Your Voice
Your guide to what’s happening in Telford and Wrekin
www.telford.gov.uk
Spring 2013
tlc telford loyalty card
Get active Spend local
Give yourself some tlc
Save money on your favourite leisure activities
Save money at lots of local businesses
Easy to register
Get your free card inside
Leader’s View: Jobs, growth and supporting businesses
Our mission over the coming months and years is absolutely clear– we must do
all we can to create jobs, support growth and businesses and protect council
services as far as possible.
One of the few certainties we face will be further cuts on top of the £42m savings
the council has made in the last four years and the £9.5m we must make this
year.
That is why we must do all we can to continue to stimulate the local economy
and growth. We have made significant progress.




We’ve opened the Council’s First Point for Business & Planning at
Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre – giving businesses a single dedicated
point of contact to deal with the Council
Through our Business & Development Charter, we’ve committed to doing
all we can to cut red tape to make it as easy as possible for businesses to
deal with the Council
We’re refurbishing our Business Development Centre on Stafford Park to
make this a great location for the start up businesses that this borough is
so well known for
Telford has attracted a major conference and exhibition which will bring
around 6,500 visitors to the town this summer. This is one of the leading
plastics industry events and one of the draws for them has been the
progress of our Southwater development
Our Building Schools for the Future programme will also play a key part in this
and we have now identified the site for the new faith academy in Priorslee while
work is now under way to rebuild Ercall Wood Technology College.
This issue of Your Voice also focuses on the launch of our new free Telford
Loyalty Card – TLC. This will encourage people to get more active offering
discounts at council leisure facilities and at more than 60 local businesses. It
provides an opportunity for smaller and medium sized businesses to sell
themselves to the local community while, as we take on responsibility for public
health, encouraging more people to get more active.
I am delighted that we have achieved our goal to have 100 apprentices working
in the Council ahead of target.
Finally, we have now appointed a contractor to begin much needed regeneration
work on the local centre in our co-operative pilot ward Brookside as part of a £6m
investment in this area.
Cllr Kuldip Sahota
Council Leader
Thank you from the Mayor
Councillor Kevin Guy, the mayor of Telford and Wrekin, would like to thank all the
individuals and organisations that have helped him raise money for his charity
during the past year.
Councillor Guy’s Caring For Our Future Appeal is raising money for a Garden
Room at the new Women and Children’s Unit at the Princess Royal Hospital in
Telford. The appeal has focussed on supporting young patients to “thrive, learn
and play”.
Packed spring at theatre
Oakengates Theatre @ The Place is hosting a varied programme of live events
this spring – including dance, music, celebrity talks and children’s shows.
Performances will include Dave Spikey (April 26) who promises a ‘Champion The
Wonder Horse’ style sing-a-long. The theatre also has some fascinating celebrity
talks lined up. Madness frontman Suggs (April 20) will be appearing with his
show My Life – In Words and Music. Another musical show sees national
treasure Noddy Holder (May 9) looking back over a lifetime of achievements in a
special evening with renowned broadcaster and author Mark Radcliffe.
Those who enjoy drama are also well catered for with bittersweet comedy Me
And Me Dad from Nick Lane (May 1) and the Hormonal Housewives (May 22)
will also hit the stage, featuring Toyah Wilcox. There will also be a vast array of
musical acts performing during the coming months including tribute acts like the
Ultimate Eagles (May 10).
More information including tickets and prices is available from the theatre box
office on 01952 382382 or by visiting
www.theplacetelford.com
Ted’s breaking news... Ted’s breaking news...
Changes for Waste Collection Coming Soon!
We’re making our recycling and rubbish collections more efficient. This means
that, for 60% of homes, the day you have your recycling and rubbish collected
will soon change.
Telford & Wrekin Council is continuing to look at the way it delivers services to
make sure they are run as efficiently as possible to meet savings targets set by
the Government.
We looked at our rubbish and recycling collection service and realised that we
could save several million pounds by redesigning the service and delivering it in
a more targeted and effective way. This money can help protect other Council
services.
From early summer, the collection day will change for more than 60% of Telford
and Wrekin households.
Redesigning the way collection rounds travel around the borough will mean a
reduction from six large refuse vehicles to five. The way the rounds will be
arranged will mean that less fuel is used, with less travelling needed to complete
the collection rounds.
Flo says “Dont worry”...
If your collection day is changing, you will have a message attached to the red
lidded bin handle of your grey wheelie bin, letting you know your new collection
day. Please look out for this in June. If your bin does not have a message on it
then your collection day will remain the same. You can also check your collection
day on www.telford.gov.uk/bindayfinder
Less grey bins, help to reduce our landfill waste!
Additional grey bins were given out temporarily to large families or those
struggling with their rubbish and other waste.
