Summary

  • Updates on Tuesday 1 March 2016

  • News, sport, travel and weather updates to resume at 08:00 on Wednesday

Live Reporting

Monica Rimmer

  1. Nine out of 10 parents allocated their first choice secondary school

    James Bovill
    Political reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

    Nine out of 10 parents will learn today they have been allocated their first choice secondary school in Staffordshire, according to the county council. 

    Student with hand up

    The council says of the 7406 applications made for transfer at age 11, just over 94% of parents have been allocated their first preference school, with nearly 98% allocated one of their top three preferred schools.

    This is despite increased demand for primary and secondary school places putting pressure on schools.

    We know the admissions process can be quite daunting for a lot of parents, and we do as much as we can to make the process as easy as possible.

    Ben Adams, Cabinet member for Learning and Skills

  3. Football: Crewe in for a tough run

    Graham McGarry
    Crewe Alexandra commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

    Crewe Alexandra begin a tough month of fixtures tonight as they travel to Southend. 

    The Alex will then face the league leaders Burton on Saturday, followed by a trip to third placed Gillingham. 

    Manager Steve Davis thinks the run could work in their favour.

    Steve Davis

    It's the teams around you that are a lot harder to beat in a way, because they do shore up at the back and don't want to lose and if they've got more points than you, they're happy not to lose. Whereas the teams up there are looking to win and they give you more opportunities because they're more open."

    Steve Davis, Crewe Alexandra Manager

    You can hear full commentary of both the Crewe and Vale games on BBC Radio Stoke tonight. 

    Kick off is at 7:45 all the build up starts in Sport at Six.

  4. Stafford Hospital deaths: Not enough evidence for individual prosecutions say police

    Chris King
    Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

    There is not enough evidence for individual prosecutions, according to the conclusion of a review of the high death rates at Stafford Hospital. 

    The Health and Safety Executive successfully prosecuted the Mid Staffordshire Trust over the deaths of three women.   

    Stafford Hospital signGetty Images

    The review was set up in 2013 and was conducted by a panel which included Staffordshire Police, the south Staffordshire Coroner, and the Crown Prosecution Service. It looked at material relating to 214 patients. 

    The report says although there are no grounds for an individual prosecution, it's clear both patients and their families had been badly let down.  

  5. Latest: Yellow warning issued for snow; Stafford Hospital deaths latest; new Bishop of Lichfield announced tomorrow

    Lee Thomas
    Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

    This afternoon's headlines for Staffordshire and Cheshire:  

    - The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for snow and ice for parts of the West Midlands

    - A Staffordshire Police-led review of the high mortality rates at Stafford Hospital finds not enough evidence to prosecute individuals

    - Downing Street will name the new Bishop of Lichfield tomorrow

  6. Weather: Yellow Warning issued for snow

    Alexandra Hamilton
    BBC Weather

    We've had a yellow warning issued for snow – rain or showers are likely to turn wintry in the early hours of Wednesday morning through to around mid-morning on Wednesday. 

    Snow is more likely over higher ground but there’s the possibility of it reaching lower levels. 

    There's also a yellow warning issued for ice – icy stretches are likely to form on untreated roads and pavements overnight and into tomorrow morning. 

    Weather graph for Stoke-on-Trent

  7. Update: Smithfield buildings will be full says leader Dave Conway

    James Bovill
    Political reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

    Dave Conway, leader of Stoke-on-Trent City Council, has told BBC Radio Stoke he will fill both Smithfield buildings in Hanley.

    Smithfield Building, Hanley

    Yesterday, the Police and Crime Commissioner announced 300 staff would move from Hanley Police Station into the Glass One Smithfield building. 

    But Two Smithfield, next door, still lies empty as the council tries to attract private businesses. Dave Conway says he's determined to fill it.

    I wasn't responsible for these buildings, I've just been left with the responsibility of filling them. I shall do it. Trust me.

    Dave Conway, Leader of Stoke on Trent City Council

  8. Your pictures: Spring has almost sprung.

    Monica Rimmer
    Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke

    Steve Brown shared this lovely picture with the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust earlier. 

    Perfect timing for St. David's Day. 

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  11. UPDATE: No prosecutions over Stafford Hospital deaths

    Chris King
    Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

    A police-led review into high death rates at the former Stafford Hospital finds there is not enough evidence to prosecute individuals. 

    There's more on the story here. 

    A general view of Stafford Hospital on the day that Robert Francis QC published his inquiry Into Mid Staffordshire Hospital on February 6, 2013 in Stafford, United KingdomGetty Images

    No prosecutions over hospital deaths

    A police-led review into high death rates at the former Stafford Hospital finds there is not enough evidence to prosecute individuals.

    Read More

  12. Football: Port Vale captain wants to stay

    Lee Blakeman
    Port Vale commentator, BBC Radio Stoke

    Port Vale captain, Carl Dickinson, wants to sign a new contract with the club. 

    The 28-year-old is one of a number of players whose current deals expire in the summer. Dickinson told BBC Radio Stoke he's settled in the area.

    Carl Dickinson

    I'm really enjoying my football, I'm happy here, I live 25 minutes away, my family are settled, my little boy's at school and my little girl's at nursery. But at the end of the day I've got to do whatever I need to do for my family."

    Carl Dickinson, Port Vale captain

  13. Your pictures: Rainy day in Chorlton

    Monica Rimmer
    Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke

    BBC Weather Watcher "Dave" sent us this picture from Chorlton. 

    I love that you can see the rain droplets in the pond! 

    Pond in ChorltonDave

    We love seeing your pictures - you could get your photo of Staffordshire or Cheshire featured here, using Instagram, email or Twitter to get it to us.  

  14. Latest: Stafford Hospital death review; Smiler ride to re-open; new pool for Congleton

    Lee Thomas
    Newsreader, BBC Radio Stoke

    This morning's headlines for Staffordshire and Cheshire:

    - A Staffordshire Police-led review of the high mortality rates at Stafford Hospital finds not enough evidence to prosecute individuals

    - The Smiler ride at Alton Towers will re-open on 19 March, when the theme park's new season begins

    - Congleton is to get a brand new swimming pool after plans were approved by Cheshire East Council

  15. New swimming pool for Congleton

    Lamont Howie
    Reporter, BBC Radio Stoke

    Congleton is to get a brand new swimming pool and pool hall at the re-named Peter Mason Leisure Centre, after plans were approved by Cheshire East Council. 

    £8.8m will be spent on a new pool, as well as better poolside viewing and more car parking spaces.

    Swimmer in Pool

  17. Your pictures: Blue skies over Leek town centre

    Monica Rimmer
    Journalist, BBC Radio Stoke

    This picture of Leek town centre was shared with us on Instagram by Roger Machin.

    Leek town centreRoger Machin

    Like Roger, you could get your picture of Staffordshire or Cheshire featured here - using Instagram, email or Twitter to get it to us.

  18. Welcome to Spring - it's raining

    Doesn't really feel like the first day of spring, does it?   

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  19. Headlines: Stafford Hospital death rates review; Smiler ride to re-open

    Here are some of our top stories this morning:  

    - A review of the high death rates at Stafford Hospital concludes there's not enough evidence for individual prosecutions

    - A shortage of GPs in Staffordshire has reached a critical level 

    - Alton Towers' Smiler ride is going to re-open this month 

  20. Weather: Cloudy, wet and windy

    BBC Weather

    Alex Hamilton has the latest forecast.