• Reform UK members have elected Martin Murray as their new Leader in Staffordshire.
• Martin will remain in his existing post until the county council's Leader is formally selected at Full Council.
• Hayley Coles has been appointed as Deputy Group Leader.

• Country park visitors are being reminded to stick to paths and keep their dogs on leads to protect wildlife.

• Cannock Chase is one of the region’s most important strongholds for adders, which have declined sharply across the UK.

• Protecting rare species such as adders is a key part of the council’s refreshed Natural Environment Strategy.

• Amy Stokes, 16, from Tamworth has won the Staffy art trail design competition.

• Her winning design will be painted onto one of the Staffordshire Day art trail's Staffy sculptures, with the help of a professional local artist.

• With English Tourism Week launching today, Staffordshire celebrates its growing visitor economy which has seen overnight visitors rise by more than 5%.

• Cycleway works are continuing, with a small change to the order of construction phases

• The schedule has been adjusted due to unexpected utility issues under the road

• The project remains on track, with crews working efficiently to avoid delays

• Cabinet will consider a new five-year Environmental Action Plan (2026–2030) next week.

• The plan sets out practical actions to tackle environmental challenges and support economic growth.

• Eight priorities include reducing waste, supporting access to affordable and reliable energy, strengthening resilience to flooding, and supporting biodiversity.

• A pilates instructor has opened the town’s first fully equipped pilates studio at the Stafford Business Innovation Centre.

• Emma Davey retrained after Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ended her dance career, with pilates central to her recovery.

• Supported by the county council’s enterprise centre network, the studio offers specialist sessions for a wide range of health needs.

• A series of highway improvements start in Leek from Monday 9 March and last six weeks.
• Crews will work overnight and night-time closures are expected between 8pm and 6am.
• Works are preparatory ahead of preventative treatment scheduled for next year.

• The Ignite programme, teaching enterprise skills to young people, has returned for its sixth year.

• New to the programme is a Dragon's Den-style competition, where students will be invited to put together a business plan and pitch it to a panel of judges, with prizes up for grabs.

• Ignite has helped more than 30,000 young people across Staffordshire to develop business skills.

• Nine out of ten Staffordshire parents (93.2%) have been allocated their first choice secondary school for September, with almost 99% securing one of their top three preferences.
• The results exceed last year’s national and regional average of around 83% and reflect close working between the council, schools and neighbouring authorities.
• Families are being informed from today (Monday)

• Children can book their place for free Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme activities.

• Runs from Monday 30 March to Friday 10 April 2026.

• Teenagers also can take part in development and training opportunities.