Many of these households may no longer need an extra bin.
We will be collecting the additional bins from properties who no longer require the
use of the bin or meet the criteria.
In order to qualify for an additional smaller grey bin, you must have at least six
people living permanently in the household and recycle all possible materials that
are collected by our recycling services.
If this affects your property, look out for a letter which will let you know the new
guidelines and the option to reapply for an extra bin if you are eligible.
For more information and advice on recycling visit... www.telford.gov.uk/recycling
A great day out!
If you’re looking for a free family day out or a place to simply relax then look no
further than Telford Town Park.
With lots of open space and parkland, children’s activities, historic features and
events - it’s certainly worth a visit.
This year we’re bringing you a number of developments in the park starting with
the introduction of a new water play area in late Spring. The water play area will
have pressurised water jets, sneaky soakers and a musical fountain to keep your
little ones entertained for hours.
Opening in Easter, we have our newly-built sensory area, providing a quiet
garden setting in which to relax close to our Visitor Centre. The sensory area
sports a well positioned picnic area with views across the Withy Pool and play
areas as well as featuring some fantastic sculptures.
Later in the year, we will also be opening our new aerial ropes course as well as
a mini adventure golf course offering something for grown ups as well as catering
for groups and children.
All these new zones are a great addition to the existing attractions such as the
multiuse games arena, fishing pools, toddler area and sand pit and our newly
opened all ability play area, meaning there truly is something for everyone to
come and enjoy.
Telford Town Park Visitor Centre, Hinkshay Road, Telford TF3 4EP
Tel: 01952 382430
What’s on in Telford Town Park?
Weekly
ParkRun
every Saturday from 9am
19 April
Bird Walk/Talk
22 April
Fungi Foray
27 April
Extreme stunts Europe
17 May
Bat Walk
18 May
Foraging and food preparation
28 May
Making Elder Bracelets
and Bangles
4 June
Nature Photography Walk
9 June
Race for Life
27-29 June Mobility Roadshow
17 August Jolly Green Day
(Please note the events in orange have limited spaces and places must be
booked in advance, contact details below)
To find out more about Telford Town Park visit www.telfordtownpark.co.uk
or connect with us on
Twitter @TelfordTownPark and
Facebook /TelfordTownPark
Would you like to volunteer to help protect and improve our park? You can, visit
www.friendsoftelfordtownpark.org for more information.
Gorge gets Trip Advisor boost
The historic Ironbridge Gorge has been ranked the most popular UNESCO World
Heritage Site in the UK and second in the world, according to a leading travel
website.
The famous site has not only beaten Bath, Edinburgh and Canterbury Cathedral
in the UK but worldwide it has proved more popular than the French palace of
Fontainebleau with TripAdvisor website travellers.
The Gorge, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986,was only
beaten internationally by the Potala Palace, in Lhasa, China, as being the most
highly recommended site in the world.
The travel website surveyed more than 1.1 million people with feedback forms,
collected in partnership with UNESCO, in one of the largest studies ever its kind.
In the UK second place went to Neolithic Orkney on Orkney Islands with Studley
Royal Park and the ruins of Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire third.
Pontcysyllte aqueduct and canal came ninth.
Telford is open for business
Telford & Wrekin Council’s £250m Southwater scheme is now well under way
and set to create a vibrant heart for the town centre including a lively night time
economy.
Contractors are already on site and buildings are starting to rise out of the ground
after many years of discussion and planning.
The Southwater scheme will see significant inward investment into the town. It
will boost the local economy and provide even more employment opportunities to
support the growing labour market.
Gathering momentum
Already finished is a £4m refurbishment and extension to Telford Ice Rink, a
major regional leisure attraction.
Phase one of Southwater will also include an 11 screen Cineworld cinema (steel
frame pictured below), an 85 bed Premier Inn hotel and a range of leading
restaurants including Bella Italia, Pizza Express, Wagamamas, Harvester, Zizzi’s,
Nandos, and Chimichanga. All of these are due to open in spring 2014.
This development is a partnership between Telford & Wrekin Council and the
private sector and is being delivered by Citygrove Securities Ltd. It is expected to
generate over 260 jobs.
Telford & Wrekin Council is also investing in a number of other Southwater based
schemes - including a 600 space multi storey car park, and a mixed use building
called Southwater One. This community building will include a cafe and
restaurant space, a new library and will also house the council’s one stop shop
(First Point) for customer enquiries.
The Co-operative approach to success
The success of the Southwater development is based on the relationships built
between both the public and private sector, working hand in hand to take this
major initiative forward.
The Council, the Homes & Communities Agency, landowner Southwater Event
Group and developer Citygrove have worked together to attract a range of
household names.
Telford & Wrekin Council and Southwater Event Group are working together to
ensure the town is the destination of choice for developers and business
investment, and this reflects the council’s drive to be a business supporting and
