Shropshire

Passengers across the West Midlands are advised to check the details of their journeys.

Eglantyne Jebb started the charity with her sister to help starving youngsters after World War One.

Traffic was disrupted for two hours in Bishop's Castle over proposals to reduce services.

Following a trial at Telford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 13 May 2019, a private hire driver was found guilty of an offence under the Equality Act 2010 for refusing to take an assistance dog on a pre-booked journey.

The Court heard that on 3 August 2018, Mr Hilton booked a private hire vehicle to collect him and his friend Mr Kane, who is deaf and uses an assistance dog called ‘Harley’, from the Royal British Legion in Dawley. Mr Hilton gave evidence in court stating that he told the private hire company, Diamond Cars, that he and his friend were travelling with an assistance dog.

Mr Naman Yaqub, 44, from Leegomery, Telford was dispatched to the Royal British Legion, but upon seeing the assistance dog, he locked the doors to the vehicle and refused to take the fare saying “Dog, no dog”.  Mr Hilton told the driver that the dog was an assistance dog, but despite this Mr Yaqub drove off leaving the passengers without a car to take them home. Mr Hilton was forced to contact the operator and wait for a second car to be sent.

The incident was reported to Shropshire Council’s Trading Standards and Licensing Service, who investigated the matter and brought criminal proceedings against Mr Yaqub.

Under the Equality Act 2010 it is an offence for the driver of a private hire vehicle to refuse to take an assistance dog.

Mr Yaqub pleaded not guilty, stating in his defence that he did not know that the dog was an assistance dog, alleging that ‘Harley’ was not wearing a coat or lead identifying him as such, something which Mr Kane and Mr Hilton strenuously denied.

Having listened to all the evidence in the case, District Judge Cadbury said that he found Mr Hilton and Mr Kane to be truthful and reliable, and as such he was satisfied that ‘Harley’ had been wearing his harness and lead, and that Mr Yaqub had been told by Mr Hilton that he was travelling with an assistance dog.

The Judge thought that Mr Yaqub had been reluctant to accept that Harley was an assistance dog because he didn’t look like a typical guide dog for the blind, as hearing dogs do not wear harnesses with fluorescent yellow stripes but instead wear burgundy jackets.

Mr Yaqub was found guilty of the offence and sentenced to a fine of £375.00 as well as being ordered to pay a £37.50 victim surcharge and prosecution costs of £750.00.

Frances Darling, Trading Standards & Licensing Operations Manager at Shropshire Council, said:

“We welcome the outcome of this case. The Equality Act 2010 makes the position in respect of taking assistance dogs clear – whether they are guide dogs, hearing dogs or medical assistance dogs – it is a criminal offence for a private hire driver to refuse to take an assistance dog unless the driver has a medical exemption issued by the council’s licensing team. Shropshire Council takes incidents such as this extremely seriously as they affect some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

“It’s incredibly disheartening to hear of this particular incident and that a driver licensed by Shropshire Council has clearly fallen far below what is expected of him.

“Following the successful prosecution, Mr Yaqub has been referred to Shropshire Council’s Licensing Panel where his suitability to hold a private hire drivers’ licence will be reviewed. It is reassuring that following an investigation and the legal process being followed, the court has rightly found the driver guilty.

“We will continue to ensure that taxi and private hire operators and drivers licensed by Shropshire Council comply with all legislation applicable to them. I encourage the public to report any suspected illegal activity to us; the public can be assured that any future incidents of this kind will be investigated.”

Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, place, planning & regulatory services, said:

“Any private hire driver who refuses to take assistance dogs faces not only the prospect of legal action in the courts, but also being reported to the Council’s Licensing Panel where there is a possibility that their private hire driver’s licence will be revoked. The Equality Act 2010 provides for people with disabilities to have the same right to services as everyone else and it is against the law for service providers, such as drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles, to treat people less favourably because of their disability, including allowing guide dogs and assistance dogs into taxis and private hire vehicles with their owners”.

If you have any concerns, you should report them to the Trading Standards and Licensing Service at Shropshire Council on 0345 678 9046 or taxis@shropshire.gov.uk.

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A new Armed Forces Outreach Support service will be launched at Palmer’s of Shrewsbury next week (Monday 20 May 2019).

Armed Forces outreach support

Set to take place the first and third Monday of every month from 10am until 2pm at the café, the relaxed and friendly sessions are open to military personnel, veterans and their families.

On the day, those attending will be able to get support and advice on housing, healthcare, education, employment, finance and benefits and well-being from a range of local businesses, charities and other organisations which have shown an interest in supporting the military, or simply join in some banter.

The outreach service has made possible through the Armed Forces Covenant Grant Scheme – a scheme that gives financial support to local projects which strengthen the ties and mutual understanding between members of the Armed Forces community and the wider community in which they live.

Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award

Sean McCarthy, Shropshire Council’s sports development and Armed Forces Covenant officer, said:

“We are delighted to offer this important outreach service in Shrewsbury.

“The military community can sometimes find it difficult to access the advice they need once they leave the Armed Forces. The sessions will give serving personnel veterans and their families access to a support network which understands their background and needs – in a friendly and relaxed environment. Through this targeted advice and guidance, these people will be fully supported to lead independent lives within Shropshire.”

