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More than £2.5m is being invested in developing local action plans for safer and stronger communities and residents were asked about what they would like to see, to help make further improvements to the area. 

Telford & Wrekin Council’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Richard Overton said: “The event has been really well received and we’ve managed to connect people with some of the amazing council and community teams.

“Most importantly for us it’s been a chance to listen and learn about what’s needed in the area and we will be making sure the investment is about residents’ needs based on the feedback we’ve had.”

Services supporting the event included Job Box which has helped people take their first steps back into employment, signed people up for distance learning opportunities, provided support with CVs and made referrals to help people find new jobs.

The Police helped mark resident’s bikes with smart water, a traceable liquid that deters theft and were on hand for people to raise any concerns.

Other success stories included the Energise team supporting a recovering cancer patient and new mother into exercise classes, more than 25 people signing up to the year of wellbeing, volunteers coming forward to maintain green spaces and sign up for new projects and new cyclists joining up to sessions to build their confidence. 

The event also helped connect the boxing club with Donnington Community hub. The two organisations have joined forces to provide a mini bus service that will transport isolated residents into the hub and also help families access sporting opportunities.

Residents are invited to have their say to help build initiatives such as youth groups, social clubs and openings for volunteers to get involved. They are also being asked to help reduce opportunities for wrongdoings such as fly tipping, graffiti and anti-social behaviour. 

There will further events at the following venues:

• Dawley and Aqueduct, Dawley House - Thursday 30 September 2021 
• Sutton Hill Community Church - Wednesday 6 October 2021
• Woodside, William Reynolds School, Tf7 5QW - Thursday 7 October 2021

The investment will see Telford & Wrekin Council contribute £2m and an additional £500k from PCC John Campion to support the project, totalling £2.5m spread over the next two years. Areas set to benefit include Sutton Hill, Madeley and Woodside, Brookside, Stirchley & Hollinswood, (The Nedge) Wellington (Haygate & Arleston) St Georges & Priorslee, Wrockwardine Wood & Trench, Dawley Bank & Malinslee, Dawley & Aqueduct, Hadley & Leegomery, Oakengates & Ketley Bank, Ketley & Overdale and Donnington. 

Building on a proven track record, possible measures to enhance community safety include tackling social isolation through community initiatives or youth groups for those not in education, employment or training.

Changes to the physical environment will include measures such as more CCTV, even better lighting along with tackling fly tipping, graffiti and dealing with abandoned cars and houses and parking enforcement will all contribute to a safer, cleaner environment.

The project aims to help residents feel safer in their homes and communities by reducing anti-social behaviour. 

Residents who were unable to attend can still provide feedback here www.Telford.gov.uk/saferstronger