A Penkridge woman has launched a new company which aims to support micro businesses and charities who recently completed a free business start-up course with consultants Good2Great has also received a £6,000 grant from South Staffordshire Council is a membership and directory website for virtual assistants She said: "The membership is aimed at virtual assistants who share the same values as me and want to work in a supportive community of collaboration empowering and connecting people and wanted to be able to support more independent entrepreneurs such as micro businesses and charities." She received the grant from South Staffordshire Council as part of its UKSPF funding which has helped with a range of items Vikki told how she purchased a log cabin to set up a home office worked with a business coach to help plan the business and received an innovation grant to develop the membership site on her website Of her involvement with consultants Good2Great she said: “I am so happy that I have been able to take my passion and dream and turn it into a reality I have been part of Good2Great’s Growth Club for nearly 12 months and find the support invaluable “I have also taken part in the Start Up In South Staffs programme and this really helped me finalise my plans.” The programme has been funded by South Staffordshire Council and managed by Good2Great Young supporters across the region are set to assemble for an action-packed half-term at various local locations, and tickets will be available by clicking here Soccer Schools provide the ideal opportunity for children between school years one and seven to develop their football skills in a fun and friendly environment with expert coaching from Wolves’ FA-qualified staff Whether your child is looking to learn new techniques or simply enjoy playing the game they love Soccer Schools are available at different locations on various dates Please note, spaces are limited and expected to go quickly. 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The report added: "As far as vehicular access is concerned this is an existing long established agricultural access with more than adequate space before the site entrance gates to accommodate waiting vehicles off the adjacent highway It has been used for a range of agricultural uses on the land The proposed level of traffic movements will certainly be no more than the historic levels represents an acceptable and appropriate form of development." Deadline for comments and objections is April 2 Representations  can be made via email to planning@sstaffs.gov.uk An iconic Staffordshire pub which is said to date back to Tudor times and rumoured to have been visited by Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots has closed its doors for a £150,000 revamp The overhaul of The White Hart on Stone Cross in Penkridge is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Midlands-based Banx Pub Group who operate the landmark pub on Stone Cross and will upgrade the pub and provide a new interior and revamped garden space The pub closed after last orders on Sunday and will reopen by Good Friday on April 18 with the work carefully restoring the distinctive Grade II listed black and white building and adding new signage and lighting will be created in The White Hart’s sheltered courtyard and the hidden rear garden will also become a feature with new furniture and an outside screen showing sports A spokesman for Star Pubs said: "A smart new internal décor in the style of a quintessential city pub will complement The White Hart’s character whilst making it more contemporary and welcoming "The design will incorporate new timber floors decorative wall tiles and brass hand and foot rails on the bar along with deep button-backed leather-covered seating "The layout will enable The White Hart to simultaneously meet the needs of different groups of customers "The pub will have a new snug seating 20 people a comfortable lounge and a spacious bar set up for sports enthusiasts with darts boards and new screens showing Sky and TNT Sports "Other improvements include redecorating the toilets and the installation of a state-of-the-art dispense system to ensure consistently perfect pints." The Banx Pub Company took over the running of The White Hart in February 2024 when it was struggling following four years without a long-term operator and appointed Penkridge born-and-bred Marie Simmonds a long-term customer who was working behind the bar the team have gone all out to re-establish The White Hart as a popular hub of Penkridge They are now planning a host of new activities to mark the refurbishment and bring people together ranging from a quiz and cocktail-making nights to outdoor events and charity fundraisers Banx Pub Company general manager Jamie Newbold said: “We’re passionate about keeping the tradition of the great British pub alive by reviving unloved locals "We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from the community in getting The White Hart back on track "We’re pleased to be giving it the TLC it needs to thrive for many years to come.” Marie Simmonds said: “The White Hart has always been an important part of Penkridge used by multiple generations of some local families and regulars who’ve been coming in for thirty or forty years "We don’t serve food; it’s a proper local known for its friendless and it’s all down to the customers "They’re like one big family as everyone talks to each other and welcomes newcomers I’d felt concerned to see The White Hart lose its way and I wanted to do anything I could to help secure its future "Everyone is really excited by the plans for the pub It’s going to look stunning and we can’t wait to open the doors again and show people their new-look local.” Star Pubs’ area manager for Staffordshire said: “It’s fantastic to see The White Hart back in stable "It’s one of the loveliest buildings in Penkridge "We’re delighted to be investing in preserving its outside and transforming its inside to broaden its appeal and meet residents’ changing needs.” Planning officers are set to meet to discuss an application to build up to 110 homes on land in Penkridge The application for full planning permission for the building of the first 88 homes, at Cherrybook Drive has gone in to South Staffordshire Council from land consultants Lone Star Land and developers Persimmon Homes The council has already included the scheme in their current draft plan and it will go to consultation on February 16 Plans for the new homes will include vehicle access landscaping and other associated works including the demolition of existing structures on land adjacent to the 4.2 hectares site which lies off the Cannock Road in Penkridge and close to the M6 The site has been allocated as ‘Safeguarded Land’ for future residential development since the adoption of the previous South Staffordshire Local Plan in 1996 This removed it from the Green Belt for the purpose of meeting future housing needs in the district  A document from Lone Star Land Group says: "The site  comprises vacant agricultural land which is currently used to graze sheep for a third of the year "It is bound by a hedgerow along the northern boundary a strip of broadleaved woodland to the east and a dense continuous scrub along the southern boundary with residential properties of Oakley Close "The land was deleted from the Green Belt in the 1996 Local Plan and ‘safeguarded’ for future housing "Penkridge is identified as a ‘large’ village in the existing core strategy settlement hierarchy and the council expect 90 per-cent of development in the plan period to be directed to the larger villages "With the national planning policy aim of substantially boosting the supply of housing and the known requirement for South Staffordshire to accept some of the unmet housing need of the Black Country in related authorities the land at Cherrybrook Drive should be allocated for development now." A document submitted by builders Persimmon Homes identifies Penkridge as a  “Main Service Village,” a first tier settlement and “the main focus for housing growth South Staffordshire Council have received one objection from a resident of nearby Kentmere Close off Cherrybrook Drive who is concerned about the potential increase of 176 plus vehicles per day accessing the site via their road Penkridge Parish Council have launched a consultation on the scheme - it can be viewed on their website and submissions made via e-mail or by post and the bulldozers have left their scars on the landscape the atmosphere is still one of rural tranquility rather than industrial sprawl the site around the M6 junction at Gailey will become one of the largest development sites in the West Midlands with the construction of a huge rail freight terminal the West Midlands Interchange will be one of the largest most environmentally conscious
logistics developments in the UK and boosting the regional economy by £1 billion over the next 15 years Calf Heath and Penkridge to name but a few," she says "The work has just begun on the A449 and it looks truly awful There have been dozens of trees chopped down and it's changed the once lovely landscape forever." work is now well and truly underway for the controversial scheme which will eventually create a huge rail depot the size of 430 football pitches at the site between Wolverhampton and Stafford Land next to the Calf Heath reservoir has now been stripped of its natural vegetation which will see almost two million square foot of warehouse space built on the site But the real work will begin once the warehouse space is 25 per cent occupied when the plans will require work to start on a new rail terminal which will link up with the West Coast Mainline The plans were approved by then transport secretary Grant Shapps in May 2020 a decision branded 'idiotic' by constituency MP Sir Gavin Williamson "This is an idiotic decision which has left me feeling absolutely sickened It has shown no regard or consideration for the thoughts of local people," he said at the time "The only one decent element of it is that they have made conditions about the fact that they have to build the rail interchange at the early stage of the development." The site will be about a third bigger than the i54 business park near Wolverhampton which is home to the Jaguar Land Rover engine plant will be built aimed at cutting out pinch points at the Gailey roundabout and Station Drive There are three entrances and exits to the site from a new roundabout on the A5 between the Gailey roundabout and the junction 12 of the M6 the roadworks associated with the construction phase will cause traffic disruption the A449 Stafford Road will be subject to single lane closures in both directions until the summer while work on new laybys is being completed says every freight train that uses the site will take between 43 and 77 heavy lorries off the road reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 70 per cent reducing air pollution and improving the environment It adds that it will create 109 acres of greenery and open space across two new community parks and says that 36 per cent of the site will be occupied by what it describes as 'green infrastructure' who point out they were quite satisfied with the  green space that occupied the site before They are also unimpressed by the claim that the scheme will create 8,500 new jobs pointing out that unemployment in the area is already low They suggest that the beneficiaries will be people commuting to the area from elsewhere "The scale of the proposal is huge," says pressure group Stop the West Midlands Interchange "Some 290 hectares of green belt would be destroyed to site the huge warehouses new road and rail links and commercial parking "The suggested thousands of workers would need to be bused in from elsewhere Thousands of additional heavy lorries and vans would clog the already bursting local road system with two new road islands with HGV lanes to generate traffic jams on the A5 and A449." Concerns have also been voiced about noise from HGV