The outreach service has initially been supported by RBL, SSAFA, Combat Stress, Walking with the Wounded and Shropshire Council, but the service will be working closely with a number of other charities, and local organisations and businesses moving forward.

Other outreach events will also be held throughout the county. For further information, people can visit: https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/support-for-armed-forces-personnel-veterans-and-families/

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Shropshire Council has announced its programme of roads that are to be surface dressed this summer. The 2019 surface dressing season is due to start in late May and continue until late July.

Surface dressing (applying and rolling aggregate ‘chippings’ onto a bituminous binder) is a proven quick, efficient and cost-effective way of maintaining skid-resistance and waterproofing road surfaces.

It forms a major part of the council’s annual road maintenance programme and – along with resurfacing – plays an important part in preventing potholes forming on the county’s roads.

Almost 40 sites – see list below – have been identified for treatment across the county on all types of road, from urban cul-de-sacs to major A and B roads.

Due to the limited width of some roads, over 85% of the sites will unfortunately require a temporary road closure for the works to be carried out safely. Where road closures are not necessary, other forms of temporary traffic management will be in place, including temporary signals with convoy working where appropriate. On cul-de-sacs limited access will be available.

For the majority of A and B roads centre line studs/cat’s eyes also need to be removed and replaced under a temporary closure. It’s envisaged that stud removal will take place overnight, followed by dressing and sweeping operations during the following couple of days.

The replacement of studs and road markings on some sites will necessarily take place up to ten days later. Again, this will be during one night’s (8pm to 6am) road closure.

In reality, most of the closures will only be required for a few hours for the dressing operation, and we don’t envisage most being more than one day.

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and parking, said:

“As well as improving and protecting our road surfaces, this important programme of work plays a crucial role in helping to prevent potholes and other defects forming in the future. Pothole treatment is very much about prevention as well as cure and this is one important way that we can aim to prevent potholes forming next winter.”

The programme of work may alter due to wet weather or other unforeseen events.

Information letters will be delivered to affected residents and businesses, and advance information signs will be on site at least ten days prior to the due start date.

Surface dressing sites summer 2019 Northeast Shropshire

1) WREXHAM ROAD [From: Shropshire Boundary – To: Wrexham Road Roundabout]

STUD REMOVAL – 30 May to 31 May, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 3 June to 5 June, 9.30am to 4pm
STUDS AND LINING – 18 June to 20 June, 8pm to 6am

2) WREXHAM ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO CHESTER ROAD ROUNDABOUT [From: Canal Bridge Joint – To: Joint near Hill rally Sign]

STUD REMOVAL – 29 May to 30 May, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 2 June to 4 June, 9.30am to 4pm
STUDS/LINING – 17 June to 18 June, 8pm to 6am

3) HEATH ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO TILSTOCK ROUNDABOUT

STUD REMOVAL – 31 May to 1 June, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 4 June to 6 June, 9.30am to 4pm
STUDS AND LINING – 20 June to 22 June, 8pm to 6am

4) STATION ROAD AND WAYMILLS, WHITCHURCH

DRESSING – 1 June to 3 June, 9.30am to 4pm
LINING – 10 June to 12 June, 9.30am to 4pm

5) A525 WHITCHURCH BUSINESS PARK ROUNDABOUT TO NANTWICH ROAD ROUNDABOUT [From: Low Bridge Sign at A5398 Roundabout – To: Roundabout Whitchurch Business Park

DRESSING – 1 June to 3 June, 9.30am to 4pm
LINING – 14 June to 15 June, 8pm to 6am

6) NEWCASTLE ROAD [From: Staffordshire County Boundary – To: Junction A51 Woore).

STUD REMOVAL – 28 May to 29 May, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 31 May to 2 June, 9.30am to 4pm
STUDS AND LINING – 12 June to 14 June, 8pm to 6am

7) A53 RUSH LANE ROUNDABOUT TO ADDERLEY ROAD ROUNDABOUT [From: Muller Roundabout – To Adderley Roundabout]

STUD REMOVAL – 23 May to 25 May, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 30 May to 1 June, 9.30am to 4pm
STUDS AND LINING – 6 June to 12 June, 8pm to 6am

8) WATERLOO TO GOBLINS LANE, WHIXALL [From: Goblins Lane – To: Ossage Lane]

PROPOSED DRESSING DATE – 5 June, MARKINGS 13 and 14 June (daytime)

9) GREEN LANE, WHIXALL [From: Rack Lane – To: Goblins Lane]

PROPOSED DRESSING DATE – 5 June, MARKINGS 13 and 14 June (daytime)

10) FOUR LANE ENDS CROSSROADS TO NORTHWOOD HALL JUNCTION, WHIXALL [From: Four Lanes farm – North Woodhall Junction – To: North Woodhall junction]

PROPOSED DRESSING DATE – 6 June, MARKINGS 12 and 13 June

10) WAGGONERS CROSROADS TO FENNS BOUNDARY AT HOLLY HOUSE, WHIXALL [From: junction Whitchurch to Welshend Road – To: Joint 80 Yards Whixall sign]

