Staffordshire NewsroomGet the latest news from the Staffordshire NewsroomContensis: http://www.contentmanagement.co.ukhttp://live-staffscc.cloud.contensis.com/Newsroom/Staffordshire-Newsroom.aspx?SyndicationType=22024-03-29T11:54:09ZTown centre transport improvement scheme moves to next phaseTom HobbinsA regeneration project to improve roads and routes for cycling and walking in Cannock town centre moves to its final phase on Monday April 8.2024-03-28T11:34:00Z2024-03-28T13:41:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Town-centre-transport-improvement-scheme-moves-to-next-phase.aspxNew Director of Finance AppointedTom HobbinsA new Director of Finance has been appointed by Staffordshire County Council.2024-03-27T15:05:00Z2024-03-27T16:10:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/New-Director-of-Finance-Appointed.aspxStaffordshire receives electric bus boost for county townsTom HobbinsNew electric buses will be running in Tamworth and Burton thanks to £3.1million government funding and investment from the transport providers.2024-03-22T11:58:00Z2024-03-22T11:58:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Staffordshire-receives-electric-bus-boost-for-county-towns.aspxBurton Library set to undergo £1.3m refurb with extensive improvementsTom HobbinsA £1.3million package of improvements at Burton library will see the transformation of space for people of all ages and various community groups.2024-03-21T16:33:00Z2024-03-26T09:51:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Burton-Library-set-to-undergo-major-refurb-with-extensive-improvements.aspxMain Burton road set for daytime closures due to utility worksTom HobbinsA short section of Shobnall Road in Burton will undergo a series of daytime closures over the next fortnight due to planned utility works.2024-03-21T14:52:00Z2024-03-21T14:52:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Main-Burton-road-set-for-daytime-closures-due-to-utility-works.aspxMajor road improvement scheme set for completionTom HobbinsA major road improvement scheme to the north of Stafford will be completed on Sunday March 24.2024-03-21T14:45:00Z2024-03-21T14:21:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Major-road-improvement-scheme-set-for-completion.aspxTrading Standards share their top tips on spotting fakes at car boot salesPhilip WadeAs the Easter bank holiday weekend approaches and the start of the car boot and outdoor markets season, Staffordshire Trading Standards are reminding people how to protect themselves from counterfeit goods.2024-03-21T12:31:00Z2024-03-21T12:31:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Trading-Standards-share-their-top-tips-on-spotting-fakes-at-car-boot-sales.aspxFoster families share their experiences to encourage others to come forwardPhilip WadeA Staffordshire foster family have shared their experiences of fostering to try and encourage others to come forward.2024-03-21T11:44:00Z2024-03-21T11:43:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Foster-families-share-their-experiences-to-encourage-others-to-come-forward.aspxPlanning approval granted for top grade electric vehicle charging facility at i54Tom HobbinsPlanning approval has been granted for a GRIDSERVE Electric Forecourt® at i54 South Staffordshire.2024-03-20T16:23:00Z2024-03-20T16:23:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Planning-approval-granted-for-top-grade-electric-vehicle-charging-facility-at-i54.aspxCattle set to return to Cannock Chase for major conservation projectMegan HilleryCattle will return to Cannock Chase this month, as part of a project to restore heathland habitats in an environmentally friendly way.2024-03-20T15:14:00Z2024-03-20T16:12:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Cattle-set-to-return-to-Cannock-Chase-for-major-conservation-project.aspxA strategy to help unpaid carers of all ages across Staffordshire has been agreed by the county councils cabinetPhilip WadeThe "Staffordshire's All Age Carers Strategy 2024 – 2029" has been produced by the county council and Integrated Care Board (ICB) alongside other partners.2024-03-20T12:08:00Z2024-03-20T12:08:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/A-strategy-to-help-unpaid-carers-of-all-ages-across-Staffordshire-has-been-agreed-by-the-county-councils-cabinet.aspxCouncil given national recognition for supporting residents to learn vital employability skillsMegan HilleryStaffordshire County Council's Community Learning service has been awarded the international quality Matrix Standard for providing high quality information and advice to residents about learning and work.2024-03-19T12:59:00Z2024-03-19T13:21:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Council-given-national-recognition-for-supporting-residents-to-learn-vital-employability-skills.aspxMajor resurfacing works completed in Newcastle-Under-LymeMegan HilleryThe A53 carriageway, at Baldwins Gate, has been completely resurfaced, thanks to a £220,000 highways