Burton Mail

Couple ‘channel stillbirths pain’ to repay charity for its support

A HILTON couple are tackling a gruelling 100km ultra challenge this weekend to raise money for a charity that helped them through the loss of two babies. Hollie and James Langton will take on the North Yorkshire Ultra Challenge today and tomorrow in...

New ‘taskforce’ is launched now to help families ‘feel proud of where they live’

ACOUNCIL has launched a new Love Your Neighbourhood Taskforce – focusing on areas in need of support, tackling issues that matter most to residents and helping to create cleaner, safer, and more welcoming neighbourhoods. Working alongside local...

Huge town estate to finally get shop 11 years after plan was first proposed

PLANS for a shop on a huge Burton housing estate have finally been approved – more than 11 years after first being proposed. Now, a Sainsbury’s convenience store is set to be constructed on Upper Outwoods Farm. The estate was first proposed in 2013,...

Parents and kids urged to walk to school as part of a day of action

A COUNCIL is urging parents and children to walk to school in Burton as part of its support for Global Action Plan’s Clean Air Day tomorrow. East Staffordshire Borough Council says the air quality in the region has shown a steady improvement in recent...

MP in call for a lifeline VAT cut for hospitality businesses in the area

THE MP for Burton and Uttoxeter has called on the Government to reduce VAT on hospitality firms from 20 per cent to 10 per cent. Jacob Collier’s call follows the launch of a VAT’S The Problem campaign, spearheaded by chef and publican Tom Kerridge and...

Search is on for people with a passion for poetry

THE search for the next Staffordshire Poet Laureate (2026–28) and Young Poet Laureate (2026–27) has been launched. The two posts are seen as playing an important role in supporting creativity, inspiring communities and raising the profile of poetry...

Creating new play den is child’s play for students!

CONSTRUCTION students at Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) have designed and built an imaginative outdoor play den for pupils at Anglesey Primary School in Burton. The project began after Anglesey School launched a “Junk Project” challenge,...

Medium to the stars moves her podcast from London to Uttoxeter

A MEDIUM and podcast host has moved her growing operation from London to Uttoxeter – bringing celebrity guests and a communityfocused vision with her. Chloe Smith, presenter of the Chloe Mediumship podcast, says the move felt like a natural step, with...

U-turn means top private school is now set to remain open

A PRIVATE Staffordshire school has been saved from closure. Abbotsholme School, near Rocester, had been due to shut on Monday, June 22 after being purchased by Abbotsholme 2026 Limited. But the decision sparked outrage among parents and staff had not...

YOGA STUDIO PLAN FOR OLD SCHOOL

A HISTORIC former village school could be turned into a yoga studio, cafe, deli and wellness centre, putting to rest fears of housing. The former Willington Old School, in The Castle Way, next to the canal and opposite Derbyshire County Council’s...

£180k boost as 6,000 explore new Staffy Trail

MORE than 6,000 people are estimated to have explored the Staffy Trail since its launch - generating an early boost of up to £180,000 for the county’s visitor economy. The popular public art and heritage trail has already attracted almost 3,000 app...

£200k fund to help people in need of instant fuel bills support

A STAFFORDSHIRE council is preparing to spend £200,000 on a fuel voucher service and energy adviser to support struggling residents. East Staffordshire Borough Council hopes to launch the service, which will last for two years, at the start of...

Stalker jailed after jumping into woman’s car in Burton

A MAN from Burton-upon-trent has been jailed after he stalked and harassed a woman for more than a year. Mohammed Qasim Ali, 25, was jailed for two years and eight months at Stafford Crown Court on May 28, after he admitted stalking involving fear of...

Plans unveiled to turn vacant town boozer into a mosque

PLANS have come forward to turn a vacant Burton pub into a mosque and community centre. The Hanbury Arms, in Sydney Street, has been closed since the end of December 2024, the application form submitted to East Staffordshire Borough Council...

Council launches fly-tipping probe after complaints about lake litter

FRESH concerns have been raised over worsening litter and anti-social behaviour at a fishing lake in Stretton – with residents claiming the problem has escalated during the summer period. A Stretton resident, who previously complained about the issue...

