Hospitals chief exec says A&E review will be back on track in weeks
Motorcyclist knocked off bike by Christmas lights stretched across road
Shrewsbury Town manager wants to improve disciplinary record
Updates from Thursday 15 December
Andy Giddings
BBC Shropshire
Here's a recap of our headlines this afternoon:
- Police patrols to be increased for busy festive party fortnight
- Revamp of Telford bus station underway
- Shrewsbury Town manager looks for improvement in disciplinary record
BBC Sport
The Shrewsbury manager Paul Hurst says his team's disciplinary record is "not good enough" and he plans to introduce a system of fines next season, to bring it under control.
Hurst conceded in the modern game "it is far easier to get booked than when I was playing" but said he didn't want take away his players' willingness to fight and turn them into "fairies on the pitch".
He also said that players who have picked up 10 bookings before Christmas probably need to be a bit smarter in the way they react to provocation.
Three players will be suspended for tomorrow's match against Bristol Rovers.
Quote MessageThe disciplinary record overall is not good enough. there's things I would like to have in place at the start of the season and will have for next season which will hopefully act as a deterrent. As in fines."
Paul Hurst, Shrewsbury Town manager
As well as putting extra officers out on the streets over Christmas, the police are using social media to spread messages about drink-related crime.
They're trying to discourage people from getting drunk before they go out, warning that those who do are statistically more likely to get involve in violence or injure themselves.
Image source, Getty ImagesThe police are also tweeting a number of other Christmas messages, including security advice for your Christmas presents.
BBC Sport
The Telford Tigers coach Tom Watkins has told his younger players they have to earn their spot in the side, as they attempt to maintain their lead at the top of the English Premier League.
Corey Goodison, Joe Aston, Brodie Jesson and Ted Thompson have all been given changes in recent weeks, because of the departure of a number of senior players, who failed to agree restructured contracts.
Image source, Steve BrodieHead coach Tom Watkins said he will also continue to search for more additions, from around the British leagues.
Quote MessageWe’ve always been keen to give chances to young guys at practice. I’m not a fan of just giving away opportunities to play. It helps to have bodies, but the kids have got to earn it and know what it takes to play EPL hockey and win."
Tom Watkins, Telford Tigers head coach
He’s been racing motorbikes since he was six years old and now Shropshire's Ross Turner has his sights set on the big time., external
Image source, Shropshire Star
BBC Midlands Today
On Midlands Today from 13:30 on BBC One we'll be looking at how farmers in the region are abandoning traditional ploughing techniques.
The reason we're looking at this is, in a post-Brexit world, there's uncertainty about what could happen with farm subsidies - which could make some traditional crops unattractive.
Plus we'll meet one of only four people who have won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award twice.
West Mercia Police say the number of officers on the beat in towns around Shropshire will be up by at least 20% between now and the new year.
And there will be an even bigger effort over this weekend and the next with lots of people expected to go out partying - the number of police in Telford will be up by 40% and up by 33% in Shrewsbury.
Image source, Getty ImagesBetween 18 December last year and the start of the new year, the force say they responded to 1,005 violent crimes in the West Mercia area and that 46% of them were alcohol-related.
And they say this is always the busiest time of the year for them.
AFC Telford United are away to promotion-chasing FC Halifax Town tomorrow.
Since the two sides last met in September, their opponents have won six of their 10 league matches, and sit just one place outside the play-off places.
Image source, Getty ImagesOne bit of good news for Telford - Elliott Hodge will be able for selection for this game, after being ineligible for the cup match against Kidderminster.
Andy Giddings
BBC Shropshire
Our headlines this lunchtime:
- Police launch operation to control drink-related trouble over Christmas
- Work begins on Telford bus station revamp
- Over 100 Cub Scouts to parade through Bridgnorth
Up to 150 Cub Scouts will be parading through the centre of Bridgnorth this evening, as part of the celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the scouting movement.
Packs from all over the district will be meeting in High Town at 18:30 and marching down Whitburn Street (pictured below) and the High Street, before gathering at the old village hall for a meeting and singing.
Image source, GoogleToday, Cub Scouts around the country are holding celebrations that will include a renewal of their promise, at 19:16, to commemorate the official registration date of the Cub Scout section.
Charlie Slater
BBC Weather presenter
We're forecast dry weather and light cloud across the county this afternoon.
Latest weather for the West Midlands
The owners of Telford Town Centre say the work on the bus station is just part of a larger revamp.
The designs (below) show how the bus station will look in the future, but outline plans have also been submitted to carry out alterations to the mall behind it.
The aim is to make create larger stores on that side of the centre and improve the pathway between the shops and the bus station.
Image source, Telford Town Centre
Image source, Telford Town CentreThis photo was taken by one of the BBC Weather Watchers this morning, in Llanymynech.
Image source, Carreghofa BobIf you have pictures of Shropshire and want to share them with us, you can get in touch through email, Facebook , externaland Twitter, external.
Five motorists will have to fork out a total of almost £4,000 in fines and court costs, external – after refusing to pay £50 parking tickets handed out in Oswestry.
Image source, Shropshire StarFarmers abandon traditional ploughing to cut costs and improve the environment.
Read MoreBBC Sport
The Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst knows he's up against it with suspensions and injuries limiting his choices against Bristol Rovers this weekend.
But he says that regardless who he selects, he wants to see some fight this weekend and promises there will be no "easy points" for visitors to the Greenhous Meadow.
The Shrewsbury Town manager says he doesn't want visitors thinking they will have it easy
Alex Seftel
BBC Local Live
The RSCPA has praised a court's decision to ban a Telford pensioner from keeping animals for five years.
Edmund Dickens, 80, from Hopkins Heath in Shawbirch poisoned a neighbour's dog by lacing some ham with anti-freeze.
He pleaded guilty at Telford Magistrates' Court on Thursday to causing unnecessary suffering to the dog, under the Animal Welfare Act.
Image source, RSPCAThe RSPCA inspector Kate Parker, who investigated the case, says it's rare they get to the bottom of these sorts of cases, and is pleased with the outcome.
Quote MessageA great result... the dog that suffered died a slow and agonizing death... which is completely wrong and illegal."
Kate Parker, Inspector, RSPCA
Andy Giddings
BBC Shropshire
Our headlines this morning;
- Extra police officers on the beat this weekend, to deal with drink-related trouble
- RSPCA welcomes ban for man who poisoned his neighbour's dog
- Work starts on Telford bus station revamp
Alex Seftel
BBC Local Live
A project's under way to remodel Telford's main Northfield Street bus station.
The new look station's expected to include better rain shelters with seating for passengers.
Image source, GoogleExisting entrances and footpaths will also be updated and developers hope it'll all be completed next autumn.
West Mercia Police has promised that the busiest nights of the festive season will see more officers on our streets.
The force's annual Christmas Presence operation is out to tackle alcohol-related violence.
It says nearly half of injuries stemming from violent crime last December involved people who'd been drinking.