movements together with the warning sirens used for industrial traffic It is estimated more than 3,000 lorries and 6,000 cars and vans will travel to and from the site every day once fully running by 2035 who recently voiced his frustration at 'Nimbys' and 'blockers' who stood in the way of growth will presumably look forward to the development being up and running achieving the double whammy of bringing jobs and money into the region and reducing carbon emissions at the same time For the villagers angry at seeing their green belt torn up by excavators "We lost our case but l would do it again in a heartbeat," says Carol Owens "If l hadn't have joined the campaign against the interchange then l wouldn't have been able to sleep at night An inquest into the deaths of three teenagers killed in a crash in Penkridge is due to be heard today (Wednesday Sophie Bates, aged 17 and from Stafford; Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, aged 18 and of Tanyfron, Wrexham; and Morgan Jones, aged 17 and of Coedpoeth, Wrexham, died after the crash in Cannock Road on May 25 last year It happened when a Ford Ka collided with a tree just before midnight with Mr Craven-Jones and Mr Jones pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene was taken to hospital with injuries sustained in the crash and died three days later An inquest into the teenagers' deaths was opened last summer then adjourned by Staffordshire coroners; the hearing is now due to take place this morning at the County Buildings in Stafford Miss Bates was a student at Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) where she studied Level 2 Beauty Therapy Craig Hodgson, principal and chief executive of NSCG described her as "bright" with a "positive attitude and great sense of humour" Miss Bates' family said in an earlier tribute that she was "kind-hearted" and "thoughtful" Tributes were also paid to Mr Craven-Jones who was described by his family as a "beautiful soul", while Mr Jones was said to be a "kind and loving young man". was also a passenger in the car at the time of the crash but thankfully survived her injuries She described her friends as "amazing people" and said she was "so upset" to have lost them from her life A sea of flowers, cards teddy bears and a rugby ball were left at the foot of a tree on Cannock Road in the days following the crash A Welsh flag with touching messages in tribute to the teenagers also adorned the tree has announced the launch of a nationwide same-day courier service called DX SameDay The new service will be available 24-hours a day 365 days of the year and is the natural next step in the extension of the Group’s wide range of services These services already span the delivery of parcels two-person and irregular dimension and weight items as well as logistics with the group having a well-established reputation for high customer services levels The new service will be managed by a centralised team based at DX’s operations in Wednesfield DX SameDay will provide a full range of same-day services including ‘on-demand’ for urgent consignments and scheduled services for time-specific deliveries in addition to contracted and multi-drop services DX Group operates a fleet of more than 2,000 vehicles which combines both the DX-owned fleet and a contracted fleet organised through partnerships with master sub-contractors DX SameDay will be one of only a limited number of operators providing a national service and is positioned to be cost-effective offering real-time GPS tracking and POD (proof of delivery) Customers will be able to book the service by phone email or online at any time of the day or night with the customer service team responding to enquiries within 15 minutes said: "We are delighted to be extending our delivery services with the launch of DX SameDay "Many of our existingcustomers have requested a same-day service from us and we believe that our offering brings together anunrivalled combination of value reliability and nationwide reach that customers will value highly "DX has 50years’ experience in delivering service excellence to customers who prioritise time-sensitive deliveries or whose items are high-value or critical so the launch of this service is a natural next step for us.”  An iconic Penkridge pub – said to date back to Tudor times and rumoured to have been visited by Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots – has closed its doors this week for a £150,000 revamp The overhaul of The White Hart on Stone Cross is being undertaken by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and Midlands-based Banx Pub Company The investment will upgrade The White Hart into a top quality local that caters for all with a beautiful new interior and revamped garden space The exterior works will carefully restore the distinctive Grade II listed black and white building and add new signage and lighting An alfresco area – complete with flower baskets large parasols and more than 20 seats – will be created in The White Hart’s sheltered courtyard and the hidden rear garden will also become a feature A smart new internal décor in the style of a quintessential city pub will complement The White Hart’s character The design will incorporate new timber floors The layout will enable The White Hart to simultaneously meet the needs of different groups of customers The pub will have a new snug seating 20 people Other improvements include redecorating the toilets and the installation of a state-of-the-art dispense system to ensure consistently perfect pints The Banx Pub Company took over the running of The White Hart in February 2024 when it was struggling following four years without a long-term operator They swiftly appointed Penkridge born-and-bred Marie Simmonds – a long-term customer who was working behind the bar – as the new licensee Says Banx Pub Company general manager Jamie Newbold: “We’re passionate about keeping the tradition of the great British pub alive by reviving unloved locals We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve had from the community in getting The White Hart back on track We’re pleased to be giving it the TLC it needs to thrive for many years to come.” Adds Marie: “The White Hart has always been an important part of Penkridge We don’t serve food; it’s a proper local known for its friendless and it’s all down to the customers They’re like one big family – everyone talks to each other and welcomes newcomers Like many people I’d felt concerned to see The White Hart lose its way I wanted to do anything I could to help secure its future – even if that meant becoming the licensee Everyone is really excited by the plans for the pub We can’t wait to open the doors again and show people their new-look local.” Motorists have been warned of traffic misery next month with roadworks being carried out on the A449 Stafford Road at Gailey Roadworks being carried out on the A449 Stafford Road at Gailey are set to cause major disruption for West Midlands motorists South Staffordshire Council has published a timetable of the dates the road will be affected The council said: "There will be advanced vegetation clearance of the highway verge to provide access to our working areas This work will be taking place in December 2024 To complete our work safely there will be off-peak lane closures between 9am and 3.30pm on both A449 carriageways." Nobody will be Bard when the first ever Staffordshire Shakespeare Day takes place in Penkridge at the weekend The Staffordshire Shakespeare Society is holding the first event since forming in June 2014 with the aim of promoting the work of one of England's most famous playwrights The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month and their programme includes readings of his plays quizzes and an annual meal on Shakespeare's birthday on April 23 – the society also raises funds for county based charities including this year for the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust at St Michel's Church Hall will run from noon to 8.30pm and include the county based 'Hour Shakespeare' performing 'A Shakespeare Selection' at 1pm Members of the society will perform 'Soliloquies there will be performances and readings and a raffle and tombola held with Shakespeare related prizes Robert Mottram-Jones from the Staffordshire Shakespeare Society said: " Our membership is very diverse whist some are non-acting and prefer to study and go to the plays others are interested in performing as well but the programme caters for all and visitors to the Shakespeare day will be able to find out about us at the event which we are all looking forward "We are celebrating our tenth anniversary and just this year members have attended some wonderful productions including Twelfth Night at the Gatehouse in Stafford As You Like It and ‘Pericles’ at Stratford-Upon-Avon and The Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Oxford Playhouse "We have studied plays and enjoyed talks on Shakespeare related topics as well as the annual meal so we thought we would mark the anniversary by holding the first Staffordshire Shakespeare Day where everyone is welcome to find out more about him and the society." Entry to the Staffordshire Shakespeare Day is free and takes place at Saint Michael and All Angels Church Hall For further details on the day and the society call Robert Mottram Jones at robertmjones@outlook.com 18 students from Wolgarston High School in Years 9 and 10 represented their school at the annual Music Share event organised by Mrs Cathy Lamb Head of Music Performance and Director of Music Outreach at Lichfield Cathedral School Wolgarston's group of students have been spending the past couple months in school rehearsing for the event giving up their lunchtimes to do so with Mr Ben Lamb The students from Wolgarston were part of a larger choir during the event that consisted of other students from other secondary schools in the Staffordshire and Shropshire During the afternoon Wolgarston students took part in a group rehearsal for the first time with the other 182 students who were in attendance The Wolgarston students also had a tour of the cathedral learning about its rich history and architecture before their final performance as well as being part of Evensong sitting in the choir stalls next to Lichfield Cathedral’s choir Students Sam Aldridge and Ava Sullman (Year 10 students) were chosen to read out a prayer during Evensong "It was so amazing to see all the behind the scenes of what goes on in the cathedral,” said Abigail McDonald (Year 10 student) as I have been visiting this cathedral since I was very young.” “The venue was stunning,” said Ava Sullman (Year 10 student) “It was a surreal experience,” said Aiden Garn (Year 10 student) "I’m so glad we had the opportunity to take part.” “Our students were absolutely amazing and did Wolgarston proud,” said Miss Sarah-Jane Roberts “They have all worked so hard and I felt so privileged to be able to accompany them during this brilliant event.” During the day Wolgarston students were given access to the Lichfield Choir practice rooms in a house opposite the cathedral Students were able to showcase their musical skills to one another due to having access to musical equipment in the practice rooms Lichfield Cathedral have a Youth Voices Choir It is open to everyone and takes place every Saturday from 10.30am until 12 noon For more information contact musicsharechoirs@lichfieldcathedralschool.com Every item in Jo Stokes’ shop is something she would either wear herself or proudly display in her own home With a keen eye for both fashion and interior design she has carefully curated a collection of one-size ladies clothing JoJo’s, which is now based at Pillaton Garden Centre and Tearoom in Penkridge After spending all of her working life in retail for brands including Next and River Island Jo decided to take the plunge and branch out on her own Jo later moved from the market into a shop in the centre of the village before relocating to her current premises in 2022 “Sometimes people