Richard Price

Stafford nurse Ellishia Lauder is beginning a year-long, 2,000-mile walking challenge to celebrate her mother Tracey Carter’s resilience after a stage-four bowel cancer diagnosis. The challenge will raise money for the University Hospitals of North Midlands charity and two stoma charities, while also expressing gratitude to the NHS. Carter, 65, has undergone multiple surgeries and now lives with a stoma bag, which she says saved her life but affected her confidence and sense of femininity. Lauder plans to walk five to six miles a day, with additional challenges and walks involving her dogs.

Donald Sheppard, 64, from Birmingham, died at the scene after his Ford Focus was involved in a four-vehicle collision with three lorries on the northbound M6 near Seabridge in Staffordshire. His family described him as a devoted husband, loyal friend and kind person. Three lorry drivers were taken to hospital, with one still receiving treatment several days later. Police are appealing for anyone with unreleased footage of the crash to come forward.

A bus collided with a white Peugeot on Longford Road in Cannock at 17:50 BST on Wednesday before crashing through a shop window. Police, paramedics and firefighters attended, but no injuries were reported; recovery was arranged for both vehicles.

A firefighter remains in hospital after a large blaze in Stoke-on-Trent destroyed four homes and damaged dozens of other properties. Six firefighters were initially hospitalized for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion, with five later discharged. Two local people arrested on suspicion of arson have been released on bail. Residents and community groups have provided clothes, food, toiletries and other essentials to people affected, while Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service thanked the public for its support.

One firefighter remains in hospital after a major fire in Stoke-on-Trent destroyed four homes and damaged dozens of others. Six firefighters were initially treated for smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion, with five later discharged. A 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of arson and released on bail. Residents and local organizations rallied to support those evacuated, while Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service thanked the public for donations and messages.

Leek's leisure centre has reopened after being closed since October 2024 for a £17m refurbishment. The council-owned operator My Active says the upgraded facility now includes a six-lane swimming pool, teaching pool, modernised gym, interactive fitness studio, golf simulator and spin-class area. Staffordshire Moorlands District Council described the project as complex and highlighted new spaces designed to support inactive people and rehabilitation, with further leisure-centre improvements planned in Cheadle and Biddulph.

Jacob Leslie Simcock, 35, of Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, was sentenced to 14 years and 10 months in prison, followed by three years and two months on extended licence, after pleading guilty to raping and strangling one woman and strangling, stalking and threatening another. He also admitted threatening to share intimate images, controlling or coercive behaviour and stalking involving fear of violence. He was placed on the sex offenders register for life and given indefinite restraining orders protecting both survivors.

Fire crews remained at Park Hall Country Park in Stoke-on-Trent after a grass and scrubland fire covering about 100 by 100 metres. Crews worked overnight to extinguish hotspots, with two crews still on site the following day, while the public was asked to avoid Hulme Road to keep access clear. Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service said wildfire demand had been unprecedented during the summer and urged people to follow fire-safety guidance; the cause remained undetermined.

A breach near bridge 10 on the Llangollen Canal at Swanley, Cheshire, flooded neighbouring fields and forced the closure of the canal and towpath. The Canal & River Trust has installed temporary dams, restored water levels and begun investigating a suspected culvert failure, with repairs expected to take several days. The closure is disrupting boaters, a local marina and canal-based pizza business, while users are calling for greater government funding to maintain the aging canal network.

West Midlands Fire Service has urged recreational drone users to stay away from firefighters and emergency incidents, warning that unauthorized drones can confuse crews, distract them and hamper wildfire operations. The service said its own drones help locate hotspots, guide firefighters and identify dangers, and advised anyone who notices an emergency nearby to stop flying unless authorized. It also called for incident footage to be obtained and shared lawfully and safely, and directed drone users to UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance.

West Midlands Fire Service has warned recreational drone users to stay away from firefighters and emergency incidents during an exceptionally busy period of wildfire response. Public drones have reportedly caused confusion when crews mistook one for a service-operated drone marking a hotspot. The service says its own drones improve situational awareness, speed up hotspot detection and help identify risks, and advises anyone who encounters an emergency to stop flying unless given permission. It also urges people sharing drone footage to obtain it lawfully and without disrupting operations, while directing users to the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s safety code.

Vanessa Gardee Vega, 53, has been issued a six-month interim slavery and trafficking risk order after being arrested in connection with a Cheshire Police investigation into alleged human trafficking, child neglect, forced marriage and serious sexual offences involving members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. The order restricts her from entering Crewe or contacting the alleged victim and requires her to report to police and surrender travel documents. Fourteen people have been arrested in the wider investigation and remain on bail. Police stressed that the inquiry concerns allegations against individuals, not the religion itself. Protests followed an April raid on the group's Crewe headquarters; two protesters were later charged, with Daniel Tsimbilakis convicted of assault and threatening behaviour and Jordan Kennerley due to stand trial in 2027.