DRESSING – 5 June to 7 June, 7am to 5pm
LINING – 12 June to 13 June, 7am to 5pm

11) B5063 HORTON HALL

DRESSING 6 June, MARKINGS 13 and 14 June

North west Shropshire

1) PENTRE-DAFYDD XRDS TO YSGUBORISSA

PROPOSED PATCHING DATE – 4 and 5 June, DRESSING, 7 June, LINING 15 and 16 June (daytime)

2) CHIRK BANK VILLAGE (FROM B5070 30MPH TO OAKLANDS ROAD) [From: Lower Chirk Bank – To: Chirk Bank Village]

PROPOSED DRESSING – 7 June, MARKINGS 15 June (daytime)

3) HILL PARK , DUDLESTON HEATH

PROPOSED DRESSING – 7 June, MARKINGS 14 June (daytime)

4) HILL CRESCENT,  DUDLESTON HEATH

PROPOSED DRESSING – 7 June, MARKINGS 14 June (daytime)

5) REVELLS CLOSE, DUDLESTON HEATH

PROPOSED DRESSING – 6 June, MARKINGS 14 June (daytime)

6) PEEVER CLOSE, DUDLESTON HEATH

PROPOSED DRESSING DATE – 7 June, MARKINGS 14 June (daytime)

7) KAYMAUR CLOSE, DUDLESTON HEATH

PROPOSED DRESSING DATE – 6 June, MARKINGS 14 June (daytime)

8) B4398 STATION ROAD (LLANYMYNECH BRIDGE)

DRESSING – 12 June to 14 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS – 19 June to 20 June, 9.30am to 4pm

9) MORTON CROSSROADS TO WHIP LANE

STUD REMOVAL – 3 June to 4 June, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 10 June to 12 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS – 17 June to 18 June, 8pm to 6am

10) BROOKHOUSE ROAD, BRIDGEMAN AND POWIS AVENUE, OSWESTRY

DRESSING – 10 June, MARKINGS – 18 June

Central Shropshire

1) PULVERBATCH TO SMETHCOTT COMMON

PROPOSED DRESSING – 14 June, MARKINGS – 20 June (daytime)

2) PLEX LANE, ALBRIGHTON [From:A528 junction – To: SD joint prior Wood lane]

PROPOSED DRESSING – 12 June, MARKINGS – 1 June (daytime)

3) OAKVALE COURT, DORRINGTON

PROPOSED PATCHING – 3 June, DRESSING – 13 June, MARKINGS – 20 June (daytime)

4) HARLEY TO CRESSAGE

DRESSING 13 June to 15 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS 19 June, 9.30am to 4pm

5) A5064 LONDON ROAD MAIN SECTION TO A5 [EITHER SIDE OF THE COLLEGE)

DRESSING – 12 June to 14 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS – 18 June, 9.30am to 4pm

South west Shropshire

1) 9 PLOWDEN JUNCTION TO B4370 JUNCTION CWM HEAD

STUD REMOVAL – 5 June to 6 June, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 15 June to 17 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS – 24 June to 26 June, 8pm to 6am

2) A488 ROCKHILL-COCKFORD BANK [From: Pen’y’wern junction – To: Llwn Road junction]

STUD REMOVAL 4 June to 5 June, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING 14 June to 16 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS 20 June to 21 June, 8pm to 6am

3) JUNCTION WITH A4117 TO STONEY LANE [From: Bitterley Lane – To: End of road at Farm]

DRESSING 16 June (daytime), MARKINGS 24-25 June, 8pm to 6am

4) B4385 BRAMPTON ROAD, LYDBURY NORTH TO LAGDEN LANE

PATCHING –  31 May, 9.30am to 2.45pm
DRESSING – 15 June to 17 June, 9.30am to 2.45pm
MARKINGS – 21 June, 9.30 am to 2.45pm

South east Shropshire

1) B4373 FROM STANLEY LANE TO CANTERN COTTAGE

STUDS – 6 June to 7 June, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 17 June to 19 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS – 1 July to 3 July, 8pm to 6am

2) THE SQUARE, STOTTESDON

PROPOSED DRESSING 16 June, MARKINGS 26 June (daytime)

3) A458 FROM A442 ROUNDABOUT – A458 ROUNDABOUT STOURBRIDGE ROAD EAST

DRESSING – 16 June to 18 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS – 27 June to 28 June, 9.30am to 4pm

4) WOUNDALE-CHYKNELL HALL

DRESSING – 16 June, MARKINGS 3 July (daytime)

5) B4176 ROYAL OAK ROUNDABOUT TO COUNTY BOUNDARY

STUDS – 7 June to 9 June, 8pm to 6am
DRESSING – 19 June to 21 June, 9.30am to 4pm
MARKINGS – 4 July to 7 July, 8pm to 6am

Further information

Shropshire Council is spending around £6 million this year on resurfacing and surface dressing the county’s roads, ranging from unclassified rural roads to town centre roads to main ‘A’ roads. For more information, see our video below.

