Totally Telford is a Telford & Wrekin Council resident magazine, celebrating the towns within the borough and the incredible people, businesses, and organisations that make Telford and Wrekin a fantastic place to live, work, and visit.
ISSUE 5 • SPRING 2023
ON YOUR SIDE Update Edition
Making a difference in your community
• Lowest council tax in the Midlands • Reducing our carbon ‘paw’ print • Investing in the bigger picture • Safer & Stronger Communities
Children across Telford and Wrekin are now having even more fun outdoors thanks to a borough-wide investment into play areas.
Council tax bills remain The lowest in the Midlands
PROTECTING AND CARING FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND ADULTS £100 MILLION
EDUCATION PROJECTS AND IMPROVING AND EXPANDING
SPORTS, LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS £7 MILLION
HIGH QUALITY HOMES FOR RENT, AFFORDABLE AND SPECIALIST HOMES £80 MILLION
PROTECTING GREEN SPACES AND TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE £6.5 MILLION
COST OF LIVING SUPPORT £12 MILLION
TRANSPORT AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS £40 MILLION
GROWING BUSINESSES AND CREATING JOBS £74 MILLION
INVESTING IN OUR HIGH STREETS £5 MILLION
SCHOOL BUILDINGS £40 MILLION
We know how worried people are about keeping on top of their bills, especially during the cost of living crisis. Council budgets are also being squeezed but despite this, we are firmly on the side of our residents and doing all we can to help by keeping council tax as low as possible. That’s why we have committed to freezing general council tax for a second year running. Councillor Rae Evans, cabinet member for finance, governance and customer services said: “Making ends meet will be difficult for all councils this year but a track record of strong money management, means we can freeze general council tax for the second year running and keep council tax bills as low as possible.”
People in Telford and Wrekin pay far less in council tax than the average for the Midlands – around £228 a year less if they’re living in a Band D property. In a cost of living crisis, this is extra money
towards squeezed household budgets. The government’s two per cent adult social care charge will help to raise just under £1.6 million towards the extra £7.26 million
we’ll need to care for our oldest and most vulnerable residents next year. We’ll be spending more than we ever have on children and adult social care – over £100 million. Years of strong financial management mean the council can also continue to make important investments to create a better borough. We are pumping millions into delivering fantastic projects to make our borough cleaner, greener and safer for everyone. We asked you to give us your views on the council tax plans. The feedback has been taken on board and the plans were finalised at the full council meeting on 2 March 2023.
2000
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1800
£1,665.58 average comparison
1700
1600
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1200
Authority
For more information visit: www.telford.gov. uk/budget
Comparison chart showing that in 2022-23, on average, Telford and Wrekin residents living in Band D properties, save £228 a year for the services this council provides compared to other areas in the Midlands. That’s a saving of around 16%. We expect further savings in 2024.
HOW YOUR COUNCIL TAX BILL ADDS UP Your council tax bill is made up of five key parts , so your bill will be different depending on the type of house you live in (your council tax band) and which town or parish you live in.
5 KEY PARTS THAT MAKE UP YOUR BILL THE
1 GENERAL COUNCIL TAX 2 ADULT SOCIAL CARE CHARGE 3 WEST MERCIA POLICE 4 SHROPSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE 5 TOWN OR PARISH COUNCIL*
“Making ends meet will be difficult for all councils this year, but a track record of strong money management means we can freeze general council tax for the second year running and keep council tax bills as low as possible.”
Telford & Wrekin Council have agreed a 0% increase in general council tax for 2023-24 and a 2% increase in the adult social care charge . The police, fire and rescue and town or parish council charges are not set by the council .
Councillor Rae Evans Cabinet member for finance, governance and customer services
*depending on where you live
TOTALLY TELFORD
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Welcome
When the clocks go forward this month, hopefully some of us will feel a little relief. Increased food and fuel costs over winter have put a strain on the pockets of residents and businesses too. As a council we too have faced challenges but continue to prioritise you, offering support through yet another national emergency. While the cost of living crisis lingers, we can at least look forward to longer days and warmer weather. It’s a chance to get out and explore our wonderful towns and countryside, and see how the work of so many people here at the council, is making a difference to the place we live in and call home. What’s more, we continue to represent your views at the highest levels, pushing for investment to prevent flooding in and around Ironbridge and have asked government to look at the plans for services at the Princess Royal Hospital. We do all of this with one aim in mind – to deliver excellent public services. I hope you enjoy reading about the award-winning work we have delivered with help from some brilliant partners and volunteers and take advantage of services you may not have known about. From road repairs to recycling, start-up grants to swimming lessons, we will always go the extra mile in the nearly 700 services we provide. All this with the lowest council tax in the Midlands for the sixth year in a row. This is your borough, and we are always on your side.
Delivering... Councillor Shaun Davies making Telford and Wrekin’s case against the downgrade of emergency services at the Princess Royal Hospital at Number 10 Downing Street.
