Champion Schools tournament

The past two weeks have seen schools from across the Telford & Wrekin Borough come together for the Champion Schools tournament. The year 9 & 10 tournament was hosted at the Hadley Learning Centre on Tuesday 2nd December with the year 7 & 8 competition taking place the previous week at Oakengates Leisure Centre.

The year 10 tournament was dominated by Charlton School who saw off competition from Hadley Learning Centre and Burton Borough, without conceding a single try. In the opening game Charlton defeated Burton Borough 8 – 0 and then saw off H.L.C. 20 – 0, making the group game between Burton Borough and H.L.C. effectively an elimination game. The game went right to the wire and with the scores tied at ten apiece Burton Borough grabbed the crucial golden point securing a place in the final to take on Charlton.

However the final proved much more one sided=2 0than the tightly contested group game between the two and Charlton emerged victorious 24 – 0. The year 9 tournament followed a similar pattern with Charlton again meeting Burton Borough in the final, running in six tries in response to Burton Boroughs one making the final score 24 – 4 in Charlton’s favour.

The year 8 tournament was contested between Burton Borough, Phoenix, Sutherland and Wrockwadine Wood, played in a round robin format. Phoenix and Sutherland both remained unbeaten until the final game where they went head to head. In a tense encounter which saw both sides defend admirably the Phoenix held on to their hard fought victory 8 – 4. The year 7 tournament was won by Burton Borough scoring an impressive seventy two points in three games and only conceding four. The other matches in the group were evenly contested with the Sutherland seeing off both Charlton and Wrockwadine Wood by one score.

Community Sports Coach Pom Tutt declared the Champions Schools Tournament a success “Everyone involved can be proud of themselves, we saw some fantastic Rugby League played over the two days and the standard seems to be going up each year”.

The victorious teams will now progress to a regional tournament, where they will represent Telford against schools from across the Midlands with the opportunity to qualify for the National Champions Schools tournament.

In other Rugby League news from the Telford area, the Telford Raiders are pleased to announce a new coaching team for the 2009 season. James Le Mar is taking over as first team coach with immediate effect, and will be be supported by first team manager Bill Whyman. Both Le Mar and Whyman have years of experience with the armed services, and are expected to bring in a heightened level of organisation and professionalism to the first team squad. Le Mar has an excellent pedigree in the game, and was recently a member of the British Armed Forces Squad which returned from Australia with the Armed Forces World Cup.

For further Rugby League news from around the West Midlands visit www.telfordraiders.com.

Hadley Butchers hit by burglary

Police are investigating after thieves broke into a butchers shop and stole a significant amount of meat and some cash.

Thieves forced their way into the premises in Hadley some time between 5pm on Saturday(29 Nov) and 8.50am on Monday.(1 Dec)

A search was made of the shop and around £800 worth of meat was stolen. An amount of cash was also stolen.

Police are investigating the matter and have appealed for help from the public.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: “It is likely the thieves may have tried to sell the meat on. If you have been offered any meat for sale in unusual circumstances we would like to hear from you. Also, if you know of anyone who is suddenly in possession of a lot of meat, we would also urge you to come forward.”

Telford Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Shed hit

Police are investigating after thieves broke into a shed at an address in Oakengates and made off with a variety of items.

Thieves broke into the shed in the garden at the address in Cockshutt Road some time between 5.45pm on Saturday(29 Nov) and 11.30am on Sunday.(30 Nov)

Offenders forced the door of the shed open before making off with one green Apollo mountain bike, one black Apollo mountain bike, a red Vax carpet cleaner, a yellow Karcher jet wash and a Halfords tent pack, which includes a four man tent, four sleeping bags, two airbeds and two lights.

Anyone with information about the break-in, or who may have been offered any of the stolen items for sale, is asked to contact Telford Police on 0300 333 3000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

Vandals attack car

An appeal for witnesses has been made after vandals caused significant damage to a vehicle by scratching the entire length of it.