winning authority.
Want to talk business?
Call one of our Business Support Officers on 01952 567589 or look online at
www.investintelford.co.uk
Something big is happening in Telford
Keep up to date at www.heartoftelford.co.uk
100 Apprentices
Telford & Wrekin Council has achieved its target of employing 100 apprentices.
The total includes newly recruited apprentices, apprentices in schools and
existing employees following apprenticeship frameworks.
In keeping with our work as a co-operative council, we are continuing to recruit
apprentices and the figure is expected to increase over the next few months.
Apprentices at Telford & Wrekin Council work across a huge range of different
areas and apprenticeships range in length from 12 months to two years, with
each individual receiving development and support in entering the world of work.
Apprentices are employed in areas including Business Administration, Customer
Services, Activity Leadership, Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools and
even a new qualification in Trees & Timber.
The council set out its stall at the beginning of last year to increase the number of
apprentices it employs and has worked with local business and training providers
to ensure that the number rises.
This campaign started with the council and local businesses successfully taking
part in the nationwide 100 in 100 campaign. This aimed to create 100
apprenticeships in 100 days across a range of companies and organisations.
To find out more about apprenticeships visit www.telford.gov.uk/careerstart
Free School Meals
Can you afford not to apply?
There are people in the borough who aren’t accessing free school meals for their
children - despite being entitled to them.
Whether families are paying for school meals or are entitled to them for free, the
benefits of choosing school meals are numerous.
School food has to meet high nutritional standards which guarantee children a
healthy, balanced menu. Research by the School Food Trust proves that when
students eat better at lunchtime, they do better in the afternoon.
Are you eligible? For more information contact:
 your child’s school
 First Point Telford, Addenbrooke House, Ironmasters Way, Telford TF3
4NT
 www.telford.gov.uk/fsm
 01952 383983
You must sign up to receive free school meals. You won’t automatically be on the
system even if you claim benefits - you must register first.
If you receive free school meals, it will not affect any other benefits you are
claiming. With cashless systems in our schools, only you will know your child is
getting free school meals.
Medical or cultural needs are catered for on request. Both primary and secondary
school pupils can claim free school meals.
For every child receiving free school meals, their school also receives more
money, whether the child actually takes the meal or not.
Free School Meals - The Figures
 1.2 million - the number of children in this country registered as eligible for
free school meals
 20% - the approximate percentage of children entitled to a free school
meal but not registered to have one
 210,000 - the number of children registered for a free school meal that do
not eat them
 £600 - the amount of Pupil Premium funding that each school will receive
per child getting free school meals
Café Go! Eat in or take away 10% off your bill Special Offer
Present this voucher at the time of ordering at Café Go!, Addenbrooke House,
Ironmasters Way, Telford TF3 4NT
Valid until 30 June 2013
Good news comes in threes!
The finishing stages of construction are now taking place for the new Phoenix
School which is set to open its doors this autumn. The building is already
weather tight with the internal structures now being fitted.
To add to this success, the project to build the new Ercall Wood Technology
College is off to a flying start with Shepherd Construction Ltd now on site making
good progress.
Your Voice caught up with pupils from Ercall Wood Technology College at the
contract signing between Telford & Wrekin Council and Shepherd (pictured right)
to find out what they are looking forward to the most from their new school...
“When the new school is built, I will be looking forward to walking through the
doors for the first time and looking at it all in front of me – just waiting for me to
start my learning. I like the idea of a bigger sports department because it will
mean that we get to try sports that we have never been able to take part in
before.” Ross (12)
“There is going to be a brand new dinner hall that can fit 200 students which is
going to be amazing and will help to make dinner times a lot better at Ercall
Wood.” Sam (13)
Good news comes in threes and so do BSF announcements - we can now
announce that we have identified a new piece of land (subject to planning
permission) to build a new faith academy in Telford and Wrekin.
We have now reached an initial agreement with the site owners to buy the
required land and build what will be the first secondary school in Priorslee at the
old Celestica site.
If planning is approved for the new faith academy it is likely to open in September
2015 and will include a Sixth Form.
The existing Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College will then close and that
site will be used to construct the new Charlton School.
For more information about the Building Schools for the Future programme call:
01952 380991 or email info.bsf@telford.gov.uk
www.telford.gov.uk/bsf
Get active
Spend local
Give yourself some tlc
The new Telford Loyalty Card (tlc) is your key to saving money on leisure
activities and getting exclusive discounts at a variety of shops and businesses
across the borough.
Get money off at any Council leisure facility or use your tlc for some great
