Public's views sought on Telford's 50th anniversary celebrations
It has come a long way in 50 years. With thousands of residents, big businesses and a thriving community, Telford has a life all of its own.
And as it prepares to mark its Golden Jubilee, people were today being asked about what they would like to see Telford & Wrekin Council do to mark the anniversary.
A Telford 50 plan is already being formulated, but the council says it wants to see the whole of Telford get involved and is asking people what they think the celebrations should focus on.
On May 1 1957, Government approval was given for Dawley Urban District Council to build 200 houses on the Langley Farm Estate for Birmingham overspill population as a pilot scheme. The keys to the first two families to move in handed over on November 15, 1958.
Dawley New Town was officially designated January 16 1963, and three years later, work started on building houses at Sutton Hill.
But it was on October 23 1968 that it was announced that Dawley New Town was to be greatly expanded to take in Wellington and Oakengates, and that the enlarged town will be called Telford, after Thomas Telford.
To mark the milestone, Telford & Wrekin Council has announced a £2 million fund to go towards the future of the borough.
The plan includes a £1 million “legacy fund” for organisations to celebrate Telford at 50, and another £1 million to invest in projects that “support the council’s existing priorities, help to build resilient and strong communities, and help to reduce demand upon public sector services”
People have also been asked to vote for a logo which is being used in promotional material and at events during the year.
Telford & Wrekin Council wants to get as many borough residents, groups and businesses as possible involved in preparing for the anniversary next year.
And until September 18, people can complete an online survey to have their say on the type of legacy projects they think would best celebrate the borough as well as registering as a volunteer for a Telford 50 event and expressing an interest in organising a community event.
People can complete an online survey to have their say on the type of legacy projects they think would best celebrate the borough’s history and growth.
This could include arts and cultural projects, community buildings, sports, leisure and recreation facilities, heritage trails and local attractions or digital enablement like websites and apps.
Using the survey, people can choose the theme they believe to be the most important and express their own ideas on what should be put forward as part of the 50th celebrations.
The survey is now open and paper versions of the survey will be available in council’s main libraries at Southwater, Wellington, Newport, and Madeley as well as The Place Theatre in Oakengates, later this week.
The council will then take these views and develop a list of projects to be supported by the Telford Pride at 50 Fund.
The council will work with groups and organisations relevant to the chosen projects to bring these to life. Expressions of interest would be sought from organisations in early 2018.
Council leader Shaun Davies said: “Telford’s 50th anniversary is a very significant milestone in our Borough and our residents should decide what kind of projects or schemes we can help deliver to leave a lasting legacy.
“We want to get as many people as possible involved in telling us what they want to see.
“We would also like to encourage people to think about volunteering to support our Telford 50 events throughout the year, organising an event in their community or sponsoring an event.”
Thousands of people have already got involved in Telford’s 50th anniversary earlier this year, when the council asked people to choose the 50th anniversary logo in an online survey that generated huge interest.
Anyone that would like to be kept informed of Telford 50 latest news and events can register online and also join a dedicated Facebook group.
The council is also building a Telford 50 website which will be available later in the year.
To see the survey, visit telford.researchfeedback.net/wh/s.asp?k=150149809145
