Snowing in Central Shropshire

So please DO take care. Check to ensure public transport is working or that roads are clear.

Check this website for real time information www.transportdirect.info

Incidentally, Birmingham Airport is closed due to the heavy snow.

Listen to local radio stations for updates on traffic conditions, etc.

UPDATE: The 19.25 Holyhead to Shrewsbury, Wellington, Telford and Birmingham is currently (21.47 hrs) running up to 30 minutes late.

Shrewsbury blast injures 12

An explosion at a block of flats in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, has injured at least 12 people, Shropshire News can report. The suspected gas explosion was in a building on the corner of Smithfield Road and Bridge Street, near the Welsh Bridge.

It is understood that a young woman was blown from the first floor of the building out on to the road and that a man on the ground floor was trapped by rubble. A number of people in a car in the street outside were trapped in their vehicle and were rescued by passers-by.

A total of 11 people were taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for treatment. The young woman, due to the severity of her injuries, was airlifted directly to the Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham which has a specialist burns unit.

The cause of the explosion is being investigated by experts with the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Newport body identified by police

Newport, Shropshire, Police can now confirm that the body found near to Newport Canal on Wednesday 30th December is that of 44-year-old Kevin Kirkland. The Coroner has been notified and Mr Kirkland’s next of kin have been informed.

Mr Kirkland had been found by two members of the public alongside the canal between Newport and Edgmond – a short distance from Broomfield Road - at just after 8am. Paramedics were summoned to the scene and rushed Mr Kirkland to the Princess Royal Hospital however he died at 8.50am

An appeal is still being made for anyone who may have seen any activity in the area to contact Telford Police or Crimestoppers.

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks said “Anyone with such information is asked to call Telford police on 0300 333 3000 or alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111. We are keen to hear from anyone who uses the footpaths close to Newport canal who might have seen Mr Kirkland on 29th December 2009 or on any previous occasion in that particular area. Equally we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen him in Newport on Tuesday 29th December”.

A post mortem examination was conducted on Wednesday 30th December however a cause of death has not been established. Police confirmed that Mr Kirkland’s death was being treated as unexplained.

Happy New Year!

Have a Great time!

Shed Breaks in Whitchurch

Police in Whitchurch are appealing for information after at least one shed was broken into and attempts made to enter another in a residential street.

Both incidents happened between about 5.30pm on Tuesday(DEC 29) and 9.10am yesterday(DEC 30) in Pear Tree Lane.

One shed was broken into and items moved in the garden to enable the offender or offenders to look inside a second outbuilding.

Damage was also caused to the window of a shed at a neighbouring property but no access was gained.

Anybody who might have seen or heard suspicious activity in the area during the night is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000.

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

“Digital Book” Found in Market Drayton

Police in Market Drayton are appealing for the owner of a ‘digital book’ found just before Christmas to get in touch.

The silver Sony PRS-505 Reader Digital Book was discovered in some bushes in Frogmore Road on December 22nd and handed in at the police station.

It is worth about £200 and may have been stolen or simply “dropped” by its owner.

Anyone who thinks the item might belong to them or may know who it belongs to is asked to contact Market Drayton Police Station on 0300 333 3000 or visit the front counter.

Police seek help in identifying Newport body

Police in Newport, Shropshire, have appealed for assistance from the public as they attempt to identify a man whose body was discovered close to the canal in Newport yesterday morning.

The body was found by two members of the public alongside the canal between Newport and Edgmond – a short distance from Broomfield Road - at just after 8am on Wednesday 30th December. Although paramedics were called to the scene and efforts were made to save the man, having been rushed to the Princess Royal Hospital he was declared dead at around 8.50am.

The area around where the body was found was sealed off immediately as police began investigative work at the scene and the area remains cordoned off at the present time.

A post mortem has been carried out on the body but the cause of death is yet to be ascertained.

Detective Inspector Steve Tonks, who is part of the team investigating this man’s death, said: “This investigation remains at an early stage and we would expect it to continue for some time. However, I’d like to reassure local people that a large number of officers are currently working on this case.

“As of yet we have been unable to identify the dead man and it is vital that we do this to enable us to progress our investigation more quickly. The man is described as being white, aged between 25 and 45 and as having a slim build. He is also described as being around 5ft 5inches tall, as having closely shaved hair and brown eyes.

“A tidily packed black Mio walking satellite navigation system drawstring bag containing a number of items including a pair of Vision Express glasses, a blue Helly Hansen jacket, a blue fleece coat and a woolly hat with a ‘NY’ logo on it was also found near to the body and we are today releasing photos of these items in the hope that someone is able to identify them and connect them to the body.

