News in Telford, Shropshire
The February Half Term Activities Brochure is available online, with full details of times, locations, prices and booking links.
Families across Telford and Wrekin can access a variety of action-packed sessions this month as the council unveils its February half term activity programme. Running from Monday 16 to Sunday 22 February, the scheme is designed to help young people stay active without breaking the bank.
Read moreResidents across Telford and Wrekin are being urged to share their views on new planning and licensing rules designed to improve the standards of shared housing.
The council is looking to introduce an Article 4 Direction and additional licensing to help manage Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs). Under current rules, only HMOs with five or more people require a license, and those with six people or fewer often don’t need planning permission.
Read moreA local independent author has released a new children’s fantasy book after being challenged to do so by the pupils he works with in Telford. Joe, who works with children aged between 2 and 11, wrote The Fae in the Faraway Forest following a specific request during a school breakfast club.
Read moreA call for tougher laws to punish people who comment on active criminal cases has been made by Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard. The local MP has raised concerns about social media posts regarding defendants before they reach trial.
Read moreReview: The Muppet Show makes a triumphant return
Kermit and the gang are back! The 2026 reboot of The Muppet Show has landed on Disney+, featuring a guest appearance from Sabrina Carpenter.
Jason Wright takes a look at the new release of the classic TV show an incredible 50 years on from the first.
Read moreAfter a decade of trading in the town, the team confirmed they will be moving out around the end of March.
Read moreEmergency services were called to the A518 Wellington Road in Lilleshall on Saturday afternoon following a collision involving two vehicles.
Read moreThe women had waited years for this moment. As they filed into Court 4 in Telford, a TV screen that would once have been considered large was filled with a man that pleaded guilty to a number of offences, including rape.
A small figure now, beamed in from Shrewsbury Crown Court, Joshua Turner was about to be handed his sentence. Or so everyone thought.
Finley, an 11-year-old football fan from Telford, has launched his own clothing brand while searching for answers to a mystery illness.
He has now launched L8N, a clothing brand featuring the slogan “Strong even when resting” to reflect his own journey.
Read moreThe new legislation, which updates rules that have been in place for more than 70 years, introduces unlimited fines and gives police enhanced forensic powers to catch irresponsible owners.
Read moreTwo brand new local nature reserves are set to be proposed in Telford & Wrekin as the council aims to have the equivalent of 1,050 football pitches covered by the special protected status.
The designations would protect the sites from development and mean that the borough would have 27 LNRs.
Read moreAn independent review of Telford & Wrekin Council has praised the organisation as a high performing authority with strong and visible leadership.
The Local Government Association Corporate Peer Challenge reported that the accolade of Council of the Year 2025 reflected the quality of service delivery across the borough.
Read morePolice officers are appealing to identify the people pictured as they believe they could help with their enquiries into shop thefts in Telford.
Read moreThe next-all out election across the borough is set to take place in May, 2027 and the plan is to have the new arrangements sorted out before then.
There are currently 102 polling districts in the borough as a whole, with 56 in the Telford parliamentary constituency and 46 in The Wrekin.
Read moreMark Pritchard said: “Aspirin is needed by many hundreds of people across The Wrekin every week. The current shortage is having real life impacts on people, so the government needs to ensure the supply chains are fully restored as soon as possible.
Read moreMuch of the debate among councillors was about what could be done to protect the next door neighbour in Pemberton Road, Admaston, who is “already in distress” at the prospect.
The application was put to a committee to decide the issue after 38 objections were made by members of the public.
Read moreA self confessed ‘non gardener’ has hung up the secateurs after 15 years volunteering with a gardening group in an award winning park.
Colin Thompson, 82, from Priorslee, first joined The Friends of Telford Town Park (FOTTP) in 2010 – and was on hand just three days after meeting them.
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Jacqueline and John Yorke at Telford & Wrekin Council's planning committee on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Picture: LDRS
A former Telford parish council leader told planners that a new £3.8 million community centre “must proceed” despite concerns that local council tax payers will have to foot the bill.
