Shropshire

As the summer season of parties and celebrations gets underway with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, people are being reminded not to release sky lanterns or balloons.

The warning, from Shropshire Council’s climate team, is reminding people that both balloons and lanterns can be particularly harmful to livestock, causing serious injury or death, as well as the lanterns posing a significant fire risk.

Ian Nellins, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for climate change, natural assets and the green economy, said:-

“We certainly don’t want to dampen people’s spirits, especially as we celebrate the milestone event of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee over the extended Bank Holiday weekend, but we must also be mindful of the environmental impact of our celebrations.

“These items may well look pretty when they float off into the sky, but when the debris lands in our countryside and is eaten by animals and livestock they can cause real problems. I know that some people will be tempted to buy them and set them off, but I would urge them not to.

“The use of sky lanterns on Shropshire Council-owned land was banned several years ago, and Shropshire Council voted in February this year for the Government to classify the release of sky lanterns and balloons as littering and therefore a criminal offence.”

Campaigners estimate up to 200,000 sky lanterns are released in the UK every year and warn they can:-

• Start wildfires
• Kill animals
• Destroy food growing in fields
• Set homes and buildings alight.

While warnings come that:-

• Over the past five years, on average three balloons per 100m have been found during the Great British Beach Clean.
• Balloons marketed as ‘biodegradable’ can last up to four years, ie as litter
• Animals, including livestock, can be injured through ingestion, entanglement and entrapment.
• Marine turtles are particularly vulnerable. The digestive tract of a juvenile green turtle, washed up dead near Blackpool in 2001, was completely blocked by marine litter including a large fragment of blue latex balloon
• Animals get tangled up in balloon ribbons and string, restricting their movement and the ability to eat.

The post Summer celebrations sky lanterns and balloons ban appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Over 30 activities across Shropshire are set to take place throughout Carers Week (local activities are extended to a fortnight this year, from Monday 6 June to Saturday 18 June 2022) in recognition of unpaid and family carers across Shropshire.

The Carers Week Events Programme  has been organised by Shropshire Carers Support Team, and comprises of both outdoor and online activities.

Carers Week 2022

Carers Week aims to raise the profile and highlight the vital role unpaid carers play in our communities. This year’s theme is ‘Make caring visible, valued and supported’ and helps draw attention to how important caring is.

Carers Week last year

Activities throughout the fortnight include:-

• Canal trips
• Garden and museum visits
• Exotic zoo animal therapy
• Carers surgeries
• Quizzes
• Craft sessions
• Complementary refreshments
• And much more.

Carers Week last year

Online interactive workshop

In addition, carers can also join ‘From Stress to Strength’ interactive workshops hosted jointly with Telford and Wrekin carers centre on Tuesday 7 June 2022 from 2pm till 3pm.

The Stress to strength is a programme of short workshops run by Caroline Rollings, including easy to learn self-help techniques that help calm stress relieve feelings of anxiety, fear, anger and live life with greater ease and joy. Carers will be able to join the free only workshop by signing up here. Click here to join the meeting. For further details about the events contact Margarete Davies on 01743 255776 or email margarete.davies@shropshire.gov.uk

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:-

“Unpaid and family carers across Shropshire faced many new challenges during the height of the pandemic and continue to do so. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their friends and family members who cannot manage without this support.

“Carers Week is our opportunity to say thank you to all unpaid and family carers in Shropshire: we recognise and appreciate the valuable support you provide to others.

“We hope the activities will be therapeutic for you, bring joy and companionship, and it is our way to say, ‘thank you for all that you do’.

“Throughout Carers Week we will also be showcasing some of the personal stories from local carers in Shropshire. These highlight the valuable contribution our unpaid and family carers make.”

Margarete Davies, Shropshire Council’s carers lead, added:-

“Shropshire Carers Support Team are excited to share our Carers Week Events Programme with you. This year we have extended the activities over a two-week period (Monday 6 June to Saturday 18 June 2022) to try and reach as many carers as possible.

