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.

Ten Reasons to Vote Lib Dem in Kidsgrove Town Council Elections

1 0% increase in Council Tax paid to Kidsgrove Town Council for two years running
2 Improved allotments in Talke
3 Refurbishment of the Victoria Hall for the benefit of the community
4 Rigorous scrutiny of Staffordshire County Council and Newcastle Borough Council decisions
5 Introduction of Kidsgrove Carnival again
6 Creation of a Town Centre Promotion Committee
7 A scheme to help senior citizens during cold weather spells
8 A new government-standard website
9 Always ready to listen to residents’ concerns
10 Local, experienced candidates who give their time for free

Happy New Year Everyone

Happy New Year from Cllrs Dennis Richards and Silvia Burgess. We hope you have had a restful break.Thank you to those who have completed the Butt Lane 5-minute Survey. We shall be rolling these out to the rest of the ward once the holidays are over and dealing with your concerns once we can see the bigger picture.  If you can spare 5 minutes to air your views, we would be very grateful.

Now you can comment on this blog!

Hi everyone. Cllr Slivia Burgess and I want to know your views on the Cold Weather arrangements we have been promoting at Kidsgrove Town Council and other issues affecting Butt Lane. Just click on the post title to add your comments and we will do our best to respond within 48hrs. Cllr Dennis Richards.

Cold Weather Arrangements

Kidsgrove Town Council has teamed up with North Staffordhsire Link Line, WRVS and Age UK North Staffordshire to help elderly and disabled Kidsgrove residents who might be unable to venture out in icy conditions.

Residents who call the Link Line on 01782-710436 will be referred to Age UK's Shop and Clean service who can collect shopping or WRVS;s Door2Door Transport Service as required. They can also call if they just want a chat (telephones are answered in the mornings, but callers can leave a message at other times).

While there is a charge for shopping and transport services, Kidsgrove Town Council has applied for funding to help those in financial hardship who might not normally be able to afford these services.

NB This is not an emergency service. Residents needing help in an emergency should still call '999'

To see our efforts on the BBC Stoke web pages, follow the link.

Cllr Dennis Richards,

Chair, Kidsgrove Town Council Cold Weather Working Party

Vote John Fisher for Parliament

Butt Lane has been moved into the Stoke North parliamentary constituency. Your LibDem candidate is John Fisher. Vote John Fisher for:

• Fair taxes to put money back in your pocket
• A fair chance for every child
• A fair future, creating jobs by making Britain greener
• A fair deal for you from politicians

John Fisher supports an independent Newcastle under Lyme, free from interference from Stoke or Staffordshire County Council.

Published and promoted by Maxine Morrow on behalf of John Fisher (Liberal Democrats) both at 75 Birches Head Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 6LQ. Hosted by blogger.com.

John Parsons stands for Butt Lane

Deputy Mayor of Kidsgrove, John Parsons, is now your Liberal Democrat candidate for Butt Lane.

John is well-known for his charitable work in the area and the inspiration for the Kidsgrove Carnival and Beer Festival. John said, 'My motto is, “If I can help I will”. I am appalled that an ambulance taking 15 elderly folk to the WRVS every Friday has been withdrawn. Will you help me to help the people of Butt Lane?'.

If elected, John will add his influence to the work Dennis Richards and Silvia Burgess have been doing for you in the Borough Council: representing you on planning matters, keeping your council tax down, and making Newcastle a cleaner, safer and greener Borough to live in.

Published & Promoted by : D. N. MacIver, 55 Walley’s Drive, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs. ST5 0NG, on behalf of John Parsons (Liberal Democrats),
157 Jamage Road, Talke Pits, ST7 1QL. Hosted by blogger.com.

Happy New Year Everyone

A Happy New Year, one and all. We hope you have enjoyed the white Christmas. The Butt Lane Christmas tree looks splendid again this year, but without the problem of vandalism we had last year. However, the quietness of our Christmas in Butt Lane was blighted by an armed robbery in Lower Ash Road
Click on the link if you have any information that could help the police. Nick Clegg has called for another 10,000 police on the beat to cut crime. The way the economy is going, however, we will not see more police, despite the Staffs Police Authority applying for the maximum increase in funding from your council tax.

Councillors Dennis Richards and Silvia Burgess

Help us put Butt Lane on the Map

Liberal Democrat Councillors for Butt Lane, Dennis Richards and Silvia Burgess today launched a campaign to make Butt Lane a postal address (locality name) in its own right.

Currently residents of Butt Lane have to write their address as 'Talke', despite Butt Lane having its own Post Office and the local collection office. This causes confusion to visitors and irritation to those proud to live in Butt Lane.

It is a shame that Royal Mail issued a special stamp commemorating The Spitfire, designed by Reginald Mitchell, but does not currently recognise his birthplace as a valid postal address.

Sign our online petition to request Royal Mail to recognise Butt Lane as a valid locality or send us a letter of support at Butt Lane Liberal Democrats, 35 Church Street, Talke, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 1NX.

Can't get out because of the snow?

Icy pavements can be treacherous to the elderly and infirm. If you cannot get out because of the weather, give us a call and we will do our best to help.

Cllr Dennis Richards (01782 782360) & Councillor Silvia Burgess (01782 786968)

Happy Christmas

It is good to see so much Christmas cheer about, despite all this talk of economic gloom. A smile costs nothing and warms the heart of another. Here are a few pictures of Butt Lane residents and Butt Lane Baptist Church showing some Christmas spirit. Whatever your beliefs, I think we can all agree with peace on earth and goodwill to all. A Happy Christmas season to all residents from Dennis and Silvia.

Welcome to our blog

Hello everyone. Thank you for dropping intou our blog. We are very excited that Butt Lane Liberal Democrats now have their own web presence where up-to-the-minute news can be posted. Watch this space for the latest party initiatives in the ward.

Dennis Richards