Road Rage incident

Police officers in Telford are appealing for witnesses to a road rage incident that occurred on the Telford Forge Retail Park. The incident occurred close to Currys Limited on Colliers Way on Saturday 7th November.

Sometime between 3.30pm and 3.40pm it appears a physical altercation took place between two drivers who had had a disagreement. Police were called to the scene and on arrival two men in their 40s were arrested on suspicion of affray.

Both men have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries and police are now keen to hear from anyone who witnessed this incident and may be able to help them piece together what actually happened.

Anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact officers at Malinsgate Police Station on 0300 333 3000.

House attacked in Leegomery

Police officers in Telford are appealing for information following a criminal damage incident in Leegomery. The incident occurred at an address on Chepstow Drive on Sunday 8th November.

Sometime between 10pm and 10.30pm it appears that an unknown individual threw a brick through a window in the front door at the property. One of the occupants of the house quickly ran outside to see who was responsible but no-one was seen or heard.

This is the second incident of this nature at this address during the past week and police are keen to identify the individual or individuals responsible for either of the incidents.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police in Telford on 0300 333 3000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Suspicious Ketley Bank incident

Police officers in Telford are investigating following a suspicious incident in Ketley Bank. The incident occurred at an address on Mullinder Drive on Tuesday 10th November.

It has been reported that at around 8.50pm an unknown individual approached the property and tried to force entry via the front door. However, a man who lives at the house went to the front door and after a brief altercation the unknown man fled the scene on foot. It is thought that more than one man may have run off at this point and therefore it is possible that other individuals were outside the property while this incident took place.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or who may be able to help officers establish exactly what happened and why.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call West Mercia Police on 0300 333 3000.

Alternatively, please remember that if you do not want to leave your name or get directly involved, you can also ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 to pass on any information you may have.

Bike Stolen in Church Stretton

Anybody offered a mountain bike for sale under dubious circumstances is asked to contact police after one was stolen from outside an address in South Shropshire.

The black Giant Talon cycle was locked to a railing outside the front of the house in Watling Street South in Church Stretton, just off the main A49.

It was stolen between about 10pm on Monday(NOV 9) and about 8am yesterday(NOV 10), along with the lock.

The bike has a yellow ‘Dave Mellor Cycles’ sticker on the down tube and anybody who might be offered a similar cycle for sale or who witnessed anything they believe could be connected to the theft 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.

Burglary in North Shropshire

A large number of power tools have been stolen from a property on the outskirts of Market Drayton.

Police are appealing for anybody with information about the burglary, which happened in Brownhills between about 6pm on Wednesday(NOV 4) and 6pm on Thursday(NOV 5) to contact them.

The detached garage, which had been locked, was broken into and items stolen, including a Stihl chainsaw, Stihl disc cutter, Bosch grinder, yellow Transformer box, a red Mountfield petrol strimmer and a Makita 18 volt drill.

Constable Kerry Adamson, who is investigating the incident, said: “We are keen to hear from anybody who might have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area during this time or in the days leading up to the burglary.

“The offender or offenders are likely to have had a vehicle with them to transport the stolen items away so if anybody has noticed a vehicle they did not recognise in the area, could they also contact us on 0300 333 3000.”

Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Young People Concerned About Crime

A police survey of more than 200 young people in Shrewsbury has highlighted their concerns about crime and safety.

The survey was conducted by the Local Policing team in Harlescott with youngsters aged 11 to 16 asked about things they would not want in their neighbourhood.

Community Support Officer Sue Tomlinson spoke to them over four evenings at Harlescott Grange Youth Centre as part of the Home Office “Not In My Neighbourhood” campaign.

She said: “The response was quite amazing, showing that they really care about what is going on in their own communities. They highlighted a lot of positive things that along with our partner agencies, we can tackle on their behalf.”

Among the issues raised were concerns about broken glass, dog mess, underage drinking, drugs, speeding vehicles, graffiti, bullying and general anti-social behaviour.

CSO Tomlinson said some youngsters had also expressed concerns about violent crime, the carrying of weapons including knives and terrorism.

“A number of them were genuinely worried about these type of things, possibly indicating a feeling of vulnerability. I think it helped they had an opportunity to raise any fears so we could talk them through and put them into context, providing reassurance at the same time.”

The youngsters’ comments have been forwarded to relevant agencies, including Shropshire Council, for information and possible action. She added: “The survey proved a really productive way of doing PACT (Partners and Communities Together) activity within this age group in the local community.”

Councils meet to investigate closer working

Telford & Wrekin Council and Shropshire Council are investigating ways of sharing services and working more closely together in a bid to deliver the best possible services to county residents.