Watch Shaun deliver your petition to protect emergency services at the Princess Royal to Downing Street
Councillor Shaun Davies Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council
Greener
Safer
More enjoyable
Cleaner
1,000 new litter bins.
Five award-winning green flag parks.
43% reduction in fly-tipping.
Programme of free events which attracted around 100,000 eventgoers in 2022. Helping more than 4,500 children with free or discounted swimming lessons.
Increasing the amount we recycle by 1,000s of tonnes. Free or cheaper rates for bulky item collections.
700 new CCTV cameras installed plus four surveillance suites.
29 Local Nature Reserves.
300 Green Guarantee sites.
189 environmental fines issued.
Free swimming for under 25s.
We are always looking for interesting stories about things happening in Telford and Wrekin, people who are going above and beyond or if you have an idea to help make your town cleaner, greener or safer! If you have a story to tell, we would love to hear from you! Email us at totallytelford@telford.gov.uk
With thanks to our contributors
Acknowledgements: Madeley Town Council, Newport Town Council, Oakengates Town Council, Ironbridge Gorge Parish Council, Wellington Town Council, Great Dawley Town Council, Exotic Zoo, Woodside Youth Club, Donnington Parish Council, Police and Crime Commissioner West Mercia, Modern CQC Telford, Laura Deighton Dance Company, Auniqueart Art, Council for Voluntary Service, The Independent Living Centre, Age UK, Citizen Advice Bureau, Captain Webb Primary School.
This magazine has been created by Telford & Wrekin Council.
TOTALLY TELFORD
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CLEANER
From street cleaning and litter picking to prosecuting fly-tippers, removing graffiti, road sweeping, hedge cutting and bin emptying, the breadth of work carried out to keep Telford and Wrekin looking spick and span is vast and parish councils to address specific concerns. They do it quickly, quietly and efficiently – like understated superheroes of our neighbourhoods – carrying out daily environmental and school patrols across the borough. Keeping it Clean incorporates a host of teams from around the council. The solution? Working in partnership. As well as regular programmed seasonal work, we have 13 Community Action Teams (CATs) working with town and It is often the little things that make the biggest difference and that is where £1.5 million is being invested to help keep Telford and Wrekin clean and tidy.
Quick, quiet and efficient – Community Action Teams make light work of jobs keeping everything looking clean and tidy.
Our bulky item collection service helps you dispose of waste in a responsible and affordable way, with some people qualifying for one or two free collections per year. There are discounted charges including for people in receipt of housing benefit or council tax support. Waste can also be taken to household recycling centres. It’s never been easier to get rid of big items. You can call 01952 384384 or visit www.telford.gov.uk/bulk to book your collection. Prices start from just £15 for up to three items, but you may qualify for a 50% discount or even a free service.
Big Beds?
“Thanks to residents, our household
recycling rates are well above the average for England. Our bulky item collection rates are a fraction of the price that residents pay in other areas.” Councillor Lee Carter Cabinet member for neighbourhood services, regeneration, and the high street
The lowdown
The scope of work we undertake may explain why Telford and Wrekin was named the second cleanest city in the UK last year by ‘GetAgent.’ The 65 recycling bins we’ve installed in parks and high streets over the last 18 months are helping to save hundreds of thousands of plastic and glass bottles and cans from going to waste each year. We work hard to help people learn about different ways to get rid of rubbish and recycling but we don’t mind coming down hard on those who fly-tip too. Our enforcement team takes a tough approach in cases of dog fouling, graffiti and anti-social behaviour. Meanwhile, our public protection teams look at everything from food hygiene to doggy day care providers and even carry out illegal tobacco raids with help from West Mercia Police. Fly-tipping hotline 01952 388800 We operate a confidential hotline where you can report information and help us prosecute fly-tippers. Visit www.Telford.gov.uk/Watch
Last year, we delivered more than 83km 2 of footpath work and this year we will have resurfaced more than 130km 2 – that’s the equivalent of about 30 football pitches!
Fly-tips like this are an all too common sight so we’re making penalties harsher. As a result we are changing the early repayment figure. It’s now much tougher at £350 instead of £200.
An extra £750,000 is being invested over the next two years to create further car parking on housing estates.
Eeugh... Chewing gum on the pavement – something we all want to see removed. Crews cleared Dawley High Street with high-pressure water sprays to bring up the stuck gum.
Read more at about our highways work at www.Telford.gov.uk/Pride
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CLEANER
by new street light upgrade
“The £20,000 scheme has seen dated lighting columns replaced with either stronger LED bulbs or taller stands that brighten a larger area and reduce ‘black’ spots, increasing visibility and reducing nervousness.”
Councillor Paul Watling Cabinet member for safer & stronger communities
A Safer & Stronger Communities project to brighten pedestrian and cycle paths in Donnington Wood Way is now complete, with residents ‘reassured and feeling safer’ with the outcome.