will come here first and then have a coffee while they think about what they are going to buy and then they will come back,” says the mother and grandmother JoJo’s is open seven days a week with Jo supported by a team of three assistants who help customers and offer styling advice she is busy meeting suppliers and sourcing new stock Visitors to the shop will find a range of Italian-designed one-size clothing as well as other fashion pieces along with bags The inquest for three teenagers heard the driver lost control of his car at a humpback bridge near Cannock A teenager who had his driving licence for less than six months was killed alongside two friends he had picked up from a house party after losing control of his car on a bridge and crashing into a tree Driver Dafydd Huw Craven-Jones, aged 18, of Tanyfron; rear passenger Sophie Chloe Bates, aged 17, of Stafford;  and front passenger Dafydd Morgan Jones, aged 17, known as Morgan, of Coedpoeth, Wrexham, died after the crash in Cannock Road near Penkridge on May 25 last year Another rear passenger Brooke Varley of Newport Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Assistant Coroner Miss Kelly Dixon said: "On May 25 at around 11.47pm Sophie Chloe Bates was the nearside passenger of a Ford Ka travelling on the B5012 Cannock Road in Pillaton "As the vehicle was travelling over a humpback bridge towards Penkridge at speed it suffered a loss of control initially moving to the nearside verge before travelling to the opposite side of the road and colliding with an established tree." Staffordshire Police lead investigation officer Sgt Richard Moores read aloud Miss Varley's statement in which she explained she and Miss Bates were not wearing seatbelts because it was dark when they got into the car and they could not see She stated they had initially headed to Cannock for a drive and were returning to Penkridge when the collision happened She stated they asked Mr Craven-Jones to slow down because they were concerned at the manner of his driving describing that it felt like a "roller coaster" and that she was "scared" The hearing at Stafford's County Buildings on Wednesday was told that new driver Dafydd Craven-Jones travelled to the area to collect friend Morgan Jones who became unwell while attending a Penkridge house party with the girls Sgt Moores said a tracking app on Miss Varley's phone indicated the Ford reached an unverified speed of 85mph He said an earlier video on the driver's phone recorded him saying he had slowed from 90-70mph and he thought he had picked up a speeding "ticket" which was not the case The cause of death given for Miss Bates of Holden Park near Tixall was given as traumatic brain injury caused by a road traffic collision  The Stafford College beauty student died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham three days later The cause of death for Mr Craven-Jones was multiple injuries and road traffic collision The cause of death for Morgan Jones was severe head injuries and road traffic collision Miss Dixon recorded a conclusion at all three died as a result of a road traffic collision She told the families: " I want to express condolences to you all I know attendance today is difficult  and I know attending a coroner's court is not a venue which any family member wants to attend."    She said she would write to Staffordshire County Council's highways department after hearing that it was the second fatal crash within five months on the same road stretch Following a crash in January last year the authority indicated it would install road markings and improve the existing bridge warning signs It has been a sociable and fun start to 2025 Our new programme started on 15 January with a celebration lunch This event was very successful with everyone agreeing that they had enjoyed a very tasty meal served by helpful staff and we hope to make it an annual event Our first meeting held in the Reading Room was on Monday 3 February with 31 members attending and proved to be extremely entertaining Jo had acquired plenty of knowledge of this subject as she had played the part for many years at both Calke Abbey and Warwick Castle She was a lively and entertaining speaker full of anecdotes regarding the life of Lady Mary Curzon an American heiress who married George Curzon the future Viceroy of India We learnt that a Lady’s Maid was a female servant who served as a personal attendant to her female employer The role included her own private room and board as well as travel as she would accompany her mistress when she went away she would buy a fan to show where she had been She would be addressed by her surname by her employer and Miss by junior servants She had to help her mistress with dressing bringing her breakfast in her room each morning and running her bath a Lady’s Maid would inherit her mistress’ clothes This has been a most enjoyable start to 2025 A driver had a 'very lucky' escape following a crash in South Staffordshire Staffordshire Police's roads crime team said officers were called to a two vehicle crash on the A5 this morning (Tuesday) Get the latest headlines delivered straight to your inbox with the Express & Star’s free newsletter they said the driver was very lucky to walk away with just a scratch 'having not seen the stationary HGV' An air ambulance was also called to the scene Staffordshire Police's roads crime team posted on X: "This morning we have attended a 2 vehicle collision on the A5 in @southstaffs, along with @MAACharity "The driver was very lucky to walk away with just a scratch having not seen the stationary HGV Speed warning signs costing more than £12,000 are among a raft of measures to be installed at a bridge near Penkridge where four people suffered fatal crash injuries The changes on the B5012 Cannock Road in Pillaton between Cannock and Penkridge follow collisions resulting in the deaths of driver Dafydd Craven-Jones his passengers Morgan Jones and Sophie Bates in May last year and the death of another driver Sajid Ali five months earlier After Mr Ali's death Staffordshire Police advised the county council to install more warning signs and road markings on the approaches to the bridge which straddles a former colliery railway line Since the incidents larger bridge signs have been installed but campaigners are calling for the speed limit on the 60mph carriageway to be lowered for extra 'slow' markings to be painted and for reflectors to be fitted to the bridge as part of a raft of measures to improve safety In addition Penkridge Parish Council is due to install three electronic speed indicator devices in the area to warn motorists of speeds at a cost of around £12,500 The council has attracted a £9,500 grant from the West Midland Interchange (WMI) Community Fund and towards the scheme and will provide £3,000 from its own recreation and amenities highways liaison budget Penkridge North East ward representative Councillor Andy Adams said: "We have been asking the county council to take some action an improve safety along Cannock Road They have now put in some bigger bridge signs to warn motorists of the hazard It wouldn't cost much to fit reflectors to the humpback bridge and while there are already 'slow' road markings on other parts of the B5012 more are needed near the bridge "There is a suggestion that on a one-mile stretch of the carriageway the speed limit goes from 60mph then 40mph then 30mph through Pillaton which needs to be addressed "Coming from the Cannock direction along Pottal Pool Road to Pillaton there is a sweeping bend and at 40mph there is a risk of drivers ending up in the middle of the road and veering off to the opposite side "We recognise that there is an issue  with speed on the road and we need to make motorists aware of the speed limit and warn them to slow down," Councillor Adams added was travelling in the direction of Cannock in a blue Toyota Avensis at around 7.45pm on January 14 last year when it was involved in a collision with a black Vauxhall Corsa Mr Craven-Jones, aged 18, was travelling in the direction of Penkridge on May 25 last year when his Ford Ka veered from the bridge and struck a tree. The driver who lived in Tanyfron; rear passenger Sophie Chloe Bates, aged 17, of Stafford; and front passenger Dafydd Morgan Jones  At the latest inquest held earlier this month Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Assistant Coroner Miss Kelly Dixon said she would write to Staffordshire County Council's highways department about safety measures after hearing there had been two fatal crashes within five months at the same bridge The county's cabinet member for strategic highways Councillor Mark Deaville told the Express & Star: “We have received the coroner’s findings in relation to the tragic incidents on the B5012 Cannock Road "We take these matters very seriously and are currently considering what changes could potentially be made to prevent such incidents taking place in the future.”   Plans to build new homes and convert existing buildings on the site of a large 19th century house in Cannock have been welcomed by councillors but sparked 16 objections from residents Concerns raised included over development of the site at New Penkridge Road as well as parking and traffic issues and loss of two protected trees But members of Cannock Chase Council’s planning committee voted to approve the application on Wednesday (January 15) after visiting the site Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald said: “I think it is a wonderful idea to put in additional housing there.” Councillor Val Jones said: “I walk past this house every day and it is welcome news I love the way they have retained the feel and I absolutely support it.” The main house is set to be divided into two properties Two new houses will be built in the grounds while an existing ‘gatekeepers lodge’ and former gardener’s cottage on the site will be converted internally A report to the planning said: “The application site relates to Rokholt a large dwelling originating from the 19th century located on the southern side of New Penkridge Road with a wooded area within the western section of the site and a small pond nor does the site lie within a conservation area It is however considered to comprise a non-designated heritage asset due to its age and architectural and historic interest with a number of on-site trees being protected and this will be retained by the retention and protection of the majority of trees on the site The boundary of the site onto New Penkridge Road will be preserved as a wooded boundary and 12 trees will need to be removed to achieve the proposal “The scheme will result in the provision of six separate residential units it is considered that the additional activity and vehicle movement anticipated from 6no dwellings is sufficiently accommodated.” More tributes have been left at the site of a crash in Penkridge for three teenagers who lost their lives An 18-year-old driver and a 17-year-old front seat passenger died at the scene after the Ford Ka they were travelling in hit a tree on Cannock Road shortly before midnight last Saturday when a Ford Ka collided with a tree They have since been identified as Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones was rushed to hospital in a critical condition but died from her injuries on Tuesday In a statement issued by Staffordshire Police on Friday saying she was "so upset to have lost such amazing people" Fresh tributes have now been left by loved ones next to a tree on Cannock Road in memory of the three teens who lost their lives and a rugby ball marked with the words "fly high" featuring messages from friends and family A card attached to a bouquet of flowers says: "To our beautiful princess Sophie In an earlier tribute, Dafydd Hûw's family said he "would do anything for anyone" whilst Morgan Jones was described as a "caring and loving young man" who "excelled in rugby Sophie Bates' family have also paid tribute describing their "princess" as "full of fun and beyond witty" Staffordshire Police