Cllr Paul Thomas - Priorslee

14/04/2026

Gatcombe Way Car Park – Fly Tipping

The area around the clothes bank has unfortunately become a real eyesore. What started as a cardboard box and a black bag has now escalated into a fly tipping hotspot, with items including a microwave, pushchair and suitcase being dumped.

The landlord had previously arranged for this to be cleared by the maintenance team, so I’ve followed up again to ensure this is dealt with as soon as possible. It’s incredibly frustrating that a small number of people continue to treat the area this way.

On a more positive note, I’m pleased to confirm that the deep potholes I reported have now been patched.

31/03/2026

Rachael and I were delighted to be invited by Faye Yip to attend today’s celebration event marking the conclusion of the current Tai Chi Wellbeing programme at the Chinese Arts and Culture Centre, which has been supporting individuals living with a cancer diagnosis.

This thoughtful and inspiring programme was designed to help participants improve their wellbeing through gentle Tai Chi practice, while also building confidence and fostering meaningful connections within a supportive and understanding environment.

The celebration event provided a wonderful opportunity to recognise the achievements of everyone involved and to reflect on the positive impact the programme has had. It was also a chance to share these successes with partners and supporters who have played an important role throughout.

A truly uplifting event, highlighting the power of community, resilience, and wellbeing support.

31/03/2026

Important update: HRC access is for Telford & Wrekin Council residents only

Following a review of the impact of non-resident use at our Household Recycling Centres (HRCs), we will be moving to a Telford & Wrekin Council residents only access approach from April 2026.

The facilities and processing costs associated with HRC waste are funded by Telford & Wrekin Council (TWC) residents. Significant use by individuals living outside the Borough places an unnecessary financial burden on TWC Council Taxpayers.

Introducing a resident’s only policy will help remove this additional cost, enabling us to maintain free garden waste collections and protect other frontline services. Removing non-resident use will also free up capacity at our HRCs for our residents.

When you visit, please bring a proof of address, such as a recent utility bill or your driving licence, to help staff confirm residency.

If you’re unable to provide valid proof of address, you may not be able to access to the HRCs.

23/03/2026

Granville landfill update:

The Environment Agency have been made aware of a significant increase in odour complaints over the weekend, with over 300 reports received.

Officers from the EA are attending the site this morning to investigate the source of the issue. The matter is being taken seriously, and enquiries are ongoing.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available via the Environment Agency website:

We regularly receive enquiries about our work and this page contains information about our regulation of sites that we have received the most interest about. On the right-hand side of this page you will find information on high interest sites within the West Midlands

18/03/2026

Thomas Telford Primary Free School – Access & Parking Update:

Cllr Rachael Tyrrell and I, were contacted by a number of parents and local residents ahead of the school opening last year, clearly excited about the new school - a much needed asset to the community- but concerned about how it would be accessed safely—both on foot and by car.

From the outset, there were clear challenges:
• Limited pedestrian access routes.
• Heavy reliance on cars, with access only via Roman Croft as George Lees Avenue would be closed for the foreseeable future whilst construction progresses.
• Likely congestion at drop-off and pick-up times.
• Parking pressures on nearby streets, including Salisbury Avenue.
• The added complication of the school operating within an active construction site.

We raised these concerns prior to the school opening with Council planning officers and other parties, particularly around safety for children, and managing traffic alongside construction activity.

Since then, several measures have been put in place:
• A temporary car park provided by Miller Homes
• Construction traffic paused during school drop-off and pick-up times
• Support from the Council’s Senior Development Control Highways Engineers to address emerging issues promptly and effectively.

More recently, additional safety steps have been introduced, including no parking areas, barriers and planned gated areas to better protect pedestrians although this would impact parking alongside the school.

However, significant challenges remain. When the permanent school is completed, the temporary car park is expected to be removed for development—at a time when pupil numbers will be increasing.

We are continuing to work with all parties to explore solutions, including:
• Retaining the temporary car park for as long as possible.
• A possible supervised “walking bus” from Lakeside.
• Progressing the completion of Woodhouse Lane which would improve pedestrian access for residents living off George Lees Avenue.

We know this is a complex issue, but please be assured we have been actively involved throughout and will continue working to improve safety and access for everyone.

Thank you for your ongoing feedback—it really helps shape the solutions.

17/03/2026

Grit bin requests:

Some positive news from this evening’s Parish Council meeting

Keeping residents safe during icy winter conditions is a real priority, so Cllr Rachael Tyrrell and I requested a number of new grit bins across Priorslee, supporting residents’ requests to help reduce the risk of slips, falls and vehicle accidents.

