Shoppers in Oswestry are being invited to stop for a chat about making the town greener, healthier and more resilient as a community group launches a regular market stall.

Grow with the Flow, a community group supported through the Severn Valley Water Management Scheme Oswestry Depave project, has started hosting a stall at Oswestry Market on the second Saturday of every month between 10am and 2pm.

The “Green Team” stall brings together Grow with the Flow and other local environmental groups to share ideas, discover what matters to local people and encourage more residents to get involved in community action.

Grow with the Flow is part of the Oswestry Depave demonstrator project, which is helping communities across Oswestry create greener spaces, better manage rainwater and explore nature-based solutions to local environmental challenges.

Delivered by Shropshire Wildlife Trust the project is one of the SVWMS’ eight demonstrator projects, which are managed by Shropshire Council.

Jenna Shaw, community empowerment officer for Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said:-

“The market stall is all about bringing people together. We want to hear what people think about local green issues, share ideas and connect residents with projects and groups already making a difference.

“The response so far has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people along. Whether you’ve got a big idea, a concern you’d like to talk about or you’re simply curious about what’s happening locally, we’d love to meet you.”

Visitors can find out more about local environmental projects, meet community groups and discover simple ways they can get involved.

The Green Team stall will be at Oswestry Market every second Saturday of the month and is open to anyone interested in the future of their town.

An independent review of allowances paid to Shropshire Councillors has recommended that the basic allowance remains unchanged this year, meaning the vast majority of councillors will not receive any increase in their allowance during the year 2026/27.

The Independent Remuneration Panel’s report will be considered at the full Council meeting on Thursday 24 September [2026], with councillors asked to approve their recommendations. The recommendations follow a review undertaken during summer 2026.

The Panel has recommended that the basic allowance paid to councillors remains at £14,839, noting that it is already in the top quartile compared with similar or larger unitary councils.

It has also recommended the removal of the automatic annual increase mechanism that linked councillors’ allowances to local government staff pay awards. In future, any increase would need to be considered and approved by full Council rather than happening automatically.

The Panel also proposes reductions in a number of Special Responsibility Allowances (SRAs) paid to councillors holding specific positions.

Special Responsibility Allowances that are proposed to reduce, include:

• Deputy Portfolio Holder allowances, which would reduce from a multiplier of 0.25 to 0.15.
• Scrutiny Committee Chair allowances, which would reduce to a multiplier of 0.75.
• Area Planning Committee Chair allowances, which would reduce to a multiplier of 0.5.
• Area Planning Committee Vice Chair allowances, which would reduce to a multiplier of 0.15

The allowance for the Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee and Vice Chair of the Strategic Licensing Committee would be removed entirely.

While the panel recommends a small number of changes to reflect additional responsibilities in certain roles including the Chair of the Audit Committee, and the introduction of allowances for Scrutiny Committee Vice Chairs and an Audit Committee co-opted member, overall most councillors would receive no increase and some councillors would receive less than they do currently.

The Independent Remuneration Panel recommendations were informed by comparisons with other councils, representations from councillors across political groups and consideration of the wider public sector pay environment and inflationary pressures.

An overnight one-way road closure will be in place on Frankwell in Shrewsbury from 30 September to 7 October [2026], while Severn Trent Water carries out CCTV surveys and cleansing of their sewerage network.

The closure will prevent traffic from travelling into the town centre from the Frankwell Roundabout and will only be in place from 11pm to 6am each night – with no work being carried out on Friday or Saturday nights.

During the work, access will be maintained to affected residential properties and businesses, and a signed diversion route will be in place.

Residents and businesses will be notified and advance warning signs will be erected on site prior to work starting.

Woodhouse Lane near Albrighton is to be resurfaced from Monday 5 to Friday 9 October [2026] as part of Shropshire Council’s 2026/27 resurfacing programme.

The road runs from the A41 to the A464.

Work will be carried out from 8am to 5pm each day. During these times a full road closure will be in place.

During the closures access to the work areas will be maintained for the following:

• Residents living within the closure, when safe to do so.
• Any businesses located within the closure, when safe.
• Emergency vehicles (blue light calls).

For all other traffic a signed diversion will be place. Depending on their vehicle type, road users may be able to choose an alternative diversion route.

People are asked to ensure vehicles are not parked on the road whilst the work is in progress. This will help ensure that work is completed efficiently and reduce disruption.

Work will be carried out by Kier Infrastructure on behalf of Shropshire Council.

For more information visit and search the One Network roadworks website.