said officers are "still keen" to speak to witnesses and to those with any information about the car leading up to the crash Anyone who thinks they can help should contact the force by emailing ciu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk, calling 101 quoting incident number 813 of May 25, or via Live Chat on its website An application has been lodged to alter the road dimensions on the proposed £1 billion West Midlands Rail Freight Interchange in Staffordshire The giant 300-hectare rail freight interchange is being built beside the West Coast Mainline The alteration concerns the proposed A5/A449 link road to what is one of the country's biggest infrastructure projects and which should be completed in the next ten years The application said: "The proposed change seeks to increase 1no finished road level spot height on the proposed A5/A449 Link Road from +105.6m above ordnance datum (AOD) to +107.2m AOD." The owners said: "The West Midlands Interchange is a nationally significant infrastructure project and is the largest rail-served logistics development in the UK It will deliver up to eight million sq ft of new logistics space directly connected to the West Coast Mainline and up to 8,500 new jobs over the next 10 years "Four Ashes Ltd has established a project team to promote a new Strategic Rail Freight Interchange at Four Ashes adjacent to the West Coast Mainline and also close to Junction 12 of the M6 – south of Penkridge would be around 300 hectares in size and is classed as a nationally significant infrastructure project." Wolgarston High School hosted its annual Senior Citizens' Christmas Party this week Year 13 students at the school took part in organising and hosting the event in which senior citizens from the local Penkridge community were invited to attend and Year 13 students took part in hosting their annual Senior Citizens’ Christmas Party in Wolgarston High School’s Sixth Form Centre There was even a visit from Father Christmas too “It was such a pleasure to welcome local residents associated with Penkridge's Royal British Legion branch and from Pencric retirement living to our Christmas Party We really enjoyed their participation in our quiz and some very competitive 'pass the parcel' games," said Miss Turner "A big thank you from me to our local businesses who donated prizes for the raffle Miss Roberts for her excellent photography and to the sixth form student leadership team who did such a fantastic job of organising the event from start to finish."  A mixture of drugs and weapons were seized and arrests made following an evening of police activity in Penkridge Officers from South Staffordshire Neighbourhood Police Team made the arrests and seized cannabis and an offensive weapon on Monday evening after acting on intelligence around the distribution of Pukka Packs in Penkridge which features images of people carrying bags of white powder could be used to carry illicit substances and warned parents and guardians to be vigilant A spokesman for South Staffordshire Police said: "South Staffordshire Neighbourhood Police Team have been out this evening in Penkridge arrests and seizure of cannabis and an offensive weapon please be vigilant of the enticing packaging used which contains illicit substances." Gavin Williamson managed to avoid the Conservative bloodbath by taking the newly formed Stone The former education secretary and chief whip moved from South Staffordshire to Stone to replace Sir Bill Cash who announced his retirement prior to the election Despite the Tories losing 22 per cent of the vote in the area since the last election Six candidates contested the seat which was created using parts of the former Stone and South Staffordshire constituencies and Stafford Alexander Bramham - Social Democratic Party: 650 Sam Harper-Wallis - Liberal Democrats: 2,952 A Staffordshire pub is offering free music and food as a thank you to customers for their continued support throughout 2024 The Littleton Arms in Penkridge, which is owned by Davenports Brewery is saying thank you to its customers with a special Boxing Day event It includes free live music by popular artists Lady and the Sax and free canapes during the interval for guests to enjoy The live music runs from 5pm to 7pm with an interval at 6pm when the staff will wander through the pub serving handmade canapes by the kitchen team with the only thing customers need to pay for are their drinks Baron Wayne Davenport from Davenports Brewery said: “Christmas is a time for giving so thank you to our customers who support us throughout the year "Boxing Day is the perfect day to kickback enjoy fabulous live music with friends and family and savour delicious canapes on us “2024 hasn’t been the easiest or kindest of years for many and it has been a challenging one for the hospitality industry but Davenports has also celebrated its 195 Year Anniversary "That is something to celebrate with our customers "We wanted to inject some real Christmas spirit into the festive season and ensure we create a wonderful day for all who join us to remember.”  To find out more about the pub and what is on offer on Boxing Day, go to the Littleton Arms website. A swimming school is hoping to make a splash in South Staffordshire by opening a new pool at an office site Turtle Tots Staffordshire already helps babies toddlers and pre-schoolers learn to swim at pools in Stoke-on-Trent Now franchisee Sam Taker is hoping to transform a recently-vacated unit at Dunston Business Village, near Penkridge into a swimming pool to offer more youngsters the chance to enjoy the water while they pick up a valuable life skill submitted to South Staffordshire District Council has been backed by Dunston Business Village’s owner and landlord Adrian McLaughlin he said: “I believe this facility will significantly benefit both the onsite businesses and the local community especially given the growing population in the area “Currently we have a special educational needs (SEN) school onsite that would be very interested in utilising the swimming pool for lessons if the application is approved Additionally there is a playgroup for children under three years old and the pool can provide opportunities that were previously unavailable “The swimming pool will also enhance support for existing businesses by offering adult sessions and fitness classes contributing to the mental wellbeing of those working at the site before and after office hours Moreover it will benefit The Courtyard Restaurant onsite by attracting customers and Turtle Tots potentially hosting events “The building was originally utilised as an office and became vacant at the end of August following the company’s relocation to a larger facility We have ample parking available for all businesses and visitors on site – the previous occupant only required 20 parking spaces while Sam will only need 15 at any given time “There are no residential properties in the immediate vicinity of the business village And we have never encountered any highway issues when submitting other planning applications.” Rail services between Wolverhampton and Stafford have been cancelled due to a fault with overhead electric wires National Rail warned passengers of disruption on the line on Sunday (December 29) morning it said trains running between the stations could be cancelled delayed by up to 30 minutes or diverted until the end of the day The disruption has been caused by damage to the overhead electric wires between Wolverhampton and Penkridge The notice to passengers read: "A limited number of trains will be able to run between Stafford and Wolverhampton whilst repairs are taking place "This is because both lines will need to be closed as and when required to allow staff to safely complete their work a reduced number will be scheduled to run to avoid congestion." It has resulted in disruption to Avanti West Coast services between Stafford and Wolverhampton Wolverhampton and London Euston and Preston and Birmingham New Street CrossCountry services between Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street Reading and Southampton Central have been affected London Northwestern Railway services between Stafford and Birmingham New Street have also been impacted London Northwestern Railway said: "Line blocked between Wolverhampton and Stafford "Rail replacement coaches have been booked to run hourly between the two stations Passengers travelling to and from Wolverhampton also faced disruption on Saturday (December 28) as a result of incomplete engineering works National Rail has issued advice to rail passengers affected by the disruption replacement road transport is said to be running between Wolverhampton and Stafford departing from Wolverhampton at 20 minutes past every hour and from Stafford at 30 minutes past every hour London Northwestern Railway customers can board rail replacement buses also running between Wolverhampton and Stafford The railway group further advised that tickets are being accepted on a number of services including: Avanti West Coast running between Birmingham New Street and Wolverhampton Avanti West Coast running between Nuneaton and Manchester Piccadilly via Stoke-on-Trent London Northwestern Railway and West Midlands Railway on any "reasonable route" Transport for Wales between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly an important event was taking place at the Moat House in Acton Trussell Wolgarston High School in Penkridge held its annual Year 11 Leaver’s Prom where crowds gathered in anticipation for the arrival of its students making their entrances The event was organised by Miss Sarah-Jane Roberts Learning Resources Centre Administrator; Mr Matthew Skinner I have had so much fun,” said Lilia Dockery “It is something that all of us will never forget This year students chose to travel in style there was an eclectic variety of different transportation Students were greeted with custom made mocktails and were then seated at their tables in the main function room All of the students were given a QR code to vote for their Prom King and Queen This year’s Prom King and Queen were Zachary Hubble and Ellie Wellings Both were presented with custom made crowns and sashes “It has been a pleasure for us to organise prom for our students and see them enjoying themselves after working so hard this year at school,” said Miss Roberts “I would like to thank everyone who has helped make this event so special All of our students have all done Wolgarston proud.” A massive thank you to Party Box based in Bushbury Wolverhampton for supplying us with customised decorations for the evening as well as The Moathouse for hosting our annual event A 17-year-old has died after spending three days fighting for her life following a car crash in which two other teenagers were killed The teenage girl died in hospital on Tuesday night as a result of the crash on Cannock Road on Saturday night when a Ford Ka came off the road and hit a tree The girl becomes the third person to die from the crash, following the deaths of 18-year-old Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones and 17-year-old Morgan Jones at the scene A second 17-year-old girl remains in hospital in a stable condition Staffordshire Police said the investigation into the circumstances of the crash was ongoing whilst also saying that the girl's family were being supported by specialist officers and asked that their privacy was respected A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "A teenage girl who was injured in a collision in Penkridge has sadly died from her injuries "The 17-year-old girl was injured following a collision on Cannock Road on Saturday 25 May she died as a result of her injuries last night (Tuesday 28 May) "Her family are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time and we ask that their privacy is respected have been named as Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones "We are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision The teenagers were travelling on the Cannock