Shropshire

The New Saints' chairman wants an apology from the council which is seeking thousands from the club.

Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership has launched its Domestic Abuse Strategy as part of its continued commitment to tackle domestic abuse across the county.

The Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018 – 2020, is a key priority for the partnership and details how organisations in Shropshire will work together in order to prevent domestic abuse taking place. The strategy also gives an insight into the services available to protect the victim and their families, and how the partnership deals with perpetrators.

Abuse in the home is one of the hardest issues to talk about and it often takes tremendous courage for victims to come forward, seek support, and talk about their experiences. Domestic abuse effects both women and men, as well as the children, whose development and wellbeing can be profoundly affected if they are exposed to witnessing domestic abuse.

The strategy’s aim is to improve services for victims of domestic abuse in Shropshire and respond effectively to domestic abuse. It also aims to assist partnerships and agencies across Shropshire in delivering a joined up response to those affected by domestic abuse, underpinned by a recognition and understanding that no single agency can address this complex issue in isolation.

Priorities and actions in the strategy include:

• Preventing domestic abuse (and associated harm) from taking place by:
  • Targeted campaigns and key messages utilising existing programmes and media.
  • Ensuring that staff are trained to an appropriate level for their role that provides the rights skills and knowledge about Domestic Abuse.
  • Ensuring victims of domestic abuse are able to access information and support they require through the recognised pathways they choose.
• Delivering co-ordinated and sustainable services to victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse by:
  • Ensuring that the strategies and action plans developed by Shropshire’s Strategic Partnership Boards demonstrates the work they are undertaking to tackle domestic abuse in Shropshire.
  • Ensuring that interventions are in place to meet the needs of a diverse range of victims and families.
  • Delivering a local programme for perpetrators without a criminal record, with the aim of reducing their abusive behaviour

Councillor Lee Chapman, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing said;

“Domestic abuse is an under reported crime and we know that reporting figures do not reflect the full picture as, all too often, violence and abuse remain unreported with many victims too afraid or embarrassed to seek help.

“It is therefore vital that we keep domestic abuse at the top of our agenda and Shropshire’s Domestic Abuse Strategy for 2018-2020 represents our commitment to tackle the issue head on.”

Paul Cooper, Chair of the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Forum, said:

“The strategy is the culmination of a great deal of work by all partners in the council, health care providers, the clinical commissioning group, the police and the independent sector. Whilst it sets priorities and guidance about where to get help, the impact upon the women, children and men should remain at the fore of all in the community, no one should live with fear and violence and no one should ever feel unable to come forward either as a victim or if they are worried about someone else.”

Shropshire’s Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018 -2020 builds on previous domestic abuse strategies, and the Governments Violence against Women and Girls Strategy, in order to support victims and to explore ways to encourage offenders to seek the assistance they need to change their behaviour. A copy of the strategy can be found at:

https://shropshire.gov.uk/media/10017/shropshire-domestic-abuse-strategy-2018-2020.pdf

Wendy Bulman, Manager of Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service (SDAS) said:

“I am proud to be a part of the multi-agency team that worked together to produce this strategy.  SDAS is integral to the strategy however we are clear we are not the only service who should tackle this crime.

“We hope everyone will look at the training available and learn how to offer support and guidance to any women, man or child in a way that is appropriate and safe.

“Referrals to our service are up by 203% from 2016/17 to 2017/18.  I echo Lee Chapman’s comments; it is vital we keep domestic abuse at the top of the agenda and funding is secured to tackle this crime.”

For support, help and advice in regards to Domestic Abuse you can call Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service: 0300 303 1191 or email: sdas@shropsdas.org.uk

If you are worried or frightened by your partner or ex-partner, a family member or someone close to you, please call one of the following:

National 24hour Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 Shropshire Domestic Abuse Helpline 24hour 0800 7831 359 M.A.L.E (Men’s Advice Line) 0808 801 0327 Lesbian and Gay Foundation 0845 330 3030 REMEMBER – In an emergency always call the Police on 999 Domestic Abuse Briefings training events

A series of training events for practitioners and organisations who work with adults, children and families, are now taking place across the county. The Domestic Abuse Briefings are free training sessions. The sessions will help professionals to identify what domestic abuse is, explore the impact on others living in the home/family, what to do if they feel something isn’t quite right and find out what specialist support services are available.