Concerns, previously identified via Telford & Wrekin Council’s ‘Safety Matters’ survey, showed that residents, particularly women, felt nervous about insufficient lighting on a major pedestrian thoroughfare on Donnington Wood Way. This is an area popular with walkers and also used by school pupils. The £20,000 scheme has seen 16 dated lighting columns replaced with either stronger LED bulbs or taller stands - now up to five metres tall - that brighten a larger area and reduce ‘black’ spots, increasing visibility and reducing nervousness among residents. Resident of 30 years, Ness, lives close to the walkway and uses the route twice daily. She said: “It has been reassuring to have the new lighting and it does make a massive difference. “Before, when out walking, I couldn’t make people out until they were quite close to me which sometimes felt daunting and there were shadowy areas I was wary about. It made me feel nervous at times and I tried to avoid places
which were dark – quite difficult in the winter. “Now, the lights are good at lighting up a wider area and mean I have much better visibility of the whole path and can see people from further away. It is reassuring to know I can see who I’m approaching and that helps me feel safer.” Telford & Wrekin Council’s Safer & Stronger Communities team worked closely with the parish council responsible for the lighting. A similar scheme costing in the region of £180,000 is being carried out in Malinslee from May and on Hinkshay and Dark Lane.
Fostering changes lives
• Full-time and part-time fostering roles • Competitive fees and allowances • Extensive support Make a difference, change a life
You can complete the latest ‘Safety Matters Survey’ now. Hurry, it’s closing soon on 17 March. www.telford.gov. uk/safetymatters
Call 01952 387387 Visit www.telfordfostering.co.uk
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CLEANER
Council in the driving seat for new bus services You said, we did Mathew Smith, a resident from Woodside, previously caught a taxi to Hortonwood where he is employed by Veolia. “The new council-funded
services have fares capped at a maximum of £2 per single journey for adults (£1 for under 16s) .” Councillor Richard Overton Deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, enforcement and transport
Funded by Telford & Wrekin Council, six new bus routes have been launched providing cheaper transport to schools, workplaces, the Princess Royal Hospital and rural areas. The 100 Express service covers 12-hour shift patterns which include early starts and late finishes and enables people to get to work on time in a cost-effective and reliable way.
The round-trip was costing him £22 a day but by catching the 100, he will save more than £100 a week on travel. The other routes include the 101 services catering for some schools and four rural routes that service the villages of north Telford and Wrekin. The service also provides direct transport for pupils to Telford Priory School with an additional service for after-school sessions. Fares are capped at £2 per single journey for adults (£1 for under 16s).
For bus timetables and services visit www.telford.gov.uk/busservices
Mathew Smith, Woodside: “It’s good, nice and quick. I’ll be using it every day without a doubt. A hundred pounds a week is a lot of money which will make a huge difference to my outgoings.”
TOTALLY TELFORD
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GREENER
Reducing our Carbon paw print
Azizi the meerkat will be keeping toasty thanks to a renewable energy grant.
Telford Exotic Zoo is one of 26 organisations taking steps to cut carbon emissions thanks to a grant from the council’s climate change fund. The zoo, which is home to nearly 60 species of animals, such as crocodiles, cockroaches, otters, lemurs and armadillos plans to use the funding to become more energy efficient by installing solar panels. Owner Scott Adams explained: “We need to use electricity 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to replicate a range of specialised climates around the world so we can ensure the health and wellbeing of our animals. “Reducing our energy consumption is simply not an option, so we wanted to find a more sustainable solution, both financially and ecologically. The council’s grant is helping us on our journey to switch to solar power and 100 percent self- generated energy. “We have estimated that the first phase of our plans will allow us to reduce our footprint by a massive eight tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. “It will also really help us with fuel bills, which have rocketed from £1,000 a month to £5,000. It means we can keep our prices affordable, so that everyone can continue visiting us to meet the animals and learn about conservation.”
DID KN W YOU ?
Telford & Wrekin Council has reduced its carbon footprint by 57 percent since it declared a climate emergency in 2019.
Sign up to Sustainable Telford and Wrekin to get the latest news on local sustainability progress direct to your inbox each month: www.sustainabletelfordandwrekin.com
While leisure centres across the UK are struggling with energy costs, Telford & Wrekin Council has installed renewable energy technology at Newport Swimming and Fitness Centre, securing its future and reducing carbon emissions by 109 tonnes per year – that’s the equivalent of taking 68 cars off the road!
“Our 2022 climate grants have unlocked more than £770,000 in funding for community
carbon reduction projects. I’m so excited that this work, combined with the council’s own reductions, will actively reduce our borough’s carbon footprint by hundreds of tonnes per annum.” Councillor Carolyn Healy Cabinet member for climate change, green spaces, natural and historic environment and cultural services
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GREENER
From tiny green leaves,
to neighbourhood plots,
to huge nature reserves... …exploring the green spaces on your doorstep Caring for our tiny friends
Watch
Have you ever looked closely at the leaves under your feet or peered into the long grass? If you have, you will know there are all sorts of mini-beasts lurking. Take a closer look at nature next time you are wandering through meadow-cut sites or visiting our parks, and keep an eye out for native wildflowers on grass verges across Telford and Wrekin, where buttercups and ‘lady’s smock’ provide nectar for butterflies and bees.