Road We were called just before midnight to reports of a collision and we arrived a short time later "A 17-year-old girl is still in hospital in a stable condition call 101 quoting incident number 813 of 25 May or message us using Live Chat on our website." have paid their own tributes to "a wonderful son" in Dafydd and "a kind and caring young man" in Morgan Dafydd Hûw's family said today: “He was a beautiful soul grandson and family member to all that knew him “Dafydd was the kindest loving person you could wish to meet he had his special ways and was different to anyone else He loved his friends more than life itself this led to his early departure from this world whilst helping a friend on this dreadful night “We can take solace that Dafydd would always go out of his way to help his friends “We just want to thank his friends for all the wonderful messages and memories they have shared of him and that his short life was filled with lots of love and happiness “We ask that our privacy is respected at this sad time But we thank everyone for their kind messages of support.” Morgan’s family said: “Our loving son and grandson caring and loving young man who we were so proud of He was an outdoor person who excelled in rugby cricket and equestrian family and his family and friends “He was passionate about farming and had secured a place at an agricultural college He was a very popular young man and was loved by everybody acting head at Ellesmere College where Dafydd was a student parents and governors from Ellesmere College are shocked and immensely saddened to hear of the tragic death of our Year 13 student "He was a well-known and well-respected member of the school community His great enthusiasm and caring and considerate nature towards his friends made him a very special person and he will be greatly missed by all "We wish to extend our thoughts and condolences to all of his family and friends at this saddest of times "Dafydd first joined Ellesmere in 2017 into Year 7 he regularly represented the college in sports such as rugby He was a keen sportsman that thrived in competitive situations He had excellent team skills – indeed this was one of his particular qualities and always led from the front Dafydd was committed to all aspects of school life and the wider school community he took an active part in supporting the coaching of some of the younger pupils in the college keen to pass on his knowledge and more importantly "He had recently travelled on the school rugby tour to Argentina and had just completed his BTEC Sports Certificate He was very much focussed on a career in the RAF and was planning to join after the completion of his 6th Form "He will be greatly missed by all who loved him and knew him." Growing Midlands car parts firm GSF celebrated the full opening of it's massive Wolverhampton national distribution centre this week before setting its sights on the industry's big boys The aftermarket parts distributor saw plans to open a 500,000 square ft national distribution centre near Wolverhampton come to fruition as all of its near 200 nationwide branches began to receive deliveries from the new building The firm has been bringing the site up to full capacity since it moved in in May this year with office space and an advanced logistics operation now fully operational alongside nearly 700 parking spaces for cars and HGVs combined Around 400 jobs have been created by the opening of the site already with the firm set to recruit to a further 200 positions as it expands over the next 12 months GSF Chief Executive Steve Horne says the company is set to take on the industry's big boys after what he described as a "game changing" development for the firm "We're moving GSF from the Championship and into the Premier League and now into a position where we're fighting for the title," he said "I still look back to when we got the keys to this place in may we started moving equipment around in June and as of now all 194 branches are served from here The team have done a phenomenal job to get here and it's all absolutely on the plan that we set out 12 months ago it's a manual environment that's fit for purpose and it will provide maximum availability and accuracy to the branches that they can give to the customers "We're making quite a noise out there and I don't think anyone really knows what to do with us my focus is on making GSF the best we can be and we do that by serving the customers very The move is part of plans to ramp up operations at the Sutton Coldfield headquartered company which has seen them invest more than £100m this year alone with the new distribution centre considered a key component of the firms future growth as it targets becoming the number one player in the aftermarket car parts sector GSF has around 195 branches across the country and employs about 3,000 people The company has invested heavily in computer equipment and its delivery fleet and also launched a new e-commerce platform earlier this week which is says will give it a platform to scale up "One of the things we knew we had to do was invest heavily in GSF to drive that growth and if we wanted to compete in the top league we needed to really accelerate those investments But all our investments have been really considered and focussed in delivering the best service to the customers that we can do," he added "This year we will have invested over £100m That's what we've put into the business to what we call 'supercharge' GSF for where we want it to go the number one decision making criteria for the customer is 'have you got it?' so you've got the have the produce on the shelf To get to a good standard we've had to put £30m into the network and I believe that's probably one of the single biggest factors why we've got the kind of growth that we've got." The family of a teenage girl who became the third life lost after a crash in Penkridge has paid tribute to her was a rear passenger of a Ford Ka on May 25 when the car collided with a tree Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before midnight and discovered the 17-year-old in a critical condition In a tribute issued by Staffordshire Police Sophie's family said: "Our Princess Sophie was so strong on the outside but truly so kind hearted and thoughtful inside “We were so proud of the young adult Sophie was becoming with the life plans she was putting in place Excelling in college and her work placement full of drive and ambition to have her own business "Sophie loved her friends and was enjoying embracing her teenage life and having the best time Our darling girl Sophie will be sorely missed and loved eternally She is the third teenager to have died following the fatal collision which also claimed the lives of Welsh teenagers They were both found dead at the scene of the crash In an earlier tribute Dafydd Hûw's family said he was a "beautiful soul" while Morgan Jones was described as a "caring and loving young man" who was taken to hospital after suffering injuries in the collision Staffordshire Police confirmed on Thursday Floral tributes and a Welsh flag have been left at the scene of the crash along with touching messages in tribute to the teens who died Staffordshire Police said officers are "still keen" to speak to witnesses and to those with any information about the car leading up to the crash Anyone who thinks they can help should contact the force by emailing ciu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk calling 101 quoting incident number 813 of May 25 or via Live Chat on its website. A THIRD teenager has died after a crash in Penkridge - with her devastated family paying tribute to the "best big sister" was sitting on the backseat of a Ford Ka when the collision happened on Cannock Road on Saturday (May 25) she died as a result of her injuries on May 28 Her family are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time Two teenage boys, who also died in the collision, have been named as Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones, 18, of Tanyfron, Wrexham Staffordshire Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision The teenagers were travelling on the Cannock Road, Penkridge, in a Ford Ka Dafydd Hûw was "helping" his friend at the time of the crash, his devastated family has said. grandson and family member to all that knew him." A statement from his family continued: "Dafydd was the kindest loving person you could wish to meet "He loved his friends more than life itself "We can take solace that Dafydd would always go out of his way to help his friends "We just want to thank his friends for all the wonderful messages and memories they have shared of him and that his short life was filled with lots of love and happiness "We ask that our privacy is respected at this sad time But we thank everyone for their kind messages of support." Morgan, who was from Coedpoeth in Wrexham, has been described by his devastated loved ones as a keen sportsman and "passionate about farming" He had just secured a place at an agricultural college and was "loved by everybody." His family said: "Our loving son and grandson was a kind caring and loving young man who we were so proud of "He was an outdoor person who excelled in rugby, cricket "He will be sadly missed by all his rugby He was passionate about farming and had secured a place at an agricultural college "He was a very popular young man and was loved by everybody Tributes have also been pouring in online from well-wishers three young lives lost I cannot imagine how the families and friends must be feeling "I hope the surviving girl gets all the help she will need to get through this difficult time." Another said: "This is heartbreaking beyond words Sending love and strength to all their friends and family at this sad time "Also wishing the other young girl a speedy recovery She’s going to need a lot of love and support around her." Anyone who may have seen the collision, or the vehicle prior to the collision, can email ciu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk or message the force using Live Chat on their website Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ Two Welsh teenagers who died after a crash in Penkridge have been named by police as their families pay tribute Ellesmere College student Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones died after the Ford Ka they were travelling in hit a tree off Cannock Road on Saturday Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before midnight and two teenagers Two 17-year-old girls who were also passengers in the car remain in hospital Floral tributes and a Welsh flag have been left at the scene of the crash in the days since. Staffordshire Police is continuing to investigate the circumstances of the crash while family liaison officers are supporting the boys' families. Anyone who may have seen the collision, or the vehicle prior to the collision, can email ciu@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk, call 101 quoting incident number 813 of May 25, or message using live chat on the force website. Crewe & Nantwich and Stoke-on-Trent Central Conservative deputy chairman Jonathan Gullis lost his seat in Stoke-on-Trent North and told the BBC he was "gutted" by the result Sir Michael Fabricant was another Tory heavyweight casualty in Lichfield Former education secretary Sir Gavin Williamson won the newly-created seat of Stone That's all for our live coverage today with additional contributions from Liz Copper There will be more coverage of the results nationally and what they mean for particularly Labour and the Conservatives here Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'We didn’t have a coherent enough offer'published at 08:53 British Summer Time 5 July 202408:53 BST 5 July 2024Matt WeigoldBBC Radio Stoke Losing Conservative candidate for Crewe and Nantwich put the party’s heavy defeats across the country down to two things.“We gave the impression that we didn’t take the business of governing seriously We didn’t have a coherent enough big offer," he said “I’m looking forward to a good night’s sleep and a gin and tonic." Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingLabour's Connor Naismith in the driving seatpublished at 08:47 British Summer Time 5 July 202408:47 BST 5 July 2024Matt WeigoldBBC Radio Stoke Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingNewcastle-under-Lyme Labour winner 'humbled' at victorypublished at 08:41 British Summer Time 5 July 202408:41 BST 5 July 2024This video can not be played Newcastle-under-Lyme Labour winner Adam Jogee 'humbled' at victory Newcastle-under-Lyme's new Labour MP-elect said he was "humbled" by his victory He won 15,992 votes with Conservative candidate Simon Tagg in second place with 10,923 votes he said he would work "every single day" to honour the trust placed in him by the voters "I'm going to go back to the house for a little bit of sleep and then I'll be back down at the office to start work," he added Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'People have had enough of the Conservatives'published at 08:09 British Summer Time 5 July 202408:09 BST 5 July 2024Matt WeigoldBBC Radio Stoke Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingSeats the Tories did winpublished at 07:58 British Summer Time 5 July 202407:58 BST 5 July 2024It wasn't all bad news for the Conservatives in our area: Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingThose results in fullpublished at 07:34 British Summer Time 5 July 202407:34 BST 5 July 2024If you want to check out the full results, we have a page for every constituency Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'Politics can change things for the better'published at 07:19 British Summer Time 5 July 202407:19 BST 5 July 2024Connor Naismith Labour's MP-elect for Crewe and Nantwich has said it is an "immense privilege" to represent his home in Parliament he said: "Politics can change things for the better I look forward to working with my Labour colleagues in parliament to deliver that change." The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.Skip X postAllow X content This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’ The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.End of X postShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharing'I will work with Labour MP to get things done'published at 07:05 British Summer Time 5 July 202407:05 BST 5 July 2024Simon Tagg the losing Conservative candidate in Newcastle-under-Lyme and leader of the borough council said he will work with Labour's MP-elect Adam Jogee “to get things done” He said “stopping the stink" [at Walley’s Quarry] and making sure the operators are held to account was a priority Mr Tagg also mentioned the regeneration of the town saying: “I’d like to see more money coming in so that we can really get this borough levelled up.” Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingLabour gains Congletonpublished at 06:51 British Summer Time 5 July 202406:51 BST 5 July 2024Matt WeigoldBBC Radio Stoke Labour has gained Congleton - one of the safest Tory seats in Cheshire who has represented the constituency since 2010 The seat had been held by the Tories since 1983 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingLabour gains Stoke-on-Trent Southpublished at 06:35 British Summer Time 5 July 202406:35 BST 5 July 2024Another Labour gain from the Conservatives Allison Gardner has taken the seat from Jack Brereton who had represented the constituency since 2017 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingConservatives win Kingswinford and South Staffordshirepublished at 06:16 British Summer Time 5 July 202406:16 BST 5 July 2024The Conservatives have won the newly-created seat of Kingswinford and South Staffordshire Mike Wood emerged victorious with 18,199 votes with Labour's Sally Benton second with 11,896 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingHere's what you have missedpublished at 06:11 British Summer Time 5 July 202406:11 BST 5 July 2024Alex McIntyreBBC News It's been a long night/morning and a lot has happened Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingLabour's Connor Naismith wins Crewe and Nantwichpublished at 05:54 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:54 BST 5 July 2024Matt WeigoldBBC Radio Stoke Labour's Connor Naismith was declared the victor in the Crewe and Nantwich constituency The area was where Sir Keir Starmer launched the Labour Manifesto and is where Emily Thornberry kicked off her campaign the area's former Tory MP Dr Kieran Mullan won in Bexhill and Battle The former education secretary received 19,880 votes Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingAphra Brandreth wins Chester South and Eddisburypublished at 05:26 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:26 BST 5 July 2024Chester South and Eddisbury has been held by the Conservatives with Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia second on 16,848 Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingNewcastle-under-Lyme victor 'humbled' by people's trustpublished at 05:17 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:17 BST 5 July 2024Tracey HigginsBBC News said: “I’m humbled by the trust the people of Newcastle have placed in me "I will work every single day to honour that trust.” Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingJonathan Gullis 'gutted' at losing seatpublished at 05:11 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:11 BST 5 July 2024Anna WhittakerPolitical reporter Conservative deputy chairman Jonathan Gullis "I would love to have had the chance and the honour to continue to serve the fine people of Stoke-on-Trent North," he said "The voters are like Lord Sugar - they either hire me or they fire me He pointed to people's frustration with the rising cost of living and said there was a period in 2022 when the Conservative Party was "inward looking" at Westminster and not outward looking he said: "It's been an absolute honour." Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingLabour gains Stoke-on-Trent Centralpublished at 05:05 British Summer Time 5 July 202405:05 BST 5 July 2024Labour has gained Stoke-on-Trent Central from the Conservatives Gareth Snell has been elected to the seat he lost to Jo Gideon in 2019 he said: "Change has come to Stoke-on-Trent." A fresh bid has come forward to convert a hotel and restaurant into apartments South Staffordshire Council rejected a previous application to convert the Bridge House Hotel at Stone Cross, Penkridge Planning officers said the change of use conflicted with the designation of the area as a village centre and “there is no justification for the creation of a large number of small units” They also raised concerns about a lack of off-street car and cycle parking and “unacceptable living conditions for future residents of the development due to the number of single aspect units resulting in the insufficient provision of natural light” Britain's Got Talent winner and high-vis enthusiast has met with Penkridge residents to promote an upcoming show Viggo Venn, winner of Britain's Got Talent (BGT) 2023, visited Staffordshire to promote his headlining appearance at the upcoming Penkridge Open Air festival Residents of the area spotted Viggo as he darted around the town laughing with residents and bringing traffic to a halt multiple times as he joked about being a traffic warden The high-vis-wearing comedian visited Penkridge Market to talk to business owners and shoppers even taking the time to pick up some extra high-visibility vests Visiting the town from his home country of Norway Viggo said: "It's great to be here with these lovely people We are here today to surprise the residents of Penkridge as we promote the upcoming Penkridge Open Air Festival Floral tributes adorn the scene of a crash near Penkridge which claimed the lives of two teenagers and seriously injured two others Tragedy unfolded in Cannock Road on Saturday night when a Ford Ka came off the road and collided with a tree Paramedics rushed to the scene just before midnight where they discovered four people hurt Nick Abbot is Leading Britain's Conversation survived after Dafydd lost control of his Ford Ka on a humpback bridge in Penkridge who had passed his test at the end of November 2023 had taken a video of himself as he went to pick up his three friends from the house party saying he feared he had been caught speeding at 90mph on a 70mph road Dafydd had travelled from his home in Tanyfron in Wales to Penkridge to pick Morgan up from the house party as he was feeling unwell and Sophie and Brooke had got in the back to go for a drive were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision on the 60mph road while Morgan was wearing only the shoulder strap and was sitting on the lap belt in the front passenger seat Read more: Police will get extra powers to speed up search warrants in clampdown on soaring mobile phone thefts Read more: Mum of Sheffield school stabbing victim Harvey Willgoose reveals heartbreaking final words Videos taken by Sophie appeared to show her sitting in the middle seat in the back of the car An inquest into the deaths of the three teenagers at Stafford Coroner's Court on Wednesday heard that Dafydd had lost control as he drove his car "at speed" over a humpback bridge on the B5012 Cannock Road heading towards Penkridge mounted a grass verge and careered onto the other side of the road were pronounced dead at the scene just after midnight on May 26 while Sophie died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on May 28 after suffering a traumatic brain injury Brooke survived the crash and the inquest heard she "regrets" that she did not put her seatbelt on when she got in Dafydd's car because it was dark and she could not find it In a statement read out at the coroners court Brooke described a "rollercoaster feeling in my tummy" before the car swerved and she blacked out She had also felt "scared" that Dafydd was driving too fast and had asked him to slow down A tracking app on her phone recorded the maximum speed on the 15-minute journey before the crash as being 85mph although the court heard this could not be verified as accurate Dafydd's mother Paula Craven-Jones said she had been in the car with her son on a number of occasions since he passed his test and had no concerns about his driving ability His car had been correctly insured and had a full MOT and there were no defects with the vehicle that contributed to the crash Sergeant Richard Moors from Staffordshire Police said Dafydd had no drink or drugs in his system and there is no evidence he was using his phone at the time of the collision The inquest heard there had been three serious crashes on the same road since 2017 with another fatal crash occurring in January 2024 Hazard reports had been submitted to Staffordshire County Highways who said there were no issues with speed or the road conditions but that it would make changes to enhance the road markings and the signage Assistant coroner Kelly Dixon said she was concerned that no action had yet been taken and would issue a prevention of future deaths report to Staffordshire County Highways urging them to make improvements Recording their deaths as being the result of a road traffic collision Ms Dixon said: "Dafydd suffered a loss of control mounting the nearside verge before travelling to the opposite side of the road The driver's side seat had been struck from behind by a rear seat passenger who wasn't wearing a seatbelt "At least one rear passenger was thrown forward into the driver's seat That impact is likely to have contributed to the extent of Dafydd's injuries "The concern here is that I am aware that hazard reports have been submitted to Staffordshire County Highways in regards to this collision and another earlier fatal collision in January 2024 "Consideration is being given to enhance signage and the road markings but no action has yet been taken "I will be issuing a prevention of future deaths report to Staffordshire County Highways in respect of my