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Cllrs Yates and Swindlehurst view the solar panel installation

Reducing carbon emissions at Biddulph leisure centre

Work to install new technology to reduce carbon emissions at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre is now well underway.

News Graphic

Memorial safety testing in Moorlands cemeteries

Ensuring the safety of everyone visiting or working in cemeteries across the Staffordshire Moorlands is a priority for the District Council.

Biddulph Town Hall

Biddulph planning documents adopted by Council

The Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order for Biddulph have now been 'made' - formally adopted - by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and form part of the development plans used to determine planning applications in the town.

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Council sets budget for essential services

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has set its budget for providing essential services at £12.7m for the coming year - and agreed to continue support with council tax for households on the lowest incomes.

Club Chairman Frank Murray, Councillor Matt Swindlehurst and Club Treasurer Dave Bennett.

Serving up improvements at Leek Tennis Club

Work has started to improve the condition of the courts at Leek Tennis Club to increase their usability and encourage more people to take up physical activity.

Artistic impression of the improved Butter Market

Work set to start at Leek's indoor markets this spring

The £3.4m transformation of Leek's indoor market halls is set to start in the spring after the District Council granted planning permission for the project.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst in the pool area at Brough Park Leisure Centre.

New leisure facilities in Leek are shaping up

Brough Park Leisure Centre users can look forward to new state-of-the-art swimming and exercise facilities with work at the facility set to start later this year.

Cost of Living Community Fund

Moorlands Community Fund to help voluntary sector

Demand for the services provided by the voluntary sector in the Staffordshire Moorlands remains high as people grapple with increases in the costs of living - and the District Council is offering support to those organisations to help them meet this demand.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst in the Trestle Market.

£3.4m investment in Leek's markets gets green light

Ambitious plans to refurbish and modernise Leek's historic indoor markets will start this Spring after planning permission was granted by the District Council.

Councillor Mike Gledhill, Leader of the Council

Council sets out vision for Moorlands for next four years

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has set out its aims and priorities for the next four years in its Corporate Plan.

Christmas bin collections 2023 graphic

'Tis the season to check your bin collections

Christmas is a busy enough time without having to remember any changes to your bin collections as well - and the Council's online bin checker means you don't have to!

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Council here to help as reception now open for longer

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has extended its reception opening hours at Moorlands House in Leek.

Councillor Nigel Yates at Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre

Work starts on Biddulph carbon reduction scheme

Work on a £2.4m scheme which will save more than 290 tonnes of carbon emissions every year in Biddulph has started.

Christmas free parking logo

Christmas shopping - and parking - all wrapped up

With Christmas now just a few short weeks away, free parking is being offered on District Council car parks to give shoppers and businesses a boost over the festive season.

Councillor Chris Wood, Councillor Mike Gledhill and Dan Pearson sign the Protocol at Moorlands House.

Council joins CAB Council Tax Protocol

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has signed up to the Citizens Advice Council Tax Protocol.

Boat house at Biddulph Grange

Help shape future development in Biddulph

Residents in Biddulph will be able to have their say on the future development of the town when a referendum on two planning questions takes place in December.

Councillor Bill Cawley volunteering as a poppy appeal collector earlier this week at Morrisons in Leek

Council proud to support annual poppy appeal

The Royal British Legion has launched this year's poppy appeal to ensure the contribution of service men and women is never forgotten - and the District Council is once again supporting their fundraising efforts.

Councillor Charlotte Atkins with one of the new ticket machines in Leek Market Place.

New customer friendly P&D machines in all Council car parks

New modern ticket machines, which take both cash and card payments, have been installed at all District Council car parks across the Moorlands.

Councillor Nigel Yates and Julian Woolford, CEO of Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, launch the Plan for Nature at Cecilly Brook

Moorlands Plan to help reverse nature decline

With studies revealing that the UK is one of most nature-depleted countries in the world, halting the decline of the natural world has never been more important - and here in the Staffordshire Moorlands a plan for helping do just that has been launched.

