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Police make arrest as van
is stolen twice |
Police
have arrested a man after a works van was stolen
from two locations in Shropshire within a matter
of hours.
The silver coloured Renault panel van was originally
stolen from Craven Arms at about 11.30am on Friday.
Its owner reported the theft to West Mercia Police
who began inquiries including alerting neighbouring
forces.
A police spokesperson said: “We then received
another call from the vehicle’s owner saying
he had met someone at lunchtime who had spotted
the van in the car park of a village church in south
Shropshire.
“The owner said all his tools appeared to
be untouched and the only things missing were two
mobile phone and the vehicle’s key. He locked
up using the spare key so the van could be later
recovered for forensic examination. |
“However, when the
police attended, it was missing. In the intervening
period, the thief had obviously returned with the key
and made off.”
Officers in Shropshire again circulated details of the
stolen vehicle and shortly before 11.30pm received a
response from the Central Motorway Police Group saying
they had stopped the van on the M5 in Gloucestershire
and arrested its driver.
A 50-year-old man from Bristol was taken into custody
on suspicion of vehicle theft and various other offences.
The West Mercia Police spokesperson said: “It’s
not often a vehicle is stolen twice within a few hours.
Police forces often work together to counter crime and
by alerting our neighbours passing on details of the
stolen van, it was quickly traced and a suspect arrested.”
Distraction thieves
pretending to be from the council have stolen cash and
an engagement ring from an 85-year-old Bridgnorth woman.
Two men called at the home in Cricket Meadow between
1pm and 1.20pm on Saturday claiming to be replacing
garden fences and putting up CCTV cameras.
It’s thought one man entered
the home and carried out a search while the other kept
talking to the occupier, telling her they were from
the council. The men left soon after.
A three diamond white gold engagement
ring and £100 were missing.
Police have appealed for witnesses
or information about the callers. The number to call
is Bridgnorth police station on 0300-333-3000, or the
anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111.
A police spokesperson said: “We
would remind people not to let strangers knocking on
your door without prior appointment inside under any
circumstances, even if they offer identity cards.
“Tell them to go away,
close the door and if you are suspicious then call the
police on the 0300-333-3000 number. If you need any
work doing to the house or garden, contact a local tradesperson.
That way you will be assured they are genuine when they
call and you will also be able to receive a quote in
advance.”
Some of Shropshire’s
leading care providers have shown “serious interest”
in taking on a Much Wenlock nursing home which has been
threatened with closure, it was confirmed today.
At least three Shropshire-based
organisations have visited the Lady Forester Community
Nursing Home in recent days, providing optimism for
those campaigning for its survival.
The home is currently owned by
The ExtraCare Charitable Trust who said that they will
be forced to close the home unless a suitable alternative
can be found to running it as an ongoing concern.
Councillor David Turner of Much
Wenlock Town Council said today: “I can confirm
that three operators from the care sector have shown
serious interest in taking on the home, and those are
only the ones I know about.
“At this stage I can’t
reveal who they are except to say that I believe them
to be highly reputable organisations with proven track
records as care operators.
“This is extremely encouraging
because there are clearly experts out there who see
that taking on the Lady Forester Community Nursing Home
presents an economically viable opportunity for the
long term.
“However, it is obviously
very much up to The ExtraCare Charitable Trust if they
want to accept any of the offers which are presented
to them.”
The home has been threatened with
closure because the current owners do not feel it can
be run as an economically viable concern.
There has been a huge groundswell
of support among the residents of Much Wenlock to ensure
its survival as a nursing home if at all possible.
A public meeting was held last
week at the town’s Priory Hall which was packed
out by more then 400 people, many of whom had to stand
outside.
The meeting was chaired by Philip
Dunne MP and was attended by Nick Abbey, chief executive
of The ExtraCare Charitable Trust, who said that he
would look seriously at any offers which were given
to him.
He said that all offers had to
be received by the deadline of July 31.
Police are investigating a road collision near Wem in
which one of the vehicles failed to stop. It happened
on the B5476 Whitchurch to Wem road between Quina Brook
and Edstaston at around 2.20pm on Friday.
