Shropshire

People affected by someone’s drug or alcohol use are invited to come to a drop in event at the Shropshire Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre, Shrewsbury on Monday 24 September 2018.

The Time 4 You relaxation event is being hosted by Shropshire’s Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) as part of Recovery Month, and will run from 4pm to 7pm.

This drop in event is for people to come along and try various relaxation technique taster sessions to help to alleviate general stress. Activities such as mindfulness and yoga sessions will be available to try.

As part of the International Recovery Month programme, Shropshire DAAT have organised ’Time 4 You’, an event which is aimed at carers / those who are affected by family/friends, who have issues with drugs and/or alcohol. This follows the recent successful national FAVOR UK Recovery Walk and conference, demonstrating people can and do recover.

There will also be a ‘marketplace’ giving access to a range of support and information services such as MIND, Carers Trust 4 All, council support services and local treatment providers.

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for  adult services, health and social housing, said:-

“Drugs or alcohol not only affect the person concerned, but also has a huge impact on those around them. Carers, family members and significant others play an important part in a person’s recovery so we need to recognise them and their needs.

“I would really encourage those who feel they would benefit from this event to come along. We want to ensure that you are not alone and that you need to take care of yourself, regardless of whether the person you are concerned about chooses to get the help they need.”

For more information about the event, email simon.haydon@shropshire.gov.uk or call 01743 253981.

If you are affected by someone’s behaviour through drug or alcohol misuse, there is help and support available. Visit Al-Annon’s website at www.al-anon.org.uk or call their helpline on 0207 403 0888.

If you or someone you know is suffering from substance misuse and need support, or whether you are affected by someone’s drug and or alcohol use and need to speak to someone, contact Shropshire Recovery Partnership on 01743 294700.

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Senior figures from the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), the High Streets Expert Panel and the Institute of Place Management (IPM) visited Shrewsbury this week (Wednesday 19 September 2018) to find out more about the town, and Shropshire Council and its partners’ ambitious plans for its future.

Head of Regeneration at MHCLG Laura Hurley, Member of the High Streets Expert Panel Councillor Graham Galpin, and Director and Visiting Professor IPM Simon Quin were given a tour of the town, which included a visit to the shopping centres, the award-winning Shrewsbury Market Hall and Wyle Cop. They also were given the opportunity to speak with some business owners before heading to Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery to hear about the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan.

Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth, said:

“It was a privilege to welcome delegates from the MHCLG, High Streets Experts Panel and IPM to our county town, which I believe is only one of five in the country that is being visited.

“Shrewsbury has so much to offer and we’re delighted that we were able to show them our vibrant businesses, historic buildings and give them an insight into what we’re all trying our best to achieve.

“It’s an extremely exciting time.”

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An exciting education-focused technology conference is coming to Shropshire on Wednesday 3 October 2018 in the form of EdTech Shropshire.

EdTech 2018

The conference, now in its second year, will host a gathering of representatives from some of the world’s biggest names in technology including Microsoft, Google, BT, LEGO, Smoothwall, as well as experts in education University of Loughborough and CAS Barefoot.

The event is being held by Shropshire Council to help support local schools, federations and academies with the changes, and inform them about both the benefits and associated risks unmanaged access could create.

Hosted in Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn, the event welcomes educators from across Shropshire and the surrounding regions to learn about new and emerging technology and the ways it can be applied to the classroom.

There will be keynote talks from experts, industry leaders and case studies from a local Shropshire school.  Delegates will receive unique access to technology and education exhibitors from across the industry and there will be chances to win prizes throughout the day.

Rob Gittins, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member for IT and digital services, said:

“Understanding the relationship between new technology and education can be confusing at times.  With a new generation of children increasingly more connected with the digital world, we’re excited to be able to offer educators the opportunity to understand the new landscape and be at the forefront of new technology.”

Andrew Boxall, Shropshire Council’s technology and communications service manager, added:

“EdTech is Shropshire ICT’s opportunity to provide extra support to schools, with a showcase of leading technology providers and the tools they represent. Through a range of specifically chosen topics, we will take attendees on a journey of discovery into the future world of School Education Technology. Meet providers, speak with specialists and generally gain a greater understanding of the art of the possible!”