Initial meetings between the leaders and chief executives of the two authorities have already taken place to explore ways of enhancing services by increased joint working.

Telford & Wrekin Council is also looking at expanding its co-operation with other local authorities on a sub regional basis to ensure residents get the best value possible from services.

Council leader Andrew Eade said: “We are very much in an era where local authorities need to work as closely as possible to avoid duplication of services and these initial meetings have kick started that process.

“We very much look forward to increasing our areas of shared services with Shropshire Council and both authorities will be selecting three cabinet members to form a joint working group to look at how this can be achieved.

“The first meeting of this group will take place before Christmas.”

Leader of Shropshire Council, Keith Barrow, said: “It makes sense for us to work closely with Telford & Wrekin Council, and we want to pool our resources where appropriate to improve the services on offer to the people of Shropshire.

“In these challenging financial times, we want to look at every possible avenue for improving efficiency and making council tax payers’ money go further, and this could be an effective way of helping us do that.”

Ease the firework fear for your dogs

Make a mix tape for your dog this bonfire night… and other ideas

Fireworks Night can be the most dreaded night of the year for dog owners so Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is today issuing advice on how to minimise the trauma of the event for man’s best friend.

Each year the charity is inundated with calls from dog owners who simply don’t know how to calm their pets. Although not all dogs are affected, noise phobia is a serious problem, particularly at the charity’s 18 Rehoming Centres where staff work through the night to ensure all the dogs are as comfortable as possible.

Lynn Barber, Dogs Trust Head of Canine Behaviour and Training, comments: “Caring for over 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs each year, we have real experience of how to deal with those with noise phobias. As well as the usual advice, our Rehoming Centres have also started to create music compilations which they play to the dogs to calm them and drown out the sound of the fireworks. Research has shown that classical music appears to work the best, but it all depends on the dog – some may prefer Celine Dion or perhaps even Abba!”

Dogs Trust Fireworks Guidelines:

• If your dog responds well to certain music, make a compilation for your iPod, CD player or tape recorder and play it at a reasonable level to drown out the sound of the fireworks. Alternatively, put your radio on.

• Don’t leave your dog alone in the house during the fireworks period – hemay panic and injure himself.

• Try to settle your dog before the fireworks start – if your dog is in familiar safe surroundings it will help him cope with the noise

• Walk your dog before dark – make sure your dog is well exercised and has relieved himself before the fireworks begin.

• Keep your dog busy – play games or enjoy some reward-based training to keep his mind off the noises.

• Be careful not to reward your dog for reacting to noise – if he’s upset giving him attention may inadvertently reward him for being afraid. It may be better to act as if there’s nothing to worry about.

• Provide a safe hiding place – at noisy times around Bonfire Night, make sure your dog has somewhere safe to hide in his favourite room, perhaps under the table. Close the curtains and turn up the volume on your TV or radio to drown out the firework noises.

• Seek advice from your vet – They will be happy to help. You can also ask about DAP – Dog Appeasing Pheromone, a scent that can comfort your dog and help him cope with his fears. Be sure to give the medication prescribed before the noise begins.

• Never force a dog outside when fireworks are being let off, and even if your dog enjoys Bonfire Night, never let him off his lead outdoors when fireworks are being let off.

CASE STUDY

Three year old Terrier, Pascal, was originally found as a stray and brought to Dogs Trust West London to look for a new home. Staff soon discovered that Pascal suffered from noise phobia and is particularly sensitive to fireworks.

Dogs Trust West London Rehoming Centre Manager, Richard Moore, comments:

“Pascal is a lovely little dog and we are working really hard to help him overcome his fear. This year we have made a compilation CD of classical music including Mozart, Chopin and Vivaldi which he seems to be responding well too. All he needs now is to find a loving new owner to continue to work with him.”

For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk to download a free Fireworks Factsheet or request a Dogs and Fireworks poster.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity and cares for over 16,000 stray and abandoned dogs each year through its network of 18 Rehoming Centres across the UK.

Arson in St Georges

Police officers in Telford are appealing for witnesses after a car was set alight in St Georges. The incident occurred on West Street on Thursday 29th October. At around 2.15am the car’s owner was woken up when she heard a car alarm going off outside her property. She looked out of her bedroom window and saw that a window was smashed on her car – a grey Toyota Rav 4 - and that a small fire appeared to be burning in one of the foot wells inside.

She quickly made her way downstairs and attempted to put the fire out but unfortunately she was unable to do so and the Fire Service were called to deal with it. Although the Fire Service put out the fire the car was completely destroyed as a result of it.

