I have urged the Highways department to inspect and fill the potholes in the entrance to Laburnum Road. If you know of any other potholes or poor road surfaces in our area please let me know. I will continue to press the council for action on Podsmead’s roads and pavements.

I have urged the council to clean off the street signs at Romney Close and Thornhill Close. I have also asked them to remove graffiti and dirt from the sign at Scott Avenue open space, and to clean the bin which has had some paint spilled on it. If you are aware of any other issues in our area please let me know.

Residents have raised with me some problem parking at Earls Park. I had a look when out with the police, and we spoke to some of the vehicle owners and asked them to move their vehicles. I will be raising the matter with Matthew Homes to see if they have any more ideas. There should be parking for all homes in the estate but please let me know if this is not the case.

Unfortunately, enforcement such as yellow lines will not be possible until the estate is completed and the roads are all adopted by Highways. Matthew Homes have asked several times if they could have the completed sections of road at Manu Marble Way etc adopted, but they have been rebuffed. The police can take action on inconsiderate or dangerous parking by speaking to owners or issuing warnings.

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.