Nearly 20 e-scooters seized in Telford dangerous riding crackdown

Police seized 19 e-scooters and an off-road bike during three days of enforcement action following reports of dangerous riding in and around Telford's shopping centre.

The operations, carried out between 24 and 26 August 2026, followed concerns from members of the public about e-scooters being ridden dangerously around the town centre and shopping centre.

Officers from Telford’s Safer Neighbourhood Teams seized six e-scooters on Monday 24 August, followed by another eight and an off-road bike on Tuesday 25 August.

A further five e-scooters were seized on Wednesday 26 August during Operation Spree, a borough-wide operation targeting the illegal use of off-road motorbikes.

West Mercia Police worked alongside Staffordshire Police and Telford & Wrekin Council during the operation.

Sergeant Matt Corfield said dangerous riding had caused concern for shoppers, visitors and local businesses. He warned that some of the scooters recovered were capable of significant speeds, creating a serious risk for pedestrians as well as riders.

He said the seizures demonstrated officers’ commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour and irresponsible vehicle use, with further proactive operations planned across Telford and the wider borough.

Residents were encouraged to report concerns about anti-social behaviour and vehicles being used illegally.

Councillor Paul Davis, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Strong Communities, Local Pride and Veterans, welcomed the enforcement action.

He highlighted the confusion surrounding e-scooters, which are widely available to buy despite restrictions on where they can legally be ridden. 

Raising awareness, he said, was an important part of helping residents stay safe and avoid breaking the law.

What are the rules for e-scooter owners?

Privately owned e-scooters cannot legally be ridden on public roads, pavements, cycle lanes or in pedestrianised areas. They can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.

Riders using them illegally risk having their scooters seized, and could also face fines and penalty points on their driving licence.

Different rules apply to authorised government rental trials. In its announcement on 27 August, West Mercia Police said there were no legal e-scooter rental schemes operating in Shropshire.

For residents across Wellington and the wider borough, the message is clear: being able to buy an e-scooter does not mean it is legal to ride it through local streets or public spaces.

Two Beatles bring a musical evening to Christ Church, Wellington

Fancy an evening celebrating the music of The Beatles, right here in Wellington? 

Christ Church is presenting Two Beatles on Friday 27 November, offering a chance to enjoy a night out close to home.

The event’s poster features two guitar-playing performers at their microphones, setting the scene for an evening with a Beatles theme. 

Whether you grew up with the Fab Four’s records or discovered their music through later generations, this could be a lovely opportunity to gather with friends and fellow fans.

It is also an affordable outing for families. Tickets cost £10, while under-16s can attend free, making it easier to bring younger music lovers along.

Doors open at 7pm, and a bar will be available. Please note that the poster gives the doors-opening time rather than a separate performance start time, so bear that in mind when planning your evening.

The event is sponsored by Spinning Around Records. Local support for evenings like this helps bring people together and adds to Wellington’s entertainment calendar.

There is a QR code on the poster for anyone wishing to find out more or arrange tickets. Simply scan it with your smartphone camera and follow the link.

Was this you? Then recreate the magic in Wellington!

If you are looking for a November night out with friends, a family musical outing or an excuse to indulge your fondness for The Beatles, put this one in your diary.

Event details:

What: Two Beatles

Where: Christ Church, Wellington, Shropshire

When: Friday 27 November

Doors: 7pm

Tickets: £10

Under-16s: Free

Bar: Available

Incidentally, did you see The Fab Four when they appeared live in Shropshire? If so, let us know!

Man charged after bus driver attacked in Madeley, Shropshire

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A 33-year-old man has been charged following an incident in Madeley in which a bus driver was assaulted and a bus was allegedly stolen and driven into several vehicles.

West Mercia Police said officers were called to Court Street at about 6.37pm on Friday 18 September. 

During the assault, the driver was forced from the bus. 

The vehicle was then driven along Park Way towards High Street, where it collided with a number of vehicles. The driver was taken to hospital for treatment but did not suffer serious injuries.

Video footage reported by news outlets appears to show the Sikh driver being struck with a ticket machine. Police have not stated a motive for the assault.

Ali Balhad has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, assault, attempted grievous bodily harm, dangerous driving, robbery, theft from a store, threats to kill and three counts of criminal damage. West Mercia Police said Balhad is a Yemeni national who was believed to have been in the Telford area for only around a week.

Balhad appeared before Telford Magistrates’ Court on Monday 21 September. He did not enter a plea, was refused bail and is due to appear at Shrewsbury Crown Court on 19 October. The charges remain allegations and the case is ongoing.