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News from our partners Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH)

The Trust that runs Shropshire’s two acute hospitals will be highlighting the life-changing impact research has had on medicine when it celebrates International Clinical Trials Day on Monday.

Clinical Trials Day (Monday 20 May 2019) is celebrated around the world by research professionals to raise trial awareness and recognise patient, public and staff contributions to public health and medical progress.

More than 2,000 patients at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford (PRH), took part in over 110 research studies in 2017/18, joining over 75,000 people in the West Midlands and 725,000 nationally, the highest number since records began.

Clinical Trials Day

Helen Moore, Clinical Trials Manager and Trust Lead Research Nurse for SaTH, said:

“Research is the only way we can continue to improve treatment of diseases and patient care.

“We know patients who take part in clinical trials do better than patients that don’t, even if they receive the standard treatment, so I encourage people to ask their doctor or nurse about how they can get involved in research. They can also view trials seeking volunteers at the UK Clinical Trials Gateway at www.ukctg.nihr.ac.uk.

“Trials aren’t only open to people who have a medical need, those who are fit and healthy can also take part. If you would like more information, contact the clinical research department on sath.research@nhs.net”

On Monday, The Clinical Trials team will be running information stands outside the canteens at RSH and PRH from 12pm-2pm where staff and the public can win prizes by taking part in a research quiz, and play a clinical trials game.

Clinical Trials Day

Helen has written a staff blog talking about some of the trials SaTH are currently running. Her blog can be read here. Patients who have taken part in research at the Trust have also spoken about their experiences:

Alan Smith took part in the ‘Stampede’ study which aims to assess new treatment approaches for people affected by high-risk prostate cancer:

“I had no hesitation in getting involved in the trials programme.

“A friend of mine in Germany has already benefitted from revised treatment that was presented in this hospital. His consultant picked up that paper and has applied that treatment successfully, so not only do we see benefits locally here in Shropshire, but this hospital is having an effect worldwide, and that’s not overstating the case.

“The contribution that this hospital is making can make a greater contribution to the benefit of everybody.”

Harriet Swain took part in ‘The Big Baby Trial’ which started labour at 38 weeks for women whose babies appeared bigger than expected for their dates:

“I was measuring quite large all the way throughout my pregnancy, so it was suggested that I become part of the project. Taking part in the study has been fantastic – all the way through I’ve had extra support, I’ve had someone to call if there’s been an issue. I felt really well supported throughout, both from my own midwife and the research midwife.

“Coming in at 38 weeks and having a [birth] date was really interesting. Although I felt nervous I actually really looked forward to the date, and I knew when things were going to happen. I was treated like an absolute queen in the midwifery unit: everybody was really interested in how I was getting on. I can’t put into words how fantastic the whole induction experience was, I just felt really well supported and really well looked after and I actually enjoyed my birthing.”

Harriet’s partner, Mat, added:

“The care and guidance we received from every staff member while we were in the hospital was absolutely fantastic and I think it helped us feel really comfortable with the whole process and made the labour process a lot more comfortable and straightforward for us. Obviously when little Orla arrived the staff were brilliant with us and I can’t thank everyone enough for that.”

Tom Beaumont took part in the ‘Simplified’ study which trialled natural vitamin D for patients receiving Dialysis:

“It is very important that we continue research and trials, for the simple reason that without this we’re not going to progress, and it’s important to us as patients that SaTH do continue and that we do participate in a programme with them.”

 

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Health and social care organisations in Shropshire have again exceeded their Delayed Transfer of Care (DTOC) target in ensuring that residents don’t stay in hospital longer than they need to.

Shropshire’s Integrated Community Services team

Current figures for 2018/19 show the number of delayed discharges of care (DTOC) across Shropshire Council adult social care services and Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) have reduced from 21.2 per day to 10.4 per day, a 60% drop since 2017/18.

The Delayed Transfer of Care figures, produced by NHS England, show that during the current year the monthly number of delayed bed days has reduced. Both the council’s adult social care services and NHS partners in Shropshire have seen a sustained long-term improvement in the reduction of delays.

Adult social care (ASC) services, as well as acute settings such as hospitals, across England, are expected to maintain or reduce the number of patients who are delayed in such circumstances. The Government has set each organisation a target to reduce the delays of transfers of care. A Delayed Transfer of Care from acute or non-acute care occurs when a patient is ready to depart and is still occupying a hospital bed.

Total annual delayed days NHS ASC Joint Total Days 2016/17 6,275 5,333 2,896 14,504 2017/18 5,154 1,531 1,070 7,755 2018/19 3,381 118 293 3,792

 

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult social care and climate change, said:

“I am absolutely delighted we have again exceeded the Government’s target.

“We know that no one wishes to be in hospital longer than is necessary. Over the past year our adult social care teams have worked extremely hard with our health colleagues to ensure people are discharged as soon as they are well.

“I am very proud that their work has been nationally recognised, having been awarded Social Work Team of the Year, as well as being Highly Commended at the LGC (Local Government Chronicle) Awards and recognised.”

