Author: Andy Smith

Engineering employer hub discusses key skills issues

Telford BusinessTelford News

Representatives from some of the area’s biggest businesses attended Telford College’s latest engineering employer skills hub to discuss key staff development issues.

Among the businesses represented at the latest session were RBSL, Muller, Kraft Heinz, Aga Rangemaster, Hoshizaki Europe, Pickstock, i2r Packaging, Keysight Technologies, plus the NHS and Jobcentre Plus.

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New affordable apartments and bungalows for rent in Wellington

HighlightsTelford News

An upcoming event in Wellington will give local people the chance to explore brand-new retirement living apartments and bungalows soon to open at the former New College site on King Street.

Housing Plus Group is inviting anyone interested in affordable rental homes to drop in on Thursday 13 November, between 10am and 3pm, at The Wrekin Housing Group Wellington Hub, Tan Bank, TF1 1HE.

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Hospitals to gain new beds this winter

FeatureTelford News

A major financial boost for the county’s two main hospitals will help to improve access to urgent and emergency care for patients in Telford and across Shropshire. The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) is investing in Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) and Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) to create additional inpatient beds and assessment spaces ahead of the winter period.

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Old Fire Station is venue for special evening

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford News

Love Shifnal, in partnership with the Shifnal History Group, will host a special open evening at The Old Fire Station on Shrewsbury Road on Thursday 13 November, from 5pm to 6:30pm.

The event is open to Shifnal business owners and members of the public, offering a unique opportunity to explore the town’s rich history and heritage. Visitors will be able to view fascinating exhibitions and learn about Shifnal’s historic buildings and notable families, with insights provided by local historians.

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Family launch two Christmas light displays

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

A Dawley family are illuminating the area by decorating two houses this Christmas to raise money for a poignant local cause. The Pickerings are inviting residents to view their elaborate Christmas light displays which officially switch on this week.

The main display at 69 Webb Crescent, Dawley, is already shining brightly. The family have outlined the house and hedges with lights, creating a sparkling display in the front garden that is open for people to visit and take pictures.

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Support for male victims of domestic abuse highlighted

FeatureHighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

According to UK charity ManKind Initiative, one in every five men will become a victim of domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime, yet they make up only one in 20 victims accessing the support available from local specialist services. 

As today is Supporting Male Victims of Domestic Abuse Day, the PCC is highlighting the range of services he funds, that are available to men across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. 

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Rare commercial investment opportunity offered at Shifnal

Telford BusinessTelford News

Four, well-positioned commercial units and two yards at Shifnal Industrial Estate, Lamledge Lane, Shifnal are available on a 299-year lease for £480,000, reflecting a net initial yield of 10.2%.

James Evans, head of Halls Commercial, said Units 21A, 21B, 21C and 21D and Yards 6 and 7 are fully income-producing and represent a secure investment option, with a current net annual rent of £51,052.

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Six charities win funding for community-led projects

HighlightsTelford News

The fund has been split between six of the 33 applications for grants. Brightstar Boxing Academy, based in Shifnal, has been awarded the largest grant of just under £10,000 for its training academy. It plans to train at least 50 grassroots sports coaches to improve the quality and inclusivity of youth programmes across Telford and Wrekin. 

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Car crash leads to diagnosis of brain tumour

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

An aggressive brain tumour was discovered in a Shropshire man after he suffered a seizure while driving and was involved in a car accident. The discovery led to a devastating diagnosis for former Shifnal engineer Chris Blakemore, who died 17 months later.

His daughter, Carrie Stokes, has since raised over £9,321 for research into brain tumours by hosting a charity ball in his memory.

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Let’s get Telford on the Bake Off

HighlightsTelfoodTelford NewsTelford People

Could we get Telford represented in The Great British Bake Off?

Time to step up our baking game as the application window for the 17th series of The Great British Bake Off is rapidly closing. The production team is actively seeking a mix of contestants to reflect the range in age, location, gender, and diversity of amateur bakers in Britain, meaning a local resident has a strong chance.

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Details released for Wellington lights switch on

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

Wellington is set for a bright Christmas as the Town Council has invested significantly in a new festive lighting scheme across the town. The new LED displays, which are intended to enhance civic pride, will be officially switched on by Mayor, Councillor Reg Snell, on Saturday, November 29.