Watch families attending a bug hunt event in Hartshill Park
Protecting your neighbourhood land
Did you know the council has put in place protections for more than 300 local neighbourhood patches of land right across the borough? These include dog-walking fields, football pitches, play areas and more. The ‘Green Guarantee’ protections mean that these sites can’t be developed, but instead must remain in place for residents to enjoy.
Would you believe that parks, nature reserves and other green spaces make up a whopping 90 per cent of your area – in fact, Telford and Wrekin has even been named the greenest ‘urban’ borough in the UK and now boasts 23 protected nature reserves. The council is investing more money in these sites to boost their green credentials and make them even more attractive to visit. Investing in the bigger picture
You can find your neighbourhood Green Guarantee Sites and Local Nature Reserves here: www.telford.gov.uk/greenspaces
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GREENER
A community that
cares about nature
Meet Rick – an environmental community liaison officer at Telford & Wrekin Council who lives in Telford and loves nature, both on and off the job.
Q. What does your job involve? Rick: I’m really lucky as I get to spend my days working with community volunteers in our Local Nature Reserves, parks and other patches of council land, enhancing the natural environment. Q. What have been your favourite projects recently? Rick: It’s been brilliant delivering so many improvements thanks to the council’s green spaces funding. This has included woodland renovation schemes, new pathways and steps at sites such as The Brandlee and Langley Fields. We have also installed a new picnic area at Holmer Lake in partnership with the Friends
group of volunteers that includes purpose- built benches accessible for people who use wheelchairs, meaning more people can get out and enjoy our fantastic nature reserves. I have loved planting trees with Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award volunteers from Southall School to create a new community orchard in Aqueduct, working with vulnerable people from My Options, students that have disengaged from mainstream learning through the SEEDS School as well as teams from Persimmon Homes and Fujitsu UK. We all got stuck in, removing invasive shrubs from wildflower meadows, building a ‘Buglife Bee-lines’ wildlife garden in Dawley Park, carrying out heathland restoration and constructing a new pathway at Randlay Valley. The whole time helping people in the community connect with nature and bring about positive changes for our green spaces.
Q. Which is your favourite green space in the borough? Rick: Holmer Lake and Randlay Valley are the two reserves I visit most days, purely because they are
right on my doorstep, but inside and outside of work I visit them all regularly. I genuinely love them all as each site is so different in what it has to offer.
Nature in numbers
“Our green spaces are a real asset – you can always find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, relax or keep fit, and of course it’s all free!” Councillor Carolyn Healy Cabinet member for climate change, green spaces, natural and historic environment and cultural services
IN THE LAST YEAR, THE COUNCIL HAS:
Planted more than 2,200 trees and ‘whips’
Sown 14 wildflower sites
Planted more than 100,000 bulbs
DID KN W YOU ?
Declared 6 new Local Nature Reserves
Protected 107 new neighbourhood Green Guarantee Sites
Telford and Wrekin has significantly more trees than many other towns and cities. It’s estimated that the council is responsible for around 15 million trees!
Cleared or de-silted 9 ponds, pools and waterways
Built 55 bat and 150 swift boxes ready to be installed
Improved the 14-mile long Silkin Way, linking its network of green spaces for walkers and cyclists
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SAFER
Since 2021, this has been a project driven by people like you, who want to help make the place where they live even better, either by making it safer or by bringing people together to create stronger communities. Led by Telford & Wrekin Council and supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, more than £2.5 million has been made available over two years with investment guided directly from feedback at a grass roots level. In March when the funding ends, the project will continue to be supported by the council and we are working with the PCC to try and secure more funding. The project has launched in 12 areas across Telford and Wrekin, and you can get involved by emailing the team at saferstronger@telford.gov.uk.
From youth clubs and art classes to closed-circuit television (CCTV) and street lighting, the Safer & Stronger Communities project has been making a difference to people of all ages for more than a year now.
Visit the website and find out more: www.telford.gov.uk/saferstronger
Making Changes in Woodside
Table tennis, air hockey and pool are just some of the activities on offer for young people at Woodside youth club every Monday evening, thanks to volunteers Lee Lewis and Steve Holford. The ‘Making Changes’ club for young people aged 13 plus is going from strength-to-strength since it was first established last March. The club is being run in partnership with the Park Lane Centre with sessions being led by a qualified youth worker, funded by the project. Around £3,000 has been invested to fund the venue, staff and additional equipment, and Woodside ward members, councillors Rae Evans and Kelly Middleton, have also provided a further £500 from their allocated Pride fund.