investment.2024-03-19T11:03:00Z2024-03-19T11:01:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Major-resurfacing-works-completed-in-Newcastle-Under-Lyme.aspxHighways improvements to start in Lichfield next weekPhilip WadeA major highways improvements scheme in Lichfield will start on Monday 25 March.2024-03-18T14:48:00Z2024-03-18T14:47:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Highways-improvements-to-start-in-Lichfield-next-week.aspxElectric vehicle charging network in Staffordshire set to progress with £4.6million backingStephanie LeeDevelopment and growth of an electric charging network in Staffordshire is set to begin imminently with the release of £4.6million Government funding.2024-03-18T11:24:00Z2024-03-20T10:20:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Electric-vehicle-charging-network-in-Staffordshire-set-to-progress-with-4-6million-backing.aspxNew repaint project to benefit local communitiesPhilip WadeLocal communities in Stafford are set to benefit from a new reuse project providing access to free unwanted tins of paint.2024-03-18T10:43:00Z2024-03-18T10:43:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/New-repaint-project-to-benefit-local-communities.aspxParking permit increase after price freezePaul DuttonA 12-month permit for all Staffordshire County Council's country park car parks will rise by £2 to £38, the equivalent of half a penny a day, after being frozen for five years.2024-03-15T11:30:00Z2024-03-20T14:28:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Parking-permit-increase-after-price-freeze.aspxEarly intervention scheme makes a differencePaul DuttonStaffordshire County Council is funding schools to step in at the first opportunity to help children with special educational needs progress at their local mainstream school - and the scheme is already proving its worth.2024-03-15T11:15:00Z2024-03-20T14:17:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Early-intervention-scheme-makes-a-difference.aspx£1,000 incentive to recruit childcare staff to be tested in StaffordshireMegan HilleryStaffordshire has been selected to join a national pilot to financially incentivise people to pursue a career in early years and childcare.2024-03-14T11:44:00Z2024-03-14T11:43:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/1000-incentive-to-recruit-childcare-staff-to-be-tested-in-Staffordshire.aspxFurniture restoration and manufacturing business cuts carbon and costs with backing of county council programmeTom HobbinsAn established furniture restoration and manufacturing company is making savings in the region of £35,000 annually and reducing its carbon footprint thanks to a county council programme.2024-03-13T17:43:00Z2024-03-13T17:42:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Furniture-restoration-and-manufacturing-business-cuts-carbon-and-costs-with-backing-of-county-council-programme.aspxScams on the rise as end of financial year loomsPhilip WadeTrading Standards officers in Staffordshire are reminding businesses to be particularly vigilant as they prepare for the end of the financial year on 5 April.2024-03-13T16:38:00Z2024-03-13T16:38:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Scams-on-the-rise-as-end-of-financial-year-looms.aspx£50 million boost for Staffordshire Highways over the next three yearsGemma StylesAn extra £50 million will be invested in maintaining and improving Staffordshire's highways over the next three years, alongside a total of £53M being spent on a range of major projects, vital road improvements and general road maintenance in 24/25.2024-03-13T14:37:00Z2024-03-13T14:07:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/50-million-boost-for-Staffordshire-Highways-over-the-next-three-years.aspxSchool refurbishments could be given the green lightGemma StylesA total of £56 million will be spent on building new schools, and maintaining and improving existing ones in Staffordshire over the coming year.2024-03-13T13:50:00Z2024-03-13T13:48:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/School-refurbishments-could-be-given-the-green-light.aspxStrategy will help unpaid carers of all agesPhilip WadeA strategy to help unpaid carers of all ages across Staffordshire will be discussed by the county council's cabinet next week.2024-03-13T13:44:00Z2024-03-20T09:36:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Strategy-will-help-unpaid-carers-of-all-ages.aspxCounty and city take steer on support for business and economic growthTom HobbinsBusinesses across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will have a voice on a national level through a new joint committee set up by the county and city councils – also ensuring they have expert support and guidance.2024-03-12T17:23:00Z2024-03-12T17:21:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/County-and-city-take-steer-on-support-for-business-and-economic-growth.aspxStaffordshire Adult Learning and Skills Festival opens doors to free learning opportunitiesTom HobbinsPeople looking to develop their skills and increase their opportunities are being