Newsroom Archive

The team, which includes the Council’s Rogue Landlord Taskforce, were joined on Thursday 31 January by officers from West Mercia Police, Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Home Office.

It was all part of Operation AIDANT, a national operation into vulnerability, exploitation and modern slavery. The day of action was designed to improve current intelligence around the issue.

Using information received about the possible exploitation of eastern and central European workers, the Rogue Landlord Taskforce visited a number of properties to check on the welfare of migrants and their living conditions. The team found some serious deficiencies in the condition of the homes, lack of gas safety certification and licensing breaches.   

That same day, Public Protection, accompanied by police and fire officers and Home Office officials, visited four food establishments where they carried out food hygiene inspections and gas safety checks.

The new owner of one of the premises had not properly registered with Telford & Wrekin Council, one health & safety prohibition notice and one health & safety improvement notice were issued.

In two premises where food hygiene practices were unsatisfactory, evidence was taken with a view to taking further legal action.

Cllr Richard Overton, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Enforcement said: “Our officers and other organisations regularly work together to carry out inspections and investigations on premises and people and, where necessary, take action.

“By working together and combining our different roles and responsibilities we are able to share intelligence and, by seeing the bigger picture, we can identify if something untoward is happening.

“We will continue to strive to make everyone in our borough safe and feel safe.”

If you suspect modern slavery is taking place, ring the UK Modern Slavery Helpline run by @UnseenOrg on 08000 121 700.