Nigel Lee, Chief Operating Officer at SaTH, said:

“Together with the community teams, CCGs and local authorities, the Trust has halved the numbers of patients that are medically fit and awaiting transfer compared to last year. We now routinely transfer most patients within 48 hours of being fit, which is the national standard.

“We are very pleased to see yet another improvement this year which is testament to the hard work of staff across SaTH and the local system, and good news for our patients. No one wants to be in hospital longer than they need to be and we will continue to work together with our partners to look at ways of improving further.”

Shropshire’s Integrated Community Services (ICS) team, jointly run by Shropshire Council adult social care services and Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, provide short-term support for patients who are ready to leave hospital. The team also work closely with partner organisations to identify people who need support to avoid an admission to hospital in the first place.

Steve Gregory, Director of Nursing at Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust, added:

“It is important that patients are cared for in the most appropriate setting for their needs.  We work with others within the Shropshire care system to make sure any delay is kept to a minimum.”

Tanya Miles, Shropshire Council’s assistant director – adult social care, added:

“Our integrated teams work extremely hard to support people to be discharged from hospital as soon as they are well, and help people avoid hospital admissions. This year their efforts have paid off in that we exceeded the targets that had been set nationally in reducing delayed transfers of care.

“We continue work with our health and social care partners to further explore possible solutions to help reduce the number of patients remaining in hospital and returning home, which we know they prefer to be.

“I would like to offer my congratulations to all those involved who I know have worked extremely hard to ensure that people return home from hospital as soon as possible. This is a great result from the team.”

Shropshire Council and SaTH have introduced a number of initiatives which have contributed to the reduction in DTOC figures. New programmes and initiatives to help patients return home sooner, or support those to avoid hospital admission, include:

Bespoke night time support (Two carers in a car) – This pilot scheme involves two carers who can travel to any household within the Shrewsbury area to provide support between 10pm and 7am. This support may be assistance for toilet care, to getting into bed at a later time than when regular carers are available, reassurance if just home from hospital, or as an alternative to a hospital admission where night support is required. Request for placements are often due to night support being required, but many people do not need this throughout the whole night. This scheme enables care support to be provided to a number of people throughout the night.

Carer support post-hospital discharge – Carers Trust 4all are offering support for carers discharged from hospital. Carers may feel anxious following a discharge that they have lost their routine, or the person they support on discharge may require more support. This service is now available throughout Shropshire, and is provided directly for the benefit of the carer at a time of increased challenges for the carer.

Extra care units – Where additional support is needed but can’t be provided within the person’s home, the council has commissioned four new ‘independence’ units located within a local housing development. These units are individually self-contained, where couples or single people can live, and where they can continue to receive therapeutic and care support prior to, and during, their transition when moving back to their own home. These units will be particularly beneficial for those discharged patients not able to return home from hospital. They will provide people with the environment where they can continue to regain and improve their ability to live in their own home, which for many people is what they wish to achieve, and evidence demonstrates is difficult to achieve if admitted to residential placements. This will allow people who require a period of enablement in an environment where they can be accompanied by their partner and receive further support to develop their independence skills.

Let’s Talk Local hub – There is also the hospital-based ‘Let’s Talk Local’ hub, which will offer information and advice around visiting times for people who are supporting friends, neighbours, and family members who are in hospital.

SaTH Frailty Intervention Team

A frailty service at the front door of Royal Shrewsbury Hospital was launched to reduce admission and reduce lengths of stay for patients aged 75+. Working together with Shropshire CCG, Shropshire Community Health NHS Trust and Shropshire Council, the new team combines health and social care professionals. It is a fast track service to get frailer patients over 75 quickly assessed, treated and discharged safely back to their own homes.

SaTH2Home

SaTH2Home was launched to provide rapid, same-day domiciliary care for patients awaiting care packages to start or who require support to settle back to their home. This enables discharge to be facilitated on the day a decision is reached that an individual no longer requires acute care. 

Further information

Adult social care DTOC figures

Current figures for 2018/19 show that adult social care services have exceeded their overall target by over 60%. For 2018/19 the target was to further reduce delays to an average of 17 per day, services have exceeded this target to now just 10.4 per day.

Adult social care services in Shropshire have worked closely with NHS trusts within Shropshire and also with out of county trusts where residents may be receiving care. This has resulted in significant improvement in the council’s results. In comparison to the year 2016/17 the results for 2018/19 show delays attributed to adult social care have reduced from 5,333 days to 118 days, a 98% improvement.

During 2016/17, on average, there were 39.7 delays per day. For the 2017/18 the target was to reduce this to 22.5 per day, which was achieved with 21.3. For 2018/19 the target was to further reduce delays to 17 per day. The services have exceeded this target, achieving 10.4.

Representatives from 10 different organisations – including Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Telford & Wrekin CCG, Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, SaTH, and representatives from Shropshire partners in care (SPIC) – spent a week together in November 2018 to explore new ways of getting patients to leave hospital sooner so they can recover in the best possible place. 

What is a delayed transfer of care?

A delayed transfer of care from acute or non-acute care occurs when a patient is ready to depart from such care and is still occupying a bed. A patient is ready for transfer when:

1. A clinical decision has been made that patient is ready for transfer and
2. A multi-disciplinary team decision has been made that patient is ready for transfer and
3. The patient is safe to discharge or transfer.

