There is still a small amount of funding available in the ward councillor pot for Podsmead. If you have an idea for something that would benefit the community, let me know.
Ideally it would be a few projects in the range of £50-100, as this would enable several projects to be backed. The money must be allocated by the end of March.
For Podsmead collections that were postponed due to Storm Eunice, the advice from the city council is as follows:
‘We have rescheduled the collections for next week. Please visit our website for more information https://www.gloucester.gov.uk/environment-waste-recycling/waste-recycling-and-street-cleaning/waste-and-recycling-updates/
The exception is garden waste, as crews will not be able to return to residents who have not had a garden waste collection. The next collection of garden waste will be on Friday 4th March.’
Please put your brown food waste caddy and domestic waste (black bin) out by 7am Monday 21st February for rescheduled collection.
Recycling will be a double collection on Friday 25th February. You can present extra recycling in clear plastic bags.
Any questions please contact me.
It has been a busy day for storm reports, and I am grateful to residents for letting me know of any issues.
Scott Avenue tree – I have reported the fallen tree to the Parks and Open Spaces manager, who has added it to the cleanup list.
Scott Avenue street light – it looks like the street light took a hit from the tree on its way down. I have reported this to the street light team.
Podsmead Road bus shelter – I reported this to the bus stop team and they have confirmed that Clear Channel, who manage the shelter, will attend. It has now been taped over pending repair.
Halford House gutter – this has been reported to Gloucester City Homes for their awareness.
Please take care out there and do let me know of any issues.
Gloucestershire’s Local Resilience Forum has this morning declared a major incident due to the risks posed by Storm Eunice.
A red weather alert and flood warnings running along the Severn Estuary up to Longford have been put in place for tomorrow morning (Friday 18 February) from 7am, coinciding with the arrival of Storm Eunice.
Local agencies are asking residents in properties that are expected to flood to heed the warnings and take the necessary action. Residents across the county as a whole also need to be vigilant due to the high winds.
Staff from local councils and the emergency services will be knocking on doors this afternoon to ensure people who need to evacuate safely. Those who are evacuating are asked to pass on this notice and knock on neighbours’ doors if possible.
If you can, please stay with family or friends. Rest Centres are being set up by local councils for those who need them.
Information on the flood warnings can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/check-flooding
Information on the red weather alert can be found here: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/about-us/press-office/news/weather-and-climate/2022/red-weather-warning-issued-for-storm-eunice
What to expect:
• Flying debris resulting in danger to life
• Damage to buildings and homes, with roofs blown off and power lines brought down
• Uprooted trees
• Roads, bridges and railway lines closed, with delays and cancellations to public transport and flights
• Power cuts affecting other services, such as mobile phone coverage
• Large waves and beach material being thrown onto coastal roads, sea fronts and homes, including flooding of some coastal properties
What you need to do:
• If you live in a flood risk area, you are advised to leave your home and stay with family or friends if possible.
• If you are unable to do that, you are advised to move to the nearest rest centre tonight.
If you are isolating due to Coronavirus, you should still leave your property – please wear a mask, stay in a separate room if possible, and open a window if safe to do so.
More information
• Weather – Met Office: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
• Flooding – Environment Agency: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency
• Highways – Report highways emergencies 08000 514514. Drive slowly & safely. Beware of storm damage including fallen trees, and loose manhole covers that may be hidden by puddles. https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/
• Danger to life – dial 999
Some residents enquired about the type of trees being planted at Milton Avenue. I have made enquires of council officers and am happy to pass on the following information:
‘They are wildlife friendly shrubs native to the uk comprising:
Cornus alba – 25%
Cornus sanguinea – 25%
Corylus avellena – 20%
Rosa arevnsis – 10%
Rosa canina – 5%
Viburnham opulus – 15%
There will be two NSSBC meetings in half term, one in Gloucester and one in Wotton. More events are planned later this year, including in Podsmead.
I contacted Gloucester City Homes about the damaged railings on Byron Avenue. I have requested a repair and am told that it will be done within 28 days of their email response.
If you see any more damaged railings or similar in our area please let me know.
Tuffley Avenue, Gloucester
This road will be closed between Podsmead Road and Tuffley Crescent on Monday 28th February, between 9:30am and 3pm only, to allow for works by Severn Trent Water.
If you should require further information please contact streetworks@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
I went for a problem-solving walkabout with PCSO Suzanne Sexton and Kevin Lee, Gloucester City Council, Environmental Crime.
We looked at several areas including the back of the shops on Scott Avenue, the clothes bin by the alleyway through to Eliot Close, Milton Avenue and Stratford Close.
Kevin and his team will investigate any reports of fly-tipping and have been successful in issuing fines since the team was instigated. Fly-tipping can result in a £400 fine if you are caught.
The advice from the council is to report fly-tipping to environment@gloucester.gov.uk, or let me know and I will pass it on to the team. Please do not touch the fly-tipping yourself, both for health and safety reasons and for preserving evidence.
Unfortunately the fly-tipping by the clothes bin does not contain any evidence to identify a culprit, but there have been successful prosecutions at this location before.
My preference would be to have the clothes bin moved onto Scott Avenue or removed entirely. Council officers are contacting the charity to try to facilitate a solution.
