PODSMEAD REGENERATION CONSULTATION CANCELLED

Gloucester City Homes have unfortunately had to cancel the planned consultation event in September.

It was felt by the leadership team that in light of the recent government announcement on groups, it was not right to proceed in the circumstances. Alternatives were debated but in the end the decision was made to cancel.

Whilst we want this project to proceed as quickly as is possible, in the light of Covid we will have to accept some delays.

I am adamant about two things:

Firstly that this will be a hugely beneficial project for Podsmead and the city of Gloucester.

Secondly that resident feedback and consultation must be a central part of the process and that without this it is not right to proceed at the previous pace.

There will still be online tools such as the video, and GCH will also be displaying the appropriate exhibition boards relating to each proposed Phase 1 development, redevelopment and park site in the soon to be erected community information notice boards on each of the proposed sites.

You can also view the latest information at http://shapethefutureglos.co.uk

I will update residents via this page as to next steps and news of any events that can be scheduled. I would guess that these will be in the new year.

If anybody has questions please let me know.

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September 2nd was charter day.

On this date in 1483 King Richard III granted the city of Gloucester a charter which gave us certain rights, including setting out how Mayors were elected.

Richard III was a friend to Gloucester since his time as Duke of Gloucester, and visited the city during his summer progress in 1483, the year he became King.

In previous years we have celebrated this anniversary as a group of current and former civics, including on the occasion pictured below in 2016 when my immediate successor Neil Hampson was the Mayor.

Obviously we cannot meet this year but hopefully we can commemorate the date and King Richard’s legacy on some future occasion.

Tuffley Rovers play their home games in Podsmead, on Lower Tuffley Lane.

This week saw the excitement of an FA Cup tie, but sadly Rovers bowed out at the first hurdle.

Nevertheless they have big plans and I am going to be working with the club to support and promote them.

See the club website for news.

Gloucester City Homes have extended their virtual pride art competition entry to the 10th September.

You can find the details of how to enter here.

Two thousand years of history faces the axe if the Conservative Government pushes ahead with plans to reorganise local government.

It is expected to publish a White Paper in the autumn on scrapping the two tier system of local government in the county.

It means Gloucester City Council would be axed
and replaced with a huge unitary council with little regard to history, geography and community.

Please join the campaign against abolishing the city council online at www.Gloucester-LibDems.org.uk

I called for these potholes to be filled on the Bristol Road side of Hempsted Lane (part of Podsmead).

I am pleased to hear that they will done soon.

If you know of any roads or pavements that need attention in Podsmead, please let me know.

I was very pleased to take part in the initiative run by Gloucester Community Building Collective, to encourage people to smile.

My ‘Smiles per Hour’ zone is on Podsmead Road.

You can find more information about the project here.

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I was in touch with the council recently after residents contacted me about the brambles overhanging the footpath on Podsmead Road.

The council responded to my report to say they would be done and I’m delighted to see today that they have been trimmed, and the litter has been picked as well.

Congratulations to Ed Davey on becoming the new Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

It has been a well fought contest that has shown the best of our party.

We must now unite behind our new leader and continue our fight to improve the lives of everyone in our country.

Ed’s starting point is that we must listen more to what people want, what their fears and their aspirations are. I agree with this because it’s what Liberal Democrat councillors do week in week out.

If you have a point to raise with me, or that you would like me to try to get passed to Ed and the leadership team, please let me know.

During the recent stormy weather, many trees came down in Gloucester including on Cole Avenue.

I have been in touch with the county council over these poplar trees.

Below is an extract from their response:

‘Thank you for your recent email in regards to the tree on Cole Avenue, our tree officer has advised the following:

I have scheduled works to Gloucester City Amey Contractors. The onus of delivery is now with the City Council and Amey who you may wish to contact regarding this matter.’

I will be pressing the city and county councils to work together on this issue and when I have a walkabout with the city tree officer I will raise the matter again with them.

Residents can always get in touch with me to report tree falls or problems.

The county council Emergency Contact Number 08000 514514 is now prioritised to deal with Highways Emergency Calls ONLY.

All other enquiries can be emailed to Highways@gloucestershire.gov.uk,
or reported via https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/roads/your-highways-report-it/