Volunteers Lee and Steve said: “We looked at setting up a new youth club for Woodside because we witnessed a substantial change in the area. “Our plan is to provide a safe place where young people feel comfortable enough to talk to us about what is going on in their lives and let us help them get on the right track. “The youth club is a place where they can meet up, get on and be kids again. We want to make a difference to young people’s lives in Woodside and help our community as much as we can.” “It’s their youth club so we want to do what keeps them occupied and off the streets.” Funding from the Safer & Stronger Communities project has helped create a place where young people are happy to spend time doing activities suitable for their age group.
The ‘Making Changes’ youth club is open to young people aged 13+
“We have been in touch with more than 8,000 households and set up around 20 community projects during the first year of our Safer & Stronger Communities programme. We are working with people of all ages to make sure people feel safe and connected.”
Councillor Paul Watling Cabinet member for safer & stronger communities
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SAFER
Women
Are you aged 12-plus?
Join a free self-defence course near you! Lawley Community Centre – Early 2023 Horsehay & Lightmoor Village – Early 2023
Wellington Interfaith Council – March Oakengates/St George’s – April TBC Madeley – May Donnington, Wrockwardine Wood, Trench – September Brookside – October Oakengates/St George’s – November
Violence against women is a subject that is regularly in the national spotlight. Telford & Wrekin Council is playing an active part with supporting women to feel safe and confident. That’s why free self-defence classes are being held across Telford and Wrekin and more than 170 women have so far completed courses, with more planned later this year. Taught by a dedicated group of volunteers and supported by the Safer & Stronger Communities project, the courses have been developed by military, police and martial arts practitioners. They teach the basics in how to defend yourself and help prepare people for real life encounters.
Volunteer Bill Gilmour, who leads the sessions, said: “A lot of it is about building confidence and helping to empower women, regardless of their age, strength, size, or fitness. “After just three sessions, we have already noticed a big difference in confidence, awareness and ability.”
For dates and locations of upcoming self-defence classes, email the team at saferstronger@telford.gov.uk
“The course is great. It’s taught me to be vigilant when I’m out and be more aware of what other people around me are doing. It’s definitely made me think more about my movements if I am out on my own.”
Course volunteer
Watch how women and girls got on at the Hadley self-defence class
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SAFER
Grime crime to
Graffiti art
Bold street art is proving a big hit with residents, thanks to new creative commissions by Telford & Wrekin Council. Artist ‘Auniqueart’ and residents have transformed an underpass, signal boxes and a railway bridge with street art, themed around a new nature area in Leegomery and a nod to railway history in Ketley.
Councillor Paul Watling, cabinet member for safer &stronger communities said: “We all want to be seen and heard and graffiti is a way for young people do that. The law classes tagging and graffiti as criminal damage and removal is costly and time-consuming. This commissioned work is something that everyone will hopefully enjoy and that will help create a sense of pride and respect.” Graffiti artist Neil said: “Transforming an unwelcoming subway with a colourful mural has made it more welcoming for people to use and brings a positive outlook to the area. “While painting it we had so many positive comments on how it made people feel and they couldn’t wait to see it finished. Hopefully it will remain as people respect the artwork.”
Street art in action
The railway bridge in Ketley – transformed with artwork reflecting the area’s history and wildlife.
Safer & Stronger Communities coordinator, Gillian Denning, worked with young people to create graffiti wall art, themed around the nature reserve nearby. In doing so, it’s helped stamp out illegal graffiti in the Leegomery underpass.
Colourful pictures now cover the ugly graffiti- covered signal boxes that were becoming a hotspot for people signing personal graffiti tags in Leegomery.
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MORE ENJOYABLE
Top quality entertainment
Lipstick on Your Collar Get your dancing shoes at the ready, grab yourself a milkshake and relax – you’re in for an evening of back-to-back hits from the 1950s and 60s.
Be the first to hear about our latest events, news and offers – sign up here
“Telford Theatre is a cherished venue for creating memories and bringing family and friends together. Our 2023 programme has something for everyone and with free parking and a train station less than 10 minutes’ walk away, it’s easy to get to!”
Be the first to hear about our latest events, news and offers – sign up here Telford Theatre continues to bring family and friends together for a host of exciting shows this year and with a boost from government and council funding, the venue is set to become even bigger and better.
From comedy acts, to music, drama, light entertainment and family events, the theatre will undergo a major refurbishment with help from the government’s levelling up fund, securing its future to become the jewel in the entertainment crown of Telford and Wrekin. Increased capacity means more visitors and pounds in the pocket of the economy, creating jobs and a flourishing arts scene. The 2022 winter pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, achieved record numbers at the box office and with multimillion pound injection planned, Telford theatre’s future is soon to be in the limelight.
Councillor Eileen Callear Cabinet member for visitor economy, employment and skills
Tim Vine – Breeeep!