To find out more about the Domestic Abuse Briefings click here: http://www.safeguardingshropshireschildren.org.uk/media/1138/da-briefing-flyer-sept-2018.pdf

To book a session visit: https://shropshire.gov.uk/joint-training/courses-and-accredited-qualifications/courses/ for practitioners who work with adults.

For those who work with children, young people and families you can book via the Safeguarding Shropshire website here: http://www.safeguardingshropshireschildren.org.uk/professionals-and-volunteers/safeguarding-training/

For more information about Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership visit https://shropshire.gov.uk/crime-and-community-safety/

Further information

Shropshire’s Domestic Abuse Strategy 2018 – 2020 has been produced by Shropshire Domestic Abuse Forum (SDAF) on behalf of Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership. The document has been developed in consultation with a wide range of agencies, organisations and individuals.

Shropshire’s Community Safety Partnership is made up of the following organisations.

• Shropshire Council
• Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group
• Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service
• West Mercia Police
• National Probation Service
• Community Rehabilitation Company
• Youth Justice Service

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News from our partners Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)

Businesses across Shropshire looking to revamp their buildings to facilitate growth are being urged to take advantage of a grant scheme supported by the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) as soon as possible in order to complete their build projects before the scheme’s conclusion in June 2019.

Colin Derbyshire and Kevin Taylor of CV Rollers, with Caroline Cattle, MBIG Programme Manager.

The Marches Building Investment Grant (MBIG) was launched in 2017 with support from the European Regional Development Fund.  It allows businesses across The Marches to apply for grants of up to £100,000 to facilitate extensions, renovations or reconfigurations that will support business growth and create jobs.

To date, the scheme has awarded businesses across the region £750,000 but with all projects needing to be completed with the next twelve months, Programme Manager Caroline Cattle is urging any business owner who is yet to progress their application to avoid further delay.  She says:

“The tangible difference that this scheme can make to businesses across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin has already been proven.  Manufacturing sites have been extended; showrooms have been reconfigured; and warehouses have been transformed.

“Importantly, new jobs have been created with many more safeguarded for the region.  It was always our aim that this scheme should create 130 new jobs and we’re already half-way to that figure.  However, the terms of the scheme are such that all supported building work must be completed by June 2019. That makes now the ideal time to get an application in so that all the necessary paperwork, planning and construction can be realised in good time.”

 The Marches Building Investment Grant (MBIG) awards up to 45% of the total project costs (to a maximum £100,000) with funds intended to cover costs directly associated with the conversion or alteration of a building. The money cannot be used towards the cost of purchasing the property, equipment, or ‘excessive’ landscaping, nor can applications be made retrospectively.

Colin Derbyshire is a Director at Oswestry-based manufacturer, CV Rollers.  Having received a grant worth £97,000, he’s been able to create five new jobs much more quickly than originally anticipated.  He comments:

“Simply, without this funding, we wouldn’t have been able to contemplate such a rapid expansion and it’s likely that we’d have been looking at gradual growth over two to three years, as opposed to the six months that we achieved this in.”

Caroline Cattle concludes:

“Businesses across The Marches still stand to benefit from a significant funding pot, but they do need to act quickly to take advantage of this in order to meet the terms of the scheme and ensure that any private-sector match funding is also in place.

“The difference that the funding has already made to the businesses that have been in receipt of grants is clear.  Without it, jobs simply wouldn’t have yet been created and, in some cases, existing jobs may have been lost.

“We welcome applications from both owner-occupiers and from tenants of commercial premises and are happy to answer any queries that potential applicants may have.”

The conversion or refurbishment of residential property is exempt from the scheme and buildings which will be used for agricultural, horticultural, retail or hospitality purposes cannot apply either.