Read moreThe venue is hosting a Valentine’s Day afternoon tea on 14 February, followed by pancake building on 17 February. Visitors can also mark Chinese New Year from 17 to 27 February with a themed menu and lantern making crafts.
The attraction is introducing character appearances at no extra cost to standard entry. Chase from Paw Patrol will visit on the afternoon of 16 February, and Princess Elsa from Frozen is scheduled for a sing-along on 21 February.
Read moreThe transfer of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust to the National Trust on 2 March will lead to 47 redundancies, it has been revealed.
Bosses say the changes are needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the world-famous museums in the Gorge.
Read moreI went to find out what the refurbishment means for those running businesses in the market, speaking to long-standing traders, newer arrivals and those who have already had to relocate due to the works.
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Shaun Davies MP with Woodside Councillors Kelly Middleton and Helena Morgan, along with the Managers of the Elizabethan, and Director Sarwan Samrai.
Plans for a new fish and chip shop and a pub refurbishment are moving forward in Woodside following a combined…
Read moreCouncillors in Wellington sped through a committee meeting’s agenda in just over seven minutes before excluding the press and public.
Item eight was to close the meeting to the press and public so they could discuss a personnel report and get an update on the recent purchase of the town centre’s former Halifax bank branch.
Read moreOfficials at Telford & Wrekin Council had refused permission to extend the Homelands Park site, at Mossey Green, Ketley Bank citing drainage concerns.
Officials had been concerned about how rainwater and sewage would be drained off the site and what would happen if a pump failed.
Read moreThe Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is now the second best performing in the country for its 28-day faster diagnosis standard. This is a massive turnaround from a year ago when the trust sat in last place.
Ned Hobbs, Chief Operating Officer, said: “We have made significant and sustained progress on seeing and diagnosing patients who are referred to SaTH with suspected cancer as quickly as possible. This is down to the determination of our teams to improve our 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard performance for our patients.”
Read moreThe Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard has written to the government and local council seeking urgent clarification on where asylum seekers will be housed in Telford. Following reports that the Madeley Court Hotel will stop being used for such accommodation within weeks, questions remain about where the residents will be moved to.
Read moreFriends, neighbours, colleagues and volunteers joined together yesterday in aid of the region’s primary cancer charity – to raise awareness and encourage more conversations about cancer.
Read moreAlex Cochraine, 20, is now working at Furniture Link at Hortonwood 60 in Hadley after impressing bosses during a Supported Internship programme while studying at Telford College.
The programme helps young people with special educational needs or disabilities gain workplace experience.
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In support of World Cancer Day and the Lingen Davies Sunflower Appeal, Southwater One will be lit in yellow tonight.
A major fundraising campaign to develop the first dedicated cancer treatment centre in Telford and Wrekin has been given a significant boost, thanks to a quarter of a million pounds match-funding commitment from Telford & Wrekin Council.
Read moreA 33-year-old man has been sent to prison following a series of incidents in the Madeley area of Telford.
Chad Bailey appeared at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 28 January where he pleaded guilty to assault and two counts of shoplifting.
Read moreTelford College student Hayden Gibbins is excelling in the Sea Cadets while training to become an instructor and inspiring younger members.
The Telford-based TS Wrekin group is part of the national Sea Cadets charity, which supports more than 14,000 young people aged 10–18 across the UK through adventure-based learning inspired by the Royal Navy.
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Sarah Davies with Simon Whitehouse from the NHS at the opening of the Clinical Skills Centre at Telford College
A delegation from Telford College will be attending a reception at the House of Lords this month to celebrate being shortlisted for a national award.
The college has been named as a finalist in the prestigious Apprenticeship and Training Awards, where it is one of four finalists in the ‘innovation in training and delivery’ category.
