Shropshire Council and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have been working closely together to make sure emergency vehicles can get through the Shrewsbury station gyratory quickly and safely when responding to incidents.

Through regular constructive and open discussions, the Fire Service put forward practical solutions to help crews navigate the bus stop island on Castle Foregate. This has involved using the cycle lane as an emergency vehicle route when needed.

Recent call outs have shown how effective this approach can be. On at least three occasions, fire crews have assessed risk and were able to use the cycle lane to get through heavy congestion around the gyratory in under 60 seconds – a significant improvement when responding to emergency incidents.

Shropshire Council and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have been working closely together to make sure emergency vehicles can get through the Shrewsbury station gyratory quickly and safely when responding to incidents.

Alongside this immediate solution, the council is checking the position and clearance of the variable message sign to make sure it provides enough space for emergency vehicles. If changes are needed, these can be made, either by adjusting the sign’s position or its orientation.

Both Shropshire Council and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are committed to ongoing collaboration. By working together and responding to real world experience, we can continue to improve how the gyratory operates and ensure emergency services can reach people as quickly and safely as possible.

Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for Transport and Economic Growth, said:  

“It’s vitally important that our emergency services are able to respond quickly to incidents, especially when there is congestion. I am pleased that by working together we have been able to identify a solution. Moving forwards this must be a key determining factor in Shropshire Council’s decision making related to any future changes.”

Simon Hardiman, Chief Fire Officer for Shropshire, added:

“Working with colleagues at Shropshire Council has enabled improvements to be made to assist the Service when responding to emergency incidents. A critical element of an emergency response is the ability to make safe and effective progress when travelling under blue light conditions through areas of high congestion. The use of the cycle lane for emergency vehicles has been assessed and is proving beneficial in reaching people when they need us the most.”

The station gyratory scheme was funded by the UK Government.

A series of projects across the Upper Severn catchment is helping to build a clearer picture of how nature‑based solutions are vital to better water management.

The work to date has created more than 8.6 hectares of new habitat, enhanced over six kilometres of watercourse and added 1,845 cubic metres of flood storage capacity.

Nearly 4,000 trees have been planted, alongside new wetlands and ponds that support biodiversity while also contributing to flood and drought resilience.

Delivered through the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme and managed by Shropshire Council, the demonstrators are testing practical measures that work with the landscape to slow, store and manage water.

Up to spring 2026, work at demonstrator sites including Guilsfield, Reabrook and Attingham has delivered a wide range of natural flood management features. These include large woody material barriers, new ponds and wetlands, soil aeration, tree planting, hedgerows and areas of wet woodland.

Together, these measures, delivered by the Severn Rivers Trust and the National Trust, help slow storm flows, encourage water to soak into the ground and provide temporary storage during periods of heavy rainfall.

As well as natural flood management opportunities the programme of demonstrator projects will explore the use of:

• Digital tools and technologies

• Farm scale economics
• Green finance
• Green skills agenda
• Peatland restoration and paludiculture (wet agriculture and forestry on peatlands)
• Sustainable urban water management

Tom Dainty, Shropshire Council deputy Cabinet member with responsibility for flooding, said:-

“These demonstrator projects show how working with nature can bring real benefits for communities.

“By testing practical solutions on the ground, we are building the evidence we need to make better long‑term decisions about managing flood risk, protecting wildlife and supporting a more resilient Severn catchment.”

Details of the individual projects can be found here.

The learning from the demonstrated projects will directly inform the ongoing development of the Severn Valley Water Management Strategy and future decision‑making across the catchment.

Tourism businesses from across Shropshire and Telford have been recognised for excellence at the West Midlands Tourism Awards, with strong results across accommodation, attractions, events and visitor experiences highlighting the quality and diversity of the area’s visitor economy.

The awards celebrate outstanding tourism and hospitality businesses from across the region, recognising those delivering high‑quality experiences and contributing to the growth and reputation of the West Midlands as a leading destination. For Shropshire and Telford, this year’s results reflect a destination gaining momentum, with multiple wins showcasing the strength, confidence and ambition of the local sector.

