Author: Andy Smith

Food bank donation in time for Christmas

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

Students at a Newport secondary school have made generous donations to the town’s food bank to help those in need in time for Christmas.

The pupils at Burton Borough School collected over 250 items, and Newport Food Bank manager of volunteers Matt Partridge visited the school to receive the donation.

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Newport swimmers give cracking performance at Christmas gala

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford Sport

Swimmers from Newport & District Amateur Swimming Club delivered outstanding performances at its inaugural Christmas Cracker open meet with 60 podium places. 

The talented squad of 34 competed in the event on 6 December at Wolverhampton Central Baths, showing their strength across all age groups and disciplines, taking home 23 gold, 15 silver and 22 bronze medals.

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Drop in sessions announced for HMO consultation

Telford NewsTelford Noticeboard

A number of drop-in sessions are being held where people can find out more about the proposals on:

Thursday 18 December at Meeting Point House from 4 to 6pm

Thursday 15 January at The Anstice from 5 to 7pm

Tuesday 27 January at Cosy Hall, Newport from 5 to 7pm

Friday 20 February at Ketley Community Centre from 5 to 7pm (focus on additional licensing consultation)

Thursday 5 March at Meeting Point House from 5 to 7pm (focus on additional licensing consultation)

People will be able to complete the consultations online at the drop-in sessions as devices will be available

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Donnington couple smashes target, raising over £61,000 for Severn Hospice

Telford NewsTelford People

A local couple from Donnington, are being hailed as community heroes after their latest fundraising effort pushed their lifetime total past an incredible milestone.

Ian and Donna have now raised an astonishing £61,000 for the Severn Hospice, thanks to years of dedication and community support.

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Schools join forces for a special celebration of music and community

HighlightsTelford NewsTelford People

Students from 13 different Shropshire schools came together to give a very special musical performance.

The Learning Community Trust hosted the first-ever performance of its LCT Choir at New Road Academy in Telford, describing it as a milestone in its mission to unite students through creativity and shared experiences.

Full gallery on the website.

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Owners commit to AcoustaProducts future in Telford

Telford BusinessTelford News

The growth of engineering business AcoustaProducts is set to accelerate following its parent company’s long-term commitment to the firm’s manufacturing base on Stafford Park, Telford.

AcoustaProducts is now poised to prosper after its owners, Avon Group, announced it has acquired the freehold on the premises. The site will now be transformed into what is described as a “world-class” environment.

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Podcast project challenges misconceptions about college life

Telford NewsTelford People

Telford College is working with Telford & Wrekin Council on a pilot project designed to challenge popular misconceptions about life at a further education college.

Students from the college’s creative and music department have teamed up with the Telford & Wrekin Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) team to shoot a new video podcast.

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Spotlight on West Mercia Police’s performance

Telford CrimeTelford News

While there was a decrease in some specific offences—including a 26% drop in business and community burglary, 12% reduction in vehicle offences and an 8% reduction in shoplifting—the overall rise is noted in the data.

Tackling crime and supporting victims is a core priority for the PCC. The figures show victim satisfaction rates remain largely positive, indicating progress in support services.

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New homes ready in St Georges regeneration project

HighlightsTelford News

Nuplace tenants are beginning to move into new homes in St Georges as a major regeneration project.

The brand new new homes for private rent starting at £900 per month, located at the Gower, are now ready for occupation.

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Contribution of Special Constables to be recognised with discounted council tax

Telford News

In a ground-breaking scheme, the PCC is working with local authorities in Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin with a view to giving those Special Constables, who volunteer more than 200 hours of their free time, the opportunity to claim 25% off their council tax bill.

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Telford hotel brings Christmas joy to local children

HighlightsTelford News

Christmas came early for some Telford and Shropshire families last week as an independent hotel opened its doors to support Little Stars Charity.

Hadley Park House Hotel has a packed programme of Christmas events, but staff took time out of their busy schedule to put on a magical Christmas party for families facing the challenges of the continuing cost-of-living crisis.

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Transicon’s Jennifer Hughes named among Britain’s Great 100 manufacturing leaders

Telford BusinessTelford News

Launched by the Made in Group, the Great 100 recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to strengthening British industry.

Jennifer was selected for being a champion for the sector, for driving and supporting sustainability practices, investing in skills and demonstrating innovation and continuous improvement.

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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

Telford 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

Telford 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?

HighlightsTelford 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

Telford 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

Telford 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

Telford 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

Telford 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

Telford 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

Telford 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

Telford 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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