Richard Williams

A newly built £1.5 million veterinary hospital in Bridgnorth is opening its doors to the public for a community open day. Severn Edge Veterinary Group invites visitors to tour the facility, meet the veterinary team, and learn about the expanded services the hospital will offer. The event will feature family activities and showcase local charities and businesses. The 5,000‑square‑foot hospital includes upgraded diagnostic and treatment spaces designed to improve care for pets. Visitors are advised to consider pet welfare due to high temperatures, though the facility is fully air‑conditioned.

An elderly couple in Brockton, Worthen are seeking the owner of a stray peahen that has lived in their garden for a month and refuses to leave. Despite contacting the RSPCA and a local wildlife rescue centre, they have been unable to find assistance because peafowl are considered domestic rather than wildlife. The bird, identified by a leg ring that cannot be read, has caused increasing mess in the garden, prompting a public appeal for its owner to come forward.

Strikes by the TSSA union at West Midlands Railway have halted services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham, leading Transport for Wales to urge essential travel only as high temperatures and engineering works add further disruption. Rail and replacement bus services are expected to be extremely busy, while ticket validity has been extended to July 14. Passengers are advised to allow extra time, prepare for hot conditions and avoid travelling if unwell, as additional delays followed a train fire evacuation at Birmingham New Street.

A repeat offender from Walsall was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court to five and a half years in prison after admitting involvement in supplying crack cocaine and heroin while on licence. Police traced activity on the Ace Line to his phone and arrested him after a surveillance operation, recovering incriminating messages and cash. The judge cited mandatory sentencing rules due to his previous convictions for similar offences.

The Crown pub in Albrighton has been shortlisted for Marston’s Pub of the Year at the Great British Pub Awards 2026, recognising its strong community roots and consistent guest experience. General manager Michelle Edwina Henderson and Marston’s area operations manager Lee Marsh emphasised the team’s dedication to hospitality and local connection. Organisers highlighted the competitiveness of this year’s entries, with judges set to visit all finalists before winners are announced in September in Leeds.

Families can explore two newly opened RAF aircraft, the Nimrod and the VC10, at the RAF Museum Midlands at no cost between 20 and 24 July. The museum is offering additional free activities throughout the summer, including daily Airfix Spitfire model‑making sessions and a performance by the RAF Falcons parachute display team on August 9. Discounted children’s meals and an outdoor RAF‑themed playground add to the museum’s family‑friendly offerings, reinforcing its status as one of the UK’s top‑rated museums.

Castlefields Primary School in Bridgnorth received strong results from its May Ofsted inspection, achieving the expected standard in most areas and a strong standard for attendance and behaviour. Inspectors highlighted pupils’ kindness, respect, and eagerness to learn, along with a supportive and inclusive school environment. Leadership at all levels was praised for keeping pupils’ needs central to decision-making. School leaders and trust executives welcomed the findings as reflective of a happy and successful school.

A dispute at the Severn Valley Railway’s 1940s weekend escalated after a German military re-enactment group withdrew following public complaints about German uniforms at Highley Station. Their departure prompted Home Guard and US troop re-enactors to leave in solidarity, resulting in the cancellation of all military re-enactments and the absence of German portrayals. The railway stated it could not reach an agreement to limit German uniforms to designated areas and prioritised maintaining a respectful environment due to the sensitivities surrounding World War II and Holocaust-related symbolism.

A photography student from Bridgnorth, Sam Pierce, marked the end of his studies at Manchester University by walking 75 miles home while documenting the journey. The challenge raised more than £1,300 for the homeless charity Crisis. Pierce described the physical difficulty of the walk, the creative inspiration it offered, and his plans to expand the project through future fundraising events in Bridgnorth and Manchester.

