Motorists are being warned to beware of fraudsters who have struck numerous times in Staffordshire in recent days.

The offenders usually park in laybys off main commuter roads and pretend that their car has broken down. They flag passing vehicles down and then ask for money in exchange for jewellery or gold that turns out to be fake.

In the past fortnight, the conmen have struck in various places throughout the county and the wider region. Crimes have taken place in areas including Lichfield, Blythe Bridge, Leek, Hixon, Brereton and Wolseley Bridges, near Rugeley.

The offenders are described as being Asian or Eastern European in appearance and one of them had a distinctive scar on his nose. They have used a variety of cars including a Mercedes, a Fiat Punto and a Volkswagon estate.

Detective Superintendent Julie Prince, from Staffordshire Police, said: "The offenders sound plausible and have already persuaded several victims to part with money.

"We would urge people to be vigilant and if they are approached to contact police immediately with as much information as possible about the vehicle or person that approached them."

Anyone with information should contact Staffordshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can ring independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Where did all the money go?

Butt Lane Community Centre is thriving under its new administration. If you tried to get a ticket for the recent   Hallowe'en or New Year parties, you would have seen how successful it it. This is a remarkable achievement  considering the outgoing committee left the coffers bare. Where did all the money go? You might well ask the   former committee members what happened to over £30,000 that was in the bank at the end of 2011 

We are led to believe there is now a well-endowed "Butt Lane Social Fund". If you know anything about this  mysterious organisation, perhaps you will let us know who its officers are and how it administers the funds. We know plenty of people in the community who could do with some help.

Dennis Richards asks, "Where did all the money go?"

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New Development at rear of Church Street and Congleton Road

Happy New Year everyone. Plans are available for inspection of the proposed development of 177 dwellings to the rear of Church Street and Congleton Road. You can view them online by searching for  11/00645/OUT on http://publicaccess.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/online-applications/. 


There is already much local opposition due to the proposed demolition of 41 Church Street to create a footpath and cycle path. Other opposition centres around the congestion that is likely to arise near the only vehicle entrance in Congleton Road.

Please consider the plans and make any representations to Newcastle Borough Council by 19th January 2011.

Cllr Dennis Richards

Recycling collection Wed 30 November 2011

Officers at Newcastle Borough Council have confirmed that industrial action on Wed 30 November will not affect collection of recycling in Butt Lane.

Labour Abandons Butt Lane Community Centre

Our last Focus pointed out how Labour councillors have abandoned Butt Lane Community Centre rather than work with LibDem representatives nominated by the Borough Council. The entire Committee has resigned, leaving users of the Centre very distressed. I am committed to keeping the Centre open and convening a new Committee in the New Year. In  the meantime, Borough Council officers will manage the centre.

I am grateful to Cllr Kyle Robinson for pointing out a genuine mistake in our last Focus.  He is correct in saying that Cllr John Evans was not appointed by Newcastle Borough Council to the Butt Lane Community Centre Management Committee. He served in a personal capacity. I apologise for any confusion caused.

The appointees to the Management Committee for 2010/11 were: Cllrs Silvia Burgess, Dennis Richards and Kyle Robinson. Unlike Councillor Robinson, Councillors Burgess and Richards were not allowed to take up their seats on the Committee.

When I raised this with officers at the Borough Council, they began negotiations with the Community Centre to rectify the situation. As no agreement had been reached by May 2011, the Cabinet declined to appoint any further representatives until the situation had been resolved.

It is my understanding that the Community Centre Committee resigned rather than admit Liberal Democrat Members nominated by the Borough Council.  Cllr Robinson confirmed the resignation of the whole Committee last week.

I wish to make it clear that, apart from three brief conversations in 2008, I have had no direct contact with volunteers at the Centre and have made my concerns through officers.

Cllr Dennis Richards

Kidsgrove Police Station: Labour does not like the truth

Labour councillors did not like Cllr Richards pointing out that police station closures are a consequence of Labour overspending in government at tonight's public meeting at the Victoria Hall. Now Kidsgrove Labour party wants to spend more money we don't have keeping a largely empty building open. Wouldn't your Council Tax be better spent on policemen and policewomen? See the link for a discussion of the issues on Whitehill Online.

2011 - Keele University

2011 - Keele University
Keele has been placed, for the first time, among the top universities in the world in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Well done Keele. That's great news for Newcastle.