Shropshire

A new surface on the Astro Turf football pitch at Shrewsbury Sports Village will open next Monday (22 July 2019).

Work started 10 weeks ago to replace the previous surface, as well as install new lighting on existing columns and repair existing fencing and goals.

Shrewsbury Sports Village AstroTurf pitch

These new improvements mean that the 3G pitch now has full accreditation from the FA and will be able to host affiliated football competitions.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, leisure, waste and communications, said:

“The all-weather pitch is an excellent facility and I’m delighted that the work to upgrade it is now complete.

“It’s great that we’ll now be able to host affiliated competitions, and it’s something that we haven’t been able to do recently. I’m hoping that it’ll open up the sport to many more people.”

Kevin Pardy, local Shropshire Councillor for Sundorne, added:

“This is a wonderful facility for the people of Shrewsbury and the surrounding area. It allows people of all skill levels and ages to experience a top-grade surface. I thank the authorities for ensuring the timing of the work to be done causes the minimal disruption for users.”

Managing the centre, Chris Stanbrook, Shropshire Community Leisure Trust’s partnership manager, added:

“We’re very excited about this upgrade to our football facilities. With the buzz created around the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup still fresh in the air, now is a great time to be introducing this high-quality playing surface at Shrewsbury Sports Village.”

An official opening celebration is planned for later this summer.

The post New surface for AstroTurf pitch at Shrewsbury Sports Village  appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

“Last week saw the arrival of the eagerly-awaited report from Tiger Geo on their ground- penetrating-radar and resistivity survey of the inner bailey of Shrewsbury Castle – and the results lived up to all expectations.

“The biggest anomaly detected lies just inches under the lawn right across from and parallel to the standing ‘Great Hall’ housing the Regimental Museum. A large spread of what appears to be walls buried by rubble, and possibly even a square tower, is the target of our excavation trench, commencing next week (22 July 2019): what it is, of course remains to be seen. A ground-floor hall of Henry II? Thomas Telford’s masons’ yard from his restoration campaign of the 1790s? By the end of July, we’ll have found out…

“Other fascinating targets are visible too but will have to await investigation by archaeologists in future years. For example, the motte appears to have had a ditch around its base that seems to have been infilled with rubble.

“Most intriguing of all is what appears to be a stone building with very deeply-founded walls, buried under the re-profiled western rampart, on a site that has been suggested in the past to be that of the medieval castle chapel of St Michael. Recorded in Domesday Book, this was ruined and roofless by the 16th century. But this is also the spot where the likely pre-Conquest defences meet the Norman castle perimeter; not only that but St Michael’s was almost certainly a pre-Conquest royal foundation. So it’s possible that, one day, excavation may locate the equivalent of St Michael Northgate in Oxford here in Shrewsbury, encapsulated in the Norman Castle.”

Here, Nigel discusses the results of the survey and how you can witness history being uncovered at Shrewsbury Castle:

Dr Nigel Baker, lead archaeologist on the excavation

The excavation will take place from Monday 22 July to Friday 2 August 2019 and will be led by local archaeologist Dr Nigel Baker and one of the most experienced archaeologists in the region, David Williams.

The excavation is part of a wider archaeology project funded by the Castle Studies Trust to help us better understand the history of Shrewsbury Castle and the stories it holds within its undiscovered archaeology.

Shrewsbury Castle will be open for the majority of the excavation (closed Thursday 1 August) for you to visit and learn more about the excavation and the Castle from the archaeologists themselves.

The excavation is a partnership project with Shropshire Council, University Centre Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Shropshire Archives and the Castle Studies Trust.

If you’re looking for things to do on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 July 2019, visit Shrewsbury Castle for the excavation open days.

As well as witnessing the first ever excavation of the Castle’s inner-bailey being excavated, you will have the chance speak with the archaeologists and volunteers on the dig, enjoy the stunning gardens.

The dig team will also be running free guided tours of the Castle so you can learn more about its’ history and why the excavation is so important.

For more information about the excavation, click here.

The post Blog: Geophysics results at Shrewsbury Castle appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Over 100 Shropshire residents engaged with a campaign that is aimed at improving the safety of West Mercia’s roads.

Last week (8-12 July 2019), Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and Shropshire Council came together to run ‘Roads Focus’ across the county. Over the five days, there were four drop-in sessions, held in Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry and Bridgnorth. On the last day, a free driver awareness session was held in Shrewsbury.

During the drop-in sessions, residents raised concerns about speeding through villages, the lack of pedestrian crossings in the larger towns, inconsiderate parking outside schools, people generally not feeling safe on the roads and the need for more awareness regarding farm animals on the rural roads.

Whilst there, people had the opportunity to speak to representatives from John Campion’s office, Shropshire Council and their engineering consultant WSP, West Mercia Police, the Safer Roads Partnership, and Pathfinder – a driving programme for under 17s, which allowed answers and information to be given there and then.

At the driver awareness session, the twenty attendees got the opportunity to test their knowledge with a Highway Code quiz, learn more about how to keep safe on the roads and how they can make use out of technology, such as dash cams, to capture dangerous driving.

PCC John Campion said:

“I was really pleased, and grateful, to see so many people come along to the sessions and I hope everyone found it useful. We rely on communities letting us know where the problems are, particularly for large areas like Shropshire, and we want to hear them so we can make a difference.

