Throughout 2016 we’ve published hundreds of articles ranging from sport and politics to business, events and more, all totally dedicated to Stone and surrounding villages.
There have been 525,748 page views on our website in 2016, with 50.2% being from regular readers who come to our website every day!
Of our social media accounts, Facebook remains our largest growing platform. We started the year with 8,023 and over 2016 we’ve grown over 34% as we head towards 11,000!
Here are the 10 most-read articles on our website in 2016:
10: HS2, what does it mean for the residents of Stone?
HS2 Limited organised information events to allow people to find out more about the project and about what it may mean for them and their local communities.
9: Meat laced with rat poison found in Walton
In April, a number of bright blue pellets were left in piles on the grass verges in Churchill Road on the flat-roof estate in Walton. Stafford Borough Council workers cleared them away after being alerted by residents who were worried that dogs, cats or – even worse, children – could be harmed by them.
8: Scary clown sightings prompt police alert
The scary clown sightings, a craze that originated in America, came a little too close to home for some when sightings were reported in Stone.
7: A34 in Stone to be closed overnight for two weeks in April
A stretch of A34 between the Darlaston Inn roundabout and the Whitebridge Lane/Millennium Way roundabout was closed overnight for 2 weeks in April to allow surfacing work to be carried out as part of the Meaford development.
6: Stone Christmas Lights Switch On 2016
The 2016 lights switch on featured Olympic Gold Medallist Joe Clark shone the spotlight on the Stone and kicked off the Christmas celebrations in the town.
5: Smoke and Rye now open in Stone
A welcome addition to the town’s fabulous eateries, Smoke & Rye opened in February to bring a taste of the USA to Stone and received a flurry of 5* reviews within a few weeks.
4: Official : Joe Clarke Homecoming
Bank Holiday Monday 29th August saw thousands welcome home our Olympic hero Joe Clake with a parade through the town & and afternoon of music & celebration to toast his success. BBC Radio Stoke interviewed Joe on stage, followed by a chance for supporters to grab a photo or autograph from the local hero.
3: Major Update – Family Appeal For Help in Finding Joshua Smith
November saw the whole community band together to look for Joshua Smith, 27 from Aston in Stone. Calls went out over many social media sites, and reached nearly 67,000 people from our articles alone.
2: Stone Bonfire and Fireworks 2016
This year’s Bonfire & Fireworks event took place on the traditional night of 5th November, and marked the 30th Anniversary of the Stone Town Bonfire Committee’s annual event.
1: Search for Joshua Smith uncovers body
The search for Joshua came to a sad end on 19th November, when police found a body by the Trent & Mersey Canal near Stone, and was later identified as missing Josh.
[divider]