Anyone who believes they may have information about how this fire started is asked to call the police on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Vehicle attacked

Telford Police officers are investigating a vehicle crime incident on Maple Close in Trench. Sometime between 7pm on Wednesday 27th October and 1.30pm on Thursday 28th October it appears that an unknown individual or individuals have slashed one of the tyres on a red Seat Ibiza that was parked on the street

This is the fourth time that the owner of the car has been a victim of this sort of incident and the tyre is likely to cost around £50 to replace.

Anyone who believes they may have information about this incident, or any of the previous ones, is asked to contact police n Telford on 0300 333 3000.

Assault in Stirchley

Police officers in Telford are appealing for information following an assault in Stirchley. The incident occurred at an address on Catherton on Saturday 24th October.

Sometime between 2.30am and 2.45am the victim – a 29-year-old man – heard a loud knock at his front door and went downstairs from his bedroom to investigate.

Seeing someone outside the door he unlocked and opened it and was confronted by an unknown man wearing a black baseball cap with a black scarf covering his face.

Without warning the man punched the victim twice to the face before running off when the victim managed to slam the door closed to protect himself.

A police spokesman said: “The victim suffered bruising to his face as a result of this incident and we are extremely keen to establish the reasons behind it because the victim appears to have been targeted deliberately.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who believes they may know why it occurred, is asked to call police officers in Telford on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called in confidence on 0800 555 111.”

Bus passengers across Shrewsbury will be getting to know some familiar faces next week, as local community support officers hop on to talk about policing in the town. As part of Not In My Neighbourhood week, Local Policing has teamed up with Arriva to help spread the word about work going on in communities to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Throughout the week starting Monday (Nov 2), officers will ride along on most of the major bus routes, getting to know residents and answering any questions they might have about concerns or issues where they live.

They will also be letting people know about work and initiatives currently ongoing to tackle problems that have been raised with local policing teams in the past 12 months.

Other agencies who work closely with the police, including Severnside Housing, regeneration officers from Shropshire Council, the fire service and Shropshire Youth Service will also be hopping on and off and be available to speak to.

Sergeant Ram Aston, who is behind the idea, said although local policing teams were always out and about in their communities, often people’s lifestyles meant they did not have chance to meet and talk to as many as they would like.

“Our aim in teaming up with Arriva is to meet as many people in our communities as we can and give them the chance to chat to us and discuss anything they would like,” he said.

“Across Shrewsbury and Shropshire as a whole, there are dozens of projects and initiatives going on to deal with many of the concerns people have but not everybody is aware of them.

“”CSOs will be hopping on buses, which many do anyway to get out and about in their patches, where they will be talking to people about Local Policing and PACT, or Partners and Communities Together.

“They will also be letting people know about what is going on from a policing point of view in their neighbourhoods and passing on information as to how their local policing team can be contacted.

“They will also be handing out information about some of our current force-wide campaigns, such as the Lighten Up home security scheme and Safe and Secure Vehicles.”

Sergeant Aston added that there would also be CSOs as some bus stops and the bus station, where they will be carrying out face-to-face surveys and can also be asked any questions.

“Local Policing is all about getting to know your communities and finding out and dealing with those issues which cause them the most concern,” he said.

“Utilising the bus network in Shrewsbury is another tool to help us do this.”

Not In My Neighbourhood week is a national Government campaign to highlight the work going on in communities everywhere to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

PACT action in South Shropshire

Youngsters in a South Shropshire town will get a new addition to the school curriculum next week, when the local police officer drops by to talk about anti-social behaviour and its effects. Constable Sean Bailey, local police officer for Church Stretton, has teamed up with the local secondary school to offer advice to pupils and also let them raise any questions or concerns they might have with him.

He will be visiting numerous classes throughout the week from Monday (Nov 2), coinciding with Not In My Neighbourhood week, a national campaign aimed at highlighting the work of police and local authorities in dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour.

“Every local policing team in Shropshire has excellent relationships with the schools in its area and we can often be seen at them,” Constable Bailey said.

“My visits are designed to talk through with young people at Church Stretton School what anti-social behaviour is and how it can impact on communities.

“Although the overwhelming majority of youngsters never cause any problems, there is a minority in every town who can cause problems.

“By talking through the subject with as many young people as possible, we can hopefully reach those few who might be tempted to get involved in anti-social behaviour and get the message across to all that it will not be tolerated.”

PACT stands for Partners and Communities Together and is a national initiative designed to allow people in their communities to raise issues causing them concern and get involved with tackling them.

