As we say goodbye to 2019 we reflect on the changes we’ve seen in the town and look at the top ten most-read stories.
In 2019 we published over 400 news articles on our website, and many more social media posts!
Most articles are shared on our social media accounts with Facebook still being our largest audience with over 17,000 followers.
2019 was the year of elections and we put a lot of effort into sharing accurate and unbiased information around the town council, Borough Council, European and General elections. The pinnacle for us was hosting a live-streamed husting for the General Election which has been viewed thousands of times across Facebook and YouTube.
In 2019 alongside our dedicated Facebook Group “A Little Bit of Stone – Your Photos” we added a new group “A Little Bit of Stone – Hobbies, Groups and Clubs” both groups have gone from strength to strength with growing memberships and lots of posts.
In terms of Stone High Street, 2019 saw further take-up of empty retail units and as we close out the year there are just two empty units on the High Street. The former Victoria Wine/Sue Ryder shop and the empty Reeds Rains have both seen a number of enquiries, could 2020 see Stone see full High Street occupancy?
Thanks to everyone who contributed, read and shared our stories in 2019, Happy New Year fo 2020.
Team ALBOS
Here are the top 10 most-read stories on the A Little Bit of Stone Website in 2019 ….
10) Crown Street One-Way Street closure to kick-off 2020
With only two days of 2019 remaining, we posted details of the planned Crown Street closure that comes into operation on the 6th January 2020.
The works are scheduled for up to 10 days which will see Crown Street changed to two-way traffic with no through route.
Click here to read the full story
9) Plans to flatten existing Shell service station and rebuild
In November Shell posted plans to the Stafford Borough Council planning portal to indicate that they wished to flatten their existing Walton service station and rebuild a new facility to increase the retail offering and provide some future-proofing in terms of electric vehicle charging provision.
Click here to read the full story
8) Radical plans revealed to create a free park and ride system for Stone utilising the River Trent
Our April Fools story had people clicking through to find out more details of a new out of town park and ride scheme that would bring visitors to the town by the River Trent.
Some of the comments on the scheme were hilarious and our social media comments were brilliant!
Click here to read the full story
7) Things hot up in Stone with the opening of 800 degrees pizzeria
We were delighted to be invited along on to a special preview evening at the former Hatters restaurant on Newcastle Road in May. Following an extensive re-development, 800 Degrees Pizzeria opened its doors to bring authentic Italian pizza to Stone.
Click here to read the full story
6) Stone Festival – A Guide to What’s On
The annual Stone Festival has a myriad of events spread over its week-long duration.
Our article on what was happening was well received and one of the most searched for and read articles of the year.
Click here to read the full story
5) Stone Leisure Centre – Opening and Sneak Peak
In March the multi-million-pound development was opened to the public after a rapid 12-month building project.
We attended the opening of the new centre and got the chance to see the new modern looking pool and gym facilities for the town.
Click here to read the full story
4) Stone Music Festival details revealed
Although we received the press release details very close to the event we still managed to reach a significant number of people with details for the 2019 event.
Click here to read the full story
3) Stone declared its independence day in local election results
In May Stone residents voted overwhelmingly to install Stone Independent candidates into all of the available Stone Parish and Stone Urban seats in the local council elections.
Click here to read the full story
2) Stone mum opens online affordable Kids Clothing store
In July we ran the story about Kerry Dawson who had spotted an opportunity to supply affordable kids clothing for speedy delivery to customers in the town.
We found the service exceptional when we needed some last-minute school uniform items for our youngest!
Click here to read the full story
1) Charlie’s Cat Cafe
Our two most-read stories (we’ve combined them here) of the year were the announcement and opening of Charlie’s Cat Cafe. Our social media was alight with discussions, sharing and enthusiasm for the new venture which opened in November 2019.
Click here to read the full story on the announcement
Click here to read the full story on the opening
- 800 Degrees Pizzeria
- Charile's Cat Cafe
- Darlaston Inn
- Freerange Kidswear
- stone festival
- Stone Independents
- Stone Leisure Centre
- Stone Music Festival
- Stone Town Council
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