Artistic impression of the Trestle Market in Leek

Plans submitted for £3m investment in Leek's indoor markets

Plans for the £3.2m investment in Leek's historic indoor markets have been submitted as part of the Levelling Up programme to regenerate the town centre.

Councillor Mike Gledhill, Leader of the Council

More detail needed on possible rail line re-opening

News that train services could, in time, return to the Moorlands with the re-opening of the line from Leek to Stoke have been cautiously welcomed by the District Council - pending further details about the funding package to deliver the scheme.

Have your say logo for the residents' survey

Survey puts Council services in the spotlight

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is committed to improving public services and the quality of life for everyone who lives here.

Winner Dave Scholes was presented with his iPad by Councillor Bill Cawley.

iPad prize for Moorlands community lottery winner

It's often said that charity begins at home - and for one Moorlands resident his support for a good cause certainly did when he won an iPad in the new Staffordshire Moorlands Community Lottery.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst (centre) tries his hand at bowls on the green at Brough Park watched by Staffordshire Moorlands District Chairman, Councillor Lyn Swindlehurst, and Neil.

Residents invited to Move More every day to boost health

The benefits of moving more for our physical and mental health are well known - and the District Council and its partners are inviting individuals, communities and organisations across the Moorlands to boost their health and wellbeing by building movement into their daily lives and joining the Movement for Movement.

Levelling Up logo

Six new grants for businesses and communities now open

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has launched six new grants for local businesses and communities and is now inviting applications.

Help for households graphic

More support with council tax to help with cost of living

Over 1,650 Moorlands residents will receive extra help with their council tax after the District Council announced it will be further discounting bills for the most vulnerable households.

Keely Brown, Councillor Christopher Wood, the Mayoress and Mayor of Biddulph and Councillor John Jones at the new multi-use games area

Hot Lane games area now open

It's Love Parks Week this week - the ideal time to officially open the new multi-use games area at Hot Lane in Biddulph Moor which provides residents in one of the District's more rural communities with informal leisure and sporting facilities on their doorstep.

Art Comp winners and runners-up 2023

Open art winners are picture perfect

If, as it's said, a picture paints a thousand words, then the winners for the Moorlands Open Art exhibition certainly have plenty to say.

Staffordshire Moorlands Community Lottery logo

Community Lottery tickets now on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the new Staffordshire Moorlands Community Lottery - the exciting fundraising initiative launched by the District Council which is set to benefit community groups and organisations across Moorlands.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst at Birchall playing fields where work is now underway to install an exercise path around the boundary of the site.

Work starts on Birchall exercise path

Work has started on a new exercise path around the boundary of Birchall Playing Fields in Leek.

Levelling Up logo

Gearing up to Level Up in Leek

The multi-million regeneration programme in Leek town centre is moving forward as the Council starts to share more details of what people can look forward to when the work is complete.

Roaches - photo by Greg Walker

Do your bit to help prevent wildfires this summer

With summer now well and truly upon us, the District Council is reminding people that lighting fires, barbecues, fireworks and Chinese lanterns has been banned to help prevent wildfires at high-risk locations in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Climate change

Grants to get green schemes going in the Moorlands

Grants to help schemes and ideas to address climate change get off the ground in the Moorlands are now available.

Climate change

June is environment month in Moorlands

Next week is 'Great Big Green Week' where people are encouraged to share what inspires them to tackle climate change and protect nature - but that's not the only green activity taking place in June.

Staffordshire Moorlands Community Lottery logo

Moorlands Community Lottery set to launch

Good causes across the Staffordshire Moorlands are set to benefit from the Community Lottery - an exciting new fundraising initiative being launched by the District Council.

Councillor Mike Gledhill, Leader of the Council

Moorlands Council names leadership team

The Chairman and Vice-Chairman, Leader and Cabinet of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council have been named following the elections earlier this month.

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Views sought on key planning document

Moorlanders are being asked for their views on a key planning document which sets out guidance for calculating the contributions developers pay to offset the impact of development.

Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre

£2.1m project to reduce carbon emissions at Biddulph Valley

Carbon emissions generated by Biddulph Valley Leisure Centre are set to fall thanks to a £2.1million project to improve energy efficiency and reduce the building's impact on the environment.

Climate change

Youth Eco Leaders programme launches in Moorlands

Schools, colleges and youth groups across the Moorlands are being invited to take part in a new education project to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle climate change and deliver their own environmental projects.

The new play area at Tean Road recreation ground which was installed as part of the improvement project

Investing in leisure in Cheadle

Plans to improve and enhance leisure amenities in Cheadle will include refurbishing the existing leisure centre, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has announced.

Roaches

Unlocking tourism potential in the Moorlands

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has set out its vision for the role tourism can play in unlocking the area's potential - boosting both the District's reputation and the local economy.

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New energy efficient ticket machines for Council car parks

New more user-friendly and energy-efficient pay and display machines will be installed at 20 car parks across the Moorlands.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Chairman, Councillor Tony Holmes and Deputy Leader Councillor Mark Deaville were joined by Forsbrook Parish Council Chairman, Councillor Ian Herdman, at the Forsbrook site.

Improving leisure facilities in Forsbrook and Draycott

Work has started on projects to improve recreational and sports facilities in Forsbrook and Draycott.

Deputy Leader of the District Council, Councillor Mark Deaville, at the Biddulph Moor site with District ward Councillor John Jones and Biddulph Town Councillor David Hawley.

Funding secured for new Biddulph Moor games area

Funding for a new multi-use games area at Hot Lane in Biddulph Moor has been secured - meaning residents in one of the District's more rural communities will have improved access to informal sport and recreation facilities on their doorstep.

Coronation emblem

Coronation fund set up for Moorlands celebrations

With the coronation of the King and Queen Consort fast approaching, the District Council has launched a grant fund for those planning local celebratory events to mark the historic occasion.

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First wave of shared prosperity grants now open

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is inviting applications for the first grants and funding opportunities to be made available from the £3.4m UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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No rise in Council Tax and new support scheme launched

Council tax payers in Staffordshire Moorlands will not face increases in their bills in the coming year after the District Council agreed a 0% increase - meaning Band D payments are frozen at £163.14.

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Council gets injunction to stop overnight stays at Biddulph business park

Parking up and staying overnight at Victoria Business Park in Knypersley is now forbidden after Staffordshire Moorlands District Council successfully applied for an injunction.

Nicholson tower

Council secures £17.1m to regenerate Leek

Enhanced retail, cultural and wellbeing amenities are set to be delivered in Leek after the District Council secured over £17m in Levelling Up funding following a highly competitive bidding round.

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Council granted an injunction to keep travellers away from Business Park in Biddulph

Council granted injunction order by Stoke County Court to keep travellers away from Victoria Business Park, Knypersley Biddulph

SM Three Bins

Fuel thieves disrupt bin collections

Thieves who stole fuel and damaged waste collection vehicles at Fowlchurch Depot in Leek have caused disruption to bin collections just days before Christmas.

The new play area at Tean Road recreation ground which was installed as part of the improvement project

£140k for more Tean Road rec improvements

Better changing facilities and a refurbished bowling pavilion are amongst a range of improvement projects set to be completed at Tean Road Recreation Ground - thanks to funding of £140,000 from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Christmas bin collections 2021

'Tis the season to check your bin collections

With Christmas fast approaching there's enough to do without trying to remember if there will be any changes to bin collections - and the Council's online bin checker means you don't have to!

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£3.4m to help the Moorlands prosper

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has welcomed the announcement that funding of up to £3.4m is set to be invested in increasing life chances for residents and helping to build pride in place.

Warmer homes grant photo

Grants to help make Moorlands homes warmer

As energy price rises take effect, grant-funded schemes to help home owners and private renters improve energy efficiency and reduce bills are available in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Free parking Christmas 2022 graphic

Free parking this festive season in the Moorlands

Free parking is once again being offered in District Council car parks across the Moorlands in the run-up to Christmas in a boost for shoppers and businesses.