Read moreThe court heard how the offences took place between September and October last year. During a trip to Shrewsbury on 9 September, Stevenson stole a turntable worth £99.99 from HMV and over £300 worth of clothes and underwear from H&M.
She then focused on stores in Wellington throughout the rest of the month. On three separate occasions, she took hair care products, razors, Lynx, and fake tan from Boots.
Read moreJonathan Beatty Thomas, 36, appeared at Telford Magistrates’ Court on 29 January following a visit to Greggs earlier that month.
The visit was a breach of a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) handed to him in November last year.
Read moreFigures show that 69 patients spent more than eight hours in ambulances waiting to be admitted to Shropshire’s acute hospitals last December.
Ned Hobbs, SaTH’s chief operating officer, said: “We are very sorry that some of our patients have experienced longer waiting times to receive handover from the ambulance service to our emergency departments, and longer waiting times to be admitted to our hospitals than we would want.”
Read moreDevelopers are set to tell Government inspectors that Telford & Wrekin Council’s local plan is “legally non-compliant” over the issue of providing homes for the Black Country and Birmingham.
Read moreHousing Plus Group is preparing to open the doors at Barnes Court, a purpose-built development at Ellen Ross Close designed for people aged 55 and over.
The site features 66 apartments, 10 bungalows and communal spaces, with a full-time coordinator based on-site.
Read moreThe Home Office has confirmed that Madeley Court will stop being used as asylum accommodation within the coming weeks.
Shaun Davies MP said: “This is the right decision for Telford and for the people who have been living in the hotel. “
Read moreTelford & Wrekin Council has begun the search for an independent chair to head up a new board overseeing a £30 million investment into the south of the town.
The Pride in Place South Telford Neighbourhood Board will lead a ten-year programme focused on Woodside, Brookside and Sutton Hill. The funding includes £20 million from the government and a further £10 million from the council.
Read moreThe peace in Market Street, Oakengates has been restored after council officers seized a haul of entertainment equipment.
A TV, DJ deck, and various speakers were among the items taken away. Every piece of equipment was photographed and inventoried by the team as part of the enforcement process.
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General view of the golf course at Telford Hotel and Golf Resort, Great Hay Drive, Sutton Hill, Telford. Picture: Google Maps
A Telford hotel has lodged plans for an additional 11-bay golf driving range at its site in the Ironbridge Gorge.
The Telford Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort at Great Hay Drive, Sutton Way, already has an eight-bay range but wants to refurbish those and add to the golfing offer.
Read moreA 53-year-old man has appeared before magistrates after stealing from two stores in Telford. Khalid Mahmood, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a shop when he appeared at Telford Magistrates’ Court last week.
Read moreEmergency services were called to Stebbings in Sutton Hill on Sunday afternoon following reports of a house fire.
The fire involved a mattress which had been set alight against the side of a property.
Read moreA man described by magistrates as a professional criminal has been given a suspended sentence after a series of thefts from shops in Wellington and central Telford.
Thomas Price, of Saville Close, appeared before Telford Magistrates’ Court on 26 January to face six charges of theft from a shop.
Read moreAuditor KPMG is ‘anticipating’ giving the council an “unqualified” audit report and officials told a scrutiny committee that its budget is a “really positive place to be”.
The council’s audit committee was told that technical amendments to property and pension valuations have had no effect on the final budget for 2024-25.
Read morePerkins slapped the infant three times, resulting in bruising and a burst blood vessel in one of the child’s eyes.
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Celebrating the launch of the new 340 bus service from Whitchurch-Market Drayton-Wellington (Pic: LDRS)
The 340 links Whitchurch, Market Drayton and Wellington, taking passengers to railway stations, Telford College and the Princess Royal Hospital.
Buses operate from Monday to Saturday, starting at 7.05am from Whitchurch and 7.10am from Wellington.
Read moreThe Post Office branch in Market Street is set to close its doors in just over two weeks, leaving residents to travel further for services. A spokesperson for the Post Office confirmed the branch will shut on 16 February at 5.30pm following the resignation of the current operator.