discounts at any of the following businesses.
So the tlc not only encourages you to get more active and save you money, it
also helps local businesses. Now that’s got to be good for everyone!
You’ll find your free card in the attached leaflet. Simply peel it off and register it
online at www.telford.gov.uk/tlc or pop into our First Point centres in Madeley,
Newport, Telford Town Centre or Wellington or one of our leisure centres and
we’ll register it for you.
More than 60 businesses offering money off leisure, food and drink, days out,
fashion, hair and beauty, children’s entertainment and loads more.
Telford and Wrekin businesses offering a bit of tlc* are:
Attractions
Best Western Valley Hotel
Buildwas Road, Ironbridge
Wedding and hotel offers please contact the hotel for the new offers available.
Hoo Farm, Animal Kingdom
Preston on the Weald Moors
£1 off admission
Ironbridge Gorge Museums
Coach Road, Coalbrookdale
20% off Ironbridge Gorge Passports, this gives access to all 10 museums in one
12 month period
Ironbridge Leisure Ltd
Three Tuns House, 31 High Street, Ironbridge
£5 off canoe hire
Jungleland
Interchange House, Trench Lock
10% off entrance fee
Oakengates Theatre @ The Place
Limes Walk, Oakengates
Occasional ticket offers and discounts on meeting rooms and room hire
Rachels Bouncy Castles
30 Darby Road, Coalbrookdale
10% discount off hire of any inflatable bouncy castle or slide
Southwater Event Group
The International Centre, St Quentin Gate, Telford Town Centre
10% off accommodation at any of the three hotels in the group
Telford Tigers
St Quentin Gate, Telford Town Centre
10% off non membership price tickets
Wonderland
Telford Town Park
10% off, excluding the Christmas period
Food & Drink
Best Western Valley Hotel
Buildwas Road, Ironbridge
10% off food in the Chez Maw restaurant. Offer excludes special events and
Saturday nights
Buckatree Hall Hotel
The Wrekin, Wellington
25% off food at the Lakeside Resturant
Cafe CJ’s
9 New Street, Wellington
Free regular coffee or tea with every breakfast ordered
Dragons Den Chinese Restaurant
Central Square, Telford Town Centre
5% off food and drink at anytime
Hathaways Coffee Shop
Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre
2% off hot meals
Ironbridge Catering Company
Unit 8, Telford Space Centre,
Halesfield 8
Free desserts with every booking
Mall Cafe Oakengates
25 Market Street, Oakengates
10% off specials
Nettys of Shropshire
49 Churchway, Stirchley
10% off all orders over £25
Park Inn
Telford Foregate, Telford Town Centre 25% off drinks between 5pm-7pm
Monday-Friday and free dessert when ordering a main meal
Queenies Cupcakery
9 The Wharfage, Ironbridge
20% discount on sales over £10 (excluding wedding booking)
Southwater Event Group
The International Centre, St Quentin Gate, Telford Town Centre
10% off food & drinks at:
TIC - Merlots Restaurant
Grays Hotel - bar & room service
Holiday Inn - Olive Tree Restaurant, Olive Branch Bar, room service
The International Hotel - Café International and room service
The Lion
Shifnal Road, Priorslee
Free dessert with every main meal ordered Tuesday to Saturday evening
The Royal Victoria Hotel
St Marys Street, Newport
50% off Victorian Ballroom for functions and 50% off your main meal Monday to
Thursday only
The Tea Emporium Ltd
7-8 The Square, Ironbridge
One free purchase to the value of 10% of ten previous purchases in the cafe
Leisure
A+ Fitness
1st session free when you book five sessions together
Apollo Sports and Rehabilitation Clinic
Oakengates Leisure Centre
10% off treatment fees
Abraham Darby Sports & Leisure Centre
Ironbridge Road, Madeley
Horsehay Village Golf Centre
Wellington Road, Horsehay
Newport Swimming Pool
Victoria Park, Newport
Oakengates Leisure Centre
New Road, Wrockwardine Wood
Phoenix Sports Centre
Manor Road, Dawley
Stirchley Recreation Centre
Grange Avenue, Stirchley
Telford Snowboard and Ski Centre
Court Street, Madeley
Telford Ice Rink & Telford Soft Play
Saint Quentin Gate
Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre
Larkin Way, Off Tan Bank, Wellington
See back page and tlc website for offers at Council leisure sites.
Services
Apley Castle Mortgages Ltd
17A Church Street, Wellington
20% off broker fee on mortgages, remortgages and buy to let
Apley Driving School
16 Greenfinch Close, Apley
Free 1st hour lesson when booking and paying for two or more lessons in
advance (limited to one per person). Text TLC Lesson to 07759 459612 to book
Aroma Training Academy
Business Development Centre,
Stafford Park 4
10% discount off all training courses
Barook
8 Gilwell Grove, Priorslee
10% off web design and 10% off web hosting using discount code TLCDIS01
Bishop Hendry & Edwards Vets
11 High Street, Newport
5% discount on surgical procedures costing more than £100
Byte Guard
8 Gilwell Grove, Priorslee
10% off online computer backup services using discount code TLCDIS01 (home
backup and business backup products)
Chairs and Spares
Unit 3 St Georges Road Industrial Estate, Donnington & Meeting Point House,
Telford Town Centre
£5 off delivery charge
Choppin Block Nails
6 New Church Road, Wellington
10% off any treatment, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion,
not with all stylists/therapists
Dave Pickfords Driving Academy
13 Wade Road, Wrockwardine Wood
10% off block of 5 lessons
Deighton Hair and Beauty
6 New Church Road, Wellington
10% off any treatment, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion,
not with all stylists/therapists
FA Johnson
43 Church Street, Madeley
10% off all sales made in the shop in one transaction
Finlays Photography
6, Churchill Buildings, Queen Street, Wellington
10% off family portraits and wedding photography
FlowerFair and Lizzy’s Coffee Shop
14-16 High Street, Dawley 5% discount off wedding flowers (must mention when