“I understand that not everything could necessarily be answered there and then, but I made a promise to make sure we respond to every concern or query we received across the week and I will see that that happens.”

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highway and transport, said:

“I’m really pleased that we were able to visit towns across the county to meet local people and listen to their concerns and questions about road safety in their areas. I thank everyone who took the time to come and talk to us and can assure them that we have taken all of their concerns on board and will give them the attention they deserve.”

The post Road safety campaign addresses community concerns appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Oswestry town centre

In March 2019 Shropshire Council submitted bids on behalf of Shrewsbury and Oswestry to the government’s Future High Street Fund, to access a share of the £675 million that has been allocated to support transformational projects to support towns and high streets.

The 50 areas that will be taken forward to the next stage have now been announced by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Goverment, and neither Shrewsbury nor Oswestry have been shortlisted.

Steve Charmley, Cabinet member for assets, economic growth and regeneration said:

“Earlier this year we submitted what we considered to be very strong bids on behalf of Shrewsbury and Oswestry for round one of the Future High Street Fund.

“Unfortunately neither Shrewsbury or Oswestry have been shortlisted in the 50 areas that have been taken forward to business case stage. Though this is disappointing, it’s not surprising given that the Fund was hugely over-subscribed, and our feeling is that Shrewsbury and Oswestry were considered to already have stronger high streets than those towns that have gone forward, and that we are making good progress at collaborating with partners to tackle the continuing challenges facing our town centres.

“For example, in Shrewsbury we’re working in partnership with Shrewsbury BID and Shrewsbury Town Council on the exciting Shrewsbury Big Town Plan project – and in Oswestry we’re working with Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry BID on the new Future Oswestry Group to help deliver activities and projects that will benefit the town, its residents and its businesses.

“But Shropshire Council is looking at all of our town centres along with town and parish councils and other local partners, including business. We recognise that in the future people will visit their town centre for reasons other than retail. Leisure and culture will be more important. This is why we will continue to invest and encourage others to invest to ensure that Shropshire’s towns remain vibrant and important to life in our communities and our county.

“However, we are in touch with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to find out more about our Future High Street Fund bid, and we plan to apply again when applications for round 2 of the Fund open.”

The post Update on Shrewsbury and Oswestry Future High Streets Fund bids appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is one of the jewels in Shropshire’s crown; a real working farm that gives a unique insight into country life before mass mechanisation and monoculture – and the perfect setting for a brand-new festival: FOLK at the Farm.

This coming Saturday, 20 July, Acton Scott hosts musicians, storytellers, poets, dancers, artists and makers in a celebration of some of the less-remembered aspects of local country life and culture.  Language and lore, tunes, superstitions, skills and crafts are all part of ‘Folk’ history and have helped to define our very special region.

Within the enchanting location of Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, with its pigs, poultry, cattle, sheep and heavy horses, FOLK at the Farm offers a full day’s programme of activities for adults and children: a special ‘Family Paddock’ with lots to make and do; musicians all around the site; a host of stories for young and old; poetry and writing workshops; talks; demonstrations of crafts and skills; food, drink and tempting things to buy; Morris dancing; encounters and surprises – and a chill-out zone for relaxation!

Aerial shot of Acton Scott Historic Working Farm by Drone Rangers

And should the sun decide not to shine – but of course it will! – most of the events will be under cover and Acton Scott has good accessibility for all abilities.  So don’t miss out; book now for a great day of FOLK at the Farm!

FOLK at the Farm is from 10am – 7pm on Saturday 20 July.  Tickets £30 (2 adults + 2 children); adult £15 (£10 OAP); child £6. Information and tickets available NOW at www.folkcc.co.uk or www.tickettailor.com/events/folk1 or on the gate.

Would you like to be in with a chance of winning some FREE tickets to FOLK at the Farm? Follow this link to find out how you can win! Entries close Wednesday 17 July 2019.

The post Whatever the weather it’s FOLK at the Farm! appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Shropshire Council’s fostering team will be holding a special drop-in information session in Shrewsbury on Wednesday 31 July 2019.

The event, between 6pm and 7pm at Shirehall in Shrewsbury (postcode SY2 6ND), is a really informal way for those people thinking about fostering a child or brothers and sisters to get all the information they need and chat to the fostering team.

The aim of the evening event is to promote fostering as a permanency option, build on the recent Fostering Fortnight’s awareness around why there is a need for carers from this region to provide short-term and long-term care, and also most importantly find new foster carers.

There is no need to register in advance, just come along at 6pm when the event will start with a short presentation. There will be an opportunity to chat with the fostering team afterwards.

Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services, said:

“All sorts of people from all walks of life can and do foster. You get plenty of time during the application process to decide whether it really is you – and you’re never under any obligation to continue. There’s always advice on hand and lots of training available. People who want to foster simply need to care about children, have good communication skills, have a spare room and be ready for a challenge.

“If you think that fostering could be for you, please come along to the event to find out more – we’d love to see you there.”

For more information about fostering if you’re not able to make the event see www.shropshirefostering.co.uk

The post Special drop-in information session about fostering in Shrewsbury on 31 July 2019 appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

News from our partners Winning Moves UK

Just priceless .. you can’t put a price on the Shropshire Cat Rescue charity.

