Latest news with #TelfordandWrekinCouncil


BBC News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Plans to restore Telford Town Park amphitheatre to former glory
Grants are being pursued to restore a 400-seat amphitheatre to its former glory, according to a local and Wrekin Council said it was also committing funds to make improvements to the site in Telford Town Park. It said it hoped the initiative would complement the Telford Theatre on Tour programme of outdoor shows in the coming authority said the amphitheatre used to be a "vibrant cultural hub" which hosted live bands as well as drama and dance performances. The project aims to turn the site into an environmentally-friendly dedicated space for performances that would attract tourists and act as a venue for educational workshops and programmes, the council added."This project will be bringing cultural activity to the doorstep of many of our residents," said councillor Angela McClements, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, culture and the arts."We are excited about the potential of this project to not only restore a beloved venue but also to create a dynamic cultural landmark that will benefit the community for years to come." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.


BBC News
17-07-2025
- BBC News
Call for more to use summer park and ride in Ironbridge
Telford and Wrekin Council is calling for more people to use its summer park and ride service into the Ironbridge 1,331 people used it over nine weekends last summer, from 20 July to 15 September, including the bank holiday Monday - about 70 people a councillor in charge of transport at the Labour-run authority said the service took congestion out of the gorge, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Vickers said the park and ride was also cheaper than parking in the area, although the cost of an adult ticket has doubled to £2 for 2025. Telford and Wrekin Council subsidised the privately-run service last year at a cost of £20, council said its contribution would reduce if more people used it."It is a political choice that we've made to run this service," said Cllr Vickers."But it's worth it because it benefits the local economy and we're really passionate to make sure our high streets are thriving places."The more people that use the service, then the income from fares is offset against that cost," he added. The 2025 timetable will begin on Saturday, with three services an hour from the Jiggers Bank car park near Lightmoor, from 10:00 to 18: tickets have risen from £1 to £2, although a child's ticket, priced at 50p last year, is now with concessionary passes, such as pensioners and those with disabilities, will also be able to use the service without having to and Wrekin Council is also using the park and ride this year to transport passengers into the gorge for organised events outside the main included the World War Two Festival held in May and the Ironbridge Brass Band Festival, which took place last than 1,400 used it for the Brass Band Festival alone, preventing hundreds of cars from driving into Coalbrookdale. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Yahoo
Ten sites win Green Flag Awards for park management
Ten open spaces across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have been given Green Flag Awards. The scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces across the UK. Telford and Wrekin Council said it had been awarded a record number of eight times, while Shropshire Council recieved two. "Achieving a record number of Green Flag Awards is fantastic - it reflects the pride we take in these green spaces as well as the community pride shown by our incredible volunteers," said councillor Carolyn Healy, from Telford's authority. Telford and Wrekin: Victoria Park, Newport Bowring Park, Wellington Apley Woods Local Nature Reserve, Telford Telford Town Park Dothill and Shawbirch Local Nature Reserve, Wellington Dawley Park Dale End Park, Coalbrookdale Hartshill Park, Telford Shropshire: Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley The Mere, Ellesmere "We know just how much our residents value these green havens – they're places to relax, connect and enjoy nature," said Healy. "That's why we continue to invest in them, and why the support of Friends' groups is so vital. "Their commitment ensures our parks and woodlands remain welcoming, well-maintained and full of life." It is the 10th consecutive year that Telford Town Park has been awarded the accolade. Additionally, Stanmore Country Park, in Bridgnorth, was given a Green Flag community award - which recognises sites managed by voluntary and community groups. "Awards such as this just goes to show the hard work and effort that goes into maintaining our country parks by the amazing staff and volunteers involved, and they should be immensely proud of themselves," said councillor James Own, cabinet member for housing and leisure in Shropshire. "I really would recommend all residents, especially with the summer holidays on the way, consider visiting some of our beautiful outdoor spaces such as these as a fun, free and healthy day out." Telford Town Park retains its crown for a tenth consecutive year Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Cemetery receives prestigious Green Flag Award Green awards celebration for parks and reserves Shropshire Council


Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Fury over penis-shaped new housing estate locals have slammed as 'ridiculous'
Residents have reacted angrily to the new phallic-shaped 250-home development in Lawley, Shropshire, while a local councillor joked about 'cracking street names' Residents have blasted plans for a new housing estate and believe the embarrassing shape looks "ridiculous". A Tory councillor has joked he has seen some "cracking street names" suggested for the penis-shaped 250-home development. But many local people don't find it amusing, especially as some also say there isn't the existing infrastructure in place to support the new properties. Council planners have given the go ahead for the estate, which will include 635 private and 97 on-street car parking spaces. There will also be a cycle and pedestrian route built on the greenfield site in Arleston Lane in Lawley, near Telford, Shropshire. The controversial development comes as residents living nearby branded it "ridiculous". Jane Wheeler, 45, also complained it will remove more greenery from the area and affect the wildlife. "Aside from the ridiculous shape of the estate, it's yet another area of green being bulldozed for houses," she said. "Lots of people will have to drive many miles to take their dogs for walks. The area is also home to some lovely wildlife." Another resident said: "I can't believe somebody didn't look at that [design] and snigger, because we've all cottoned on." Planning agent AtkinsR alis said there had been an extensive consultation with residents and businesses nearby and also responded to fears from locals about a lack of infrastructure. The firm also say more than £2 million will be ploughed into providing adequate schooling and education in the area. Lawley West has been allocated for residential development under the Telford and Wrekin Local Plan (2018). The site is "characterised by green fields predominantly used for grazing" but is considered to be part of the built-up area of Telford in planning terms. It also has areas of trees and vegetation, has public rights of way and Ketley Brook running through the land and a caravan park. The plans for the estate, consisting of two, three and four-bedroom houses, were approved by Telford and Wrekin Council on Wednesday, July 9. Conservative councillor Nigel Dugmore told the meeting there had been "some cracking suggestions" for the street names. He said: "The application has drawn considerable attention due to its shape, and it's going to be very interesting to see what street names are going to come out - there's some cracking suggestions." He added that the land was "always earmarked for development" meaning the application was "impossible to refuse."


BBC News
09-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Oakengates Town Council submit plans to move library
Plans have been submitted to give a library a brand new home, as part of a town's major two-year Town Council is taking ownership of the library, currently located at community venue the Wakes, from Telford and Wrekin the plans would see it moved into new units on 6-8 Limes new units would be delivered as part of the Theatre Quarter regeneration project, which also includes an indoor seating area and pedestrianised area outside. Telford and Wrekin Council said the that taking ownership would ensure the library service which is "essential" would plans have been submitted for the change in use of the units, and is set to be completed and ready for opening "later in the year", it added."The library is temporarily located at the Wakes," the town council said."Relocating it to Limes Walk will make it much more accessible, giving residents access to an improved library and ICT services, educational and job search resources, together with essential first-point facilities for residents of all ages."This is a significant step forward in securing the library's future and the services it provides to our residents and visitors." Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.