“Now we are past the heights of the pandemic, we’re inviting carers to join in our activities and reconnect with nature and join us in the natural environments of Shropshire, where we can enjoy the beauty of our countryside with others.

“Alternatively, you may like to come to one of our crafting and plant swap activities or get up close and personal with the animals from the exotic zoo, or maybe join us virtually at the stress to strength workshop, a virtual cuppa or testing your general knowledge at an online quiz.

“Whether you want to immerse yourself in a garden walk or join activities from home, or maybe do a little of both, we hope you will find something for yourself, and look forward to you joining us during the two-week period.

“With over 30 activities dedicated to carers, there is a blended mix of outdoor and virtual options – our small way to say ‘thank you’ for all that you do. Whether you want to come along in person to the activities or join them from home, we hope you will find something for you.”

 Enter our carer competition and win a pamper gift

Carers can enter a competition by describing ‘What has made you feel visible and valued as a carer’. Entries can be emailed to shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk  Deadline for submissions is Monday 13 June 2022.

Two lucky winners will each receive a beauty/massage voucher (value £35), and runner ups will receive a small goody bag (value £10), courtesy of Gemini Hair & Beauty consultancy in Wem.

The winners will be notified by email on 15 June 2022.

Margarete Davies continued:- 

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those that have generously donated gifts for Carers Week, and those who have given up their time to present activities and talks. A full list of all contributors can be found on the programme (and on this page).”

For Shropshire Carers calendar of events and further details, please click Carers Week Events Programme

Booking is required for all ‘in person’ activities. (If transport is an issue, please discuss when booking onto an activity). Virtual activities can be accessed by clicking on the links provided.

To book contact: Shropshire Carers on 01743 341995 or email: shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk

Hundreds of activities are taking place across the country during Carers Week and many people have ‘Added Their Voice’ on the Carers Week website to make caring visible this year. To find out more about Carers Week visit https://www.carersweek.org/.

Further information 

Thank you to all the contributors to Carers Week in Shropshire 

• Shrewsbury Town in the Community
• National Trust
• Mobilise
• Caroline Rolling – Finding Peace Within
• Percy Throwers Garden Centre
• Oakgate Nursery & Garden Centre
• Severn Valley Railway
• Ludlow Farm Shop
• Acton Scott
• Hodnet Hall Gardens
• Babbinswood Organic Farm
• Moongate Plant Centre
• Whittington Castle
• Rays Farm
• Albrighton Garden Centre
• Gemini Hair & Beauty
• Fordhall Organic Farm
• Shropshire Museums
• Derwen College
• Alderford Lake
• Morrisons
• Exotic Zoo
• Royal Air Force Museum

What is a carer?

A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness, substance misuse issue, or who needs extra help as they grow older.

For some, taking on a caring role can be sudden: someone in your family has an accident or your child is born with a disability. For others, caring responsibilities can grow gradually over time: your parents can’t manage on their own any longer or your partner’s mental or physical health gradually worsens.

The amount and type of support that carers provide varies considerably. It can range from a few hours a week, such as picking up prescriptions and preparing meals, to providing emotional support or personal care day and night.

Caring will touch each and every one of us in our lifetime, whether we become a carer or need care ourselves. Whilst caring can be a rewarding experience, it can also have a huge impact on a person’s health, finances and relationships.

The post Carers Week 2022: host of events to recognise and celebrate Shropshire’s carers appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Shropshire Council is working with Food Standards Agency (FSA) to ensure safe food is served up for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.  

If you are planning to celebrate in Shropshire during the Bank Holiday weekend (Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June 2022) and you’re not sure where to start with food safety, here are some easy-to-follow tips so the food at your event is memorable for the right reasons.  

To ensure a risk-free celebration, remember warm weather and outdoor cooking is the perfect condition for bacteria to grow, and risks remain when preparing and serving chilled food.  

