CityFibre broadband for Earls Park

I have contacted CityFibre with regard to them servicing the Earls Park development.


I received this message which I have permission to share with residents:


‘I’m optimistic that Earl’s Park can be serviced. I know we are already cabling part of it, some sections are yet to be planned on our designs, and we’re looking into the process of getting the remainder designed with use of existing infrastructure (OpenReach ducts, chambers, poles etc.).’


One issue that may arise will be the wayleaves for the placement of cabinets.


Therefore I would encourage residents of Earls Park to contact the developers Matthew Homes to encourage them to engage with CityFibre on this.

Action on manhole cover

I reported this dangerous open manhole cover over a week ago, providing the council with as much detail as I could see so that they could identify the utility company who owns it.

I have been informed that my reports are with the safety inspector and that this is being attended to.

In the meantime I would ask that members of the public do not attempt to move this cover as it is a job for the professionals.

If you know of any safety hazards around Podsmead please let me know.

Reactive litter clearance

I reported this overflowing bin and the litter round it earlier this week as a matter of urgency.

One problem with the current litter clearance regime in Gloucester is that councillors and members of the public do not get always get acknowledgments of our reports in a timely way.

A resident has just complained to me in an email about the fact that they’ve only just had an acknowledgment of a report of litter from last week.

The council and their streetcare partner Urbaser need to be faster on clearing litter, and in letting residents and councillors know it’s been done.

Liberal Democrats called for an enhanced, reactive service at the last full council meeting, but this suggestion was unfortunately rejected by the Conservatives.

Rugby posts on Scott Avenue

After seeing that the rugby posts on Scott Avenue were leaning dangerously, I took swift action and contacted the council.

They were removed on Monday and I was on site to take this photograph of Urbaser operatives removing the posts.

They will now be repaired and reinstalled. I will update residents as to when this will be.

Poplar Close grass

The grass area at the end of Poplar Close, leading up to the athletics track entrance off Blackbridge, has been churned up.

I’ve written to the council parks and open space department to ask about the possibility of planting or stones being placed to prevent driving on the grass. Bollards would be too expensive at this point.

If we do any planting it will be in the autumn, but in the meantime I will be in touch with the planners for the Blackbridge project, as this area will be part of the project. We need to see what the plans are, and then look at any changes that need to be made.

GCH casework

I have been reporting some casework issues to Gloucester City Homes, including refuse outside blocks of flats, damaged stairs and other items.

I have also asked GCH about a bin store for the bins on Byron Avenue. There are bin stores for all the other properties and it would make the bin area look neater.