The leading Shrewsbury charity is the very first space to be revealed as ‘Passing GO’ on the brand new Shrewsbury Monopoly Edition game.

Shrewsbury Monopoly – Community Chest card

It will get to star on a Community Chest space all of its very own when the game is unveiled in November 2019.

And because there is no price tag on the Monopoly Community Chest spaces then it means the charity will be as priceless in the Shrewsbury Monopoly game as in real life!

Shropshire Cat Rescue ‘Passes GO’ following a public vote. It will be one of several charities that will feature on the board – the others will be announced at the game’s launch.

The new game is being timed to hit the shops in time for this Christmas.

Margaret Lloyd, Trustee of the charity, said:

“We are delighted that the legacy of Shropshire Cat Rescue’s work in the community is to be recognised and immortalised in the forthcoming Shrewsbury Monopoly game.

“A huge thank you to everyone who voted for us.”

The charity has a boutique store on Roushill Bank, Shrewsbury town centre, as well as a Shelter at Windy Ridge in Bayston Hill. It cares for stray cats with “shelter, care and above all understanding”; caring for and re-homing unwanted cats and kittens.

The game will feature more than 30 Shrewsbury landmarks which will replace the famous London Monopoly streets like Park Lane and Mayfair. Some of the cards will be themed too. Also, amongst the tokens is one of a cat.

Margaret Lloyd added:

“We now can’t wait to play the new Shrewsbury Monopoly game this Christmas, but there could be an argument over which of us gets to choose the cat token to play with. We will all want it!”

The makers of the new official game have extended their congratulations.

Jake Houghton, Custom Games Executive at Winning Moves UK, makers of the game under official license from Hasbro, said:-

“A huge congratulations to the Shropshire Cat Rescue charity, who proved very popular in the voting – and many thanks to everyone who voted. They will get to feature on a Community Chest space – we feel this is an appropriate position in the game, with them being such an integral and very big part of the Shrewsbury community. The game will feature the great and the good of Shrewsbury.”

The post News from our partners: Why you can’t put a price on this Shrewsbury charity – Monopoly appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

The following planning applications will be considered by Shropshire Council’s North planning committee at its meeting at Shirehall, Shrewsbury on Tuesday 23 July 2019 at 2pm.

The meeting is open to the public and all are welcome to attend. To see the full agenda and reports, click here.

Proposed poultry unit to the north of Betton, Market Drayton (19/01154/FUL) Erection of a free range egg laying unit and associated feed bins, hardstandings and new highway access (resubmission of 18/04555/FUL).

Newcott Fish and Chips, Newcott Services, Tern Hill, Market Drayton (19/01877/FUL) Application under Section 73A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for the erection of replacement low rise boundary wall with decorative brick wall and 1.75m brick piers.

Decisions will be made available after the meeting on our online planning register which you can search by using the appropriate reference number or keyword.

The post Applications going to North planning committee on 23 July 2019 appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

News from our partners Marches Growth Hub 

The Marches Growth Hub today launched a £10million Growth Challenge to businesses across the region to help fire up the economy.

£10m Growth Challenge

The Hub says there is a £10m pot of business funding available to drive growth and create jobs and is now urging companies and entrepreneurs across Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Telford & Wrekin to bid for a share of it.

Paul Hinkins, Marches Growth Hub chairman, said the funding – and specialist support and advice which comes with it – could provide a massive wealth dividend for the region if it was all taken up.

Paul said:-

“The Marches has a rich heritage of business success and a thriving economy – and with the help of this funding we can make it even better.

“This support, which includes both grants and loans,  can act as a real catalyst to help launch businesses, kickstart growth, create jobs and boost the economy for all our communities.

“The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership has set some ambitious targets for the region’s growth over the next 20 years and we want to use this funding to help business to innovate into new sectors, drive up skills, boost wealth and create one of the best places to live anywhere in the UK.

“That is why we are today challenging businesses across our region to take up our offer, get in touch and see how we can help them grow and prosper.”

Mr Hinkins said there was a wide range of schemes under which businesses could receive support and it could sometimes be daunting for a company to know where to start.

“Fortunately our expert teams at our hubs in Hereford, Shrewsbury and Telford can help guide them through the funding maze and ensure they get exactly the help which is best suited to them.”

The funding comes from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund and the Government-backed Midlands Engine Investment Fund and includes schemes such as the Business Growth Programme 2, Marches Building Investment Grant and the Business Energy Efficiency Programme.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for assets, economic growth and regeneration, said:

“The key to Shropshire’s success is the strength of its local economy. This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to bid for money and support, enabling them to grow and employ more local people.”

Councillor Trish Marsh, cabinet member for environment, economy and skills at Herefordshire Council, said:

“The launch of the £10m Growth Challenge is excellent news for businesses in Herefordshire. It can be difficult for small and medium businesses to prosper in an uncertain economic climate, but by applying for funding, our hardworking and innovative local businesses can help to create new jobs, improve our local skills base, and boost the economy of our whole region.”

Councillor Lee Carter, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for the Borough Economy, said:

“We are proud to be a business winning and business supporting council and our close involvement in the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership is a prime example of that.

“I would encourage businesses of all sizes to try to take advantage of the support that is available to them, including this £10m pot of business funding.”

