Shropshire Local comes to Craven Arms

People in Craven Arms will soon be able to get friendly, face-to-face help from Shropshire Council closer to home, with a new Shropshire Local drop-in launching in the town. 

The drop-in will give residents a welcoming place to speak to council staff in person, ask questions, and find out what support may be available. The new service at Craven Arms will initially run for four months, 10am to 4pm, at the Craven Arms Community Centre (CasCa), Newington Way, Craven Arms SY7 9PS. Dates are Tuesday 22 September, Tuesday 27 October, Tuesday 24 November and Tuesday 22 December. 

Shropshire Local is there for anyone who would welcome a helping hand, who prefer talking things through face-to-face, or who find it difficult to access services online or over the phone. 

The team can help with a wide range of council services, from Blue Badge applications and concessionary travel, to housing options, parking, Council Tax support, Housing Benefit and the Crisis and Resilience Fund. 

The new service at Craven Arms will initially run for four months, 10am to 4pm, at the Craven Arms Community Centre (pictured), on Tuesday 22 September, Tuesday 27 October, Tuesday 24 November and Tuesday 22 December.

The new Craven Arms drop-in will join the wider Shropshire Local service, which is helping residents across the county through main hubs at the Guildhall in Shrewsbury and Ludlow Library, as well as regular mobile sessions in local communities. 

Sarah Marston, Cabinet member for Communities & Environment, said: 

“Sometimes it is much easier to talk things through with someone in person, especially if you are not sure where to start or what help is available. 

“That is what Shropshire Local is all about. It gives people a friendly, practical way to get help from the council, and I am really pleased that residents in and around Craven Arms will now be able to access this support locally. 

“I would encourage anyone who has a question, needs support, or simply wants to find out more to pop in and speak to the team. They will be happy to help.” 

Joshua Dickin, Shropshire councillor for the Craven Arms division, added: 

“It’s great to be able to bring Shropshire Local to Craven Arms on a trial period, and I know it will make a real, positive difference to local residents who need to access council services. I hope that the access to this service will be utilised during the trial period and also beyond if the trial is successful.” 

Find out more about Shropshire Local 

The Craven Arms drop-in will offer a friendly place for residents to get help accessing council services. 

The drop-in will initially run for four months, 10am to 4pm, at the Craven Arms Community Centre (CasCa), Newington Way, Craven Arms SY7 9PS. Dates are Tuesday 22 September, Tuesday 27 October, Tuesday 24 November and Tuesday 22 December. 

Residents can come along without an appointment and talk through their query with trained council staff. 

Residents are urged to bring any relevant paperwork and reference numbers that they may have, along with national insurance number, proof of ID and address if making a new application.  

Shropshire Local: The Guildhall in Shrewsbury, weekdays between 9.30am and 5pm: Shropshire Local – Shrewsbury | Shropshire Council 

Ludlow Library, weekdays (except Thursday) between 9.30am and 5pm: Shropshire Local – Ludlow | Shropshire Council 

As well as Craven Arms, Shropshire Local Mobile visits locations across the county, including Bridgnorth, Broseley, Oswestry, Whitchurch, Ellesmere, Shifnal, Market Drayton, Albrighton, Highley and Bishop’s Castle. For dates and locations, visit: Shropshire Local Mobile | Shropshire Council