Welcome to the rolling news live blog where you'll find all the latest news and traffic, travel, sport and weather updates for Burton and the surrounding area.

If it's happening, you'll hear it here first.

If it's happening in the wider world and we think you'll be interested, this is where you will find it.

We will keep you up to date on all you need to know.

We're hoping you can be our eyes and ears in your own communities so if you spot something going on you can tweet reporter Helen Kreft at editorial@burtonmail.co.uk or call us on 01283 245032.

Travellers set up camp outside Mercure Burton upon Trent Newton Park Hotel

The hotel says it is aware and is investigating
The hotel says it is aware and is investigating

A small group of travellers have pitched their caravans outside a popular hotel near Burton.

The Mercure Burton upon Trent Newton Park Hotel, in Newton Road, Newton Solney, says its operator Jupiter Hotels is aware that travellers and their caravans are camped out on the grass verge in front of the hotel.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

That's all, folks.

Ben will be back bright and early with the latest news at 7am. Night night.

  • Share

RSPCA is hiring as it looks to employ a new care assistant to look after the animals

RSPCA has a position available for those who love animals
RSPCA has a position available for those who love animals (Image: Getty)

Animal lovers who dream of spending the day surrounded by cute kittens and adorable puppies could be in luck as the RSPCA is looking to hire staff.

The Derby and District branch of the charity, based in Abbey Street, in the city, has launched a search for a care assistant to join the team in a bid to provide help and support for animals and their owners.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Second Swadlincote sign reveals another spelling error after 'Derbeyshire' debacle

A spelling error has appeared on a traffic sign in Swadlincote for the second time in two days. Sub-contractors employed by Derbyshire County Council do not seem to be locally-based after making two spelling errors on signs designed to alert traffic to future roadworks in the town.

The county council said it apologises on behalf of its sub-contractors and is asking them to check the signs properly before printing.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Alton Towers announces Scarefest 2017 dates and features

Scarefest 2016 at Alton Towers. Pictured is dead bride Amber Johnson
Scarefest 2016 at Alton Towers. Pictured is dead bride Amber Johnson

Alton Towers has announced the return of its most “spook-tacular” event – and is warning thrill-seekers to expect a horrifying Halloween.

The resort will be transformed into a petrifying park of horrors when Scarefest returns on October 7, 8, 14 and 15.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Christmas cards are available to buy in Burton and South Derbyshire - in the middle of August

Burton Mail senior reporter Helen Kreft, has been out into Burton town centre, with the report of Christmas cards have been seen on the shelves.
Burton Mail senior reporter Helen Kreft, has been out into Burton town centre, with the report of Christmas cards have been seen on the shelves.

Merry Christmas everyone! Sorry for getting a little ahead of myself. We are still in the middle of summer after all so you can be forgiven for thinking it is a bit early to celebrate the festive period by anyone’s standards.

However, we wish you good tidings because if you shop in Burton, South Derbyshire or Uttoxeter you can start buying Christmas cards right now – 131 days before they will actually be December 25.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Burton's very own 'love it or hate it' Marmite revealed as most banned food at airport security

Passengers were able to swap their banned Marmite jars for a more travel-friendly jar
Passengers were able to swap their banned Marmite jars for a more travel-friendly jar

Marmite has been crowned as the number one prohibited branded food item which is confiscated from travellers’ hand luggage.

A study has revealed that Brits can’t live without a jar of their favourite Burton spread when travelling abroad – with London City Airport unveiling that it is one of the most intercepted items by security officials.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Big names could be coming to Burton Shopping Park development as latest plans are submitted

New image shows how Burton Shopping Park will look from its Lichfield Street entrance
New image shows how Burton Shopping Park will look from its Lichfield Street entrance

New images for a multi-million shopping park in Burton town centre have been revealed as the latest proposals are submitted.

If the new plans are approved for the Peel Croft ground and neighbouring buildings it will help fund the town’s rugby club’s move to new facilities. The rugby club has played at Peel Croft for more than 100 years.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Everything we know so far about the fire at Bella Italia...

A fire has broken out at the back of an Italian restaurant in Burton.

Smoke was seen billowing out of the back of Bella Italia, in Middleway Retail Park, today, Wednesday, August 16, at around 2.30pm.

