Uninsured drivers issued police warning

‘Operation Drive Insured’ - a week-long operation developed by MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) and supported nationally by police forces saw targeted roads policing activity across the UK, including Wellington and Shropshire, to detect and seize uninsured vehicles.

Detecting vehicles with no insurance is a year round commitment for West Mercia Police. In support of the Safer West Mercia Plan enforcement takes place across the three counties 24/7, ensuring that all our road users are kept safe. Last year they dealt with 2,054 for no insurance across the area.

Every year over 130 people are killed on the roads of Great Britain by uninsured drivers and more than 20,000 claims relating to uninsured driving are received by the Motor Insurance Bureau. Each day, at least one person is so seriously injured by an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, they require life-long care. Every four minutes an uninsured vehicle is seized by police.

Those intentionally choosing to drive without insurance are:

• Ten times more likely to be a convicted drink driver

• Six times more likely to have defective vehicle

• Five times more likely to activate speed cameras

• Four - five times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision

The aim of the operation is to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage motorists to check when their insurance is due to avoid any lapse in cover but to also target those motorists intentionally using the roads without insurance.

Superintendent Steph Brighton of West Mercia Police said: “Whilst the majority of road users comply with the legislation around insurance for their vehicle unfortunately there are a small minority using our roads that do not. Driving without valid insurance is not only against the law, it also devastates the lives of many other road users each year. 

"Supporting this national operation is part of our commitment to help improve road safety for all, reduce the amount of people that are killed or seriously injured on our roads and to deny criminals the use of the roads”.

The consequences of being caught without valid insurance can lead to drivers having their vehicle seized and potentially crushed along with a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points. They can also face court and receive a driving ban and an unlimited fine. To check if a vehicle is showing as insured drivers can look for free at www.askmid.com

Joint Christmas Fete for Hadley and Wellington parishes on Saturday 2nd December

“Hadley’s Best Christmas Fete in years!” That’s the promise of Father Stuart Howes, Vicar of the twin parishes of Christ Church in Wellington and of Holy Trinity in Hadley.

“I’m confident this will be the best Christmas fete we’ll have had in several years. I say this because last year’s fete was a great success but with all the extra hard work parishioners have put into organising this year’s fete, I feel certain this one will be even bigger and better. This is because our members were working on it all year, making Christmas items and craft items to be sold at the fete and arranging the stalls and events all year.”

He went on to say: “There'll be fantastic events and features inside and outside the church. There’s a special Angel Corner with the Angel stained glass window, an angel trail in the church, with free angel brooches for visitors, there’ll be live music including the Telford Ensemble, organ music and more.

“Food will be available including hot soup and festive treats,  there’s a Christmas-themed tombola, a cake stall and craft stalls so visitors can snap up bargains as they’ll make excellent stocking fillers, there’ll be handmade baubles, cards and knitted items.”

He added: “This is a combined Christmas Fete shared by the joint parishes of Christ Church Wellington and Holy Trinity Hadley. The Fete takes place at Holy Trinity on Saturday Second of December and everyone from both parishes, church members and public are warmly welcomed. There’s free car parking near the church in Hadley centre.

“We know times are tough for many in our parishes so we extend an invitation to everyone young and old to come and participate in an event we’re sure will spread the magic and true message of Christmas to all. And please remember, our two churches are for everyone in our parishes, members or not, so please come along and see what we are doing.”

The fete takes place on Saturday 2nd December from noon until 4pm.

Woman missing from Rodington Heath, Shropshire

29-year-old Marie Kettlewell was last seen at 4.15am on Monday 20 March at her home address in Shop Lane, Rodington Heath, in Shropshire.

It is thought that Marie left the property between 4.15am – 7.15am yesterday, Monday 20 March.

Marie is described as being 5ft 8in in height, of a slim build, with a shaven head with short dark hair that is  coming through.

Marie wearing a black woolly cap, a navy blue fleece with a navy blue anorak underneath, and grey leggings and red shoes.

If you see Marie please ring 999.