The silver Volkswagen Golf was parked in Madeley Road in Ironbridge when the incident happened between 12noon and 2.45pm on Monday.(1 Dec)

Around £400 worth of damage was caused along the nearside of the vehicle.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious, or who has any information that could help police with their enquiries, is asked to contact Telford Police on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Mobility scooter found

Police are appealing to the owner of a mobility scooter to come forward after it was found by a community support officer.

The scooter was discovered at the bottom of Willowfield in Telford on Monday(1 Dec) afternoon.

If this belongs to you, or you know who it may belong to, please contact police at Telford on 0300 333 3000.

No-stop crash, St Georges

Police are appealing for information following a non-stop road traffic collision in St Georges.

A 22 year-old man was riding his pedal cycle in the area when he was in collision with an unknown vehicle at the junction of Central Park and Holyhead Road at around 2.15pm yesterday.(2 Dec)

The vehicle left the scene without stopping. The cyclist suffered cuts and bruises.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who knows who may have been driving the vehicle in question, is asked to contact police at Telford on 0300 333 3000.

Diesel thefts in Shropshire: Warning

Police are urging businesses and farms with diesel fuelled commercial vehicles or diesel stores to step up security after thieves targeted some firms in Telford.

Hundreds of litres of diesel have been stolen in the last few days from business based vehicles in Stafford Park and Halesfield. One business has been targeted twice in one week.

A farm was also targeted during the weekend.

Police are now urging businesses and farms to be vigilant and to review security measures.

Police Constable Fred Jones, Crime Risk Liaison Officer for Telford Police, said: “We would urge businesses and farms – or anyone with their own fuel stores – to be extra vigilant and to ensure that they have taken maximum precautions to protect their vehicles and fuel.

“There are lots of things people can do from fixing motion sensor lights to ensuring they have quality locks for diesel storage tanks. Vehicles can be made more secure by fitting lockable caps and alarms.”

Constable Jones added: “There’s lots of information on the internet and we are more than happy to discuss crime prevention with anybody who is concerned.”

Police are investigating the diesel thefts and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: “It’s difficult to say whether the thieves may try to sell the diesel on or whether they have stolen it for themselves. We would however urge anyone who is offered any barrels of diesel in unusual circumstances or who is aware of anyone who has accumulated a large amount of diesel to come forward.”

Telford Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Joint service gets thumbs up from children and young people

Services delivered to children and young people who suffer from sensory impairments in Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire have been given the thumbs up by those who use them in a in-depth new report.

Children and young people with visual and hearing impairments and their families anonymously provided a huge amount of information as part of a detailed consultation carried out by the Sensory Inclusion Service (SIS).

It revealed that 90 per cent of families or carers rated the effectiveness of the service as good or very good and 95 per cent of families or carers rated the effectiveness of services provided between average and very good.

These results were based on a five point rating scale, with “very good” as the highest.

Cllr Stephen Burrell, Telford & Wrekin Council’s lead member for children and young people, said: “The results of the survey demonstrate that the support provided by the Sensory Inclusion Service is extremely well-received by those who use it.

“We are delighted that the service is engaging well and offering value for money but we are naturally aware that there is always room for improvement and we will continue to concentrate on the key areas identified in the report.”

Families and carers also emphasised that support on initial diagnosis is of vital importance and that there was a need for more support from the service, particularly when children and young people are of school age.

In their feedback, children and young people placed great value on personalised learning and support programmes.

Sensory Inclusion Service head Andrew Broughton said: “The depth and frankness of the information gleaned by the survey will be of massive use to the service as we evaluate areas on which we can improve and develop.

“On the whole, we are delighted that the overall feedback from the users of the service and their families and carers is extremely positive but going forward we are determined to continue to meet and exceed their expectations and requirements.”

The survey revealed that parents were not particularly well aware of the activities of local voluntary sector organisations such as oneVISion and the Shropshire Deaf Children’s Society, although the service and families/carers were well supported by them.

The report also recommends that the Sensory Inclusion Service’s business planning includes robust ongoing consultation processes to strengthen the development of services that are led by the need of the client.