The investment is the first major renewal and enhancement of the festive lights in over a decade. Crucially, it has allowed for the scheme to expand into new areas. Residents will soon see new displays lighting up the neighbourhoods of Shawbirch, Brooklands, and Arleston, alongside a striking display on the busy Morrisons roundabout.

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Keira Mayhew: Trailblazer at British Citizen Youth Award 2025

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

The British Citizen Youth Award, now in its ninth year, honoured 22 young people from across the UK on Thursday 30th October, including Keira Mayhew from Telford.

This was the first time that anyone from Shropshire had been honoured. Each young person has made a positive impact on their communities or wider society.

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44 months for drug dealer who made £5k a day

FeatureHighlightsTelford CrimeTelford News

Andrew Lane, of Laburnam Lane in Telford, was sentenced on Friday (31 October) at Shrewsbury Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

During a police interview Lane admitted to making £5,000 a day from selling drugs, which he used to fund his lavish lifestyle, often enjoying holidays abroad to Mexico, Turkey and The Netherlands.

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Appeal launches for charity Tree of Light

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

The annual Rotary Telford Tree of Light appeal was launched on Monday inside the Telford Centre. Money raised will support seven local causes, including Severn Hospice, Hope House Children’s Hospice, The Telford MNDA, Telford Prostate Cancer Support Group, Telford MIND Support Group, Shropshire Search and Rescue, and the Veteran’s Cafe in Madeley.

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Shropshire Warriors winning streak

HighlightsTelford EntertainmentTelford NewsTelford Sport

The Shropshire Warriors Men’s National League team are riding high after a commanding 107–82 victory over the Walsall Wizards last weekend, their third consecutive win, and will be looking to keep that momentum going, as they return home to the Telford College Arena this Saturday.

Tip-off is at 4:00 PM on 1st November 2025, with doors opening at 3:30 PM at the Telford College Arena (Haybridge Rd, Wellington, Telford TF1 2NP) and better yet entry is completely FREE.

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Duo impress rugby star with 10 stone loss

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

Two women from Telford have celebrated reaching the finals of a national weight-loss competition after shedding more than 10 stone between them. Kelly Nurse and Carla Smith were two of only 42 women from across the UK and Ireland to reach the semi-finals of Slimming World’s Woman of the Year 2025.

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Three town council seats go to the ballot box

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

Residents across Telford are preparing to vote in a trio of crucial local by-elections next month as three vacant seats on various town and parish councils need filling. The polls will open on Thursday, November 20.

The three contests cover three distinct areas, prompting local parties and independents to put forward candidates to represent their communities.

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Shropshire charity recruiting for new leadership role

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

A long-standing local charity serving residents across Shropshire, Citizens Advice Shropshire, has begun the recruitment process for a new Chair to lead its Trustee Board.

The search comes as current Chair, Chris Boote, prepares to step down from the role in 2026 after six years leading the board. The new Chair will be joining an organisation that has served the community for more than 80 years.

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Wellington Cricket Club Big Blast on Saturday

HighlightsTelford EntertainmentTelford News

Wellington Cricket Club is gearing up for its annual fireworks spectacular, ‘The Big Blast’, this Saturday, 1st November, and organisers are urging people across Telford to buy their tickets now. The event is strictly online-only admission, meaning absolutely no tickets will be available to purchase at the gate.

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Telford’s Talbots Law expands Agricultural Law team

HighlightsTelford BusinessTelford News

Sara Pickerin and Nicholas Playford, who have more than 40 years’ collective experience in the sector, join the fast-growing firm as part of its commitment to supporting hundreds of clients in rural areas.

This latest growth in the Agricultural team forms part of the business’ wider expansion strategy, an expansion strategy that has seen it grow from £18m turnover in 2021 to more than £40m annual fees this year.

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Council vows to protect care for elderly residents

HighlightsTelford News

Telford & Wrekin Council is prioritising support for vulnerable people, particularly the elderly, as it grapples with a significant challenge to its budget due to soaring adult social care costs.

The Council’s Cabinet will next week review a financial monitoring report that outlines in-year pressures, the largest of which is in adult social care. This service, which was allocated £77 million at the start of the financial year, is now forecast to require an additional £14 million by the end of March 2026.