Council Tax Reduction Scheme consultation graphic

Council Tax Reduction Scheme - we want your views

Plans to provide additional support to households on the lowest incomes are amongst the changes being proposed to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme - and Staffordshire Moorlands District Council now wants to hear what you think.

Councillor Deaville at the newly refurbished exercise track in Birchall

On track for improved sports facilities in Birchall

Work to refurbish the exercise track at Birchall has now been completed following a commitment by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council earlier this year.

Cost of living logo

Cost of living - help available on Council hub

With winter approaching, and as the cost of living and energy price hikes continue, households across the Moorlands will be thinking about how to manage their budgets over the coming months.

Children from St Mary's Catholic Academy at the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery

Nicholson exhibition showcases youngest artists yet

Visit the Nicholson Museum and Art Gallery in Leek this half-term to see the youngest ever artists to display work through their own eyes.

Pupils from St Edward's Academy in Leek with Dennis the converted bin wagon

Pupils enjoy recycling workshop in a bin wagon

Pupils at primary schools across the Moorlands have taken part in recycling workshops in a classroom with a difference - a converted waste collection vehicle!

Graphic showing outcomes of the peer challenge review

Council 'well managed' and services 'value for money'

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council delivers high-quality, low-cost services that are value for money and has been well managed over a number of years an independent review has found.

LBW Queen

Her Majesty The Queen 1926 - 2022

"We are truly saddened to hear this news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II today and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Royal Family.

Nicholson tower

Council bids to Level Up the Moorlands

Millions of pounds of investment in people, skills and business and reinvigorating leisure and wellbeing, cultural and retail facilities could be coming to the Moorlands if District Council bids for Government funding are successful.

Council Leader Councillor Paul Roberts

Come and meet the Council at Leek Show

Leek Show has been a staple of the agricultural calendar for over 60 years attracting families and visitors from across the region - and this year Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will be joining all the other exhibitors by taking a stand at the Show

Cllr James Aberley PayByPhone

You can now PayByPhone in Council car parks

Paying for parking in Staffordshire Moorlands District Council car parks just got easier thanks to the introduction of digital payments.

Martin Sollis from AES and Councillor Sav Scalise with the converted Dennis Eagle vehicle.

Schools offered recycling workshop in converted bin wagon

This autumn primary schools across the Moorlands are being offered the chance to have a recycling workshop for pupils in a converted bin wagon.

Pick-Fit

Pick-Fit collects more than just litter at MJ Awards

Staffordshire Moorlands Pick-Fit scheme, which encourages people to be active in their local community whilst reducing the scourge of litter, has been highly commended in the national MJ Awards.

Andrew Stokes, Chief Executive of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, and Justin Galliford, Chief Executive of the Norse Group (standing) with (seated L-R) Staffordshire Moorlands District Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Mark Deaville, and Leader,

New company to provide Council property services

From Monday 4 July a new company, Alliance Norse, will be responsible for improving and maintaining the District Council's buildings and property.

Councillors Keith Flunder, Tony Holmes, Joe Porter and Lyn Swindlehurst raise the Pride flag

Council shows support for Pride month

June is Pride month and this year, for the first time, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, has shown its support by flying the Pride flag outside Moorlands House.

Moorlands welcomes the Queen's Baton Relay graphic

Moorlands gears up to welcome Queen's Baton Relay

With the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games now just weeks away, Staffordshire Moorlands is getting ready to host to the iconic Queen's Baton Relay.

Councillors Mark Deaville and Sue Coleman at the new play area in Brough Park

First phase of Brough Park investment now complete

Being active outdoors and spending time enjoying nature has proven benefits for our physical and mental health - and the District Council's investment in improving Leek's Brough Park is making it an even more attractive space to visit and reap these benefits.

Damage caused to toilet facilities at Leek bus station

Leek Bus Station toilets closed due to vandalism

Repeated vandalism at the Smithfield toilets at Leek Bus Station has resulted in the Council having to close them for the foreseeable future.