It is envisaged that this will strengthen the links between families/carers and the voluntary sector and lead to new ways being explored of meeting the needs of children and young people with sensory impairment.

Property found in Little Soudley

Police at Market Drayton are trying to trace the owners of around 100 work tools and other items found in a shed several weeks ago.

How the tools came to be in the shed at neighbouring Little Soudley is a mystery. Community Support Officer Andy King said the likelihood is they were stolen and dumped by the thieves.

The tools are small items of the type used by plasterers and electricians. They include a hand saw and drill ends together with packs of nails and screws contained in small boxes. In total, there are about 100 items.

CSO King added: “They were found on November 14 and we would like to find their rightful owner. If anyone has had such items stolen and wishes to make a claim, they should contact me at Market Drayton police station on 0300 333 3000.”

Oswestry assault on child

Police are trying to trace several passers by who stopped to help a 14-year-old boy being attacked by a group of youths outside Somerfields store in Station Road, Oswestry. The incident happened at about 8.25pm on Monday.

Police Constable Kate Le’Clere, investigating officer, said the boy was thrown to the ground, punched and kicked by one youth in particular.

“A woman, possibly a customer at Somerfields, stopped to help and told the offender to stop. I am anxious to trace this person and any others who witnessed the assault or who assisted the victim,” said PC Le’Clere. The number to call at Oswestry police station is 0300 333 3000.

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111. The boy suffered bruising but was not seriously hurt.

Concern Over Missing Broseley Woman

Concern is growing for a woman missing from her home near Bridgnorth who has not been seen or heard from since yesterday.

An extensive police search is under way for Sheila Kane, 57, who was last seen at her home in Ironbridge Road, Broseley at about 9.20pm yesterday (DEC 1).

With the temperature so low outside, both police and Mrs Kane’s family are becoming increasingly worried about her welfare.

Sergeant Ally Harrison, who is leading the search, said it was possible Mrs Kane was wearing a pair of green pyjamas with a check pattern she usually slept in, which have a green check pattern.

“It is very out of character for Sheila to disappear like this and to not be in any contact with her family,” she said.

“She left her home sometime between about 9.20pm last night, when she was last seen, and about 9am today when her family discovered she was missing.

“Sheila has not been very well recently and is not believed to have taken her medication with her.

“It is very cold outside and as we do not know where she has gone, Sheila’s family are very concerned for her welfare, as are the police. I would urge her to please get in touch on 0300 333 3000 to let us know she is safe and well, or to visit her nearest police station.

“If anyone has seen someone matching Sheila’s description or has any information about her whereabouts now, please can they call us as a matter of urgency on 0300 333 3000.

“We cannot be absolutely sure what she is wearing, but believe she may be in a pair of green check pyjamas. She is of slim build, about 5ft 6in tall and has grey hair.”

Fuel Operation Success in South Shropshire

Police in South Shropshire joined forces with Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs to clamp down on fuel thefts and the illegal use of red diesel.

There has been an increase in thefts of fuel in the area in recent months and a number of spot checks were carried out across the south of the county at the end of last month(NOV).

Three vehicles were seized and their owners issued with £500 fines for illegally using red diesel. A stolen motorbike and stolen trailer were also recovered during the operation and a number of local men have been interviewed in connection with police enquiries.

Detective Inspector Gavin Kinrade, of Shrewsbury CID, said the operation had not been a one off and further ones were planned throughout the county.

“Officers from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs have the power to go onto land where there is fuel, including if it is in a vehicle, and demand to test it,” he said.

“If red diesel is found and is being used illegally, a fine is issued and they have the power to seize the vehicle.

“The operation ran across South Shropshire throughout the day and was so successful that further operations with HM Revenue and Customs are planned for elsewhere in the county.

“Police have seen an increase in the theft of diesel and heating oil and are determined to seek out and prosecute those involved.”

DI Kinrade also urged anyone who might notice suspicious activity that might be linked to the theft of fuel to contact police immediately on 0300 333 3000.