Marches Growth Hub

More details about the Marches Growth Hub and the range of business funding schemes and projects available across the Marches can be found at https://www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk/

About the Marches Growth Hub

• The Marches Growth Hub brings together all national and local business support in one place for the first time and is fully aligned to the Government’s ‘Business is GREAT’ campaign.
• A comprehensive business support website – www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk – and dedicated enquiry line – 0345 6000 727 – provide businesses across the whole Marches region with access to funding, support and advice. All resources are available to enterprises of all sizes, from start-ups to large employers.
• This is supported by physical hubs in Telford at the University of Wolverhampton’s Telford Innovation Campus, at Skylon Park in Hereford and at the Food Enterprise Centre in Shrewsbury.

Growth Hubs and the Growth Hub Network

The 38 Local Enterprise Partnership led Growth Hubs across England bring together and simplify access to national and local business support. Supported by Government, Growth Hubs ensure that no matter the size, sector or maturity of a business they provide locally tailored business support and advice to direct businesses to the most appropriate organisations to assist with their specific requests.

Some additional key facts:

There are 38 Growth Hubs covering the whole of England – one in each Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area.

At the end of 2018/19 financial year, the Government will have invested £56.4 million in Growth Hubs via Local Enterprise Partnerships. The Government has committed a further £12 million to Growth Hubs for 2019-2020.

EU European Regional Development Fund

Midlands Engine

The post News from our partners: £10million Growth Challenge launched for the Marches appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

News from our partners Public Health England 

Estimates suggest that the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine programme will lead to the prevention of over 64,000 cervical cancers and nearly 50,000 non-cervical cancers by 2058.

From September 2019, boys in school Year 8 will be offered the free Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for the first time.

Worldwide, about 5% of all cancers are linked to the HPV virus. This includes cervical, penile, anal and genital cancers and some cancers of the head and neck – all of which the vaccine helps to protect against. Cervical cancer is currently the most common cancer in women under 35, killing around 850 women each year. HPV is thought to be responsible for more than 90% of cervical cancers, as well as 90% of anal, about 70% of vaginal and vulvar cancers and more than 60% of penile cancers.

Modelling produced by the University of Warwick estimates that by 2058 the HPV vaccine currently being used may have prevented up to 64,138 HPV-related cervical cancers and 49,649 other HPV-related cancers.  This would be 50 years after the introduction of the HPV vaccination programme, when people who were vaccinated as teenagers have reached the age groups that they would typically be affected by HPV related cancers.

Dr Ashis Banerjee, Screening and Immunisation Lead at PHE West Midlands, said:

“This is good news. The universal programme offers us the opportunity to make HPV-related diseases a thing of the past and build on the success of the girls’ programme.

“Offering the vaccine to boys will not only protect them but will also prevent more cases of HPV related cancers in girls and reduce the overall burden of these cancers in both men and women in the future.

“I encourage all parents of eligible boys and girls to make sure they take up the offer for this potentially life-saving vaccine.

“It’s important not to delay vaccination, as the vaccine may be less effective as adolescents get older.”

Rebecca Webster from Coventry was diagnosed with cervical cancer when she was 36. Rebecca said:

“It’s great to hear that the HPV vaccine is going to be offered to boys as well as girls. The vaccine wasn’t available when I was younger and if it had, it could have prevented my cancer and subsequent treatment from ever happening. It’s fantastic that young people may be prevented from having to go through what I went through. I’ll be making sure that my son gets vaccinated so that his risk of getting a HPV caused cancer is much reduced.”

Robert Music, Chief Executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, said:

“The extension of the HPV vaccine to boys is a huge leap forward, not only for cervical cancer prevention but many other cancers caused by HPV too. HPV does not discriminate – it can affect everyone, yet there are still many harmful myths and stigmas surrounding it. This is why a universal vaccination programme is so important, as not only will it normalise this very common virus and reduce existing inequalities, it will protect many more people from developing cancer and save lives.

“We can already see the vaccine’s benefits among girls, and we look forward to seeing these fantastic results continue to grow. However, this will only happen if we ensure that the uptake remains as high as it is.”

Girls have been offered the HPV vaccine free from the NHS since 2008. So far, ten million doses of HPV vaccine have been given to young women in this country meaning over 80% of women aged 15-24 have received the vaccine. Since the introduction of HPV vaccination, infections of some types of HPV (HPV 16/18) in 16-21 year old women have reduced by 86% in England. A Scottish study also showed that the vaccine has reduced pre-cancerous cervical disease in women by up to 71%. Similarly, diagnoses of genital warts have declined by 90% in 15-17 year old girls and 70% in 15-17 year old boys due to the HPV vaccine.

Parents of girls and boys aged 12 and 13 should look out for information from their children’s school about the vaccine and timings for the jab. If they miss out on the vaccination for any reason they should talk to their school nurse/immunisation team about getting the vaccine at a later date.

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, added:

“Vaccinations help protect against potentially life-threatening illnesses. We very much support the roll out of the HPV vaccine programme to boys of Year 8, and encourage all parents of all eligible young people to make sure they take up the offer for this potentially life-saving vaccine.

“We’d also like the opportunity to remind people of the importance of all the other vaccinations as well as making sure they receive all the follow up/boosters.”

More information about HPV vaccination for parents and their children is available here (see HPV).