Councillors Mark Deaville and Sue Coleman at the newly refurbished bandstand in Brough Park

Bandstand and benches at Brough Park given makeover

With summer just around the corner and many of us planning outdoor activities, improvements to amenities at Leek's Brough Park have come at just the right time.

Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay coming to the Moorlands

Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay to visit Moorlands

The Birmingham 2022 Queen's Baton Relay will visit the Moorlands during its final journey through England this summer as the full route is revealed.

Council Leader Councillor Paul Roberts

New Council Leader pledges to listen to local people

The new Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has pledged to make positive changes for residents and businesses - and to listen to local people about what they'd like to see happen in the area.

Cllr Joe Porter planting trees for the community orchard at Haregate

Orchards helping to sow seeds of nature recovery

Over the last two winters more than 550 trees have been planted across the Moorlands as part of the District Council's plans for a network of community orchards.

No Mow May

No Mow May to help Moorlands wildlife

Bees, butterflies and wildlife in the Staffordshire Moorlands will be given a boost this Spring as some green areas of the District are left uncut as part of the national #NoMowMay campaign.

Climate change

New grants now available for climate change projects

Our changing climate affects all of us and is something we all need to address - and a new funding scheme in the Moorlands is aimed at supporting groups and individuals to do just that.

Joe tree  ECO school

Groups invited to join Moorlands green network

We are setting up a green network to help deliver the much-needed changes set out in its climate change actions plans

Spring Clean 2022

Take the #BigBagChallenge this Spring

Communities across the Moorlands are being encouraged to join the #BigBagChallenge this Spring and help keep their local area free from litter.

Enjoy Staffordshire Tourism and Good Food Awards winners

Award-winning reasons to visit the Moorlands

What do the winners of Hotel of the Year, Large and Small Visitor Attraction, Tea Room and Coffee Shop and Casual Dining Restaurant have in common? They're all in the Moorlands of course!

Coronavirus News

Moorlands ready to welcome Ukrainians fleeing war

As war continues in Ukraine and people across the UK register for the Homes for Ukraine scheme to help refugees, the Leader of the Council has pledged the support of the Moorlands.

Food Waste Action Week 2022

Reducing food waste in the Moorlands

Food waste is expensive both for our household budgets and our environment - so Food Waste Action Week is the perfect time to break the habit and reduce the amount of food we throw away.

Cheadle Tree Planting

Cheadle orchards helping to sow seeds of nature recovery

Helping nature to recover and increasing biodiversity are just some of the ways we can tackle climate change

Volunteers with the traditional hedge

Increasing biodiversity through heritage hedges

Native hedges help give the Moorlands its distinctive character and are a priority for conservation management locally and nationally.

Coronavirus News

Council sets budget for coming year

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has set its budget for providing essential services at £10.8m for the coming year.

Coronavirus News

Platinum Jubilee fund set up for Moorlands celebrations

As the nation prepares to begin a year of celebrations to mark the Queen's historic 70-year reign, the District Council has launched a grant fund for those planning local events.

Official opening of the 3G pitch at Leek Town FC

Council grants nearly £11,000 to local sports projects

Funding of almost £11,000 has been awarded to two more projects in the Moorlands aimed at enabling local people to be more active - and the Council is keen to hear from others planning similar schemes in their areas.

Parked cars

Road ahead for Moorlands parking mapped out

Plans to modernise parking facilities across the Moorlands have been approved by the District Council.

Business support

Extra help for businesses affected by Omicron

More financial support for businesses not eligible for the mandatory Omicron hospitality and leisure grant has been announced by the District Council.

Business support

Market grants still available as Leek welcomes new stalls

Over £40,000 has been paid in grants to Moorlands market traders by the District Council as it gets set to welcome new traders to Leek's outdoor market this week.

Climate Emergency UK scorecards

Climate change plans rated second highest in country

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's plans to tackle climate change have been ranked the second highest in the country.

Business Support facebook

Omicron business grants now open

Hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses in the Moorlands who have been affected by Omicron can now apply for one-off grants of up to £6,000.