Mid and East Antrim, £175,308Scotland, East Ayrshire, £147,353South East, Gosport, £228,617South West, Plymouth, £216,166Wales, Merthyr Tydfil, £156,498West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent, £171,569Yorkshire and the Humber, Kingston upon Hull, £151,171Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREE

A Staffordshire care home is inviting members of the community to attend a free mobility session.Shoemaker Place Care Home in Stone, part of the Borough Care group, will be hosting a mobility and physio session in collaboration with Active Life Physio Care.The session, which will include mobility advice and free walking aid assessments, will take place on Friday 12 June from 2pm to 4pm.Sharon Parkes, Customer Relationship Manager at Borough Care, said: “Members of the local community can bring their loved ones along for free mobility checks and physio advice.”Anyone caring for a loved one with mobility issues across Stoke-on-Trent, North Staffordshire and Stone who believe they might benefit from the session is welcome to attend.Active Life Physio Care provides private home visit and care home physiotherapy across Staffordshire to help older adults maintain mobility, confidence and independence.A spokesperson for Active Life Physio Care said: Join Active Life Physio Care for a friendly and informative presentation about how physiotherapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, prevent injury and support a better quality of life.”To find out more about Borough Care, visit the website here.

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Staffordshire nurse Angelista will join the upcoming 13th season of the dating reality show Love Island as an original contestant when the series premieres on Monday, June 1, 2026, according to Closer Online.The 24-year-old healthcare professional, who goes solely by her first name, will enter the villa alongside other newly announced cast members including Sean Fitzgerald, Ellie Chadwick, Lola Deal, and Samraj Toor.Before entering the villa, Angelista stated that her main objective for participating in the series is to establish a genuine romantic connection rather than engaging in reality television conflicts.

“Finding love is my goal,” revealed Angelista.

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The Staffordshire native explained that she prefers to stay out of arguments, choosing instead to remain a passive observer of any house tension.”I’m not here for drama, I’m non-confrontational. It’s entertaining to watch from the sidelines, I just don’t want to be involved in it,” said Angelista.

Angelista also shared her specific turn-offs regarding potential partners, noting that she dislikes individuals who constantly seek public attention or display arrogant behavior.”Someone who wants to be in everyone’s face all the time,” confessed Angelista.She further clarified the specific traits that repel her when getting to know a romantic interest.

“centre of attention all the time, that’s an ick. Someone that’s obnoxious I don’t like,” said Angelista.

A phone mast is on fire. Smoke can be seen rising into the sky near Tunstall Asda.StokeonTrentLive was alerted to the blaze just after 4pm this afternoon.One StokeonTrentLive reader said: “There’s a phone mast on fire in Tunstall.” Another added: “There is a fire behind the large Tunstall Asda.”StokeonTrentLive has approached Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service for a statement following the blaze.This is a live blog. For the very latest on this incident follow our live blog below.