Shropshire

COVID-19 testing is now available in Minsterley.

People with symptoms will be able to get tested at the following location:

Minsterley Parish Hall, A488, Minsterley, SY5 0EH

The site will be open for tests for attendees from 10am – 3pm.

Testing is available for anyone who has one of the main of COVID-19 symptoms, such as a high temperature, a new cough, or a change in sense of taste or smell.

We are also encouraging anyone to consider getting tested as a precaution if they have any of the following less common symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Aches and pains
• Feeling very tired for no good reason
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Sometimes ‘tummy ache’ in children

Tests can be booked online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test  or by calling 119. People can use the option of “my council has asked me to book a test” if they have the less common symptoms.

All appointments must be pre-booked.

Strict infection control measures will be in place to ensure the testing units are operated with the highest levels of public health safeguards.

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

“Effective testing for COVID-19 is one of the first lines of defence in reducing infections. Minsterley residents with lesser known COVID-19 symptoms – such as shortness of breath, a headache, fatigue and a sore throat – can now get tested at this site.

“The Government has now given us a clear route out of Lockdown, but we cannot afford to get complacent. We are pleading with people to follow the advice – not only to protect themselves and their loved ones, but our local NHS workers as well, who are coming under increasing pressure.

“We must continue to be vigilant and act like we all have COVID-19. Every social contact provides the virus with a chance to spread so please, Stay at Home and don’t make any unnecessary journeys.”

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating or shielding), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

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As of today, Tuesday 23 February 2021, unpaid carers aged 18-64 can book a vaccination appointment via the national booking system without receiving a letter. To be eligible, they need to be in receipt of carers allowance. They can book online at: www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119 free of charge, between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week.

Carers aged 18 to 64 who do not receive carers allowance and are not already registered with their council’s Carers Support Centre, should do so. They will then be contacted to book an appointment at a local centre.

Carers aged 16 or 17 are not eligible to book via the national booking system. If these young carers are not already registered with their council’s Carers Support Centre, they should do this and be supported to book their vaccination.

Carers aged 65 and over can already book on the national system, providing they have already received a letter inviting them to do so. Invitations to all over 65s to book appointments have been issued since mid-February.

Carers are defined as those caring for an elderly or disabled person who is at increased risk of COVID-19 mortality and are therefore clinically vulnerable.

Those clinically vulnerable to COVID-19 include.

• Children with severe neuro-disabilities;
• Those who are designated Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV);
• Adults who have underlying health conditions (as defined in table 3 of the green book: COVID-19 Greenbook chapter 14a (publishing.service.gov.uk)(Locally, we have agreed that carers aged 16 plus of individuals aged 16 plus, who have a moderate, severe or profound learning disability who are on the Learning Disability register, are also eligible);
• Those who need care because of advanced age.

Some carers will be invited by their own GP, if registered, and may choose to receive their vaccination via this route.

Shropshire Council, Telford & Wrekin Council and the local Carers Support Centres are continuing to work hard to support the NHS, to ensure that all unpaid carers of clinically vulnerable people receive vaccinatiosn against COVID-19.

They are encouraging people to register their details to ensure they receive the latest information and to assist them, where necessary, in booking appointments.

• If you live in Shropshire, your Carer Support Centre (Shropshire Council) can be contacted on 01743 341995 or by email: shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk
• If you live in Telford & Wrekin, the Telford Carers Centre can be contacted on 01952 240209 or by email: admin@telfordcarers.org.uk

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The University of Chester and Shropshire Council are strengthening their joint commitment to developing inclusive higher education and skills in the county, with proposals as a partnership to extend academic provision at University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) and give a welcome boost to the post-coronavirus economy.

The two organisations established UCS in 2014 to address the higher education deficit in Shropshire, identified by the Government. In doing so, they have created diverse opportunities for learners at all levels, residents and businesses alike. Universities deliver demonstrable economic benefits to their locations, and UCS brings students in to learn, live, work and spend money in Shrewsbury town centre, and encourages graduates to stay in the area.

A meeting of Full Council on Thursday (25 February 2021) will be asked to seek the consent of Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, to enter into a new property lease, allowing The Guildhall in Shrewsbury to continue as a teaching and learning venue for UCS.