urged to find out more about the extensive range of learning options open to them at a free series of drop-in events run by the county council.2024-03-12T16:35:00Z2024-03-13T17:29:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Staffordshire-Adult-Learning-and-Skills-Festival-opens-doors-to-free-learning-opportunities.aspxHistoric puppet collection to take centre stage in new history centrePhilip WadePuppets from a unique collection of over 1,000 historic puppets will be amongst the exhibits in the new Staffordshire History Centre, being funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.2024-03-12T14:38:00Z2024-03-12T14:08:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Historic-puppet-collection-to-take-centre-stage-in-new-history-centre.aspxFormer Staffordshire smokers share their experiences to help others quitPhilip WadeThree former smokers from Staffordshire are sharing their positive experiences of quitting, following help from a free stop smoking service funded by Staffordshire County Council.2024-03-12T12:43:00Z2024-03-12T12:43:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Former-Staffordshire-smokers-share-their-experiences-to-help-others-quit.aspxStaffordshire and Stoke On Trent to celebrate English Tourism WeekPhilip WadePeople are being reminded about the many great attractions and locations just waiting to be explored in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent as part of the county's celebrations for English Tourism Week.2024-03-12T09:10:00Z2024-03-13T09:18:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Staffordshire-and-Stoke-On-Trent-to-celebrate-English-Tourism-Week.aspxFree action-packed Easter fun lined up for children from low-income familiesPhilip WadeThousands of children from low-income families will be able to enjoy free activities and nutritious meals this Easter as part of Staffordshire's Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme.2024-03-11T16:26:00Z2024-03-12T14:26:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Free-action-packed-Easter-fun-lined-up-for-children-from-low-income-families.aspxMajor highways works completed in BurtonMegan HilleryA major highways improvement scheme to resurface the A511 Horninglow Road North in Burton has been completed.2024-03-11T13:14:00Z2024-03-11T13:12:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Major-highways-works-completed-in-Burton.aspxMajor highways improvement scheme to start in NewcastlePhilip WadeA major highways improvements scheme on the A34 Talke Road in Newcastle is due to start on Monday 11 March.2024-03-06T16:39:00Z2024-03-06T16:36:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Major-highways-improvement-scheme-to-start-in-Newcastle.aspxBudget statement by the leader of Staffordshire County CouncilTom Hobbins"The further reduction in National Insurance contributions will be welcome news to our residents in helping them to meet daily cost of living challenges by putting more money in their pocket. This will make a difference in Staffordshire where we continue to see long-term low unemployment as well as generating job vacancies across a range of sectors."2024-03-06T16:12:00Z2024-03-06T16:12:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Budget-statement-by-the-leader-of-Staffordshire-County-Council.aspxEarly works continue on main Stafford road ahead of major improvement schemeTom HobbinsEarly works taking place ahead of a major improvement scheme on a main Stafford road continue on March 4.2024-03-01T15:33:00Z2024-03-01T15:32:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Early-works-continue-on-main-Stafford-road-ahead-of-major-improvement-scheme.aspxNine out of 10 parents allocated their first choice secondary schoolGemma StylesNine out of 10 parents will learn today that they have been allocated their first choice secondary school in Staffordshire. Of the 8,482 offers made for a Staffordshire secondary school at age 11, 90.8% per cent were for a first choice school. National and regional average is around 83 per cent.2024-03-01T09:15:00Z2024-03-04T09:10:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/03-March/Nine-out-of-10-parents-allocated-their-first-choice-secondary-school.aspxFifty500 Midlands Growth Corridor receives backing from MPs in parliamentMegan HilleryMPs have backed a £3 million bid for government funding, submitted by Staffordshire County Council and partners, to further develop the Fifty500 Midlands Growth Corridor.2024-02-29T16:07:00Z2024-02-29T16:04:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Fifty500-Midlands-Growth-Corridor-receives-backing-from-MPs-in-parliament.aspxMain Stafford road set to undergo major repairsTom HobbinsA main route into Stafford will be undergoing major improvements from this Monday March 4. The A449 Wolverhampton Road will be resurfaced on the stretch from the roundabout close to the town centre to the railway bridge.2024-02-28T17:18:00Z2024-02-28T17:18:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Main-Stafford-road-set-to-undergo-major-repairs.aspxStaffordshires