Latest news with #Wrekin
BBC News
13 hours ago
- BBC News
Shropshire fire bosses plan social media rules after scandal
Shropshire and Wrekin Fire Authority has discussed updating its social media rule book in the wake of a WhatsApp scandal that engulfed two senior male chief fire officer Simon Hardiman and assistant chief fire officer Adam Matthews were put through an independent investigation in 2024 following claims that they sent sexist messages on Matthews resigned, and Mr Hardiman returned to his post in September last year with a written warning and a mandatory training requirement following that light of the investigation, a meeting in Telford on Wednesday saw the fire authority propose a draft social media protocol. Last year auditors told the fire authority that they had "been unable to find a social media policy" and if there was one "there is scope for it to be provided so that it is adhered to". Elected members of the authority had asked to be included in a new protocol. The policy refers to social media and social networking sites, including draft policy said: "It should be remembered that the use of WhatsApp by members of staff should be in line with the service's core values and workplace charter."Even on a personal device/account, may become disclosable evidence in legal hearings or public inquests."It added that "WhatsApp is currently not a corporate tool and should not be used as a formal method of communication due to issues such as security, [General Data Protection Regulation] and [Freedom of Information] requests. "We would encourage staff to use [Microsoft] Teams to communicate with their colleagues."The new protocol applies to the use of social media for both business and personal purposes, whether during work hours or draft protocol also added that "all employees are responsible for their own actions in the use of social media". This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
6 days ago
- BBC News
More buses for two rural routes in Telford
Rural bus passengers in Telford borough are set to benefit from more buses and a Saturday & Wrekin Council has announced a series of upgrades for the 102 and 103 bus will now operate every two hours, while Saturday journeys will be introduced for the first time. According to the council, these adjustments follow passenger concerns around limited weekend service and infrequent bus times. The 102 service connects Newport, Church Aston, Lilleshall, Muxton, Donnington, the Princess Royal Hospital, and council described it a "lifeline" for residents "needing access to healthcare, education, and employment".It said key concerns raised by members of the public included an irregular service and lack of evening or Saturday buses, as well as overcrowding during school runs leading to students being left also described the route as underused outside school hours, with some suggesting it be restructured or better integrated with other changes will be in operation from Monday, including the 105 service being integrated into the 103 timetable, which the council said ensured signage and clearer information will also be rolled out to support passengers. A spokesperson for the council said: "These changes are part of a wider effort to strengthen rural connectivity and ensure council-run services are delivering value for money and real benefit to local communities. "As with other Travel Telford services, the 102 and 103 will also receive a refreshed appearance as part of routine maintenance and contract renewal. "This is a practical update, designed to make council-operated buses easier to identify and more consistent across the network."Passengers may also notice a mix of vehicle appearances until the recognisable designs are completed and rolled out in August. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
17-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Telford laundrette ordered to turn machines off overnight
Operators of automatic washing machines at a supermarket have been told to switch them off overnight to protect the amenity of nearby modular laundrette unit, next to the entrance of Morrisons in Lawley, Telford, was installed earlier this year, with a retrospective application at Telford and Wrekin Council said the machines should be switched off between 22:00 and 07: also gave temporary planning permission for one year for the unit, so that the effect of it could be assessed. The laundrette includes two washing machines and one drying Group International PLC, the agents for the laundrette owners, said the machines were designed to be maintenance-free, and were served by a network of more than 150 local engineers, who aimed to attend breakdowns within 24 visits were also scheduled, it told the applicants that there were flats and retail units less than 10m (32ft) away."Given the close proximity of the unit's location to neighbouring residential properties the local planning authority consider a one-year temporary consent to be appropriate, so the site can be monitored over a longer time period to ensure no significant detrimental impacts would occur," planners said."Following a period of one year, the applicant could reapply for a permanent consent, ensuring sufficient evidence is submitted to demonstrate that no significant adverse impacts have occurred and no harm would arise from the development on a permanent basis."This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
15-07-2025
- BBC News
Green Flag Awards won by 10 Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin sites
Ten open spaces across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin have been given Green Flag scheme recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces across the and Wrekin Council said it had been awarded a record number of eight times, while Shropshire Council recieved two."Achieving a record number of Green Flag Awards is fantastic - it reflects the pride we take in these green spaces as well as the community pride shown by our incredible volunteers," said councillor Carolyn Healy, from Telford's authority. Where are the Green Flag awarded sites? Telford and Wrekin:Victoria Park, NewportBowring Park, WellingtonApley Woods Local Nature Reserve, TelfordTelford Town ParkDothill and Shawbirch Local Nature Reserve, WellingtonDawley ParkDale End Park, CoalbrookdaleHartshill Park, Telford Shropshire:Severn Valley Country Park, Alveley The Mere, Ellesmere "We know just how much our residents value these green havens – they're places to relax, connect and enjoy nature," said Healy."That's why we continue to invest in them, and why the support of Friends' groups is so vital. "Their commitment ensures our parks and woodlands remain welcoming, well-maintained and full of life."It is the 10th consecutive year that Telford Town Park has been awarded the accolade. Additionally, Stanmore Country Park, in Bridgnorth, was given a Green Flag community award - which recognises sites managed by voluntary and community groups."Awards such as this just goes to show the hard work and effort that goes into maintaining our country parks by the amazing staff and volunteers involved, and they should be immensely proud of themselves," said councillor James Own, cabinet member for housing and leisure in Shropshire."I really would recommend all residents, especially with the summer holidays on the way, consider visiting some of our beautiful outdoor spaces such as these as a fun, free and healthy day out." Telford Town Park retains its crown for a tenth consecutive year Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
BBC News
14-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wellington Market revamp plan views sought as hours clarified
Details of extended opening hours at Wellington Market have been published during a public consultation into its & Wrekin Council is seeking permission from planning officials for certain elements of the multi-million-pound changes to Wellington an email to planners, the authority clarified potential opening hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00-21:00, closing an hour later on Friday and Saturday, while on Sundays and bank holidays it could open at 10:00 and close at 20: council said it wanted to regularise how the market operates now, as well as cover eventualities like special events and varying stall hours. The current opening times listed on the market website show it opening on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 to 16:00 and on Saturday from 08:00 to 16:30 and closed on Sundays, Mondays and Wednesday. Planning permission is only required for certain elements of the proposal, including changes to the structure of the market building but not for new individual stalls inside the spending on the 1,700 sq m (18,300 sq ft) market is part of £12m in funding from central government for proposals plan to revitalise the market and create a "modern, future-proof venue", the council said.A new layout will be introduced to "maximise space, improve accessibility, and flow throughout".Key features include a permanent covered outdoor area for events and an expanded food court.A consultation expiry date has been set at 29 July, with a decision due by the end of August. This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations. Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