The work involves resurfacing the road with a new asphalt layer, applied by a paving machine and compacted to create a smooth, durable surface. Resurfacing is a key part of maintaining the county’s roads. It improves long-term road condition, helps prevent further structural issues, and reduces the need for smaller repairs such as filling potholes.

This year more than 90 stretches of road across Shropshire are being resurfaced by Shropshire Council, and more than 70 have been surface dressed.

All planned roadworks are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be displayed on the yellow advanced warning signs and on https://one.network/

The appeal concerns an outline planning application by Boningale Developments Limited for a mixed-use development comprising up to 800 homes, a care home of up to 80 units, a secondary school and local centre, together with associated access, infrastructure, landscaping and drainage at Patshull Road, Albrighton.

What the recovery letter means

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that the Secretary of State has “recovered” the appeal. This means the public inquiry will continue, but the Inspector will not issue the final decision. Instead, the Inspector will hear the evidence, prepare a report and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will then make the final decision.

The recovery direction states that the appeal has been recovered because it raises important or novel development control and/or legal issues, and because it involves significant development in the Green Belt.

A Shropshire Council spokesperson said:

“We have received notification that the Secretary of State will determine the Patshull Road, Albrighton appeal. The public inquiry remains the forum for the evidence to be heard and tested. The council will continue to present its case in accordance with the inquiry timetable and will work with the Planning Inspectorate to ensure that residents and interested parties are kept informed of the process.”

What happens next

The inquiry will proceed so that the Inspector can consider the evidence from the main parties and any other participants. Following the close of the inquiry, the Inspector will prepare a report and recommendation for the Secretary of State. The final decision will then be issued by the Secretary of State in due course.

Further information

Information about the appeal and inquiry documents can be viewed through Shropshire Council’s website.

Do you want a say in how people access the great outdoors in Shropshire?

Then it’s not too late to take part in the annual Shropshire Great Outdoors Survey 2026 before the closing date of Sunday 27 September 2026. You can find it here.

The survey is led by The Shropshire Outdoor Partnerships Service; the part of Shropshire Council that maintains and develops recreational access, conserves and enhances the natural environment and encourages people to improve their wellbeing by being active outdoors.

The service maintains and protects public rights of way, country parks, countryside and heritage sites, greenspaces and play areas, and supports the Shropshire Hills National Landscape Partnership – the new name for this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The survey includes questions about the outdoor facilities and activities you make use of, how you obtain information, any access barriers you may face and how satisfied you are with the services provided. Undertaking the survey each year allows Shropshire Council to understand how things are changing and where future actions should be prioritised.

The survey also provides information to support the delivery of Shropshire’s Great Outdoors Strategy 2018-28. The strategy sets out how Shropshire Council and its partners aim to conserve and enhance the natural environment, improve people’s health and wellbeing and support the local tourism economy.

It sets out the strategic direction for the management and development of publicly accessible greenspace, rights of way and other outdoor access. The strategy fulfils the statutory requirement of a rights of way improvement plan but broadens the remit to deliver across multiple policy areas and to integrate activity across local authority services and partner organisations.

It provides a way of inspiring collective action to improve health, prosperity and happiness by cherishing Shropshire’s great outdoors.

Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire here.

We’d like to hear from you, even if you don’t use rights of way, parks, play areas or countryside sites, so we can understand what the barriers to participation are.

If you have any comments about the engagement work undertaken by Outdoor Partnerships, please email: outdoor.recreation@shropshire.gov.uk

Businesses across the Marches are invited to discover how digital technology and artificial intelligence can support their growth at the Shropshire Digital Summit 2026.

Photo from last year’s Digital Summit

Delegates will gain practical ideas to help them attract and retain customers, work more efficiently and use AI with greater confidence.

Organised by Shropshire Growth Hub, InSynch and Invest Telford, the Summit will take place at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on Tuesday 29 September 2026, from 9am to 4.30pm. The day will include expert talks, practical breakout sessions and plenty of opportunities to meet other businesses over networking and a buffet lunch.

The main contract funding the work of the Shropshire Growth Hub is the Marches Growth Hub (MGH) core funding through the Department for Business and Trade.

Making sense of AI and digital change

AI is changing how businesses reach customers, market their products and manage everyday tasks. With so many tools and new developments to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Under the theme “Win, Retain and Connect in the Age of AI”, the Summit will help businesses cut through the noise and focus on where digital technology can make a real difference.

Speakers will explain how businesses can embrace new technology while keeping people, customers and trust at the centre of everything they do.