Herefordshire Council is the accountable body for the scheme. Full details of eligibility can be found by contacting either Caroline Cattle (Programme Manager) or Alison Rogers (Finance Officer) on mbig@herefordshire.gov.uk or by calling the Marches Growth Hub team on 0345 6000 727.

Further information  

The Marches Building Investment Grant Programme has been awarded £2,500,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Department for Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund.

Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

For updates on other funding opportunities please visit the Marches Growth Hub website http://www.marchesgrowthhub.co.uk or contact the dedicated business support hotline 0345 6000727

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Much Wenlock and Shipton and Broseley and Barrow Local Joint Committee (LJC) areas are encouraging local residents to attend a public meeting on Tuesday 7 August 2018 at The Edge Arts Centre in Much Wenlock, starting at 7pm.

This meeting will see vital updates on health matters and give the local community an opportunity to ask those all-important questions.  The LJC will welcome Simon Freeman, Accountable Officer for Shropshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group and representatives of the Future Fit team who will give a presentation followed by Q&A on Future Fit and the latest local NHS discussions in Shropshire.

Also, due to the recent number of difficulties with the water supply in both the Broseley and Much Wenlock areas, the LJC will welcome Steve Allmark, Operations Lead for Severn Trent Water who will speak with residents and answer questions.

The meeting has a regular item on the agenda allowing all members of the community an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns that they may have for the area in which they live. This can be a very local item, an item relating to a local group, organisation, school, or may relate to specific questions around safety or crime for example.

The meetings are overseen by a panel of councillors from local parish councils and Shropshire Council.

Shropshire Councillor David Turner, Chairman of the Much Wenlock and Shipton LJC, said:

“This will be a key opportunity for local people to raise any questions or concerns they have around health services in the area. We hope residents of all ages, including families and parents of local children in surrounding areas will attend to hear more.”

Shropshire Councillor Simon Harris, Chairman of Broseley and Barrow LJC, said:

“This promises to be a real chance for the community to feed their comments to us as local members, parish councillors and representatives of the health and community sector locally. If health services are important to you and your family we hope that you will attend.”

The meeting will start at 7pm and further information can be obtained from Kerry Rogers, Community Enablement Team, Shropshire Council on 01743 252341 or visit the website.

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TECH Severn Conference 2018 at Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A national conference which took place in Shrewsbury this week has been hailed a great success by organisations across the UK.

The TECH Severn Conference 2018 which took place on Tuesday 18 July, at Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn, showcased technology that could help solve many of the challenges faced by councils and businesses across the UK.

The event organised by Shropshire Council’s housing team, exceeded organisers expectations with visitors from as far afield as the South West and South East of England, Wales and the north of country.  

Attendees at TECH Severn 2018

Forty one companies from across the UK and beyond including Hitachi, Amazon, Tunstall, TESLA and Elements-Europe took part in the conference.

Hundreds of attendees

Over 600 delegates from across the UK who attended the event, witnessed how the latest innovations could transform their organisations approach to technology and how this technology could help them save costs and time, and possibly even lives in the future.

Keynote speakers

BBC Radio Shropshire’s Vicky Archer chaired the event and introduced key speakers including Tomorrow’s World presenter, Maggie Philbin OBE and the Rt Hon Paul Burstow.

Tech demonstrations at TECH Severn 2018

World of technology

Delegates were transported into the world of Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, 3D and futuristic technology creating a real buzz which was infectious with many business partnerships and delegates, exhibitors and speakers interacting and experimenting with the many gadgets on show.

‘Walking the Plank’ a virtual experience involving walking a plank which appeared to be hovering over a New York skyscraper had many attendee’s either squealing in delight or in terror. Attendees also had the privilege to drive the latest TESLA car around the town,  walk into a virtual cave or igloo or ‘dance in the virtual rain’. 

Exhibitors demonstrated how technology can detect falls in the elderly or vulnerable, detect whether they have taken their tablets, made the morning cuppa or got out of bed.

The Obi machine showed how it could feed those who find it difficult to feed themselves, e.g. those with Parkinson’s disease.

