Category Archives: Uncategorized

⚠️Screen Time Is Growing – So Are the Risks ⚠️

YOUR CHILD’S ONLINE & GAMING TIME MATTERSKids today spend more hours online and on gaming platforms than ever before.While Gaming and Social Media Can Be Fun and Educational, Too Much Time Online Can Impact:Sleep quality & daily routinesMental health & moodSocial skills & family connectionSafety—exposure to strangers, scams, and inappropriate content What You Can Do as a Parent or Carer….✅ Set Clear Time Limits:Create daily or weekly screen-time rules. Use built-in parental controls when possible.✅ Keep Devices in Shared SpacesAvoid excessive unsupervised gaming in bedrooms, especially at night.✅ Talk About Online SafetyDiscuss privacy, cyberbullying, and how to handle unwanted message.✅ Check In RegularlyAsk what games they’re playing, who they’re talking to, and how they feel about their online experiences.✅Encourage BalancePromote offline hobbies, outdoor play, family activities, and real-life friendships.If you are concerned about your child’s online use and activities, then consider getting in touch with the Cyber Choices team – cyberchoices@westmidlands.police.uk.  For help and resources head to – Cyber Choices

Briefing Note: Tackling Fly Tipping in Shropshire


Purpose
This briefing note provides an overview of Shropshire Council’s approach to tackling fly tipping,
outlines residents’ legal responsibilities regarding waste disposal, and highlights the
importance of reporting incidents and working together to protect our environment and
communities.
What is Fly Tipping?
Fly tipping is the unlawful dumping of waste on land or in water that is not licensed to receive it.
It can range from a single bag of rubbish to large-scale deposits of construction or commercial
waste.

Fly tipping is a criminal offence and carries significant penalties, including:

