Community Speedwatch Volunteers are urgently wanted in the Sandyford & Goldenhill area. There are lots of complaints about the possibility of an additional 400 properties being built on Sandyford’s Hollywall Lane, along with a petition already started by local residents.
Sandyford & Goldenhill Residents Association is aware that traffic chaos is a main objection to why these properties should NOT be built, especially when it is further proposed that 800 plus houses could be built in nearby Packmoor as well as those ear marked for Harriseahead.
With Sandyford and Packmoor combined you are looking at a possible addition of 2,400 vehicles emerging into Sandyford itself.
The reason for wanting volunteers to join the speedwatch team, which is supported by the police is to officially evidence the amount of vehicles in our area now, and at times can exceed 1,000 vehicles in a one hour time slot.
The residents association has been advised that any traffic evidence gained would support reasons not to build properties as is suggested or if planning permission is agreed, then a better road infrastructure would be needed. So a petition might be one way to stop future house building, but rock solid evidence to prove the road network can’t cope with any more vehicles must certainly warrant you as local residents to join the speedwatch group for as much or little time as you can spare and help in a positive way.
TO JOIN THE SPEEDWATCH TEAM PLEASE CONTACT TOM SIMPSON ON ANY OF THE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS
Local Plan Feedback Forms are at Sandyford’s One Stop Shop, Goldenhill Community Centre & Goldenhill Medical Centre, which include proposals to build up to 400 homes at Sandyford’s Hollywall Lane.
The feedback forms must be completed and returned to Goldenhill Medical Centre at the latest by 10.00 a.m. on Monday 20th October.
Residents who do not have access to the internet have made a request to have feedback forms where they can respond in writing, which is what the residents association and councillor have arranged, so please take advantage of this opportunity.
A community group has been praised by a football club boss for its fighting spirit. Port Vale FC co-owner Carol Shanahan and chief executive Matt Hancock paid a visit to Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents’ Association’s latest meeting where they spoke about the club’s community work.
The club is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. And Carol is one of the notable Stoke-on-Trent figures to be featured in the 100 Years 100 Faces artwork unveiled on Marsh Street, Hanley, to mark the city’s centenary.
She has described Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents’ Association (SAGE) as the “biggest and best residents’ association in Stoke-on-Trent”.
She added: “You fight for what you want and fight for what you need. We came six years ago when (husband Kevin Shanahan) and I bought Port Vale. It was a bonkers thing to do but do I regret? Not in the slightest – I love it.
“We have been promoted and relegated, but what I am really proud of is the work our team has done in the community. We delivered 175,000 meals during lockdown and we phoned people and stood in gardens to have a cup of tea and chat.
“Yes, the football is important and we have got to get that right, but what we have also got to get right is the community work. One of the reasons Stoke-on-Trent is such an amazing city is the social connections you have grown over the years.”
The club’s community actions include setting up Golden Valiants sessions for over 55s to meet up and socialise. The group proved so successful in bringing people together they began visiting one another at home, the meeting heard.
Matt said: “There are so many of you, your family and friends, whose lives have been centred around the football club. Since 2019 we have almost doubled the attendance. A big drive is the impact we make on people’s lives, not just on Saturdays but Monday to Sunday when we are delivering stuff out in the community. We have parent and toddler groups and the community lounge, offering advice and support.”
He added that the club couldn’t take their eyes off football however, and it remained a priority. “We have a huge women and girls’ team now, which goes from strength to strength”, he said.
“We also have disabled teams and walking football teams. So many people proudly wear the Port Vale crest.”
Crime has fallen by 10 per cent and at least 90 people have been arrested as part of our #problemsolvingpolicing patrols across Staffordshire.
Officers have been carrying out extra shifts across 19 different locations as part of our strategy to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour affecting local people and businesses.
Since 6 May this year, we’ve put our resources and effort into making sure we tackle the main concerns of local communities, including anti-social behaviour, serious violence and knife crime. Using extensive local crime data in a problem-solving approach, we’ve carefully designed patrol plans for officers to carry out increased visibility and engagement in the areas most affected by crime in Staffordshire.
Here’s the results just under five months later for the areas we’ve targeted:
A ten per cent decrease in overall crime
Knife crime reduction of 26 per cent
A four per cent reduction in serious violence
More than 90 arrests made by officers on targeted patrols
At least 160 stop searches carried out3,900 different engagements recorded with local people
2,700 separate retail engagements recorded
1,400 recorded engagements with licences premises
47 drug seizures
65 vehicle seizures
(Data from 1 May 2025 to 29 September 2025 when compared to the same period last year)
At yesterday’s drop-in session at Goldenhill Community Centre 09.10.25, which was organised by Councillor Kanneganti and Sandyford & Goldenhill Residents Association that outlined how Stoke-on-Trent will grow and develop between 2020 and 2040 sustainably. It set out the scale and location of future development and providing long-term policies to support housing, employment, green spaces, and essential services for residents and businesses.
Concerns residents have in regards to the proposed building of up to 400 houses on Sandyford’s Hollywall Lane, and numerous comments of it being a done deal, which it is not. Even if the development is passed by council planning, then there are things that can be done before it happens as in the main concern of highway traffic.
Sandyford and Goldenhill Residents Association operate a speedwatch group which is run through Staffordshire Police, and the main topic picked up at the drop-in session was to build evidence of the amount of traffic using Sandyford’s highways. This is where we need you as local residents to join the speedwatch team because we have been advised to build up as much evidence as we can, which will be a central point to if the development goes ahead, and how the infrastructure will facilitate this or not.