HPV vaccine

• The first dose of the HPV vaccine will be offered to boys and girls aged 12 and 13 in year 8. The second dose can be given anytime between 6 months to 24 months after. Two doses are needed to be fully protected.
• Girls and boys who have their first vaccination after the age of 15 will need to have three doses.
• Older boys (those currently aged 13-18) will not be offered the vaccine on a “catch-up” basis
• The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine currently used in the NHS vaccination programme is called Gardasil. Prior to September 2012, a vaccine called Cervarix was used
• Studies have already shown that the vaccine protects against HPV infection for at least 10 years, although experts expect protection to last for much longer and may be lifelong
• Extensive reviews of HPV vaccine safety have been undertaken by various independent health bodies/authorities worldwide including the EMA, CDC, WHO and the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM).  These have concluded that the HPV vaccine is safe and effective.

HPV

• Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name for a group of viruses that affect your skin and the moist membranes lining your body. Examples of this include your:
  • cervix
  • anus
  • mouth and throat
• There are more than 100 types of HPV. Around 40 types of HPV infection can affect the genital area.
• Genital HPV infections are common and highly contagious. They’re spread during sexual activity
• Infection with some types of genital HPV can cause:
  • genital warts – the most common viral sexually transmitted infection (STI) in England
  • abnormal tissue growth and other changes to cells within the cervix – this can sometimes lead to cervical cancer
• HPV can also cause a number of different types of cancers, such as:
  • anal cancer
  • cancer of the penis
  • some types of head and neck cancer
• Other types of HPV infection can cause minor problems, such as warts and verrucas

HPV-related cancers prevented estimates

• The estimates produced by the University of Warwick are based on a comparison between there being no HPV vaccination programme and the girls programme starting in 2008 with the addition of boys in 2017
• All estimates are based on the use of the bivalent (2 strains of HPV) for the first four years of the programme and then the quadrivalent (4 strains of HPV) vaccine for the whole period (2008-2058)
• The estimates provided are the total reductions in cancer from 2008-2058 due to vaccination and breakdown as follows:

Girls

• • Cervical cancer – 64,138
  • Anal cancer – 6,874
  • Vulva cancer – 4,183
  • Vaginal cancer – 959
  • Oropharyngeal cancer – 8,681

Boys

• • Anal cancer – 4,124
  • Penile cancer – 3,433
  • Oropharyngeal cancer – 21,395

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The Mere in Ellesmere has been awarded the Green Flag Award for the sixth year in a row, recognising it as one of the best parks in the world.

The Country Park is among a record-breaking 1,970 UK parks and green spaces and 131 in thirteen other countries around the world that will today receive a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

The Mere at Ellesmere

This international award, now into its third decade, is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.

The Mere at Ellesmere is home to a beautiful lake with gardens, woodland walks and historic parkland on the edge of the medieval market town of Ellesmere. It is the largest of nine meres and mosses that can be found in the unique Shropshire landscape.

Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors so I’m delighted that The Mere has received the Green Flag Award.

“This is the sixth consecutive year the Park has been recognised as one of the best in the world. It is a testament to the amazing work of staff and volunteers who make The Mere a wonderful visitor destination and habitat for wildlife and plants.”

Ann Hartley, Shropshire Councillor for Ellesmere Urban, said:

“We are extremely proud of our Mere and Cremorne Gardens in Ellesmere. It is great news that it has retained the Green Flag status. It is a tribute to the very hard work of the Countryside Team and the volunteers, and continues to attract many visitors, offering a fabulous experience for young and old alike.”

Paul Todd, International Green Flag Award scheme manager, said:

“It’s fantastic that we have more Green Flag Awards in the UK than ever before, joined this year by 131 International winners.”

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We congratulate each and every winner on their fantastic achievement.”

The team at The Mere are fortunate to work with a dedicated group of volunteers who help us maintain this beautiful Country Park. If you would like to volunteer, you can join the team from 9.30am every Thursday.

For more information about volunteering, click here, call 01743 255957 or email outdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk.

The Mere at Ellesmere is managed and maintained by Shropshire Council.

Further Information

The Green Flag Awards Scheme (http://greenflagaward.org/) is run by the environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, in partnership with Keep Scotland Beautiful, Keep Wales Tidy and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

Keep Britain Tidy is a leading environmental charity. We run programmes including Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches. We also campaign for the country to be litter free and waste less. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, our programmes and campaigns visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.

Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award.  Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Award status.  A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. Green Heritage Site Accreditation is judged on the treatment of the site’s historic features and the standard of conservation.

The post The Mere recognised as one of the UK’s very best green spaces appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

News from our partners Healthwatch (both local ones)

Hundreds of people in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, have shared their views on how to improve local NHS services.

Easier access to treatment and services; help with making lifestyle choices; better information about support available; improved communication around prevention; and more training for healthcare staff on conditions such as mental health, were the top five things people in the region would like to see implemented to help them lead healthy lives.

Their views were shared as part of Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin’s What Would You Do? campaign and the findings are now revealed in a report published today (Monday 15 July 2019).

Healthwatch Shropshire logo

More than 640 residents, patients and their families took part in ‘What Would You do?’ activities, which launched in March to encourage people in the region to share their views about how extra money from the Government should be spent on local NHS services.

The public were asked to give their views about how local services could improve, and to share ideas about how the NHS can help people live healthier lives and take more control of their care.