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where a reward is sometimes offered.

The operation, named Operation Jerry, took place on November 26th.

Diesel theft alrt for Telford and Shropshire

Police are urging businesses and farms with diesel fuelled commercial vehicles or diesel stores to step up security after thieves targeted some firms in Telford, Shropshire.

Hundreds of litres of diesel have been stolen in the last few days from business based vehicles in Stafford Park and Halesfield. One business has been targeted twice in one week.

A farm was also targeted during the weekend.

Police are now urging businesses and farms to be vigilant and to review security measures.

Police Constable Fred Jones, Crime Risk Liaison Officer for Telford Police, said: “We would urge businesses and farms – or anyone with their own fuel stores – to be extra vigilant and to ensure that they have taken maximum precautions to protect their vehicles and fuel.

“There are lots of things people can do from fixing motion sensor lights to ensuring they have quality locks for diesel storage tanks. Vehicles can be made more secure by fitting lockable caps and alarms.”

Constable Jones added: “There’s lots of information on the internet and we are more than happy to discuss crime prevention with anybody who is concerned.”

Police are investigating the diesel thefts and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: “It’s difficult to say whether the thieves may try to sell the diesel on or whether they have stolen it for themselves. We would however urge anyone who is offered any barrels of diesel in unusual circumstances or who is aware of anyone who has accumulated a large amount of diesel to come forward.”

Telford Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Success for utility bills seminar

A seminar designed to help Telford-based companies to reduce their running costs has been hailed a huge success.

The event, “Understanding Utility Bills”, was organised by the Business Environmental Support Scheme for Telford (BESST), and held at the Telford Whitehouse Hotel, in Wellington.

A total of 25 companies were represented, from sectors covering a wide range of industries including automotive, tourism, food and drink, and manufacturing.

Amy Regler, from Transforming Telford, the economic development company for the area, said it was more important than ever for local firms to monitor their spending.

“Every year, a staggering £2.4 billion is wasted by UK businesses – that’s 21 per cent of their total spend on energy and water. Often, this is because they don’t understand their utility bills, and are simply paying what is stated. With rising energy costs and a tough trading environment, it is more important than ever for companies to understand their bills and monitor spending.”

Energy procurement specialists Mike and Heather Clarke, from Enercheck, gave delegates practical advice on how bills were calculated, and highlighted pitfalls where firms can sometimes be overcharged.

They were followed by Margo Dobson from Envirowise, who gave an easy-to-follow breakdown of water bills, explaining how the charges are calculated and what each part of the bill actually means.

“All the delegates left the event feeling they had a much clearer understanding of their utility bills,” said Amy. “If it encourages them to monitor expenditure and energy usage in more detail, then it has achieved all its objectives.”

The BESST group is a partnership of local and private sector businesses including Transforming Telford, Ricoh, Maxell, Simmonsigns, DENSO, Telford Extrusions, and Lyreco. It offers free advice to all companies focusing on resource efficiency and minimising waste.

To find out more about the BESST group visit www.telfordbesst.co.uk or contact amy.regler@transformingtelford.co.uk, 01952 567567

TechnologyWorld08 generates £7million worth of business

Over £7million worth of business deals is projected to occur between UK and international companies, following UK Trade & Investment's TechnologyWorld08 in Coventry.

In its fourth year, the event was attended by a record 600 delegates from over 400 companies across 36 countries. The participants ranged from early stage businesses with forward thinking technologies to established global players such as Orange, BT Media & Broadcast, Panasonic, Ericsson, Nokia, Ricoh, Hitachi and Samsung SDS.

During the two-day event (17 to 18 November), a staggering 1,300 plus one-to-one meetings were held between UK and overseas companies to identify and build new business and partnership opportunities.

West Midlands companies that attended the event included Advanced Chemical Etching, of Telford; Ardentia Search, of Stafford; iCentrum, of Birmingham; and The Serious Games Institute, of Coventry.