“We would be keen to hear from anyone who may recognise this man from the description given or anyone who suspects they may know who this man is. We are also keen to hear from anyone who may seen anything unusual close to the canal in Newport or Edgmond in recent times and anyone who has information that they believe could assist our enquiries is asked to come forward and share that information with us.

“Anyone with information they’d like to pass to police is asked to call 0300 333 3000 or alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you’d rather pass on information without becoming directly involved and identifying yourself.”

Safe and Secure Week in Shropshire

Local Policing teams will be out and about next week, offering security advice and security marking pedal cycles free of charge across Shropshire.

Posters are being put up in the county’s towns and villages advertising where and when local constables and community support officers will be setting up stalls during Operation Protect 3: Safe and Secure Week, which begins on Monday(JAN 4).

Anyone is welcome to go along with their cycle, whatever their age. Local Policing teams will also available to issue wider security advice, such as ways of protecting your home against burglars.

Always lock up or lock away an unattended bike, even if you are just leaving it for a few moments, as it takes just seconds for someone to pick up an unlocked bike and ride or push it away.

Police urge people to use a good quality lock and get the bike security marked, so if it is stolen and recovered, it can be returned to the owner.

Constable Tim Weaver, Crime Reduction Manager for Shropshire Division, said most burglaries and thefts were committed by opportunist thieves as a result of property having been left ‘vulnerable’.

“For example, up to half of all household burglaries are committed by thieves who enter through an unlocked door or open window,” he said.

“There are plenty of relatively small measures people can take to help secure their homes, vehicles and property and drastically reduce the chance of becoming a victim.”

Some of these hints and tips are as follows:

• Keep all doors and windows locked, even if popping out or leaving the room for a minute.

• Keep house and car keys in a safe place, well away from windows and doors.

• Fit British Standard deadlocks to all exterior doors.

• Set a timer plug to switch on lights in the house when you are not at home during the hours of darkness.

• Ensure garden fences, walls and gates are in good repair.

• Secure your shed and other outbuildings.

• Put away ladders and other tools so they can not be used to break into your home.

• Security mark all valuables with your house number and postcode.

Operation Protect is West Mercia Police’s ongoing campaign to tackle burglary, theft and associated crime, using both prevention advice and by targeting those suspected of committing offences.

More information about Safe and Secure Week, along with further hints and tips on how to keep your belongings safe from thieves, is available on our force website at www.westmercia.police.uk

Severe Weather?

It looks as if Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin especially, managed to avoid much of the very severe weather the was forecast but, in the case of the county, did not arrive.

Please spare a thought for our neighbours in Wales who did not escape and in other parts of the UK who are experiencing some very severe weather.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/uk_forecast_warnings.html

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/2009/12/31/avalanche-warning-after-three-climbers-are-killed-on-mountains-86908-21933144/

If you are making a journey out of the county, please check ahead to ensure that you will be safe to do so.

Telford and Wrekin Council getting ready for snow

"Telford & Wrekin Council’s gritters have been out salting roads in the borough in preparation for snow since 9am this morning, with snow expected in the borough late in the morning/early afternoon," explained a spokesman.

Once the gritting run is finished, gritting lorries will then be fitted with snow clearing equipment.

Telford & Wrekin Council routinely grits:

All "A" and "B" roads Regular bus routes
• Feeder roads to schools, roads linking a main salting route to a main school entrance
• Access roads to transport interchanges
• Main access roads on Halesfield, Stafford Park, and Hortonwood industrial estates
• Access routes to some large villages

(EDITOR: Update at 18.02hrs GMT: Presumably the heavy rain, NOT predicted by the Met Office) will wash away all the salt and grit that Telford and Wrekin placed down on the advice of the Met Office)

Cyclist Dies in Boxing Day crash

Shrewsbury Police officers are appealing for witnesses after a pedal cyclist died following a collision with a car near a Shrewsbury village.

The cyclist, believed to be an 18-year-old man, suffered serious injuries in the collision, which happened at about 6pm on Saturday (DEC 26) on the B4386, about a mile and a half outside Yockleton on the Westbury side.

He was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.

The collision also involved a green Peugeot Partner Combi people carrier, driven by a man. Both the driver and his female passenger were treated for shock at the scene but did not need hospital treatment.

Constable Ben Monk, who is investigating the circumstances of the crash, urged anyone who might have seen what happened to contact police.

He said: “Anybody who might have witnessed the collision or who might have seen either the car being driven or the bike being ridden in the area immediately beforehand is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000.”

The Coroner for Mid and North Shropshire, Mr John Ellery, has been informed and a post mortem is due to be carried out.

The man has not yet been formally identified to the coroner and an inquest into the circumstances of the incident will be opened in due course.

