Plans to create up to 30 jobs by redeveloping a historic Shrewsbury building have been boosted after it was revealed there is no evidence of rare bats inhabiting the property.

He was described by police as a Walter Mitty-style character. But Steven Greenoe’s deadly trade, revealed after a massive international police operation, was far from make-believe.

A former US marine from Shropshire, who worked as a bodyguard for Madonna, was today jailed for 10 years for smuggling guns into the UK on commercial flights.

Plans to create up to 30 jobs by transforming a historic building in Shrewsbury into shops, offices and restaurants were today dealt a blow after a council wildlife expert said they should be refused.

A clean-up operation was under way in Shrewsbury today as the level of the River Severn began to recede.

The River Severn was due to peak in Shrewsbury this afternoon, but levels will remain high for up to 48 hours, according to the Environment Agency.

Temporary flood barriers have been put up in Shrewsbury, with levels on the River Severn expected to peak in the town tonight.

Shropshire and Mid Wales were today on flood alert with more rain expected over the next 24 hours – as residents started to count the cost of fierce winds which lashed the region.

A businessman today claimed up to 30 jobs could be created under plans to breathe new life into a historic building in Shrewsbury.

Producers of this year’s record-breaking Aladdin Christmas pantomime in Shrewsbury have been re-hired for the next two years, theatre bosses have revealed.

Hundreds of tax workers across Shropshire went on strike today as part of a national walk-out over jobs and privatisation of services and a ‘punitive’ sickness absence system.

Rating: *** Andy Richardson enjoys the lively atmosphere but is indifferent to the food at an Indian restaurant opposite Shrewsbury’s Theatre Severn.

A 34-year-old man has admitted being in possession of a home-made hand grenade and other firearms and ammunition.