The city council open spaces officer has been in touch with Matthew Homes and has arranged for a site inspection of the parks in January. This will then enable the adoption process to begin. This process is likely to take 18 months.

In the meantime, Matthew Homes will remain responsible for site maintenance, and any issues should be reported to them or me.

I have had sight of the maintenance agreement, which Matthew Homes work to until adoption by the council is finalised. The agreement does not mention the frequency of emptying bins, but it is hoped that we can agree this in the new year.

I have written to Matthew Homes to ask them to install some bollards at Manu Marble Way, to prevent illegal cut-throughs.

Several residents have contacted me about this.

I have a list of issues to raise with Matthew Homes and am hoping to have a site meeting or Teams call early in the New Year.

There has been a persistent problem with fly-tipping by the clothes bank in Burns Avenue, at the entrance to the alleyway leading to Eliot Close.I have asked for fly-tipping to be cleared by the council several times which has been done. The problem is that more appears and the clothes bin seems to be a focal point for other rubbish to be dumped.

I have reported the latest batch of rubbish to the council and it has been acknowledged. Hopefully it will be collected soon.

But we need a better solution long-term. I have suggested that the council contact the charity and we consider alternative locations for the clothes bank. It might be better sited on Scott Avenue, and this would have the advantage of being more in public view to help prevent fly-tipping.

Fly-tipping is illegal and can result in prosecution and fines. It takes a lot of council resources to respond to and police fly-tipping – money that could be better spent on other things.

I will report back on next steps in the new year.

If you see any fly-tipping in our community, here or elsewhere, please let me know.

Gloucester residents are being urged to use the scrunch test to check whether wrapping paper can be recycled. If it springs back it contains plastic and can’t be recycled.

Paper and Christmas cards covered in glitter are also not recyclable and ribbons, bows and other decorations should be removed before going in the recycling blue sack.

 

Synthetic (plastic) or foil wrapping paper can’t be recycled because it can’t be used in paper recycling. Wrapping paper and greetings cards containing glitter are an issue because unlike ink that is removed during flotation, glitter is not easy to remove during the paper making process and can end up on the finished paper products.

 

Residents are also encouraged to make sure they flatten cardboard boxes and remove any polystyrene.

Your day for collection of waste and recycling may change over Christmas, or it might stay the same.

Please check the council website for information about the collections over the holiday period.

Below is a graphic I have screenshotted from the council website giving the normal days of collection and whether your day has changed or not.

Please as always get in touch if you have any problems.

Finding fun activities for the children can be hard work, especially in January. 

At Robinswood Hill we have a selection of exciting wildlife winter activities for you to think about how to ‘go greener’ as a family in 2022.

The Winter Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) and the Holiday Activities Programme (HAP) are running from Monday 20th December – Thursday 23rd December. HAF also includes recipe packs and nutritious meals. 

For more information you can visit the website www.gloucestercityhaf.co.uk or visit the Gloucester City HAF Facebook page www.facebook.com/gloscityhaf2021

This programme is funded by the Department for Education (DfE).

Residents are being asked to give their views on how Gloucester City Council spends taxpayers’ money and to choose their priorities as the council sets its budget.

The council has launched a consultation for the proposed budget for 2022/2023, set to be approved in February next year.

Due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic and other pressures it is currently looking at how it can achieve further efficiencies and savings and identify income opportunities, while still delivering key services and value for money. 

Residents are being encouraged to have their say by filling in the survey which takes just a few minutes to complete. 

It will help let the council know what residents would prioritise when investing in services like waste collections, street cleaning, combatting homelessness or taking steps to reduce the council’s carbon footprint. 

The consultation will close at 6pm on Friday, January 14.

To take part in the consultation follow this link. For paper copies call 01452 396396 or email budgetconsultation@gloucester.gov.uk

Our Christmas Anti-Drink and Drug Driving campaign is underway.

Motorists can expect to see more roadside police checks both in urban and rural areas across the county.

Work Christmas Party season is also upon us!

Don’t be tempted to drink & drive.

Pre-book a taxi.
Don’t take the risk!

Message Sent By
Adam Stevens (Police, PCSO, Gloucester City Centre)

Advertising an item for sale online? If your buyer arrives to collect the item and offers to pay via banking app, beware.

Fake banking apps are widespread. Someone with a fake banking app can make it look like they have transferred money into your account, but in reality you haven’t received anything. You could be letting the “buyer” walk off with your items for nothing.

Gloucestershire police have received several recent reports. Don’t be the next.

Message Sent By
Simon Shaw (Police, Fraud Detective Sergeant, Gloucestershire)