As the value of tourism continues to rise supported by new investment, ongoing development and growing demand for staycations, the awards mark a standout moment for the area. Winning businesses will now go on to represent Shropshire and Telford on the national stage later this year, reinforcing the destination’s growing appeal for short breaks and year‑round visits.

Gold Award winners from Shropshire and Telford included:

• The Taste of Shrewsbury Experience – New Tourism Business of the Year
• Ironbridge View Townhouse – Self‑Catering Accommodation of the Year
• Goldstone Hall Hotel & Gardens – Small Serviced Accommodation of the Year
• Shrewsbury Food Festival – Tourism Event / Festival of the Year
• The Barns at Black Water Meadow – Camping, Glamping & Holiday Park of the year

Silver Award winners included:

• Royal Air Force Museum Midlands – Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
• Riverside Cabins – Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
• Westhope Country Retreats – Self Catering accommodation of the year

Bronze Award winners included:

• Action Scott Escapes – Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year
• Riverside Cabins – Regenerative Tourism Award
• LOOPFEST – Tourism Event / Festival of the Year

Highly Commended recognition was awarded to:

• Royal Air Force Museum Midlands – Large Visitor Attraction of the Year

The breadth of awards reflects the strength of Shropshire and Telford’s tourism offer, spanning accommodation, heritage, food and drink, festivals and sustainable tourism, and demonstrates the collective impact of businesses operating across the destination.

RAF Museum Midlands won Silver at the recent West Midlands Tourism Awards in the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ category

Councillor Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Economic Growth, said:

“The county’s strong presence among this year’s winners reflects the authenticity, care and ambition that define our tourism sector. Recognition at a regional level showcases the hard work of businesses and organisers who help sustain communities, attract visitors and strengthen the county’s reputation as a place to visit.”

Mandy Thorn MBE DL, Chair of the Telford and Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), said:

“The success of so many businesses from Telford and Shropshire at the West Midlands Tourism Awards is a powerful endorsement of the quality, innovation and commitment found across our visitor economy. These awards recognise not only individual excellence, but also the collective strength of the destination and the collaboration that underpins continued growth and resilience.

At a time of clear growth, increased investment and rising demand for staycations, this recognition reflects the ambition of our tourism sector and the shared commitment to raising the profile of Telford and Shropshire. Our winners should be incredibly proud as they now go on to represent the destination on the national stage.”

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture and the Arts, added:

“It is fantastic to see Telford‑based organisations recognised across multiple categories. From award‑winning accommodation to accessible attractions and major events, these achievements highlight the quality visitors can expect when choosing Telford and reinforce the importance of tourism to our local economy.”

Notes to editors:                                                              

The Telford & Shropshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) brings together Telford & Wrekin Council, Shropshire Council, and industry partners Visit Telford and Visit Shropshire to strengthen the visitor economy across the county. Our mission is to create a collaborative platform that drives sustainable growth, enhances visitor experiences, and promotes Telford and Shropshire as must-visit destinations in the UK and beyond.

Shropshire Council is launching the first phase of a new, more local way of delivering the services that keep local communities clean, safe and well maintained.

From today (1 April 2026), four towns – Shrewsbury, Oswestry, Broseley and Shifnal – will begin operating new models for planning and delivering ‘street scene’ services. These include street cleaning, grounds maintenance, verge cutting, footpaths, public waste bins and the upkeep of green spaces.

Under the new arrangements, Shropshire Council will retain oversight of the overall governance, to ensure that statutory duties are met. However, decision-making power, and basic funding, will be devolved to the town and parish councils taking on the additional responsibilities, allowing services to be tailored to local needs and desires.

Funding which would have gone to private contractors to deliver these services will instead go straight to the relevant town and parish councils, who can make their own choices over how to best operate and prioritise resources, with local democratic accountability.

The four areas will take different approaches:

• Shrewsbury – full devolution. Shrewsbury Town Council will take on full responsibility for planning and delivering all street scene services locally.
• Oswestry – partial devolution. Responsibility for parks, green spaces, footpaths and some environmental services will transfer locally, with other functions remaining with Shropshire Council, subject to certain conditions.
• Broseley – full devolution. A similar model to Shrewsbury, with local responsibility for delivery.
• Shifnal – enhanced partnership working. A collaborative approach to align priorities and improve responsiveness without a full transfer of services.

