I attended a briefing recently with Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, and one of the things I raised with him was the issue of speeding in Podsmead. We arranged with the local police for a walkabout to look at these issues.

I tried out the speed gun on Tuffley Avenue and observed some cars speeding. If you would like the police to patrol your area for speeding, please let me know.

Although I am pleased that the graffiti and fly-tipping at Keats Avenue was removed by Gloucester City Homes, it is frustrating to see that a mattress has now been dumped on the grass. I have reported this to GCH and the council’s environmental crime officer. If you have any information as to who is dumping items, please let me know.

There is a final consultation event on Monday 16th May, from 4-7pm on Scott Avenue green, before the plans for the regeneration of Podsmead are submitted to the city council for planning committee. The plans have been developed in consultation with the community and taking into account feedback.

There will, though, be plenty of opportunity for further comments, whether supportive or critical. As a major application, it will almost certainly go to the Planning Committee and I intend to speak at the meeting when it takes place.

As I have written before, this scheme is not set in stone, so I do encourage residents to attend the event or make comments to Gloucester City Homes. Latest news about the Podsmead can be viewed here.

After raising the issue at the city council briefing with the Police and Crime Commissioner, a walkabout with the local police team, to look at traffic and speeding issues, has been arranged in Podsmead for next week. I will report back on the findings.

The grass at Oakland’s Park (Laburnum Road, Sycamore Close, Redwood Close, Poplar Close) has got rather long over the winter. I have had some contact about it from residents and spoke to Lisa Jevins who coordinates the Podsmead Clearance Team. The PCT manage this area of grass, and several others in Podsmead.

I’m pleased to say that the PCT have worked overtime to get the grass cut. It will now be easier to manage. They are in the process of rolling out new equipment which helps to do the grass cutting more efficiently.

Unfortunately today not all recycling collections were completed in Podsmead due to heavy traffic caused by the roadworks in Hempsted.

The crews will be returning on Saturday 30th April to collect, so my advice to residents is to please leave their containers out.

I was initially told that this has affected Manu Marble Way and Neven Place, but I have also learnt that Millstone Way and Newark Road were missed. I have replied to the council saying I suspect it is all roads off Bristol Road that were missed.

Please let me know if any other roads were missed. Do tell neighbours in your streets to leave containers out for recollection.

There is good news that after three years without awards, the Rotary Clubs of Gloucester are able to restart the Community Awards Grants for 2022.

The aim of the Community Awards is to support individuals, community groups or charities on projects where a small grant (up to £500) will make a real difference. 

You can find details of how to apply here.

The deadline for applications is 5pm Tuesday 10th May.

Successful applicants will be notified by 23rd May 2022 and be invited to attend a meeting to celebrate the awards on Friday 17th June 2022. This event will be held at The Wall’s Club, Hammond Way, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3HG starting at 12.15 pm and finishing promptly at 14.00 hrs.

I have contacted Gloucester City Homes to report several issues in the area of grass between Byron Avenue and Keats Avenue.

The wooden fence is still down – the broken parts will be taken away and then the fence will be replaced.

I reported the fly-tipping and graffiti and these issues have been dealt with today (Friday 29th April). I have also asked for the grass to be cut.

If you spot any problems in our area please do let me know.

In the last few days in both Gloucester and Cheltenham, Police have received reports of offenders attempting to distract people withdrawing money from ATM Cash Machines.

This could be an attempt to see the PIN number that is used and then to steal the card by distracting the person using the machine when the card is returned.

On several occasions offender advised the user that the machine was causing problems and a specific key had to be held down whilst putting in the PIN number, it was subsequently established that money had been withdrawn on the account and not by the user.

Always be aware of who is around you when withdrawing cash from a machine. Make sure that no one else can see you when you are putting in your PIN number by standing too close behind you or off to one side.

Do not let anyone standing nearby influence you on how you use the machine, or try to speak to you and distract you when using the machine. Do not forget to take the cash as well as your card as both will be returned into the machine if left too long.

If you believe that someone else has managed to obtain your PIN number or the machine does not return your card, inform your bank immediately and have your card cancelled.

If you suspect that something has been added to the cash machine please contact the Police on 101 and report the problem.

This is the end of the message, Thank You and Please Stay Safe.

The council have planted some whips on Tuffley Park. This is part of a council initiative to plant more trees in Gloucester.

After residents raised concerns about the location of the trees, I have written to the council’s climate change officer to find out if these were planted in the right place. There is a concern that they are too close to the play park and also vulnerable to being dug up. I will feed back the response.