Constable Bailey said his visits would also give students the chance to ask him any questions on his role and policing in the area.

“Although anti-social behaviour is the main focus of the visits, they are also very much aimed at getting to know the youngsters in the town and letting them get to know me,” he added.

Top tourism awards announced

Tourism bosses in Telford and Shropshire are celebrating after the county scooped five prestigious regional awards.

The glittering success at this year's Heart of England Excellence Awards reflects the area's growing reputation as a tourism destination that can compete with the very best.

And now three of the county winners will go forward to the National Visit England Tourism Awards in 2010.

Shropshire winners at the ceremony held at the ICC in Birmingham were:

Best Convention Bureau: Telford & Shropshire Conferences

Best Bar/Inn: The Armoury, Shrewsbury

Best Large Attraction: Blists Hill Victorian Town

Best Exhibition Space: RAF Museum Cosford (Silver Award)

Best One-off or Annual Event: Ludlow Food and Drink Festival (Silver Award)

Katie Foster, who is the Chairman of the Tourism Destination Management Partnership for Shropshire and Telford, said the ceremony had been a wonderful evening.

"It's a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in tourism in the county, and to bring home five awards is just brilliant. The judges said they were impressed with the passionate and committed approach shown by all the Shropshire entries, and clearly we are recognised as a credible destination on a national and international scale."

Katie said she was particularly pleased with the success of the team at Telford & Shropshire Conferences on the night - they were given a joint gold award in the Best Convention Bureau category alongside Marketing Birmingham, as the judges wanted to recognise the achievements of both organisations in business and events tourism.

"Just to be in the running against such renowned destinations as Birmingham and Warwick was a massive achievement, and it shows we are definitely punching above our weight in terms of competing in a difficult market."

Sarah Bird, Business Tourism Manager for Telford & Shropshire Conferences, said: "This has been a great year for us, and for our members. We are now handling bigger event bids than ever before, some of which involve up to 4,000 delegates, and without the crucial funding we have received from Advantage West Midlands, we would never have been in a position to operate at such a level."

Backed by Transforming Telford, Telford & Wrekin Council, and Advantage West Midlands, the team at Telford & Shropshire Conferences offers support to organisers of the 5,000 events which come to the area every year, and which generate over £95 million for the local economy.

To find out more about Telford & Shropshire Conferences visit www.telford-shropshire.com or call 01952 567567.

Shropshire councils support changes to surgery rotas

The leaders of Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Councils today gave their cautious welcome to the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust’s (SaTH) recommendation to provide a countywide rota to cover vascular and emergency general surgery at both the Princess Royal and Royal Shrewsbury hospitals, supported by an extra vascular surgeon.

The move today received the support of the councils’ joint Overview Health Scrutiny Committee.

Telford and Wrekin PCT will consider a recommendation on vascular services at its meeting on Monday to move vascular services immediately.

Cllr Andrew Eade, leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "We are pleased that the Hospitals Trust has recognised the need to keep vascular and emergency general surgery at both the Princess Royal and Royal Shrewsbury hospitals in the interim until the long-term decision on the major acute hospital site can be made in 2012.

“We recognise this is not a long-term solution, but it will further enhance patient care for local people while allowing time for proper consultation to take place."

Councillor Keith Barrow, leader of Shropshire Council, added: "I feel that a 'hub and spoke' model could provide the best solution in the long term and I am glad there is the commitment to this interim solution which enhances the excellent care both hospitals provide.

“The most important consideration in all of this is that we need to secure the best possible healthcare for the people of Shropshire. It is also important that we now go out and consult with the public and listen to what people say."

Council receives plans for Southwater

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Planning Department has received the joint outline planning application from the council and Southwater Event Group for land at Southwater, St Quentin Gate, Telford Town Centre.

The outline planning application is for the comprehensive redevelopment with access of the Southwater area of Telford.

It includes a mixed use development comprising offices, residential, retail, cafes/restaurants, financial and professional services and bars.

The £250 million development aims to deliver a new vibrant Town Centre providing a night time economy for residents and visitors alike and providing a superb environment for people to live, work and enjoy.

The joint scheme will transform the existing Southwater square and beyond creating a landmark area. It includes a major extension to the town’s prestigious International Centre, helping it attract a further 200,000 conference visitors a year. Subject to planning approval work could start as soon as Autumn 2010. In addition, the application includes a Learning and Media Centre, refurbished ice rink and leisure pool, cinema, hotels, a medical centre and extension to the bowling and bingo complex. The Southwater Lake is set to be recreated with a terrace, remodelled Meeting Point House giving views over the lake and Telford Town Park.

