Thursday, November 10, 2022
www.telfordjournal.co.uk
NEWS Crafters club going strong Page 2
FEATURE Success for daredevils Page 6
SPORT Home defeat for Hornets Page 28
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NEW SCHOOLS PLANS AGREED
Plans for new schools, the expansion of others, and fresh special educational needs hubs have been approved by councillors. Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet has signed off on proposals to increase the number of school places across the borough. The plan includes a new primary school on Castle Farm Way, in Priorslee, confirmation of a new primary at Allscott, an expansion to Lawley Village Academy, and feasibility studies to look at expanding secondary schools. Under the secondary school plans, Ercall Wood has been identified to accommodate at least 150 places from 2024/25. A report approved by the authority adds that temporary classrooms could be used to expand other secondary schools by a combined 150 places. It states: “Further expansion options of our secondary estate are being explored to provide the additional 150 places required which will likely be delivered by additional temporary classes in a number of schools.” It adds: “A feasibility study will also be conducted at Southall School to ascertain whether the school can
By Dominic Robertson
increase its capacity to be able to accommodate 200 pupils, alongside the further development of SEND hubs as required.” The plan also approves proposals to continue with the expansion of special educational needs (SEN) hubs, to allow more children to attend schools in their own community. Speaking during the cabinet meeting, Shirley Reynolds, cabinet member for children, young people and families, said the council would be focussing on fluctuations in the number of pupils needing places, to ensure there is enough capacity. She said: “We will continue to monitor population numbers to make sure demand is met, but also so that there is no over supply.” Councillor Reynolds added: “This report clearly demonstrates the investment in schools by the administration.” Opposition Conservative group leader, Councillor Andrew Eade, said he questioned whether enough was being done to support Newport schools – a claim rejected by Councillor Reynolds.
Victorian kits recreated
Centre sees footfall rise Footfall at Telford Centre has recovered to near pre-pandemic levels after a number of vacant stores were filled, bosses say. Orion Capital Managers have announced that major letting success at Telford Centre has helped footfall recover near to 2019 levels. The demise of the national department store sector resulted in BHS, Debenhams and House of Fraser all going in to administration. But, following a strategy led by Sovereign Centros, new occupiers have now been found for all three stores for future shopping and leisure. The 90,000 sq ft former Debenhams has been leased to Flip Out.
Bonfire still going ahead
The historic football strips have been made at Blists Hill Museum Wolves and Shrewsbury fans can get a proper look at how their sides would have looked in 1900 as part of a museum’s costume project. Celebrating West Midlands footballing history, the Victorian kits of Shrewsbury Town FC and Wol-
verhampton Wanderers have been brought to life by the skilled team of costume makers at Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust’s Blists Hill Victorian Town. One version of each kit is on display in Blists Hill’s Drapers shop.
The Donnington Bonfire was destroyed last weekend in an arson attack that took place while its organisers were on-site. However, a huge re-build effort means the event will still be taking place on Saturday as planned. Organiser Mark Mitchell said he would not be deterred by the attack and was committed to making sure the community could enjoy the long-running event. Thousands of people normally attend the bonfire, which is the biggest firework display in the county. The evening also includes a fun fair with around 20 rides, attractions and inflatables.
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