There were queues for the Dementia Virtual Tour and this so deeply moved people that one delegate was inspired to tweet ‘I will certainly change the way I work with people who have dementia, I learnt such a lot today’.

A great platform to network and exchange ideas

Andy Begley, Director of Adult Services and Housing said about the event;

“We are so delighted that our TECH Severn was a great success.  There was an amazing buzz about the place where I witnessed some real and genuine conversations from like-minded people, taking hold.

“TECH Severn is about bringing technology, innovation and creativity together.  The event offered representatives from all industries, the opportunity to understand what technological possibilities and solutions are out there.

“The conference also provided a fantastic arena for people to network, exchange ideas and start to think about how technology, backed by creative and innovative thinking, can change peoples’ lives for the better.

“We were already over-subscribed this year, so we’re looking at what we can do next year to further expand this event, as there has been so much interest from professionals, the industry and from members of the public.”

Putting Shropshire firmly on the map of technological innovation

Councillor Nic Laurens, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and one of the presenters at the conference added;

“It was fantastic to see so many people involved from both the private and public sector.

“TECH Severn gave us an insight into the art of the possible and presented us with the opportunity to showcase the inventive and pioneering work we are doing in Shropshire.

“Being the birthplace of the industrial revolution, I am extremely proud that Shropshire is also becoming one of the key leaders in the new technological revolution.

“This is great for our county, great for the local economy and puts Shropshire on the map as ‘the county to move to set up your business and to live’”.

Amazing achievement

Clive Wright, Chief Executive of Shropshire Council also commented saying.

“I would like to congratulate Andy and his team for hosting this ground breaking event”

“This was an amazing achievement for the Council with many businesses looking to locate here, recognising that Shropshire is a great place to live from which at least a substantial part of the next industrial revolution can be developed.

“I can’t imagine a more impactful and positive impression being made than the one delivered by Tech Severn! It shows what we can do – we have done it! I am really looking forward to next year’s event.”

Trending on Twitter

The day also saw Shropshire’s TECH Severn Conference become one of the top hot topics on social media across the UK with only Brexit trending higher.

For more information about the event visit https://shropshire.gov.uk/whats-on/whats-on/tech-severn-conference-2018/

TECH Severn logo

You can also view a video on Connected: Local Government TV here: https://connectedlocalgovernment.tv/post/the-new-technology-enabled-social-care-is-struggling-into-life-its-heart-and-its-head-are-in-the-right-place-but-it-needs-help-encouragement-and-money.

Preparations are now taking place for TECH Severn 2019.

Further information

Related stories

http://shropshire.gov.uk/news/2018/07/business-tech-severn/

https://shropshire.gov.uk/news/2018/06/tech-severn-conference-2018/

Speakers include:

Chair: Vicki Archer, BBC

• Maggie Philbin OBE, President of the Institute of Engineering Designers and co-founder and CEO of TeenTech
• Rt Hon Paul Burstow, Chair, Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) London South Bank University Previous Minister of State for the Department of Health will talk about ‘TEC Futures: From Technology Enabled Care to Technology Enabled Care’
• Professor Kevin Doughty, Visiting Professor of Digital Transformation of Care Services University of Cumbria, Director iCUHTec International Centre for Usable Home Technology will discuss “Using Digital Care Technologies to Improve Quality and Choice in Satisfying the Expectations of Commissioners and Consumers”
• Andy Begley, Director of Adult Social Care & Housing, Shropshire Council will discuss the challenges and solutions for Shropshire Council
• Sheila Mackintosh, Director and Housing Consultant at Mackintosh O’Connor Associates Ltd: Research Fellow, University of the West of England. Sheila has over 30 published books and reports to her name and will look at “Present and Future Homes for Later Life”
• William McMorran, MD of award winning architects Architectonicus, winner of the Dementia, Care & Nursing Home Expo 2018 Award for Exceptional Contribution to Dementia Care will talk about “Advanced Architectural Models & Evidence Based Service Design”
• Charles McCay, Managing Director of Ramsey Systems. Charlie has over 20 years’ experience working with healthcare information and international standards from HL7, ISO and CEN, to enable effective and safe sharing of information. He recently completed a datathon showcasing HL7 FHIR® DataThon at VITALIS & MIE2018 and will look at “Digital Health Pathways and Simulations – Evidence Based Healthcare and the Real World”

 

 

 

 

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If approved the plan would see about 190 jobs move to Telford, Castle Bromwich or Powys by mid-2019.