Experts from Intuit Mailchimp, Autm, Marketing 101, Start Tech and InSynch will share practical advice on customer engagement, digital marketing, cyber security, data governance and the responsible use of AI.

Matt Potts, service manager for economy, funding and skills at Shropshire Council, said:

“Our businesses tell us they want practical support to help them navigate the rapid changes in technology. The Shropshire Digital Summit is designed to bring together expertise, real-world examples and peer-learning so that businesses feel confident to take advantage of the opportunities available and make informed decisions about the best way forward.”

Understand your customers and use AI with confidence

Keynote speaker Daniel Rowles, CEO of Target Internet and Senior Lecturer at Imperial College Business School, will show businesses how to get more value from the people who already visit their websites. He will also look at how changing online behaviour affects the way customers find and choose businesses.

Daniel said:

“I’ve spent my career helping organisations adapt to digital change. AI is moving quickly, and that can feel overwhelming. But while the technology keeps evolving the application of basic marketing principles is a constant. Rather than just chasing the latest trends, my aim is to help businesses cut through the hype and focus on what really matters.”

Other speakers will show businesses how to use email, SMS and WhatsApp to communicate with customers more effectively. They will also explain how businesses can prepare to use AI safely, protect the information they hold, and make better use of the knowledge, skills and experience already within their teams.

 Practical ideas to use straight away

Erin Scullion, digital marketing consultant at InSynch said:

“We’re delighted to be back for the third Shropshire Digital Summit with the fantastic local growth hub team, Invest in Shropshire and Telford teams. Every year, this event equips local SMEs with practical, actionable insights from industry experts, which they can put to work straight away. We also see it as much more than just a learning experience, it’s a vital opportunity for our local business community to connect, collaborate, and grow together”

Alongside the main talks, experts will lead breakout sessions that give delegates the chance to develop their skills.

They will reveal why some websites struggle to turn visitors into customers, how to write better prompts to get more useful results from AI, and how to use AI to support content creation without losing the business’s personality and tone of voice.

Book your place

The Shropshire Digital Summit 2026 is open to businesses based in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Herefordshire. Each business can book up to two places.

Book your place at the Shropshire Digital Summit 2026

Notes to editors

• Shropshire Growth Hub is the business support service within Invest in Shropshire at Shropshire Council.
• The Shropshire Digital Summit 2026 is organised by Shropshire Growth Hub, Invest Telford and digital marketing agency InSynch.
• Businesses can find further information and book places via the Shropshire Digital Summit Eventbrite page.
• Keynote speaker Daniel Rowles is CEO of Target Internet, Senior Lecturer at Imperial College Business School and host of The Digital Marketing Podcast. He has more than 25 years’ experience in digital marketing and is the author of four bestselling books on the subject.

A new initiative in Shrewsbury is helping small business owners tackle one of the biggest but least talked-about challenges of self-employment: isolation.

Members working alongside one another at Co-Founded in Shrewsbury

Whether at a kitchen table, in a spare room or from a corner of a local café, thousands of entrepreneurs, freelancers and sole traders run their businesses without colleagues to share ideas with, ask for advice or simply talk through the day’s challenges.

Tackling the Challenge of Working Alone

To help address this, the Shropshire Growth Hub has launched the Co-Work Hub in collaboration with Co-Founded, a flexible coworking space in the heart of Shrewsbury. The initiative provides a welcoming environment where early-stage founders and small business owners can work alongside others, build connections and access informal business support.

The main contract funding the work of the Shropshire Growth hub is the Marches Growth Hub (MGH) core funding through the Department for Business and Trade.

Unlike a networking event or formal workshop, the Co-Work Hub is designed as a genuine co-working session. Participants bring their own projects and work in a productive environment where conversations, collaboration and problem-solving happen naturally. For those who need it, an expert -in-residence is also available to provide light-touch guidance on topics such as marketing, grant funding, social media, innovation and business planning.

The Hub aims to create opportunities for business owners to learn from one another, share experiences and gain fresh perspectives while remaining focused on their own work.

How the Co-Work Hub Supports Freelancers and Small Business Owners

Anna Sadler from the Shropshire Growth Hub said,

“Many people start a business because they are passionate about what they do, but it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. We believe the real value of the Co-Work Hub comes from being around people who understand the realities of self-employment.

The Co-Work Hub is about creating connections, building confidence and helping individuals and their businesses to flourish through sharing their experiences.”

Alex Burrows at ABCreative said,

“Working for yourself can be rewarding, but it can also be lonely. Being in an environment where you can swap ideas and ask questions has been hugely valuable. I’ve come away with new contacts, fresh perspectives and renewed motivation.”

