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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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‘Elf and Safety puts paid to Hadley’s Merry Christmas

FeatureTelford News

Health and safety rules are proving to be an insurmountable obstacle when it comes to hanging a ‘Merry Christmas’ sign from a bridge in Telford, a meeting heard.

The sign at a pedestrian and cycle bridge over Britannia Way in Hadley had been a feature of the festive season and its absence has prompted comments and speculation on social media.

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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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Tighter rules for HMOs on cards as Telford cabinet triggers consultation

FeatureTelford NewsTelford Talking Shop

Landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) in Telford will face paying for stricter rules under council plans to tighten planning and licensing regimes.

Telford & Wrekin Council’s ruling cabinet has decided that now is the right time to go for a range of measures because of the impact that concentrations of HMOs are having on parts of the borough.

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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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Two controversial Telford children’s home plans set to be decided next week

FeatureTelford News

One of the proposals, for a property in Donnington, will return to Telford & Wrekin Council’s planning committee for a second time after councillors deferred a decision to go on a site visit.

The other plan for a home for up to three children in Dothill saw 57 objections, including from Wellington Town Council, and was called in to be decided at Wednesday’s meeting by councillor Karen Tomlinson (Liberal Democrats, Shawbirch & Dothill).

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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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‘No pollution found’: Environment Agency response

FeatureTelford News

The water tests recorded that for the “chemical parameters analysed, no pollution was identified”.

A spokesperson for the EA said: “We understand local concerns and our officers have responded by testing the water in July and September which showed there was no pollution in the brook.

“The Hurley Brook is not a designated bathing water and is unlikely to become one due to its location being within the urban area of Telford.”

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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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Telford bungalows built 10 inches higher than allowed given permission to stay

FeatureTelford News

Developers who built two bungalows in Telford nearly 10 inches higher than approved have been allowed to keep the ground level changes, despite objections.

Residents and St George’s and Priorslee Parish Council objected to the retrospective application from Ashlee Homes for the properties in Freeston Avenue, St Georges.

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[Ad] The team at Currys Telford Forge Retail Park are excited to share some Christmas cheer!

FeatureTelford News

We’re reaching out to our local support community, customers, and colleagues to support a charity very close to our hearts—Birmingham Children’s Hospital. A heartfelt thanks to Katarina Kreates for creating our wonderful display.

We kindly ask for small donations or toiletries for patients aged 16 and above. These will be delivered to the hospital on 17th of December.

Catherine’s Mascots will also be joining us, bringing some fun characters to visit the children and spread joy during this special season. Thank you in advance.

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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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Shropshire hospitals’ chief gives update on winter preparations

FeatureTelford News

A Shropshire hospitals chief has told other county health leaders that everything is “on track” for their winter preparations.

The board of NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin heard that a key date is Monday, December 1, when new beds and arrangements at the acute hospitals in Shrewsbury and Telford start to become available.

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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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Pedestrian involved in supermarket car park collision

FeatureTelford CrimeTelford News

A large Police response at a Telford supermarket this afternoon. Multiple police vehicles and personnel were on scene at Farmfoods in Ketley in Telford.

Police have said that “Following a report received around 3pm this afternoon (27 November), officers are currently at the scene of a collision between a pedestrian and car within a car park off Holyhead Road in Telford.”

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Student buzzing after beekeeping film wins festival prize

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford NewsTelford People

Film Production student Taylor Smith won Best Documentary at the recent Napier Student Film Festival, which celebrates student filmmakers from around the world.

Taylor, 21, from Telford, said: “It feels amazing to have won this award because I am incredibly proud of this documentary. It was really fun to make and it felt very rewarding when it was complete. I was happy with how it turned out, so it’s really nice to know that other people also felt this way when they watched it.”

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£400,000 to support Telford residents to become more active

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

The initial funding award of over £400,000 will run until March 2027, with work focussing on understanding why people aren’t currently active; supporting them to find ways to change; support that continued active lifestyle and build healthy habits across children, young people, health, social care and green spaces so that all people can enjoy a healthy lifestyle.

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Tighter controls on Telford HMOs up for discussion

FeatureTelford NewsTelford Talking Shop

The article 4 direction would remove the option for landlords of smaller HMOs to use permitted development rights and would therefore require them to seek planning permission for a new HMO, regardless of size. Existing HMOs would be unaffected by these changes.

The planning changes would allow the Council to know where all HMOs are located and to consider what the impact of new HMOs would be on the wider community and local services.

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Shropshire companies give Budget the thumbs-down

FeatureTelford Business

A wide range of firms said there was little in Rachel Reeves’ long-awaited and much-leaked speech to give the business community the confidence it needed to thrive in the coming year.

Telford-based civil engineering and construction contractor McPhillips, which directly employs 240 people and has delivered more than 140 projects worth £300million in the last five years, said today’s budget “fell short of the mark”.

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Housing unit for care leavers approved on second attempt

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

Planners at Telford & Wrekin Council have told Elpis Children Services Limited that they accept that four young adults and carers can form a household meaning that there is no technical change of use of a property in Great Dawley.