James Lewis has completed an 80-day challenge dribbling a football from Marrakesh, Morocco, to Rugeley in Staffordshire, raising more than £65,000 for St Giles Hospice, which cared for his father. He covered nearly 2,000 miles, faced difficulties including punctured balls and sleeping outdoors, and finished at a Rugeley pub. The hospice said the challenge meant a great deal to the charity and described Lewis as its biggest individual fundraiser.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is appealing for information about a series of suspected deliberate fires at Park Hall Country Park in Stoke-on-Trent. The service says 137 deliberate fires have occurred across Staffordshire in July, diverting firefighters and resources from potentially life-threatening incidents. Hot, dry weather has also contributed to a sharp rise in grass, wildfire and outdoor fires, many caused accidentally by litter, cigarettes, barbecues or garden-waste bonfires. Local residents describe significant damage to wildlife, trees and habitats, while firefighters urge anyone with information about deliberate fires to contact police.

A campaign has been launched in Tamworth after a black motorbike carrying two people struck a six-year-old girl riding a bicycle on 13 July, leaving her seriously injured. A 20-year-old man has been charged with several offences, while a 16-year-old was released on conditional bail. Local resident Leanne Lea created the Stop Illegal Bikes in Tamworth Facebook group, saying residents feel ignored and unsafe because of dangerous off-road motorbike and e-bike use. She is calling for action, including possible safe places for young people to ride, while Staffordshire Police has been asked to comment.

Ocado has secured a 55,000 sq ft unit at Indurent Park in Stoke-on-Trent, with the new base expected to open later this year and create hundreds of jobs. The facility includes solar panels and electric vehicle charging capabilities. The move follows the company’s earlier announcement of 1,000 planned job cuts as part of a restructuring. The new location aims to expand delivery capacity for customers across Staffordshire.

More than 100 people and their dogs joined the Big Staffy Stroll at Weston Park, marking the end of a 10‑week Staffordshire-themed trail that featured giant Staffordshire bull terrier sculptures and boosted local tourism. Led by mascots from the Staffordshire Regimental Association, the event celebrated the success of the Staffy Trail and the county's new visitor mascot. Local officials and organisers praised the trail’s impact on community engagement and tourism, while dog rescue volunteers used the event to raise awareness of their work.

A musician in Staffordshire established a youth bell-ringing group to make the tradition more welcoming for young people, including those with special educational needs. The group has grown, competes nationally, and provides a supportive space to learn a challenging skill while helping sustain the future of bell ringing.

A Birmingham woman, Emma Jane Williams, is on trial accused of attempting to murder a teenage boy by tampering with his life‑preserving medication. Prosecutors say she researched ways to interfere with the medicine and was caught on hidden camera altering it. The child had earlier complained about changes in taste and appearance, prompting installation of the camera. Police later recovered messages and searches that allegedly showed planning. Williams denies the charge, and the trial is ongoing.

Parents and students expressed deep disappointment after Malvern St James School closed despite a proposed rescue bid backed by town councillors. Galaxy Global Education, the school’s owner, maintained the closure was due to financial challenges and stated most families had secured new placements for September. Pupils and parents described disruption to education, difficulty finding alternative schools and frustration that previous offers to save the institution were not accepted.

Twenty drums of fly-tipped oil made a Coventry road unsafe and forced its closure as council crews used gritter lorries to stabilise the surface and clean the area. Residents alerted authorities, who responded quickly, sealed off the road and urged the public to avoid it. The council thanked those who reported the incident and requested further information from anyone aware of how the oil was dumped.

A longtime foster carer from Worcestershire encourages more people to consider fostering, challenging stereotypes about who can become a carer. Tim and Claire Jarvis have fostered for 12 years and adopted one of the children in their care, advocating for broader participation amid a national shortfall of foster parents. Local authorities face financial pressure from reliance on private agencies, though recent pay rises aim to reduce dependence on external providers.

England’s lead physiotherapist Steve Kemp is highlighted as a key figure in keeping players fit ahead of their World Cup match against Mexico, with former player Matt Jarvis praising his impact. Experts note the high altitude of Mexico City will challenge England’s squad by reducing oxygen availability and slowing recovery, likely favoring the more acclimatised Mexican team. Tactical adjustments such as selective pressing, pacing, substitutions and maintaining possession are suggested to mitigate the effects.