Spaces are limited and educators are encouraged to sign up soon to avoid disappointment, via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shropshire-education-technology-conference-2018-tickets-47513974577

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Plans to deliver children’s centres services from seven proposed new family hub bases across Shropshire will be considered by Shropshire Council’s Cabinet next week (26 September 2018). To see the report and appendices, click here.

Under the proposals, services will be delivered from seven key buildings instead of the existing 26 buildings, namely: The Centre – Oswestry; Sunflower House– Shrewsbury; Crowmoor Centre – Shrewsbury; Rockspring Centre – Ludlow; the Youth Centre in Bridgnorth; and a hub base in the Whitchurch area yet to be determined.

Shropshire Council has also listened to feedback from parents and carers and have revisited the levels of need in the Market Drayton area – hence the proposal to add a seventh hub base – Raven House, covering the Market Drayton area. The Early Help Team based in Market Drayton will ensure Early Help support and services are available for families living in the Whitchurch area until a suitable building is sourced.

Chidren’s centre services will continue to be provided from the hubs, and through local community venues and home visits.

The proposals were originally drawn up following a consultation held in February and March 2018 in which families, stakeholders and staff were asked for their views on the idea of family hubs. Their views and opinions helped to shape the proposals. A further six-week  consultation into the proposals ran from 29 May, and included some 25 public meetings.

Nick Bardsley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children’s services and education, said:

“The proposed new delivery model for Early Help services across the county will provide whole family support, dealing with all the issues a family faces, with their full involvement and consent. The principle of delivering these services through bases or hubs was generally well received during our consultations and I want to thank everyone who took part and shared their thoughts with us.

“We want to provide support to children and families who are most in need of our help, quickly and in the right way. We also currently spend an awful lot of money on a lot of buildings, some of which are only used for a very small part of the week. We therefore think it’s far better to focus our resources on providing services for those who need our help, rather than paying for buildings.”

Under the proposals services provided by Shropshire Council’s partners will also continue, including midwifery services, health visitor services and services for vulnerable and disadvantaged children, especially those with special needs.

Shropshire Council does not intend to close the 20 unneeded buildings but anticipates that they would be used by other organisations providing services for children and families.

The proposed delivery model has the potential to deliver £875,000 of savings.

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News from our partners University Centre Shrewsbury

History will be made when the inaugural University Centre Shrewsbury (UCS) Graduation Ceremony takes place on Friday 28 September 2018.

Hosted at the iconic St Chad’s Church in Shrewsbury, the ceremony will celebrate the institution’s first students to gain their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and awards. The day will be marked with other celebratory events.

The awards will be presented by author and broadcaster Dr Gyles Brandreth, the Chancellor of the University of Chester.

At 2pm, academics and civic dignitaries will process through the streets of Shrewsbury before the graduation ceremony starts at 3pm.

A group of eminent individuals will join the ceremony to receive honorary degrees, recognising excellence in their respective fields.

The Right Reverend Mark Rylands will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity (DD,) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to ministry in this country, with particular recognition of his role as former Bishop of Shrewsbury and his support to UCS as a member of the Advisory Board.

Professor Lalage Bown OBE, FRSE, FAcSS will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt,) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to education and for her support of UCS.

Sir Neil Cossons OBE, FSA, FMA will receive an honorary degree of Doctor of Letters (DLitt,) in recognition of his outstanding contribution to heritage and for his support of UCS as a member of the Advisory Board.

Established by the University of Chester and Shropshire Council, UCS is a distinctive institution, focused on high-quality teaching and research, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to the community, with the long term aspiration to become an independent university. Postgraduate students started courses at UCS in 2014 and undergraduate students were welcomed in 2015.

The relationship between UCS and the University of Chester allows students to receive an individualised educational experience at Shrewsbury, while being supported by the established learning traditions of the University of Chester.

Undergraduate subjects offered at UCS include History, English, Initial Teacher Education, Psychology, Business and a range of Science programmes. Postgraduate courses are also available in areas from Education to Health, reflecting both traditional university level programmes and the county’s scientific history, environmental and social challenges.