The report also reveals people in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, would like:

• Professionals to take a ‘person-centred’ approach
• Easier access to GP appointments
• Local services to meet local needs, such as the accident and emergency department in Telford
• Increased support and practical aids to help people stay in their homes for as long as possible
• Better use of technology by the NHS. This could help people to look after themselves better, but only where appropriate. Some older people and those with learning disabilities, may find it difficult to use technology to access this information
• Improved appointment times and access to continued support for those with mental health conditions
• The development of more joined-up services, so all NHS staff have access to medical records
• Earlier diagnosis for people living with dementia, so they can access the right support and care.

Lynn Cawley, Chief Officer at Healthwatch Shropshire, said:

“The Government is investing an additional £20 billion a year in the NHS as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. We were asked to help find out what local people thought was the best way for the NHS in Shropshire, and Telford and Wrekin, to invest in the right services as part of this plan.”

Paul Shirley, General Manager at Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin, said:

“We are grateful to all the people that took part in the surveys and focus groups. The groups that reported the poorest experiences of getting help were those people who had long-term conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, people with mental health difficulties and people with heart and lung disease. The majority of respondents from these three groups also reported feeling that they had not received timely and consistent information about their condition from all services.

“However, people with cancer seemed to be the happiest with the communication that they had received. All this feedback is in our new report which has been presented to the Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP).

Lynn Cawley added:

“Both Healthwatch will continue to share any results from our wider engagement, including relevant comments and reports with the STP so that the views of people in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin continue to be taken into account as the Long Term Plan is implemented.”

An online survey and focus groups were held throughout the region to get local people’s views. One person told Healthwatch Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin: “As a carer for a mental health patient, who has a very long and complex medical and psychiatric history, I would like my needs to be taken into account when deciding my partner’s treatment plan.

“When she is ill, it puts a lot of strain on me as I have heart, bowel and other health problems, which are totally ignored by the mental health services.”

Another with a long-term condition commented: “I underwent tests very quickly and saw the consultant quickly several times. They gave me advice and we agreed a long-term treatment plan which was acceptable to me and is still working.”

Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin are now recommending the findings of the report to be considered in the development of the local Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin STP plan.

Sir Neil McKay, Independent Chair of Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP), said:

“I would like to thank Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin colleagues on producing this important report, which has reached many different people across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.

“As an STP we understand the importance of developing our health and care services based on the views of our local population, alongside the evidence on population health. It is interesting to note that people said they wanted: ‘A person-centred approach to our care,’ and this is central to all the work we are doing. People are at the heart of everything we do and by delivering joined up services in both the acute and community settings we can give everyone the best start in life, creating healthier communities and helping people to age well.

“Together with the views of our partners, clinicians, staff and service users we can identify what is working well, what can be improved and what is important to them. This will enable us to plan, design and deliver health and social care services that are right for our local population of Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin.”

The report, “What would you do? The NHS Long Term Plan in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin” can be viewed here: http://www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/what-would-you-do-nhs-long-term-plan-shropshire-telford-wrekin-report

Further information

Healthwatch Shropshire and Healthwatch Telford & Wrekin are part of a network of 148 Local Healthwatch in England.  It is supported by a national organisation, Healthwatch England.

Both have teams working in community engagement, plus a volunteer programme, a visit programme to health and social care premises and an associate membership scheme to involve the public in its work.  It also has a signposting service to help people access health and social care services and support.

Healthwatch Shropshire also provides the Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (IHCAS) for Shropshire. The IHCAS service provides information, advice and, if necessary, can support people through the NHS complaints process.

Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) is made up of health and care commissioners and providers. Partners include Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, NHS Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS Telford & Wrekin Clinical Commissioning Group, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust and West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust.

Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin STP has been created to encourage health and care organisations to work more closely together to improve outcomes and care for local people, reduce pressures on services and make best use of our financial resources.

It sets out ambitious plans for transformed neighbourhood services; safe and effective hospital care; ways in which new technology can be harnessed; and how gaps in the workforce can be filled and financial resources better spent.

Shropshire, Telford & Shropshire STP is one of 44 sustainability and transformation partnerships across England.

The post News from our partners: Things people would like to see improved in local NHS services appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

News from our partners 35007.co.uk (social care management consultant)

After the fantastic weekend of sport we have just enjoyed, this Saturday (20 July 2019) provides the third and final opportunity to take part in a learning disability-focused parkrun in Shropshire.

Please join us as a runner, walker, volunteer or spectator at Henley Wood in Oswestry when people with a learning disability will be made particularly welcome.

We had a fantastic turnout of about 60 people for the first event in Shrewsbury but very few at the Telford event.

Please encourage anybody with a learning disability or autism to join us for a healthy and social start to their weekend.  I would particularly like to encourage people who may not see themselves as a runner but will enjoy cheering, supporting other runners and/or pointing the way.

Henley Wood parkrun is through woodland so not suitable for wheelchair participants but there are volunteering roles suitable for people with limited mobilty.  The run starts at 9am and I suggest you arrive 15 minutes or more before then.  The postcode for your satnav is SY11 2LQ.

There is limited parking available at Cabin Lane Church, Whole Life Christian Centre, and Eastern Oswestry Community Centre and on-street parking in the area.  Please contact me on running@35007.co.uk or 07963 379879 if you are concerned about parking and I will liaise with Ray and his team of organisers.  Similarly, please let me know if I can help in any other way to prepare people for taking part such as registering with parkrun.