Alex Wagner, deputy Leader of Shropshire Council, said:

“This is a big change, and it’s a positive one. We are moving away from a one-size-fits-all, contractor-led approach and towards something far more local, flexible and accountable.
“By devolving both decision-making and offering funding which would have gone to private contractors to those taking on services, we are giving town and parish councils the ability to prioritise what matters most in their areas. This will mean local councils can tailor services in a way that works best for their communities.

“We have to be clear: the financial challenges facing local government mean standing still is not an option. Financial transformation isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity. This is one of many examples of a new way of working which will help us save money and reduce inefficiencies, whilst still protecting the services people care about.

“In May, we will open up the next phase with expressions of interest, giving councils of all sizes and levels of rurality the opportunity to take on more control and shape services in their own parts of the county.

“What excites me most is that this won’t just be an internal change – it will be visible on the ground. People will see the difference in how their streets and green spaces are looked after.”

This first phase forms part of Shropshire Council’s wider transformation programme, focused on strengthening local delivery, improving efficiency and empowering communities.

An initial review will take place in Summer 2026, helping to shape how this approach can be rolled out more effectively across the county in future. This will coincide with Cabinet papers timed for May, which are expected to propose setting up a Service Devolution Board and to invite Expressions of Interest from local councils of all sizes and levels of rurality.

For more information visit the Shropshire Council website.

Staff from Halo are joined by the headteacher and pupils from William Brookes School to celebrate day one of the new partnership

Halo Leisure and Much Wenlock Leisure Centre have officially joined forces in an exciting new partnership aimed at getting more local people more active more often.

Halo Leisure is now responsible for running the facilities at the Centre based at William Brookes School. Halo Leisure is a registered charity and Social Enterprise running over 25 sport and leisure centres throughout Bridgend County Borough, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Merthyr Tydfil, Torfaen, Shropshire, Swindon, Worcestershire and Stratford-upon-Avon on behalf of the local authorities and other partners.

Matt Smith, Halo Partnership Manager for Shropshire, said:

“We have big plans to enhance the centre’s facilities, starting with a complete £75,000 transformation of the gym – thanks to funding from Shropshire Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy funding pot and Halo Leisure.

The local community can look forward to brand new, top-of-the-range kit, premium new flooring and fresh, modern decoration.”

Key Investments and Enhancements:

● £75,000 Gym Transformation: A full refurbishment of the gym facilities is the first priority, introducing state-of-the-art equipment and a modernised environment.

● Aquatic Facilities Revamp: Following the gym’s completion, attention will turn to the aquatic facilities, including a revamp of the Learn to Swim Programme to offer more opportunities for children and young people to gain this valuable life skill.

● Poolside Changing Rooms Refresh: The poolside changing rooms will receive a total refresh in the Summer of 2026.

● Energy Efficiency: A new pool cover will be installed to significantly improve the centre’s energy efficiency.

Ruth Shaw, Headteacher, William Brookes School said:

“We are delighted to welcome this partnership with Halo Leisure, which will bring fantastic benefits to our students and the wider Much Wenlock community.

The planned improvements will enhance the daily experience of our young people and provide high‑quality facilities for local families to enjoy. This investment strengthens our school vision: healthy body, healthy mind.”

David O’Toole, CEO, The 3-18 Education Trust, said:

“Working with Halo Leisure for more than a decade has shown the real value of long-term partnership, combining educational settings with high-quality community leisure provision.

This new chapter at Much Wenlock builds on Halo’s success at Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre, strengthening opportunities for young people, families and the wider community to be active and engaged.”

The 10-year agreement with Halo Leisure will see the provision secured across both Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centres, strengthening relations between the Trust schools and local communities.

James Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for housing and leisure, went on to say:

“This is a really positive step for Much Wenlock, a great example of the new administration’s New Direction and what can be achieved through partnership working. By bringing Halo together with The 3–18 Education Trust, we’re helping to secure a long‑term future for the leisure centre while protecting access to high‑quality facilities for local people.