Dr Gyles Brandreth, Chancellor of the University of Chester, said:

“I am honoured to be presenting degrees and awards to University Centre Shrewsbury’s first graduates, during such a momentous ceremony at the beautiful St Chad’s Church.

“These students are pioneers and deserve to celebrate their dedication and achievements, cheered on by their friends, family, staff who taught and supported them, and colleagues who studied alongside them. May success and good luck always be with them.”

Provost of University Centre Shrewsbury and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, Professor Anna Sutton, said:

“As our first students, they have made history, and we are extremely proud of all that they have accomplished. We’re sad to see them leave, but it’s exciting that they are embarking on their next steps. They will always be part of the UCS family, as our first alumni, and we hope they will come back to inspire the students who follow them with what they have achieved in their lives and careers.

“Many congratulations to you all. We wish you a very happy and prosperous future, and a wonderful graduation day.”

For further information on UCS:-

www.ucshrewsbury.ac.uk, www.facebook.com/ucshrewsbury, www.twitter.com/ucshrewsbury, call 01743 297185 or email enquiries@ucshrewsbury.ac.uk.

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The following planning applications will be considered by Shropshire Council’s Central planning committee at its meeting at Shirehall, Shrewsbury on Thursday 27 September 2018 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 Holcroft Way, Cross Houses, Shrewsbury (18/03427/FUL) Erection of 5No. dwellings with access road to supersede existing consent for plots 17-21 of existing permission 16/00188/REM pursuant to outline consent 14/02406/OUT.
• Land south of Millrace Cottage, Longmeadow Drive, Shrewsbury (18/03663/FUL) Erection of 1No split-level house with integral garaging and associated parking, served by an existing access and improved private drive.
• Land adjacent to Hawthorn Cottage, Longden, Shrewsbury (18/00251/FUL) Erection of 2No dwellings, formation of vehicular and pedestrian access and installation of package treatment plant.

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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How the front of Shirehall may look

Shropshire councillors will be asked to approve moving to the next stage of plans to refurbish and reconfigure the council’s Shirehall headquarters in Shrewsbury at their next meeting*.

In July 2017, a specialist team of architects and property specialists considered options to reconfigure and refurbish Shirehall in order to meet the council’s priorities (stage 1). In December 2017 Cabinet considered their feasibility report and agreed, in principle, to move forward the option of refurbishing the entire building.

The necessary due diligence and feasibility work around this option (stage 2) has now been completed and councillors will now be asked to approve the spending of £1.15m capital funding to support the next, detailed design stage of the development (Stage 3).

Stage 3 of the work will see more detailed designs and costs worked up and an application for planning approval made, as well as work on the strategy to procure the contractors for the final refurbishment work, before a detailed project budget, developed designs and a full business case are presented to full Council in March/April 2019.

If approved, work is set to be completed by autumn 2021.

The overall cost of the project is estimated to be £24.1m but this spend is set to be met by the proposed income generation and savings, with a yield of 7% anticipated.

How Shirehall reception may look

Steve Charmley, deputy leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“These plans offer a huge range of opportunities. They’ll make Shirehall better suited to modern working, providing our staff with a much improved place to work. They’ll save us money while reducing the cost of heating, lighting and maintaining the building, and will create income-generating opportunities for Shropshire Council through us acting as landlord for some of our public sectors partners. By creating a ‘Civic Hub’ Shirehall will also become much more accessible to the public and the local community.

“With the money spent set to be earned back through the savings and income generated, and a with a yield of 7% expected, this will be an excellent investment.

“Over the summer months we took the opportunity to pause the Shirehall work briefly to consider the opportunity presented by the purchase of the shopping centres to relocate the Civic Hub in the town centre. However, the outcome of this work showed that Shirehall remains the most cost effective, lowest risk and quickest option to deliver.”

*The report was originally due to be considered at full Council this week (20 September 2018) but won’t now be considered until the next meeting of full Council due to IT issues resulting in some councillors being unable to access all of the relevant reports. This will give councillors more opportunity to properly consider the proposals before making a decision.