Keen to know more? Go to www.parkrun.org.uk/henleywood/,  www.35007.co.uk/parkrun or tune into BBC1 this evening from 7.30pm-8pm when Dame Kelly Homes is presenting a programme on the power and mental health benefits of parkrun.

I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.  Please come and say hello – I am sure that I won’t be the only person wearing an apricot-colored parkrun top, but mine has “Milton Keynes” under the logo.

Parkrun

Finally, I am delighted that Walsall Arboretum parkrun are putting on a similar event on 21 September.  Further details at www.35007.co.uk/parkrun.

The post News from our partners: Learning disability parkrun special in Oswestry on 20 July appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

The following decisions were made by Shropshire Council’s Central planning committee at its meeting at Shirehall, Shrewsbury on Thursday 4 July 2019.

Proposed crematorium, north of Nesscliffe, Shrewsbury (18/04965/FUL) Erection of a new crematorium with associated access, car parking and landscaping.

Decision

That planning permission be refused contrary to the officer’s recommendation for the following reasons:

1. Due to the proximity of the poultry rearing farm at Kinton, the A5 trunk road, and the location of the site within an area of established MOD and RAF training activity including low flying helicopters, mourners and other visitors to the proposed crematorium would experience unpleasant odours, noise and disturbance at the site. Notwithstanding the mitigation proposed these activities, cumulatively, would result in unacceptable levels of odour, noise and disturbance at the site for users of the facility and the site therefore constitutes an unsuitable location for a crematorium.
2. The proposed development would result in a change in the character of the landscape from open farmland to built form set within a managed parkland, and this would have adverse impacts on the local landscape. In addition the proposal would have adverse visual effects, and from some locations the development would appear as a notably incongruous element and would have substantial adverse and locally significant visual effects including from the Nesscliffe Hills designated Countryside Heritage Site.  Whilst landscape planting is proposed to mitigate this, this would not satisfactorily mitigate for adverse impacts initially and in the longer term would result in adverse impacts on the local landscape.
3. The benefits of the proposal, including meeting a need for additional crematorium capacity in the general area, the economic benefits and biodiversity enhancements are acknowledged. However it is not considered that these are sufficient to outweigh the negative impacts of the proposal.  The proposed development is therefore contrary to the Development Plan including Core Strategy policies CS5, CS6, CS16 and CS17; and SAMDev Plan policies MD2, MD12 and MD13, and to policies of the NPPF including Section 15.

Land north east of Kinton, Shrewsbury (18/00130/EIA) Erection of four poultry rearing buildings, nine feed bins, an agricultural workers dwelling, landscaping scheme and all associated works.

Decision

That consideration of the application be deferred to a future meeting of this committee at the request of the applicant.

Land off Manor Lane, Longden, Shrewsbury (16/02395/FUL) Erection of 5 No bungalows and associated infrastructure (amended description).

Decision

That authority be delegated to the Head of Planning Services to refuse planning permission subject to further consultation with the Ecology Team in relation to whether the third reason for refusal was required following the submission of an updated ecology report.

School House Farm, Sheinton, Shrewsbury (18/04266/FUL) Change of use of a farm yard and buildings to holiday complex to include: demolition of buildings; siting of four glamping units and a log cabin; works to and change of use of two buildings to form office and store and leisure facilities, formation of parking areas; and installation of package treatment plant (Amended Description).

Decision

That planning permission be granted as per the officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 2.

Maesbrook Nursing Home, Church Road, Shrewsbury (19/01132/FUL) Erection of first floor extensions to north east part of main building to create additional bedrooms; link corridor to additional bedrooms in roofspace with increase in height of roof and insertion of rooflights (revised scheme to include raise ridge height on approved extension to annex roof with fire escape from new first floor link bridge together with zinc roof line raised).

Decision

That planning permission be granted as per the officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1.

Former Congregational Church, Coton Hill, Shrewsbury (19/01661/FUL) Conversion and extension of a former Church into 9 residential apartments with associated car parking.

Decision

That planning permission be granted as per the officer’s recommendation subject to the conditions set out in Appendix 1.

Goldsmiths of Shrewsbury, 10 The Square, Shrewsbury (19/02030/ADV) To erect and display one pole mounted branded flag.

Decision

That planning permission be refused contrary to the officer’s recommendation for the following reason:

Members gave significant weight to the concerns of the Conservation Officer as set out in the officer report and considered that the proposed advert would have an adverse impact on visual amenity as it would result in harm to the designated heritage assets identified and adversely impact on the character and appearance of the listed building and the conservation area.  The proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to Shropshire Council policies MD2, MD13, CS6 and CS17 and paragraph 132 of the NPPF.

Goldsmiths of Shrewsbury, 10 The Square, Shrewsbury (19/02038/LBC) Installation of one pole mounted branded flag and associated fixings.

Decision

That planning permission be refused contrary to the officer’s recommendation for the following reason:

Members gave significant weight to the concerns of the Conservation Officer as set out in the officer report and considered that the harm to the character and appearance of the designated heritage asset (a grade 2 listed building) outweighed the public benefits of the proposal.  The proposal is therefore considered to be contrary to Shropshire Council policies MD2, MD13, CS6 and CS17 and paragraph 194 and 196 of the NPPF.

