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.

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

What Does Reform UK's Staffordshire EDI Policy Paper Actually Tell Us?

Here's what you should know about Reform UK Staffordshire's latest policy document

By Will Barnish

/ 5 Jul 2026

What Does Reform UK's Staffordshire EDI Policy Paper Actually Tell Us?

Cabinet Approves Community Fund and Local Plan Debate Continues

We watched the Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council Cabinet Meeting so you don't have to.

By Will Barnish

/ 5 Jul 2026

Cabinet Approves Community Fund and Local Plan Debate Continues

Councillor loses seat on Kidsgrove Town Council after failing to formally accept position

A newly elected Kidsgrove town councillor has automatically lost her seat before attending a single meeting, following a procedural misstep which officers said could not be rectified.

By Will Barnish

/ 3 Jul 2026

Councillor loses seat on Kidsgrove Town Council after failing to formally accept position

Stretton By-Election: Reform UK Win County Council Seat

Reform UK's Jonathan Pyke has been elected as the new Staffordshire County Councillor for the Stretton division following Thursday's by-election. The by-election was called

By Will Barnish

/ 30 Jun 2026

Stretton By-Election: Reform UK Win County Council Seat

From Neglected Plot to Urban Oasis: Hanley’s New Community Garden Set for Grand Opening

The Potters’ Patch on Bucknall New Road will officially open on Friday 26 June, transforming a neglected Hanley site into a new community garden designed to support residents, wildlife and urban greening.

By Will Barnish

/ 24 Jun 2026

From Neglected Plot to Urban Oasis: Hanley’s New Community Garden Set for Grand Opening

Stretton by-election: Meet the candidates

Voters in Stretton and Horninglow will go to the polls on Thursday 25 June to choose a new Staffordshire County Councillor. The Staffordshire Signal invited all four candidates standing in the by-election to share their priorities for the area.

By Will Barnish

/ 24 Jun 2026

Stretton by-election: Meet the candidates

Why I've Joined The Staffordshire Signal

Meet Will, the newest writer at The Staffordshire Signal. A 15 year old GCSE student with a passion for local politics, regeneration and community journalism, he explains why Staffordshire’s stories matter.

By Will Barnish

/ 22 Jun 2026

Why I've Joined The Staffordshire Signal

No pop-ups. No competing adverts. Just you.

Will Barnish