Author: Andy Smith

Fundraiser set up to help local mum

Telford NewsTelford People

Several notable sports figures have donated items to a draw to encourage donations. Olympic Champions Galal Yafai and Lauren Price have provided two signed gloves and two signed pictures.

For every £5 donated via a JustGiving page, an entry is given into a draw. The closing date for entries is 19th December.

The link to the fundraising page is: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/leeandrichiehelpliza

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Student council selects ‘really meaningful’ charity to support

HighlightsTelford News

Telford College’s student council is supporting a campaign to reduce the number of young people affected by suicide.

The student council said it selected the ‘really meaningful’ charity because of its work to shatter the stigma surrounding suicide, and to equip young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to emotional distress.

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Hospitals Trust secures £2 million for reducing wait times

FeatureTelford News

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) has been named the most improved trust in the country for cutting planned care waiting times, securing £2 million in capital funding. Performance between April and September saw a significant 14% improvement in the 18-week referral to treatment figures. The national target aims for 92% of patients to receive treatment within this timeframe.

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MP’s Christmas card campaign to raise funds for cancer charity

FeatureTelford News

Shaun Davies, Member of Parliament for Telford, has this week unveiled his annual Christmas card, created in partnership with a group of 11 local businesses. 

No taxpayer funding has been used for the design, manufacturing or delivery of the card. The card is being delivered by Royal Mail.

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2k enter the Telford 10k this weekend

Telford NewsTelford Sport

Just under two thousand runners will descend on Telford Town Park on Sunday for the 41st Telford 10k Road Race.

The multi-lap course is known to be very fast, and while a section of the Silkin Way is closed due to a sinkhole, the revised route still uses the park paths, starting at the Southwater Town Park entrance. It will offer a fantastic opportunity to see some of the fastest road runners in the country in action.

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Telford targeted, but it can’t be that bad, can it?

FeatureHighlightsTelford NewsTelford Talking Shop

Andy Smith takes a look a worrying piece of news about Telford, but tries to put a brave face on it.

In a story by Harry Warner on Joe.co.uk headlined “All 23 UK towns and cities on Russian ‘target list’ revealed by ex-Russian Deputy PM“, Telford gets a mention, and I’m excited, proud and disappointed all at once.

First a bit of background.  An ex-Russian Deputy PM has p…

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Telford MP hosts SEND Roundtable

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

Shaun Davies, member of parliament for Telford, has taken an important step toward understanding the education system for children with special educational needs by hosting a roundtable earlier this month at Parents Opening Doors.

Shaun was joined by parents with lived experience in the division as well as key partners in the community; Telford & Wrekin Council, CVS and Parents Opening Doors (PODS).

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Costs still outpacing turnover for ‘worried’ Shropshire businesses

HighlightsTelford BusinessTelford News

Many businesses said they were still feeling the effects of her 2024 announcements, which piled on extra staffing costs – and said wage demands were showing no sign of easing.

One employer from the manufacturing sector said: “Business owners are workers too, and probably work more hours for a lower hourly rate than most. I may consider selling up or moving the company abroad.”

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Lion House opens to provide specialist supported accommodation

FeatureTelford News

Lion House, a new specialist residential facility, has opened its doors in Telford, transforming the long-stalled site of the former Red Lion pub.

The scheme features 11 self-contained apartments, a large communal area, and dedicated staff facilities. Each apartment includes assistive technology to promote independence while ensuring professional support is always available.

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Winter of Action: Safer streets for a festive Telford and Wrekin

FeatureTelford News

Backed by the Home Office, the initiative will deliver a zero-tolerance approach to nuisance drinking, anti-social behaviour, and disorder, while also providing compassionate support for those who need it most.

The winter months bring increased retail activity, seasonal events, and busy night-time economies. Winter of Action addresses these challenges head-on through targeted enforcement, environmental improvements, and community engagement through to January.

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Telford MP Welcomes £5 Million in New Funding for Local Bus Services

Telford News

Shaun commented: “I’m really pleased to see more than £5 million coming to Telford for our bus services. Reliable and affordable buses are vital for people across our town and this money is a positive step forward. It can help lower fares, improve routes and make bus travel safer and greener.”