booking the first consultation)
GWhizz
11 Tontine Hill, Ironbridge
10% discount off all floral design, garden and flowers
Hair Art
29 Tan Bank, Wellington
10% off any treatment, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion
and selected stylists only
Henshalls Insurance Brokers
Gower House, 12-16 High Street, Newport
£20 off any new car, home, van, shop, office or tradesman policy
Jays Removals & Storage Ltd
Unit 10, St Georges Road Industrial Estate, Donnington
10% discount off a full home removal
Jools Body Treatments
Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre
5% off all treatments
KLF Hair & Beauty
1 Horseshoe Court, Madeley
15% discount off all hair & beauty services (beauty services on treatments over
£20 only). This is not in conjunction with any other offer
Laserpics.net
9 Tontine Hill, Ironbridge
10% discount in the online/mail order shop when you quote ‘22’ Only
Lillys
The Telford Whitehouse, Watling Street, Wellington
10% off hair and beauty services on the price list. This is not in conjunction with
any other offer
Lockman 24/7
31 Primmer Road, The Humbers
15% off labour costs and one free key cut on every lockout. Free security while
onsite
Lulabelles
2 Church Farm Barns, Wrockwardine
10% off all flower orders over £24
Pets Choice Veterinary Centre
Unit E3, Stafford Park 15
10% off routine neutering (male & female) 10% off all vaccinations
Powerpoint Stores Ltd
20-22 Market street, Oakengates & 63 New Street, Wellington
Free delivery on purchases over £250
Priorslee Motor Spares Ltd
Priorslee Road, Snedshill
25% off all retail prices, not in conjunction with any other offer
R Thompson Carpentry
5 Gilpin Road, Admaston
10% off all labour costs
Shropshire Fine Arts & Framing
Merrythought Village, Coalbrookdale
5% off all framing not in conjunction with any other offer
Shropshire Tutor
78 Warwick Way, Leegomery
20% off all private tutor lessons
Sue’s Salon
10 Barclays Bank Chambers, 59 High Street, Newport
10% off your first visit, selected stylists only
Telford Disco Solutions
10% off bookings
TelTyres Telford Ltd
Spring Hill, Wellington
5% off all car, van, 4x4 tyres and exhuasts
The Cake Lady
Bridge Street, Oakengates
5% discount on all purchases
The Glass House Opticians
43 High Street, Newport
10% off spectacles, contact lenses and sunglasses
The Wrekin Physiotherapy Clinic
Wrekin Professional Centre, Holyhead Road, Wellington
15% off all treatments
Wiggle Jiggle
13 Market Street, Oakengates
10% discount for cardholders, 15% discount with 20 session block booking
(vibration training on “X.fit”)
Shopping
All Floor ‘n’ Rugs
Unit 1, 10 Oxford Street, Oakengates
10% discount off all rugs
Army & Outdoor Store
Unit 60, Wellington Indoor Market 10% discount on sales over £25
Bicycle Buzz
29 St Georges Road Industrial Estate, Wrockwardine Wood
10% off all RRP on all purchases
Bicycle Hub
Fusion, Church Road, Jackfield
5% off bicycles and 10% off parts, accessories, spares and standard servicing
Collagen Online
9 Tontine Hill, Ironbridge
10% discount in the online/mail order shop when you quote ‘22’ only
Graham Seaton Sports
15 Market Square, Wellington
10% off purchases
Guitarplus
8-10 Duke Street, Wellington
5% off all instrument accessories, offer excludes any current instore offers.
Instore purchases only
Instyle Footwear
Stall 27, Wellington Indoor Market
10% discount on sales over £20
Ironbridge Bookshop
5 The Square, Ironbridge
20% discount on sales over £10
Kiddies Corner Telford Ltd
3 New Street, Oakengates
10% discount (excludes sale and special offer items)
Lakeside Plant Centre
Woodhouse Lane, off Salisbury Ave, Priorslee
10% discount on all purchases
Meditrust Services UK Ltd
Market Annex, Wellington Indoor Market 10% discount off all first aid items in
store
Quality Flowers & Cards
Unit 35, Wellington Indoor Market
10% discount on website prices
Shopsmart
15 Duke Street, Wellington
10% off when you spend £5 or more in the shop in one transaction
SJ Homestore
27 Market Street, Oakengates
10% discount on all purchases over £10
The Full Set
9 Tontine Hill, Ironbridge
10% discount in the online/mail order shop when you quote ‘22’ only
The Name Shop
9 Tontine Hill, Ironbridge
10% discount in the online/mail order shop when you quote ‘22’ only
Wrekin Rambler
1 Tan Bank, Wellington
10% discount on all outdoor clothing
*All discounts correct at the time of printing and subject to presenting a valid
Telford Loyalty Card.
For more details on all these businesses visit www.telford.gov.uk/tlc
Would your business like to give a little TLC?
If you’re in Telford and Wrekin and think that you’d like to join the growing
number of businesses offering TLC card holders discounts, then we want to hear
from you.
You’ll need to offer a discount or incentive to card holders and be based in the
borough. To find out more email tlc@telford.gov.uk or call 01952 383506.
Thank you to everyone who continues to recycle
Ted and Flo have been having a good spring clean... have you?
If you’ve recently spring cleaned your wardrobe there’s lots of things you could
do with your old clothes, bedding or towels. You can bag it up and take to your
local charity shop, or you can put your clean, dry materials into plastic bags and
put them in your red recycling bin. These will be taken away as normal with the
rest of your recycling and remember, clothes and materials don’t have to be in a
good or reusable condition for us to take them. All of the textiles we collect are
taken to a company in Wolverhampton where they put them to another use.
If you want to try something different why not come along to our ‘Swap til you
drop’ event, on Tuesday 30 April 2013 at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place,
from 7pm
Swapping Rules...