Police figures obtained via Freedom of Information requests reveal a driver was recorded at 161mph on the M6 near Stafford, matching the highest speed captured by UK police last year. Additional cases of extreme speeding were recorded on major routes and in residential areas. The RAC warns that such speeds pose severe risks, particularly where pedestrians and cyclists are present, and calls for stronger measures to curb excessive speeding and repeat offenders, including technology that prevents vehicles from exceeding limits. The Department for Transport reiterates its stance against mandating speed‑control systems but notes proposals for warning systems in new cars.

A seven-year-old girl from Telford suffered severe blisters when gel leaked from a dough-filled stress ball toy whose seal had broken. Her mother sought emergency medical advice and the injuries were assessed remotely by specialists at Birmingham Children’s Hospital before follow-up treatment. The family reported the incident to Smyths Toys, and the distributor Bigjigs Toys stated it is investigating whether the product was genuine or counterfeit. The child’s school issued a warning to other parents due to the toy’s popularity among young children.

Alderson's Butchers & Pie House in Bridgnorth celebrated winning six awards at the 2026 Dalziel Battle of the Butchers and Golden Cleaver Awards, with judges particularly impressed by Peter Hilton’s Garlic Chicken Lattice. Manager Julia Spencer credited staff for their efforts during a busy period, while Hilton highlighted the use of local Shropshire produce as key to the product’s success. The shop plans to shift focus to summer specials following the competition season.

Reform councillors in Bridgnorth expressed disappointment after being informed that previously promised significant repairs to High Street and Whitburn Street would be limited to safety work without resurfacing. Councillors Susan Eden and Peter Husemann said they had repeatedly raised concerns about deteriorating road conditions and were initially told resurfacing would occur. The council advised that only safety repairs would be completed, scheduled for evening hours to reduce disruption. The councillors urged residents to remain respectful toward workers despite frustrations.

Extreme heat has forced the Severn Valley Railway to cancel all services on June 24 and 25 to protect staff, customers and infrastructure, with passengers to be contacted about options for pre-booked tickets. The heritage line expects services to resume on June 27, subject to review, ahead of its planned 1940s-themed weekend event.

Severe heat across Shropshire and the Midlands prompted Transport for Wales to cancel all services between Shrewsbury and Birmingham International, while West Midlands Railway operated a reduced timetable and advised essential travel only. A red extreme heat warning led to widespread disruption, including additional cancellations between Aberystwyth and Shrewsbury due to repair needs, with operators apologising for the impact on passengers.

Bridgnorth Town Council plans to replace the manually operated system at Severn Park car park with an automated ANPR-based system to improve safety, reduce incidents of verbal abuse toward staff, and streamline parking management. Barriers will remain in use within current opening hours, and a one‑hour free parking period will be offered to regular local users. The council aims to minimise traffic disruption, ensure fair contribution toward park maintenance, and provide flexibility for event‑related parking adjustments, with further implementation details to follow.

Two guinea pigs were found dumped in a broken cage near Cruckton in Shropshire, with one dead and the other suffering from neglect. The surviving animal received veterinary care and is recovering. The RSPCA condemned the abandonment, thanked the members of the public who rescued the surviving guinea pig, and appealed for information to identify those responsible. The organisation urged struggling pet owners to seek help rather than abandon animals.

A child fell into the River Severn near Bridgnorth but was quickly rescued after wearing a life preserver and receiving immediate help from family members and bystanders before emergency services arrived. Police thanked those involved and issued a warning about the dangers of open water despite safety equipment reducing some risk.

Bridgnorth Lions will host a fundraising dog show and family fun day at the Bridgnorth Rugby Club on July 5, featuring several pet competitions. The group will also hold its annual Duck Race the same afternoon behind the clubhouse, allowing families to participate after the dog show concludes.

High Street and Whitburn Street in Bridgnorth will undergo significant repairs on June 25 and 26, following efforts by Reform UK councillors Susan Eden and Peter Husemann to secure the works. The councillors said the roads’ condition has frustrated residents and that disruption is unavoidable but necessary. Residents and visitors are urged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time during the temporary traffic management measures.