Council leader Andrew Eade said, “I welcome this application coming forward – this is one of the most comprehensive and far reaching regeneration schemes ever to be proposed for the borough. We have an opportunity here to form a living, thriving centre for Telford that the community and visitors deserve.”

“Despite the recession we are determined to buck the trend and are working together with partners such as the Southwater Event Group to help deliver these exciting plans. This application mirrors our efforts in our Borough Towns Initiative to regenerate the other towns in the borough and will benefit the wider development of Telford and Wrekin.”

“The Southwater scheme will help provide a major boost for the local economy, where possible we will seek to use local companies, materials and workforce.”

Tom Gray, CEO for Southwater Event Group said, “This is a vital step on the road to securing a brighter and more prosperous future for Telford and we’re delighted things are starting to move forward”.

'Shambolic' PCT

TWC Leader Andrew Eade said: “Last night’s PCT meeting at the Park Inn showed how shambolic the recommendations are to downgrade services at the PRH. Opposition to the plans were voiced time and time again and the PCT had no answers.

“I call on members of the PCT board to listen to what local surgeons and GPs said against the proposals and to think long and hard about the issues when they vote on Monday. PCT board members will make their positions untenable if they vote to remove services from the PRH in the face of so much contrary evidence. Any such proposals will be challenged every step of the way.”

The NHS Telford and Wrekin PCT meeting where the postponed decision will be taken is at 1pm on Monday, 2 November at the Park Inn, Forgegate, Telford.

An Extraordinary meeting of the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust board is taking place at 9.30am on Thursday 29 October at the Shropshire Education and Conference Centre at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

Both meetings are open to the public and the council urges interested people to go along.

Safety improvement trials for roads in Albrighton

Shropshire Council will carry out two, one-day trials on Cross Road and Newhouse Lane in Albrighton to improve safety and reduce congestion next week (5 November 2009).

These trials, proposed following safety concerns from local residents, will include a temporary installation of a mini roundabout at the junction of Cross Road, Elm Road and Patshull Road Junction. This will allow the council to see first hand the issues that may need to be addressed if they construct a permanent mini roundabout at this location.

The council will also be preventing parking in Newhouse Lane so that they can see if a bus can be safely driven up to the school and turned round. This will take place during school hours and will be completed before 3pm.

Parents are requested not to park on Newhouse Lane on 5 November so that that this trial can be carried out.

Shropshire Council has been working in partnership with the Parish Council, Albrighton Primary School, representatives of the local residents and the Bus Operators (VT Group) to develop these proposals.

Martin Taylor-Smith, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: “Firstly, we’d like to apologise for any inconvenience these trials may cause. However, these will allow us to see whether these measures work well to improve safety and reduce congestion on these roads.”

"Dear Burglar, We know who you are"

Police in Telford have written letters to prolific burglars and thieves to warn them against committing crime in the run up to Christmas. The letters – which have been prepared for the first time in the Force’s history - have been hand delivered by detectives from Telford Police Station as part of an initiative to crack down on the number of incidents of burglary and theft, which commonly increase during the winter months.

The letters, which have been signed off by senior police officers in Telford, warn criminals that police know who and where they are and that they are being monitored.

It warns them that if they are tempted to commit crime they will be dealt with robustly by police and put before the courts.

DCI Alan Edwards, of Telford Police, said that 24 letters had been delivered to well known criminals and said he hoped that the recipients took the message on board.

He said: “We have written to people that we know are burgling at this time or are most likely to commit crime in the coming months, especially in the run up to Christmas.

“We identified 24 individuals to write to, and as it happens thanks to information from the public and the excellent work of police officers and staff, 13 of those individuals are actually serving prison sentences. We have nevertheless still written to them to make them aware we are still monitoring them.

“The purpose of the letter is to warn offenders that we know who they are and that we’ll be keeping an eye on them.

“If they choose not to take the advice in the letter then we will act and take the appropriate action.

“Incidents of burglary and theft do increase during the winter months, mainly due to the fact that the nights are darker and people bring more goods into their homes for Christmas. But police in Telford want to disrupt the common crime pattern and reduce incidents of burglary and theft.

“So if we have written to you we have done so for a reason. It’s because from the intelligence we’ve got we suspect you are, or are likely to be involved in crime. And if that’s the case we will be watching you to help protect residents living in the borough and enable them to have an enjoyable Christmas.”

DCI Edwards said that the letters were one way of helping to reduce crime in the borough, but he also urged members of the public to come forward with information about criminal or suspicious activity to reduce it even further.

