Will Barnish

Politics and Regeneration Writer. A GCSE student and Founder and Editor of the Audley Parish Newsletter. Passionate about politics, regeneration and local democracy, and committed to producing fair, balanced journalism that holds power to account.

Up to 1000 E-Bikes Could be Introduced Across Stoke-on-Trent

A new hire scheme could give residents an alternative to travelling by car - but its success will depend on affordability, safety and the council's ability to prevent nuisance parking.

By Will Barnish

/ 8 Sep 2026

Up to 1000 E-Bikes Could be Introduced Across Stoke-on-Trent

£135,000 Lyme Valley Pump Track Moves Forward - 5 Years After Residents Called for Action

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has approved plans to replace an ageing BMX track at Lyme Valley Parkway as part of the new administration’s drive to deliver visible improvements in communities.

By Will Barnish

/ 20 Aug 2026

£135,000 Lyme Valley Pump Track Moves Forward - 5 Years After Residents Called for Action

Staffordshire Farmers Urged to Shear Sheep Despite Bluetongue Concerns

Sheep farmers across Staffordshire are being warned that delaying shearing because of fears surrounding bluetongue could cause serious animal-welfare problems.

By Will Barnish

/ 20 Aug 2026

£34m College Boost to Create New Classrooms and Specialist Training Facilities

Colleges across Staffordshire are set to expand after securing millions of pounds in government funding - but work must continue to determine whether the investment can meet growing demand for post-16 places.

By Will Barnish

/ 20 Aug 2026

£34m College Boost to Create New Classrooms and Specialist Training Facilities

Council Leader Accused of Threatening Chamber Outburst

Jonathan Gullis is alleged to have launched an expletive filled tirade at a political opponent, and is reported to have been led away by colleagues. The Reform council leader says he has faced a sustained campaign of abuse and harassment. The council says its complaints process has been triggered.

By Will Barnish

/ 17 Aug 2026

Council Leader Accused of Threatening Chamber Outburst

UK’s Only Collage Art Conference Returns to Stoke-on-Trent

Contemporary Collage LIVE! will bring artists and academics from across Britain and beyond to the city for two days of talks, workshops and exhibitions.

By Will Barnish

/ 17 Aug 2026

UK’s Only Collage Art Conference Returns to Stoke-on-Trent

MP's Voice: A New Chance for Stafford's Young People

In this month's MP's Voice column for The Staffordshire Signal, Stafford MP Leigh Ingham writes on the Youth Guarantee, Stafford College's new Advanced Manufacturing status, and why the high street needs a reason to believe again.

By Will Barnish

/ 12 Aug 2026

Labour’s Angela Cooper wins Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe by-election

Angela Cooper has won the Kidsgrove Central and Ravenscliffe by-election for Labour by a narrow 26 votes, in a re-run contest triggered by an administrative slip-up in May.

By Will Barnish

/ 12 Aug 2026

Labour’s Angela Cooper wins Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe by-election

MP's Voice: A New Government, A New Chance for Newcastle-under-Lyme

In his first column for The Staffordshire Signal, Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee reflects on the new government's first weeks, reindustrialisation, and what real recognition for Staffordshire could finally look like.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Aug 2026

Adam Jogee, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme with Prime Minister Andy Burnham

New role created as Staffordshire prepares for biggest local government shake up in decades

With Local Government Reorganisation gathering pace, Staffordshire County Council has appointed a new Cabinet Support Member to help steer one of the most significant changes to local government the county has seen in a generation.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Aug 2026

New role created as Staffordshire prepares for biggest local government shake up in decades

Dr Allison Gardner MP calls for Older People's Commissioner amid national social care debate

The Stoke-on-Trent South MP says older people deserve a stronger independent voice as social care returns to the national political agenda under new PM Andy Burnham.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Aug 2026

Dr Allison Gardner MP meeting with members of the North Staffordshire Pensioners' Convention

Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe By-Election: Meet the Candidates

Voters in Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe will go to the polls on Thursday 6th August to elect a new Kidsgrove Town Councillor. Ahead of polling day, The Signal invited every candidate to introduce themselves, outline the issues that matter most locally and explain why they are standing.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Aug 2026

Kidsgrove Central & Ravenscliffe By-Election: Meet the Candidates