Bosses at the Italian eatery called in fire crews who were quickly on the scene to put of the flames.

Read the full story here.

Bella Italia, Burton in Middleway Retail & Leisure Park
Bella Italia, Burton in Middleway Retail & Leisure Park
  • Share

Fire at Bella Italia restaurant in Burton

The fire at the Bella Italia restaurant in Burton is being dealt with by fire officers.

The officers attended the scene, at Middleway Retail and Leisure Park.

The fire has been described as a small shed fire but it is not yet known what started it.

  • Share

Smoke seen coming from Bella Italia in Burton

A small gush of smoke has been seen coming from the Bella Italia restaurant in Burton.

It is not yet known what is causing the smoke at the Italian themed diner, sat in Middleway Retail & Leisure Park.

A worker from the restaurant has confirmed that fire services are on their way.

Bella Italia, Burton in Middleway Retail & Leisure Park
Bella Italia, Burton in Middleway Retail & Leisure Park
  • Share

Armed police swoop on Uttoxeter car park youths after reports they 'pointed guns out of windows'

Armed police dramatically swooped on Uttoxeter’s main car park last night after reports young men were brandishing guns.

A specialist weapons unit arrived at the Maltings at around 6pm on Tuesday, August 15, to confront the youths.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Alternative routes to avoid gridlock caused by St Peter's Bridge closure

The news of a three month closure to one of Burton’s busiest bridges has caused outrage and concern among residents who use it daily to go about their business.

Last week it was revealed that St Peter’s Bridge, in Stapenhill, would close for three months to replace “life expired” bearings, which if left to deteriorate, would result in a weight limit being introduced on the bridge.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Getting ready to collect your A-level results?

Next week, thousands of students up and down the country will be anxiously opening the results they have anticipated for months.

A-Level results day is on Thursday, August 27, meaning many pupils will get the grades they need for university, but others will be left disappointed by their marks.

Although many envision the idea that university is the key to success, it’s vital to remember that it isn’t the only option available to students.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Ivanhoe Archery Club in Ashby left devastated by £6,000 arson attack

Arsonists have almost destroyed £6,000 worth of equipment belonging to an archery club forcing it to question its future.

The chairman of the Ivanhoe Archery Club, in Ashby, spoke out after a fire was started overnight inside one of its storage containers in Ashby.

Stephen Colledge said he was devastated by the fire inside one of two storage containers at Ivanhoe College, in North Street.

Read the full story here.

More than £6,000 worth of equipment was destroyed
More than £6,000 worth of equipment was destroyed
  • Share

Alternative routes to avoid gridlock caused by St Peter's Bridge closure

The news of a three month closure to one of Burton’s busiest bridges has caused outrage and concern among residents who use it daily to go about their business.

Last week it was revealed that St Peter’s Bridge, in Stapenhill, would close for three months to replace “life expired” bearings, which if left to deteriorate, would result in a weight limit being introduced on the bridge.

Read the full story here.

  • Share

Repairs to St Peter's Bridge are 'absolutely necessary' as it is currently structurally unsafe

A councillor who campaigned for vital funding to repair one of Burton’s busiest bridges has spoken about the need for essential works which will close the major route for three months.

Staffordshire county councillor Conor Wileman has been campaigning on behalf of the town to secure millions of pounds needed to repair “life-expired” corroded bearings on St Peter’s Bridge, in Stapenhill, since January.

Read the full story here.

This photograph of a life expired bearing shows the extent of the corrosion
This photograph of a life expired bearing shows the extent of the corrosion
  • Share

Heading to V Festival this weekend?

Staffordshire Police have made an appeal to all festival-goers ahead of V Festival at Weston Park.

From making sure you keep hold of all of your possessions to pitching your tent at the right place, the police have given their advice on keeping safe and secure while still being able to enjoy the music.

Thousands are expected to flood to the event and a Staffordshire Police spokesman has explained: “The best way to tackle crime is to prevent it in the first place and there are some simple things you and your friends can do to reduce the chances of you being a victim of crime.”

Read the full warning here.

  • Share

Shock as dozens of dead fish found floating at a pool in Hatton

Dozens of dead fish have been spotted floating in a pool in South Derbyshire, almost a year after more than 15,000 were killed following a sewage leak into the River Trent.