Food safety advice for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Here are some simple tips if you’re making food for large numbers of people:     

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water before food preparation and consumption   
• Always wash fresh fruit and vegetables  
• Keep raw and ready-to-eat foods apart   
• Do not use food past its use-by date   
• Always read any cooking instructions and make sure food is properly cooked before you serve it – it needs to be piping hot  
• Ensure that food preparation areas are cleaned and sanitised before and after use and ensure equipment is washed in hot soapy water   
• Plan ahead to keep your food cool until you’re ready to eat. Any foods which you would usually keep in the fridge at home also need to be kept cool on your picnic. This includes; any food with a use-by-date, cooked dishes, salads and dairy products, place these foods in a cool box or cool bag with ice or frozen gel packs. Distribute these throughout the box or bag, not all at the bottom. You can also use frozen drinks to help keep your cool box cold. Store cold food below five degrees to prevent bacteria from growing.    

 Narriman Looch, head of foodborne disease control at the FSA, said:-

“We are delighted that the Platinum Jubilee gives communities in Shropshire a chance to enjoy gathering together over the long weekend to celebrate this historic milestone. Celebrating safely means thinking about food safety ahead of time, so on the day you can concentrate on enjoying the party.  
  
“We know there’s a lot to organise, but don’t forget hygiene is also important, so plan out carefully how you will prepare, make and store food. None of us want unsafe food to affect the fun we will all hope to have on the day.”    

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, added:-

“After the last two years, the Jubilee is a wonderful chance for the people of Shropshire to celebrate. Please take the time to think in advance how you can make sure your food is safe, because last year over 500 cases of food poisoning were reported to Shropshire Council. Follow these simple tips to make your event memorable for the right reasons.” 

 You do not need a food hygiene training certificate to make and sell food for charity events; however, you need to make sure that you handle food safely.  Following FSA guidance on the 4 Cs: cleaning, chilling, cooking, avoiding cross-contamination, will help you prepare a safe feast for your community.      

If you are putting on a one-off event for friends and neighbours, you do not need to register; however, if any food businesses are present, they must be registered with the council. You can check out their food hygiene rating here.     

For specific food safety information regarding holding a street party please see the following guidance from the Food Standards Agency.   

The post Ensuring safe food is served up for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

High Street, Shrewsbury, closed to traffic

Parts of Shrewsbury town centre will close to traffic over the Jubilee weekend, as the current weekend closures are extended to include the bank holidays on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June.

Since 20 November 2021, Wyle Cop (uphill), High Street and Shoplatch have been closed to through-traffic from 10am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays to help reduce traffic in the town centre at weekends.

Now those closures will be in place for the four days of the Jubilee weekend – 2 to 5 June – to encourage people to visit the town and enjoy what promises to be a celebratory atmosphere.

Richard Marshall, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member for highways, said

“The weekend closure has been well received by all with shoppers, visitors and businesses telling us how welcome it is. We’ve also seen for ourselves what a positive difference it makes to the town centre at weekends and I’m very pleased that we can extend it to cover to include the two Jubilee bank holidays.

“Shrewsbury continues to do well as we emerge from the pandemic, and we hope this extended closure will encourage people to visit, support and enjoy the town over the Jubilee weekend.”

Emma Molyneux from Shrewsbury BID said:

“We are hoping for a lovely celebratory atmosphere in Shrewsbury over the special bank holiday weekend. Lots of businesses are getting involved with jubilee-themed window displays and events, and will be creating a relaxation and picnic space in the Square and St Alkmund’s Churchyard with live musicians performing over the weekend to add to the atmosphere.”

Alan Mosley, Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said:

“I’m delighted that the street closures have been extended and I’m sure that the move will encourage many people to come into the town and stay longer.