  • An unlimited fine.
  • Up to five years’ imprisonment.
  • Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) and other enforcement action.
    Importantly, if your waste is fly tipped by someone acting on your behalf, you may still be held
    responsible if you failed to take reasonable steps to ensure it was disposed of legally.
    2
    The Impact on Shropshire
    Fly tipping damages the environment, blights communities, creates health and safety hazards
    and places a significant financial burden on public services.
    Every pound spent clearing illegally dumped waste is money that could otherwise be invested in
    providing essential local services.
    Partnership Approach
    Shropshire Council is working closely with:
  • West Mercia Police
  • Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
  • Environment Agency
  • Neighbouring local authorities
  • Local communities and businesses
    Together, partners are sharing intelligence, best practice and enforcement opportunities to
    prevent and reduce fly tipping across the county.
    How Shropshire Council Responds to Fly Tipping
    Fly tipped waste is collected by a dedicated two-person team, ensuring a consistent and
    efficient response.
    3
    Investigation Process
    Every reported fly tip is:
  1. Assessed and inspected for evidence.
  2. Photographed and documented.
  3. Evidence is securely collected and retained.
  4. Passed to the Street Scene team for formal investigation.
    Investigations may include:
  • Evidence gathering.
  • Witness statements.
  • Intelligence checks.
  • Cross-agency information sharing.
  • Enforcement action where appropriate.
    Where sufficient evidence exists, Fixed Penalty Notices and other legal powers will be used
    against offenders.
    Prevention Measures
    To deter illegal dumping, the Council:
  • Deploys CCTV cameras where appropriate.
  • Installs warning signage at problem locations.
  • Identifies and monitors hotspot areas.
  • Uses intelligence-led enforcement.
    Understanding Your Household Duty of Care
    Every resident has a legal Household Duty of Care for the waste they produce.
    Residents must take reasonable steps to ensure their waste is passed only to authorised
    individuals or businesses who can legally transport and dispose of it.
    If waste is later found fly tipped, residents may be required to demonstrate the checks they
    undertook before handing it to someone else.
    A resident could receive a £600 Fixed Penalty Notice if they:
  • Fail to check that a waste carrier is registered.
  • Cannot demonstrate what happened to their waste.
  • Allow waste to be removed without taking reasonable precautions.
    Common Situations That Can Lead to Fly-Tipping
    Many people are unaware that they may accidentally contribute to fly tipping by:
    4
  • Leaving unwanted items outside for a passing “scrap man”.
  • Placing furniture or household items on pavements or verges for collection.
  • Advertising items as “free to collect” and leaving them in public areas.
  • Arranging waste collections through unverified social media contacts.
  • Allowing unregistered individuals to take away waste.
    If these items are abandoned or illegally dumped, both the person disposing of the waste and
    the person who handed it over may be committing an offence.
    Follow the SCRAP Code
    Residents are encouraged to follow the national SCRAP Code whenever arranging for waste to
    be removed.
    S – Suspect
    Suspect all waste carriers until they can prove they are legitimate.
    Be cautious of:
  • Door-to-door collectors.
  • Extremely cheap prices.
  • Unmarked vehicles.
  • Social media adverts with no business information.
  • Anyone unwilling to provide paperwork.
    C – Check
    Check that the waste carrier is registered with the Environment Agency.
    Before handing over waste, ask for and record:
  • Waste Carrier Registration Number.
  • Company name.
  • Contact details.
  • Vehicle registration number.
    R – Refuse
    Refuse unexpected offers to remove waste.
    Do not allow anyone to take your waste if they:
  • Cannot provide a Waste Carrier Registration Number.
  • Refuse to explain where the waste is going.
  • Will not provide written confirmation or a receipt.
  • Pressure you into making an immediate decision.
    5
    A – Ask
    Ask:
  • Where will my waste be taken?
  • How will it be disposed of?
  • Will it be recycled or reused?
  • Can you provide proof of disposal?
    Legitimate waste carriers should be happy to answer these questions.
    P – Paperwork
    Always keep evidence of the transaction, including:
  • Collection receipts.
  • Waste transfer documentation where appropriate.
  • Invoices.
  • Payment records.
  • Emails or messages confirming collection arrangements.
    These records may help demonstrate compliance with your Household Duty of Care.
    Reporting Fly Tipping
    Members of the public are encouraged to report fly tipping using FixMyStreet.
    Submitting a report will:
  • Create an official record of the incident.
  • Generate a reference number.
  • Ensure the report is allocated to the relevant service area.
  • Support investigations and enforcement activity.
  • Help identify trends and hotspot locations.
    Prompt reporting helps ensure incidents are addressed quickly and effectively.
    Fly Tipping on Private Land
    Landowners are responsible for removing fly tipped waste from their own land.
    While the Council will work collaboratively with landowners to identify solutions and prevent
    future incidents, private landowners should be aware of their responsibilities and potential
    enforcement implications if unlawful waste disposal is permitted to continue.
    6
    Key Messages
  • Fly tipping is a serious criminal offence.
  • Everyone has a legal responsibility for the waste they produce.
  • If your waste is fly tipped, you may still face enforcement action if you cannot
    demonstrate that you took reasonable steps to ensure it was disposed of legally.
  • Always follow the SCRAP Code before allowing anyone to remove your waste.
  • Report fly tipping through FixMyStreet to support investigations and protect local
    communities.
  • Tackling fly tipping requires a collective effort from residents, businesses, partner
    agencies and local authorities.
    Together, we can help keep Shropshire clean, protect our environment, reduce
    unnecessary costs to taxpayers and create safer, cleaner communities for everyone.

Road Closure Hollybush Road 11th Oct

To whom it may concern,

Please find enclosed details of a temporary road closure:

Road Closure:  Hollybush Road, Bridgnorth

Start Date: 11th October 2026

End Date: 11th October 2026

Purpose: Road Closure – Benbow Brothers, tree cutting works.

Works Promoter:   Shropshire Council

Works Promoter Ref: UJ214TW-1764084-01

Enforcement pattern for Hollybush Road, Bridgnorth:
All the time

You can view the closure and diversion route by clicking here:  https://one.network/?tm=GB152101565

Should you have any queries regarding this closure, please call Customer Services on 0345 6789006, or contact the Street Works Team on streetworks@shropshire.gov.uk.