Severe Weather Warning Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin (UPDATE)

"Outbreaks of sleet and snow are expected. They will become heavy at times, particularly over high ground, with accumulations of 5 to 10 cm, and with locally 20 cm on hills. Strong winds will also cause some drifting of the snow.

"The public are advised to take extra care and refer to the Highways Agency for further advice regarding traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads."

Issued by the Met Office.

(EDITOR: Update at 18.00hrs GMT. Heavy rain, rather than heavy snow. Is this another Met Office error?)

Council to set up a Community Fund for the first time

As part of Telford & Wrekin Council’s budget proposals, it is set for the first time to establish a Community Fund of £150,000.

This money will be targeted at specific areas and or groups and will see local people working with councillors and town and parish councils to identify solutions to local issues and decide which ideas get funding.

The Council wants to hear from residents how they want to see the money allocated and any ideas on how the money should be spent

The Community Fund forms part of the Council’s budget proposals for the next three years and it wants to hear what residents think.

A number of budget consultation events will be held with groups and organisations across the borough from now until the consultation period closes in mid-February.

Council Leader, Councillor Andrew Eade, said: “By giving people choice about investments at this very local level through the proposed community fund, this Council hopes to be able to make a very real difference to the things that matter most to local people.

“Underpinning this is a continuing commitment from the Council to allocate resources fairly and openly across the borough.

“We are currently reviewing issues and seeking community views about where extra resources are needed. It’s a really genuine opportunity for people to shape how they want to see this project developed.

“We also want to hear from residents on our budget proposals as a whole to help shape the future spending of this Council.”

The council tax bill for Telford & Wrekin Council services, already the lowest in the Midlands this year for like for like services, will rise by just 1.9 per cent or 31 pence per a week for the average home in the borough.

The Council also proposes to make nearly £4.8 million of further savings next year, through efficiencies and service reviews on top of over £8 million pa year of ongoing savings that have been made over the last three years.

Consultation events will be held at key borough locations including:

• Tuesday, 15 December (9.30am-12.30pm), outside Somerfield supermarket, Newport

• Tuesday, 15 December (2pm – 5pm), inside Morrisons, Wellington

• Wednesday, 16 December (9am – 12noon) , Limes Walk, Oakengates

• Thursday, 17 December (9am – 12noon), Tesco, Madeley centre

• Friday, 18 December (9am – 12 noon), Market Square, Dawley

Anyone can give their views on the proposals either in person at one of the many events that are organised or by filling out one of the Council’s budget consultation forms and returning this by freepost. Views can also be filled out online at www.telford.gov.uk/Council+democracy/Consultations

Christmas party for young people with disabilities

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Arts Development Team are putting on a free Christmas party for children and young people with disabilities at Midnight’s nightclub in Wellington next week and inviting young people and their families to book their places and join in the free fun.

Three parties for the different age groups will be held at Midnights nightclub in Wellington.

Children aged five to 11 are invited to the first party on Tuesday, 15 Dec from 5pm until 7pm.

The party for 12 to 16 –year olds is on Wednesday, 16 Dec 5pm until 7pm and 17 to 24-year olds are invited on the same night but from 8pm to 10.30pm.

The Council’s Arts Development team were successful in gaining funding through Shortbreaks - a national initiative to provide positive activities for children with disabilities.

With the grant, the Council has been working to broaden cultural activities for children with disabilities in their leisure time.

Local group Kreative Kidz – which organises creative activities for young people with disabilities and Club 17 have been running evening workshops with professional artists and DJs to produce visuals for the nightclub and music to be played on the night.

Councillor Miles Hosken, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for children and young people with disabilities to get together with people of a similar age and get into the Christmas spirit.

“This Council is committed to providing activities for people of all ages and abilities and the young people have put a lot of hard work into making this event fun and successful.”

Entrance is completely free with one free soft drink being offered per child and further drinks at 50p each.

Attendance must be booked in advance as there are only 200 places at each event.

Call Naomi Middleton, Arts Development Officer for Disability and Vulnerable groups, on 01952 382365 to book a place.

Police Warning Over Giving Out Personal and Bank Details

Police have issued a fresh warning for people never to be tricked into giving out any personal or banking details to cold callers, whether it is by phone, letter or email, whoever the person or organisation might claim to be.

There are a large number of different scams that offenders will use to try and get people to part with either money or their account details but the police advice remains the same for all variations – never give out bank details to any unsolicited correspondence.

Some of the most common scams claim people have won a foreign lottery or other competition or the originator asks for access to a bank account to “store” funds temporarily, usually claiming to be from a developing country.