Fujitsu Electronics' Hiroyuki Sekiyama, who was one of the international buyers, said:
"As a company with large product manufacturer clients, we're always looking for high quality and new technologies and I find UK companies' technology is of a high standard.

"That's why we attended TechnologyWorld08. We found it easy to contact the companies we were interested in and have in-depth conversations about potential business deals."

UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive Andrew Cahn said: "In these tough times it is encouraging to see UK and international companies in the ICT sector looking to build new business relationships and access new markets.

"The impressive £7million worth of projected business generated for the UK from TechnologyWorld08 is testament to the UK's expertise in ICT, which is globally recognised and in high demand.

"The success of this year's event is a result of its singular focus on bringing together like-minded companies from across the globe to foster meaningful business relationships. We look forward to helping many more UK companies build their international business next year through TechnologyWorld09."

As well as making strong business contacts, companies attending TechnologyWorld08 gained practical advice and support from UK Trade & Investment advisors to help accelerate their international expansion. Participating companies also gained valuable insight into the latest sector trends, through informal networking and the event exhibition showcasing cutting-edge UK technologies.

For more information about, and to register your interest in, TechnologyWorld09, contact +44 207 215 4859.

Festive Fun at Gladstone Pottery Museum

Visitors can enjoy an enchanted evening of traditional Christmas entertainment and celebrations at Gladstone Pottery Museum, getting a real feel for Christmases past at the Victorian Christmas Festival.

The festival is the largest annual event staged at the museum and this year it will be held on Saturday, 6 December, between 6.30pm and 9.30pm.

The stage in the cobbled yard will see a performance by the ever-popular Florence Brass Band who will also lead a sing-a-long carol session with guaranteed snow. An appearance by Father Christmas himself will all add to the festive atmosphere and visitors can try their hand at making their own Christmas decorations in the free craft activity.

There will be Punch and Judy shows to entertain the whole family and The British Magic Lantern Theatre will be putting on traditional shows throughout the evening. The costumed 'lanterneers' capture the magic of yesteryear and delight young and old alike. Our showman said "the magic lantern has been entertaining audiences for centuries, we hope that through our shows the "magic" experience it offers will be enjoyed by many for years to come."

The craft fair provides some imaginative and unusual gift ideas for visitors wishing to do some Christmas shopping. Craft stalls include contemporary ceramics, handmade jewellery and cards and delicious homemade mince pies, pastries and cakes.

The many costumed performers on site will include members of the Staffordshire 80th Regiment re-enactment group in full military regalia from the Victorian period. There will also be lively street entertainment including costumed stilt walkers and jugglers and Victorian magic shows.

The Gladstone Tearoom will be serving mulled wine and seasonal fayre and there will also be roasted chestnuts and home made mince pies available in the cobbled yard. Costumed pottery demonstrators will be showing the art of pottery throwing, slip casting, jiggering and jolleying, bone china flower making and decorating in candlelit workshops. Children can have a go at painting a piece of festive, Christmas-themed pottery themselves for a small extra charge. There will be a ‘paint and bake’ mug decorating workshop – an ideal chance to make a personalised Christmas gift for a loved one for only £2.

The festival is always very popular, with a huge variety of things to see and do for visitors of all ages and provides a wonderful evening of traditional entertainment.

This event is ticket only and tickets cost £6.95 for adults and £5.50 for children. To book call Gladstone Pottery Museum on 01782 237777 or visit us in person between 10am and 5pm. All visitors will also be given a ticket entitling them to a free return visit to Gladstone during January 2008, worth up to £5.95.

Gladstone Pottery Museum - The history of the Potteries all wrapped up in one unique museum. Step back in time and explore the last Victorian Pottery factory complete with bottle ovens and original workshops where traditional pottery making skills are demonstrated daily. Open daily 10am - 5pm. Call 01782 237777 for more information.

Stoken cycle

An appeal for information has been made after a distinctive pedal cycle was stolen from the bicycle rack on a car.