 

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The following planning applications will be considered by Shropshire Council’s North planning committee at its meeting at Shirehall, Shrewsbury on Tuesday 28 May 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.

Land south of The Woodlands, Peplow, Market Drayton (19/01359/OUT) Outline application (layout for consideration) for residential development.

Oakfield, Middleton Road, Oswestry (18/05057/FUL) Erection of 3no. detached dwellings following demolition of existing structures; Formation of new vehicular access.

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.

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Children and families are invited to visit Shrewsbury’s Darwin Shopping Centre in the coming weeks to enjoy a range of free, themed, family fun with ReachOut Arts.

The circus, pirate and superhero-themed activities – listed below – will all take place in The Workshop Station opposite JD Sports.

The activities, dates and times are as follows:

Saturday 18 May 2019, 10am – 3pm

DAY AT THE CIRCUS

Roll up at the big top for a day at the circus with lots of stunts and tricks lined up for the day.

10am – 11am: Circus fun (Age 3+)

Join the circus fun with hula hoops, spinning plates and ribbons to create your very own circus act!

11.15am – 12pm: Dinky listen, move and groove session (Pre-school+)

Explore movement and dance with your little ones to a variety of themes in this session filled with games, dance and stories to help develop motor skills and encourage positive bonding.

12.15pm – 1pm: Circus spinning plate making (Pre-school+)

Explore your creativity with your little ones as you make your very own circus spinning plate to take home!

1pm – 2pm: Circus fun (Age 3+)

Another chance to join the circus fun with hula hoops, spinning plates and ribbons to create your very own circus act!

2.15pm – 3pm: Circus craft and colour (Pre-school+)

Enjoy an open session with our creative team for little ones to read, colour and enjoy circus themed crafts.

Saturday 25 May 2019, 10am – 3pm

PIRATES AHOY!

All aboard the Pirates’ ship for the little buccaneers in this day on the high seas!

10am – 11am: Pirate fun (Age 3+)

Join ReachOut on the Jolly Roger for an interactive Pirate fun session. Walk the plank, shoot the cannons, and learn some pirate talk. Fun for all ages!

11.15 – 12pm: Dinky listen, move and groove session (Pre-school+)

Explore movement and dance with your little ones to a variety of themes in this session filled with games, dance and stories to help develop motor skills and encourage positive bonding.

12.15pm – 1pm: Pirate parrot making (Pre-school +)

Get creative when you make the pirate’s ultimate sidekick in these craft workshops.

1pm – 2pm: Pirate fun (Age 3+)

Join ReachOut on the Jolly Roger for an interactive Pirate fun session. Walk the plank, shoot the cannons, and learn some pirate talk. Fun for all ages!

2.15pm – 3pm: Pirate craft (Pre-school+)

Enjoy an open session with our creative team for little ones to read, colour and enjoy pirate-themed crafts.

Wednesday 29 May and Saturday 1 June 2019, 10am – 3pm

SUPERHEROES ASSEMBLE!

Wannabe superheroes assemble to become the ultimate crusader and make superhero accessories to take home.

10am – 11am: Superhero school (Age 3+)

Come and learn how to be the ultimate superhero, with strength training and lessons in how to use your x-ray vision in this fun engaging workshop for all the family!

11.15am – 12pm: Dinky listen, move and groove session (Pre-school+)

Explore movement and dance with your little ones to a variety of themes in this session filled with games, dance and stories to help develop motor skills and encourage positive bonding.

12.15pm – 1pm: Superhero mask-making (Pre-school+)

Join the creative team for superhero mask-making fun. Create your very own themed Superhero mask to take home with you or to use in our fantastic superhero school workshops, coming up next

1pm-2pm: Superhero school (Age 3+)

Come and learn how to be the ultimate superhero, with strength training and lessons in how to use your x-ray vision in this fun engaging workshop for all the family!

2.15pm -3pm:  Superhero craft & colour (Pre-school+)

Come and join the Creative team in our superhero craft session and enjoy colouring, superhero badge making and a host of other fun activities for all ages.

For more information visit www.shrewsbury-shopping.co.uk.

Further information

To follow Shrewsbury shopping centres on social media, go to:

• Facebook: @shrewsburyshopping
• Twitter: @shop_shrewsbury
• Instagram: @shrewsbury_shopping

The post Free family fun at Shrewsbury’s Darwin Shopping Centre in May and June appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

The unidentified man is in a critical condition in hospital after collapsing at Shrewsbury station.

News from our partners Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council 

Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council is celebrating achieving the Quality Gold level of the national Local Council Award Scheme.

The Quality Gold standard is the highest level of the scheme and Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council is the first local council in Shropshire to achieve it. The scheme exists to recognise excellence in governance, community engagement and continual council improvement.

The award was presented to the council’s Chair Councillor Andrew Haydon and Clerk Carole Warner by Shropshire Council Chairman Ann Hartley at Shropshire Council’s full Council meeting today, Thursday 16 May 2019.