So if anyone would like to be positive and support your residents speedwatch group, then please make contact through our social media pages.
The city council held a drop-in session yesterday 09.10.25 at Goldenhill Community Centre between 4.00 p.m. & 7.00 p.m. to discuss the local plan, which involves land where up to 400 new homes are proposed for Sandyford’s Hollywall Lane.
Unfortunately, after many disgruntled residents opposing the development on our social media pages, and repeatedly reminded of the event that only 33 residents attended, which when officers from the City Council Planning Department were present they were surprised at the low turnout, along with Sandyford & Goldenhill Residents Association and Councillor Kanneganti.
Residents will say they never received a leaflet drop to remind those not on social media, but the council nor the developer are required to do this, although the Sentinel reported the meeting, the council put posters up in the area, and you have a dedicated residents group and councillor who take to social media to remind as many residents as they could to attend the meeting.
It is a pity the turnout was low because some interesting facts were given about the plan, and how to give constructive comments regards the local plan moving forward.
The council is holding a drop in session where residents can find out more about the Draft Local Plan and the Goldenhill & Sandyford event is tomorrow Thursday 9th October, 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Goldenhill Community Centre, Drummond Street/High Street, Goldenhill, ST6 5RF.
The Draft Local Plan outlines how Stoke-on-Trent will grow and develop between 2020 and 2040 sustainably. It sets out the scale and location of future development and provides long-term policies to support housing, employment, green spaces, and essential services for residents and businesses.
RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED TO ATTEND THIS VERY IMPORTANT EVENT BECAUSE THIS IS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU TO EXPRESS YOUR VIEWS AND INPUT, WHICH IS ESSENTIAL NOT ONLY FOR OUR CITY’S FUTURE BUT ALSO FOR SANDYFORD & GOLDENHILL.
Councillor Chandra Kanneganti & Sandyford & Goldenhill Residents Association have arranged for the city council to hold a consultation event in regards to the draft local plan, so residents are aware of what is happening in the Goldenhill & Sandyford Ward.
The council is holding a number of drop-in sessions across the city where residents can find out more about the Draft Local Plan and the Goldenhill & Sandyford event is arranged for Thursday 9th October, 4.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Goldenhill Community Centre, Drummond Street/High Street, Goldenhill, ST6 5RF.
The Draft Local Plan outlines how Stoke-on-Trent will grow and develop between 2020 and 2040 sustainably. It sets out the scale and location of future development and provides long-term policies to support housing, employment, green spaces, and essential services for residents and businesses.
More information about the Draft Local Plan can be seen at:
Staffordshire Police are appealing for information following a non-stop collision in Stoke-on-Trent.
At around 11.40pm on Friday (3 October), a black Ford collided with a white Ford which was parked on Oxford Road, Fegg Hayes. The black Ford then flipped onto its roof and the occupants fled prior to police arrival.
Our investigation is ongoing.
We are appealing for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage of the area at the time to get in touch. Call 101, quoting incident 868 of 3 October, or use Live Chat on our website.
To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Students can be a prime target for fraud and cyber crime. Whether you’re banking, browsing, shopping, dating, gaming, or sharing content on social media, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself. Follow these steps to secure your personal and financial information.
Job Application Fraud
Students looking for job opportunities can be targeted by fraudulent adverts aimed at stealing personal information or money. Students might be asked for an upfront payment for a fake consultation or extra help finding a job, but the fraudster does not deliver. Stay safe by:Fraudsters will often use fake job adverts and impersonate legitimate companies to lure job seekers. Always do some research to check that you’re dealing with a genuine employer. A legitimate employer or agency will not ask you for money to work for them. Look out for job offers that claim they can make you rich quickly and offer incredibly high salaries for very few hours. Use trusted recruitment websites to find jobs and research an employer to check they are real before handing over any personal details.
Rental Fraud
Looking for student housing? Rental fraudsters often target students looking for university housing, asking you to pay advance fees for properties that don’t event exist. Follow our tips here:Always view the property: You, or someone you trust, should view the property in-person before you sign any contracts or make payment. Overseas students and workers: If you need to secure accommodation in the UK from overseas, seek advice from the employer or university you are coming to. If you are unsure about anything a prospective landlord is asking you to do, speak to a trusted friend or family member, or seek professional independent advice. Signs of fraud: Use the information provided in the property listing, such as the address and photos, to look online for what other information you can find about the property you would like to rent. Fraudsters often steal information from legitimate listings to create fake listings of their own. Payment: Where possible, avoid bank transfer payments; use credit or debit cards for better protection against fraud.
General online safety tips
Here’s how you can protect yourself further as you start your new university year:Protect your accounts: Use unique passwords for each account. A strong password is key—try using three random words and enable 2-step verification (2SV) for extra security.Pay safely: Avoid paying by bank transfer and don’t feel pressured into quick payments. Use a credit card for online purchases whenever possible.Beware of unsolicited messages: Fraudsters often use emails, texts, and social media to lure you in. Always double-check before making any purchases or paying upfront fees.
Report suspicious texts or scam calls to 7726 (free of charge).
Have you been a victim to fraud?
If you’ve lost money or shared financial information due to online fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, contact Police Scotland at 101.
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