A silver Honda Civic travelling towards Wem was struck
by a vehicle coming from the opposite direction, causing
severe scratching down the one side.
Police Constable Di Langford, the investigating officer,
said: “I am appealing for witnesses or information
about this incident. The other vehicle is described
as a blue 4x4. There were three cars travelling in front
of the Honda at the time and I would ask their drivers
to contact me at Wem police station on 0300-333-3000.”
Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers
number, 0800-555-111.
“It is the scourge
of the modern age. We live in a beautiful county that
at times is trashed by litter.” That’s the
reaction of Andy Boddington, Chairman of CPRE Shropshire
in response to today’s news from Keep Britain
Tidy that the nation’s litter bill has soared
by £100 million in just one year.
Keep Britain Tidy has announced that the cost of clearing
up Britain’s litter epidemic has risen by almost
£100 million (10 percent) in just one year. That’s
an £858 million bill for our throwaway culture.
Andy continues: “Nothing is more infuriating and
unnecessary than litter. What on earth is in people’s
minds when they cast wrappers to the ground and into
the wind? As I walk around the county, I am forever
stumbling across takeaway cartons, drink cans and plastic
bags.
" If people bring packaging into the countryside,
why don’t they take it home with them? Why do
people toss takeaway cartons onto the streets of our
towns rather put them in the bin? Our beautiful hills,
valleys and towns bring great pleasure to the people
that live here and bring thousands of tourists into
Shropshire. We must stop them being defaced by litter.”
Tomorrow, Shropshire Council’s
Cabinet is expected to approve a series of measures
to tackle the growing litter menace. They include an
education and awareness programme, and greater enforcement
of fines.
Andy Boddington concludes: “We support the Council’s
actions but it is worrying there are no costs attached
to the proposals before the Cabinet. CPRE is very concerned
that Shropshire Council will agree this sensible policy
only to axe it as budget cuts bite harder. Ultimately,
it may be best for communities to take matters into
their own hands and organise regular litter picks.”
Burglars gained entry to a house in Innage Lane, Bridgnorth
through a window, stealing a laptop and other items
worth more than £900.
The breakin happened between 12.30am and 9am on Sunday.
Property stolen from the lounge area included an Acer
Aspire laptop, two mobile phones, £150 cash, a
distinctive yellow bucket handbag, a multi-coloured
knitted handbag and various documents, cards and keys.
Anyone with information about the incident or finds
the yellow handbag discarded is asked to contact Bridgnorth
police station on 0300-333-3000. Information can also
be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111.
Telford UTD have closed their club shop will be closed
until further notice as the club starts to take delivery
of its new 2010/2011 stock.
The club say they will make a further announcement with
regards to opening times once all stock has been received.
Supporters who have placed deposits with the club for
new shirts will be advised when their shirts are ready
for collection.
Work on the new club shop is well underway with refurbishment
work having been started. It is likely that the new
shop will be open early September.
A new online shop is also being launched once all new
kit and merchandise is in place.
A Telford primary school has improved significantly
in many aspects of its work according to the latest
report by government inspectors.
Sir Alexander Fleming Primary School in Southgate, Sutton
Hill, is also continuing its good rate of improvement,
says the OFSTED report.
The school has been graded as “satisfactory”
and the report says attainment is rising strongly in
all year groups.
“The biggest improvement is in the care, guidance
and support offered to pupils, which is now a strength
of the school,” says the report.
“As a result, pupils enjoy their education more
and feel very safe at the school. They trust their teachers
ad know that they always have someone to talk to if
they have a problem.”
The report also recognises that the school’s improvement
since its last inspection is rooted in its leadership
and management.
Areas for further continued development are identified
in the report and the school fully acknowledges the
need to raise the number of its pupils achieving Level
5 in English and Maths.
The school will continue to work on developing all aspects
of community cohesion as well as improving its attendance
figures.
Head teacher Jan Cousins said: “We are all extremely
pleased that the inspectors recognised the significant
improvements across the school.
“The report endorses the hard work and commitment
of the entire team of staff and the governing body.
