I called for the knocked over streetlight on Byron/Scott Avenue to be replaced after I saw it damaged and reported it to the council.

The team attended promptly and it has been reinstated.

If you know of any other damaged or missing streetlights please let me know.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This bollard at Lower Tuffley Lane seems to have been hit and knocked out of the ground.

I have asked for it to be reinstated and repaired by Highways to prevent people driving onto the field nearby.

I am reporting a range of issues daily in Podsmead.

I have urged the council to make these rugby posts on Scott Avenue safe.

Last week I reported the damaged bus stop sign at Bristol Road. This was fixed very promptly.

If you know of any issues in Podsmead that need fixing please let me know. I am always happy to help.

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Gloucester, Cllr Kate Haigh and the leader of Gloucester City Council, Cllr Richard Cook have expressed great sadness following the announcement of the death of HRH Prince Philip:

“On behalf of all of Gloucester City Council’s councillors and staff, we would like to say how deeply sad we all are at the news of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s death. We send our sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and all her family at this time.

“The loss of His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh is one that will be felt across the globe. We have been fortunate enough to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to the city on a number of occasions, and each time we could feel his warmth and fondness for Gloucester.” 

“As a mark of respect for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh flags on all council buildings are being flown at half mast.”

The Council is seeking guidance on the most appropriate way for residents to offer their condolences and will issue further information in due course.

Gloucester Guildhall and the Museum of Gloucester have received a grant of £50,000 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them recover and reopen.

More than £300 million has been awarded to cultural organisations including Gloucester Guildhall and the Museum of Gloucester in the latest round of support.

Gloucester Guildhall offers a variety of live shows such as music, comedy, theatre, dance, and contemporary film as well as participatory workshops and art exhibitions, and sees over 50,000 people passing through the doors annually.

With the venue’s 440 capacity being cut by 85 percent to allow for social distancing, and many events not going ahead, this has had a significant financial impact on the Guildhall.

The grant will allow Gloucester Guildhall to organise new intimate live experiences, develop exciting new digital content and support artists and technicians back to work.

While the funding awarded to the Museum of Gloucester will ensure the return of a strong exhibition programme and will support the development of the education programme.

In addition, Gloucester Guildhall cinema has been awarded an additional £9,602 from the British Film Institute. 

It is being used to develop the Guildhall’s audience such as working with local young film makers including the screening of locally made independent films curated by a local film maker.