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 - 15^th December 2024 ^

In December, our robin (previously perched on the footpath sign) flew away, but was replaced by this beautiful Christmas postbox topper.

And, although you can't see it in the picture, the residents of the igloo around the back, were obviously keeping warm with a fire that glowed by night.  Thanks once again to our crocheting champion, for providing us with some seasonal cheer.

Stone Police Surgery - 23^rd September 2024 ^

Good afternoon,

Local Officers will be holding a Police Surgery on Sunday 29^th September 2024 between 13:00-15:00 at Stone Police Post, 15 Station Road, Stone, ST15 8JP.  This provides a good opportunity for residents to come along to discuss any concerns with the local officers directly.

We will look forward to seeing you there!

Megan Rogers
(Staffordshire Police, PCSO, Stone, Barlaston, Meir Heath, Fulford, Blythe Bridge)

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue CRMP Consultation 2025‑2028 - 27^th August 2024 ^

Have YOUR say on YOUR service

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service would like to hear what you think about their draft Community Risk Management Plan 2025-2028 so that your feedback can help shape their final plan.  A summary version for quick reference is also available.

Take their online survey, to be in with the chance of winning a £100 Amazon voucher, and find out more about the consultation here.

Note: The closing date for the survey is 5^th November 2024.

Meaford Planning Application - 25^th June 2024 ^

You may be aware, that George Developments Limited, has submitted a planning application (24/39125/FUL) to build a drive-through restaurant, on the large grassy area (green belt land), northbound on the A34, opposite the George & Dragon at Meaford.  Whilst this proposed development may not directly affect Aston Lodge residents, we thought you ought to know, because if permitted, this could set a precedent for other Green Belt land around Stone.

Green belt land is designated as such, to prevent unplanned ribbon development.  It's essential for supporting nature, biodiversity and carbon capture.  If this application is allowed, then we may see further applications for developments north of Stone.

The applicant proposes: Creation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Hub comprising 31 charging bays equipped with solar panels and a substation (Sui Generis), picnic areas and a drive-through restaurant (Use Class E), with associated access, car and cycle parking, and landscaping.  Providing EV charging points, is a method of gaining approval for the plan.  However, the nearby Euro Garages Ltd. development will have, and Starbucks already has, EV charging points.

If you would like to, you can submit comments to Stafford Borough Council.

Puppet Tree Jamboree- 10^th June 2024 ^

Join the magic as the Puppet Tree Jamboree returns to Stone

Get ready for an adventure with the Puppet Tree Jamboree that will take place in the Market Square, Stone on Saturday 29^th June.

Not only does the Puppet Tree Jamboree include ten enchanting and entertaining performances, after each show, members of the audience will be able to meet the puppets and even have the chance to perform with some of them!

The programme of entertainments will begin at 10am in the Market Square and the Stone Scout & Guide Band will lead a walking Parade along the High Street.

The Stone Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jason Metters, will formally open the event, followed by the ever-popular Punch & Judy Show, presented by Nicci-Joe from Stoke.  No doubt there'll be lots of sausages and magic and balloon modelling, to add to the fun and games!

The week before the Puppet Jamboree, on Saturday 22^nd June, children will be able to take part in a drop-in puppet-making workshop in Stone Library from 9am to 11.30am.  They will be able to bring their puppet to the Puppet Jamboree, to join in a singalong performance, “Sing with Puppets & Joy” - arranged by Stone Library staff.  This includes the chance to learn a little sign language too.

Who is old enough to remember Muffin the Mule?  He was one of the first puppets to ever appear on television many years ago.  Well, he's still alive and kicking and he's trotting up all the way from South Devon, so you'll be able to meet him, and have your photo taken with Muffin and his friends, who also put on a wonderful show with lots of fun and laughter.

We couldn't arrange a day full of puppet fun without Pinocchio could we? - Clive Chandler from Birmingham, will present his show, based on the classic story about little Pinocchio, who struggles to do the right thing - and oh dear, the mayhem that ensues!

These are only a few highlights of the day's programme, that will conclude with a musical Finale, at around 3.30pm, by the BuzzKing Marionettes and the Sanctuary Studio Dancers.

The Puppet Tree Jamboree is brought to you by Staffordshire Puppet Tree - a local Voluntary Community project, and the event is funded by Stone Town Council and Stafford District Arts Council.

All shows and activities are completely free of charge.

So, mark your calendars and just for one day, enter the magical world of “having fun with puppets!”  You can even bring the children!

Regular updates and further details can be found by following or ‘liking’ The Staffordshire Puppet Tree Facebook page, or visit the website: thepuppettree.org.  Download a poster from the event here.

Roadworks - 12^th April 2024 ^

We've been informed, that roadworks are due to take place over the next few weeks, which may affect Aston Lodge residents.

