A resident of Newark Road emailed me regarding the new traffic calming scheme on Tuffley Avenue.

They pointed out that the new raised island is backing up cars along Tuffley Avenue and making it much slower for residents to get out of Newark Road.

They requested a no waiting box, or a keep clear marking.

I contacted the local Highways manager and he is soon going to carry out a site visit to observe the new traffic calming.

He thought a yellow box wouldn’t be possible but a keep clear marking might be.

Residents should feel free to get in touch with me about the scheme.

Although a county council scheme, I have had lots of contact about it as the local city councillor.

Last week the wooden fence on Cole Avenue, by Lower Tuffley Lane (Podsmead side) came down or was knocked down.

It’s a shame because about a year ago I was able to get a good repair job done to this fence.

I reported the latest damage to Highways and there are now red plastic fence panels along there.

This photo was before the panels were put in.

I’m asking Highways whether it will be replaced or upgraded.

The alleyway between Milton Avenue and Empire Way has now been cleared of litter and weeds at my urging.

Several residents contacted me about it and I requested a clean up from the council.

I have also asked for the alleyways between Tennyson Avenue and Podsmead Road, and between Thornhill Close and Podsmead Road, to be cleared.

I have reported the broken branch on the tree outside McDonald’s, Bristol Road, to the council for action.

After residents let me know about it, I have urged the council to clear weeds and litter from the alleyway between Milton Avenue and Empire Way. Do let me know if there are any other alleyways that need clearing in our area.

I have reported to the council some issues raised with me by residents, in Tennyson Avenue.

They include:

Hedges overhanging the pavement in Tennyson Avenue

Litter in the alleyway between Tennyson and Shelley Avenues 

Graffit on the fence and electrical box

I have urged the council to take action on these issues.

There will be a free family event at Podsmead One Church, on Sunday September 3rd. The event takes place at The Ramblers on Milton Avenue. I have been pleased to support One Church this summer, with funding from the Podsmead ward fund.

There is an open air film screening on Monday 21st August, on Scott Avenue green.

The organisers write:

‘We’re looking forward to this free open air screening of Matilda for Podsmead residents next Monday!

🎥Arrive from 8pm, film starts approx. 9pm

🪑Bring a blanket, picnic chair or whatever you want to sit on
🍿Free popcorn thanks to Gloucester City HAF! But bring any other snacks you want

Funded by Podsmead Big Local and Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society.’

There will be a fire station open day at Gloucester South Fire Station, Tuffley, on Sunday 3rd September, 11am-3pm. Lots of activities for all the family!

There was big news recently that Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society have been awarded £2.55 MILLION from the government’s Youth Investment Fund, for the Blackbridge Community and Sports Hub.

A total of £2,550,644 has been granted to enable Blackbridge to reach more young people through the project. They are one of 44 youth projects nationally to receive funding in this latest round of awards.

The Youth Investment Fund was launched in August 2022, with a call for youth services in the country’s most underserved areas to apply for a slice of fund worth over £300 million to improve the health, wellbeing, skills, and opportunities for young people.

The full list of successful applicants can be found here:

This is a testament to the hard work and quality of the application from Blackbridge and will enable them to help a lot of young people with the project. My warmest congratulations to them.

This is great news for Podsmead!