Bring along items of women’s clothing, accessories and shoes
Receive tokens for each item
Pick as many ‘new’ items as you have tokens
Only bring items that you would be proud to pass on to a friend!
Tickets are just £10 and this includes a buffet. All profits go to the Telford &
Wrekin Mayor’s Charity Caring for Our Future Appeal, raising funds for the
Women and Children’s Unit at the Princess Royal Hospital. Local stalls will be
there and the bar will be open.
To book your ticket call 01952 382382
www.theplacetelford.com
Time to tidy your garden?
Ted says...
If you’re also sorting out your garden we will collect grass cuttings, small
branches, dead flowers and plants, leaves, hedge clippings, prunings and
cuttings in your green bin.

Please cut your branches so they fit inside your green bin and the lid is
able to be closed and put it out for collection by 7am on the same day as
your recycling.

Would you benefit from having a home composter? Find out more visiti
www.getcomposting.com
Flo says...
Save money on your weekly food shopping and reduce the amount you throw
into your grey bin.

Did you know that fruit and veg, like carrots, peppers and apples, are best
kept in the bag they come in as it keeps them fresher for longer.

When shopping look out for food that comes in clever packs that are
subdivided, so that you can use some now, some later. Look out for
salads, sliced meats, and bakery products such as part-baked baguettes
like this.

A shrink-wrapped cucumber for example will last around five times longer
than a non-shrink-wrapped one.

By being clever with our packaging we can help keep food fresher for
longer, save money and put less rubbish in the grey bin!
Get more food money saving tips at www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
For more information and advice on recycling visit... www.telford.gov.uk/recycling
Partnership Provides Perfect Prospects
Telford College and Business Watch Guarding have partnered up to create the
Business Watch Academy to enable unemployed individuals to take part in a
three week intensive course - which ultimately provides them with their Security
Industry Approved (SIA) Licence, a guaranteed interview and routes into
employment.
The programme was designed around employability skills as defined by Business
Watch. With the support of Job Centre Plus, people suitable for the course are
referred to the College. They then begin an intense programme which
culminates in an exam on the final day.
If the learners successfully pass the exam, they gain an SIA Licence. The licence
itself would normally cost an individual over £200 but these costs are included in
the course.
All of the learners on the course were interviewed and three were subsequently
employed by Business Watch.
Samantha Macken (pictured right), from Randlay in Telford, is one of the
learners now employed. She had a background in youth work but wanted a job
that was challenging and was interested in security as a career. After some
encouragement, she started on the course as the only female.
She said: “Being the only woman on the course was fine. I was comfortable
working with the rest of the team and enjoyed their sense of humour”.
For her work placement, Samantha took up a place with Telford College’s
security team. This enabled her to learn the procedures at the College and to
have a hands-on approach to any issues that came her way.
Samantha said: “It was good to be shown the ropes around the College, it was
very informative and everyone was friendly and approachable and this made me
feel at ease”. Samantha now works as a concierge at the Business Development
Centre on Stafford Park.
Janet Ellis, Telford College Principal and Chief Executive, said of the partnership:
“This Skills Based Work Academy is an outstanding example of the links that
Telford College has with local employers.
“The College has worked with Business Watch for many years and is proud of
the partnership work that has resulted during this time. Business Watch
highlighted recruitment problems in the area of security. As a result, the College with the support of Job Centre Plus and Business Watch - designed a
programme that led to employment opportunities”.
Fostering Put yourself in the frame
Three new videos have been launched to help people understand the skills
required to be foster carers. We need new foster carers from all backgrounds
and walks of life. Take a look at our videos on www.telford.gov.uk/fostering and
see if you are ‘in the frame’...
Who we are looking for
Children come into foster care for lots of different reasons but they ALL need a
normal home environment with someone who will care for them with patience
and consistency. Many people rule themselves out of becoming a foster carer
without really knowing the facts.