The Guildhall, home of University Centre Shrewsbury

Continued growth in UCS – including attracting more international students – is directly linked to the planned increase in inward investment and regeneration plans for the town and county as a whole. It will help retain talent, solve skills gaps and contribute to the visitor economy, elements which form part of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan.

Despite the pandemic, student applications – including those from overseas markets – are increasing at the University of Chester, which is the ‘parent’ institution for UCS. A new business case looks to expand numbers at UCS, with significant growth areas in the curriculum, including health and sustainability.

Shropshire Council has demonstrated its commitment to the project by investing in high quality student accommodation for UCS at Mardol House, which welcomed its first students in September 2015, and Tannery East block, which received its first cohort of students in September 2019.

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said:

“Following the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, the need for well-educated, highly-qualified, employable people will be greater than ever to get communities back on their feet.

“We are fully committed to working with Shropshire Council to deliver sustained higher education opportunities, which in turn will bring economic, cultural and social benefits.”

Professor Paul Johnson, Head of UCS, said:

“We are very much looking forward to continuing our partnership with Shropshire Council to grow the offer at UCS and to attract and retain talent in the Shropshire area. There has never been a more vital time for higher education as we look to rebuild the economy post-coronavirus with strong curriculum offers in key areas such as health and sustainability.”

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

“The rationale for University Centre Shrewsbury was to ensure that Shrewsbury and Shropshire had a stronger higher education and skills offer for the county. Universities can also deliver economic benefits to the place in which they operate, which has been seen with UCS students studying, living, working and spending money in Shrewsbury town centre.

“The pandemic has put unforeseen pressure on the higher education sector, with most students currently working and living remotely and away from Shrewsbury. But the need for a well-educated, well-qualified and skilled workforce for Shropshire businesses remains strong, as does the opportunity to grow and supply highly-qualified students from undergraduate, post graduate and apprenticeship programmes.”

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Households across Shropshire will soon be required to take part in the Census 2021. It will be the first Census run predominantly online, with households receiving a letter with a unique access code, allowing them to complete the questionnaire on their laptops, mobiles or iPads.

Census 2021 completion via laptop

As soon as households receive their letter from Monday 8 March 2021, they will be able to complete the questionnaire, based on what their circumstances will be on Sunday 21 March 2021 (Census Day). The letter will contain contact details for households to access help and support.

Shropshire Libraries will be offering local support in completing forms digitally, with virtual guidance via MS Teams, over the phone guidance in completing forms and form filling on behalf of the person, and possibly one to one support in selected branches, dependent on Lockdown restrictions. Paper forms will be available for those people that are unable to complete the Census online.

In the lead up to Census 2021, contact details will be promoted more widely. Households should be reassured that their responses to the Census will not be shared with other parties or countries. Responses will be stored securely for 100 years to benefit future generations.

Census 2021 completion via mobile

Andy Begley, Shropshire Council’s chief executive, said:-

“The success of Census 2021 in Shropshire is only achievable if all households are able to complete the questionnaire online or by requesting a paper questionnaire. This means it is essential that local people know where they can get help and support from to make this possible.

“Experience has shown that many households are able to obtain help from trusted friends and family, or will be able to satisfactorily get help through the national help contact centre.

“However, we would encourage households who may be worrying about being able to complete the Census to contact our main libraries to obtain one-to-one help and support from Monday 8 March 2021.”

For more information, people can email censussupport@shropshire.gov.uk or contact their local library. More details, including how people can get in touch with the council’s library service for help and support with the Census, will be available from next Monday (1 March).

Census 2021 completion via iPad

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Shropshire Council has welcomed the Government’s announcement regarding the plans to gradually bring the country out of the third Lockdown.

Today, the Government has announced a four-step plan, subject to certain conditions being met.