Another variation that has come to police attention in recent weeks is from people cold calling victims and claiming they can get them hundreds, if not thousands of pounds back in overdraft fees from their bank, if they just paid a “handling fee”. It is believed this latest scam is on the back of recent high-profile publicity surrounding bank charges.

Reports have also been received in recent months of cold telephone callers claiming to be from BT and saying the victim was in arrears. Credit card details were then requested to “clear” the debt, which were then used by the scammers to purchase items. Some may also claim to be calling from a charity.

There is also the ‘phishing’ email scam, in which the victim receives an email purporting to be from a bank or building society asking them to confirm their details for various reasons, including fake security alerts or alleged suspicious activity on their account.

Sergeant Ed Hancox, from Shropshire Division’s Local Policing Support Team, urged people never to reply to any such mail and never to give such details over the phone.

He said: “If you have never entered a lottery, there is no way you can win one. Never send any money and never give any unsolicited callers or writers your personal or bank details, whoever they might claim to be.

“If you get any email claiming to be from your bank asking you to confirm any details, don’t. If you have any concerns, contact your bank directly, as you should if you have any issues surrounding bank fees or charges. Also contact them immediately if you worry you might have been the victim of a scam.

“People who wish to donate to charity should only do so directly to one they know and trust and we would again urge people not to give bank or personal details to somebody they do not know who may have called or written to them.”

Sergeant Hancox said such scams did not just take place in Shropshire or even the UK but were a problem across the world.

“If you do get any sort of communication asking for any personal or bank details, our advice would be to simply ignore it. However, if you have any serious concerns, contact Trading Standards or the police on 0300 333 3000,” he added.

Police Witness Appeal over Albrighton Burglary

Police are appealing for witnesses to a burglary at a home in Albrighton, near Shifnal in which jewellery and watches were among the items stolen.

The house in Rushey Lane, was broken into between 2.30pm and 4.15pm yesterday.

Rooms throughout the home were searched and a number of items stolen.

They included a Toshiba satellite pro laptop, a Rotary watch with a square face and black strap, a Cartier watch with a brown leather strap and rectangular face, a Casio sports watch with a black plastic strap, a Sequel watch with a rectangular face and an Ipod.

The investigating officer, Detective Constable Jason Whelan has appealed for witnesses to contact him at Bridgnorth Police Station on 0300 333 3000.

He said a Peugeot car, either blue or grey in colour, had been spotted outside the premises. It’s thought to have had five occupants, four white males and one Asian male. A sixth person was seen leaving the driveway of the property and one of the passengers had a distinctive gold earring.

DC Whelan added: “I would welcome any information which might assist the inquiry, including contact from anyone who is offered similar property under suspicious circumstances.”

Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111, for which a reward may be paid.

Police Carryout Drugs Swoop in Oswestry Area

Over 30 police officers raided homes in the Oswestry as part of a drugs operation in which five people were arrested.

Five men, aged between 19 and 47, were arrested by West Mercia officers at seven addresses. All are suspected of being involved in the production and supply of controlled drugs.

Warrants had been approved by magistrates allowing police to search the premises in connection with investigations into the production of a drug called GHB – a clear liquid which can cause death or serious illness.

Detective Inspector Gavin Kinrade, said: “The seven warrants were executed in the Oswestry area yesterday (Dec 3) as part of our inquiries into the production of a controlled drug known as GHB.

“Thirty five officers from Shropshire Division and West Mercia’s Task Force were involved. They arrested five local men who were taken into police custody at Shrewsbury and subsequently bailed pending further inquiries. A significant number of exhibits were also seized during the searches.”

He warned people to stay clear of the potentially lethal drug, whose full name is Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate.

“Our intelligence suggests GHB is becoming increasingly popular in Shropshire. I would urge anyone who is tempted, to think again. The drug is made from industrial chemicals which can have serious damaging effects on users.

“There have been fatalities across the country related to its use, usually where alcohol has been consumed as well. Users run the risk of becoming unconscious, vomiting or choking and suffering seizures.”

DI Kinrade said regular and frequent use usually resulted in physical dependency with severe withdrawal symptoms. These include shakes, tremors, spasms, panic attacks, hallucinations and delusions.

He said the searches and arrests in the Oswestry area were just one aspect of police investigations into illegal drug activity in the county.

“It is a continuing police priority and additional resources will be deployed over the coming weeks and months to target those involved in the production, supply and misuse of this particular drug.”

DI Kinrade added that the police relied heavily on public support and were grateful for information which helped in the arrest and prosecution of drug suppliers and dealers.

“I would urge anyone who has information relating to illegal drug use, or indeed, other criminal activity, to please contact their nearest main police station on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, they can call the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111, where a reward may be paid.”