Visitors to Gloucester are invited to take a moment to stop and enjoy the greenery at a new pop up ‘parklet’ on Westgate Street and give their views on the exciting new plans for the area.

The Cathedral Quarter High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) has installed the mini park complete with seating and seasonal plants to encourage feedback on proposals developed with local people.

The plans include more pocket parks complete with a variety of plants to attract pollinators, urban rooms where people can rest, relax and socialise, new lighting and art installations, plus more space for outdoor dining, improved paving and a play area. 

HSHAZ is organised by Gloucester City Council and funded by Gloucester City Council, Historic England and Gloucestershire County Council.

It’s a heritage led regeneration scheme to improve the buildings and the street scene in the Westgate area supported by a programme of cultural activities. 

The parklet also aims to support Visit Gloucester’s ‘Serenity in the City’ campaign which focuses on wellbeing and celebrates connecting people to the built environment and each other. 

Give feedback on the plan online or visit the parklet and see the proposals in the window of 21 Westgate Street.

Nature Nurtures, a free weekly nature club is back ????

Join the team at Robinswood Hill Country Park for fun, hands-on activities to learn about and connect to wildlife and nature.

Learn foraging skills from an expert, create art from nature and take on team building challenges. Nature Nurtures sessions are designed to build confidence, team-working and boost self-esteem.

Contact Heather to find out more by calling 07485307204 or email heather.moore@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk

Contact the team for eligibility details and to discuss booking. Sessions are free, though booking in advance is essential.

I have urged the council to replace the broken bench in Tuffley Park. We will hopefully be able to use some Section 106 funding to pay for a new one.

I have written to the senior managment at Matthew Homes to express my disappointment that urgent safety work in Earls Park (such as the fence pictured above) has not been carried out yet. Whilst I am pleased to see that the litter bins have been emptied now, they need to be emptied more frequently, and other maintenance in the parks needs to be carried out.

The two play parks in Earls Park were inspected by Gloucester City Council earlier this year, with a view to adopting them when complete. They are unfortunately a long way off, with dead trees, broken play equipment and poorly maintained paths. The council have written to Matthew Homes to remind them of what they need to complete.

It’s great to see this knitted art on Tuffley Avenue. It really lifts the spirits to see. Local community groups are responsible for this artwork. You generally get to see a new one every month. I always look forward to seeing the latest one!

Here’s a handy graphic which shows what help could be available to eligible people.

Liberal Democrats believe the government help, while welcome, does not go nearly far enough. The party leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the government to scrap the energy price hike in October. Find out more on the Liberal Democrat website.

There was some dangerous barbed wire on Cole Avenue by the back of XPO Logistics. I contacted the council after a resident brought it to my attention, and the council spoke to XPO. They asked the contractor who had removed the fence and left all the barbed wire, to make good the site and do a proper job of removing all the material. Happily this has now been done.

There is still a wall that looks dangerous further up the road. This looks like it is in hand because it’s got a barrier round it.

I have had lots of emails and phone calls about the Blackbridge project. It would be fair to say I have heard a range of views, but most of them have been respectful and positive. People rightly have concerns, especially those living closest to the development.

Some are completely opposed, some in favour, and some want to debate the fine details of how it will all work. At the moment there is not an answer to every question but I have urged the BCCBS to put round a newsletter in late August with some ‘frequently asked questions’ and their answers. I have submitted a list myself and I have had some residents send me questions.

I cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered at this point because some things may depend on traffic or other surveys still to come. Just to reiterate though that residents can contact me any time, and I am always happy to meet with them by appointment.

In these difficult times there are charities and trusts who can help. For example, the Fuel Bank Foundation can offer advice and assistance. Visit their website to find out more.

Here is a link to some information on the city council website about the Gloucester playing pitch strategy, and booking sports pitches in the city. I hope it is of use.