Following assessment, the Borough Council has approved new bins at:
• Wyndham Grove
• Mayfair Grove
• Powell Road
• Salisbury Avenue
• Collett Way

We are also really pleased that the Parish Council has supported our request by funding additional bins which didn’t meet the Borough Council’s criteria at:
• Cadman Drive
• Coniston Drive
• Priorslee Village
• Abelia Way
• York Road

This means more areas will be covered, helping residents stay safe when temperatures drop.

A great example of local councils working together to support our community.

14/03/2026

Thomas Telford Primary Free School - Secretary of State visit.

It was great to see the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, visit Priorslee this week together with Shaun Davies MP to see the progress being made on the new school.
During the visit, they met with Headteacher Claire Whiting and the dedicated staff who have been closely involved in shaping the vision for the school, ensuring it will provide an excellent learning environment for our children.

The school initially opened last September with 150 pupils currently learning in temporary classrooms while the permanent building is completed and is due to open fully this September.

Pupils gave the Minister a fantastic welcome and even helped plant a time capsule which will remain buried for future generations to discover.

As Ward Councillors, Cllr Rachael Tyrrell and I have been strong advocates for the provision of a new school to meet the needs of our growing community.

At the same time, we have raised some important concerns regarding the Travel Plan and access arrangements. With Roman Croft currently serving as the main access point while surrounding development continues, ensuring safe, convenient, and practical routes for families and residents remains a key priority for us. We will continue to work closely with the school and the council to make sure these issues are addressed as the school becomes fully operational.

It’s exciting to see the school taking shape and we look forward to it opening fully later this year.

08/03/2026

I am truly astounded by the number of birthday wishes I have received on FB, What’s App, Messenger, text and email from all my friends across the world.
Many thanks - they are all truly appreciated.
As I type they still keep coming in !
All these wishes remind me that, as time goes by, true friendships cannot be diminished through time or distance .

02/03/2026

It was a real honour to be invited, once again, by Faye Yip to attend the Chinese Arts and Culture Centre yesterday together with my fellow Cllr Rachael Tyrrell to celebrate the Year of the Horse. 🐎

These celebrations are always a highlight in our community calendar. They bring people together, showcase the richness of Chinese heritage, and remind us how diversity strengthens both our country and our local area.

It was also an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contribution of Faye Tai Chi Friends Community to health and wellbeing across Priorslee and beyond — work that Rachael and I have been proud to support.

Through initiatives such as the launch last September, funded by Lingen Davies Cancer Support , of three dedicated Tai Chi courses for people living with and beyond cancer, the group continues to provide meaningful support to those who need it most. Their ongoing work supporting people living with Parkinson’s, delivering weekly classes for our diverse communities, and raising funds for important local causes — including
Lingen Davies Cancer Support, the JDSS Bursary and a life-saving defibrillator — demonstrates a deep commitment to care, compassion and inclusion.

These efforts are making a genuine difference to many lives, and that is something truly worth celebrating.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who worked so hard to organise such a special occasion, provide such wonderful entertainment and delicious food. It was wonderful to see so many people come together in a spirit of unity, respect and shared celebration.💛

22/01/2026

Meet Your Local Policing Team – 30th January 2026.

Your local officers will be out and about in the community at the times and locations shown on the attached.

Pop along to say hello, meet some of the team, and share any concerns or questions you may have.

They are there to listen, support, and work with us.

05/01/2026

Granville Landfill Update:

The Council have responded to my request for an update on the current position following the work planned in December.

“The Environment Agency have confirmed that they received 1 complaint which was submitted on 3rd January 2026.

We encourage anyone affected by odour to report incidents directly to the EA as soon as they occur. Prompt reporting enables the EA to investigate and assess conditions quickly and effectively. This can be done by reporting online: Where is the smell coming from - report an environmental problem - GOV.UK or by calling their incident number on 0800 80 70 60

We are working closely with the EA to monitor compliance and understand the controls required under the permit. In addition, we maintain regular contact with the operator to ensure these controls are implemented.

While some odour is inherent to landfill operations, there appears to have been a significant improvement over the past year, demonstrated by the reducing complaint numbers. However, based on historical complaint patterns and EA data shared in early 2025 at their presentation, odour reports tend to increase between January and April, likely due in part to seasonal weather conditions, which unfortunately are out of the operator’s control”.
The EA updated the website 23rd December.
https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/west-midlands-regulated-industry-sites/news_feed/granville-landfill-update-december-2025

In our previous update we stated that in December the operator was going to install permanent gas wells in the previously filled cell to enhance long term gas collection. We can confirm that the work to install these additional gas wells is now complete.We are working closely with the site operator....