He added: “Recently we have received a number of excellent calls from members of the public, including one from a caller who saw a man carrying a plasma television screen away from a home. The caller got the suspect’s vehicle details and description and called us. The suspect was subsequently dealt with.

“Information like this is vital to our work and I would urge members of the public to call us with anything they deem suspicious. People need to tell us what they see, or even take photographs using their mobile phones of suspicious vehicles or people, so we can work together towards keeping the burglary rate down.

Anyone with information should contact Police at Telford on 0300 333 3000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

Gate stolen in Pickstock

Police in Telford are investigating following the theft of a wrought iron gate in Newport. The incident occurred at a farm in Pickstock sometime between midnight on Wednesday 21^st October and midday on Thursday 22^nd October.

Sometime during the time period in question – in an unusual incident - it appears that thieves approached the gate and stole it from its fixings between two stone posts on a pathway close to the farmhouse.

The gate – which dates back to the early 1900s – is very heavy and it would have been very difficult from one person to carry it away from the scene and load it into a vehicle. The gate is thought to be worth more than £500.

Police are keen to hear from anyone with information about this incident, or who believes they know the whereabouts of the stolen gate.

Anyone who believes they may have information about this incident is asked to call police officers in Telford on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Assault on security officer

Police in Telford are investigating following an assault in Lawley. The incident occurred close to the new George Wimpey building site on Dawley Road on Wednesday 21^st October.

At around 7.30pm the victim – a 45-year-old man who was working as a security guard at the site – approached two unknown men who he believed to be behaving suspiciously.

On challenging the men about what they were doing, one of the men became verbally aggressive and then punched the victim 3 or 4 times to the face. The two men then fled the scene on foot before getting into a car of some sort and making off from the area. A police spokesman said: “The victim suffered bruising and reddening to his face as a result of this assault but did not require hospital treatment.

“He has described the man that hit him as being white, around 5ft 11inches tall, of medium build and as having short, light brown hair. He also describes the man as wearing a white and blue tracksuit top and blue jeans.

“Anyone who believes they may have information about this incident is asked to call the police on 0300 333 3000. Alternatively, please remember that Crimestoppers can also be called in confidence on 0800 555 111.”

RTC in Madeley

Police officers in Telford have appealed for witnesses following a road traffic collision in Madeley. The collision occurred on Coalport Road on Thursday 22^nd October.

Sometime between 10.50am and 11.25am it appears that an unknown vehicle was in collision with a beige Fiat Panda that was parked close to the cemetery.

The car’s owner – who was visiting the cemetery when the collision occurred - did not see the vehicle that collided with her car.

Anyone who witnessed this collision is asked to contact police in Telford on 0300 333 3000.

Burglary in Shrewsbury

Graham’s Plumbing and Heating in Arlington Way was burgled between about 5.50pm and 8.35pm on Tuesday(OCT 20).

Three Worcester-Bosch combi-boilers were stolen, each worth about £900. The offender or offenders would have needed a vehicle to transport the items away and anybody who might have seen or heard suspicious activity in the area during this time 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.

Anybody who might be offered such boilers for sale under dubious circumstances is also asked to get in touch.

Appeal over Missing Camera in Cockshutt

Anybody who might have found a camera outside a North Shropshire village hall is urged to contact police, after one was lost by a member of the public.

The camera, which contains a number of photographs with sentimental value, was accidentally left outside the Millennium Hall in Shrewsbury Road, Cockshutt on Wednesday(OCT 23).

When they realised it had been left, the loser returned but found the camera was gone.

A reward is being offered for its safe return and anybody who might have picked it up is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000.

Extraordinary meeting of Council to voice outrage over threat to PRH

An extraordinary meeting of Telford & Wrekin Council will be held next week to discuss NHS proposals to downgrade services at PRH.

The Council has invited both MPs Mark Pritchard and David Wright to address the meeting. The motion, proposed by council leader Andrew Eade and seconded by Labour group leader Keith Austin, that the meeting will consider is:

“This Council expresses its outrage at the continuing threat to services at the Princess Royal Hospital. The Council notes that current proposals would lead to immediate removal of vascular services from PRH and does nothing to lift the threat over other services including acute surgery, paediatrics and accident and emergency services. These are only guaranteed to remain at the PRH until 2013.

“In order to re-enforce their continuing commitment to the Princess Royal Hospital this Council will continue to do everything within its power to protect health services that are so vital to the health and well-being of our community.”

The meeting will be held at the Council’s Civic Offices in Telford Town Centre on Thursday October 29 at 6.30pm.