“The partial pedestrianisation of the Wyle Cop, High Street, Shoplatch, etc. has been a success story and been very well received by residents, visitors and businesses alike. it is without doubt a major contributor the our post-pandemic recovery. I hope we can learn from the experience when developing traffic management schemes in future.”

All Shrewsbury town centre car parks will remain fully accessible at all times during the closure, with free parking available on Sundays and bank holidays in Abbey Foregate and Frankwell.

Disabled parking remains available at all times on Castle Street, St Mary’s Street, Dogpole, Roushill and Beeches Lane – and in the five additional disabled parking bays introduced 24/7 as part of the trial closure – three in Princess Street and two in Claremont Street.

During the closures through-traffic should avoid using Town Walls and instead use the inner bypass via Old Potts Way to reach their destination, helping to protect this historic part of the town.

For details of Arriva bus services operating in Shrewsbury over the bank holiday weekend, click here.

More information, including a map and a ‘question and answer’ section, can be found at www.shrewsburymoves.com.

The current weekend closures are to remain in place until at least October 2022.

In addition The Square is closed to traffic every day from 10am to 4pm.

A wider movement and public realm strategy is now being produced, on behalf of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, which will carefully consider whether the trial should be adapted or remain on a more permanent basis

Feasibility work has begun on low traffic zone proposals for Town Walls.

The post Some Shrewsbury town centre roads to close for Jubilee bank holidays appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Shropshire Community Leisure Trust has launched a new training scheme to nurture local talent and encourage more people to become lifeguards in Market Drayton.

The training will take place at Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre, and on successful completion will give a National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) and an opportunity for employment at the centre.

The training will take place over six-days, during which participants will learn the theory and practical skills needed to be a lifeguard. The course includes training in water safety, casualty recovery, CPR and emergency first aid, and costs £226.05 for people aged 16 and 17, and £282.55 for over 18s. It is open to anyone over 16 who is fit, healthy and a strong swimmer.

Cecilia Motley Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, and transport, said:-

“This is a great opportunity for people to learn a new skill, with the prospect of a rewarding career in the leisure industry as a lifeguard on completion of the course.

“Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre is often on the lookout for new lifeguards and is able to offer flexible employment which can fit around study or other employment, so it’s a great job to fit around other commitments.”

“On successful completion of the course participants who come and work for us may also benefit from funding for their course.

“Lifeguards are vital to pool safety and do an incredible job protecting the public at pools across the county. I encourage all those interested to contact us and find out more about this exciting opportunity.”

Training will take place in Market Drayton on Saturday 28 May, Sunday 29 May, Monday 30 May, Tuesday 31 May, Wednesday 1 June and Saturday 4 June 2022.

Lifeguard qualifications opportunities at Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness centre

To find out more visit https://www.shropshireleisurecentres.com/market-drayton-swimming-fitness-centre/contact-us/ or call 0345 000 7004.

The post Lifeguard training offer to fill vacancies at Market Drayton swimming centre appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Shropshire Council is asking for views from local organisations and residents on the proposed changes to the criteria used to allocate social and affordable housing to people who live and work in Shropshire.

The review of the Housing Allocations Policy (HomePoint) will ensure that applicants in the greatest need are allocated social and affordable housing.

Key proposed changes to the draft housing policy include:-

• Increasing the number of bands contained in the policy from four to seven, to ensure people’s housing needs are better managed within the policy.
• Introducing a local connection criterion, where, subject to statutory exceptions, those who qualify must have been living in Shropshire for the last year or more, have close family living in Shropshire, or be employed in Shropshire.

It is also proposed that new applicants who have sufficient income to purchase or rent market-priced housing within Shropshire which is suitable for their needs would not qualify to be on the housing register.

Therefore, the draft policy proposes a threshold household income of £50,000 gross per annum, or savings and assets (including equity in a property) of more than £200,000, or both. Those new applicants on and above this threshold would not qualify to be on the housing register.