These include:

Step 1
8 March

• • All schools to reopen
  • Outdoor school sports and activities allowed to resume
  • People allowed outdoors recreationally on a one-plus-one basis (socially-distanced)
  • Funerals can have up to 30 people

29 March

• Up to six people from two households allowed in outdoor spaces
• Outdoor sports facilities to reopen (eg tennis courts, basketball courts)
• Organised adult or children’s sports activities can return
• Outdoor child and parent groups can return (up to 15 parents)

Step 2 – after five weeks of Step 1, no earlier than 12 April

• Non-essential retail to reopen
• Outdoor hospitality can reopen
• Gyms and indoor leisure open for individual use
• Hairdressers and personal care services can reopen
• Outdoor attractions such as zoos, drive-through cinemas and theme parks can reopen.
• Driving lessons can restart
• Funeral wakes, weddings and receptions can have up to 15 people

Step 3 – after five weeks of Step 2, no earlier than 17 May

• Indoor hospitality, with no requirement for a substantial meal to be served alongside alcoholic drinks, and no curfew. The requirement to order, eat and drink while seated (‘table service’) will remain
• 30 person limit outdoors – Rule of Six will apply indoors (subject to conditions)
• International travel may be allowed (subject to conditions)
• Remaining outdoor entertainment, such as outdoor theatres and cinemas can reopen
• Indoor entertainment, such as museums, cinemas and children’s play areas, can reopen
• Remaining accommodation, such as hotels, hostels and B&Bs, can reopen
• Adult indoor group sports and exercise classes allowed
• Significant life events – allow up to 30 people

Step 4 – after at least five weeks of Step 3, no earlier than 21 June

• Remove all legal limits on social contact, allowing people to meet indoors
• Nightclubs and theatres allowed to reopen (subject to conditions)
• All limits on weddings and other life events removed

Further details can be found here

The four conditions that must be met at each phase of Lockdown easing are:

• The COVID-19 vaccine programme continues to go to plan
• Evidence shows vaccines are sufficiently reducing the number of people dying with the virus or needing hospital treatment
• Infection rates do not risk a surge in hospital admissions
• New variants of the virus do not fundamentally change the risk of lifting restrictions.

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

“The Government’s roadmap for cautiously easing Lockdown restrictions in England gives us all hope after what has been a challenging few months for both our residents and local businesses.

“This is certainly a step in the right direction and gives us all something to aim towards – but if we drop our guard, we’ll be back to square one. It is important to remember that some people who develop COVID-19 will not have symptoms and that a new virus strain, which spreads more easily, is circulating in the West Midlands.

“It’s important to stress Lockdown measures will be relaxed gradually, and we all need to continue playing out part by sticking to the rules to help get our cases down even further.

“The safety of school pupils and staff is our main priority. We are working with schools and planning for a proposed return to school for all pupils from Monday 8 March.

“Our education teams are working very closely with headteachers, and I’d like to thank staff and parents for their continued support during a hugely difficult time. We will now review the situation on a weekly basis and continue to keep parents informed of key developments.

“Lockdown restrictions still remain in place and we are here to help.

“Our Shropshire Council COVID-19 Helpline – ‪0345 678 9028  – remains open for anyone that needs additional support.”

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

“The figures for the number of people with COVID-19 in Shropshire have been declining in recent weeks, which is encouraging news. This is down to the collective efforts of all our residents, and I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone for all the sacrifices they continue to make.

“However, our cases rate still remains high and we have a long road ahead. We’ve seen before what happens when we relax too soon and how quickly the virus can spread when we let our guard down.

“The news that we now have a gradual route out of Lockdown will be welcomed by many of our residents, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels.

With the collective efforts of everyone, we can drive down the levels of COVID-19 in Shropshire even further before Lockdown eases.”

Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus:

• Stay At Home
• Work from home, if you can
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms
• Wear a face covering in indoor settings (food shops, workplaces) where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble.
• Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 10 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test.

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus.

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Spring Gardens in Shrewsbury is to close overnight on Monday 15 March and Tuesday 16 March 2021 for resurfacing of the road, including the Sultan Road roundabout.

The work is the final stage of roadworks being carried out as part of the Flaxmill Maltings development works.

Due to the size of the machinery being used for the resurfacing a road closure is needed for the work to be completed safely.

On both nights Spring Gardens will be closed from 8pm to 6am, with the resurfacing taking place earlier into the evening, and the traffic management kept on overnight for curing purposes.

During the closure traffic will be diverted via a signed diversion route and access to properties and businesses will be maintained at all times.

The highways work began in 2020 and – after an extension was agreed – started again in early January 2021.

Temporary traffic lights are currently in place.

Work is being carried out by Alun Griffiths (Contractors) Ltd on behalf of Historic England.

Alun Griffiths will be sending out letters to residents and will liaise with the fire station and affected businesses within the area. Advance warning signs will be placed on site two weeks prior to the resurfacing work starting.

