I’ve asked for this foliage on Podsmead Road near the Crypt School to be cut back, as it overhangs the footpath. A lot of vegetation has grown out during the lockdown, and it makes life difficult for blind and partially sighted people, as well as people in wheelchairs.

A campaigner called Ella has been asking people to cut back any vegetation they are able to outside their homes. With council resources stretched at present this could be very helpful, as long as you take care with power tools etc.

Residents have been asking me when the weeds will be removed around Podsmead.
I contacted the council and they have informed me that the spraying teams will be out from Monday 29th June.

Last year the weeds were sprayed but heavy rains reduced the effectiveness, and in the end the council hired in a machine called ‘Weedo’ to do the job. I’ve asked if that will be happening again this year if the weeds prove too resilient.

I’ve requested a street sign for Manu Marble Way and I’m told this will be installed by the developer within the next two weeks.

It’s important for residents as they have experienced difficulties with deliveries – more of an issue during the lockdown with more home deliveries.

I’m also requesting a sign for Neven Place, which is in the same development.

I went to check on the water level in the pond at Milton Avenue and it’s gone down a lot since last week.

The green duckweed has also dispersed, so the water looks clearer.

The pink child’s toy is still there though, so I’ve asked Gloucester City Council again to come and remove it.

The water level in the Milton Avenue pond has been very high this week! During my meeting with the local police I spotted this fly-tipping and reported it to the council. They had already attended swiftly to deal with the vandalised bench I reported earlier.

I had previously met on site with the Leader of the Council after a question I asked him about the prior vandalism to the viewing deck, to look at potential security measures we could put in place at this site.

The police are now looking into what they could do at the area, and will be reporting back to me soon. It is always appreciated if local residents can let me know about any vandalism they see. Whilst we must always move quickly to deal with vandalism, I am also keen to do everything I can to provide opportunities for young people in the area, and to work proactively with local community groups, so that we combat the root cause of vandalism.

Think your child might be eligible for free school meals?

You can apply via the form here, and you can also see the criteria.

School receive extra funding for every free school meal place, so please consider applying even if you do not wish to take up your free meal.

Free school meals were one of the many policies pushed for by the Lib Dems when they were in government.

Gloucester Liberal Democrats are calling for a new arts and culture plan for Gloucester post-Covid. As the Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for Culture and Leisure, I wrote to Cabinet Member Steve Morgan (see above).

Steve replied very warmly and I have been invited to join the Covid-19 recovery group for Culture and Leisure, which meets every fortnight.

During the pandemic, Gloucestershire Highways have been prioritising urgent safety repairs.

I reported this dangerous broken manhole cover in Empire Way, Podsmead, and was pleased to see such prompt action.

Recently I met up with PC Lea and Sgt Kear of Gloucestershire Constabulary.

We discussed issues such as the recent vandalism at Milton Avenue, and criminal incidents in the Earls Park estate.

We will be following up what we discussed in the next few days & reporting back to residents.

Getting ready to start, restart or reset your business?

Lily Pad PR (www.lilypadpr.co.uk) is offering FREE PR, social media and marketing consultancy to support Podsmead businesses and social enterprise as they reopen or pivot.

They have sent this message:

Lily Pad’s reputation has been built on providing expertise via a senior, remote team. Working virtually has become a new challenge for many, but has always been the way we run our business.

We want to continue to support the start-up community which is part of our DNA.

Every week we are offering a free one-hour consultancy slot. We’re giving our time to ensure businesses are fully equipped to maximise all the opportunities in the weeks ahead.

Contact: Linda Cohen, linda.cohen@lilypadpr.co.uk, 07791 110906.