The Staffordshire Signal Weekly: Local Plan decision, a Hanley fire, and dancing for Dougie Mac

Dear readers, we've been listening. We tried a digital newspaper format, and honestly, most of you weren't keen (whoops, sorry about that). So from this week, we're doing things differently, a proper weekly newspaper feel, delivered as a digital digest, with the full stories always a click away on the site.

It's been a big seven days for local democracy, a fire that shut down part of Hanley, and a dozen business owners about to swap suits for dance shoes. Here's what mattered across Staffordshire this week.

Let us know what you think of this new format, there's a two minute survey at the bottom of this edition.

Away from the desk today, I've been at Screen Staffordshire, then I went to Middleport Pottery to see it being used as a film location, quite something to watch happen. And I'm properly looking forward to the Big Staffy Stroll this weekend, if you're bringing a dog, or just fancy meeting a lot of them, do come and say hello.

Until next Wednesday.

Jenna

Local Plan approved during full council meeting

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

The borough was warned: reject this plan, and the door opens to unprecedented development.

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.

The Staffordshire Signal CICWill Barnish

£20m Pride in Place investment gets its chair

A chair has been appointed to the Meir North board, shaping how up to £20 million of government funding is spent locally.

Chair appointed to help shape Pride in Place investment in Meir North

A chair has been appointed for the new Meir North Pride in Place Board – helping to shape how up to £20 million of government funding is invested in the area.

The Staffordshire Signal CICThe Staffordshire Signal Newsroom

Hanley fire sees six crews called to Stafford Street

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

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.

The Staffordshire Signal CICWill Barnish

Decision day looms for Tunstall's empty library

Officers have recommended refusing restoration works on one of Tunstall's most iconic sites.

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.

The Staffordshire Signal CICWill Barnish

Seven towns miss Town of Culture shortlist

None of Staffordshire's seven bidding towns made the final fifteen, despite hopes of national recognition.

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.

The Staffordshire Signal CICWill Barnish