Following the changes to the draft policy, those who may no longer qualify to be on the housing register, on the basis of not having a local connection, will be notified and advised on their right to appeal.

The draft policy will also introduce formal nominations agreements with housing associations operating in Shropshire. This will ensure that applicants in the greatest housing need are allocated social and affordable housing.

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:-

“As a council we have a statutory duty to ensure those with the greatest needs have access to social and affordable housing. Whether that is through allocations to council housing managed by our own ALMO, Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing), or through nominations to housing associations.

“The revised policy also aims to prevent and tackle homelessness; promote independent living and reduce admissions to residential care; and enable key workers on low incomes to access affordable housing.

“Increasing the number of bands contained in the policy will allow for greater differentiation in prioritising categories of applicants who are required to be given priority under housing legislation.

“It will also recognise the needs of those applicants who may not be in a priority group recognised by legislation, but are still in housing need, for example, key workers in low-paid employment.

“I encourage everyone who may be affected by this policy to take the time to comment on the new proposals. This proposed draft policy will provide us with a much fairer and more sustainable approach to housing provision in Shropshire.”

For further information and to comment on the proposed draft housing policy visit Housing allocations policy | Shropshire Council

Closing date for submissions is Sunday 3 July 2022.

Statutory exceptions will still apply to the Armed Forces, ex-service personnel, existing social tenants moving to employment in Shropshire, and persons who need to move from another council area to escape domestic abuse or other forms of violence or harm, who will automatically qualify to be on the housing register.

The post Council seeks views for revised housing allocations policy appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Public transport, sports facilities and the preservation of Walkmill Meadows were top of the agenda for residents in Market Drayton when they met with the Leader of Shropshire Council, Lezley Picton, last week (Thursday 19 May 2022).

A total of 15 residents attended Lezley’s Meet the Leader event which took place at the Town Hall, all of whom were eager to talk to her about their ideas and the things that matter to them.

Lezley Picton meets Market Drayton residents at the event

The event also offered those attending a chance to see the council’s new proposals for improving transport, travel and public spaces in the town, and to meet the team behind the proposals.

Lezley said:-

“My Meet the Leader event in Market Drayton last week was the busiest one yet. Over the three hours, me and local Shropshire Councillor Ian Nellins spoke to 15 people. It was unfortunate that I wasn’t able to stay longer.

“It was great to see so many faces and hear people’s ideas and concerns, which mainly centred around public transport, sports facilities and the preservation of Walkmill Meadows.

“There are so many passionate people in the town who are keen to find solutions and make things better, and I’m confident that we can, together.

“We’ve gathered so much information which has been carefully noted down and will be actioned as appropriate.”

The well-attended Meet The Leader event in Market Drayton

Ian Nellins, local Shropshire Councillor for Market Drayton West, added:-

“I was very pleased that residents took the opportunity to raise issues with the Leader. The points made were all relevant, well prepared and communicated.

“The challenge now is to set the conditions to bring results on the main issues, in particular public transport and improved sports facilities.

“The initial interaction on the Future Connectivity Plan is also encouraging, and I very much hope that more residents will participate in the consultation over the next few weeks. Market Drayton residents appreciate that Lezley came to listen to their issues and I’m sure she will be back in a few months for another visit.”

The council’s consultation on its proposals for improving transport, travel and public spaces in the town is open until early next month. People can find out more about this here: https://shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/market-drayton-future-connectivity-plan/

Meet the Leader is part of a series of sessions taking place all over the county, offering residents the chance to ask questions and raise any concerns with Lezley herself.

The next session will be in Bishop’s Castle on Wednesday 13 July 2022, although the time and location is yet to be confirmed.

Lezley added:-

“Meet the Leader is proving to be a great way of getting out to meet people within their community and hear first-hand what really matters to them.

“It’s also a great way of building relationships and making sure that we work together to find solutions.

“I look forward to seeing you at my next event.”

The post Meet the Leader event welcomed in Market Drayton appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.