Reasons for the planned refurbishment

How the partner entrance at the rear of Shirehall may look

There are a number of reasons for the planned refurbishment:

• Provide office space for council staff: Directly employed Shropshire Council staff will continue to need a suitable office base. Shirehall can continue to serve this purpose. It is owned by the council, and therefore in the council’s control to adapt and reconfigure to meet its needs. It has good transport links to the rest of the county. It is a well-known building, which, whilst of its time, has a provenance and striking aesthetic, which is befitting to a local authority and the local community.
• Need to modernise the building: Shirehall is now ‘of its time’, resolutely exhibiting almost exactly the same plan as in its original drawings. Furthermore the building in its current state presents an image to the public and partners which is far from ideal, appearing old fashioned and unwelcoming and disorientating for staff and visitors alike.
• Investment urgently required: The building is structurally sound and its key mechanical and electrical systems remain viable, but a number of years with minimal planned maintenance has had a negative impact on the quality and performance of the building, which now needs to be addressed urgently. A number of key elements have exceeded their expected lifespan, and significant investment is required to bring the building to modern standards.
• Revenue generation: In the light of reduced revenue funding and changes to business rates the council’s focus for our own land holdings is on revenue generation and Shirehall offers great potential for linking with public and private sectors partners, both through the One Public Estate programme and via commercial opportunities, to maximise the potential of the site to generate ongoing revenue contributions.
• Cost savings through sharing: Sharing Shirehall with other public sector bodies via the One Public Estate programme, will also enable us to share a number of business functions and operational costs, leading to savings and potential efficiencies.
• Greater commercial focus: Shropshire Council is also seeking to become a more commercially focused organisation, but the image Shirehall currently portrays to business partners is tired and out dated. Our base needs to demonstrate that we are open to business and a safe set of hands in which to trust the future place making of Shropshire.

Investment in improvements to Shirehall will provide a number of significant benefits and opportunities including:

• Improved public perception, customer experience, revitalised sense of civic pride and sense of place.
• Improved working environment for staff, leading to improved efficiencies through flexible and agile working and opportunities for collaborative working.
• Reduced running costs, through significant energy savings, increased efficiencies and reduction in empty desks/meeting room voids, along with reduced maintenance costs.
• Rationalisation of public estate to generate further letting/disposal opportunities, making land available for housing and business growth, reduce overall running costs and maintenance liabilities.
• Rental income from third parties, along with opportunities for some shared facilities, given the location of Shirehall on a key town centre access route into and its proximity to residential areas.
• Opportunities to provide much needed improvements to the car parking requirements and the development of an effective travel plan.

This is project acknowledged by Central Government Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government and the Local Government Association as being an exemplar within the One Public Estate programme and which could be used as a demonstrator of good practice to other local authorities.

Background information

Stage 1 and stage 2 work

At stage 1 the consultants recommended a significant investment to address the problems with the building and achieve the desired project objectives.

It was agreed that a sum of £300,000 should be added to the capital programme to enable to project to proceed to Stage 2, which would provide significantly increased certainty around the project costs and the business case.

Activities carried out in Stage 2 included:

• Due diligence on the existing building, in the form of technical surveys and research into existing systems.
• Concept designs for the building and the external areas and spatial planning.
• The preparation of a workplace strategy, based on the emerging policies and aspirations around transformation and agile working, as well as good practice.
• Discussions with third parties to identify letting opportunities.
• Consultation with directors, officers, councillors and other key stakeholders.
• Financial modelling and work to build the business case for the project.
• Early work on establishing the BREEAM and sustainability principles and options for carbon reduction and energy saving.
• Early work on a parking strategy.

Shrewsbury town centre consideration

Before submitting this report for approval, the opportunity was taken to pause the work briefly to consider the opportunity presented by the purchase of the shopping centres to relocate the Civic Hub in the town centre.

A report, was commissioned to evaluate the Shirehall Redevelopment Project against the potential of other new build options in Shrewsbury town centre. Its purpose was to assess the viability of the project, in the context of Shropshire Council’s wider estate and ask whether the Shirehall refurbishment proposal is the most sustainable and effective solution.

The outcome of the appraisal demonstrated at a high level that Shirehall remains the most cost effective, lowest risk and quickest option to deliver.