Footage showing the scale of the loss at a pool in Hatton was taken by Dave Throup, a manager from the Environment Agency, who is urging people to keep an eye out for fish in distress following his discovery.

Read the full story here.

Fish found dead in a Hatton pool
Fish found dead in a Hatton pool
  • Share

Traffic returns to normal on the M1

Earlier issues on the M1 southbound, between Junction 25 and Junction 24A has now been resolved and traffic has returned to normal.

This morning, delays were seen between Brian Clough Way, for Derby and Nottingham and the A50, for Derby, Stoke and East Midlands Airport, but this has now been sorted.

  • Share

Some traffic issues in Burton this morning

There is some slow traffic in the centre of Burton at the moment, particularly around the high street.

Traffic monitoring website Inrix has confirmed that traffic in both directions on the A511 Bridge Street is seeing some slow traffic.

Similarly, there are some delays on the A5121 Derby Road, in Burton in both directions.

  • Share

A night to forget for the Brewers

Burton Albion’s wait for a first Championship point of the season goes on after they were beaten 2-0 by Middlesbrough at the Riverside.

Against an expensively-assembled Boro side that boast one of the strongest starting XIs in the division, Albion saw class shine through, as an emphatic Britt Assombolanga double ensured a second away-day defeat to recently-relegated opposition in three days for Nigel Clough’s men.

A late red card for Hope Akpan made any hopes of a last-gasp reprieve even more unlikely - and the summer signing will now miss Albion’s next three outings.

Read the full report here.

Burton Albion midfielder Hope Akpan is shown a red card during the 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough
Burton Albion midfielder Hope Akpan is shown a red card during the 2-0 defeat to Middlesbrough (Image: Alex Dodd/Epic Action Imagery)
  • Share

Slow traffic in Overseal

Roads are gradually getting busier around Burton and South Derbyshire this morning as we head towards that 8.30am rush to get to work on time.

There is some slow traffic now in Overseal, along the A444 Burton Road, in both directions.

Around the B5004, Woodville Road and Lullington Road, roadworks in the area are causing the traffic to slow.

  • Share

Some delays in Woodville this morning

For those travelling near the high street in Woodville, you may experience some delays.

Traffic monitoring website has confirmed that there is some slow traffic on the A511, through Woodville in both directions in Woodville due to roadworks.

  • Share

Man reported missing while on canal boat holiday in Willington is found

A 55-year-old man who was reported missing while taking a canal boat holiday in Willington has been found, police have reported.

Derbyshire Police were today, Tuesday, August 15,appealing to the public for help in finding David Gardner, who went missing three hours ago.

Read the full story here.

David Gardner has been found three hours after he was last seen
David Gardner has been found three hours after he was last seen
  • Share

Today's weather

I hope you enjoyed the lovely, sunny weather yesterday because it’s not expected to last.

We could see a lot of cloudy skies today, with sunshine peeking through around 10am and into the afternoon from 3pm.

Rain is expected to set late tonight at around 9pm, but temperatures are expected to rise to roughly 20C for most of the day.

Weather in Burton and South Derbyshire is predicted to be sunny today
It's going to be cloudy, but warm today in Burton and South Derbyshire (Image: Getty)
  • Share

On the roads this morning...

Roads are looking fairly quiet this early Wednesday morning, and I’m sure many of you commuters will be hoping that will be staying the same.

There is some slow traffic on the M1 southbound however, between Junction 25, A52 Brian Clough Way, for Derby and Nottingham and Junction 24A, A50 for East Midlands Airport, Derby and Stoke.

  • Share

Good morning all!

Good morning folks, I’ll be with you throughout the morning and into the afternoon, giving you all the travel updates on your commute into the morning, weather updates so you can plan your day according and keeping you in touch with all the breaking news coming from the Burton area.

This evening, Helen Kreft will be taking over from myself, and helping you get home with more traffic updates and other breaking news from the region.

Today’s early morning readers picture is from local photographer Mac McCree, who took this lovely picture while out and about in Stapenhill Gardens.

This lovely photograph has been captured by local photographer Mac McCree, while out and about in Stapenhill Gardens.
This lovely photograph has been captured by local photographer Mac McCree, while out and about in Stapenhill Gardens. (Image: MAC MCCREE)
  • Share