Matt Drake

A multi-million-pound campaign is seeking to prevent the collapse of St John the Baptist Church in Bishop's Castle after it was added to the Heritage at Risk Register. Heritage conservation professional Sue Cooper, founder of Caring for God's Acre, has been appointed community outreach ambassador and lead fundraiser. The project aims to repair the church and transform it into an inclusive community hub, with restoration and interior reordering expected to cost more than £1 million. It has already secured £10,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund.

Shropshire Council has extended its highways maintenance contract with Multevo until March 31, 2027, following recent extreme weather and while it procures a new long-term deal. The council says it is repairing an average of 780 potholes per week, with more than 22,000 fixed since the start of 2026. The extension is intended to prevent interruptions to road repairs across Shropshire.

Shropshire Council held a Foster Carer Celebration at Shrewsbury Town Football Club to recognize foster carers’ contributions to children, families and communities. Denise and Rob Edwards received the Long-Term Commitment Award, Carol and Steve Mills received the Stability & Dedication Award, and Sally Gibson received the Special Recognition Award. Council representatives praised carers for providing children with safety, support and stability.

Residents in Shropshire are being urged to prepare for the replacement of the analogue Public Switched Telephone Network with Digital Voice services. Exchanges in Claverley, Craven Arms, Little Brampton and Worfield are among the latest to join Openreach’s upgrade, which is scheduled to be completed across the UK by January 31, 2027. Most households should be able to retain their existing phone number and handset with suitable equipment, but they should check telecare alarm compatibility, verify provider communications and avoid sharing personal information with fraudulent contacts.

McLellan’s of Ludlow has won a one-star Great Taste award for its 1921 Christmas pudding, made from a family recipe dating back more than a century. Founder Karen McLellan said the recognition was especially meaningful after the company’s first year of trading. The pudding is handmade in small batches using traditional methods and premium ingredients. The award was given following blind judging of more than 15,000 products by over 800 judges, and the pudding will be sold through the company’s website and at the Ludlow Food Festival.

Planton Farm in Ludlow is featured in Lucy Williamson’s book Soil to Gut: How to Regenerate Your Health with Food, which explores links between nutrient-rich land, food quality and human health. The regenerative farm is presented as an example of practices that restore soil health, improve biodiversity and produce nutrient-dense food, while its workshops and tours promote wider public learning about sustainable agriculture.

A team of NHS staff representing the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital Charity raised £570 by taking part in the Wace Morgan Shrewsbury 5 or 10K. Kai Farmer completed the 10K alongside his daughter Amy, while Trust representative Julia Clarke praised the event for bringing the community together. The charity uses donations to improve patient care, staff wellbeing and hospital facilities.