The investment being made through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding means improvements can go ahead despite the council’s financial position, while still delivering real benefits for residents. This partnership will not only enhance the facilities but also support healthier, more active lifestyles in the town for years to come.”

To follow the progress of the centre’s transformation, please visit the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre Facebook page.

For more information on activities and to sign up for a leisure membership with gym workouts and swim sessions, please visit Halo Leisure Much Wenlock Leisure Centre website. (haloleisure.org.uk/centres/much-wenlock-leisure-centre)

For further media information or photo/interview opportunities, please contact:
Cathy Fletcher, Halo Leisure Head of Marketing and Communications
Cathy.fletcher@haloleisure.org.uk Tel: 07790376749

Weekly food waste collections will not be introduced across the Shropshire Council area today (1 April 2026) due to insufficient long-term Government funding to deliver the service. 

While the Government has provided funding to cover the purchase of vehicles and food waste bins, along with some short term transitional funding for delivery, communications and project management (totalling just over £3.6 million), its most recent financial settlement did not include adequate ongoing revenue funding to run a weekly food waste collection service. 

As a result, introducing the service from April this year would place a significant financial risk on the council at a time when it is already facing unprecedented pressure on existing essential services. 

A report will be presented to Shropshire Council’s Cabinet on 15 April, setting out the current position and recommending the next steps required to introduce a food waste collection service at a later date. 

National picture

Shropshire Council is not alone in facing these challenges. According to recent BBC reporting, at least 57 councils across England have confirmed they will also miss the 1 April deadline for introducing weekly food waste collections. Many of these councils are now aiming to launch services later in 2026, while others have been granted transitional arrangements to delay implementation due to existing contracts or affordability issues. When these councils are included, more than a third of English councils will not yet be collecting food waste from all households. 

Councillor David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for waste management, said: 

“We fully recognise the statutory duty to introduce weekly food waste collections from 1 April, but the reality is that this is not achievable for Shropshire at this time. Continued uncertainty around funding, combined with increased lead-in times for vehicles and bins due to high national demand, means we cannot deliver this service from 1 April 2026. 

“The Government has provided funding to buy equipment, but not the ongoing revenue needed to run the service. Introducing it without that certainty would expose the council to unacceptable financial risk at a time when we are making significant savings and cutting all non-essential services. 

“We know that many councils will be introducing weekly food waste collections from April, but many others – particularly large, rural authorities like Shropshire – are facing very similar challenges. Delivering services across a rural and sparsely populated county is significantly more expensive than in smaller or urban areas. 

“We are continuing to work through the options, including further modelling, and will be writing to Defra to set out the particular challenges rural councils like ours face. While we don’t yet have the budget in place, we remain committed to working towards a solution. 

“Like many Shropshire residents, I am very keen to see a food waste collection service introduced, and we will now consider alternative options to help us achieve this in a way that is financially sustainable.” 

Background

The Simpler Recycling legislation came into effect in March 2025 and aims to standardise recycling services across England. It includes a requirement for all households to receive a weekly food waste collection from 31 March 2026. 

That review is now complete, and the council can confirm that an improved timetable, including additional journey opportunities and better alignment with Shrewsbury College timings, is being finalised.

To introduce the enhanced timetable, Shropshire Council must follow statutory registration requirements set by the Traffic Commissioner, alongside the necessary procurement processes to secure best value. As a result, the upgraded service is expected to be introduced over the summer, in good time for the new academic year in September.

Work is continuing at pace behind the scenes. Shropshire Council is grateful for the patience and continued support of local communities during this transition period, as maintaining passenger use of the service helps protect the route and supports the delivery of the planned improvements.

Councillor Rob Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Transport & Economic Growth, said:

 “Whilst funding for bus services in Shropshire is limited, we are committed to working in partnership with our operators to improve timetables where we can for the benefit our residents.”

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is offering a wide range of family fun activities over the Easter school holiday including hands-on activities, creative workshops and unforgettable experiences for children of all ages.