Yours Faithfully,

The Street Works Team

Shropshire Council

Road Closure:  PSA Cancer Screening (2026)

To whom it may concern,

Please find enclosed details of a temporary road closure:

Road Closure:  PSA Cancer Screening (2026)

Start Date: 23rd September 2026

End Date: 23rd September 2026

Purpose: Cancer Screening takes place in Listley Street Car Park on WEDNESDAY 23-SEP between 17:00-21:30. Listley Street from the car park to St. Mary Street will be made one-way westbound during this period to aid traffic movements. Signed diversion in place

Works Promoter:   Bridgnorth Lions

Enforcement pattern for PSA Cancer Screening (2026):
All the time

You can view the closure and diversion route by clicking here:  https://one.network/?tm=GB152083166

Should you have any queries regarding this closure, please call Customer Services on 0345 6789006, or contact the Street Works Team on streetworks@shropshire.gov.uk.

Road Closure:  Riverside Bridgnorth

To whom it may concern,

Please find enclosed details of a temporary parking restiction :

Road Closure:  Riverside Bridgnorth

Start Date: 4th October 2026

End Date: 4th October 2026

Purpose: Suspension of parking bays (BT) to lay 3m duct in chamber

Works Promoter:   Openreach

Works Promoter Ref: BC518MACKG1WH2J7T0N-06

Enforcement pattern for Riverside Bridgnorth:
All the time

🚨 Fraud Alert: Could That Police Call Be a Scam?

🚨 Fraud Alert: Could That Police Call Be a Scam?
There has been a significant increase in reports of fraudsters contacting residents by telephone and falsely claiming to be police officers. This type of scam is occurring across the UK and is not limited to any one area.How the Scam WorksFraudsters often claim to be detectives or police officers investigating a crime. One common tactic is to say they are calling from Holborn Police Station in London or Brixham, although they may mispronounce the name.Scammers use their supposed authority to create fear and urgency. They may claim:A family member or friend has been arrested.Your personal details have been linked to a criminal investigation.Counterfeit documents, such as passports, have been found in your name.Your bank account or card has been used fraudulently.A member of bank staff is under investigation and your assistance is needed.The caller will then attempt to obtain personal, banking, or security information.Warning SignsBe suspicious if a caller:Asks for bank account details, PINs, passwords, or security codes.Requests that you withdraw cash from your bank account.Arranges for a courier or another person to collect cash, bank cards, or valuables.Pressures you to act quickly or keep the call confidential.Remember✅ Police officers will never cold call and ask for your bank details, PIN, passwords, or request that you transfer or withdraw money.✅ A genuine police officer attending your address will identify themselves and show their warrant card. They will be happy for you to check their identify and will wait for you to do this.Don’t Be Manipulated by the “Call 999 to Check”Some fraudsters may tell you to hang up and dial 999 to verify their identity. However, they can sometimes keep the line open, meaning you may still be connected to the scammers.If you receive a suspicious call:Hang up immediately.Wait at least 10 minutes before using the same landline or use a different phone.Call a trusted friend or family member to ensure the line has cleared.Contact your bank using a number you know is genuine.If You Have Shared Bank DetailsIf you have provided banking information, handed your card to a courier, or believe you may have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately.You can also contact your bank’s fraud team by calling 159, the secure banking hotline, or by using the number on the back of your bank card.Please SharePlease share this warning with family members, friends, neighbours, and anyone who may be vulnerable to this type of scam. Raising awareness is one of the best ways to prevent fraud.If you have been manipulated by Fraud or Cyber Offences,Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via reportfraud.police.uk Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number. Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number – 159 – to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major UK banks.

