Charlie Stubbs

Developers Richborough have applied to build up to 280 homes on 28.5 acres of agricultural land near Whitchurch, Shropshire. The proposal includes 252 market homes, 20 social-rent homes and eight affordable home-ownership properties. Residents and local councillor Sho Abdul are concerned that the town's roads, schools, employment opportunities and other infrastructure cannot support further growth, while also objecting to the loss of agricultural land. Shropshire Council says it has received significant concerns and will assess the application against national and local planning policies. Richborough says the scheme would help meet housing needs and has been designed to retain trees and hedgerows and create a landscaped transition to the countryside.

Grassroots sports clubs across Shropshire are struggling with deteriorating pitches after a prolonged period of hot, dry weather. Telford Hornets says irrigating its grounds would require about 30,000 litres of water a day and cost thousands of pounds, while Telford Raiders warns that unplayable pitches could force matches to be moved or seasons shortened. A physiotherapist says harder ground increases the risk of soft-tissue and joint injuries, shin splints and more severe falls, raising concerns about how summer sports may need to adapt to hotter future summers.

Grassroots sports clubs across Shropshire are struggling to maintain grass pitches during prolonged hot and dry weather. Telford Hornets Rugby Club says irrigating its pitch would require about 30,000 litres of water daily and cost thousands of pounds, while Telford Raiders Rugby League Club warns that worsening conditions could force teams to abandon games or travel to Birmingham or Coventry. Physiotherapist Rachel Kili says hardened surfaces increase the risk of soft-tissue, joint and shin injuries, raising concerns about how summer sports may need to adapt to hotter future summers.

Shropshire Council has asked Prime Minister Andy Burnham to review rural public transport funding following government reductions and rising operator costs that created a significant budget gap. Officials argue rural communities rely heavily on buses and need fairer financial support, urging a reassessment of how local bus revenue is distributed. Burnham’s record of expanding public control of bus services in Manchester is cited as a positive precedent, while neighbouring Telford and Wrekin councillors also hope for increased authority over local services.

A rehoming manager at Dogs Trust Shrewsbury advises owners on protecting dogs during a UK heatwave, stressing the importance of avoiding walks in high temperatures and checking ground heat. Staff have adjusted routines by starting earlier, walking dogs in shaded areas and focusing on indoor enrichment. Older, overweight, flat‑faced and health‑compromised dogs are highlighted as most vulnerable to heatstroke, with key symptoms and emergency steps outlined.

Dogs Trust Shrewsbury outlines methods to protect dogs during a heatwave as staff care for nearly 90 animals amid record UK temperatures. Rehoming manager Steffanie Parker urges owners to avoid walks when surfaces are too hot and to prioritise shaded, shorter outings early in the day. Older, overweight, flat‑faced or medically vulnerable dogs face the highest heat‑related risks. Key warning signs include heavy panting, drooling and collapse, with cooling and prompt veterinary attention advised if a dog becomes unwell.

Extreme weather, including a cold spring followed by heatwaves, has stressed flower crops at Shropshire Petal Fields, prompting the farm to warn visitors that blooms will be shorter and more spread out than usual. The venue, which supplied confetti for Dua Lipa’s wedding, will still open in August and offer attractions such as woodland walks and picnic areas. Marketing head Ashley Evers-Swindel emphasized transparency with visitors and noted ticket refunds are available for those reconsidering attendance.

A Wem phone repair specialist reports a surge in heat‑related device failures and warns against placing phones or tablets in fridges or freezers, which can cause internal condensation and moisture damage. Increasing numbers of devices are arriving with swollen lithium‑ion batteries, and an iPad recently exploded after overheating. The shop attributes the trend to misleading online tips and advises users to keep devices out of direct sun, avoid intensive apps, reduce brightness and disable unnecessary functions. Electrical Safety First notes that damaged or overheated lithium‑ion cells can trigger thermal runaway, leading to fires.

A phone repair shop in Wem reports a surge in heat‑related device failures, many caused by people placing overheated phones in fridges or freezers, which leads to internal moisture damage. Owner Jamie Farnell warns that swollen batteries and device malfunctions have spiked during recent heatwaves, sometimes resulting in dangerous incidents such as an iPad explosion. He attributes the trend to misleading social media advice and urges safer practices including keeping devices out of direct sunlight, reducing processor load and avoiding overcharging. Electrical Safety First notes that overheated lithium batteries can enter thermal runaway, creating significant fire risks across a wide range of devices.

A 16-year-old tennis player from Telford, Gwen Klu, will represent Ghana in the Billie Jean King Cup in Gaborone, having chosen the country due to early support from its tennis authorities. Eligible for three nations, she gained attention after achieving an ITF junior ranking and now aims to perform well in the Africa III group. She hopes the opportunity will lead to sponsorship, as her family currently covers her competition expenses.

Sixteen‑year‑old Gwen Klu from Telford will represent Ghana in the Billie Jean King Cup in Gaborone, Botswana, after earning an ITF junior world ranking that attracted the attention of Ghana’s tennis authorities. Eligible to play for three countries, she chose Ghana for offering her the first opportunity. She aims to perform her best against opponents from up to ten nations and hopes the tournament will help secure sponsorship to ease the financial burden currently carried by her family.

Vandalism of a refreshments stand at Baschurch Juniors Football Club caused damage the volunteer-run organisation cannot afford to repair ahead of its awards day. Committee member Pauline Best described disappointment at the graffiti, smashed glass and attempted fire. The neighbouring Baschurch Village Hall offered access to security footage, and the club plans to install its own cameras despite logistical challenges.

Research led by Harper Adams University and supported by farmers in Shropshire has produced slug prediction maps aimed at reducing pesticide use and improving slug control in arable fields. Data from 28 participating farmers helped confirm how slug clusters reform after waterlogged conditions, validating the model developed under the Defra-funded SLIMERS programme. More than 100 farms have contributed, with participating growers reporting improved accuracy in assessing slug risks and the potential for more targeted, biodiversity‑friendly treatments.

Research at Harper Adams University using data from 28 participating farmers has produced prediction maps to improve slug control in arable fields. The three‑year Defra‑funded programme found that slug patches temporarily shift after waterlogging but ultimately return to predictable areas, enabling more targeted and environmentally friendly treatments. Farmers involved said the approach allows better risk assessment and reduces reliance on pesticides.

A recently completed gyratory system near Shrewsbury railway station has caused significant congestion, prompting complaints from residents and a petition with nearly 7,000 signatures seeking changes. Shropshire councillors recommended reopening a cycle lane on the pavement to restore traffic flow, while residents reported severe delays and rising tensions among motorists. Council members are assessing costs, safety considerations and potential impacts before deciding on alterations, with leaders acknowledging broader issues in how major projects are managed and emphasising the need for long‑term solutions to traffic and congestion in Shrewsbury.

Funding cuts proposed by the Science and Technology Facilities Council have raised fears that the Knockin radio telescope, part of the national e-MERLIN network, may close. North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan and physicist Brian Cox warn the reductions could severely impact particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics research, potentially costing expertise and limiting future scientific innovation in the UK.