Shrewsbury Town sign former Barrow goalkeeper Steve Arnold on a free transfer.

Sophie Anderson's affection for Ironbridge power station led to her getting it tattooed on her ankle.

Severn Valley Country Park in Alveley and Highley, managed by Shropshire Council, has been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as one of the very best in the world.

One of the very best in the world – Severn Valley Country Park receives a Green Flag Award.

The park is among a record-breaking 1,883 UK parks and green spaces that has received a prestigious Green Flag Award, the mark of a quality park or green space.

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.

This is the record-breaking 15th year in a row that Severn Valley Country Park has been awarded the Green Flag. Staff at the park offer a varied programme of events, a busy school visits programme and organise twice-weekly volunteer days. The cafe at the park offers fresh coffee, ice creams, hot and cold food and panoramic views down the valley.

Tina Woodward, Shropshire councillor for Alveley and Claverley, said:

“We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the 15th year in a row. We know how much quality green spaces matter to residents and visitors, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into maintaining Severn Valley Country Park to such a high standard.”

Dave Tremellen, Shropshire councillor for Highley, said:

“Last year an incredible 15,000 volunteer hours went into managing the parks and open spaces in south Shropshire and ensuring that they are attractive places for people and wildlife. Shropshire Council really appreciate the hard work and dedication of our volunteer teams.”

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

“Severn Valley Country Park is one of our flagship country parks and an important tourist destination in the county. I would urge as many people as possible to take advantage of this wonderful asset, both for its natural beauty and for the benefits to individual health.”

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

“We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.

“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”

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 inspire people to be litter-free, to waste less and to live more. We are run programmes including Eco-Schools, the Green Flag Award for parks and green spaces and the Blue Flag/ Seaside Awards for beaches. To find out more about Keep Britain Tidy, our programmes and campaigns visit www.keepbritaintidy.org.

Any green space that is 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.

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Sandy Lyle laments a spot of 'bunker trouble' after his opening round in his likely final Open unravels in Carnoustie's sand traps.

Much Wenlock & Shipton and Broseley & Barrow Local Joint Committee areas are encouraging local residents to attend a public meeting on 7 August at The Edge Arts Centre, Much Wenlock commencing at 7 pm.

This meeting will see vital updates on health matters and give the local community an opportunity to ask those all-important questions.

The LJC will welcome Simon Freeman, Accountable Officer for Shropshire’s Clinical Commissioning Group and representatives of the Future Fit team who will give a presentation followed by Q&A on Future Fit and the latest local NHS discussions in Shropshire.

Also, due to the recent number of difficulties with the water supply in both the Broseley and Much Wenlock areas, the LJC will welcome Steve Allmark, Operations Lead for Severn Trent Water who will speak with residents and answer questions.

The meeting has a regular item on the agenda allowing all members of the community an opportunity to raise any questions or concerns that they may have for the area in which they live. This can be a very local item, an item relating to a local group, organisation, school, or may relate to specific questions around safety or crime for example.

The meetings are overseen by a panel of councillors’ from local parish councils and Shropshire Council.

Shropshire Councillor David Turner, Chairman of the Much Wenlock and Shipton LJC said: “This will be a key opportunity for local people to raise any questions or concerns they have around health services in the area. We hope residents of all ages, including families and parents of local children in surrounding areas will attend to hear more.

Shropshire Councillor Simon Harris, Chairman of Broseley & Barrow LJC said: “This promises to be a real chance for the community to feed their comments to us as local members, parish councillors and representatives of the health and community sector locally. If health services are important to you and your family we hope that you will attend.”

