New number for Highways Hotline

The Highways Hotline can be contacted between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday on 0300 111 8000 (calls charged at local rates) and at any time by emailing highways@staffordshire.gov.uk.

You can use this to report issues with roads, pavements, signs and streetlights.

Road works in Radmore Lane – starting 10th October 2011

The County Council says:

“The works will start around 10th October 2011 and will take approximately 4 weeks to complete, however it is estimated that the carriageway resurfacing will take only 1 week to complete.

We take care to make sure that work is completed with the minimum of disturbance to the local community but as with any major works, delays may occur.

Although some works can be carried out without restrictions to traffic, it will be necessary to temporarily close Radmore Lane whilst the road resurfacing takes place. We understand that many residents and businesses have no other means of access to their property and as such we will gladly work with those affected in order to maintain access whilst these essential works take place.

We will aim to speak in person with all those affected, but if you would like to discuss any specific issues in advance of the works, please contact us via the telephone number above.

You can help us to get the job done with the minimum of delay by following this advice; please keep children away from the works to ensure their safety, please drive appropriately through the works as there may be temporary surfaces in place, please check your shoes before entering your property or car to make sure there is no bitumen from the works and please wherever possible avoid parking vehicles on the roadside when working in these areas.

If you have any questions about the work or, concerns about how the work is being carried out, please do not hesitate to call our Highways Hotline on 0300 111 8000 (calls will be charged at a local rate) or email highways@staffordshire.gov.uk

You can also keep up to date with the scheme progress and future programmed work in your area by logging onto our web pages at: (link expired)

Rural entrepreneurs sought to boost county farms profile

With prosperity and economic regeneration at its heart, the county council is looking for highly motivated and ambitious prospective tenants for two of its farm holdings.

Staffordshire County Council values its farm holdings and has developed its portfolio to help regenerate the local economy when many other local authorities have disposed of theirs. It is recognised as a national leader in terms of running county farms.

The county council is now seeking tenants for two holdings where business cases can suitably demonstrate an ability to diversify. This could mean opening a bed and breakfast, tea rooms, farm shop or even something more innovative. With competitive tenancy rates, county farms demonstrate real value for money for those looking to set up a rural business. In addition they’re an asset to the wider taxpayer as they’ll create great returns for the county.

Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for assets and the environment Mark Winnington said: “Staffordshire’s rural economy is a vital part of our prosperity agenda and county farms are an integral part of enhancing it.
“We value the hard work and commitment of our tenants, many of whom have established thriving enterprises and developed successful careers.
“With our latest tenancies we are really looking for ambitious people with agricultural experience, but who are looking to diversify and build up another business on site.
“They will need to demonstrate their capability to do this, but we know there are many people with the skills and drive to be a success.”

County farms tenants need to have had five years’ agricultural experience which can include three in agricultural training or education. They must be able to provide a detailed business plan which includes two years’ cash flow and budgets. There is no age restriction for tenants. Holdings include a house, buildings and land. For the two advertised tenancies, prospective tenants will need to have sufficient capital to finance their suggested enterprise.

Anyone who would like further information should contact the county farms team on 01785 277721 or email county.farms@staffordshire.gov.uk