From l-r: Councillor Mike Dinsdale – Vice Chairman, Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council; Carole Warner – Clerk, Welshampton and lyneal Parish Council; Councillor Andrew Haydon – Chairman, Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council; Ann Hartley, Chairman of Shropshire Council; Brian Williams, local Shropshire Councillor for The Meres; Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, place planning and regulatory services.

Ann Hartley said:

“Although being a small parish council in the north of the county, Welshampton and Lyneal continually represent their community at all levels of government and Shropshire Council has been pleased to work them on many occasions.”

Councillor Andrew Haydon, Chair of Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council, said:

“I am delighted that the parish council’s efforts, its understanding of good governance, the desire for community engagement and on-going planning for the parish’s future has been recognised.  I would especially like to thank and acknowledge our clerk, Carole Warner’s contribution as without her experience, professionalism and commitment to the council and the community we would not have attained this prestigious award.”

From l-r: Councillor Mike Dinsdale – Vice Chairman, Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council; Carole Warner – Clerk, Welshampton and lyneal Parish Council; Councillor Andrew Haydon – Chairman, Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council; Ann Hartley, Chairman of Shropshire Council; Brian Williams, local Shropshire Councillor for The Meres.

Clerk Carole Warner said:

“Achieving this award recognises the effort and hard work put in over the years by everyone involved with the council. Without the backing of councillors who always support each other and look for ways to make a difference, we could not have reached Quality Gold.  Every member of the council team has reason to be proud.”

Katrina Baker, MBE, President of Shropshire Association of Local Councils and Chairman of the Accreditation Panel, said:

 “We congratulate Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council in obtaining Quality Gold.  They have worked so hard to achieve this award from being the first council in Shropshire to achieve Quality standard, the middle level of the scheme, just over one year ago.”

Further information

In England: There are approximately 10,000 local councils (town councils and parish councils) and 100,000 councillors.  They collect around £400m annually in precept income, investing around £2billion annual in local communities.

In the county of Shropshire:  There are 180 parish councils (153 in Shropshire, 27 in Telford & Wrekin) with nearly 2,000 parish and town councillors (1977 seats, 1688 in Shropshire and 289 in Telford & Wrekin). 

The Shropshire Association of Local Councils has 96% in membership (only 6 in Shropshire and 1 in TWC remain outside of membership).

Local councils are at grass roots level of governance: Local councillors are, real hyperlocal heroes, who are spending their time and energy helping their communities. This should be celebrated and recognised more. Local councils are actually becoming one of the most important parts of local government as they are closest to the people and covering the issues that really matter in a time of real disenchantment. They are the only growing part too as several are created each year.

Local Council Award Scheme: Is a peer assessed programme that has been designed to both provide the tools and encouragement to those councils at the beginning of their improvement journeys, as well as promoting and recognising councils that are at the cutting edge of the sector. It is through the sector working together to share best practice, drive up standards and supporting those who are committed to improving their offer to their communities that individual councils and the sector as a whole will reach its full potential. In Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin we have 15 councils that have achieved the Foundation level, 3 who have achieved Quality and one has achieved the top award Quality Gold.  This prestigious award recognises that the council achieves good practice in governance, community engagement and council improvement, going above and beyond their legal obligations, leading their communities and continuously seeking opportunities to improve and develop even further.  These councils are at the front line of the government’s localism agenda and are doing as much as they can to delivery services whilst being efficient and cost-effective.

For more information contact SALC at alc@shropshire.gov.uk; 01743 252744.

The post News from our partners: Welshampton and Lyneal Parish Council achieves national excellence award appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

A new group has been set up to review the priorities within Oswestry’s 2020 Neighbourhood Plan and to help deliver activities and projects that will benefit the town, its residents and its businesses.

Made up of representatives from Shropshire Council, Oswestry Town Council and Oswestry Business Improvement District (BID) the Future Oswestry Group held its inception meeting on 2 May [2019] at the town’s Guildhall.

The group will help to deliver each organisation’s activities and projects through working more closely together.

Key members of the group include: Councillor Steve Charmley and Councillor Robert Macey representing Shropshire Council; Councillor Chris Schofield and Councillor Sandy Best representing Oswestry Town Council; and Adele Nightingale and Ian Follington representing the Oswestry Business Improvement District (BID). Support is provided by officers from Oswestry Town Council and Shropshire Council.

Regular meetings will be held for the group, which will now look to agree its aims and objectives, and develop a programme of activities.

Councillor Steve Charmley, deputy leader of Shropshire Council and Cabinet member for economic growth, said:

“This new group is great news for Oswestry. Our first meeting was really positive and by meeting on a regular basis we’ll be able to ensure that we all work together for the benefit of Oswestry, and all who live,  work  or run a business in the town.”

Adele Nightingale, Oswestry BID manager said:

“The BID sees this as a great opportunity to work with both Shropshire and Oswestry Town councils, to ensure a joined up and co-ordinated approach for the future of Oswestry. We are very keen to deliver projects in the short and medium-term whilst always considering the longer term plans. Exciting times are ahead for Oswestry!”