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Top family films to get you in the Christmas mood

Telford EntertainmentTelford News

The festive period brings with it the perfect excuse to curl up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and enjoy a great Christmas film. From animated adventures to slapstick comedy, there’s a movie out there to get everyone in the spirit. Jason Wright has compiled a list of ten must-watch classics that define the family holiday experience…

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Christmas events open at Exotic Zoo

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

A festive Christmas Village and Santa’s Grotto have officially opened at Exotic Zoo on selected dates across December.

The zoo team at Telford Town Park have constructed new wooden cabins for the Christmas Village, which is open from 4pm – 7pm on selected dates. Local businesses will trade from the new cabins, and the Candy Cane Café will be open for boozy hot chocolates, mulled wine, and food. Twinkling lights will guide visitors around the festive market stalls, and you can also see the twilight zoo animals. You can visit the Christmas Village without the Grotto by pre-booking or paying on the day.

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New cafe is home for detective trail

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford News

The Agency Patisserie & Tea Rooms has opened its doors, aiming to blend hospitality, retail, and cultural activities to keep visitors in the area longer. Owner Angie Bainbridge secured a business start-up grant from Telford & Wrekin Council’s ‘Pride in Our High Street’ programme.

The tea rooms are open seven days a week and will offer seasonal afternoon teas. The themes will change monthly, based on events like Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Easter.

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High Street heroes recognised ahead of Small Business Saturday

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford News

A total of 29 High Street Heroes have been crowned in towns across the Borough – nominated by local residents, members of the public and businesses who use their services and feel they make a valuable contribution to the local community.

Councillors presented business winners with trophies and certificates in six Borough towns including Dawley, Ironbridge, Madeley, Newport, Oakengates and Wellington in the run up to Small Business Saturday on Saturday 6 December.

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£100,000 Drugs raid arrest

FeatureTelford CrimeTelford News

A man has been arrested after an estimated £100,000 worth of class A drugs was discovered. 

The arrest was made yesterday morning (Thursday 4 December) by Telford Central SNT at an address on Jim Hicks Drive in Stirchley. 

Officers discovered a large quantity of class A, and class B drugs. It is estimated the class A drugs hold a street value of around £100,000.

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Community support blossoms at Wellington station

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

The platform at Wellington Station is looking brighter and more welcoming, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Friends of Wellington Station and some fantastic support from the local community and organisations.

A significant addition to the station comes in the form of brand-new planters which were crafted by talented students Tyler Klimowski and Lucas Davies from Telford College. “We are absolutely delighted with the new planters,” said Kath Howard for the Friends of Wellington Station.

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Telford’s defence growth ambitions taken to the top

Telford BusinessTelford News

“By taking our case directly to the top off the MOD, we are making sure ministers understand the scale of opportunity here. We have outstanding defence organisations with hardworking and skilled men and women and a first-class supply chain in our town that I am very proud of and I know we can do even more. I am committed to ensuring Telford’s voice is heard at the highest level.”

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Telford Bike Hub wins national award for community engagement

FeatureTelford News

Based in Telford Town Park, the hub offers a variety of bikes and scooters for residents and visitors, including e-bikes, recycled bikes and adaptive bikes. The team works closely with schools, parent groups and local organisations to help people build confidence and enjoy cycling.

The award recognises projects that make a real difference in local communities by encouraging active and sustainable travel.

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Hospital seeks volunteer buggy drivers

Telford NewsTelford People

The volunteer-run buggy service plays a vital role in improving accessibility for those who may find the hospital’s long corridors or distances challenging. 

Volunteers at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) provide a friendly face and a reassuring presence, offering lifts between the main entrance and clinics.

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Telford cyclists fare better in recently released collision data

HighlightsTelford News

New data has highlighted regional road safety, revealing that more than 150 cyclists were injured in traffic collisions across the West Mercia Police area over the last year. While Shropshire tops the list with 45 injuries, Telford & Wrekin is in third place, recording 22.

Of the 168 recorded incidents, the outcomes for riders were often severe. The police data logged two fatalities, 51 serious injuries and 115 slight injuries.

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Students host festive afternoon tea event

Telford News

Students from Burton Borough School in Newport laid on an afternoon of festive treats to showcase their skills and entertain invited guests.

School principal Caroline Bedford said: “The afternoon featured a lively Christmas quiz that ended in a tense tie-break, festive music, cracker pulling and a beautifully decorated room that set the perfect seasonal tone.”

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McPhillips funding helps tackle social isolation through innovative buddy scheme

Telford BusinessTelford News

The charity has been committed to making life better for people facing challenges in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin communities for 60 years and the scheme focuses on getting people out of their homes and back into their communities, helping them rebuild confidence and social connections after experiencing challenges such as bereavement, long-term illness, or domestic violence.