Road Closure Underhill Street

To whom it may concern,

PLEASE NOTE: PHASING DETAILS HAVE BEEN ADDED AS FOLLOWS…

Please find enclosed details of a temporary road closure:

Road Closure:  Underhill Street, Hollybush Road, West Castle Street and New Road, Bridgnorth

Start Date: 14th September 2026

End Date: 5th October 2026

Purpose: Capital resurfacing scheme.
Phase 1 – 14/09/26-18/09/26 closure of Underhill Street from low town bridge to the B4363 junction. This will include the 24 hour closure of New Road/West Castle Street for the rock slide repairs. Access for Oldbury Wells School will be from the north via Pound Street.
Phase 2 – 21/09/26-25/09/26 closure of B4364 junction to junction of Oldbury Wells School. Access for Oldbury Wells School will be from the north via Pound Street. 
Phase 3 – 28/09/26-30/09/26 closure of Oldbury Wells junction to Pound Street/Listley Street roundabout. Access for Oldbury Wells School will be from the south via Underhill Street.

Works Promoter:   Shropshire Council

Works Promoter Ref: UJ214RS-2022256

Enforcement pattern for Underhill Street and Hollybush Road, Bridgnorth:
From Monday to Friday 09:30 – 16:00

You can view the closure and diversion route by clicking here:  https://one.network/?tm=GB151976873

Should you have any queries regarding this closure, please call Customer Services on 0345 6789006, or contact the Street Works Team on streetworks@shropshire.gov.uk.

Yours Faithfully,

The Street Works Team

Shropshire Council

Doorstep Scams

These were around long before Scammers took to the Internet but still exist today, and reports of residents being defrauded in this way continue to appear.

Basically, these are cold callers on your doorstep either selling goods and services, as well as attempting to buy high value items on the doorstep such as gold, silver, jewellery or antiques.

Everyone has at some time come across those persons trying to sell cleaning materials backed up by a story of being an ex-offender and trying to make a new life. Or it may have been the “tradesman” offering to repair or clean your roof, clean your block paving or re-lay your tarmac drive.

Dealing with someone face to face on the doorstep puts the householder under extra pressure and these fraudsters will always try and smooth talk you, or pressure you, into agreeing to something you never really wanted.

So how can you protect yourself?Firstly, always be on your guard and be suspicious of anyone turning up out of the blue and uninvited – a sign at the door saying uninvited callers not welcome can often helpNever let any stranger into your home and also be aware of distraction callers when one person keeps you talking, whilst their partner goes around the back of the property to gain entry, so make sure doors are secured.Use of Smart Doorbells with cameras are a good deterrent, and also gives you the facility to talk to them without opening the doorAnyone selling goods door to door should be in possession of a “Pedlar’s Licence” which you can ask to seeAlways ask for an ID to prove they, and their business, are genuineNever be rushed into signing up for a deal, and always ask for written quotations on their company headed notepaper so you can check they are genuine; it is also helpful to ask for references for a tradesman’s previous customers Get competitive written quotes for any job or service and check of there is a “cooling off period” before acceptingBeware of requests for upfront payments before a job has been completedYou can also get your Utility Companies to set up a Password so then you know when someone claiming to be from the Electric, Gas, Telephone or Water Company is genuine If the caller remains persistent then call the Police, either 999 if you feel in immediate danger, or 101 if you do not feel in immediate danger

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours

If you have fallen for a fraud, 

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via www.reportfraud.police.uk

⚠️ Think Before You Click ⚠️


Many young people don’t realise that some online actions can be criminal offences, with consequences that can impact their education, future careers, travel opportunities, and more.

From unauthorised access to systems and data to making purchases without permission or taking part in DDoS attacks, even “low-level” cybercrime can have serious repercussions.

Parents, teachers, and carers play a vital role in helping young people understand the risks and make positive cyber choices. With skills in coding, gaming, and cybersecurity in high demand, there are countless opportunities to turn digital talent into a rewarding career.

✅ Educate
✅ Support
✅ Inspire

Let’s work together to help young people stay safe online and use their skills for good. For help and resources head to – Cyber Choices: https://padlet.com/WMPCyber/cyber-choices-15ftygig6x9x2vo2