Read moreThe Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is saving £30,000 a year following the installation of a new dialysis delivery system at Hollinswood House.
David Roberts and Jeremy Harris from the medical equipment team coordinated the move to a Central Delivery System.
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Alfie Higgs, Assistant Quantity Surveyor at Lovell, Andrew Anthony, District Youth Lead for St John's Ambulance, Councillor Richard Overton and Sam Hine, Social Value and Inclusion Manager at Housing Plus Group
A group of developers have come together to give the St John Ambulance training centre in Wellington a fresh new look.
The building on Haybridge Road has been completely repainted as part of a social value programme tied to the New College development on King Street. The work was carried out by sub-contractor Deluxe on behalf of a partnership including Lovell Partnerships, NuPlace, Telford & Wrekin Council and Housing Plus Group.
Read moreTelford & Wrekin Council made payments of £12,431,116 in respect of a private finance initiative (PFI) contract last year, budget papers say.
The council has a 28-year PFI contract in place for the building and servicing
of school and leisure facilities at Hadley Learning Community and Queensway for £289m.
Residents of a Shropshire parish have until February 10 to call for a by election following the resignation of a councillor.
Ercall Magna Parish Council says it is looking for an enthusiastic and interested person to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Councillor Chris Grant.
Read moreTelford and Wrekin is one of the top locations in the country for predicted business growth in 2026. According to the Growth Flag report, the area ranks third nationally, with 14 per cent of local firms expected to achieve high growth next year.
Shrewsbury was nowhere to be seen.
Read moreSome 38 objections to the change of use of a three-bed family home in Pemberton Road, Admaston, to a care facility for up to three children were lodged by the public.
Applicant Turnstone Residential Ltd wants to provide a home for up to three children between the ages of seven and 17 under the care of two full-time staff members and one manager, “in a safe and secure environment”.
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Kirsty, who has been with SMI for six years, was previously the company’s Operations Manager and Health & Safety Officer, while Jayne, who joined SMI eight years ago, was previously Finance and HR Manager.
Thermal insulation specialist Seymour Manufacturing International (SMI) has announced new job roles for two key members of staff in recognition of their service.
The Telford-based company, known for its award-winning Tempro® thermal insulation material, has promoted Kirsty Murrell to Chief Operating Officer, while Jayne Meakin is now Chief Financial Officer.
Jane Trowbridge, High Sheriff of Shropshire, Kim Gilmour, Connect Marketing and Anna Turner, Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire. Credit: Katherine Anastasia
Kim Gilmour, of Connect Marketing, a freelance consultant, received a High Sheriff’s Award in recognition of her annual Posh Frocks Charity Dinner, which has now raised over £42,000 for a variety of charities over the last 25+ years.
Read moreTwenty-six of the 33 people who left the council in 2024-25 cost the authority up to £20,000 at a total of £167,856.
One individual who departed the council in that year had a package of £132,466, with six others making up the difference to the £682,401 total, the figures reveal.
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Police located and arrested a man in possession of crack cocaine, heroin, and approximately £13,000 in cash at an address in the town. (Pic: West Mercia Police)
The driver and sole occupant of a red VW Polo was detained in his vehicle having discarded a quantity of class A drugs as well as a burner style phone nearby. Following a search of an address, £13,000 cash was recovered.
Read moreA new care home focused on sustainable living is preparing to open its doors on Marsh Meadow Way in Redhill this April.
Archbridge Manor, operated by Crystal Care Collection, has been built with several eco-friendly features designed to reduce its carbon footprint while providing residential, dementia, and respite care.
A meeting this week will be told that the current ‘clustering’ of NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin with Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent is set to be a full ‘merger’ in 2027.
Staff who have been caught up in a government shake up of commissioning bodies will find out soon if their applications for voluntary redundancy have been accepted.
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