“The school’s priority has been to ensure
the best provision for our children and families at
all levels and, though his has been a challenge, we
are making sound progress in all areas.
“We fully acknowledge the need to continue to
improve but we are already addressing the key issues
through strategic planning.”
Councillor Stephen Burrell, cabinet member for children
and young people, said: “The report reflects the
hard work of the staff and gives credit to what been
achieved across the school.
“It clearly demonstrates that the school is going
in the right direction to meet its challenges and it
is pleasing to see that the inspectors noted that the
school is well placed to sustain further improvement
in the future.”
Police are seeking information about a stone-throwing
incident which caused damage to a passing car on Robertson
Way in Shrewsbury.
The driver of a red VW Passat said the incident happened
at around 2pm on Sunday as he was approaching Crowmere
Road island.
He said a rock or stone thrown from bushes near the
traffic lights from the direction of the Bridgeford
Way estate damaged the roof of the car.
Police have appealed for witnesses. The number to call
is 0300-333-3000.
Listley Street in Bridgnorth will be closed from 9.30am
today to enable maintenance work to be carried out on
the New Market Hall.
Whilst the road is closed, traffic will be diverted
via Underhill Street and Low Town.
Pupils aged 12 and 13 from Ercall Wood Technology
College visiting Germany’s oldest city, Trier,
to brush up on their language skills, this week.
The students will be taking part in a wide variety of
activities - all of which will help them in September
when they return for the new school year. Including
stepping back in time when they take the guided tour
of the city followed by a visit to the amphitheatre
and a river cruise.
However, they will not only be culture vultures for
the week they will also be taking part in sporting activities
such as beach volley ball and table tennis.
Liz Upton, Head of Languages of Ercall Wood Technology
College, said: “The staff and pupils are very
excited to be going to Germany.
“Our jam packed itinerary mixes fun with education
and culture. For some of our student this is their first
trip abroad and I’m sure this experience will
be a memorable one.”
Councillor Stephen Burrell, cabinet member for children
and young people, said: “I’m sure the students
going on the trip will have a fantastic time in Germany.
“I think it is a great way to mix the curriculum
in with real life experiences. Trips like this give
students the opportunity to broaden their horizons by
experiencing different cultures.”
The city of Trier is in west central Germany, just
six miles from the Luxembourg border and 120 miles SW
of Frankfurt
The open air theatre productions
are being held at Shrewsbury High School grounds, plays
include:
• Great Expectations –
Wednesday 28 July, 6pm for 7pm - by Quantum Theatre,
Charles Dickens classic story as re-told in Michael
Whitmore’s adaptation.
• The Tempest – Wednesday
4 August, 6pm for 7pm - by The Lord Chamberlains’
Men, a nationally acclaimed all male touring theatre
company, performing Shakespeare’s magical last
play, combining love, comedy and magic in equal measure.
• Secret Garden - Sunday
8th August, 4pm for 5pm performed by Heartbreak Productions,
a firm favourite with Shrewsbury theatre goers
• An Ideal Husband - Wednesday
18th August, 6.30pm for 7.30pm – performed by
Heartbreak Productions, again another favourite with
Shrewsbury audiences.
Shrewsbury Summer Season supported by Shropshire Council
is hosting a bumper programme of events this year. Containing
all manner of events from visual arts, dance and music,
heritage, theatre, walks, exhibitions, talks and tours
from April to the end of September there really is something
for everyone to enjoy.
Joy Durrant, Shropshire Council’s Festival Officer
says “We are delighted to bring such a variety
of different plays to Shrewsbury, our past audiences
have really enjoyed the open air productions and we
are really pleased to be at the High School this year.
We are generally lucky with the weather, and bringing
along a picnic is positively encouraged. This year two
of our plays are kindly sponsored by Wace Morgan, who
are regular supporters of the Shrewsbury Summer Season”.
To book tickets please call
01743 281281. For further information about the summer
programme please pick up a copy of the Shrewsbury Summer
Season brochure from the Visitor information Centre
at Rowley’s House, or go to the website for more
information www.shrewsburysummer.co.uk.
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