Thousands of children across North Staffordshire are heading back to school today - with the roads expected to be busy again. For the last six weeks rush-hour has been relatively quiet on usually busy roads as families took time out for the summer holidays.

But the vast majority of schools are back open today after a number had inset days on Monday as well as Tuesday. Motorists around Birches Head and Hanley should be aware of the one-way system now running from Milton Road in Sneyd Green down to the Birches Head junction due to ongoing waterworks in the area.

Those works are also taking place in Birches Head too. In welcome news for A53 drivers, as the schools all get back open, the temporary lights in Stockton Brook have now gone.

But over in Newcastle and it will be busy around the t

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