Read with me are pleased to unveil our range of Christmas cards, in aid of the project. They are by artist Molly Emilia Rose.

They are £3.99 a pack and £10 for 3 packs.

A6 size, there are 9 cards to a pack, 3 different exclusive designs. The cards are blank inside for your own message, and come with Kraft envelopes.

They can be ordered from Linda Cohen direct, or online from the Read with me shop.

This week I spoke on the radio, along with fellow Lib Dem campaigner Sarah Sawyer, outlining our concerns about e-scooters.

We have already had a good response from the public, but would like to hear your views. Take our survey here.

Whilst I am pleased that the latest pothole I reported on Scott Avenue has been filled, I am concerned that it will break open again as it has done several times before.

The road surface on Scott Avenue is now beginning to look like a patchwork with all the different fills. It tends to break up faster than other roads because all the traffic has to drive down one side only, due to the parked cars.

The road really needs a full resurface, with a long-lasting surfacing material being used. I will continue to call for this.

I’ve urged council officers to give this street sign in Eliot Close a clean.

Keeping signs clean is important to leave our area looking tidy and for people to find their way around easily.

Let me know if you see any street signs that require attention.

The Liberal Democrats are demanding the city and county councils take action to clear the backlog of tree pruning and other environmental work.

The backlog has built up due to the coronavirus pandemic and August’s Storm Francis, which saw around 70 trees across the county felled by the strong winds.

There are also problems with getting tree stumps removed after the trees have been felled.

The county council is responsible for all trees alongside public roads and footpaths, while the city council is responsible for maintaining trees on its land.

Podsmead city councillor Sebastian Field recently had a walkabout with the city council tree officer, and they identified a number of items that need attending to. But there are simply not enough staff working on tree maintenance in the city. The city and county councils should be investing more money.

Please get in touch and send us pictures of any trees that you think need attention. We will then contact the council.

I am pleased to confirm that as a result of my lobbying, more potholes are to be filled along Lower Tuffley Lane.

I initially reported well over a dozen potholes on this stretch of road, and some were filled, along with the safety defect at Corolin Road being repaired.

But some defects were left unfixed, so I sent in further reports and pressed for more action. Happily, Highways have agreed with me that more work needs doing on this important business route.

If you know of any potholes that need attention, please let me know.

The not so secret book club is back next week, at The Club at Tuffley Park.

Linda Cohen writes:

‘We’re back this Tuesday, 27th October, 10am- 12pm, The Club at Tuffley Park.
Storytime, art activities, pick up free books and craft materials.
Children of all ages welcome.
Socially distanced seating area for carers and parents. Fundraising stall with affordable Christmas gifts.’

Contact linda@readwithme.org.uk for more information.

Local guide dogs fundraiser and volunteer Jenny Brooker is holding a fundraising stall at her home this Saturday 24th October.

Jenny writes:

‘This Saturday 24th October from 2pm to 5pm I will be holding a preserves, cake and plant stall on my drive at 39 Neven Place in aid of the Guide Dogs charity. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to the charity. Please support (socially distanced of course) if you are able.’

Last week I contacted council staff to urge them to have these street signs on Burns Avenue cleaned.

This week I am happy to report that they have been cleaned, and are looking good.

Small issues such as this do make a big difference as they help an area look well cared for. If you have any issues to report, please let me know.

After I reported this pothole on Byron Avenue, I have received confirmation that this will be filled in.

This is the response I received from Highways:

‘Arrangements have been made to repair the identified issue and work will commence within the required fault repair time – please see the Highways Policy for further details.

We will keep you up to date with progress. 

Thank you again for taking the time to report the above issue. 

Gloucestershire Highways Customer Services Team’

Gloucestershire Highways have a target response time of 10 days for reports or enquiries, and they have met this target. I hope the work is done soon and to a sufficient quality standard.

If you spot any potholes or road defects in Podsmead that need attention, please let me know.