13.02.23 – New Pitch for Newcastle Town, Valentines Food Allergen Reminder, Cannabis grow in Norton

Newcastle Town Football Club are delighted to announce that work to construct a new £1.1m 3G pitch at their training ground at the Roe Lane Playing Fields, in Clayton will start TODAY, thanks to a grant of almost £640,000 from the Premier League, The FA and the government’s Football Foundation, plus support from local sponsors.

This is a huge step forward for the club, providing a reliable space to train, and also a year-round facility that everyone, especially children and young people, will be able to make good use of.

Newcastle Town chairman, Gavin Appleby, said: “This is a really proud moment for the club, and I have to admit to feeling very emotional at the prospect of the difference this is going to make.

Gavin Appleby and Robin Van Der Laan

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As Valentine’s Day approaches and restaurant bookings increase, food outlets in Staffordshire are being reminded of the importance of providing clear ingredients information.   Trading Standards officers at Staffordshire County Council are helping local food businesses understand the rules and their responsibilities around food allergen labelling.   Anyone eating in a restaurant, bar or takeaway has the right to receive allergen information, either in written format or verbally.  This should include the name of the food and a full list of ingredients, with any of the 14 major allergens emphasised in the list.  Food allergies can range from mild to life-threatening.  The most common food allergens include peanuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. These allergens can cause an allergic reaction if they are ingested, inhaled or come into contact with skin.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member responsible for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “Making sure that food outlets are aware of the strict rules around providing ingredients information is an important part of the Trading Standards team’s job.

“Unfortunately, we have seen cases in the county where people have been harmed having had an allergic reaction after eating food products, so we’re keen to prevent this and protect consumers wherever possible.”

People with food allergies should also read ingredient labels carefully, ask about the ingredients in meals, and be aware of cross-contamination risks when eating in restaurants or at social gatherings.

Those with serious allergies should carry emergency medications with them at all times. It is also recommended that they inform their dining companions, servers and chefs of their allergies to ensure their safety.

People can report cases where food is not correctly labelled to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08082231133.

Further information about food allergies is available at Allergy UK.

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A man has been arrested following the discovery of a cannabis grow at a property in Stoke-on-Trent.  Staffordshire Police attended an address off St Nicholas Avenue in Norton last week, following reports of suspicious activity.

On arrival, officers found more than 250 cannabis plants at the address, and a man was located at the property.

A 43-year-old man, of no-fixed-address, was arrested on suspicion of cultivating class B drugs. and inquiries are ongoing.