Good progress is being made with the development of the Blackbridge Community Sports Hub project in Podsmead.

The proposed scheme will see the provision of a full sized Artificial Grass Pitch and natural turf pitches for football, rugby and other sports, as well as a hub building which will feature changing rooms, a dance/exercise studio, health and fitness gym, and social and meeting spaces.

Here are some of the highlights from recent months:

• A successful local community consultation event was held in February, where residents were able to learn more about the project and share their views

• Regular meetings of the Blackbridge Community Land Trust (who are overseeing the development of the project) are taking place, with day to day support from Active Gloucestershire

• Ongoing talks with prospective user groups, including Tuffley Rovers FC, Quedgely Wanderers FC, Gloucester All Golds Rugby League Club, Widden and Old Cryptians Rugby Union Clubs, Rugby For Heroes and others

• An outline Programme of Use and indicative business plan are being developed

• Close working with Gloucestershire FA and the Football Foundation around an application for funding towards the 3G artificial turf pitch. Consideration being given to seeking additional sources of funding, e.g. Rugby Football League Facilities Fund, charitable trusts, wider community share offer

• Technical reports (including archaeology and drainage) have been completed and a planning application is being drafted

The indicative timeline for the development and delivery of the project is as follows:

• Late summer 2020: full planning application

• January 2021: application to Football Foundation

• May 2021: tender main contracts

• Summer 2021: start on site

• Spring/Summer 2022: opening

I’ve asked for this foliage on Podsmead Road near the Crypt School to be cut back, as it overhangs the footpath. A lot of vegetation has grown out during the lockdown, and it makes life difficult for blind and partially sighted people, as well as people in wheelchairs.

A campaigner called Ella has been asking people to cut back any vegetation they are able to outside their homes. With council resources stretched at present this could be very helpful, as long as you take care with power tools etc.

Residents have been asking me when the weeds will be removed around Podsmead.
I contacted the council and they have informed me that the spraying teams will be out from Monday 29th June.

Last year the weeds were sprayed but heavy rains reduced the effectiveness, and in the end the council hired in a machine called ‘Weedo’ to do the job. I’ve asked if that will be happening again this year if the weeds prove too resilient.

I’ve requested a street sign for Manu Marble Way and I’m told this will be installed by the developer within the next two weeks.

It’s important for residents as they have experienced difficulties with deliveries – more of an issue during the lockdown with more home deliveries.

I’m also requesting a sign for Neven Place, which is in the same development.

I went to check on the water level in the pond at Milton Avenue and it’s gone down a lot since last week.

The green duckweed has also dispersed, so the water looks clearer.

The pink child’s toy is still there though, so I’ve asked Gloucester City Council again to come and remove it.

The water level in the Milton Avenue pond has been very high this week! During my meeting with the local police I spotted this fly-tipping and reported it to the council. They had already attended swiftly to deal with the vandalised bench I reported earlier.

I had previously met on site with the Leader of the Council after a question I asked him about the prior vandalism to the viewing deck, to look at potential security measures we could put in place at this site.

The police are now looking into what they could do at the area, and will be reporting back to me soon. It is always appreciated if local residents can let me know about any vandalism they see. Whilst we must always move quickly to deal with vandalism, I am also keen to do everything I can to provide opportunities for young people in the area, and to work proactively with local community groups, so that we combat the root cause of vandalism.

Think your child might be eligible for free school meals?

You can apply via the form here, and you can also see the criteria.

School receive extra funding for every free school meal place, so please consider applying even if you do not wish to take up your free meal.

Free school meals were one of the many policies pushed for by the Lib Dems when they were in government.

Gloucester Liberal Democrats are calling for a new arts and culture plan for Gloucester post-Covid. As the Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for Culture and Leisure, I wrote to Cabinet Member Steve Morgan (see above).

Steve replied very warmly and I have been invited to join the Covid-19 recovery group for Culture and Leisure, which meets every fortnight.

During the pandemic, Gloucestershire Highways have been prioritising urgent safety repairs.

I reported this dangerous broken manhole cover in Empire Way, Podsmead, and was pleased to see such prompt action.

Recently I met up with PC Lea and Sgt Kear of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

We discussed issues such as the recent vandalism at Milton Avenue, and criminal incidents in the Earls Park estate.

We will be following up what we discussed in the next few days & reporting back to residents.