Take a look at what’s on at Telford Theatre www.telfordtheatre.com/whats-on
Telford Theatre, Oakengates, Limes Walk, Oakengates, Telford, TF2 6EP Box Office: 01952 382382 Email: theatre@telford.gov.uk
The smash-hit stage adaptation ‘Zog’ is back and promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before. Book tickets today for a roar-some story based on the book by Julia Donaldson – Wednesday, 9 March.
• Tim Vine – Breeeep! • An Evening and A Little Bit of a Morning with Mark Steel • Ross Noble More comedy: www.telfordtheatre.com
• The Upbeat Beatles • Lipstick on Your Collar • Let Me Entertain You
• Three Little Pigs • Rapunzel • Milkshake Live • Zog All family shows: www.telfordtheatre.com
All music shows: www.telfordtheatre.com
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MORE ENJOYABLE
“Demand for high impact, energetic indoor cycling classes keeps rising so we created a space our members would love and want to visit.” Councillor Kelly Middleton Cabinet member for leisure, public health and well-being, equalities and partnerships
We know how important council-owned leisure facilities are to you and your family. That’s why we continue to invest, develop and grow facilities so everyone, regardless of fitness level or ability, can join in. From gym refurbishments offering state- of-the-art equipment to enhanced athletic tracks – not forgetting to reduce our carbon footprint wherever we can – it’s all part of our £14m investment into leisure services to help make the borough cleaner, greener, safer and more enjoyable. A fitness fad that’s here to stay
New and coming up
DID KN W YOU ?
Gym refits at Wellington Civic Leisure Centre and at Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre
Did you know Telford and Wrekin Council Leisure is the
biggest provider of facilities in the borough with special benefits just for residents?
Something for everyone 7 leisure/fitness facilities 4 pools 140+ weekly workout classes Snowboard and ski slope Ice rink
New indoor, 12-bike Les Mills cycling studio at Abraham Darby Sports and Leisure Centre New LED floodlighting at Telford Athletics Stadium Gym upgrades at Stirchley Sports and Leisure Centre and at Park School Improvements at Lawley and Horsehay Village Golf and Fitness Centre £75,000 investment at Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre Replacement 3G pitch Oakengates Leisure Centre
If you live in Telford and Wrekin and are under 25 and own a loyalty card, you can swim for free in council leisure centres. Register for a Telford Loyalty Card at any of our centres. Simply pop along and our staff will be happy to help.
18-hole golf course and driving range Tennis centre
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MORE ENJOYABLE
Snowboard and ski centre celebrates golden milestone
This spring * will see the start of a £75,000 investment taking shape in the council-owned and managed centre in Madeley. The all-weather 85m dry ski slope and 35m nursery slope, offers families the perfect setting to learn a winter sport in a fun and safe environment with qualified and experienced instructors. Not only used by people who live in the borough, visitors from all over the West Midlands use the dry ski slope for skiing, snowboarding and one-to-one lessons. The competitive ski club trains there too. During the school holidays youngsters can give the thrilling adrenaline tubing, tobogganing and tots’ donuts a try too.
DID KN W YOU ?
We offer over 120 group fitness classes across the whole of Telford and Wrekin every week — and they’re all included in an aspirations membership.
Discover aspirations: www.telfordandwrekinleisure.co.uk
*Subject to planning approval
New campaign aimed at children
ignite a spark
“It is great to see so many children taking part and having a go at each of the 10 activities. Each one can help a child to discover a talent they might not realise they had.”
Discover a talent or ignite a passion to encourage children to do 10 things before their tenth birthday. There’s plenty on offer to keep little ones occupied, fulfilled and to get them off to the best start in life – and this can all be found on the 10 by 10 website. Hop online and create a 10 by 10 account, or check with your school, and be the first to know about exclusive offers for activities that are free or at a reduced price. You can track your child’s journey as they try 10 key activities from learning a musical instrument or visiting a museum and with
around 1,000 children are already taking part, its proving popular with families. More than 500 children have taken up the free swimming lesson offer learning a vital life skill. Councillor Shirley Reynolds cabinet member for children, young people and families said: “We all want our children to have the best start in life, to experience new things and 10 by 10 supports them to do that. “I am looking forward to congratulating year six children who have made an effort to try each activity at the end of the school year.”