biggest party is backPhilip WadeStaffordshire's biggest party of the year, Staffordshire Day, is back on Wednesday 1 May 2024, with a packed programme of events and activities.2024-02-28T16:37:00Z2024-02-28T16:32:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Staffordshires-biggest-party-is-back.aspxThe price of feeding deer is dear, warns countryside officersMegan HilleryFeeding deer makes them vulnerable to disease, poaching and overpopulation, so rangers are urging country park users to buck the trend.2024-02-28T10:13:00Z2024-02-28T10:09:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/The-price-of-feeding-deer-is-dear-warns-countryside-officers.aspxCounty council partners with local organisation to recycle care equipmentGemma StylesStaffordshire County Council have joined forces with a local non-profit organisation to correctly recycle care equipment and make it available to those who need it.2024-02-27T17:03:00Z2024-02-29T16:19:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/County-council-partners-with-local-organisation-to-recycle-care-equipment.aspxImprovements at major Staffordshire transport gateway progresses with new traffic arrangementsTom HobbinsA scheme bringing major improvements to a key Staffordshire gateway junction is progressing well, with new traffic management introduced from next week.2024-02-27T15:48:00Z2024-02-27T15:37:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Improvements-at-major-Staffordshire-transport-gateway-progresses-with-new-traffic-arrangements.aspxStaffordshire receives £286million transport funding boost over seven yearsTom HobbinsStaffordshire has secured a huge funding boost from central Government for local transport projects which will span a seven-year period.2024-02-27T11:01:00Z2024-02-27T10:57:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Staffordshire-receives-286million-transport-funding-boost-over-seven-years.aspxStaffordshire confirmed to host national event promoting its place as a prime location to visit and investTom HobbinsStaffordshire has been confirmed as the location to host an annual national event to promote placemaking and place shaping across the UK and internationally – at the iconic Lichfield Cathedral.2024-02-26T15:51:00Z2024-02-26T15:48:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Staffordshire-confirmed-to-host-national-event-promoting-its-place-as-a-prime-location-to-visit-and-invest.aspxPeople urged to give the gift of independence this Mothers DayPhilip WadeThis Mother's Day, Staffordshire County Council is urging people to explore a world of thoughtful and practical gift ideas, through its assistive technology campaign.2024-02-26T13:14:00Z2024-02-26T13:13:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/People-urged-to-give-the-gift-of-independence-this-Mothers-Day.aspxCommunity order for shop owner selling counterfeit tobaccoPhilip WadeA shop owner in Kidsgrove has been given a community order and ordered to pay fines and costs for selling counterfeit tobacco.2024-02-23T16:36:00Z2024-02-23T16:35:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Community-order-for-shop-owner-selling-counterfeit-tobacco.aspxBeaconfields School progressing wellGemma StylesWork is progressing well on Stafford's newest £7.6 million primary and nursery school. Beaconfields Primary and Nursery School will be welcoming nursery and reception pupils from September 2024, with the capacity to increase numbers year on year.2024-02-23T16:22:00Z2024-02-23T16:21:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Beaconfields-School-progressing-well.aspxSuspended jail sentences for Staffordshire farmersPhilip WadeThree Staffordshire farmers have been given suspended prison sentences for breaching cattle identification and movement rules to stop the spread of Bovine Tuberculosis.2024-02-23T14:42:00Z2024-02-23T14:30:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Suspended-jail-sentences-for-Staffordshire-farmers.aspxWork on a £1.25 million highways improvement scheme in Burton to start next monthPhilip WadeA major highways improvements scheme on a busy Burton Road will start on Monday 4 March 2024.2024-02-23T09:40:00Z2024-02-23T09:40:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Work-on-a-1.25-million-highways-improvement-scheme-in-Burton-to-start-next-month.aspxNominate a local foster carer for a special awardPhilip WadePeople in Staffordshire are being invited to nominate a local foster carer for a special award.2024-02-21T14:38:00Z2024-02-23T14:39:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/Nominate-a-local-foster-carer-for-a-special-award.aspxPeople invited to have their say on new cyclewayPhilip WadePeople in Burton are being invited to have their say on proposals for a new cycleway along Borough Road in the town centre.2024-02-21T12:53:00Z2024-02-22T11:40:00Zhttps://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Newsroom/Articles/2024/02-February/People-invited-to-have-their-say-on-new-cycleway.aspx