The meeting will start at 7:00 pm and further information can be obtained from Kerry Rogers, Community Enablement Team, Shropshire Council on 01743 252341 or visit www.shropshire.gov.uk

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The Market Town Revitalisation Programme (MTRP) was a grant fund of £3.5 million, made available by Shropshire Council, designed to support and stimulate economic growth in Shropshire market towns. The use of the grant was determined locally, with Shropshire councillors working with town and parish councils and local business organisations to ensure that a local, grass roots, understanding of need would be properly considered and so maximise the best use of funds.

The New Saints (TNS) Football Club was awarded a grant of £80,000 from the MTRP. This was used to install a new stand to provide an additional 500 seats to comply with UEFA infrastructure criteria and allow the club to attract additional events, delivering economic and community benefit.

One condition of the grant funding agreement with TNS was that they were required to deliver a grant of £16,000 each year, over a five-year period (therefore totalling £80,000).   Although this has happened in part, the onward grant payments have not yet been made in full and therefore TNS’s compliance with the terms of the grant is in dispute.

The grant was awarded by Shropshire Council in accordance with the Large Market Towns Member Guidance. The council believes that the grant arrangements were legal and in compliance State Aid Rules.

Monies equal to the amount of the grant received by TNS should have been paid out as grants within the Oswestry area, the criteria for which was to be approved by the Oswestry Economic Board (a partnership between Oswestry Town Council, Shropshire Council and local business), thereby multiplying the benefits of the initial grant.

Grants totalling the £80,000 received should have been paid by January 2017.  The Oswestry Joint Economic Board ceased to operate in July 2013, before a set of ongoing criteria for the purposes of the TNS grants was adopted, although a single project had been approved for a grant of £10,000. (Please note the first grant was due January 2013 when the Oswestry Joint Economic Board was still operating.  The audit was inconclusive as to why the funds had not been recovered earlier).

Shropshire Council administer the MTRP overall and required that the grant funding be repaid as the conditions under which the initial grant was made have not been fulfilled, resulting in TNS benefitting from monies which should have been paid out as grants for the benefit of Oswestry.

The council took steps to recover funds within the terms of the grant agreement, but this was not properly followed through. Some of this can be explained by multiple handover of the project due to officers leaving the council, but overall management of this has not been satisfactory and does not meet our usual and expected standards. However, such internal matters do not affect the council’s rights to enforce the terms of the grant agreement, which it is in the process of doing.

The Chief Executive of Shropshire Council has taken appropriate action within the council’s usual procedures. However, a number of officers involved with the project have left the council and it is unfair to determine whether any failure is attributable to them.

The council is now seeking to recover funds from TNS in accordance with the terms of the grant agreement.

Elected members have had access to the Summary Report which went to the Audit Committee on 28 June 2018.  It is usual for officers to summarise long reports.  However, the full report is now available to members in response to requests.

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Derek Whyteside, 42, died after being assaulted in Telford on 18 June.

Boss Scott Ruscoe is proud of New Saints after they fell just short against Shkendija in their Champions League qualifier.

News from our partners Shrewsbury Business Improvement District (BID)

Today, 17 July, the three project partners leading the development of the Big Town Plan, Shrewsbury BID, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Council, have released the Final Draft of Shrewsbury’s masterplan for the town.

Have your say on the Final Draft of Shrewsbury Big Town Plan.

The Final Draft outlines the vision for the town and sets the level of ambition, illustrating how the town will adapt and evolve, what the framework looks like and where change will happen, together with priorities and next steps.

It is the result of a genuinely collaborative process which saw LDA Design appointed in February this year to oversee the creation of the Plan, building on the visioning work and extensive public consultation to date which saw over 2,500 comments and ideas collected from a dedicated pop up exhibition space, website and correspondence.

Next steps will see the Final Draft presented this month to the three partners’ boards with further Public Consultation planned from 1 August.

The August consultation period will allow the public to comment on the Final Draft online through the dedicated Big Town Plan website featuring the document and a feedback questionnaire; by visiting a three-day, staffed, pop up exhibition of the Plan within a town centre location, and through a public consultation event, earmarked for 12 September  to be held at University Centre Shrewsbury. Further details on timings and locations will be released at the end of the month.