The black and white Cannondale Jeckel gents mountain bike was attached to a bike rack on a silver Mitsubishi when it was stolen from the Forest Glen car park at about midday yesterday, 30 November.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "It appears that the owner left his vehicle and bike on the car park while he went for a run. However, upon his return around an hour later, he discovered his bike had been stolen.

"The bike is distinctive and we would appeal to anyone with information wih regards to the theft to come forward."

Telford Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000.

Bike stolen

Witnesses are being sought after a pedal cycle was stolen from a garden this weekend. The Reebok mountain bike, which is pink, silver and blue in colour, was stolen from the back garden at an address in Church Street, Hadley, between 8am on Friday 28 November and 4pm on Saturday, 29 November. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact Telford Police on 0300 333 3000.

Garden statue stolen

An appeal for information has been made after a thief stole a teddy bear statue from outside a property in Newport.

The cream coloured statue was stolen from outside an address in Kestrel Close some time between 11.30am and 3.45pm on Saturday, 29 November.

The statue is made of stone and is around two feet tall. The teddy bear is in a seated position.
Anyone with information about the theft, or who is offered such an item for sale, is asked to contact police at Newport on 0300 333 3000.

Car attacked at Telford shopping centre

Police are investigating after a vehicle was damaged after it was left parked in a Telford town centre car park.

The black Volkswagen Golf was parked at Red Oak car park when the incident happened between 1.30pm and 2pm on Friday, 28 November. The vehicle was parked in the closest row of car parking spaces to Poundland.

A Telford Police spokeswoman said: "The vehicle was scratched all over, including the wheel arches. Around £500 damage was caused in total.

"Police are investigating the matter and are appealing to anyone with information in connection with the matter to contact them."

Telford Police can be contacted on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Major blaze at Hortonwood Industrial Estate, Telford

Fire crews from as far away as Prees are battling a major blaze on a Telford industrial estate.

Worried bosses of industrial units in Hortonwood dashed to their premises to ensure that their units were safe -only to be turned back as roads were blocked by police officers, as thick, acrid smoke billowed from the stricken unit.

As well as fire crews from all Telford stations and fire stations from the rest of Shropshire, chemical incident units arrived from brigade HQ, in Shrewsbury.

Shropshire News will update this story as and when we can.

The fire is believed to have involved at least 100 metric tons of insulation material.



Seven fire appliance, some from as far afield as Prees, dealt with a major blaze at an industrial unit at Hortonwood, Telford, yesterday afternoon. Specialist units from brigade headquarters at Shrewsbury also attended the incident.

The fire sent a thick column of smoke hundreds of feet into the sky, the fire was in 100 tonnes of insulation material stored at the site. Traffic was severely disrupted on neighbouring roads including the A518.

The following details were provided by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service:-

Hortonwood 30, Hortonwood, Telford Attendance 2 appliances from Wellington, 1 appliance from Telford Central, 2 appliances from Tweedale, 1 appliance from Shrewsbury, Incident Commander from Shrewsbury, 1 appliance from Prees, Heavy Pumping Unit from Prees. Incident Details Fire involving 100 tonnes for baled insulation. 6 breathing apparatus, 5 Jets and 1 ground monitor in use.

Christmas lights switch on in Donnington

Lilleshall and Donnington Parish Council will be switching on the Donnington Christmas illuminations at 6.30pm on Monday 1st December, at The Parade, Wrekin Drive, Donnington.

Please note that this Parish Council will be switching on its Christmas lights at 6.30pm Monday 1st December on The Parade, Wrekin Drive, Donnington.

Veolia takes safety seriously

Health and safety in the workplace is top of the agenda at Veolia Environmental Services, the waste contractor for the Shropshire Waste Partnership.

As part of its commitment to Health & Safety in the workplace, Thursday 27 November was designated the company's International Safety Day.

To help get the message across to staff, Donald Macphail, Managing Director of Veolia Environmental Services in Shropshire went out on the early morning shift with the Bridgnorth crew to see first hand the issues that can arise.