Shropshire Council has requested that noise prevention measures are put in place to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum whilst operatives are working.

About the Flaxmill Maltings infrastructure works

Work began in June 2020 and has included the construction of a new access road to the Mill and upgrades to the existing A5191 that runs to the front of the Mill. The work also includes the creation of a new entrance into the site and the enlargement of the mini-roundabout at the junction of Sultan Road and Spring Gardens.

Two new zebra crossings and a new coach drop off and collection point are being created. Work to improve adjoining footpaths are also being carried out, as well as work by utility companies.

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Essential workers without COVID-19 symptoms can now book a rapid test at a number of pharmacies in Shropshire – allowing greater access to testing in some of our more rural areas of the county.

These tests are available for people who cannot work from home, who live or work in Shropshire and who do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.  Shropshire pharmacies will be coming online with the coming days and can be booked online using https://www.1centralhealth.co.uk/shropshirelft

This is addition to council-run rapid testing centres at The Lantern in Shrewsbury, the Halo Centre in Craven Arms and the Stanier Hall, Thomas Adams Sixth Form in Wem http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/

Walk-in rapid testing sites, without the need for booking, will also be available from 1pm today (Monday 22 February 2021) at the following sites:

Bridgnorth Community Centre, Severn Street, Low Town, Bridgnorth, WV14 6BB

Shifnal Cricket Club, Priorslee Road, Shifnal, TF11 8HD

The Victoria Centre, Victoria Road, Oswestry SY11 2HT

Rapid turnaround tests are supplied by NHS Test and Trace and will help identify people who are positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms. Around one in three people who are infected with COVID-19 have no symptoms. Broadening testing to include those with no symptoms will mean finding positive cases more quickly, and help to break the chains of transmission.

The speedy tests can rapidly turn around results within an hour without the need for processing the swabs in a lab.

The tests are taken using nose and throat swabs and the results are much faster than the standard test which goes to a lab. There are no costs but anyone getting a test will need to follow social distancing and wear a face covering.

If you have symptoms, you should not book a rapid test. Anyone with one or more of these symptoms – a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste, should continue to book a test at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus  or by calling 119.

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

“This is another important way for us to support our residents to stay healthy and well.

We know that people are concerned about unwittingly spreading the virus. These tests offer a way for people to have that peace of mind, and if they do test positive, act quickly to self-isolate and reduce the risk to others.

“These rapid tests will help our frontline workers to get tested regularly. Those testing positive can take immediate action and self-isolate – reducing the impact on the wider community.”

“We have expanded our offer following the success and demand at the our centres at The Lantern in Shrewsbury and Craven Arms Community Centre to offer greater availability and access.”

The local pharmacies offering pre-booked appointments are:

Bishop’s Castle

Bishop’s Castle Pharmacy (Dudley Taylor), Church Street, Bishops Castle, SY9 5AE

Cleobury Mortimer

Cleobury Mortimer Pharmacy (Dudley Taylor), Vaughan Road, Cleobury Mortimer, Kidderminster, DY14 8DB

Craven Arms

Lunts Pharmacy, Drovers House (MSN), The Auction Yard, Craven Arms, SY7 9BZ

Ellesmere

Ellesmere Pharmacy (Day Night), 5 Cross Street, Ellesmere, SY12 0AW

Highley

Highley Pharmacy (MSN), High Street, Highley, WV16 6LP

Oswestry

St Martins Pharmacy, Stans Superstore, St Martins, Oswestry, SY11 3AY

Old Chapel Pharmacy (Day Lewis), 14 English Walls, Oswestry, SY11 2PA

Pontesbury

Pontesbury Pharmacy (MSN), Main Road, Pontesbury, Shropshire, SY5 0RR

Shrewsbury

Radbrook Green Pharmacy (Dudley Taylor), Bank Farm Lane, Radbrook, ST3 6DU

Rhodes Pharmacy (MSN),28 Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury, SY1 1RD

Lunts Pharmacy, The Tannery (MSN), Barker Street, Shrewsbury SY1 1QJ

Lunts Pharmacy (MSN),  1 Hereford Road, Shrewsbury SY3 7QT

Conway Pharmacy 238 Monkmoor Road, Shrewsbury, SY2 5SR

Bicton Heath Pharmacy (Dudley Taylor), Bicton Heath Shopping Centre, Welshpool Road, Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury, SY3 5AD

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating or shielding), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus

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A planning application for the Shrewsbury North West Relief Road (NWRR) is being submitted by Shropshire Council today (Friday 19 February 2021).

