Planting scheme commemorates former Mayor

Living Space has contributed £300 towards a planting scheme which is set to improve the gateway to Telford’s new Malcolm Randle Close in Malinslee.

The high-quality development of 38 affordable homes was named after the former Mayor of Great Dawley Town Council, Councillor Malcolm Randle, who died in March 2020.

Telford & Wrekin Council is spending £5,000 carrying out visual enhancements to the gateway of the development, levelling off the area and planting a variety of trees and bulbs.

In the summer, Living Space handed over all 38 of the affordable homes to The Wrekin Housing Group, having transformed the 2.1-acre brownfield site into a £6m eco-efficient scheme where 30% of the homes are installed with Solar PV panels and battery storage to generate significant energy savings. Living Space previously secured planning consent for the site and delivered the construction contract in its entirety.

Located off Park Road, all of the purpose-designed modern dwellings are being let at an affordable rent, which is at least 20% below standard local market rents.

Paul Breen, Managing Director of Living Space, said: “This was our third development in Telford, our second working in partnership with The Wrekin Housing Group, and one of which we are extremely proud.

“It is important to us here at Living Space that we give something back to the communities in which we build and contributing towards the gateway planting of trees and bulbs seemed a fitting conclusion to this much-needed housing scheme.”

Councillor Shaun Davies, Chairman of Great Dawley Town Council and Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “The works that are being carried out at the gateway to the newly built Wrekin Housing Group development site, Malcolm Randle Close in Malinslee, are a fabulous way of commemorating a former friend and fellow Councillor, the late Cllr Malcolm Randle.  

“I would like to thank the teams at Living Space for donating £300 and as well to Wrekin Housing Group for donating £500. This will go towards the planting of the new bulbs and trees in the area. The generosity and support towards this project are truly appreciated.

“Lord Cllr Kuldip Sahota and I have also each given £1,000 from our Councillor Pride Fund, which Great Dawley Town Council has very kindly match funded. 

“Great Dawley Town Council, in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council, will be carrying out the work to create the new green gateway to Malcolm Randle Close. This is also helping to pave the way to make the borough cleaner, greener, safer and more enjoyable for all.”