A decorative planter holding a 20mph sign was placed on Innage Lane in Bridgnorth without any planning application, prompting concerns from a resident about moisture damage to the signpost and runoff onto the road. A search of Shropshire Council’s planning register showed no application for the installation. The incident follows a recent dispute in which the Bridgnorth Litter Pickers defied council restrictions while cleaning the town’s Low Town bridge. The council has been asked for comment.

Ofsted inspectors found St Leonard’s CE Primary School in Bridgnorth met expected standards across all assessed areas, praising its positive environment, pupils’ progress and effective support for disadvantaged and SEND pupils. School leaders and the TrustEd Schools CEO welcomed the findings, highlighting strong values and pupil development. The school will mark the outcome alongside the 50th anniversary of its swimming pool with a community celebration.

A Coventry man, Breeze Muricken, pleaded guilty at Shrewsbury Crown Court to sexually assaulting a woman in Telford on October 4 of the previous year and is scheduled for sentencing on August 21.

Police reported no injuries after a car collided with a stationary vehicle on Newhouse Lane in Albrighton late Wednesday night. Emergency services responded at 11:15 pm, and firefighters made both vehicles safe by isolating their electrical systems.

A Wolverhampton domestic abuse practitioner completed a 68.5‑mile solo walk along the Shropshire Union Canal to raise funds for wellbeing activities benefiting women and children in refuge. The effort, undertaken over four days in challenging weather and terrain, supports services provided by The Haven Wolverhampton, which relies on fundraising for activities that aid recovery from trauma. The walk has raised over £650 to fund family outings, creative activities and other items that help create a supportive refuge environment. Emma Sweeney highlighted the importance of these resources for survivors and encouraged continued support.

Bridgnorth’s annual Teddy Bears Picnic will return to the Castle Grounds on July 23, running from 11am to 2pm with low-cost entry for adults and children. Hosted by Bridgnorth Town Council, the cash‑only event will feature entertainment, funfair rides, stalls, glitter tattoos, refreshments and a quiet zone.

Emergency services responded to a collision involving two vehicles on Badger Lane near Albrighton. Fire crews made the vehicles safe and confirmed no one was trapped, while police were contacted for additional information.

Police in Bridgnorth report that individuals seen begging in the town are not known rough sleepers and warn such behaviour may constitute an offence. The Safer Neighbourhood Team says support services for food, accommodation and essential needs are available for anyone genuinely homeless, and officers will act when begging is identified as part of efforts to maintain public safety and assist vulnerable residents.

Shropshire Council will close Worcester Road West and implement diversions while constructing a new footpath linking the RAF Museum to Cosford railway station. Funded by £350,000 from Active Travel England, the project addresses safety concerns where pedestrians currently walk on the road. Work begins next Monday and runs until July 12, with new street lighting included. Access will be limited to residents, businesses, emergency vehicles, and museum-bound HGVs and coaches, while all other traffic must follow diversion routes. Kier Infrastructure will carry out the work, which is planned for completion before the school summer holidays.

More than 40 members of the Bridgnorth Twinning Association are travelling to Schrobenhausen, the town’s German twin, to attend the annual Schrannenfest music and beer festival, joined by around 30 visitors from Thiers, France. The event marks the end of the white asparagus season, with a full programme arranged by hosts in Bavaria as the towns celebrate decades‑long twinning partnerships.

A friend of nursery worker Carina Teed, who died of cancer at age 44, is raising funds to install a memorial bench in St Mary’s churchyard in Highley. The effort, led by Lisa Scott, aims to honor Teed’s kindness, her work caring for children at Highley Minors Nursery, and her devotion to her family. The bench is intended as a peaceful place for relatives, friends, and community members to reflect, and supporters are invited to contribute via an online fundraising page.