Also in Shropshire on International Safety Day was Patrick Schwartzmann, who is responsible for Health & Safety for the Group in forty two countries worldwide. Mr Schwartzmann flew in from Paris to carry out his own safety checks across the county.

Speaking during his visit to the Maesbury Road Household Recycling Site in Oswestry, Mr Schwartzman said: “My role with Veolia Environnement gives me the opportunity to visit countries all over the world to see how Health & Safety is undertaken. I always come away from my visits with new ideas.”

Donald Macphail commented: “In Shropshire, we take the health & safety of our workforce very seriously. Events like this help to drive the message home that all of us need to take responsibility not only for ourselves but the colleagues around us.”

Traffic issues to be addressed in Wellington

Inspector Richard Langton of Wellington Police confirms his officers will be tackling traffic issues that have been raised at meetings in the town.

Concerns were raised about drivers in Wellington Town Centre who openly flout regulations enforcing a pedestrian-only zone. This causes worry to local residents who feel it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

With the streets now particularly busy with shoppers and Christmas revellers, Inspector Langton feels there’s a need educate drivers and, if necessary, prosecute those who persist in driving illegally in the town’s streets.

Inspector Langton explains: "There appears to be a lot of confusion amongst drivers as to whether they are permitted to drive in the pedestrian areas. Many believe when the bollards are removed between 4pm and 10am it is lawful to drive on these streets. This is not so.

"The Traffic Regulation Order means it is a Pedestrian Zone where no vehicles are permitted at any time except oSundays. There are a exemptions, covering disabled driver access, delivery and maintenance of roads and utilities. Anyone driving on pedestrian streets in contravention of the order commits an offence for which they could get a fixed penalty notice or a summons."
The Traffic Regulation Order has been in place since 2002 but Inspector Langton believes drivers don’t fully understand the rules or believe they no longer apply.

"We need to be working with drivers to ensure these rules are adhered to. I’m keen to educate drivers and explain the rules rather than hand out penalty notices. However, we will resort to issuing tickets if the problem persists and will routinely do so after a short period of education.
"It appears it is drivers ignoring the regulations at night that potentially cause the most danger and this is something we will look into. Many drivers choose to drive down New Street for no other reason than to be seen and often have their windows down, playing loud music.

"This in itself is a form of anti-social behaviour and it is hoped the enforcement of the Traffic Regulations can bring an end to this problem.

"One of the most important roles of the Police in Wellington is to keep everyone safe and by removing the danger caused by motorists driving through pedestrian streets I am confident we can achieve this. I hope that this initiative will help us to get the message across without the need for robust enforcement, but in the future I’d like to warn motorists who continue to flout the regulation that they can expect to be given tickets."

Smartwater working well say Telford Police

As Telford Police continue their attempts to reduce metal thefts across the Borough of Telford & Wrekin still further, they have confirmed that they have invested in a new batch of ‘SmartWater’ technology kits to use at vulnerable premises throughout the town to assist the efforts of officers working on Operation Livewire.

SmartWater is a non-hazardous liquid which contains a DNA-style forensic code. Each location will be allocated its own unique SmartWater code meaning that marked items can be irrefutably traced back to the owner, and criminals coming into contact with SmartWater can be linked with the crime scene.

SmartWater will be used to forensically code exterior copper, lead and other non-ferrous metals, as well as other equipment within the premises.

The solution will also be deployed as a spray system that will be installed covertly within buildings to tag the skin and clothing of any intruders. Once sprayed by the SmartWater solution, it will remain on skin for many weeks and on clothing for even longer, providing police with a forensic link back to the scene of the crime that cannot be removed.

SmartWater is invisible under normal light, but glows brightly under Ultra Violet light making it easily identifiable by the police.

In recent times West Mercia Constabulary has invested in UV lighting in all custody blocks, and anyone arrested is walked through this area when entering custody. If that individual has been in contact with Smartwater fluid the UV light instantly highlights this fact.

In partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council, Smartwater has now been deployed at a significant number of buildings including schools and colleges within the Borough. The message to thieves is that if you steal from these premises, you will be traceable via Smartwater and the deposits it will leave upon your skin and clothing.

Telford Police’s Crime Risk Manager Dave Williams said: "SmartWater is potentially a major help in our attempts to combat metal thefts. Although metal theft has decreased recently, one of the problems we have encountered in the past is linking offenders to particular crimes but SmartWater helps us do this.

"I would warn potential thieves that once they come into contact with SmartWater the evidence will remain on them for a long, long time. This can then be used for evidential purposes at any point.

"We already have a significant number of premises using SmartWater and our aim is to protect every school as soon as we possibly can. However, that is not where we will look to stop.
"We would like every building in the Borough protected in this way and any householder who would like to protect their own property can do so by purchasing their own SmartWater kit."

For further details about this initiative, please contact Telford Police’s Crime Risk Manager Dave Williams at Wellington Police Station 0300 333 3000 ext: 5450.

Housing Summit for Telford

Housing Minister Iain Wright will be in Telford on Thursday to attend a Housing Summit organised by local MP, David Wright.

The summit brings together housing providers, representatives of local the local community and local politicians to discuss how to deliver more affordable housing in Telford and build more homes for particular groups such as the elderly and young people.

David Wright MP said: "Affordable housing is one of the biggest issues facing our town over the next ten to twenty years and I am delighted that the Housing Minister is taking such a close interest.

"It is essential that we find ways in which people can get on and stay on the housing ladder and the Government is taking steps to help with this as we have seen from this week’s pre-budget report. However, locally we need to have the right delivery strategy in place and that is why this event is so important.

"We clearly need to build more social rented housing because there are thousands of people on the local waiting lists. This new social housing needs to be built alongside housing for sale at affordable levels and shared ownership properties. We also need to build more bungalows and sheltered housing for older people and we need new homes for young people. We have to do all of this at the same time as regenerating our existing local centres - in fact housing development can play a role there too"

The summit, which takes place on Thursday morning (27th November), is being attended by the Housing Minister, Wrekin Housing Trust, Telford & Wrekin Council, Transforming Telford, the Stay Project, English Partnerships, the KIP Project, Telford Senior Citizens Forum and Telford Council Watch amongst others.

The agenda includes a keynote policy speech from Housing Minister Iain Wright MP, followed by a question and answer session, and workshops to discuss various aspects of delivering affordable housing. The workshops will cover a wide range of issues including access to housing, new housing development and the regeneration of communities.

A document will be produced on the findings from the summit in the New Year and then a major consultation exercise will be undertaken with the community. This will lead to the production of a final report which will be presented to the Secretary of State for Communities and local Government, Hazel Blears MP, in the Spring of 2009.

The proposal to organise the housing summit was put forward by John Franklyn of Telford Counbcil Watch some time ago.

Appeal for Help in Finding Missing Shropshire Woman

Concern is growing for the welfare of a woman who has not been seen since early yesterday(NOV 24) afternoon.

An extensive police search is under way for Jane Hicking, 45, who was last seen in the area of Bicton Heath between about 1.30pm and 2.15pm yesterday.

Sergeant Clare Greenaway, of Shrewsbury Police, said Jane’s family was very worried about her and urged anyone who might have seen someone matching her description to contact police as a matter of urgency.

"She has connections in the Craven Arms area and also in Herefordshire and South Wales, so it is possible she might have or be attempting to travel down there," Sgt Greenaway added.

"Jane is currently staying in Shrewsbury and left her current accommodation in Bicton Heath yesterday afternoon.

"She was wearing only blue jeans and a blue jumper with a zip at the collar. Temperatures were very low last night and we are growing increasingly concerned for Jane’s wellbeing.

"Her family is very worried about her as her disappearance is out of character. If anyone has seen Jane, please contact police on 0300 333 3000 immediately."

Jane is described as white, about 5ft 6in in height and of medium build. She has medium length, curly, auburn hair and blue eyes.