Thursday, November 17, 2022
www.telfordjournal.co.uk
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GREEN ROUTE TO BE SPRUCED UP
New signs, benches and bike parking stations are being installed along a 14-mile ‘green corridor’ in Telford. Telford & Wrekin Council is also carrying out repairs to the surfaces and giving Silkin Way a general tidy-up and facelift to “make the route even more appealing to residents and visitors”. The investment, which forms part of the council’s wider strategy to improve things for cyclists and walkers across the borough, amounts to £800,000. The works are taking four months to carry out and the council says it could be only the start, with the possibility of improved road crossing points and new solar-powered street lighting. Councillor Richard Overton, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing, enforcement and transport, said: “Not only is the Silkin Way a remarkable route packed with heritage and ecological interest, it’s also an important link between our major employment, leisure, tourism, commercial and residential sites in the borough, and as such is a key focus for investment. “We’re keen to promote this route and to champion ‘active trav-
Report by David Tooley
el’ – ditching the car to walk or cycle whenever possible. It’s all part of our Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan. We’ve listened to users’ feedback and hope that these improvements encourage more people to use this fantastic route. “Commuting or simply getting around our borough on foot or by bike offers significant health and wellbeing benefits for individuals. It also reduces the borough’s carbon emissions and keeps our air cleaner, not to mention the savings to be made by not visiting the petrol station. “I’m delighted that residents will feel safer using the Silkin Way thanks to the safety measures we’re putting in place, and that cyclists and walkers will be able to get even more enjoyment out of this incredible route.” The investment will see new signs provided along the whole route and new way markers added to improve information for those looking to explore. Longer term, the council will be looking at creating improved road crossing points to help make pedestrians and cyclists more of a priority.
‘Batman’ tells of battle
Crowds out for bonfire Organisers of a large bonfire hailed the event a brilliant success, with about 10,000 people turning out to support it – just a week after arsonists burned down the original pile of pallets. Mark Mitchell, organiser of the Donnington bonfire in Telford, said there was a great turnout this year, with an on-site funfair, as well as one of the biggest fireworks displays yet. It comes after a group of youths fired fireworks into the huge pile of pallets on November 5 before directly setting fire to them. Mark said that the event was brilliant. “I hope to see everyone again next year,” he added.
Play area is revamped
Telford Batman, or otherwise known as Councillor Jay Gough He’s the hero Gotham deserves, it’s Councillor Jay Gough. For residents of Donnington and Muxton, having Batman wandering around is a regular sight. For the last three years, Telford Batman has raised thousands
of pounds for children’s charities. But many might not know too much about the very personal reason why Councillor Gough takes on his superhero guise. Find out in this week’s Journal. n Joker – Page 3
A town’s play area has been given a facelift, funded by Telford & Wrekin Council in partnership with Great Dawley Town Council. The work at Dawley Park play area includes the installation of a 30-metre-long double zip-wire, which has been added to the existing swings and slide. The makeover also takes into consideration the needs of children with disabilities, a key piece being a ground-level roundabout which is accessible for wheelchairs as well as pushchairs and prams. Councillor Bob Wennington said: “It’s wonderful to see all ages using the playground.”
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