At the heart of the Easter festivities is the Castle Quest Imagination Playground, where children can unleash their creativity by building towering castles, secret passageways, and mythical landscapes with giant foam blocks. The fun continues in the costume corner, where children can dress up as royalty, dragons, or daring explorers, bringing their own medieval stories to life through role play and adventure. Places must be booked in advance and cost £6 per child.

Families won’t want to miss Easter Storytelling with Danielle Free on Thursday 2 April (10:30–11:30). Perfect for ages 2–8, this lively session features springtime tales inspired by quirky and curious museum objects, with plenty of join-in moments and playful characters. Tickets are £8 and must be booked in advance.

On Friday 10th April, the Get Creative painting workshop invites children aged 5–11 to celebrate the colours of spring. After exploring the museum’s natural history collection, participants will create their own spring-themed artwork to take home. Tickets are £12 per person (booking essential).

There’s a whole host of fun activities for the whole activities for the whole family at the Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery this Easter.

Throughout the Easter holiday families can follow the Easter Spring Trail. Children aged 5 and up can purchase a trail map (£1) from the museum shop and embark on a quest to hunt for hidden treasures, learn fascinating facts, and complete fun challenges as they explore the galleries.

Councillor Jeremy Blandford, Deputy Portfolio Holder for Housing and Leisure, said:

“These Easter activities offer wonderful opportunities for families to get creative, explore the museum in new ways, and enjoy memorable experiences together during the school holidays.”

Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery is open Tuesday–Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday) 10am–4pm. It is also open on Bank Holiday Monday 6 April (Easter Monday) as part of the Easter celebrations. Entry to the museum is free, and donations are welcomed to support its work. Workshops and activities are changed for.

Check out the museum’s website https://www.shropshiremuseums.org.uk/smag/ for more information and to book your workshops in advance.

Part of Welshpool Road in Shrewsbury will be closed overnight – 7pm to 6am – from 27 April to 10 May [2026] for work associated with the Euro Garages development just off Welshpool Road.

The closure will be in place on the section beyond the Gains Park Way junction, towards the Churncote roundabout. During the closure access to Gains Park Way will remain open as normal and a fully signed diversion route will be in operation.

The work will involve the installation of the required utility connections within the road, carried out by the appointed contractors. Following completion of this work, the road will be resurfaced in accordance with the requirements set out within the Section 278 Agreement for the development.

Access to residential properties and local businesses will be maintained throughout the works.

Residents and affected businesses will receive direct notification in advance, and advance warning signs will be erected on site two weeks prior to the works commencing to ensure road users are aware of the upcoming restrictions.

In its response, Shropshire Council makes clear that its growth and economic future is closely linked to Telford and Wrekin and the wider West Midlands, particularly along the M54 corridor.

The council says this corridor supports thousands of jobs, major employment sites and important supply chains, and needs to be planned in a joined‑up way to unlock future investment.

Councillor Heather Kidd, Leader of Shropshire Council, said:-

“The M54 corridor is essential to Shropshire’s future growth and prosperity. Working at a strategic level helps us plan properly, attract investment and make sure Shropshire’s priorities are clearly understood and built into national decision‑making.”

The SDS is about long‑term strategic planning across council boundaries. It looks at where growth should take place, how areas are connected and how investment in things such as transport, housing, the environment and jobs can best be co-ordinated.

It does not change council boundaries or local decision‑making, and it is not a merger of councils.

The response proposes that Shropshire works initially with Telford and Wrekin Council on an SDS, with a pathway to working alongside the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) in the future, allowing planning for housing, transport, skills, energy and the environment to be strategically aligned, while Shropshire continues to make decisions for Shropshire.

It also highlights the county’s strengths within a wider partnership, including land for development, nationally significant defence and agri‑food assets, renewable energy potential, a strong rural economy and well‑established cross‑border working with Wales through the Marches Forward Partnership.

Heather added:-

“By setting out a clear and constructive position we are ensuring Shropshire plays a full role in shaping future growth so that rural areas benefit alongside our towns and cities.”

The Government will consider responses from councils across the country as it develops a national approach to Spatial Development Strategies, with full coverage expected by 2029.