You don’t need to be married, or own your own home
You don’t have to have children already
No qualifications are necessary
But you will need...




time, patience, energy and a sense of humour
a spare bedroom
a genuine desire to help children and young people
an ability to work with a range of professionals and follow plans to meet
the young person’s care needs
If you enjoy the company of children and young people, maybe fostering is for
you. We provide training courses, conferences and other opportunities for our
carers.
Is it for you?
We know that making the decision to foster doesn’t happen overnight, so by
contacting us you won’t be committing yourself.
Call us on 01952 385888 or visit www.telford.gov.uk/fostering at any time and we
will send you an information pack. Our fostering team is also in the Telford
Shopping Centre outside Marks and Spencers every Friday between 12noon and
2pm – come along for a chat.
The emotional rewards you gain from fostering are undoubtedly the most
important, but you will also get a generous fee and allowance package.
Maureen, a local Foster Carer, said: “The rewards include seeing the children
placed with you thrive and grow into well-balanced people. Watching them
blossom into happy people is what it’s all about.”
FamilyConnect is here for you
Are you a family that needs extra support? Do you have questions around child
care and your options, perhaps concerns about the welfare of a child? Then you
should contact Family Connect. For every family matter, or question which arises
– this is your one stop service.
Family Connect, run by Telford & Wrekin Council, offers impartial advice,
guidance and support on a range of services available for children, young people
and families in Telford and Wrekin.
From a single point of contact, families, carers and professionals can access
comprehensive local information relating to the needs of children aged 0-19
years, or up to 24 years for those with a disability.
At Family Connect, we know that some families may need some extra help and
support for a variety of reasons:


Do you need help accessing support services for your family?
Do you need advice on your childcare options?



Do you need parenting advice or guidance?
Do you have a child with additional needs?
Do you have concerns about the welfare of a child?
The Family Connect team are here to help you at the right time. They can answer
questions, signpost you to relevant help and contacts and much more. Whatever
your circumstances, our fully trained advisers are on hand to help you find the
information you need.
Contact us:
Call 01952 385385
Monday - Friday 9am to 5pm
Text 07797 875385
Email familyconnect@telford.gov.uk
Our website can answer many of your questions at the click of a button. View the
website and explore lots of information and answer burning questions, any time
of the day or night.
Find it at www.familyconnecttelford.co.uk
If it’s a safeguarding/welfare issue call the Family Connect Safeguarding Advisor
on 01952 385385.
Beat the rogues!
The Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Trader Register is a database of more than
500 local home improvement traders - set up in response to requests from the
public wanting councils to recommend good traders.
Traders listed range from plumbers and electricians to gardeners and aerial
installers.
Traders who are accepted onto the Register are not approved by Trading
Standards. However, they have agreed to sign up to a Code of Practice which
sets out minimum standards for customer care and workmanship.
Businesses on the Register are not permitted to engage in ‘cold calling’ or
aggressive sales techniques.
In the event of a problem, members have pledged to work with the Council’s
Trading Standards to resolve complaints.
No one wants to get caught out by a rogue trader and this can easily be avoided
by spending a few minutes searching the Trader Register.
This can be done online at
www.traderregister.org.uk or by calling
0345 6789000 and they will do the search for you.
Fairtrade Alliance launched
Local businesses and organisations across Telford and Wrekin are working
together to promote and support the Fairtrade campaign. This has included the
launch of a new partnership called the Telford and Wrekin Fairtrade Alliance.
Many of the products people depend on every day come from the developing
world, yet growers of these goods find it very hard to cover basic living costs due
to the tariffs and inequalities of the international trading system. Supporting
Fairtrade can help make a positive difference to these people’s lives.
Co-operative working is at the heart of Fairtrade and the new Alliance is
committed to doing as much as it can to support and promote the campaign
across the borough.
More information can be found at
www.telford.gov.uk/fairtrade
Social Care Directory
As part of the Council’s priorities of keeping people informed, the Council has
developed a suite of materials giving signposting information and details about
social care, voluntary organisations and providers of services and where you
can find out social care information.
Working with voluntary organisations and our partners, we have produced the
following:



Social Care Directory,
MyLife - a website providing social care information, advice and guidance
Fact sheets
You can collect a copy of the directory from First Point Telford, your local library,
leisure centre or from any of the voluntary organisations in the Borough.
You can also download a copy from www.telford.gov.uk/directory where a plain
text and audio version are also available. The fact sheets are also online.
Budget to promote jobs and growth
Telford & Wrekin Council has set its budget for the new financial year, with the
emphasis on promoting jobs and growth. The budget will close a savings gap of
£9m this year.
Key highlights include:









