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.

Plans Submitted to Transform Newcastle Bus Station

Plans aim to replace ageing shelters, improve passenger comfort and give Newcastle Bus Station a long-overdue facelift.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

Plans Submitted to Transform Newcastle Bus Station

Severn Trent Under Fire (Again): Why MPs Are Challenging Multi-Million Pound Executive Pay

As MPs challenge executive bonuses, we examine whether Severn Trent's environmental record, rising customer bills and recent regulatory findings justify rewarding success - or expose a deeper crisis of accountability.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

Severn Trent Under Fire (Again): Why MPs Are Challenging Multi-Million Pound Executive Pay

£20 million investment offers "huge boost" for Meir North

Hear about the new Pride in Place funding allocated to Meir North over the next 10 years, and what Cllr Lauren Davison and Dr Allison Gardner MP has to say about it.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

£20 million investment offers "huge boost" for Meir North

Councillors Approve £5.56 Million to Complete Former Debenhams Redevelopment in Lichfield

A landmark commercial site in Lichfield that stood empty after Debenhams' collapse is now a step closer to becoming a new leisure destination for the city, after councillors approved £5.56 million of additional funding on Tuesday evening.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

Councillors Approve £5.56 Million to Complete Former Debenhams Redevelopment in Lichfield

Meet the Candidates: Himley & Swindon By-Election

Hear what 3 of the 7 candidates for the Himley & Swindon by-election had to say ahead of voting on 16th July.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

Meet the Candidates: Himley & Swindon By-Election

Packmoor Masterplan progresses despite significant public opposition

As cabinet back the next stage of the controversial Masterplan, opponents say months of consultation and community campaigning have failed to influence the outcome.

By Will Barnish

/ 15 Jul 2026

Packmoor Masterplan progresses despite significant public opposition

Decision Day Looms For Tunstall's Empty Library

As councillors prepare to decide the future of one of Tunstall's most iconic sites, officers recommend that restoration works are refused.

By Will Barnish

/ 10 Jul 2026

Decision Day Looms For Tunstall's Empty Library

Hanley Fire Sees Six Crews Called to Stafford Street

Road closures and warnings remain in place as emergency services dampen down the aftermath of a major Hanley blaze.

By Will Barnish

/ 10 Jul 2026

Hanley Fire Sees Six Crews Called to Stafford Street

Local Plan Approved During Full Council Meeting

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has formally adopted its Local Plan 2020–2040 after councillors were told rejecting the document could leave the borough open to unprecedented development.

By Will Barnish

/ 10 Jul 2026

Local Plan Approved During Full Council Meeting

Seven Staffordshire towns miss out on UK Town of Culture shortlist

Seven Staffordshire towns hoped to put the county's heritage and cultural identity on the national stage. However, none made the final 15 as the shortlist is announced.

By Will Barnish

/ 10 Jul 2026

Seven Staffordshire towns miss out on UK Town of Culture shortlist

Climate Emergency Cancelled: What Happens Next for Newcastle-under-Lyme?

As councillors prepare to vote on ending the borough's climate emergency declaration, we examine the potential outcomes before the Full Council meeting

By Will Barnish

/ 7 Jul 2026

Climate Emergency Cancelled: What Happens Next for Newcastle-under-Lyme?

Protest Planned Outside Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Over Reform UK Policies

NorSCARF are urging residents to join a protest outside Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council as concerns grow over the authority's new political direction

By Will Barnish

/ 7 Jul 2026

Protest Planned Outside Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Over Reform UK Policies