Councillor Shirley Reynolds Cabinet member for children, young people and families
Start your 10 by 10 adventure today at: www.telford.gov.uk/10by10
10 things to do by age 10: 1 Join in competitive sports 2 Play an instrument 3 Learn to swim
4 Take part in drama and performing arts 5 Visit the seaside and the countryside 6 Experience museums, galleries and heritage sites 7 Take part in camping trips and overnight residential 8 Learn to ride a bike 9 Take part in debating 10 U se a library
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HEALTHY & SUPPORTED
debt and money advice
The increased costs of living mean that more people are worried about money and debt than ever before. To help Telford & Wrekin Council are investing £12 million for things like local food banks, warm spaces and supporting Citizens Advice Telford and Wrekin to run free and confidential debt advice sessions. Impartial, confidential help from experts through face-to-face sessions, are now available at both drop-in and pre-bookable appointments. Councillor Paul Watling, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for safer & stronger communities, said: “We’re making it easier for people to get money and debt advice with sessions around the borough. “Households are still struggling, so by working with Citizens Advice Telford and Wrekin we can put people in touch with the people who have the hands on knowledge and experience to offer the best help and guidance.” Where to get support: A cost of living advice website, lists all the help available, both for residents and businesses at www.telford.gov.uk/costofliving www.citizensadvicetelfordandthewrekin.org.uk 01952 567193 case@telfordcab.co.uk There’s support for a host of unique needs through our Wellbeing Independence Partnership. It’s a helpful ‘go to’ service for advice with everything from learning disabilities, mental health, older people, sensory impairment, stroke and physical disabilities and carers of all ages. Wellbeing Independence Partnership, ‘The go-to service’ 01952 916030 Open 9am-5pm Monday – Friday with a 24-hour voicemail service out of hours wip@tandwcvs.org.uk The partnership is provided by team members from Telford & Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service, Age UK Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin and Taking Part: www.telfordandwrekincvs.org.uk The ‘go to’ service for advice for a wide range of needs
services supporting
independent living
Do you need help to live independently or know someone who struggles with mobility issues and needs care and support? The Independent Living Centre, a joint venture between Telford & Wrekin Council and Telford & Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service (CVS), provides free information and guidance for everyone as well as the opportunity to trial different gadgets and equipment at home to see if they help you live more independently. Ruth Edwards is a community-led support coordinator and manages the Independent Living Centre on a day-to-day basis. She said: “The centre is designed to mimic your home, so you can see how the care and support equipment works in a familiar setting and try it out. Where to find us Independent Living Centre, 3A Hazeldine House, Telford Town Centre, Telford, TF3 4JL 01952 457181 Text SMS for hearing impaired: 07537453177 Opening times:
“We offer you a cup of tea and have a chat about what it is that you find difficult at home. We want to help you find real solutions that will work for you and your home. “Come and talk to one of our ‘Experts by Experience,’ as we call them – people with lived experience of a disability.” Councillor Andy Burford cabinet member for adult social care and health, integration and transformation said: “Don’t think of it as just being for older people, anyone can come along and have a look. It could be for yourself, a family member, friend or neighbour who needs help. “At the centre there are people with lived experience who are helping other people in the same situation, in a language they understand, in a very informal and home-like environment. “We are on your side; we want to do all we can to make your life better, in particular through these difficult times, with higher costs of living.”
“The independent living centre is an invaluable community asset, a centre for all ages and for all needs and abilities, that provides free support in terms of advice and guidance to live well, as independently as possible. ”
Weekdays 10am-5pm Thursdays 10am-6pm Saturdays 10am-2pm)
www.telford.gov.uk/independentliving
Councillor Andy Burford Cabinet member for adult social care and health, integration and transformation
Drop-in sessions: There are different sessions throughout the week for those with particular needs, no appointment needed (such as Autism Hub, Learning Disability Hub, Sensory Impairment and many others.).
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HEALTHY & SUPPORTED
by investing in people and communities Keeping Telford moving
Community groups are the key to helping us support clubs and activities in the places where you want them. Getting out of the house and joining in activities, helps people feel less lonely and more connected to their community. A great example of this is a project in Donnington, offering classes that help people have fun through movement. Through council investment, group cycle rides, Zumba classes, line dancing, family boxing, cricket Bollywood Bhangra and fit kids dance plus lots of other activities means there is literally something for everyone.
The line dancing sessions take place in Donnington with support from Age UK but extra council funding helped the sessions through the winter while numbers were lower and funded new classes in Hadley too. The council has also helped train 170 people enabling them to organise yet more community-led activities too. Cabinet member for leisure, public health and well-being, equalities and partnerships, Councillor Kelly Middleton, said: “Investing in these communities and people can make our borough healthier, safer and more supportive. “We have invested in several other projects, like the one in Donnington, helping thousands to be more active.”
The line dancing classes run by Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin secured their future during the cost of living crisis thanks to funding from the council’s Safer & Stronger Communities project. Claire Fishlock (centre) from the charity with dance instructors Madeleine and Paul Jones.
“Our communities are vibrant places full of passionate people who care about where they live.” Councillor Kelly Middleton Cabinet member for leisure, public health and well-being, equalities and partnerships
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BUSINESS BOOSTING
High Street success stories Invest. Renew. Grow
“Our High Street programme
So far, 199 Pride in Our High Street grants have been handed out. These include 52 business start-up grants for high street launches as well as 39 start-up trial grants which have helped businesses to test the water as pop-up stalls on markets or in empty retail units. A total of 18 eco grants have been delivered to help businesses become more sustainable and reduce costs and 22 façade grants have improved shop frontages and made high streets more attractive. Figures for 2022 show that, out of 727 retail units across the borough towns, just 5% (37 units) stand empty – well below the UK national average of 14%.
