When lockdown begins on Thursday, many local businesses will be forced to close as non-essential, or to carry on online as a mail-order/click and collect service.

Whilst big chains might be able to weather the storm by relying on reserves, small independent shops might struggle to hang on until December.

It’s really important that, when we can, we buy our takeaway food or coffee, books, gifts and anything else from independents. Big multinational corporations may sometimes be cheaper, but you know when you buy independent that the money is going directly to families and friends rather than to making even more profit for corporation shareholders and owners.

Over the course of lockdown I will be featuring local businesses on my social media.

If you would like me to promote your business, please get in touch, ideally with a photo and brief blurb about what you do and how to contact you.

The consultation events planned by Gloucester City Homes for September, October and November unfortunately had to be cancelled due to concerns over Covid restrictions. But GCH, city council planners and the city councillors involved continue to meet virtually and work behind the scenes.

A newsletter and survey will be coming through doors in Podsmead soon, and information boards will be erected at the various regeneration sites.

We will continue to consult in any way we can safely do so, and would be keen to hear any suggestions for further ways to hear your views. Please let me know your ideas.

All parties are determined to deliver a quality scheme of much-needed housing for Podsmead.

Read with me are pleased to unveil our range of Christmas cards, in aid of the project. They are by artist Molly Emilia Rose.

They are £3.99 a pack and £10 for 3 packs.

A6 size, there are 9 cards to a pack, 3 different exclusive designs. The cards are blank inside for your own message, and come with Kraft envelopes.

They can be ordered from Linda Cohen direct, or online from the Read with me shop.

This week I spoke on the radio, along with fellow Lib Dem campaigner Sarah Sawyer, outlining our concerns about e-scooters.

We have already had a good response from the public, but would like to hear your views. Take our survey here.

Whilst I am pleased that the latest pothole I reported on Scott Avenue has been filled, I am concerned that it will break open again as it has done several times before.

The road surface on Scott Avenue is now beginning to look like a patchwork with all the different fills. It tends to break up faster than other roads because all the traffic has to drive down one side only, due to the parked cars.

The road really needs a full resurface, with a long-lasting surfacing material being used. I will continue to call for this.

I’ve urged council officers to give this street sign in Eliot Close a clean.

Keeping signs clean is important to leave our area looking tidy and for people to find their way around easily.

Let me know if you see any street signs that require attention.

The Liberal Democrats are demanding the city and county councils take action to clear the backlog of tree pruning and other environmental work.

The backlog has built up due to the coronavirus pandemic and August’s Storm Francis, which saw around 70 trees across the county felled by the strong winds.

There are also problems with getting tree stumps removed after the trees have been felled.

The county council is responsible for all trees alongside public roads and footpaths, while the city council is responsible for maintaining trees on its land.

Podsmead city councillor Sebastian Field recently had a walkabout with the city council tree officer, and they identified a number of items that need attending to. But there are simply not enough staff working on tree maintenance in the city. The city and county councils should be investing more money.

Please get in touch and send us pictures of any trees that you think need attention. We will then contact the council.

I am pleased to confirm that as a result of my lobbying, more potholes are to be filled along Lower Tuffley Lane.

I initially reported well over a dozen potholes on this stretch of road, and some were filled, along with the safety defect at Corolin Road being repaired.

But some defects were left unfixed, so I sent in further reports and pressed for more action. Happily, Highways have agreed with me that more work needs doing on this important business route.

If you know of any potholes that need attention, please let me know.

The not so secret book club is back next week, at The Club at Tuffley Park.

Linda Cohen writes:

‘We’re back this Tuesday, 27th October, 10am- 12pm, The Club at Tuffley Park.
Storytime, art activities, pick up free books and craft materials.
Children of all ages welcome.
Socially distanced seating area for carers and parents. Fundraising stall with affordable Christmas gifts.’

Contact linda@readwithme.org.uk for more information.

Local guide dogs fundraiser and volunteer Jenny Brooker is holding a fundraising stall at her home this Saturday 24th October.

Jenny writes:

‘This Saturday 24th October from 2pm to 5pm I will be holding a preserves, cake and plant stall on my drive at 39 Neven Place in aid of the Guide Dogs charity. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the charity. Please support (socially distanced of course) if you are able.’