For further information relating to the decisions go to our online planning register and search for the application by using the reference number or keyword.

The post Decisions made by Central planning committee on 4 July 2019 appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Anita Harris, John Partridge and Kara Lily Hayworth join the cast of the multi award-winning production of Kander and Ebb’s landmark musical Cabaret, which embarks on an extensive 2019 UK tour, coming to Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn from Tuesday 22 October to Saturday 26 October 2019.

John Partridge

Starring as the enigmatic Emcee is John Partridge, winner of Celebrity MasterChef in 2018, who is well known to TV audiences as EastEnders’ charismatic Christian Clarke, and one of West End theatre’s most prolific leading men (A Chorus Line, Chicago, and La Cage Aux Folles).

Kara Lily Hayworth

Playing the role of Sally Bowles is Kara Lily Hayworth who recently won rave reviews across the country for her portrayal of Cilla Black in Cilla the Musical, after she was discovered by Bill Kenwright during the show’s nationwide TV auditions.

Anita Harris

Singer and screen icon Anita Harris will take on the role of Fraulein Schneider. Anita first rose to fame as a singer in the 1960s, beginning a lifelong career as a performer and actress. She has appeared both on screen (Follow That Camel and Carry on Doctor) and on stage, most notably as Grizabella in the West End’s Cats.

«««««

‘THE MOST STUNNINGLY FRESH

&IMAGINATIVE REVIVAL OF A CLASSIC

MUSICAL THAT I HAVE EVER SEEN’

The Independent

««««

‘A SHOW STOPPER’

Daily Mail

««««

‘STUNNING’

Sunday Express

««««

‘OVERWHELMING’

Evening Standard

Beki Poole, Shropshire Council’s Theatre Severn marketing officer, said:-

“We’ve very excited to reveal the cast for Cabaret which comes to Theatre Severn this October. It’s been 10 years since the show first came to Shrewsbury and we’re thrilled to see it return with a fresh revival of this classic musical. Early booking is definitely recommended.”

It’s 1931, Berlin is a haven of divine decadence and the legendary Sally Bowles is about to take stage at the infamous Kit Kat Klub…

Cabaret features show-stopping choreography, dazzling costumes and iconic songs, including ‘Money Makes the World Go Round’, ‘Maybe This Time’ and ‘Cabaret’. Directed by critically acclaimed Rufus Norris (Director of The National Theatre) and featuring the Olivier Award Winning Choreography by Javier De Frutos, the production has enjoyed two smash hit West End runs at The Lyric and The Savoy theatres.

Further information

Anita Harris’ (Fraulein Schnider) stage credits include: My Cousin Rachel (Theatre Royal, Bath); Stepping Out (UK Tour); Double Double (UK Tour); Come On Jeeves (UK Tour); Unexpected Guest (UK Tour); Suddenly At Home (Kings Theatre, Southsea); Annie (UK Tour); Five Blue Haired Ladies Sitting on a Green Park Bench (UK Tour); Fatal Encounter (UK Tour); The House of Stairs (UK Tour) and Cats (New London Theatre). Her screen credits include: Carry On Doctor; Carry On Follow That Camel; Remember Jack Buchanan; The Television Machine; French and Saunders; Morecambe and Wise; The Magic Box; Casualty and Midsomer Murders.

John Partridge’s (Emcee) stage credits include: The Case of the Frightened Lady (UK Tour); La Cage Aux Folles (UK Tour); Chicago (UK Tour); The Tempest (Northcott Theatre); Miss Saigon (UK Tour); Rent (European Tour); Black Goes With Everything (Churchill Theatre, Bromley); Taboo (The Venue); Hunting The Shark (Prince Edward Theatre); Starlight Express (Apollo Victoria Theatre); Grease (Dominion Theatre); The Fix (Donmar Warehouse); Tommy (Shaftesbury Theatre); The Drowsy Chaperone (Novello Theatre);  Notre-Dame de Paris (Dominion Theatre); A Chorus Line (London Palladium); and Cats (UK Tour). His screen credits include: Eastenders; The Real Full Monty; Involuntary Activist; Battlechefs; Celebrity Masterchef; Taking the Next Step; Tumble; and Over The Rainbow.

Kara Lily Hayworth’s (Sally Bowles) stage credits include: Maggie May (The Finborough); Cilla the Musical (UK Tour); Secret Cinema Presents: Moulin Rouge; The Mystery of Edwin Drood (The Arts Theatre) and Persephone (A Love Story) (The Rosemary Branch Theatre). Her screen credits include: Britain’s Got Talent; Bad Day In The Office; The Huntsman: Winters Tale and Will.

Listings

CABARET

MUSIC BY JOHN KANDER

LYRICS BY FRED EBB

BOOK BY JOE MASTEROFF

DIRECTED BY RUFUS NORRIS

CHOREOGRAPHED BY JAVIER DE FRUTOS

PRODUCED BY BILL KENWRIGHT

Tickets for Cabaret at Theatre Severn are on sale now and can be booked online at theatresevern.co.uk, by telephone – 01743 281281 – and from the venue Box Office.

The post Star cast announced for Cabaret coming to Shrewsbury appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.