Row about just how many potholes have been filled on roads across the county

REFORM UK councillors have hit out at “false” claims that fewer potholes are being filled in across Staffordshire. Philip White, below, Conservative group leader at the county council, said that “deciding to pause new pothole repairs last summer has...

80 new staff are ‘loving it’ as restaurant finally opens

A NEW Mcdonald’s restaurant has finally opened its doors after surviving a rejected planning application more than two years ago. The restaurant, which will seat nearly 200 diners and has created around 80 new jobs, opened on Wednesday on The Castle...

MP in pledge of support for pubs and breweries in constituency

THE MP for Burton and Uttoxeter has shown his commitment to supporting the pub and brewing industry after hearing directly from operators about challenges facing the sector. Throughout the day, Jacob Collier MP spent time at The Blacksmiths Arms in...

Retailer insists it’s ‘business as usual’ despite roadworks

A BURTON furniture retailer has reassured customers it is “business as usual” – despite ongoing £2.3 million roadworks on Derby Road. Neighbouring stores Coytes Bed & Sofa Shop and Coytes Carpets are both based on Derby Road, close to the stretch...

Top award for ‘hero’ cop who rescued OAPS from vehicle inferno

HERO traffic officer Mike Riach helped rescue two elderly people from a blazing car after a crash. Now Mike, from Uttoxeter, has received a Chief Constable’s Award from Leicestershire Police for his efforts at the scene of a collision on the A453 near...

MP calling for more Sunday train services at two railway stations

TRAIN passengers in Tutbury and Uttoxeter are being urged to have their say as their MP steps up a campaign for better Sunday rail services across the area. The campaign, led by Burton and Uttoxeter MP Jacob Collier, is aimed at improving connectivity...

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Gang of four targeted victim in vicious town park attack

THREE men and a boy who viciously attacked a man in a South Derbyshire park have been charged and dealt with in court. Lincoln Baker, Aston Durkin, Ewan Litchfield and an unnamed boy, aged 16, launched the attack in Eureka Park, Swadlincote, in late...

Plans for 4 new gypsy sites get go-ahead after years of debate

CONTROVERSIAL plans for four Gypsy and Traveller caravan sites in Burton have been approved after more than two-and-a -half years of debate. The Horninglow Basin scheme would see 13 mobile homes placed across four plots, reducing the number currently...

Safer rides for town cylists as work on £1.2m route finishes

A NEW cycleway linking Burton railway station with the town hall has been completed as part of a £1.2 million investment in active travel across the town. The scheme, delivered by Staffordshire County Council, has seen the creation of a new two-way...

£3.8m to save historic house

ONE of Burton-upon-trent’s most historic buildings has launched a major crowdfunder appeal as part of its is fight for survival. Sinai Park House, Shobnall Road, staged the event on Friday at the Welcoming the May: A Celebration of Rebirth for Sinai...

Martyn’s mission to back air ambulance

A FUNDRAISER is preparing to take on all 214 Wainwrights in the Lake District to raise money for life-saving air ambulance charities. Martyn Culley, 65, a retired postmaster from Willington, will begin the challenge today as part of his ongoing...

ROAD RAGE!

RECORD ‘AGGRESSIVE AND THREATENING ONE HIGHWAYS CREW MEMBER WAS ‘CLIPPED’ BY A CAR AND THREATENED BY A DRIVER AFTER FALLING TO THE FLOOR; CONTRACTOR REVEALS 76 INCIDENTS SO FAR THIS YEAR OF DRIVERS FLOUTING REGULATIONS AND ABUSING...

‘Floating market’ to make a splash this bank holiday

A ‘FLOATING market’ of boat traders will arrive in Burton-upon-trent this bank holiday weekend promising wood-fired pizza, retro sweets and handmade jewellery. The Roving Canal Traders Association (RCTA) is running the market at Trent & Mersey Canal,...

Investors get a tour of two towns in a bid to create new jobs

INVESTORS and developers were given a tour of key regeneration sites in Burton and Uttoxeter during a visit organised by MP Jacob Collier. The tour brought national investors to East Staffordshire to showcase opportunities for growth and redevelopment...

Leader of drugs line in Burton is jailed for more than six years

A DRUG dealer from Burton-on-trent has been jailed after pleading guilty to supplying heroin and crack cocaine. Shane Gledhill, 37, from Branston, was sentenced to six years-and-twomonths in prison at Stafford Crown Court on Monday, after admitting...