B5027 Aston Link Road - 22^nd April to 1^st May

On the first occasion, just the Aston Link Road will be closed.  However, on the second occasion, a section of the A51 will be closed (for carriageway resurfacing), which means that you won't be able to turn right onto the A51 (towards the A34, from the B5027).

A51 Stone Bypass - 23^rd to 27^th May

The suggested diversion route is via Weston...  A more logical diversion would be Lichfield road, and back to the A34, via Stafford Road (Fillybrooks/Shell roundabout).

Staffordshire County Council - 22^nd February 2024 ^

Community Strategy Consultation

Have your say in shaping Staffordshire's future!

As we step into the new year, you can help shape the future of our Staffordshire communities.  Staffordshire County Council is inviting you to take part in a crucial conversation that will guide the development of their new Communities Strategy.

Your insights and experiences are essential in creating a vibrant, connected, and resilient Staffordshire.  By sharing your thoughts about community life and involvement, you can help the county council understand what truly matters to our residents.

Take the Survey: Spare just 10 minutes to complete the survey and contribute to Staffordshire's tomorrow.  Plus, you could win a family day pass to Trentham Gardens!

Share Your Story: Got a story of community spirit or support?  Let Staffordshire County Council know.  Your stories could inspire them and others to keep doing our bit for our communities.

Take the survey (cut-off date: Thursday 29^th February).

Staffordshire Police Crime Prevention Campaign - 12^th February 2024 ^

Our new crime prevention campaign launches this week

Join the online chat on Thursday 22^nd February, from 7pm.

To support our new crime prevention campaign, which runs from Monday 12^th to Sunday 25^th February, I'm getting in touch to share some burglary prevention advice as this week is likely to be a busy one for holidays and days out.

The majority of thieves prefer to target homes when the occupants are away, so any sign of someone being home can deter them.  When you go on holiday ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property and take your bins out and put them away for you.

Although a lot of people use social media to share holiday snaps, thieves can also use this to see who will be away from their property.  If you're going away make sure that you don't advertise this to others on social media and set your accounts to private.

Remember that it's not just your house that may be targeted, make sure that all garden equipment and tools are securely locked away in a shed and any high value items are kept out of sight.  CCTV can act as a deterrent, this includes video doorbells, so make sure yours are visible and switched on.

If your neighbour is on holiday, keep an eye out for any suspicious activity at their house. If you do see anything that doesn't look right, contact us by calling our non-emergency 101 number, or by using the Live Chat function on our website. If a crime is in progress, always ring 999.

For more advice and tips, visit: www.staffordshire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention.

Crime prevention online chat event

As part of our crime prevention campaign, we are holding an online chat on Thursday 22^nd February, from 7pm to 8pm.

We'll be on hand to answer your questions about home security and how to protect vehicles and bikes from theft too.

View the online chat.

Emma Ray
(Staffordshire Police, Communications Officer, Staffordshire)

B5027 Roadworks 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.

Note: For details, please see previous news item (6^th December 2023).

Local Planning Application Update - 21^st January 2024 ^

A quick recap...

The land adjacent to Lichfield Road (& Watson's Scrap Yard), has had an outline planning application on it, since October 2018, (18/27783/OUT), 'An outline planning application seeking planning permission for affordable (local) housing and a local shopping and service centre including the provision of a local food store with all matters reserved for later approval.'.

The developer for the site, used the same misinterpretation of the C5A - Rural Exception Policy that Fradley Developments had used, to propose the building of affordable homes on the Blackies Lane site.  Both sites are outside the settlement boundary and do not form part of the current Local (development) Plan for housing... However, this was 'Allowed' by Stafford Borough Council (on 7^th October 2019).

The developer is required by the authorities, to have a contract in place with a housing association/provider, that will manage the houses.  This was also 'Allowed' by Stafford Borough Council (on December 23^rd 2023), even though it appears to contravene their own 'C5A - Rural Exception Policy' (22/36324/FUL).

Your opportunity to comment...

Variation/removal of conditions 12 (closing lay-by), 13 (pedestrian crossing), 20 (number of dwellings), and 21 (design brief) of 18/27783/OUT (An outline planning application seeking planning permission for affordable (local) housing and a local shopping and service centre including the provision of a local food store with all matters reserved for later approval.)

This latest amendment has not yet been approved, and you are invited to submit any comments by Wednesday 24^th January, so you'll need to act fast, if you wish to have any influence on the council's decision.  Select this link: 22/36505/REM, then select the 'Comments' tab to give your feedback.  Alternatively, you can email: planning@staffordbc.gov.uk.

Staffordshire Police Online Chat - 18^th January 2024 ^

If you have a question, or want to find out more about your local policing team... then join the chat on Thursday 25^th January at 7.30pm.

You can also join the chat, or ask a question in advance, via this link.