West Mercia Police have asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to contact them, quoting incident 379i of 18 September 2026. The driver has asked that his privacy be respected.

Man charged with robbery and burglary

A man was charged in connection with an armed robbery in Wellington, a commercial burglary in Wellington and a knifepoint robbery in Albrighton. Mark Gillon, 43, who is of no fixed abode, was charged with the following offences:

Two counts of robbery

Possession of a knife blade / sharp pointed article in a public place

Possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence

Possession of a firearm while committing offence or being arrested

Burglary other than dwelling with intent to steal

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Telford Magistrates Court.

Man arrested in connection with "armed" robbery

A man has been arrested in connection with a robbery at a bank in Wellington on Monday (25 August).

At around 11.39am officers were called to reports a man had entered Nationwide on New Street saying he had a firearm before taking around £2,000 in cash.

No one was injured during the incident and the man left the scene before officers arrived.

Yesterday (Wednesday 26 August) officers arrested a 43-year-old Wolverhampton man on suspicion of robbery. He remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

He was also arrested on suspicion of robbery in connection with an incident at the Albrighton Co-op on Friday (21 August), and suspicion of burglary relating to a break-in at a café in Wellington on Friday 3 July.

Detective Sergeant Craig Ryder told us: "We understand incidents of this nature can be concerning for local communities; however, I would like to reassure residents a swift investigation has led to the arrest of a man in connection with Monday’s robbery. Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident.

"Our enquiries remain ongoing while the suspect remains in custody, and I would like to thank the public for their support and patience while officers continue their work."

Moment officers discover fuel tanker on fire

This is exact moment a police officer officer and PCSO from Lawley and Overdale’s Safer Neighbourhood Team came across a fuel tanker on fire in Telford on Tuesday (14 April).

Within seconds of arriving at the scene on Malborough Way, PC Savannah Green closed the road and called the fire in over the radio, while PCSO George Mulhall approached the vehicle to see if anyone was trapped or injured.

As PC Green told members of the public not to get any closer, PCSO Mulhall was asked to evacuate the nearby primary school as it wasn’t known if the tanker that contained 15,000 litres of fuel may explode.

PCSO Mulhall ran towards the school, and with the help of three members of the public, was able to alert teachers and staff who quickly, and safely, evacuated around 500 pupils.

Meanwhile PC Green was calling for back up and managing the incident while Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service made their way to the scene.

Thankfully, no one was injured during the fire, and within 10 minutes of PC Green and PCSO Mulhall arriving, the fire service were at the scene and bringing the blaze under control. 

Superintendent Edward Hancox told us: “Savannah and George showed courage and professionalism in an unpredictable and potentially life-threatening situation. While most people quite rightly move away from danger, our officers run towards it to keep our communities safe, and their actions on Tuesday are a clear example of that commitment.

“Their quick thinking, calm decision‑making and willingness to put themselves at risk ensured the area was quickly secured, the fire service could get to work, and school children were evacuated safely.

“We are also incredibly grateful to the school staff and the members of the community who stepped forward to help. Their cooperation and swift response played a crucial role in keeping everyone safe in the initial stages of the incident."

Dancing Queens Assemble: Abbamia to Light Up Christ Church Wellington on 4th July

Get ready to don your sequins and your platform boots—on Friday 4th July, Christ Church in Wellington, Telford, will transform into a glittering haven of disco nostalgia as Abbamia, one of the UK’s premier ABBA tribute acts, takes to the stage.

Starting at 7pm, this family-friendly evening promises a high-energy celebration of ABBA’s greatest hits, including favourites like “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “Dancing Queen.” 

Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to the magic of the Swedish supergroup, Abbamia’s performance is set to deliver a night of singalong joy and irresistible rhythms.

Tickets are priced at £10 (plus booking fee), with free entry for under-16s, making it an ideal outing for families and music lovers of all ages. A licensed bar will be available, offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to keep the energy high throughout the night.

Father Stuart Howes, Vicar of Christ Church, expressed his enthusiasm: “It promises to be a really good, fun night. We all grew up on the songs of ABBA, and it will be great to hear them being performed live in Christ Church, which is gaining itself quite a reputation as a venue for live music from choral evenings to tribute bands such as Abbamia.” 

Tickets can be booked by calling 01952 475831. Alternatively, they are available for cash purchase at Spinning Around Records on New Street in Wellington.

So, if you’re ready to relive the golden era of disco and celebrate the timeless tunes of ABBA, mark your calendar for 4th July and join the festivities at Christ Church Wellington. It’s time to say “Thank You for the Music” and dance the night away!