HEATHER’S REPORT FOR APRIL 2023

Save the Welshpool Air Ambulance Station – closure only delayed till 2026
The Wales Air Ambulance is running a series of consultation meetings on the future of the Welshpool base.: For details click on this link.
https://easc.nhs.wales/engagement/sdp/engagement-timetable/
There are online events, and meetings in Welshpool and Knighton.
ALSO IMPORTANT
Please also send your experiences with this Air Ambulance to . Include fundraising etc. Send them an email on:
https://www.healthwatchshropshire.co.uk/share-your-views and scroll down to ‘ at the bottom of the screen.

Road Works: A488 Minsterley to Pontesbury
There will be disruption along the A488 from 16th May to 15th June 2023 to allow surface dressing of the road. They are scheduled to take place Monday – Friday 09:30 – 16:00:

PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE WORKS ARE WEATHER DEPENDENT AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Council Ignores Vulnerable in Digital Changes
Shropshire Council has been trying to introduce a ‘Digital Strategy’ which will mean that we will have to contact the Council online if we want to access their services, pay bills etc.
Whilst many of the proposals in this strategy make sense – allowing easier access for residents to report problems and the like, I have real concerns about accessibility.
Shropshire has a higher-than-average proportion of elderly residents, many of whom are not conversant with IT. When you add residents with learning difficulties or those without reliable broadband or mobile phone signal the numbers become significant. Research estimates that some 17,000 people in Shropshire are not digitally enabled.
Already, for example, blue badge holders have to apply online for their badges – and in no other way. Given that the vast majority of blue badge holders are elderly or disabled this is already problematic for many.
The ruling group on the Council voted against my amendment to this policy at the last Council which would have allowed residents more choice in how they contact the Council.
However, I will continue to press for a more flexible than this.

Community Grant funding – Churches, theatres, Libraries, Museums, Youth, Football energy support, Road Safety and more
Please find the latest grant funding opportunities as compiled by the Rural Services Network on the link below. If any help is needed in completing an application or with a letter of support please get in touch.
https://www.rsnonline.org.uk/rural-funding-digest-april-2023