concerns." In a statement issued through Staffordshire Police after the death of her friends Brooke said she was "so upset to have lost such amazing people from my life" She said: "Sophie was the kindest person who lived her life to the fullest She is my inspiration to get better and do everything she didn't get a chance to do "Morgan was one of the funniest people I know "Daf had a kind soul and loved his friends." See more Latest News See more World News See more More Topics Some of the bus services provided by Chaserider Buses and Select in Staffordshire Shropshire and the Black Country are changing from Sunday A new Chaserider Sunday and bank holidays service on route 828 also starts on September 8 and will running up to every hour taking in Stafford, County Hospital, Great Haywood, Little Haywood, Colwich, Springfields Estate in Rugeley, Brereton, Armitage, Handsacre and Lichfield Chaserider monitors its local bus services at regular intervals and recent monitoring and feedback from customers has highlighted the need to make changes to several local bus services From September 1 service 36A (Walsall to Lichfield via Aldridge) will no longer have a timing point at the Three Tuns in Lichfield due to safety concerns with buses waiting there. The stop will continue to be served, and bus times will remain unchanged. Service 60 (Cannock to Lichfield via Burntwood) will have some minor timing changes at Norton Canes, Heath Hayes and the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet. Service 63 (Cannock to Uttoxeter via Hednesford and Rugeley) will be retimed on some journeys at peak times along with service 100 (Wellington to Madeley via Brookside and Sutton Hill) will be retimed on afternoon journeys serving Telford Priory School. New service 408 will be introduced between Rocester and Uttoxeter for students travelling to Thomas Alleyne's School. Service 841 (Stafford to Uttoxeter via Hixon) will be retimed on morning peak journeys due to Weston Road Academy changing their times. Kallum Crawford, operations manager at Chaserider Buses, said: “Recent monitoring has highlighted the need to make changes to a number of journeys on several local bus services to ensure we continue to provide a reliable, regular and robust bus service which our customers expect and deserve. "The Select changes include service 875 (Stafford to Cannock via Penkridge) where there will be minor changes to the timetable to enable the service to interwork with service 876 improving the frequency between Stafford and Penkridge. "Services 877 and 878 (Stafford to Wolverhampton) will see 877 will operate as a stand-alone service between Stafford and Wolverhampton calling at Haughton, Gnosall and Wheaton Aston. 878 will be renumbered 876 and will operate to a revised route and timetable. Most journeys will provide a through service between Stafford and Wolverhampton calling at Penkridge, Brewood and Coven. "The revised route will avoid the Kiddemore Green Road which is frequently closed and will ensure a more reliable service is provided. A new Saturday service will also be introduced, and together services 875 and 876 will provide a 30-minute daytime frequency between Penkridge and Stafford. "Stafford town services changes include service 7 (Stafford to Moss Pit) where there will be minor changes to the timetable to improve reliability. Occasional Journeys which currently divert to serve the Highfields Estate will be revised to operate as normal route 7 journeys into Stafford. "Service 8 (Stafford to Parkside) will have a revised timetable will be introduced to ensure reliability is maintained, due to the slip road on the A34 (Red Hill) continuing to be closed. Passengers can continue to board buses on the way up to Parkside to provide a bus service for passengers on Trinity Fields. Buses on service 7 will also be able to pick up along Stone Road as a temporary measure whilst the roadworks are ongoing. "Service 9 (Stafford to Highfields) will have a 20-minute frequency throughout the day and there will be minor alterations to the timetables on service 11 (Stafford to Coton Fields) and service 12 (Stafford to Doxey). "Service 875A (Stafford to Rickerscote) will be withdrawn and will form part of the new service 876." Keith Myatt, head of business development at The Centrebus Group and Select Bus Services, said: “We’re pleased to be working in partnership with Shropshire Council to provide the 96 running between Telford Town Centre and Shrewsbury along with 436 between Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury.” Author: Jon Cook Published: 23rd May, 2024 @ 15:05Updated: 23rd May, 2024 Tom Wellings, a native of Penkridge, brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience to his candidacy. Having been born and raised in Penkridge, Wellings has a deep understanding of the issues and concerns facing residents in the area. His connection to the community is further strengthened by his previous service as a special constable for Staffordshire Police, where he covered the boroughs included in the constituency he now aims to represent. Wellings’ professional background adds another layer of credibility to his candidacy. As a qualified lawyer, he possesses a keen understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that influence both local and national governance.  In a statement, Wellings expressed his commitment to serving the people of Stone, Great Wyrley, and Penkridge. “I am honoured to be chosen as the Reform UK candidate for this constituency. My roots in Penkridge and my professional journey have prepared me to address the unique challenges our community faces. I look forward to engaging with residents and working tirelessly to represent their interests”. With the snap election now being called, Wellings has only six weeks to get his message out to the community, on this point he stated: “A July election is a bit sooner than I would’ve liked to have got my name out there and speak with residents. However, I am very fortunate that I’ve lived in the area since birth and know of the issues that we currently face. My main message to residents is to know you have a choice, whilst the leader of our country is almost a certainty, you have a unique opportunity to vote for someone who will focus on the area and not get caught up with party politics. We must improve how our local councils, roads, medical practices and schools operate, and I will be at the forefront if elected.” People could vote UKIP or SDP (who oppose immigration and are pro Brexit) in that constituency. For God’s sake, anything but Tory. What a joke shows any one as a conservative is a snake in the grass you stupid man giving in to a conservative what did they bribe you with Tom Wellings pulled this trick on purpose. As a tory voter for 25 years, I will now intentionally give my vote to any party but tory. Tom may have pulled out last minute, be he decided this move weeks back. Dave. Both UKIP and the SDP are standing there. Better than LibLabCon. Correct. UKIP’s paper candidate lives 300 miles away and did not attend any of the four hustings. I did, and was endorsed by Reform’s Deputy Leader at their last rally. A vote for the SDP is a vote for Reform’s policies on immigration and heritage. If you EVER dare to appear on my doorstep to tell me to vote for Williamson, or if I ever see you out and about, you’ll get an earful of invective the like of which you will never have heard before. You disingenuous charlatan. How dare you deny people the right for the party of their choosing. There was only one party I was ever going to vote for this time around, and you have denied me and others that right. You need to tick another box i.e. Lib Dem to make sure the Conservative ‘shoe in’ does not happen. No party should be allowed to drop a failed politician into their constituency. As for the former Reform UK candidate, his reputation locally will always be questioned, I fear. No chance. If there’s no Reform candidate then there’s no alternative to to the discredited “major parties”, whatever the Labour trolls try to tell us. UKIP’s paper candidate lives 300 miles away and did not attend any of the four hustings. I did, and was endorsed by Reform’s Deputy Leader at their last rally. A vote for the SDP is a vote for Reform’s policies on immigration and heritage. You’re a disgrace to democracy – and you have literally robbed thousands of voters of the chance to vote for Reform! You’re right. Even if he had only been a paper candidate, he would have had thousands of people giving him a pat on the back. Now those thousands of people are going to hate him. He now has to face people in his home town knowing that people think of him as lower than low. You are a JOKE Tom Wellings – an absolute JOKE! Lowest of the low…. still… voters can hold their nose and vote Labour… that DOUBLES the effect! You must think we’re idiots. I’d rather stick pins in my eyes than vote Labour. I suggest, Mr. Laybourne, that now Mr. Wellings has shown his true colours, that you put yourself forwards. The problem is that he can’t put himself forward, it’s too late, and the conniving b*stard Wellings knew that when he withdraw. I read with interest your wish to stand as a reform candidate in the election. But why are you sending a negative message in your words ( the leader of the country is almost a certainty ) Shurely if you believe in Reform it is not a certainty. We overturned the perception of the Brexit outcome and the people can do it again if we all vote Reform. Well done Mr Anderson, it looks like you were on to him before everybody else. Phil Corrigan, Local Democracy Reporter | 3rd May 2025 Since 2010, A Little Bit of Stone has been providing the latest, and most up to date, news, sport, events, jobs and more for our wonderful town!  Copyright © 2010 - 2025 • A Little Bit of Stone Author: Jon Cook Published: 27th May, 2024 @ 21:05Updated: 27th May, 2024 Danni has lived in Staffordshire for 13 years and in her own words has “grown to love the area”. She grew up in Lowestoft, did her Bachelors Degree in Cardiff and her Masters Degree in London, spent 10 years working in Cardiff and then re-located to Staffordshire. She works in finance and holds a senior position at a UK bank. She has helped the Green Party in their campaigns in South Staffordshire for some time, but Danni is excited to hear more from people right across the constituency and to speak out for the community on the issues that matter. She is a keen runner and has run seven marathons (including London twice!) and will be running the Stone 10k in June. She has previously run the Penkridge Fun Run and won a trophy for second female. Danni is passionate about the environment and the NHS and wants to do all she can to support both. Danni said: “The Green Party has gone from strength to strength over the last few years, we have strong policies which are fully costed, and we are a credible contender in this election. I am proud to be the candidate for the Green Party for Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge and am looking forward to the next (almost!) 