The proposed road’s application says it would reduce journey times, traffic congestion, pollution and noise in Shrewsbury and in a number of surrounding communities, as well as helping to accommodate planned economic growth.

If approved, the NWRR would provide a new, single carriageway road linking the northern and western parts of Shrewsbury, with new bridges over the River Severn and its flood plain and the Shrewsbury-Chester railway line.

Shrewsbury North West Relief Road viaduct

The NWRR would connect the A5 at Welshpool Road roundabout west of Shrewsbury to the Ellesmere Road roundabout to the town’s north.

The planning application does not include a water management scheme as part of the bridge over the River Severn, and is for the road only.

The application shows that the NWRR would:

• Cut journey times by up to 14 minutes for drivers travelling through or across Shrewsbury.
• Compared with the current southern A5 route around the outskirts of Shrewsbury, the NWRR would provide a direct, high speed link across the north of the town.
• The road would also reduce traffic in Shrewsbury town centre, helping to improve air quality and to encourage more people to walk or cycle, and further support the town’s wider regeneration.
• Reduce traffic at peak-time bottlenecks on the A5 such as Dobbie’s Island and on the B4397, a well-known ‘rabbit run’ route that affects communities including Baschurch, Ruyton-XI-Towns and Walford Heath.
• Boost the county’s businesses and economy through reduced journey times and improved road links.
• Create a new circular walk by joining walking routes together; and create an additional 7km of public rights of way, giving more access to green space.

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

“I’m pleased that the application is has being submitted and we are moving on to the next phase.

“It’s been an extremely long journey – one which has taken nearly 30 years. It’s a very complex and technical application, and a huge amount of work has gone into getting it to this point.

“Although we’ve carried out many consultations over the years and we continue to have conversations with stakeholders and landowners, this application is a vital next step and will allow the whole community to give their views on it.”

Due to the number of supporting documents, it is expected that the application will go live on the planning portal on Monday 1 March 2021, at which point residents and businesses will be able to give their views on the scheme.

The cost of constructing the NWRR is estimated to be £87.1m. In March 2019 the Department for Transport awarded £54m towards the construction of the road, and the Marches LEP have awarded £4.2m (for the section formerly known as the Oxon Link Road); and the council will provide the balance of the cost through developer and other contributions.

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Shrewsbury town centre

A 20mph speed limit will be introduced on a number of roads in Shrewsbury town centre from tomorrow (Friday 19 February 2021).

The work is part of the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package (SITP), and follows a public consultation that ran in early 2019.

The 20mph limit will be introduced along the entirety of:

• Barker Street, Bellstone, Bridge Street, Claremont Hill, Claremont Street, Hill’s Lane, Lower Claremont Bank, Mardol, Mardol Quay, Priory Road, Roushill Bank, St Austin’s Friars, St Austin’s Street, Victoria Avenue, Victoria Quay, and Welsh Bridge.
• Claremont Bank from its junction with St Austin’s Street for a distance of 15m in a southerly direction.
• Roushill from its junction with Mardol to its junction with Raven Meadows.
• Smithfield Road from its junction with Welsh Bridge to its junction with Mardol.

To control the speed of traffic, four flat-top road humps are in the process of being constructed across the full width of the road at Roushill (junction with Mardol), Shoplatch (opposite Natwest Bank), Mardol (junction with Claremont Street), and Bellstone (junctions with Claremont Street, Shoplatch and St John’s Hill).

As part of this work, there will be beneficial changes to some of the parking and loading restrictions in Bellstone, Claremont Street and Mardol.

Under the current phase of the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package, enhancement work is being carried out between Smithfield Road and Bellstone, on Roushill, Mardol and Claremont Street.

New natural stone kerb lines are being constructed to provide wider pavements and new pedestrian crossing points. The pavements are being repaved with high-quality natural stone materials. Updated street furniture including benches, planters, bins and an increased number of cycle racks are also planned, as well as traffic sign upgrades.

