Action has been taken after illegal cigarettes were found at an address in Stoke on Trent.

Working in partnership with Staffordshire Police, a tobacco dog detection team, and Trading Standards, officers have uncovered over 120,000 illegal cigarettes, with a retail value of almost £75k

The counterfeit cigarettes were discovered in a self-store unit in the Hanley area, together with 430 illegal vapes that have a retail value of close to £6k.

The items have been seized and the person renting the storage space will now be formally investigated for Trade Marks and Tobacco relating offences.

Cllr Carl Edwards, cabinet member for housing and environment, said: “This is an offence that we take very seriously and we will always take action against anyone found to be involved in the storage, distribution or supply of illegal tobacco.

If any residents or businesses have concerns over the supply or sale of illegal tobacco, they can contact the trading standards team on: public.protection@stoke.gov.uk.

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Residents on Stone Road, Trentham requested a speed limit change outside of their properties on the A34 northbound approach to the Hanford roundabout.  Following concerns about reduced visibility when leaving their driveways, residents asked Stoke-on-Trent City Council to review and make changes to help with road safety, and a speed limit reduction from 40mph to 30mph was proposed.

Cllr James Smith, cabinet member for infrastructure, heritage, and development management said: “We have carried out an assessment following this request and there is considered to be sufficient justification to reduce the speed limit at this location.  No objections were received to the proposals and as such, it is proposed to make this Traffic Regulation Order in the interests of avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using this section of the A34”

The work on the new road markings will be undertaken this week and the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will be operational and enforceable from Friday.