Alan Mosley, Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said:

“We are delighted to present this collective Vision for our town’s future.  It presents a series of realistic, practical and sustainable aspirations; together with a clear plan of how we can get there.

“It is ambitious and bold in putting people at the heart of the town so it becomes an even better place to live, visit, work and invest.”

The Draft Plan carries four overarching aims: Rethinking movement and place; Supporting, creating and nurturing vitality, life and a mix of uses; Creating a place for enterprise; and Nurturing natural Shrewsbury.

Many individuals and organisations have worked together to agree what is being billed as a far-reaching framework plan, making best use of the in-depth understanding and knowledge within the town and bringing in some of the best outside expertise in town visioning and development planning.

Seb Slater, Executive Director of Shrewsbury BID, commented:

“We have listened to what the public wants to see happen and taken soundings and insights from businesses and key stakeholders representing genuine partnership working. This Final Draft reshapes the physical public realm and matches it with an outstanding public experience, revolutionising movement around the town and attracting vital investment.”

Councillor Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, said:

“The Shrewsbury Big Town Plan has been a true collaborative piece of work and its aim is to put people at the heart of the town. Throughout the process we’ve asked for people’s views, with over 5,000 people visiting the Big Town Plan shop in September last year to hear more about the work and input into the plan. We have taken these views and used them to create and shape what I feel is a really exciting plan for the future. We’d love to hear your thoughts.”

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The ban will affect people in north-west England but other firms say they have no plans to follow suit.

Preview followed by live coverage of Tuesday's Champions League game between The New Saints and Shkendija.

Gordon Nutt, 68, from Wolverhampton died after a collision with a car on the motorway.

League One play-off finalists Shrewsbury Town sign striker Aaron Amadi-Hollloway from Oldham for an undisclosed fee.

News from our partners Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

A fund set up to benefit patients at the end of their life, and their families, has raised almost £18,000 in the three years since it was launched.

The Swan Fund was set up at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) in July 2015 by End of Life Care Facilitator Jules Lewis.

Jules Lewis with Rachel Williams, Ward Manager on Ward 8, at the opening of one of the Swan Rooms

It was launched with a £500 donation which was collected at the funeral of Jules’ own father, Harold, who passed away at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH).

Jules Lewis with her dad, Harold.

Since then the fund has grown thanks to generous donations from groups and individuals and has paid for many of the improvements which have taken place at RSH and the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford.

Money from the fund has been used to purchase the XCcube system, which allows the dignified transportation of a deceased person to the Swan Bereavement Suite; 13 Swan Rooms, providing privacy and dignity for patients at the end of their life; vouchers for relatives; coping with grief leaflets; Swan Bags and contents for unexpected deaths and much more.

The fund is also support by The League of Friends of the RSH and the Friends of PRH through Swan Memory Boxes, which can be used by relatives and loved ones to keep special items.

Jules said:

“Death and dying is very difficult to deal with, even for staff who work in hospitals, but helping patients and their families at their time of greatest need is hugely important to us and the Swan Fund helps us achieve this.

“It always amazes me how many bereaved families donate to the fund at the hardest of times. I always send a thank you card to all the people who donate and we have invited many in to officially open Swan Rooms.

“I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their kindness. All donations are used very wisely to improve end of life care at the Trust.” 

Further information

• Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust is the main provider of acute hospital care for almost 500,000 people from Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales. Patients come to us from Telford, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Oswestry, Bridgnorth, Whitchurch, Newtown and Welshpool in Powys.
• The Trust continues to work with its partners in health and social care in Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales to develop patient-focused services that meet the needs of our communities.
• If you have any feedback about local healthcare, independent support and signposting is available from Healthwatch Shropshire, Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin and Powys Community Health Council (CHC):

• Healthwatch Shropshire: 01743 237884 or email the team via enquiries@healthwatchshropshire.co.uk
• Healthwatch Telford and Wrekin: 01952 739540 or email info@healthwatchtelfordandwrekin.co.uk
• Powys CHC: 01686 627632 or email enquiries.powyschc@waleschc.org.uk

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