High streets across Telford and Wrekin continue to be supported by the council’s Pride in Our High Street programme during these challenging times. Since its inception in 2019, the programme has supported businesses ranging from hair salons, supermarkets and music academies to gift shops, fast food takeaways and clothes outlets. All of Telford and Wrekin’s six borough towns – Madeley, Dawley, Oakengates, Newport, Wellington and Ironbridge – have all benefited from the funding and it’s pleasing to see how so many have grown over the last three years – despite some of the toughest trading conditions.
continues to support
businesses – helping them capitalise on new opportunities for growth during these challenging times. They offer so much more than just great value to the communities that support them.” Councillor Lee Carter Cabinet member for neighbourhood services, regeneration, and the high street
Ironbridge
Dawley
Madeley
Newport
Wellington
199 52
KN W YOU ?
Pride in Our High Street Grants
In addition to Telford & Wrekin Council’s Pride in Our High Street grants, business support is also available through the Telford and Wrekin Growth Hub. For more information visit www.investtelford.co.uk DID
Business Start-Up Grants
Oakengates
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BUSINESS BOOSTING
for dance business Best foot forward
Financial Support
Moving to Dawley high street has meant that Laura Deighton Dance Company was able to expand and help budding dancers of all ages and abilities turn their dancing dreams into reality. The story started in 2019 when the business received a Pride in Our High Street start-up grant to help it relocate from Halesfield to Dawley high street. In addition to the start-up funding, the business also received funding which assisted
high street businesses to diversify during the Covid-19 pandemic when the dance school couldn’t offer physical lessons. As an alternative income stream, the owners redeveloped their business model and added a range of leisure wear and stage cosmetics which were sold from the unit. Laura Deighton Dance Company also benefited from money for a new façade which paid for the building to have a lick of paint outside, creating a fresh and more appealing façade.
Financial support is available to existing Telford and Wrekin high street businesses who want to improve the look of their shop through a property façade improvement, become more environmentally friendly or diversify to enable business growth. Grants up to £10,000 are also available for individuals wanting to take their first steps into self-employment on the high street without
taking large risks. High Street grants available • Start up grant • Trial start up grant • Eco Grant • Diversification grant • Façade improvement grant
GRANT
View the application criteria and apply at www.telford.gov.uk/ prideinourhighstreet
A new Pride in our High Street diversification grant is available, helping high street businesses capitalise on new opportunities during the cost of living and energy crises. Check out our Financial Support.
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Here’s just a taster of the exciting event programme for 2023. For information on more events for your diary, head to the ‘Visit Telford’ website and look out for MORE announcements soon! Armed Forces Day: Dates for your diary
UB40 Ft. Ali Campbell plus special guests: 8 July, Telford Town Park QEII Arena N-Dubz Plus Nathan Dawe & Wes Nelson: 9 July, Telford Town Park QEII Arena
Search for more events on: www.visittelford.co.uk
24 June, Broadoaks, Donnington Telford Balloon Fiesta : 25 – 27 August, Telford Town Park QEII Arena
March 2023 4 March Wellington Charter Day All Saints Church and Wellington High Street 9 March Tom Allen: Completely Telford Theatre, Oakengates 27 March – 23 April Easter activities Blists Hill Victorian Town & Enginuity, Ironbridge
14 April Family Disco Dawley Town Hall 23 April Spring into St George’s Day Telford Town Park 23 April St George’s Day Celebrations Newport High Street 29 April Norbury Canal Festival 2023 Norbury Nr Newport May 2023 4 May Tim Vine – Breeeeep! Telford Theatre, Oakengates 5 May Music in the Bandstand Dawley High Street
FREE
6 May Coronation of King Charles III Celebrations across Telford’s borough towns including Oakengates, Madeley, Dawley, Ironbridge, Wellington and Newport 10 May Great Dawley Tea Dance Dawley Town Hall 13 May 2023 Community Production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat All Saints Church, Wellington 13 – 14 May Heavy Horse Weekend Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge
FREE 18 May Cheesy Bingo Party Telford Theatre, Oakengates 20 May (evening event) 70s Party Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge 23 – 24 May Zog Telford Theatre, Oakengates 27 – 28 May Ironbridge World War II Weekend Dale End Park, Ironbridge 27 May – 4 June Nauseating Narratives Blists Hill Victorian Town, Ironbridge
FREE
FREE
FREE
April 2023 3 – 6 April Easter Bunny High Street Trail Madeley High Street 6 April Easter Egg Hunt Dawley Park
FREE
FREE
FREE
To find out more call 0800 328 0280 or visit electralcommisson.org.uk/voterID
Visit the Electoral Commission’s website to: Check your ID is acceptable
Apply for free voter ID Apply for a postal vote
TOTALLY TELFORD
ON YOUR SIDE UPDATE EDITION
ISSUE 5 • SPRING 2023
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