Be aware of anti-social behaviour

Ahead of Halloween and Bonfire Night – a period of the year referred to as ‘Mischief Week’ because of the increase in anti-social behaviour that often occurs – police officers and Community Support Officers (CSOs) from North Telford’s Local Policing Teams (LPTs) have launched a series of initiatives aimed at ensuring that the two events pass safely for everyone in the area.

The first initiative started on Saturday 17th October and sees members of the Local Policing Teams carrying out regular visits to all the premises that are licensed to sell fireworks in the area. The initiative is primarily to monitor whether Fireworks Regulations are being adhered too - i.e. to establish whether persons below the age of 18yrs are being sold fireworks – and also to investigate whether fireworks have been sold earlier than the agreed time period as stated by the act.

PC John Walters – Local Police Officer for Wrockwardine Wood and Trench – said: “We hope that the high profile policing over the next couple of weeks will deter offenders and encourage members of the public to report any breaches of the regulations to the police.

“Nationally, some 1,000 people are injured by fireworks each year and a number of these people suffer a serious injury of some sort. Our aim is to reduce the number of victims in Telford & Wrekin by doing as much as we can to help our partners enforce the fire regulations.”

The regulations in place include the following points which the Local Policing Teams will be especially focusing on:

• people under the age of 18 are prohibited from buying or possessing fireworks in a public place.

• children must have adult supervision at firework and bonfire displays.

• fireworks must not be let off between 11pm and 7am unless for specific reasons that permission has specifically been granted for.

In addition to enforcing fireworks legislation, CSOs will also be visiting local primary schools alongside the Shropshire Fire Service Outreach Team to deliver information and advice about how to remain safe during Mischief Week.

PC Walters continued: “CSOs Graham Strong and Rich Harrison from the Wrockwardine Wood and Trench LPT will be working with the Fire Service to visit their local primary schools and deliver information to pupils, and explain the need to behave responsibly to keep themselves safe.

“They will also focus on the dangers of cycling without lights, and the importance of wearing bright or reflective clothing during darker hours now that the nights have started to draw in.

“We see work like this as being absolutely vital to protect the well being of the youngsters that live in our ward and we will continue to do all we can to ensure that Mischief Week passes as peacefully as is possible for the people that we serve.”

These new initiatives will continue for the next couple of weeks and will also be in place during the course of ‘Not in My Neighbourhood Week’, which runs from Monday 2nd November until Friday 6th November and will see an even greater focus on preventing anti-social behaviour across Telford & Wrekin.

Designer Clothing Stolen from Whitchurch

A large amount of designer clothing was stolen during a burglary at a North Shropshire store.

Two males broke into Apparel in Green End, Whitchurch, between about 3.05am and 3.15am today(OCT 19).

The offenders, who were wearing dark clothing and had their faces covered, pulled up outside the store in a dark-coloured vehicle, possibly or similar to a Vauxhall Astra.

After breaking in, they stole more than 250 items of clothing, specifically Henry Lloyd and Henley jumpers and shirts, before driving off along Green End and turning into The Bullring.

Officers attended the area and carried out a search but the offenders were not found.

CCTV from the area is being examined by officers and police are keen to hear from anybody who might have seen or heard anything which could be connected.

A spokeswoman said: “We are also keen to hear from anybody who might be offered designer clothing like that stolen under dubious circumstances.

“Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.”

Burglary in Wem

Police are appealing for information following a break-in at an address in Wem.

Damage was caused to a window and a large vase and carriage clock were taken from the address in Drawwell Lane between about 7.30am on Saturday(OCT 17) and 7.30am yesterday(OCT 18).

The vase and clock were found abandoned on the garden path and nothing else is believed to have been stolen.

Anybody who might have seen or heard anything suspicious which they believe could be connected 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.

Arson Attack in Shifnal

Police in Shifnal are appealing for witnesses after an attempted arson at an address in the town.

The incident is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life, after a window frame at the address in the Innage Road area was deliberately set alight while the occupants were asleep upstairs.

The householders heard a noise at about 2am on Friday(OCT 16) and when they woke at 8am, the damage was discovered.

Detective Constable Oliver Ewels, who is investigating the incident, said: “Fortunately, the fire did not spread beyond the window and seems to have burnt itself out, otherwise the consequences could have been much more serious.

“If anybody saw or heard anything which might be connected, or noticed any persons or vehicles in the area that they believed to be suspicious, please could they contact police on 0300 333 3000.

“Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Alleged Serious Assault in Ludlow

Police in Ludlow are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy needed stitches following an alleged altercation between two groups of youths in the town. An officer on patrol came across the victim, who had lacerations to his face and hip, at about 12.10am yesterday(OCT 18) and called an ambulance.