Burton bids for £500k to boost the night-time economy

BURTON is bidding to become a pilot town for Staffordshire County Council’s new night-time economy strategy. Selected towns could receive funding of £500,000 to improve and develop the offering. Earlier this year, the authority commissioned Night...

Mum’s at ‘wit’s end’ over three year battle with ‘mould’ in council property

A Mum-of-two says she is at her ‘wits end’ after three years of repair delays have left her living in a mould-infested home. Laura Aucote, of Swadlincote, says the health of her children has been impacted as a result of the on-going issues related to...

Drivers fined and cars towed away in crackdown on untaxed vehicles

DRIVERS were fined and saw their cars removed as officers joined forces for a road tax crackdown in Burton. East Staffordshire Borough Council’s enforcement team and environmental crime team linked up with the DVLA and the county council’s parking...

Fresh Hope for those with lung problems living in fuel poverty

A NEW £179,000 programme has been launched aimed at improving the lives and housing conditions of respiratory patients in Burton and Derby. Advice and support will be offered by the Cadent Foundation and Hope 4U, who will work directly with University...

Police warn man to stop jumping out into path of cars in the town

POLICE have taken action against a man who repeatedly jumps out in front of vehicles in Burton. He’s been issued with a community protection notice (CPN) and warned there will be ‘consequences’ if he continues. The man – who has not been named – was...

Swimmers get blame for increase in litter and ‘fly-tipping’ at private fishing lake

CONCERNS have been raised about increasing litter and fly-tipping at a privately-owned fishing lake in Stretton – with the problem being blamed on unauthorised swimmers. A resident has been submitting complaints to East Staffordshire Borough Council...

Tributes paid to driver who died after he was struck by his own delivery van

A DELIVERY driver has died in a freak collision in Burton. Lakhbir Bangha was out of his van when he was struck by his own vehicle in the Stapenhill area of the town at 1pm on Friday, April 17. A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “We were called...

Cops take on 53 full-time officers but failed to hit ‘specials’ target

STAFFORDSHIRE Police have failed to meet their special constable recruitment target – despite taking on more than 50 neighbourhood officers. The force announced last autumn that it was planning to recruit 53 officers and 15 specials by March, as part...

Gang targeting homes in East Staffordshire locked up for 38 years

MEMBERS of an organised crime gang that stole more than a million pounds’ worth of valuables from homes across the country – including nine in Staffordshire – have been sentenced to more than 38 years in prison. Four Albanian men and a British woman...

SPACIOUS, SECURE OUTDOOR STORAGE

Keep your garden, patio, or backyard perfectly organised with the Breeins 8x5.7ft Metal Tool Shed, a premium solution for storing and protecting outdoor equipment. Designed for durability and year-round use, the apex roof allows rainwater and snow to...

Three months of roadworks on a key route into the town PAGE 4

A £2.3 MILLION resurfacing scheme in Burton is set to start in May and continue for three months. The Derby Road project will begin on Monday, May 11, and will see crews resurface the route between Derby Turn island and the Pirelli roundabout in two...

Crime czar fears for the future of county police in huge shake-up

STAFFORDSHIRE Commissioner Ben Adams has warned a major shake-up of police forces will likely mean ‘the end of Staffordshire Police.’ The Government announced this year it is looking at merging police forces in England and Wales, which could see the...

3,000 JOBS SUPPORTED BY NUCLEAR DEAL

ROLLS-ROYCE SMR has signed a contract with Great British Energy-nuclear (GBE-N) to kickstart the creation of the UK’S first small modular reactors (SMRS) to provide clean energy for thousands of homes. The project is estimated to support around 3,000...

Firm is working with NHS to help 250,000 people be cared for at home

A BURTON company is working with NHS Trusts across the country to provide specialist healthcare services which allow patients with complex medical needs to be cared for at home. Sciensus works in partnership with the NHS to deliver hospitalquality...

£495k is now on offer to those groups helping ‘make county safer’

Child rapist jailed for 19 years

A RAPIST has been handed a 19-year prison sentence. Aaron Starmer, of Burton, pleaded guilty to child rape, the attempted rape of a child, three counts of causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault, sexual activity with a...

