News | Highley Parish Council

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Notice of Application for a Drought Order

17th August 2026

Dear Sir/Madam

Notice of Application for a Drought Order

Site name: River Severn Drought Order

The Environment Agency (“the Agency”) in relation to England are applying to the Secretary of State for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Natural Resources Wales in relation to Wales, are applying to Welsh Government, for a drought order under Section 73 of the Water Resources Act 1991

Due to the threat of a serious deficiency in flows/levels in the River Severn catchment which poses a serious threat to the flora or fauna which are dependent on those waters, the Agency and Natural Resources Wales are proposing for a drought order. The deficiency is caused by an exceptional shortage of rain. The proposed drought order, which is intended to apply for up to 6 months, aims to maintain supported water resources along the whole River Severn for longer at lower quantities, rather than risk running out of supported water and causing significant and sudden river level/flow declines.

The River Severn is artificially supported by reservoir and groundwater releases most years, known as ‘River Severn Regulation.’ This year has needed large and continuous releases to maintain a healthy river. This has lowered water levels in Clywedog Reservoir at the head of the River Severn in Wales to drought action triggers, a level which needs changes in operations via a drought order to conserve water.

We are notifying you of this application. The details of the application can be found in the attached notice and on Abstracting or impounding water: notices of applications made - GOV.UK. You can also view the application and supporting documents online at: https://ymgynghori.cyfoethnaturiol.cymru/permitting-caniatau/river-sever...

If you wish to make an objection about this application, please write to both water.resources@defra.gov.uk and waterEPC@gov.wales or at the addresses below:

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, c/o Water Resources Policy, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Seacole 3rd Floor, 2 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 4DF.

Water Branch, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ

Any objection(s) should be made immediately and in any event to be received by no later than 5pm on 25 August 2026.

Yours sincerely

Grace Wight

Environment Planning and Engagement Manager

Local Operations West Midlands

HEATWAVE SCAMS

11th August 2026

Once again, we find the fraudsters and criminals are jumping on topical situations to defraud the public with too good to be true offers, and what better to offer at this time than inexpensive Air Conditioners and Fans, often carrying well-known brand names.

These are very often coupled with time-related offers and discounts to rush the public into decisions before they check out the background of the offers and the companies providing them.

They offer authentic products at knock down prices coupled with glowing customer reviews. Very often they copy the websites of genuine stores such as Aldi currently.

How can you protect yourself?

Beware of time limited offers and big discounts
Always check website domains and look for errors in spelling and print
Checkout the product details on the genuine maker’s website and always use that maker’s website
Never trust any links or attachments in emails and check the sender before opening any emails
Always think twice before handing over your personal and financial details

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives, or neighbours

If you have fallen for a fraud,

Report it to Report Fraud (formerly known as ACTION FRAUD) on 0300 123 2040 or via www.reportfraud.police.uk

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take prompt action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks. You can also report Scam mobile calls by texting 7726 with the word “Call” followed by the fraudulent caller’s phone number.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk

If you think your bank account or personal banking details have been used fraudulently, then use the short phone number - 159 - to contact the Fraud Prevention Department of most major

THINK before you CLICK

10th August 2026

Many young people don't realise that some online actions can be criminal offences, with consequences that can impact their education, future careers, travel opportunities, and more.

From unauthorised access to systems and data to making purchases without permission or taking part in DDoS attacks, even "low-level" cybercrime can have serious repercussions.

Parents, teachers, and carers play a vital role in helping young people understand the risks and make positive cyber choices. With skills in coding, gaming, and cybersecurity in high demand, there are countless opportunities to turn digital talent into a rewarding career.

Educate
Support
Inspire

Let's work together to help young people stay safe online and use their skills for good. For help and resources head to - Cyber Choices: https://padlet.com/WMPCyber/cyber-choices-15ftygig6x9x2vo2

Become a Cancer Champion in Highley

8th August 2026

Highley Parish Council is supporting the regional Cancer Champions campaign, which helps people understand the signs and symptoms of cancer and encourages residents to take up screening invitations. Cancer Champions are everyday volunteers who help make conversations about cancer easier, clearer and more accessible within their community. No previous experience is needed, and full training and support are provided.

Cancer Champions:

Talk to others about spotting early signs and symptoms of cancer.

Encourage people to attend screening appointments and seek help when something doesn’t feel right.

Listen to local experiences and help reduce stigma and myths around cancer.

Support friends, colleagues and neighbours by sharing accurate, practical information.

This initiative is active across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Powys, and volunteers come from all backgrounds. Becoming a Cancer Champion means helping improve health outcomes in your community and supporting early detection, which saves lives.

If you are interested in becoming a Cancer Champion, you can learn more and register at:
https://www.cancerchampions.co.uk/about-our-campaign/

Highley Parish Council encourages residents who are passionate about community wellbeing to consider taking part.

8th August 2026

Families affected by domestic abuse often live with it for a long time before getting help. On average, people assessed as high risk experience it for nearly two and a half years before receiving support. It is vital that we understand why leaving or speaking out can be so difficult, so that we can support vulnerable people more effectively.

To many people, Ruth Dodsworth appeared to have it all: a successful television career, a loving family and a long-term relationship. But behind the scenes, she was living what she later described as a "double life". It took years for Ruth to recognise the abuse she was experiencing and to find a way out.

In 2019, her former husband, Jonathan Wignall, was jailed for coercive and controlling behaviour and stalking. Since then, Ruth has become a powerful advocate for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, receiving an OBE in 2025 for her services to the cause.

We are incredibly grateful to Ruth for sharing her story on our podcast. It is a sensitive and, at times, challenging conversation, but it is also insightful, powerful and ultimately hopeful. By listening, you'll gain a deeper understanding of coercive control, why people can become trapped in abusive relationships, and what support can make a difference.

https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/supporting-communities/neighbourhood-watch-p...

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