An abnormal load is being transported to Meaford today closing a number of roads.

Staffordshire Police will close the A34 southbound, external between A51 Darlaston roundabout and A520 Walton roundabout from 09:30.

Alton Towers says cutting 190 jobs is crucial to protect other roles at the Staffordshire Moorlands theme park. 

It follows the Smiler ride crash which led to a big fall in visitor numbers.

Image source, Getty Images

The theme park company says the roles will go by March next year, when it  reopens for the summer.  

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

The top stories that we're looking at in the newsroom right now include:

- Alton Towers says cutting 190 jobs is crucial to protect other roles at the Staffordshire Moorlands theme park

- There's been a big increase in the number of boys at risk of being sexually exploited in Stoke on Trent, according to the council

- Port Vale will play Exeter away in the FA Cup second round - if they win next week's replay at Maidenhead

BBC Radio Stoke

Tomorrow, BBC Radio Stoke is hosting a Stoke City Fans Forum at The Britannia Stadium in aid of Children in Need., external

It's your chance to ask Stoke manager Mark Hughes, captain Ryan Shawcross and chief executive Tony Scholes the questions you've been wanting to ask.

Nigel Johnson will be there giving his opinion and the whole evening will be chaired by BBC Radio Stoke's Matt Sandoz, starting from 18:00. 

Admission is by ticket only, they're available from the main reception at the Britannia Stadium and BBC Radio Stoke reception (9am-5pm) with a £5 donation to charity.

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

If you're travelling north today please be aware that the M6 northbound is currently closed at junction 27-28 due to a major incident.

For more updates follow North West Motorway Police., external

BBC Travel

 - There's slow traffic on A444 St Peter's Street in Burton Upon Trent at the Woods Lane junction due to roadworks.  

- And there's very slow traffic on A446 London Road eastbound between Bassetts Pole Island in Bassetts Pole and Coleshill in Wishaw.

For the latest disruption on the roads visit BBC Travel.

BBC Weather

It'll be a breezy and rather cloudy day although there may be some brighter spells around during the morning.

Mostly dry but a few showers will move in from the west during the afternoon with highs of 16C (61F).

Stephanie Barnard
BBC Local Live

I'm in the BBC Radio Stoke newsroom bringing you the very latest news, sport, travel and weather for Stoke, Staffordshire and Cheshire.

If you'd like to tell us about something happening in your local area that you think we should be covering - email or tweet @BBCRadioStoke., external