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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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.
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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"But all activities are cancelled until further notice. Please talk to us and funeral directors for any changes."
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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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Police are reportedly at the scene of a ‘bad crash’ on a busy city road. Officers have been seen on the A520 in Weston Coyney where traffic is said to be building in both directions.
A live map from Google is showing the crash has occurred between Park Hall Road and the turning for Park Hall Country Park’s Bolton Gate car park. Currently traffic is back towards Winterfield Lane in one direction while Weston Road is queueing back past the Weston Coyney Road junction.
We have contacted the emergency services for details on the collision.
Further updates will appear in our dedicated blog below.
British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme bypasses ceramics sector, sparking backlash
The scheme is neglecting industries like ceramics
Author: Vicky HainesPublished 17 hours ago Last updated 16 hours ago
Members of the GMB Union have expressed outrage at the government’s exclusion of certain key manufacturing sectors from the new British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS).
Announced today, BICS aims to reduce electricity bills by up to 25% for more than 10,000 manufacturers from April 2027.
However, the scheme has come under fire for neglecting industries like ceramics, which play a critical role in the UK’s manufacturing landscape.
According to GMB, the government’s oversight is a “total disgrace,” as gas-intensive industries such as ceramics have been left without much-needed support.
Gary Smith, GMB General Secretary, said: “Gas intensive industries in the UK have been shamefully ignored by the Government in this announcement – it’s a total disgrace.
“GMB members grafting in our world-famous ceramics sector and making the bricks that build our nation are sickened at the lack of support.
“Workers in manufacturing companies across the UK need urgent help – this isn’t it.”
Exclusion of Ceramics Raises Concerns
The exclusion of the ceramics sector has prompted Labour MPs from the Potteries to warn of possible closures and job losses among ceramic manufacturers.
They have secured a meeting with the business secretary to review the situation for tableware, giftware, and tiles.
During a session in the House of Commons, Gareth Snell, MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central highlighted that the exclusion threatens jobs and could lead to more factory closures, potentially offshoring production and increasing reliance on high-carbon imports, counteracting the government’s housebuilding targets.
Gareth said: “There is now recognition that Britain faces an industrial energy crisis, and I welcome action for some sectors. But the ceramics sector has once again been left out.
“There is nothing here for tableware, giftware, tiles, clay pipes or bricks despite the government’s target to build 1.5 million homes. Instead, we’ll import bricks made in coal fired kilns and shipped halfway around the world, rather than making them in North Staffordshire.
“Ceramics employs tens of thousands of people, supports exports, and underpins British manufacturing. We were told help would come in the Budget, then the Autumn Statement, then the Industrial Strategy and now BICS. Factories will close because of this decision. Jobs will be lost.
“The government must decide whether it is prepared to act, or whether it is content to oversee the end of domestic ceramics production in the UK.”
Government Response
Despite criticism, the government highlights BICS as a pillar of their modern Industrial Strategy, aiming to bolster competitiveness and support sectors like automotive, aerospace, steel, and pharmaceuticals.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves stated: “This Government has the right plan for the economy: backing British industry, cutting electricity costs, and building a stronger, more resilient future.
“Today’s announcement will cut energy bills for over 10,000 manufacturers, helping businesses to compete, win and create good jobs across the country, and to deliver our modern Industrial Strategy.”
Business Secretary Peter Kyle added: “We are a government of action, and when global instability puts businesses under pressure we’ll always do what’s needed to support them and ensure Britain’s resilience.
“By extending the reach of BICS by 40 percent, we’re acting decisively to tackle the number one issue that businesses face head-on.”
The government asserts that the extended eligibility targets energy-intensive firms facing high electricity costs, with 2027 seeing significant savings anticipated.
The BICS programme, expanding by 40%, will include a one-off additional payment covering support from April 2026.
A second consultation on regulatory changes is underway until 14th May 2026, with forthcoming legislation expected by Autumn 2026.
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.
A charity which delivers life-changing services to disabled and neurodivergent children, and their families, has formed a new partnership with a national law firm.
Caudwell Children has worked with young people and their families since 2000 to enable them to have the opportunity, support, and freedom to realise their individual potential, despite the challenges they face in their everyday lives.
The charity offers a Family Support service, which can be accessed via their support line, live chat, email, or in person at a local Hub across Staffordshire.
Caudwell Children’s other services include autism assessments, specialist equipment and funding, Kids’ Activities Clubs, and occupational therapy.
Now, Caudwell Children has partnered with Slater and Gordon, which will sponsor its Family Workshops.
The workshops are designed to empower families by offering valuable, practical, and accessible resources that focus on some of the key challenges they may experience when raising a disabled or neurodivergent child.
The sessions, most of which can be delivered virtually to families across the UK, cover topics including understanding autism and wellbeing, sleep, eating and nutrition, and meeting sensory needs.
Slater and Gordon will also deliver education sessions to Caudwell Children’s team, to enable them to support families in even more ways.
Additionally, they will be hosting legal clinics for anyone connected to the charity, to ensure they are aware of their legal rights.
These areas include education law, employment law, clinical negligence and family law.
Tom Sherratt, corporate partnerships manager at Caudwell Children, said: “We are really proud of the work we do to help disabled and neurodivergent children reach their potential.
“Our Family Workshops, which will be generously sponsored by Slater and Gordon, were developed in consultation with disabled and neurodivergent people, including parents and beneficiaries.
“The sessions offer practical strategies, and help families better understand and support each other.
“Partnering with a law firm also enables us to provide expert legal support to our families.
“This is very timely, as we are seeing an upturn in demand for legal advice, especially following the recent Schools White Paper and proposed changes to SEND provision.
“Working with Slater and Gordon will enable us to expand what we deliver.
“We are looking forward to building a lasting relationship with the Slater and Gordon team, and to working together for the benefit of families with disabled and neurodivergent children.”
Kate Sweeney, principal lawyer at Slater and Gordon, added: “For over 25 years, Caudwell Children has worked tirelessly to increase the help and support available to families who otherwise face huge NHS waiting lists for assistance.
“Through its Family Support Sessions, the team are able to offer bespoke interventions in a range of areas that families experience every single day – making this a truly invaluable service.
“We are very pleased to be sponsoring these workshops, as well as delivering education and legal clinics, and look forward to building our partnership with this fantastic charity and bringing even more specialist support to families who need it.”