Colin Cole, a 107-year-old RAF Air Sea Rescue veteran who served during both the Dunkirk evacuation and the D-Day landings, marked his birthday at a veterans' centre in Oswestry surrounded by friends and family. Known for saving numerous airmen despite being unable to swim, he later became a teacher supporting children with special educational needs. Friends praised him as a gentleman who has lived a long and meaningful life.

Ludlow in south Shropshire is highlighted by WorldAtlas as one of the best places in the UK to retire, praised for its heritage, accessibility and strong community life. With a third of residents over 65, the town is commended for its markets, food scene and rural surroundings. Local retirees describe it as friendly, culturally active and situated in beautiful countryside, reinforcing its appeal as a desirable retirement destination.

A woman from Shropshire and Christopher Brownhill were jailed after being convicted of arranging or facilitating child sex offences following explicit conversations uncovered by an undercover police officer. The pair discussed Brownhill abusing the woman’s young daughter, though no meeting occurred and no child was harmed. Brownhill was also convicted over a separate similar conversation. Judge Deni Mathews condemned the case as grotesque and imposed sentences of six years for the woman and eleven years for Brownhill, along with sexual harm prevention orders.

Police are investigating after an object thrown from a footbridge struck a car on the M54 near Shifnal, damaging the vehicle and frightening the driver. Officers received a report around 9am, and enquiries are ongoing. The motorist described the incident as very scary, noting roof damage and shattered glass inside the car.

Public toilets in Bridgnorth’s Innage Lane car park have reopened in a smaller form after remaining closed for more than two years due to repeated vandalism. Bridgnorth Town Council confirmed the reopening, noting strong demand from residents and visitors and thanking the community for its patience while repairs and changes were completed.

Police in Bridgnorth report a rise in thefts of Nissan Navara vehicles across South Shropshire and advise owners to take enhanced security measures, including locking vehicles, using visible deterrents, securing keys in Faraday pouches and ensuring CCTV systems are active. The warning supports a national effort led by the NPCC to disrupt organised vehicle theft, with officers urging residents to report suspicious activity.

More than 30 homes and businesses in Bridgnorth opened to the public for the returning Open House Arts Trail, showcasing works from over 80 local artists despite rainy weather. Visitors followed mapped routes to view affordable art across the town, creating a lively atmosphere. The event also served as a fundraiser for the Bridgnorth Food Bank, with organisers expressing gratitude for community support.

A nine‑year‑old girl from Bewdley organised a two‑mile sponsored walk at Comer Woods with friends and family, raising more than £500 for the RSPCA after learning about the charity’s work at school. She was motivated by concerns over animal mistreatment and gathered contributions including gift aid to support the organisation.

A Bridgnorth antiques centre is selling an unusual American letterbox imported in the 1980s, featuring resin models of Victorian children. Centre owner John Ridgway describes the item as unique, charming and suitable for any outdoor space. The post box is priced at £275 and available at the Old Mill Antiques Centre, which is open daily.

Bridgnorth will host the English Haydn Festival for the 32nd time, featuring performances by the English Haydn Orchestra and guest musicians under the theme “Haydn’s Musical World.” Events will run from Wednesday to June 13 at St Mary’s Church, with a programme that includes works by Haydn, Beethoven, Mozart and J. C. Bach.

The Gentlemen Songsters, regarded as the Black Country’s only male voice choir, will mark their upcoming 70th anniversary with a performance at St Peter’s Church in Worfield on June 26. Known for raising money for local charities and performing a wide repertoire from hymns to pop classics, the choir’s programme will feature pieces such as Nessun Dorma, Moon River and Bohemian Rhapsody. Tickets are £10 and available at the door or online.

The Red Arrows will perform at the RAF Cosford Show on June 14, with flights expected over the Albrighton area between 2:55 and 3:35 pm, and the display likely taking place in the mid-afternoon depending on weather conditions. Their appearance follows recent shows at the Midlands Air Festival, the Isle of Man TT and Silverstone, before they depart for a series of events in the United States.