A Cheshire businessman, Jonathan Hornby, was fined £30,085 after admitting to exporting four pieces of artwork to Russia in violation of UK sanctions. Border Force intercepted the shipment at Heathrow Airport, and HMRC described the case as a demonstration of the consequences of breaching Russia-related trade restrictions. The consignment was linked to Hornby’s companies, Global Customs Systems UK Limited and In Time Worldwide Express Ltd.

Former MP Joan Walley expresses confidence in Andy Burnham’s leadership style and his promise to deliver growth across the UK if he becomes prime minister, highlighting his teamwork and focus on northern regions. Critics, including Conservative chair Kevin Hollinrake and Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney, challenge Burnham’s approach, arguing it adds bureaucracy or lacks understanding of Scotland. Walley praises Keir Starmer for stepping down and hopes Burnham will be given a fair chance by the media if he assumes office.

A 31‑year‑old man from Staffordshire died after being handcuffed and placed in leg restraints by police on London Road in Stoke-on-Trent. The Independent Office for Police Conduct opened an investigation, confirming officers used force after finding the man distressed and running between vehicles. Seven officers attended, with body‑worn video and CCTV now under review. Paramedics transported the man to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The officers are currently being treated as witnesses, and investigators are examining police actions, medical assistance provided and the use of force, while maintaining contact with the man's family.

A charity fundraiser travelling by wheelchair from Land’s End to John O’ Groats was injured after hitting a pothole in Staffordshire, breaking his collar bone. Peter Smorthit, who is raising money for Canine Partners, said his trailer wheel became stuck in the pothole, throwing him onto the road. Despite the injury, he remains determined to finish the journey. He praised NHS staff for their care and highlighted the vital role assistance dogs play for disabled people.

A Staffordshire radio presenter, Stuart Michael Haycock, has been charged with the historical rape of a woman in the 2010s following a police investigation. The 48‑year‑old is scheduled to appear at Cannock Magistrates' Court on 29 July. The case is being handled by Staffordshire Police.

Police filed additional charges after a street fight in Longton where two people were stabbed. Five men now face counts ranging from grievous bodily harm and attempted murder to violent disorder and weapons possession. Two suspects appeared in court and were remanded, while three others previously charged await hearings. The injured individuals were treated in hospital and discharged.

A herd of cows on the track between Lichfield Trent Valley and Rugeley Trent Valley caused major disruption on the West Coast Main Line, delaying and cancelling services for multiple train operators. Network Rail resolved the issue with help from farmers around midday, but passengers were advised to expect delays into the evening, and some expressed frustration over long waits and limited support. Rail operators accepted tickets on alternative routes and arranged road transport to ease the impact.

A formerly derelict plot on Bucknall New Road in Hanley has been transformed into Potters' Patch, a new community garden created by Groundwork West Midlands with support from Stoke-on-Trent City Council. Led by Melissa Underwood, the project aims to give residents access to nature and space to grow vegetables, with local schoolchildren from St Luke's Church of England Academy contributing to planting and planning. Despite weather challenges, the garden opened as planned and will evolve based on community input, offering a biodiverse and reflective space for local people.

An 18-year-old student, Jagger Strang, received a sentence of three years and eleven months after admitting to possessing explosive materials and threatening to attack Stafford College. Police discovered gunpowder ingredients, videos of him experimenting with substances, and a manifesto expressing admiration for serial killers. His behaviour prompted classmates to alert staff, leading to a police search and arrest. The court heard he had no terrorist links but demonstrated a dangerous fixation with violence. Defence arguments highlighted his age, emotional difficulties, and obsessive personality, while the judge emphasised the significant potential for harm. Authorities credited college staff and police for preventing possible violence.

A Staffordshire student, Jagger Strang, received a three‑year‑and‑11‑month custodial sentence after admitting to possessing explosive substances and making threats to bomb Stafford College. Police found gunpowder, thermite ingredients and videos detailing his interest in serial killers and explosives. Court proceedings described a fixation with violence, though no terrorist links were identified. Concerns raised by fellow students prompted swift intervention that prevented potential harm, and Strang will face extended supervision following release.

Reform UK leaders in Staffordshire plan to eliminate equality, diversity and inclusion policies and disband identity‑based staff groups at the county council, presenting the move as a model for other authorities they control. Council officials said the proposals remain unofficial and must go through formal governance processes. The party argues the changes comply with equality laws, while an academic described the plan as vague and symbolic. The move follows earlier decisions such as removing Pride displays from libraries after Reform gained control of the council in 2025. Council leaders say the new approach will replace EDI initiatives with legally grounded guidance, end identity‑based networks and focus on merit‑based recruitment as officers develop a new equality policy aligned with the party’s agenda.