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More police seen, say residents

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

A new quarterly perceptions survey shows residents of Telford and Wrekin are the most likely across the whole West Mercia region to see a police officer or PCSO on a weekly basis. One in four (25%) of the local population reported seeing officers this frequently. This represents a significant rise of 7% compared to the same period last year.

Confidence in West Mercia Police remains steady at 80% across the force area. Almost 6 out of 10 people in Telford and Wrekin feel the force is doing a good or excellent job (57%).

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Four young Warriors earn national basketball place

FeatureTelford NewsTelford Sport

Shropshire Warriors are celebrating a proud moment after four rising stars from the club were selected for the prestigious Basketball England Aspire 25/26 programme. The players are now attending camps as part of their development journey.

The four young athletes represent the Telford-based club across multiple age groups and include Jasmine and Kaitlyn from the U15 Girls team, Huwie from the U13 Boys team, and Brandon from the U15 Boys team.

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Historic school exceeds sale price

HighlightsTelford News

The former Church of England School on St Luke’s Road in Ironbridge, known locally as the ‘Blue School’, proved to be a popular lot at Halls’ final property and land auction of the year, selling above its guide price for £125,000. The Grade II listed building was part of a successful collective property and land auction on Friday that saw 17 lots sell for a combined total of £2.2 million across Shropshire and Cheshire.

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Planning Inspectorate announces dates for next step in Local Plan process

Telford News

Councillor Carolyn Healy, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Planning and Sustainability, said: “We welcome the Planning Inspector’s announcement of the dates for the Local Plan examination hearings. This is another important milestone for the new Local Plan, which will not only guide how our borough develops, but also sets out how we will protect green spaces and care for our existing communities.”

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Aviramp launches ‘game-changing’ new chair lift

Telford BusinessTelford News

World-leading aviation ramp specialist Aviramp has officially launched its latest innovation – and says it marks a major step forward in improving passenger accessibility.

The Telford-based manufacturer has unveiled the Aviramp ChairLifter – a purpose-built and solar-powered lift for Electric Mobility Aids (EMAs) such as mobility scooters.

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New inclusive living development in Ironbridge

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

A new supported living scheme has welcomed its first residents in Ironbridge. The Heritage Walk development includes 12 purpose-built supported living homes, developed by Telford & Wrekin Council in partnership with the learning disability charity Hft and housebuilder Lioncourt Homes.

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Head Boy Joe finishes swim challenge

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

A student at Haberdashers’ Abraham Darby has completed a massive 21-mile swimming challenge this month, raising a remarkable amount of money for Cancer Research UK.

Joe Costello, 17, finished his final lengths on Saturday morning, achieving his goal of swimming the equivalent width of the English Channel.

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Increase in number of consultants recruited at hospital Trust

Telford News

The numbers applying for consultant roles has risen at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) with 33 consultants, including both substantive and NHS locum consultants recruited since the start of this financial year on 1 April 2025.

In addition, several more consultants are currently under offer and progressing through the onboarding process with support from the Trust’s Medical People Services team.

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Telford Community Basketball CIC Wins National Positive Impact Award

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford NewsTelford PeopleTelford Sport

Telford Community Basketball CIC has been recognised as the national winner of the Positive Impact Award at the prestigious Growing Business Awards 2025 in London.

The organisation, which began its work in 2019, was honoured for transforming lives across the UK by creating a community where age, ethnicity, background, and religion do not restrict belonging.

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Fixed: Remembrance bus stop mural restored

FeatureTelford News

Telford & Wrekin Council has acted quickly to repair damage caused to a cherished bus stop mural in Leegomery, Apley, after it was defaced with white paint overnight on 21 November.

The artwork, created by local artist Neil Willis, featured poignant Remembrance scenes with the Union Jack flag, poppies, and soldiers. Its vandalism generated widespread sadness and disappointment among residents.

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Telford Day celebrations tomorrow

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

A special celebration is taking place tomorrow as the town marks its first Telford Day, with activities revolving around the new Christmas Yurt. The festivities begin on Saturday, November 29, in Southwater and run for over a week.

Tomorrow is the official Telford Day, marking the date in 1968 when the new town was established. Residents are invited to join the celebration, which includes the opening of the Made in Telford Christmas Makers Market, open daily from 10am until 8pm.

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