30 YEARS AGO

● The Home Office announced plans to build a high security prison on land near Marchington. The unit would be capable of containing 600 prisoners across its three floors and inmates would include murderers and sex offenders. Staffordshire County Council strongly objected to the plans.

● Teams were being invited to take part in the annual boat race and bridge jump in Mappleton on New Year’s Day. Each person entering would have to donate £2.50 to charity.