The 15-year-old was taken to hospital in Hereford before being transferred to hospital in Worcester. His condition is described as stable.

A 17-year-old youth was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He was interviewed and has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Dave Meyer, of Bridgnorth and Ludlow CID, appealed for anybody who might have witnessed the alleged incident or the two groups reported to have been involved beforehand to contact police.

“The incident allegedly involved two groups of teenagers who are reported to have been behaving in an anti-social manner towards one another in the town centre between about 11pm on Saturday and when the victim was found,” he said.

“It is reported that a man in his 30s had at one point attempted to separate the two groups in the Upper Galdeford area and I would urge this man to contact police on 0300 333 3000 with any information he might have.

“We believe the alleged assault happened in the area of Livesey Bank and anybody who might have seen this or the two groups beforehand to get in touch.”

Arrests Following Police Stop Check

Two men have been arrested in suspicion of theft after police stop checked a vehicle near Bridgnorth. The white Ford Transit pick-up was pulled over by officers at about 12.30pm on Friday (OCT 16) on the A454 near Worfield.

Two roadwork signs were found in the rear of the vehicle and the occupants of the van were arrested. Both have been interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries.

West Mercia Police operates Project Livewire, an ongoing campaign to tackle the theft of non-ferrous metal, which has risen in recent years.

Officers would urge anybody who witnesses people tampering with metal, whether it be road signs, underground cabling or lead from roofs, to contact police immediately on 0300 333 3000.

“Police would rather attend and check that the people are genuine workmen rather than deal with a metal theft further down the line,” a spokeswoman said.

Judging Takes Place for Best Bar None

The overall winner of Shropshire’s Best Bar None campaign is set to be revealed in the New Year. Judging took place at the end of last week but the winners and runners up will remain a closely guarded secret until the official awards ceremony in January. A winner and runner up has been chosen for each of three categories, along with a single, overall “gold award” winner for the county.

Best Bar None was launched in March and since then over 30 licensed premises across Shropshire have signed up to be inspected by official assessors from the police, local authority, private sector and councillors.

The scheme is a Home Office backed initiative which works with pubs, nightclubs and other licensed premises in maintaining high standards, while at the same time promoting positive measures to tackle and prevent anti-social behaviour and crime caused by excessive drinking.

It offers operators of licensed outlets a free health check in their own procedures and rewards them when they meet the criteria.

The eighteen assessors have all successfully completed their British Institute of Innkeepers qualification and check matters such as the use of door staff, zero-tolerance to drugs and drunkenness, fire safety procedures, noise attenuation and a whole host of other points, will be assessed.

Tony Mantle, police licensing officer for Shropshire Division, said 16 of the premises inspected achieved the highest award possible at the assessment stage, which was silver. These then went on to be judged for the prestigious gold award for 2009, of which there can only be one winner.

“All the assessors were in awe of the amount of work it takes to run pubs and clubs successfully,” said Mr Mantle.

“The aim of Best Bar None is to raise standards in the licensed sector and we hope the scheme has contributed to that. Although judging has taken place, the winners and runners up will remain secret until the awards evening in January.”

Best Bar None for 2010 will be launched shortly after the ceremony and Mr Mantle said he was hopeful it would be extended even further across the county to encompass even more licensed premises in Shropshire.

Any licensed premises interested in joining the Best Bar None scheme can contact Mr Mantle for more information on 01952 728711.

The following premises were awarded silver awards during 2009:

Pub Bar Category

Montgomery’s Tower, Shrewsbury

Hole in the Wall, Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Hotel, Shrewsbury

The Wheatsheaf, Shrewsbury

Jewel of the Severn, Bridgnorth

The Wilfred Owen, Oswestry

The Red Lion, Oswestry

The Bull Ring Bar, Oswestry

Number 35 Pensons Chambers, Oswestry

Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury

Community Pub Category

The Grapes, Bicton, Shrewsbury

The Bradford Arms Hotel, Llanymynech

Nightclub Category

Reflex, Shrewsbury

C21 and The Peach Tree, Shrewsbury

Spirit, Shrewsbury

Gibsons, Oswestry

Get you cash for free at Hadley P. O.

Wrekin MP, Mark Pritchard, has officially opened Hadley post office's new charge free ATM cash machine - which means that residents throughout Hadley will no longer have to pay a fee for withdrawing their cash.

The MP said: "I hope that this new service will attract even more people into Hadley. Hadley centre is still a vibrant centre and is always very welcoming".

Mark Pritchard is pictured with Sub-postmaster - Mr Vin Patel