Jon Ditchburn, Founder of Co-Founded said,

“Co-Founded was created to give founders and freelancers more than just a desk. Our aim is to create an environment where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed and businesses can access the connections they need to move forward. We’re delighted to be working with the Shropshire Growth Hub to make that experience accessible to more entrepreneurs across Shropshire.”

Find out more, book a place or apply to become an expert in residence. Places are limited and advance booking is required

Notes to Editors:

• The Co-Work Hub is open to start-ups, pre-start businesses, sole traders, creatives, freelancers and anyone developing a side project or growing a business. Sessions are delivered in collaboration with Co-Founded in Shrewsbury.
• Shropshire Growth Hub is the business support service within Invest in Shropshire at Shropshire Council. It provides information and support for businesses in the Shropshire Local Authority area. It runs an extensive yearly calendar of free events and webinars and offers advice on grants, loans, and assistance for companies of any size or sector, from start-ups to established enterprises.

Residents in North Shrewsbury, Market Drayton and Highley are set to benefit from investment from Sport England designed to help create healthier, more active and connected communities. 

The investment from Sport England will benefit communities in Shropshire

Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin announced in March 2026 it had secured over £500,000 from Sport England on behalf of the Shropshire Integrated Place Partnership (SHIPP) to support a long-term, place-based approach to improving health and increasing physical activity across Shropshire. The three locations have now been identified enabling local partners to begin work with residents and community organisations across the three areas. The programme will build on existing local strengths, test new approaches, and help identify what works best in different communities.  

The investment will support community-led action, fund local test-and-learn activity, build community capacity and create more opportunities for residents to help shape decisions that affect their area.   

Why these communities? 

North Shrewsbury, Market Drayton and Highley were selected because they each offer different opportunities to learn what works in improving health and wellbeing. Together, they provide a mix of urban, market town and rural communities, helping partners develop approaches that could benefit other parts of Shropshire in the future.  

The areas were chosen because they: 

• Experience health, social or economic inequalities. 

• Have strong local organisations, community groups and leaders already making a difference. 

• Align with wider work to improve health, wellbeing and opportunities for local people. 

• Offer valuable opportunities to test and learn new approaches.  

 In a joint statement, Ruth Houghton, Portfolio Holder for Social Care (Adults and Children) at Shropshire Council and Liberal Democrat Councillor for Bishop’s Castle and Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin said: 

“This investment from Sport England gives us an exciting opportunity to work alongside communities in North Shrewsbury, Market Drayton and Highley to explore what helps people, of all ages and fitness levels to live healthier, more active lives.

“Every community is different, so we will work with residents and local organisations to test ideas, learn what works and build on the strengths that already exist in each place. The learning from this work will help shape future approaches across Shropshire.” 

The long-term aim is to help people, communities and organisations work together so that more people across Shropshire can be active, stay healthy and live well. This positively aligns with new guidelines issued by the UK’s Chief Medical Officers earlier this year, who said:

“Evidence continues to show that if physical activity were a drug, we would refer to it as a miracle cure, due to the great many illnesses it can prevent or treat. It is now clear that even small amounts of physical activity produce important benefits compared to no activity.” 

More information about our work is available at https://energizestw.org.uk/shropshire. 

Coalport Road in Broseley is to be resurfaced from Wednesday 30 September to Wednesday 7 October [2026] as part of Shropshire Council’s 2026/27 resurfacing programme.

Work will be carried out from 9.30am to 4pm each weekday. During these times a full road closure will be in place.

During the closures access to the work areas will be maintained for the following:

• Residents living within the closure, when safe to do so.
• Any businesses located within the closure, when safe.
• Pedestrians, dismounted cyclists and equestrians.
• Emergency vehicles (blue light calls).

For all other traffic a signed diversion will be place. Depending on their vehicle type, road users may be able to choose an alternative diversion route.

People are asked to ensure vehicles are not parked on the road whilst the work is in progress.

Work will be carried out by Kier Infrastructure on behalf of Shropshire Council.

For more information visit and search the One Network roadworks website.

The work involves resurfacing the road with a new asphalt layer, applied by a paving machine and compacted to create a smooth, durable surface. Resurfacing is a key part of maintaining the county’s roads. It improves long-term road condition, helps prevent further structural issues, and reduces the need for smaller repairs such as filling potholes.

This year more than 90 stretches of road across Shropshire are being resurfaced by Shropshire Council, and more than 70 have been surface dressed.

All planned roadworks are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances. Any changes will be displayed on the yellow advanced warning signs and on https://one.network/