Councillor Sandy Best from Oswestry Town Council, said:

“This was a positive meeting and the Town Council looks forward to working with Shropshire Council and the BID to develop and deliver projects that will make a tangible difference in the town. It is important that the community are aware of this work and have an opportunity to contribute to it.”

The post New group set to boost Oswestry by delivering key projects appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Two Shrewsbury charities are being sought from today (Thursday 16 May 2019) – to ‘Pass GO’ on the brand new official Monopoly game for the town.

The charities will get to star on the brand new board – on Community Chest spaces all on their own.

Shrewsbury Monopoly – Community Chest card

Jake Houghton, Custom Games Executive at Winning Moves UK, makers of the new game under license from Monopoly owners Hasbro, Inc, said:

“It’s our way of thanking the public for getting behind the game so very enthusiastically.

“To qualify the charities have to be clearly Shrewsbury focused. They must also be currently registered with The Charity Commission for England and Wales.”

Polls are open for nominations and will last a week, until 23.59pm next Wednesday (22 May 2019).

It was announced a fortnight ago that Shrewsbury is getting its very own official Monopoly. The public was invited at the time of the announcement to send in votes and suggestions to star on the Monopoly spaces and Community Chest and Chance cards. One card idea, perhaps cheekily, which has caught a lot of attention is one sending players to Telford rather than the Monopoly jail.

Jake Houghton added:

“The response has been absolutely fantastic and way exceeded our expectations. More than 4,000 votes have poured in so far. We would like to formally thank each and every person who has sent in nominations. Now, as our way of a thank you, two town charities will now get to star on their very own Monopoly Community Chest spaces.”

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

“We’ve got lots of great charities who play a vital role in making Shrewsbury a fantastic place to live, work and visit. They do an excellent job of helping look after those who need extra support, helping to maintain our green spaces and community buildings and supporting the work of thousands of dedicated volunteers.

“They truly deserve to feature in the game – but it will be difficult picking just two.”

The new edition will be available at all major retailers starting in October in Shrewsbury and beyond, as well as at online retailers including Amazon.

Jake Houghton added:

“Shrewsbury Castle, The Abbey and The Dana (ex-prison) have all polled very well so far, The game will feature the great and the good of Shrewsbury.”

Polls for Charity suggestions: by email to: info@6starpr.co.uk ; or to the official Shrewsbury Monopoly Facebook page; or by good old-fashioned post, to:  Shrewsbury Monopoly charity nominations, Winning Moves UK, 7 Praed Street, London W2 1NJ.

The post Charity begins at home (the brand new Shrewsbury Monopoly home) appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Shrewsbury Town defender Scott Golbourne signs a new two-year contract with the League One club.

Plans have been revealed for a new visitor centre, café and play area close to The Mere in Ellesmere.

Located at the former Swan Hill depot site, the new centre would include a café and indoor soft-play area, and have space for exhibitions. There would be an outdoor adventure play area for children, and it’s hoped that the former depot buildings will be taken on by an outward bounds company offering opportunities for water sports and other outdoor activities.

A preferred design for the café has now been selected:-

Ellesmere Country Park – visitor centre plans

 

The proposals are now subject to funding being secured and planning permission granted. If all goes well it’s hoped the new facility will be open by Easter 2020.

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

“The moving of our countryside depot at Swan Hill presented an opportunity to invest in the site to offer a new all-year-round visitor facility.

“The aim of the project is twofold. Firstly we want to develop and promote The Mere at Ellesmere Country Park as the outdoor recreation centre of Shropshire’s Lake District. We can do this by creating more outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors, so that it delivers an all year-round family visitor/tourist destination, increasing usage out of the main spring and summer seasons.

“The provision of a new visitor café/centre will also act as a hub to promote other attractions within north Shropshire and beyond –   acting as a stepping stone into the Meres & Mosses landscape of north Shropshire.”

Shaun Burkey, Shropshire Council’s country parks and sites officer, said:-

“Our objective is to build a new visitor centre with a large well-used children’s outdoor adventure play area that provides for a family audience with young children. This offers the opportunity to develop the potential of the site so that it becomes an all year-round visitor destination for sport and recreation that will increase visitor numbers out of the main tourism season.

“We would modernise the existing outdoor play area and remove all but one of the neglected buildings at the depot, to provide space for the new facilities to increase visitors’ enjoyment and their experience of The Mere.”

Ann Hartley, local Shropshire Councillor for the Ellesmere Urban division, said:

“It’s great that a derelict area could soon be regenerated. It would be tastefully developed, as we are very mindful that this is a very sensitive area, and it’s essential that any buildings are in keeping with area. This development would also complement the busy play area, enhancing the facilities that are currently provided.”

European funding is being sought from The Rural Development Programme for England. Ellesmere Town Council has also contributed to the project which would bring three new jobs to the town.

The post Plans revealed for a new visitor centre etc near The Mere, Ellesmere appeared first on Shropshire Council Newsroom.

Bishop Anthony Educational Trust runs 16 schools across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

As Brexit dominates the work of MPs and MEPs, how seriously should voters take the European elections?

Riders say they hope they can reach an agreement for the continued shared use of a woodland.

Members of The Gay Bikers Motorcycle Club share their stories.