Date: 22 November 2025
From Settle to Chatterley Whitfield: Potteries Party Calls for a Community-Owned Green Energy Future
The Potteries Party is calling for the creation of a community-owned Green Energy Hub at Chatterley Whitfield, inspired by the success of the Settle Energy Local Club in North Yorkshire — a pioneering model that allows residents to generate, share and benefit from locally produced renewable energy.
Cllr David Mountford has been examining the Settle scheme, which brings together residents, small businesses and renewable generators to create a fair, locally-controlled energy market. Members use smart meters, shift usage to match local generation, and pay a community-agreed tariff — keeping more of their money in the local economy instead of going to big energy companies.
“What Settle has achieved shows what’s possible when a community takes ownership of its energy,” said Cllr David Mountford. “Chatterley Whitfield could lead Stoke-on-Trent into a new era — from coal to clean power — where profits, skills and opportunities stay local.”
The Potteries Party is proposing that Chatterley Whitfield become a flagship site for community-owned renewables, including solar generation, battery storage and EV charging, all under local cooperative ownership. The benefits could include:
Lower energy bills through fair local tariffs.
Profits reinvested in fuel-poverty schemes and community projects.
Local training and jobs in installation, maintenance and renewable tech.
Energy security and reduced reliance on profit-driven national suppliers.
Heritage renewal — turning a former colliery into a beacon of sustainable industry.
The Party is calling for a community cooperative model, backed by a local energy masterplan, to ensure residents, community groups and small suppliers are involved from the start — not added as an afterthought.
“If Settle can do it, so can we — and on a bigger scale,” added Cllr Mountford. “Chatterley Whitfield can be the place where Stoke-on-Trent leads Britain’s next energy revolution — powered by the people, for the people.”
The Potteries Party Stands In Solidarity with PCSOs Over Unfair Changes to Terms and Conditions
The Potteries Party has declared its full support for Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who are currently raising grievances over proposed changes to their terms and conditions.
PCSOs play a vital role in keeping communities across the Potteries safe - often serving as the first point of contact for residents, tackling anti-social behaviour, supporting missing person searches, and providing much-needed reassurance in neighbourhoods.
Over the past week, Cllr David Mountford has been working behind the scenes to support PCSOs in their efforts to secure fair treatment. This includes direct correspondence with UNISON branch 12388, pledging full solidarity and offering advice as both a Unite WM6110 branch committee member and long-standing trade union activist.
In addition, Cllr Mountford has enlisted support from the Unite 6110 branch to ensure it becomes a cross-union campaign, standing shoulder to shoulder in defence of workers' rights.
The Potteries Party reaffirms its commitment to defending frontline workers and ensuring that those who serve the public are treated with dignity and respect.
Solidarity with our PCSOs - Your fight is our fight
Labour Councillor David Mountford crosses the floor to The Potteries Party
The Potteries Party is proud and honoured to announce that David Mountford, councillor for Great Chell & Packmoor, and formerly a member of the Labour Party, has joined us. His decision marks a major step forward in our campaign to give Stoke-on-Trent back its voice — a voice rooted in the community, not dictated by Westminster.
Cllr Mountford said:
“I became a councillor because I wanted to give something back and serve my community. And whilst it has been hard work, it has also been an honour. The Labour Party used to be my party — it was the party of my parents. I used to be proud of what it stood for and what it wanted to achieve for our communities. Unfortunately, the Labour Party is no longer that party. In truth, I am not leaving the Labour Party; the Labour Party has left me, and it has let down the communities that voted for them and for me.
My conscience told me that I could no longer do the best for my community whilst being a member of a party that continues to impose the very hardships it was trusted to alleviate — a party that once listened, served, and represented its communities.
I was brought up to understand that solidarity is a verb. In the Potteries Party, I have found good people with a hunger to improve our communities — not with an ambition to further their own political careers, but with a desire to put something back and help restore the spirit of community. The crest of my football team says ‘United Strength is Stronger’ — and now, more than ever, this rings true.”
The Potteries Party has been gaining momentum across North Staffordshire, growing as an alternative built on honesty, integrity, and inclusivity. Unlike the national parties, it is run by and for local people, who understand and focus on the real needs of our communities.
To celebrate this important milestone, we are inviting supporters and residents to a special social gathering at The Glebe Inn, Stoke, on Sunday 21st September at 7 p.m. The evening will feature live music, inspiring speeches, and free food — including lobby, with both meat and vegan options available.
This event is both a celebration and a call to action: together, we can take politics back into local hands and build a stronger, fairer future for all our towns and communities within the Potteries.
Tuesday 9 September 2025