Surfacing works will also take place at end of March/early April to resurface Claremont Street, the junction of St John’s Hill/Bellstone/Shoplatch along Bellstone and into Barker Street.

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

“This phase of the SITP work is key to improving the public and urban realm for Shrewsbury. The enhancement works – and these new 20mph speed limits – will make the town centre much more attractive to, and safer for, visitors, but especially pedestrians and cyclists.”

Work is being carried out by McPhillips, Shropshire Council’s contractor. During the works they will be available to address any day-to-day issues that may arise, liaising with businesses regarding loading bay requirements, and accessibility to business and residential premises.

For more information about the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package, go to www.shropshire.gov.uk/sitp.

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During the 7-day period from 5–11 February 2021 in Shropshire:

• 492 new cases reported
• This was a decrease of 150 (23%) cases compared to the previous week
• The seven-day infection rate for Shropshire was 152.3 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 of the population.
• For the West Midlands it was 196.4 per 100,000
• For England it was 147.7  per 100,000
• There were 40 COVID-19-related deaths in Shropshire hospitals
• 101 hospital beds at the Royal Shrewsbury and Princess Royal Hospitals were occupied by COVID-19 patients
• 119 cases relate to people under the age of 30
• 58 cases relate to people aged 70+
• During the last week 32% of cases were in the Shrewsbury & Atcham area
• 44% were in north Shropshire
• 24% were in south Shropshire

This is the lowest weekly figure recorded in Shropshire since the turn of the year. We would like to thank you all for your efforts in helping to reduce the number of positive cases – and we must keep going.

Rapid COVID-19 testing for key workers in Wem

A new rapid COVID-19 testing site will open in Wem on Monday 22 February 2021 to help protect essential and other workers who cannot work from home.    

The new centre will be at The Stanier Hall, Thomas Adams Sixth Form, Noble Street, Wem, Shropshire, SY4 5DT 

You can book a test now  - http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/  

The tests are for people without symptoms and should be repeated every 3-5 days to quickly identify and isolate those who may not know they are infectious. Up to a third of people who test positive for COVID-19 have no symptoms at all, so it’s important to test people without symptoms to identify these cases.  

The speedy tests can rapidly turn around results within an hour without the need for processing the swabs in a lab.  

Rapid testing for key workers is also available at our centres in Shrewsbury and Craven Arms

Anyone with symptoms (a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste) should book a test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test   

If the test result comes back positive then you must self-isolate for 10 days and follow the Government guidelines – information is available at www.nhs.uk/…/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/ 

Shropshire businesses offered the chance to deliver rapid testing

More businesses in Shropshire are being offered the opportunity to take part in a programme of rapid testing for COVID-19 for their staff.

One in three people who are infected display no symptoms and are an important vector in the spread of the virus. Testing of people without symptoms helps to identify and isolate cases and break the chain of transmission.

A number of local businesses and organisations have been supported by the council to help deliver their own training for staff.

Businesses who want to offer testing will be provided with equipment, training and all the advice they need to establish their own programmes.

To find out more about our rapid testing training offer, please email lateralflow.phtraining@shropshire.gov.uk

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A new rapid Covid-19 testing site will open in Wem next week to help protect essential and other workers who cannot work from home.  

The new centre, located at Stanier Hall, Thomas Adams School, Lowe Hill Gardens, Wem, SY4 5UB will open on Monday 22nd February. 

Booking is now open via – http://www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting/  

 The tests are for people without symptoms and should be repeated every 3-5 days to quickly identify and isolate those who may not know they are infectious. Up to a third of people who test positive for Covid-19 have no symptoms at all, so it’s important to test people without symptoms to identify these cases.  

The speedy tests can rapidly turn around results within an hour without the need for processing the swabs in a lab.  

Rapid testing is also available at the following sites:  

The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG 

Every day  – 8am-8pm 

 

Halo Craven Arms Community Centre, Newington Way, Craven Arms, Shropshire, SY7 9PS  

Sunday 9.00am – 3.00pm 

Monday 11.30am – 7.30pm 

Tuesday: 8.00am – 4.00pm

Friday: 8.00am – 4.00pm 

 Anyone with symptoms (a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste) should book a test via www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test   

If the test result comes back positive then you must self-isolate for 10 days and follow Government guidelines – information is available at www.nhs.uk/…/when-to-self-isolate-and-what-to-do/ 

  If the test is NOT positive then you must continue to follow Government guidelines on social distancing and wearing masks etc to protect yourself and others.  