The flagship £250m Southwater development, kick started by the Council,
to attract significant private sector investment. It features bars,
restaurants, a hotel and 11 screen cinema creating around 260 new jobs.
It is due to open in early 2014.
Continuing to regenerate parts of the borough such as Brookside, Hadley
and Oakengates
Nearly £200m invested in the council’s Building Schools for the Future
programme, which will see seven new secondary schools rebuilt alongside
new or refurbished community leisure facilities
A major multi million pound land stability scheme in the Ironbridge Gorge
World Heritage Site, protecting the borough’s biggest tourist attraction.
Investing in making the borough a more business friendly place
Investing in schemes to help establish new income earning opportunities
for the Council by adopting a more commercial approach and identifying
money saving initiatives, while doing more to promote the borough as a
destination for businesses and visitors.
Investing £5.9m in roads maintenance
£0.6m investment to help protect children at risk of harm or neglect
Focussing public health activity in areas where this will have the greatest
impact and getting more people active
We have increased council tax to support these plans by the equivalent of 32p a
week for the average Band B home, a below inflation increase of 1.9 per cent.
The Council is also currently developing its Council Plan and Community
Strategy. More information will be in future editions of Your Voice. In the
meantime visit: www.telford.gov.uk/cooperativecouncil
Public Health changes
This April, the Council has taken over responsibility for public health from the
NHS.
This will put Telford & Wrekin Council firmly at the centre of initiatives to help
improve the health of people in the borough and to reduce health “inequalities” –
why some parts of the borough are much worse in health terms than others.
These are part of the Government’s reforms of health and care services and will
see the Council become responsible for a range services such as helping people
to quit smoking, drink less alcohol and get more active.
This will support the work of the newly formed Health & Wellbeing Board, which
will drive forward plans to improve health in the borough.
The Health and Wellbeing Board includes representatives from the Council, the
borough’s family doctors’ body Telford & Wrekin Clincal Commissioning Group
(CCG) and the local Healthwatch patient and service user body.
Following consultation, the Health and Wellbeing Board will prioritise the
following to improve health and wellbeing of residents.
These are:










Reduce excess weight in children and adults
Reduce teenage pregnancy
Improve emotional health and wellbeing
Support people with autism
Reduce the number of people who smoke
Reduce the misuse of alcohol and drugs
Improve adult and children carers’ health and wellbeing
Improve life expectancy and reduce health inequalities
Support people to live independently
Support people with dementia
To find out more visit www.telford.gov.uk/hwb
Contact us:
Telford & Wrekin Council
You can book, apply, report or pay for services anytime at
www.telford.gov.uk
General enquiries 01952 380000
Anti-social behaviour hotline 01952 384384
Council tax and benefits 01952 383838
Family Connect 01952 385385
Leisure centres and sports 01952 382621
Libraries 01952 382915
Planning 01952 380380
Recycling, rubbish and litter 01952 384384
Roads and footpaths 01952 384000
To contact your local councillor visit
www.telford.gov.uk/councillors
Newly elected Councillor - Councillor Jane Pinter, Dawley Magna
01952 380113 or 07583 376098
jane.pinter@telford.gov.uk
Telford College 01952 642200 www.tcat.ac.uk
If you have any comments on Your Voice send these to
yourvoice@telford.gov.uk
Your Voice is published by Telford & Wrekin Council and distributed to every
household in the borough and to other homes that use Telford and Wrekin leisure
services, providing information on Council services and its partners.
Every effort is made to ensure that all information is accurate at the time of going
to print.
Free wheeling in Telford and Wrekin
From cycling projects to route improvement, Travel Telford is designed to make
transport easier in and around the borough.
It features projects that will help to create a more flexible transport system for
residents, visitors and commuters – part funded through Department for
Transport grants.
Back soon due to popular demand
Ironbridge Gorge park and ride
Open 29 March 26 October 2013
Open weekends, bank holidays and summer holidays, for more information visit
www.telford.gov.uk/ironbridgeparkandride
or call 01952 433424
Free to park and ride
Cycle Route 55
Improvements to:
Silkin Way
Telford, Newport to Stafford cycle route
Cycle parking
Bikeability
Cycle coaching
Don’t forget that June is Bike Month!
For more information www.telford.gov.uk/traveltelford
STOP PRESS:
Work to manage the issue of land instability in and around the Ironbridge Gorge
World Heritage Site is currently concentrated between the Jackfield Tile Museum
and the Boat Inn.
The Jackfield Stabilisation Project is likely to take four years to complete. The
council is already undertaking surveys, river mapping and ground investigation.
This includes several boring and drilling rigs sinking a number of boreholes to
investigate the soils and rocks beneath the area. These will also allow an
assessment of the extent of past.
Get MONEY OFF leisure activities with your tlc
The tlc will give you great discounts off the cost of activities at any Council leisure
facility - swimming, golf, gym sessions, skating, skiing, fitness classes or
children’s holiday activities, there’s something for everyone.
If you are a current Flex Card holder our leisure centre staff will change your card
to your new tlc from early April. www.telford.gov.uk/tlc
Swimming
Regular session
Adult price without tlc
£4.50
Adult price with tlc
£3.45
You save £1.05
Fitness class
Aerobics session
Adult price without tlc
£5.35
Adult price with tlc
£4.10
Thanks to our sponsors
tlc is supported by AFC Telford United and Telford College of Arts and
Technology.
Jan Ellis, Principal of Telford College said; “This a great example of the Council,
Telford College, businesses and the community coming together – tlc will create
a really positive buzz and we’re delighted to be part of it.”
Lee Carter, AFC Telford Utd chairman, said: Part of our mission as a club that is
part of the community is to get more people involved in sport and the tlc card will
help do that.”
The launch of the tlc card also coincides with the Council taking on responsibility
for public health from the NHS. and supports our aim to get more people more
active.
A full list of leisure discounts are available at www.telfordandwrekinleisure.co.uk