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A collaborative art sculpture to mark the World War I centenary is being displayed at Shropshire Council’s headquarters Shirehall in Shrewsbury.

Poppy sculpture

The sculpture, unveiled by The Royal British Legion’s Shropshire Poppy Appeal and St Chad’s Church in June 2018, was created by two local artists, Lyn Evans and Nik Burns, alongside Martin Phillips of Heritage Schools, to remember all from the county who gave their lives in the Great War.

Torn paper artist Lyn and metal work artist Nik were tasked with finding a way to mark the centenary in a way which reflects Shropshire.

To enable them to do this, 81 primary schools in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin were called upon to write the names of the fallen from their parish war memorials on poppies. They wanted to make the next generation truly part of this project and connect them to their past and Shropshire’s history.

Poppy sculpture

The 5,286 names displayed on the sculpture were gathered in the Shropshire Roll of Honour, which was compiled by two local amateur military historians, Neil Evans and Phil Morris, and funded by public and trust donations. Every man and woman listed in this Roll of Honour will be remembered in a service in the week of the 100th anniversary of their death, ensuring that every individual is valued and their sacrifice honoured.

Councillor Karen Calder said:

“We are honoured to have this beautiful and poignant sculpture at Shirehall.

“Involving Shropshire children in its creation was a brilliant idea. It’s important that we all remember, all year round, those who lost their lives to change our world.”

The sculpture is free to view, and will be located at Shirehall until October, after which it will continue its tour of the county before finishing back at St Chad’s in June 2019 to mark the signing of the Armistice.

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The following planning applications will be considered by Shropshire Council’s South planning committee at its meeting at Shirehall, Shrewsbury on Tuesday 25 September 2018 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 near Shipley, Bridgnorth Road, Shipley (17/05303/MAW) The phased extraction of sand and gravel, inclusive of mineral processing, all ancillary works, equipment and associated infrastructure and progressive restoration.
• Proposed poultry units south east of Hopton Heath (17/04546/EIA) Erection of four poultry sheds with control room/stores; landscaping scheme  (amended scheme).
• Proposed exception site dwelling north east of The Barn, Underton, Bridgnorth (18/00945/FUL) Erection of one affordable dwelling with detached 2-bay garage block.
• Wheathill Touring Park caravan site, Wheathill, WV16 6QT (18/02109/FUL) Change of use of land for the storage of touring caravans (unoccupied) and associated ground works and landscaping.

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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Severn Trent has issued an apology after overrunning work caused the closure of Ellesmere Road in Shrewsbury early this morning (Tuesday).

A Severn Trent spokesperson said:

“We’d like to sincerely apologise to everyone affected by the traffic issues caused by our works overrunning on Ellesmere road this morning. Unfortunately this was caused by temporary traffic signals not being available to replace the overnight road closure. The work is to install a new mains water connection.

“The work, again under temporary road closure from 7pm to 6am overnight, will continue tonight but will be replaced by temporary traffic signals prior to 6am tomorrow morning.”

Gary Parton, Shropshire Council traffic manager, said:

“The extended road closure during morning peak traffic hours caused severe disruption this morning and generated lots of complaints. I need to state that the local Shropshire Councillor Alex Phillips was not made aware of the works until problems became apparent. He has asked that this issue be solved as quickly as possible, given his residents’ understandable frustration, and that lessons are learned. We will be working with Severn Trent to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, this type of situation does not happen again.”

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Some important decisions were made by Shropshire Council’s Cabinet at its meeting today (Monday 17 September 2018).

To see the full agenda and papers, click here.

These items on the published agenda were discussed and approved in line with the recommendations:-

• Scrutiny items: report of the placements for looked-after children Task and Finish Group.
• Annual Treasury Report 2017/18
• Treasury management update Quarter 1 2018/19
• Financial monitoring report Quarter 1 2018/19
• Revised Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) statement 2018/19
• Quarter 1 performance report 2018/19
• Annual customer feedback (complaints, comments and compliments) report 2017/18
• Application by Broseley Town Council to be considered as a Neighbourhood Plan Area.

Video of meeting:-

www.youtube.com/watch?v=uo6hZA3Xf-4

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