Rachel Robinson, Shropshire’s Director of Public Health said: 

“Community testing has a big role to play in driving infection rates down, but it only works as part of a whole suite of measures including effective contact tracing, following the guidance around socialising and self-isolation and the rollout of the vaccines.  

“Getting tested doesn’t mean people can stop social distancing, wearing face coverings or washing their hands, but it does help to make the activities they are undertaking safer.  

“People who come to be tested will be given one of the rapid lateral flow tests which give results in about 30 minutes.” 

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

“I know and appreciate the efforts everyone is making to be responsible and to try and prevent the spread of the virus. But it is now more important than ever for us all to follow the national guidance to keep the rates down, and our loved ones safe.  

“These rapid tests will help our frontline workers to get tested regularly. Those testing positive can take immediate action and self-isolate – reducing the impact on the wider community.” 

The lateral flow testing stations are being managed by Shropshire Council and are being run by fully trained staff. We are supporting other methods of Covid-19 testing that are being made available at other locations around the county. 

How to book a test if you DO NOT have any COVID-19 symptoms and live in Shropshire 

• If you have access to the internet, go to www.shropshire.gov.uk/lfdpublictesting 

If you DO have COVID-19 symptoms: 

Currently anyone who has one of the main symptoms of a high temperature, new cough or loss of taste or smell must self-isolate immediately and book a test.  

When you book a test you will be given the option of a test centre based on nearest location to you and availability. If you are displaying symptoms, apply for a test online. 

 Step Up and help us stop the spread of coronavirus: 

• Stay At Home 
• Work from home, if you can 
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds 
• Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms 
• Wear a face covering in indoor settings (food shops, workplaces) where social distancing may be more difficult, and where you may come close to people who are not part of your household or bubble. 
• Anyone who has any symptoms should book a test and not leave home for at least 10 days. Those living in households should self-isolate for 10 days if they or any members of the household receive a positive test. 

For local advice and support during the pandemic (especially if you are self-isolating), call Shropshire Council’s COVID-19 Helpline on  0345 678 9028 or visit our website at www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus. 

 

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Council tax in Shropshire is proposed to rise by 3.99% from April 2021 – a 1% lower increase than the council had originally envisaged.

The proposal will go a meeting of Full Council on Thursday 25 February 2021 where the budget for 2021/22 will be set. For the proposal click here.

The Government’s calculations of ‘council spending power’ assume that Shropshire would increase council tax by 4.99% in 2021/22, made up of a 1.99% rise in general council tax and a 3% adult social care precept – extra council tax funding ring-fenced to support adult social care.

However, councils can choose to implement the adult social care precept over a longer period rather than all in one year, as many councils are planning to do.

Councils’ scope to increase funding for services such as social care, where costs and demand continue to rise, is very limited, as in recent years Government funding has reduced, forcing councils to rely more on local funding through council tax to maintain services. Social care, for example, now accounts for 64% of the Council’s budget. Five years ago it was 43%.

The Government is to address this through its delayed Fair Funding review, which is now due in 2022.

Council Leader Peter Nutting has requested that the 4.99% council tax rise initially proposed is now reduced to 3.99%, which includes a 2% adult social care precept.

A one-off £1.6m shortfall created by deferring the full adult social care precept would be funded from reserves, with the outstanding 1% adult social care precept added to council tax bills in 2022/23.

The proposed 3.99% increase in council tax would add an extra 83p per week for the average Band D Shropshire home’s bill.

Peter Nutting said:-

“This approach will generate an extra £3.2 million in the next year ringfenced for adult social care – a key area for Shropshire due to an ever-growing ageing population needs continued support and investment.

“This would fund the equivalent of an extra 77 new beds in a nursing home for a year, or provide 150 more people with the average 21 hours a week home care support they need.

“However, we recognise that due to the pandemic, many people are finding times very tough financially. This proposal will spread the increase the Government expects we will make over a longer time, providing some help on the pressure many will feel due to rising household bills, including council tax.

“If anyone is facing real financial hardship, particularly due to the pandemic, I would urge them to contact the council, as there is some help that may be available, either via www.shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus or on 0345 678 9078.”

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