Here’s a handy graphic which shows what help could be available to eligible people.
Liberal Democrats believe the government help, while welcome, does not go nearly far enough. The party leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the government to scrap the energy price hike in October. Find out more on the Liberal Democrat website.
There was some dangerous barbed wire on Cole Avenue by the back of XPO Logistics. I contacted the council after a resident brought it to my attention, and the council spoke to XPO. They asked the contractor who had removed the fence and left all the barbed wire, to make good the site and do a proper job of removing all the material. Happily this has now been done.
There is still a wall that looks dangerous further up the road. This looks like it is in hand because it’s got a barrier round it.
I have had lots of emails and phone calls about the Blackbridge project. It would be fair to say I have heard a range of views, but most of them have been respectful and positive. People rightly have concerns, especially those living closest to the development.
Some are completely opposed, some in favour, and some want to debate the fine details of how it will all work. At the moment there is not an answer to every question but I have urged the BCCBS to put round a newsletter in late August with some ‘frequently asked questions’ and their answers. I have submitted a list myself and I have had some residents send me questions.
I cannot guarantee that all questions will be answered at this point because some things may depend on traffic or other surveys still to come. Just to reiterate though that residents can contact me any time, and I am always happy to meet with them by appointment.
In these difficult times there are charities and trusts who can help. For example, the Fuel Bank Foundation can offer advice and assistance. Visit their website to find out more.
Here is a link to some information on the city council website about the Gloucester playing pitch strategy, and booking sports pitches in the city. I hope it is of use.
Early bin collection times this week
From Gloucester City Council:
Due to the very high temperatures expected this week, waste and recycling crews will start earlier on Wednesday 10th, Thursday 11th and Friday 12th August. This arrangement is for the safety of crews, reducing the time they will be out in extreme heat. Please put bins and containers out the night before as long as safe to do so, or by the earlier time of 6:00am.
We will provide a further update if these arrangements need to continue. Please let friends, neighbours and family know if this change affects them.
The Blackbridge Community Charitable Benefit Society (BCCBS) will be putting out a newsletter in late August with an update on many aspects of the Blackbridge project, in order to provide information to residents and answer their questions.
A lot of residents have asked questions on similar themes so it would be useful to make the information as helpful and comprehensive as possible, if residents could email me any questions they think it would be useful to have answered, to seb4podsmead@gmail.com. I will need these questions by Monday 8th August if possible.
The BCCBS will then use the questions to help prepare the fact sheet and make the update as useful and helpful as possible.
This newsletter will be delivered across the ward and I will ask for copies to be made available widely.
The clothes bin at Burns Avenue has now been removed. I’m grateful to Gloucester City Homes for getting this done.
The area already looks cleaner and although there have been instances of fly-tipping, the message is gradually getting through that the place can be kept clear. Do let me know if there are any other areas where people fly-tip.
The new piece of outdoor gym equipment was installed at Milton Avenue. This was paid for from section 106 contributions from developers.
I reported this cracked footpath at New Dawn View to the council. It looks like it’s already had a repair job attempted, which seems to have failed.