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.’

Last week I contacted council staff to urge them to have these street signs on Burns Avenue cleaned.

This week I am happy to report that they have been cleaned, and are looking good.

Small issues such as this do make a big difference as they help an area look well cared for. If you have any issues to report, please let me know.

After I reported this pothole on Byron Avenue, I have received confirmation that this will be filled in.

This is the response I received from Highways:

‘Arrangements have been made to repair the identified issue and work will commence within the required fault repair time – please see the Highways Policy for further details.

We will keep you up to date with progress. 

Thank you again for taking the time to report the above issue. 

Gloucestershire Highways Customer Services Team’

Gloucestershire Highways have a target response time of 10 days for reports or enquiries, and they have met this target. I hope the work is done soon and to a sufficient quality standard.

If you spot any potholes or road defects in Podsmead that need attention, please let me know.

Gloucestershire Highways are proposing some traffic calming measures along Tuffley Avenue. Initially they wrote only to the properties directly affected by the measures (ie where a traffic calming measure would be directly outside or very near to their home).

It is now expected that, in time, wider consultation will be carried out, so that other residents along Tuffley Avenue and in the wider Podsmead area can have their say. I have had the following update which explains the next step in the process:

‘Following our initial consultation with those properties who may be most affected by the proposals, we are working with our design contractor Atkins to make further assessments regarding the scheme. Once these have been completed we will be in a position to provide a more detailed response. Thank you for your patience at this time.’

I will continue to monitor this scheme and provide updates to residents as I have them. If you have any questions please let me know. You can view the plans here under Gloucester TROs.

I have asked the council to remove the fallen branches from a tree on Scott Avenue.

A lot of trees came down during the recent storms we had. If you know of any damaged trees or fallen branches, please let me know.

I have contacted council officers to urge them to clean up two street signs in Burns Avenue, Podsmead.

I have said that in my view they do not need replacing – just a clean to remove the mould.

If you know of a damaged, faded or dirt-covered street sign, please let me know.

I have called for the branches on the Epney Road and of the red bridge from Podsmead Road to Epney Road to be cut back.

These are not nearly as bad as the other end which I got cut back recently, but nevertheless they will grow over time if not checked.

If you know of any branches or hedges overhanging the footway, please let me know.

I was contacted by residents asking when the grass on Byron Avenue would be cut.

It had been partially done but some patches still remained.

On contacting officers to check whose responsibility it was I also asked when it would be done fully. It has now been cut completely.

This land is maintained by Amey for the city council, although the verge along Cole Avenue is Highways.

In general, the grass is being allowed to grow slightly longer to reduce costs and encourage wildlife. Long-term, there will hopefully be some meadow and grassland in Podsmead, for example at Milton Avenue. This will encourage biodiversity. At a time when nature is under threat, this can only be a good thing.