Recently I attended a meeting at Milton Avenue balancing pond with representatives from Severn Trent Water and the City Council, to look at the problems with water quality from pollution that is entering the pond, fed by the culverted watercourse.

In recent years some improvements have been made to the water quality by identifying dropped connections such as the one on Podsmead Road, but there is still a way to go.

While on site ‘grey’ water (sink/ washing machine type) was observed entering the pond from the outfall, indicating potential misconnections in the upstream catchment.

The amount observed was not of significant immediate pollution concern, but it was appreciated that it was undesirable (fish were observed in the pond).

Severn Trent Water assessed their assets which discharge into the culverted watercourse, and that could be investigated.

The process would be to lift various sewer covers to check for grey water staining/ evidence of misconnections, and trace them back to the source if possible.

Severn Trent opened the surface water sewer adjacent to the balancing pond, which was observed to be clear of grey water, so this has eliminated that immediate area. They are now going to look at investigating other locations further upstream in the catchment and report findings back to the council.

The council will investigate undertaking a camera inspection of the culvert following Severn Trent’s feedback from their inspections

The council are also proposing to install a simple reed/ natural forebay to the pond to help with water quality.

I will be relaying further information from Severn Trent and the council as I have it. I am grateful to them for meeting with me and undertaking this work, and also to the many volunteers who have helped to maintain this site over the years.

If you have any questions or feedback do let me know.

Free library events to celebrate Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Gloucestershire Libraries are hosting a programme of free events this week to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

In the weeks leading up to the Jubilee, unique bunting has been created with the help of community groups, schools and visitors, which will be on display at the county’s libraries.

The programme of events, called ‘Under the Bunting’, includes tea parties, fetes, teddy bear picnics, craft activities and poetry competitions and has been put together with support from Arts Council England.

To register for an event and find out what is happening in your local library, visit our website.

Some fantastic events will also be taking place at the new Lab Network in libraries. In Gloucester, visitors can create a clever circuit that plays God Save the Queen and flashes the colours of the Union Flag.

In Stroud, visitors can choose between a regal swan or a cute corgi to create their own designs for a Jubilee keyring or fridge magnet. Booking is required for these events.

The Reading Agency has published a book of 70 fabulous Jubilee Reads, celebrating authors from across the Commonwealth.

The 70 titles consist of 10 books from each decade of the Queen’s reign and can be reserved here.

Podsmead will be celebrating the Platinum Jubilee this week. I hope everyone has a great time. Do go along to community events such as the Jubilee Fun Day at Ramblers on Friday June 3rd. This tree on Tuffley Avenue is getting in the spirit already. Thanks to Mick and Min for the photo.

A new website bringing together resources for Ukrainian nationals displaced to the UK is now available at www.ukrainianswelcome.org.

It is part of an initiative from anti-slavery groups aimed at keeping Ukrainian refugees safe from trafficking and helping them safely navigate life in the UK.

I am pleased to report that at my urging, the faded street name plate at Empire Way has been replaced.

I have also reported others locally, for cleaning or repair. If you know of any street signs in our area that need attention, please let me know.

I have reported the damaged brickwork on the wall leading from Partridge Close to Harvey Close to Gloucester City Homes. They have raised a repair job and this should be done in the next month.

I reported on my Facebook page that the phone box on Podsmead Road opposite Crypt School had unfortunately been vandalised, probably overnight from Friday 20th May to Saturday 21st May.

I reported this to the police and BT and asked for it to be made safe. If anyone saw anything recently, please could they contact the police and refer to Incident 170 21/05/22. Call 101 or email Force.ControlRoom@gloucestershire.police.uk

I hope the culprits get caught. Vandalism like this is needless and costs money to put right. At one point this phone box was due to be removed due to lack of use, but it never happened. I will be asking BT what the latest is on this.

I was pleased to hear this week that, after contact from residents and at my urging, the council are going to fill some of the defects on Podsmead Place. Unfortunately they do not believe that the potholes at nearby Laburnum Road are big enough to merit action. I disagree and will continue to press for better roads and pavements in Podsmead.

Gloucester has once again taken home the coveted Purple Flag National safety award.

The accolade which celebrates places that provide a diverse, safe and welcoming night out has been awarded to the city for the fifth year in a row.

Like the Blue Flag for beaches or the Green Flag for parks, the award follows a rigorous accreditation process.

The purple flag is awarded to cities or towns that show that they have a safe and welcoming night-time economy, based on the following criteria:

•           Wellbeing: successful destinations are all safe and welcoming with all everyone playing their part in delivering high standards of customer care.

•           Movement: getting home safely after an evening out is really important, as is the ability to move around the centre with ease.

•           Appeal: successful destinations offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.

•           Place: successful areas are alive during the day, as well as in the evening. They contain a blend of overlapping activities that encourage people to mingle and enjoy the place.

The prestigious award is also held by neighbouring Cheltenham and Bristol.

City council officers, the police, City Safe, Ubico, Gloucester LVA and the Gloucester BID all contributed to Gloucester’s application.

You can find out more about purple flag status here.

There are lots of exciting things coming up at Robinswood Hill!

1. Half Term Family fun activities Monday 30 May 11-3 Discover the forgotten wildlife of Gloucester! (Booking not required) https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2022-05-30-half-term-naturequest
2. Bringing communities together – Sun 5 Junemarks our first in a series of cultural events celebrating the diversity of Gloucester. Food sharing of wild garlic Chinese dumplings, with lantern crafts and music (Booking required) https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2022-06-05-celebrating-chinese-culture
3. Event of the season! – HillFest on Sun 12 June 11-4 will be a huge celebration of nature in a festival-style, with lots of activities, live music, dance workshops, storytelling, bushcraft, pond dipping and land rover trips. Don’t miss it. (Some activities recommend booking) https://www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2022-06-12-hillfest