The decision means that the company does not have to go through the full planning application process for the move.

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£50k plan for supervised toothbrushing in Telford

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

Earlier this year Telford & Wrekin Council was given £50,984 to after the Government announced plans to implement a national targeted supervised toothbrushing programme for children aged three, four and 5 years in the most deprived communities.

This week the council’s health and wellbeing board will be updated on how the Brilliant Brushers scheme is doing.

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Change to change the way prescriptions are ordered

FeatureTelford News

The Prescription Ordering Direct (POD) service is being decommissioned and phased out by the end of November. The phone- and email-based system was introduced in 2016/17 to help reduce medicine waste.

But a review found that it duplicated what some GP practices and the NHS app was already doing. Its cost on the local health and care system was put at more than £1 million each year.

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£400k Rates rise at new fire HQ ” was not anticipated”

FeatureTelford News

Shropshire’s fire service has been hit by an un-anticipated £400,000 increase in its rates bill after work at Telford’s fire station increased the value of the property, a meeting was told.

“That figure is currently with a consultant who is working on an appeal on that number to verify that that number is in fact correct.” said Joanne Coadey, the head of finance at the fire authority.

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Telford Day And Christmas Activities Launching 29 November

FeatureTelford EntertainmentTelford News

There is less than a week to go before the first Telford Day event kicks off a host of celebrations and Christmas activity in Telford.

The Made In Telford Christmas Makers Market will launch Telford Day activities and will be open from 10am in Southwater featuring local artisan crafts. Alongside the market, the Christmas Yurt will have activities on throughout the day including a film screening of Cinderella with children’s activities from 10.30am.

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Be safe in your car, FLOWER

FeatureTelford News

This year’s theme, Safe Vehicles Save Lives, highlights the importance of vehicle safety in preventing collisions and reducing casualties. In 2024 in Telford and Wrekin there were 150 casualties, of which 37 were seriously injured with three fatalities, a reminder of how vulnerable everyday road users can be.

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Tennis and Padel announcement for Telford Tennis Centre

FeatureTelford NewsTelford Sport

Telford & Wrekin Council have announced a new long term partnership agreement with We Do Tennis Community Interest Company (CIC) which will see further growth in the tennis programme and a significant investment to bring the sport of Padel to Telford Tennis Centre.

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‘Dig in and fight’ – Opponents rally against Newport housing plan

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

An estimated 100 residents flocked to the village hall in Church Aston on freezing Thursday evening to hear that Councillor Eade, the Conservative group leader at Telford & Wrekin Council and representative for Church Aston & Lilleshall, has “called in” the application for a decision by the planning committee.

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Charity shop returns to refurbished Oakengates store

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford News

ExtraCare is now up and running at its original location in Oakengates town centre after a temporary move to 33 Market Street.

Oakengates ExtraCare charity shop, which works to create better lives for older people, is now back to 39 Market Street after the unit and shop frontage was completely refurbished.

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Parish council cuts carbon footprint by 85 per cent

FeatureTelford News

A parish council’s achievement in cutting its carbon footprint by 85 per cent drew a “sharp intake of breath” at a recent conference in Telford, a meeting was told.

Hollinswood & Randlay Parish Council has invested more than £120,000 in the last few years on replacing gas with air source heat pumps and solar panels on community buildings.

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Local man’s decision to share ‘journey that changed him’

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

A Telford cancer patient held a very special launch last week of his newly published book – written to help others feel ‘less alone’.

Pete Jackson from Lawley in Telford, was part of a delegation from Lingen Davies Cancer Support, who travelled to London last week for the official launch of the charity’s Sunflower Appeal in Westminster. The timing coincided with Pete’s new book ‘Keep On Keeping On’ and the 62-year-old was able to share his story with assembled guests.

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Conflict over new parking rules

FeatureTelford NewsTelford People

New parking rules have been brought in across Hollinswood & Randlay in recent weeks to deal with town centre workers and shoppers who have been leaving their cars all day in residential areas, especially on Deercote.

Councillors reported that residents have been “really upset” after challenging people over parking who then became “abusive.”

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Aviramp signs breakthrough five-year deal with global giant dnata

FeatureTelford BusinessTelford News

Telford based Aviramp completed the deal with global powerhouse dnata at this year’s Dubai Airshow, where it demonstrated one of its pioneering solar-powered ramps in partnership with the firm.

Aviramp boarding ramps and bridges are used when an aircraft is parked on a remote stand and offer a safe, dignified alternative to stairs and separate ambulifts for wheelchair users and those passengers with reduced mobility.

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Parish council in Telford celebrates receiving cancer charity’s Founding Member status

FeatureTelford News

A parish council in Telford celebrated achieving Founding Member status with a regional cancer charity’s £5m appeal.

Hollinswood & Randlay Parish Council has set about raising at least £2,000 for the Lingen Davies Cancer Support’s Sunflower Appeal.

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