As we wake up in a new year, 2022, we look back on the top ten most-read articles on our website in 2021.
A lot of our content in 2021 was around the elections and Stone Neighbourhood plan in May, I’ve excluded that content from these statistics but thanks for everyone’s support and feedback on the coverage we provided.
A massive thanks to Lauren for her help and support over 2021 and a big shout out to all of our volunteers who have run the Stone Helpline, providing help and assistance to those in need across the town.
Without further ado, in reverse order here are the top ten most-read 2021 published articles on our website:
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10. Minor injuries only after car crashes through Stone bakery window
Back in April an elderly lady accidentally hit the accelerator, propelling her car through the front window and into Orme & Devine Bakery at Walton shops. Thankfully, only minor injuries were suffered as the shop counter and window took the brunt of the accident.
Click here to read the full story
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9. New lifestyle shop opens in Stone – Lively
2021 saw a series of new businesses open across the town and a new home lifestyle shop on Stone High Street proved popular when we reported on it in July.
James and Russelle Kilroe told our audience about their backgrounds and what their new shop would offer.
Click here to read the full story
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8. Chocbox opens on Stone High Street – bringing life to a unit that’s been vacant for more than a decade
In October we brought the news about a new specialist chocolate shop that opened on Stone High Street, taking on a unit that had been empty for over a decade!
Chocbox is chocked full of chocolatey goodness and it was great to finally see a business owner taking on the high profile shop.
Click here to read the full story
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7. Police issue statement following a suspicious incident in Barlaston
Staffordshire Police released a statement in April after a suspicious incident in Barlaston.
The incident involved a 14-year-old girl who reported that two men in a white van had approached her. The men departed once they spotted that the victim’s friends were nearby and the police appealed for CCTV or witnesses whilst increasing patrols in the area.
Click here to read the full story
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6. County Councillor Jill Hood sends open letter to Police Crime Commissioner
In January, following a spate of criminal activity across the town, Stone Urban County Councillor Jill Hood issued a strongly-worded open letter to Staffordshire Police Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis.
Whilst the local policing team was praised, the letter called into question the commissioners spending on his own staff and asked for more resources to increase officers and CCTV provision in the town.
Click here to read the full story
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5. Stone residents were advised to get tested after South African Variant picked up in the county
When the South African variant of covid was picked up in early 2021 the County Council issued an appeal for residents to come forward and ensure they were tested to allow them to monitor the spread of the new strain.
Click here to read the full story
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4. Stone residents asked for feedback on new Westbridge Park plans
Ongoing for over 10 years, plans to re-develop Stone’s Westbridge Park were once again put out for public feedback by Stafford Borough Council. The new plans build on previous consultations and it’s hoped that the plans can be finalised and work finally commenced in 2022 to give Stone the destination park it’s been promised for so long.
Click here to read the full story
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3. Attempted murder arrest following incident in Stone
Early 2021 was a dark time in the town for criminal activity.
Following reports of attempted van break-ins a man was seriously injured and this led to a Stafford man being arrested on suspision of attempted murder.
Click here to read the full story
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2. Granvilles, a Stone instution, gets new owners
There was nothing but love in the air when we reported that Granville’s would have new owners following Adam and Mandy’s decision to sell up.
Grant and Louise Pullen’s first date was at Granville’s and at the time they joked about buying the place. They told A Little Bit of Stone all about their story and it’s been great to see Granville’s re-open and continue to provide a top notch venue for the town.
Click here to read the full story
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1. Post lockdown hospitality re-opening guide
Our most read article of 2021 was a guide that we wrote to the hospitality venues in the town and when they planned to re-open following Covid lockdown.
The article was read over 10,000 times from people in Stone, and further afield, and helped keep residents and visitors connected with our incredible hospitality businesses – something Stone is well renowned for.
Click here to read the full story
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