6 weeks” Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones (left) and Morgan JonesThree teenagers were killed and another left seriously injured in a horrific crash in the UK. The collision happened on a road where another fatal crash had occurred months earlier, an inquest into the tragedy was told today, Wednesday, February 5. The hearing was told Dafydd Huw Craven-Jones, 18, Morgan Jones, 17, and Sophie Bates, 17, died as a result of the crash. Brooke Varley, also 17 at the time, survived after Dafydd lost control of his Ford Ka on a humpback bridge in Penkridge, Staffordshire, at 11.47pm on May 25 last year. In a statement issued through Staffordshire Police after the death of her friends, Brooke said she was “so upset to have lost such amazing people from my life”. She said: “Sophie was the kindest person who lived her life to the fullest. She is my inspiration to get better and do everything she didn’t get a chance to do. She will forever be in my heart. “Morgan was one of the funniest people I know. He was always respectful, kind and sweet. He always looked out for me. “Daf had a kind soul and loved his friends.” The driver, who had passed his test at the end of November 2023, had taken a video of himself as he went to pick up his three friends from the house party - saying he worried he had been caught speeding at 90mph on a 70mph road. Dafydd had driven from his home in Tanyfron in Wales to Penkridge to pick Morgan, from Coedpoeth, up from the house party as he was feeling unwell. Sophie and Brooke got in the back to go for a drive. Neither Sophie, from Stafford, nor Brooke, from Newport in Shropshire, were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision on the 60mph road. Morgan was wearing only the shoulder strap and was sitting on the lap belt in the front passenger seat. Sophie Bates(Image: Staffordshire Police)Videos taken by Sophie appeared to show her sitting in the middle seat in the back of the car, the hearing was told. The inquest into the deaths of the three teenagers at Stafford Coroner’s Court on Wednesday heard that Dafydd was not familiar with the area. It said he had lost control as he drove his car “at speed” over a humpback bridge on the B5012 Cannock Road heading towards Penkridge. The vehicle mounted a grass verge and went onto the other side of the road, hitting a tree. Dafydd, who suffered multiple injuries, and Morgan, who suffered a severe head injury, were pronounced dead at the scene just after midnight on May 26. Sophie died at Queen Elizabeth Hospital on May 28 after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Although severely injured, Brooke survived the crash. The inquest was told she “regrets” that she did not put her seatbelt on when she got in Dafydd’s car because it was dark and she could not find it. In a statement read out at the coroners court, Brooke described a “rollercoaster feeling in my tummy” before the car swerved and she blacked out. She said she had also felt “scared” that Dafydd was driving too fast and had asked him to slow down. A tracking app on her phone recorded the maximum speed on the 15-minute journey before the crash as being 85mph. However, the court heard this could not be verified as accurate. In a statement read out at the inquest, Dafydd’s mother Paula Craven-Jones said she had been in the car with her son on a number of occasions since he passed his test. She said she had no concerns about his driving ability. His car had been correctly insured and had a full MOT, and there were no defects with the vehicle that contributed to the crash, Sergeant Richard Moors from Staffordshire Police told the hearing. Dafydd had no drink or drugs in his system and there is no evidence he was using his phone at the time of the collision, he said. The inquest was informed there had been three serious crashes on the same road since 2017, with another fatal crash occurring in January 2024. Hazard reports had been submitted to Staffordshire County Highways. They said there were no issues with speed or the road conditions, but that it would make changes to enhance the road markings and the signs. Assistant coroner Kelly Dixon said she was concerned that no action had yet been taken. She said she would issue a prevention of future deaths report to Staffordshire County Highways, urging them to make improvements. Recording their deaths as being the result of a road traffic collision, Ms Dixon said: “Dafydd suffered a loss of control, mounting the nearside verge before travelling to the opposite side of the road, colliding with an established tree. The driver’s side seat had been struck from behind by a rear seat passenger who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. “At least one rear passenger was thrown forward into the driver’s seat. That impact is likely to have contributed to the extent of Dafydd’s injuries. “The concern here is that I am aware that hazard reports have been submitted to Staffordshire County Highways in regards to this collision and another earlier fatal collision in January 2024. Consideration is being given to enhance signage and the road markings but no action has yet been taken. “I will be issuing a prevention of future deaths report to Staffordshire County Highways in respect of my concerns.” A Staffordshire pub has launched a new menu for the summer The Littleton Arms in St Michael's Square The seasonal dishes use fresh ingredients and the Davenports pub has also launched a loyalty card for customers New dishes include whipped soft cheese and chicory salad mushroom and Mexican cheese mini calzone and celeriac and barbecue braised beef risotto Abbie Fisher, general manager of The Littleton Arms in Penkridge said they aimed to cater for all tastes with the summer offering The Littleton Arms has also introduced free live music on Friday and Saturday evenings Abbie added: “Great pubs and free live entertainment have always gone hand-in-hand It adds that extra value to an evening out.” A college has paid tribute to a "bright and confident" beauty therapy student who became the third teenager to die after a devastating crash last month Sophie Bates, from Stafford was a back-seat passenger in a Ford Ka when it crashed into a tree in Cannock Road Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly before midnight and discovered the 17-year-old in a critical condition She was taken to hospital but despite efforts made to save her principal and chief executive of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) where Sophie Bates attended issued a moving tribute on social media on Tuesday evening Mr Hodgson said: "Sophie was studying Level 2 Beauty Therapy at NSCG Stafford College and was described by her lecturers as 'a bright motivated student with a positive attitude and a great sense of humour "Sophie was doing exceptionally well at college and at her placement at The Infirmary Hair and Beauty in Stafford where she had been offered a part time job around her studies "She was looking forward to completing additional nail courses at the salon and returning to NSCG to complete her Level 3 Beauty Therapy course in September "She loved having music playing in the salon was great with clients and was a fantastic friend and supportive peer to the others in the group There was no doubt that Sophie would have had an incredibly bright future in the beauty industry." Sophie became the third person to die after the crash, which also claimed the lives of Welsh teenagers Dafydd Hûw Craven-Jones was also a back-seat passenger in the car at the time of the crash and was taken to hospital but thankfully survived. and friends remain in the thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with NSCG at this incredibly sad time "We also send our thoughts to Sophie’s close friend who also studies on a Level 2 Beauty Therapy course at NSCG Stafford College but is now thankfully recovering at home in the care of her loving family We send our thoughts and healing wishes to Brooke "The death of a NSCG student is something that deeply affects our community and our team of safeguarding and well-being officers and counsellors are currently supporting Sophie’s friends "A book of reflection will open later this week which will allow fellow students and staff to leave their own personal tributes In the days that followed the fatal crash, a sea of floral tributes were left at the foot of a tree on Cannock Road along with a Welsh flag teddy bears and touching messages from loved ones of the teenagers We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK remember your settings and improve government services We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports two track workers narrowly avoided being struck by a train while working close to Penkridge station The train was travelling at 61 mph (98 km/h) towards Stafford when the driver saw the track workers standing on the line and sounded the locomotive’s horn One of the track workers saw the approaching train and warned his colleague; they both jumped clear of the track less than one second before the train reached their position The incident occurred because the two track workers did not have a recognised safe system of work in place to protect them from approaching trains The track workers had split off from a larger group to operate an overhead line isolating switch south of Penkridge station the track workers and the Person in Charge (PIC) did not reach a mutual understanding of the safety arrangements that would subsequently apply the track workers believed that the line they were standing on was blocked to the passage of trains as had been the case when they left the group The PIC believed that the track workers were standing away from the track in a position of safety and so he had allowed the line blockage to be removed without warning them RAIB’s investigation found that there was no formal guidance on the arrangements and responsibilities of staff when individuals leave a PIC’s safe system of work The investigation included consideration of previous investigations and found that there is a widespread acceptance that PICs and Controllers of Site Safety (COSSs) can actively observe and advise their work group on site over a greater distance than is practical or reasonable RAIB has made two recommendations to Network Rail The first relates to the improvement of processes and guidance available to PICs and COSSs to help control the risks when groups split or change during a work activity The second relates to the practicalities of managing a group on site and understanding how this can be improved RAIB has also identified three learning points relating to the importance of clear communication the duties allowed to be undertaken by a PIC and the importance of the availability of train mounted CCTV to assist in safety investigations Network Rail has made huge progress in reducing the amount of work undertaken on lines open to traffic is a reminder that working on the track remains hazardous with the person responsible for their safety remaining with one group and no safe system of work in place to cover the revised working arrangement This was a result of a misunderstanding between the trackworkers and almost cost two people their lives If a group of trackworkers has to be split adequate arrangements must be put in place to ensure that the safety of all members of the group are maintained Communication must be such that everyone fully understands what safe systems of work are in place This investigation also shows how valuable forward-facing CCTV is for undertaking safety investigations only became apparent when our inspectors were able to review this vital evidence The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible and certainly long before publication of our final report Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details Resurfacing work at a major roundabout will lead to drivers being diverted over three days next week National Highways will be laying down a new surface at Gailey Island where the A5 meets the A449 between Wolverhampton and Penkridge The work will involve laying down material to increase the friction of the road surface and replacing the road markings and road studs It means both the A5 and A449 will be shut at the roundabout overnight from 8pm to 6am from Monday to Wednesday next week there will be access for emergency vehicles as well as fully signed diversion routes in place Drivers heading west on the A5 will be diverted along A4601 and A41 - with the same route in reverse being used by traffic heading east Those heading north on the A449 will need to travel along the M54 from junctions 2 to 1 A spokesperson for National Highways said: "I’d like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption to those living close to the work We’ll make every effort to carefully manage noise levels and additional lighting to minimise the impact our planned work may be subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances."