News

News items are listed in reverse chronological order (most recent items first).  Use the navigation below, to view other years.  The currently selected page is indicated with black, bold text, below.

Christmas Postbox Topper - 19^th December 2023 ^

Following the arrival of our festive robin, we now have another lovely Christmas postbox topper.

This year, a Polar Bear seems to have adopted the igloo, which appears to be glowing inside... I expect he/she likes to shelter from the cold.  Thanks once again to our crocheting friend, for providing us with some festive cheer at the end of the year.

Festive Robin 15^th December 2023 ^

This festive little fellow flew in about a week ago, and perched on top of the footpath sign next to the postbox at the top of the footpath from the park...

It looks as though he/she could be pointing at something... we'll have to wait and see.  Thanks to Suzie for the picture and our crocheter friend for brightening our December days.

Carriageway Repairs Update - 6^th December 2023 ^

The work on Uttoxeter Road (originally due to take place between 12^th and 14^th September), has now been re-scheduled for February 2024.

According to the closure notice: Access will be available for pedestrians and for vehicles being used in connection with the works and for emergency services vehicles or for vehicles requiring access to properties on the length of road which is closed.

• Staffordshire County Council's Road Closure Notice
• one.networks's Details of Work and Diversion Route etc.

Note: The closure notice also states that the section of Uttoxeter Road (shown above in red) will be closed for: 'a period of 3 days, but no more than 5 days, from 5^th February 2024.

Update (2^nd February 2024)

Signs have now appeared, indicating that the proposed carriageway repair work, will start on Monday 5^th February.  This date is now consistent with the road closure notice (TTRN), and one.network has been updated accordingly.

AED Launch Event - 26^th November 2023 ^

By 10am on Sunday morning, it was still quite ‘nippy’ on Aston Lodge.  However, residents were not put off by the cold, and were keen to see the newly installed AED (Automated External Defibrillator), located at the home of Gemma and Rich Deighton on Pembroke Drive.

A resident first raised the idea of a defibrillator for the estate, at our 2022 AGM, however it's thanks to Gemma and Rich that it finally became a reality...  Whilst on holiday in Anglesey, Gemma witnessed a 10-year-old boy have a cardiac arrest.  Fortunately, being first on the scene, and medically trained, she was able to deliver CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation) and mouth-to-mouth.  However, in Gemma's words what saved his life, was a shock from the community defibrillator, located nearby.

Jamie & Rachel Richards, from the AEDdonate team, were on hand to demonstrate and explain how to deploy the equipment and answer questions.  They also stressed the importance of CPR and encouraged us to practice the technique on dummies.

Tea, Coffee and bacon rolls were kindly provided by Gemma and Rich (on the barbecue), and everyone expressed thanks to them both for their hospitality.

Safety Plan Consultation - 14^th November 2023 ^

We are encouraging local communities to have their say on our future priorities as part of a consultation running until 26^th November.  The consultation will help contribute to an extended version of the Service's Safety Plan, which is a document all fire and rescue services are required to produce.

The consultation will be on a refreshed version of our current Safety Plan which we are required to extend for nine months.  The current Safety Plan was due to end in March 2024 however we need to extend this current plan until the end of 2024 to ensure the four year cycle of the plan aligns with the four year term of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC).

The final plan will detail the priorities we will adopt and the approach we will take to ensure the protection of local communities, the reduction of risk and the commitment to firefighter safety.  Those who complete this short survey (maximum of 10 minutes) will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher.

Read the Draft Consultation.

Complete the Survey (this survey is now closed).

View the Existing Safety Plan.

Many thanks for your support with this.

Caz Firkins
Business Support Manager
Western Service Delivery Group

We Did It! - 1^st November 2023 ^

We're pleased to announce that we've exceeded our target of £1999!  Thank you to everyone who donated, to support this very worthwhile cause.  And, a big thank you to Gemma and Rich Deighton, who kickstarted this campaign, and will be coordinating the installation of the AED for Aston Lodge.

Halloween Postbox Topper - 29^th October 2023 ^

Thank you to Jacqueline for the photo, and of course, to our ‘crocheter’ for another fantastic postbox topper. Happy Halloween.  This person never stops amazing us, looking forward to the Christmas one.🎃

Carriageway Repairs Update - 11^th September 2023 ^

The road closure notice and diversion associated with the work on Uttoxeter Road (due to take place between 12^th and 14^th September), have now been removed from one.networks (road closure information) and Staffordshire County Council's websites.  If we receive any further information we will, of course, update you.

Note: Please see previous news item (30^th July 2023).

Carers' Strategy Survey - 22^nd August 2023 ^

Have your say

People in Staffordshire are being invited to have their say on how unpaid carers should be supported over the next five years.  You can read more in this SCC bulletin.

If you are a carer, or want to know about organisations that provide support for carers, then please see our Support for Carers page.

Note: The above survey is now closed.

HS2 Newsletter - 1^st August 2023 ^

Phase 2a - July Update

You may wish to view/download this latest HS2 Update Newsletter ... although the proposed civil engineering works between the West Midlands and Crewe will now be paused, some preparatory works (that are already underway) will continue.

If you have any concerns (about how you might be affected by these works), you can book a 'one-to-one online appointment', with the local engagement team (between now and 23^rd August)... details can be found in the above PDF document.

Carriageway Repairs & Footpath Maintenance - 30^th July 2023 ^

Road Closure - 12^th to 14^th September

Information has been published, indicating that the Uttoxeter Road, between the traffic lights and Oakleigh Court, is being closed between 12^th to 14^th September, for carriageway repairs.  This PDF is the notice given by Staffordshire County Council.  Further details about the work being carried out, and the diversion route, can be found here.

Note: The dates given in the notice, now match those given on the road closure/diversion page (updated on 8^th August).

Footpath Maintenance on Blackies Lane

We have also received confirmation that a stile, or wicket gate, will be installed by the Rights of Way team, at the top of Blackies Lane, next to the cattle grid.  We are grateful to the landowner, and Staffordshire County Council, for enabling this.

Note: Please see update (11^th September 2023).

Staffordshire Smart Alerts - 28^th July 2023 ^

General Online Safety Advice

Dear resident,

We have received a number of enquiries about where to obtain more online safety information from Get Safe Online.

For those who are interested, our website contains lots of useful tips and up-to-date online safety advice and can be accessed at: getsafeonline.org

Alternatively, we do publish a monthly newsletter that provides tips and the latest advice on how to stay safe online, as well as highlighting any particularly prevalent scams to look out for.  If you would like to sign up for this, please feel free to at: getsafeonline.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter/

With best wishes,

The Get Safe Online team

Message Sent By
Get Safe Online

Staffordshire Smart Alerts - 12^th July 2023 ^

Cold Callers in Stone - Safety Advice

We have received reports over recent weeks regarding cold callers, so we would like to remind residents of how they can protect themselves from distraction burglars and bogus officials.

Asking to see identification, listening to any doubts in your mind and not letting anybody into your property you are unsure about, are the main ways to stay safe from this type of crime.

A distraction burglary or bogus caller is where someone calls at your home posing as someone they're not - often as an official or council worker.  They then make up a story to get into your home in order to steal goods or cash.

Make sure your front and back doors are locked at all times - even when you're at home.  If you're answering the front door then make extra sure your back door is locked - as criminals could be working in pairs or groups.

Before you answer the door it's worth taking a second to think about whether you're expecting anyone - if you can see who's there before answering make sure you do.

Don't let anyone pressure you into letting themselves inside your house - call a neighbour or police to help if you're uncomfortable.

Public service employees and officials are required to show identification when they come to your home - make sure you take time to look at it carefully and check it isn't fake.  If in doubt - call the number on a utility bill or an official website and ask for confirmation.  Any genuine worker will not mind waiting.

• If you have a chain on your door - use it.  Don't remove it unless you're absolutely certain that person is genuine.
• Never agree to have work done or buy something from someone passing by - even if they seem legitimate.
• Put signs up saying you aren't interested in receiving cold callers to reduce the number of unexpected callers at your door.
• Keep all valuable items out of sight and, if possible, in a safe - if anyone does manage to get in safely stored items will make it much harder for them to find and take.

Please advise elderly and vulnerable neighbours to follow the STOP, CHAIN, CHECK rule when people call at the door.

• STOP - If you are not expecting anybody and they don't have an appointment, don't let them in.
• CHAIN - Use your door chain or bar before opening the door.
• CHECK - Ask to see ID and double check this.

To report any suspicious incidents or if you have any information, please call 101 to pass on the details.  In an emergency, always dial 999.

Please see attached a copy of our ‘No Cold Caller’ sign, that can be printed off and displayed by your front door.

Message Sent By
Sarah Fordham
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Stone, Barlaston, Fulford, Meir Heath and Blythe Bridge)

Neighbourhood Policing Team - 16^th June 2023 ^

Stone Engagement Event - 24^th June 2023

The upcoming engagement event will take place on Saturday, 24^th June 2023, from 11 am to 2 pm.  Local Area Commander Giles Parsons, alongside local officers, will be present on Stone High Street, near the library.  The event offers a prime opportunity for the public to discuss community concerns and interact directly with the police on a face-to-face basis.

Previous events have seen the public raise important issues, including drug use and dealing, vandalism, and illegal use of the High Street by motorists.  These forums provide a valuable platform for residents and business owners to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas directly with law enforcement officers.

Chief Inspector Parsons spoke about the upcoming event, telling A Little Bit of Stone, The Local Policing Team will be providing high visibility across this key community hotspot - giving the public a chance to share any concerns and receive specific crime prevention advice.  Some of these concerns will require a collaborative response with our local authority partners, who we continue to work closely with.

Staffordshire Police is committed to these engagement events as a vital part of their community outreach.  They hope to continue interacting with local communities and addressing concerns and queries on a personal and immediate basis.

For more information about local policing or to report a crime or issues in your area, residents are advised to visit the Staffordshire Police website or by calling 101.  In case of emergencies, the public should always call 999.

Mark your calendars and join the event to have your voice heard and help make Stone an even better place to live, work, and visit.

Climate Change Consultation - 5^th June 2023 ^

This consultation, was launched on, 5^th June, by Staffordshire County Council, on behalf of the Staffordshire Sustainability Board.  ‘Share your thoughts and ideas directly, shaping our collective efforts to combat climate change... together, we can build a greener, brighter future for our county’.

Note: This survey closed on 1^st September.

Coronation of King Charles III - 6^th May 2023 ^

Our postbox acquired this amusing postbox topper, to commemorate the coronation of King Charles (just prior to its repainting).

Thanks once again to our crochet champion, for this wonderful creation (note the corgis on the corners of the throne)... it's just a shame that they didn't wait for the paint to dry before replacing it!

Highways bulletins - 17^th April 2023 ^

Staffordshire County Council Highways Department, share these update bulletins with ALRA... they are issued monthly (at the end of the current month), and can be accessed via our Links page.

View the latest Staffordshire Highways Bulletins.

King's Coronation Street Parties - 6^th February 2023 ^

If you're thinking of organising a street party on the estate, then please refer to this Stafford Borough Council News Item.

Note: You can apply for a free road closure, but you need to give 6 weeks notice.

Staffordshire Smart Alerts - 3^rd February 2023 ^

*IMPORTANT* Changes to the way you report non emergency incidents to Staffordshire Police!

New Electoral Divisions - 1^st February 2023 ^

A Staffordshire Newsletter Article

Have Your Say on the political map for Staffordshire

YOU can have your say on a new political map for Staffordshire County Council.

A new pattern of electorial divisions is being developed including this area.

The Local Government Boundary Commission wants to hear what residents and organisations think about their local area.  A 10-week consultation inviting proposals will run until March 20^th.

The Commission will use local views to help it draw up proposals for the new division boundaries.  There will be a further round of consultation once it has drawn up those proposals.

Launching the consultation, Professor Colin Mellors, chair of the Commission, said: We want people in Staffordshire to help us.  We are starting to draw up new divisions for Staffordshire.  We want our proposals for the new electoral arrangements to reflect communities.  We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

Residents and local organisations can help us understand community ties and identities at this early stage of the process.  It's easy to get involved.  Go to our website.  Or you can email or write to us.  See below.

The Commission has a dedicated section on its website where people can gives their views.

People can also comment by email at reviews@lgbce.org.uk and by post: Review Officer (Staffordshire) LGBCE, PO Box 133, Blyth, NE24 9FE.

Note: The consultation period ended on 20^th March.

Staffordshire Smart Alerts - 9^th January 2023 ^

This survey closed on 16^th January.