Relocation a ‘major step forward’ for Burton firm

WOODWARD Group has invested in a new purpose-built, sustainable facility in Burton-upon-trent as part of its plans for continued growth. The Burton-based mechanical and electrical contractor has relocated to Shobnall Road, where the new site provides...

Rising fuel costs are threatening to derail finance plans of our ambulance trust

FUEL costs driven higher by the war in Iran and the continuing challenge of long waiting times outside hospitals are threatening to derail a regional ambulance trust’s financial plans. The board of West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) held a meeting...

Council agrees five year deal with firm to keep running its key sports facilities

COUNCIL leaders have agreed a fiveyear extension to their contract with Sports and Leisure Management Ltd, securing the management of key facilities. The company, which operates as Everyone Active, was originally awarded a ten-year contract from East...

Ancient carvings ‘lost for decades rediscovered’ at Tutbury Castle

ANCIENT stone carvings believed lost for decades have been rediscovered at Tutbury Castle to spark fresh debate about Burton’s early history. The two relics, originally from Burton Abbey, were found fixed to a café wall at the castle after...

£88m finance package will help to ‘support’ more affordable homes

A NEW £88 million finance package has been agreed between Lloyds Banking Group and Trent & Dove to support the delivery of affordable homes and community investment across the region. The deal will help Trent & Dove enhance, maintain and build more...

£923k boost to overhaul key buildings at college in Burton

BURTON and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) is set to receive nearly £1 million as part of a £42 million government investment to upgrade further education facilities across the West Midlands. The funding, announced by the Department for Education,...

Violent thug is jailed 15 years for brutal attack on girlfriend

A MAN who punched and kicked his girlfriend before holding her under water and then slamming her head in a car door has been jailed for more than 15 years. Liam Dawson, 34, from Burton-ontrent, was sentenced at Stafford Crown Court to 15 years and...

‘Leisure retreat’ plan for England footballers at St George’s Park

PLANS have been lodged for a bespoke leisure retreat for national football teams at St George’s Park. The Burton retreat will house basketball and padel courts, as well as a golf driving range. The space will be used during training breaks for the 23...

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Funding shortfall threat to the vital services provided by charity

A SMALL independent charity in Uttoxeter is trying to raise £25,000 by the end of July as it faces a funding shortfall that could threaten its vital mental health services. YESS, originally established in 2011 as the Youth Emotional Support Service,...

End of year work to start vow on town’s shopping centre

EAST Staffordshire Borough Council has promised work on a major regeneration project in Uttoxeter will begin before the end of the year. The Maltings shopping centre has been set for regeneration since 2023, but has been faced by repeated delays. In...

Former pupil recalls chocolate pudding and green custard as school marks 60th birthday!

A TEACHING assistant who has worked for three decades at the school she also attended as a pupil is all set to take part in its 60th anniversary celebrations. Annette Batchelor has worked at Holy Rosary Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Burton, for 31...

150 arrests in 1 month as police target county’s drink-drivers

TRAFFIC police in Staffordshire arrested 150 suspected drink-drivers in just one month - after carrying out more breath tests than any other force in the UK. The huge operation during December came at the end of a year in which Staffordshire Police...

Go-ahead for demolition that will pave way for 1,100 jobs at Rolls-royce

ROLLS-ROYCE is set to demolish an industrial building on its Raynesway campus to make way for the planned redevelopment of the site. Planning permission has been granted by Derby City Council to demolish the STAR Micronics building just off the A5111...

Life sentence for ‘violent bully’ who murdered partner

A “VIOLENT BULLY” who subjected his vulnerable partner to abuse throughout their relationship before murdering her has been handed a life sentence. Dale Cole, 39, attacked Lisa Holland, also 39, inflicting serious internal injuries on her before...

£138m package of measures to help fix roads in county and boost bus services

COUNCIL chiefs have sanctioned a £138m package of measures to fix roads and improve bus services to help keep the highway network moving. Staffordshire County Council’s combined highways and transport capital programme brings road maintenance and...

‘She was an incredibly beautiful lady both inside and out’

A WOMAN murdered by her violent partner was a ‘beautiful lady, inside and out,’ her family has said. The loved-ones of Lisa Holland paid tribute to the 39-year-old after Dale Cole was convicted of murdering her at the end of a court case on...