The Red Arrows will return to the Midlands to perform at the RAF Cosford Show on June 14, with flights expected over the Albrighton area between 2:55 and 3:35pm. Their display is typically held between 3:00 and 3:30pm, though timing may vary with weather. The team appears following recent performances at the Midlands Air Festival, Isle of Man TT, and Silverstone before continuing to a series of shows in the United States.

Three newly acquired RAF aircraft—the Hawk T1A, MQ‑9 Reaper, and Puma HC1—will make their first public appearance at the Cosford Air Show before entering a forthcoming RAF Museum exhibition covering service history from 1980 onward. The aircraft were transported to Cosford for reassembly with support from RAF teams, Babcock and the Ministry of Defence. Visitors will also be able to board the historic Chinook Bravo November and explore additional interactive exhibits. The show is nearing a sell‑out, with ticket holders receiving special museum offers for future visits.

Blists Hill Victorian Town in Ironbridge Gorge has adjusted its booking system following its May reopening under National Trust management, increasing early-day visitor capacity and removing booking requirements after 2:30pm. High visitor numbers mean short‑term booking controls will remain while car‑park pressures persist. A nearby road closure caused by a surface void is expected to be resolved with the route reopened by the weekend according to Telford & Wrekin Council.

The Severn Valley Railway will host its Step Back to the 1940s events across two weekends, featuring themed displays, re‑enactors, military vehicles, live music, evening concerts and family entertainment across multiple stations. Attractions include wartime scenes, historical tributes, reenactments, dance lessons and vintage markets, supported by dedicated steam‑hauled services. The event aims to recreate the atmosphere of 1940s Britain and is expected to draw large visitor numbers from the region.

A woman from Bridgnorth who previously suffered severe chronic back pain has launched her own therapy business after finding relief through understanding the mind–body connection. Katie Rothwell, a former RAF physical training instructor, turned to pain education and nervous‑system‑based approaches when conventional treatment and medication failed. She now works with people experiencing conditions such as chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, fatigue and long Covid, emphasising how stress, emotional factors and nervous‑system sensitisation can contribute to persistent symptoms. She reports that clients often feel empowered as they learn that pain does not always indicate physical damage. Rothwell hopes to collaborate more with local organisations as awareness grows around workplace stress and wellbeing. Clients are encouraged to seek medical evaluation before pursuing chronic‑pain support methods.

Firefighters responded to a small blaze in the roof space of a machinery shed at Grainger & Worrall Limited in Bridgnorth shortly after noon on June 4, extinguishing it with a hose-reel jet according to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Bridgnorth Town Council clarified that recent lighting replacement at the town hall was routine maintenance and not undertaken specifically for the upcoming Pride event. The updated LED system replaces aging, unreliable lights and enables the building to be illuminated for various community and national causes. The council addressed misinformation about project costs, stating the actual expenditure was £678, significantly below figures circulating online. The town mayor emphasized the importance of maintaining the historic building and highlighted the improved efficiency and flexibility of the new lighting system.

Bridgnorth’s Music and Arts Festival returns over the August bank holiday with organizers ShireFolk announcing the first wave of performers. Acts include The Deadshots, Pete Hubbard, Flatworld, Encrypted Love, Bird Brother and Clarkes and Co, with more to be revealed. Events will run across multiple town locations, supported by partners including The Travel Wallet, The Bassa Villa, Carlsberg and the White Lion, aiming to deliver a major cultural weekend for the area.

Weekly respite sessions for dementia patients have begun at Bridgnorth Rugby Club following the success of earlier programmes run by Crowsmill Craft Centre. The initiative gives carers several hours of relief while participants engage in structured activities. Funding support from the Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Dementia Action Alliance has helped cover early costs. Founding club member Bob Turner has recently joined the sessions, linking his long history with the club to its new community role. Carers can book Thursday sessions by contacting the organisers.