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Inspiring Elite Hampers recognised by SmallBiz100

Telford BusinessTelford News

Elite Hampers in Telford has been named as one of the UK’s 100 most inspiring small businesses for 2025 by the Small Business Saturday campaign, as it kicks off its annual call to champion and support the nation’s favourite businesses.

Elite Hampers, a corporate gifting business devoted to adding value to business relationships by providing a bespoke gifting service, was founded by Jeevan Punj in 2021.

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Charity’s delight as Council collaboration secures new Wellington home

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford News

The volunteers at Cats Protection Telford & District had been dismayed to discover their popular town centre market stall had not been safeguarded as part of the Wellington Market regeneration, however after months of negotiations, they will be supported by the Council’s Regeneration team to take over the space previously held by Spirit of Bulgaria in the Market Piazza, on Market Street, just inside the market gateway. 

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Something Sketchy: A Unique Comedy Project Unveiled

HighlightsTelford EntertainmentTelford News

Ask Seek Knock, the Shropshire-based production company with a focus on welcoming sets and accessibility, have unveiled the poster for their sketch show pilot project, Something Sketchy.

All sketches are written by Luke Allen but include a range of local crew, based on the location of the sketch. Sketches have been filmed in Birmingham, Telford, Bristol and London, celebrating regional talent and community collaboration.

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Man taken to hospital after fire

HighlightsTelford News

Three fire appliances were scrambled to The Ley on Tuesday (28 October) after a fire was reported at 6.29pm. Crews from Telford Central and Wellington fire stations attended the scene, where a ‘House Fire Persons Reported’ was initially declared.

Firefighters confirmed that all residents were accounted for shortly after arriving. One male was taken into the care of the West Midlands Ambulance Service.

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Leona praises ‘life-changing’ college experience

Telford NewsTelford People

Aspiring social worker Leona Jones has described her training at Telford College as a ‘life-changing experience’.

Sarah Capewell, employer relationship manager at Telford College who worked closely with Leona, described her as ‘a true inspiration’. “We are so proud of Leona, who is doing amazing things. It has been a true pleasure working with her.”

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Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub officially opens in Dawley

Telford News

A new space dedicated to supporting military personnel, veterans and families in Telford and Wrekin is now officially open.

The Christopher Turley Armed Forces Community Hub was officially opened at Dawley House, Burton Street, Dawley on Friday last week (24 October). It provides a community space for serving armed forces personnel, veterans, and their families, offering tailored support and services in a welcoming environment.

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Christmas Shopping Night in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

Dobbies Garden Centres is encouraging customers to come along to the Telford store on Thursday 27 November to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Customers at the Telford store will receive a glass of prosecco or a soft drink on arrival, the opportunity to book in to visit Santa in his North Pole adventure themed Grotto and enjoy entertainment from local community groups who have been invited to perform in store.  

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Fully funded Sales Development Programme launched

Telford BusinessTelford News

Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and delivered in partnership with Invest Telford, the Council’s business support team, the programme will offer a mix of tailored workshops and one-to-one mentoring for a wide range of SME businesses.

The training, delivered by European Innovation, will focus on practical methods to help businesses secure new contracts, improve sales performance and build sustainable growth.

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Glamour and generosity raise over £3,000

Telford NewsTelford People

An evening of sparkle, style, and spectacular generosity saw nearly 100 women gather for the annual Posh Frocks Ladies Charity Event, raising an impressive £3,036 for Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin.

Hosted at the Hadley Park Hotel in Telford on Friday 17th October, the sell-out event welcomed around 95 guests across 11 tables, all dressed to impress for a fun-filled evening in support of older people in the community.

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Award is in safe hands with star student Harrison

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford PeopleTelford Sport

The ‘Football and Education’ programme, which has been relaunched by Telford College this year, gives students the chance to obtain a sports qualification alongside a series of enrichment opportunities with the Premier League club.

The students get a chance to wear the famous old gold colours and represent Wolves Foundation in fixtures against other professional club foundation teams in the ECFL league.

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Telford Live TV – The one about Property

FeatureHighlightsTelford EntertainmentTelford NewsTelford People

The property landscape is the focus of the new Telford Live TV podcast, which launched this week. In the first episode, listeners are given an in-depth look at the housing market in the town with expert Lisa from DB Roberts.

The discussion highlights that a first-time buyer can enter the market with property values ranging from around £60,000 up to £220,000 for a three-bedroom semi-detached house.

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