There is a fundraising event for Changing Creations art group, on Sunday 7th November at 7pm at the Club at Tuffley Park. Details of how to purchase tickets are on the poster above.

Read with Me have some half term activities planned in Gloucester. See the poster for details or find them on Facebook.

There is also an event planned in Wotton on Saturday 6th November:

Read with me are always on the lookout for volunteers. See the posters below for information about how you can help.

There are new facilities along the canal, on Bristol Road, Podsmead.

The views are excellent and you can access restaurants etc. As well as these chains I hope to see more independent businesses come to Podsmead.

I have called for the council to clear two blocked drains at the entrance to Newark Road from Tuffley Avenue.

If you know of any other drains in our area that need clearing, please let me know.

I spotted this damage street name plate in Byron Avenue on my rounds.

After contacting the council I’m pleased to report that it has been fixed.

If you spot any other damaged street name plates in our area please let me know.

After finding out which authority was responsible for its upkeep, I have asked the county council to fix this broken fence.

I will report back on developments.

If you spot any broken fences or other broken street furniture in our area please let me know.

Work has taken place recently at Milton Avenue for the wildflower meadow planting.

In response to some concerns over the chemicals used, I contacted the council officers in charge of this project for a briefing:

“In order to prepare the ground for the wildflower seed it is necessary to eliminate the existing hardy grass and weeds. This was done with a herbicide application. The Contractor used Rosate 360 in which the active ingredient is Glyphosate. The Contractor has informed us that they erected signs around the area prior to spraying, and that they remained on site until the application was dry – the product is inert and fine to walk on once dry, which would have been a very short time after spraying given the warm conditions. The Contractor has highlighted section 11 of the product data sheet that states:

Skin corrosion/irritation:                               Not irritant. Not classified as a skin irritant under Regulation (EC) 1272/2008

Serious eye damage/irritation:                   Slight irritant. Not classified as an eye irritant under Regulation (EC) 1272/2008

Respiratory or skin sensitization:               The product is not classified as a respiratory or skin sensitizer in animal studies

Germ cell mutagenicity:                                Not classified as mutagenic on the basis of mixture component information

Carcinogenicity:                                                Not classified as carcinogenic on the basis of mixture component information

Reproductive toxicity:                                    Not classified as a reproductive toxicant on the basis of mixture component information

Glyphosate is used by Gloucester City Council in managing weeds and vegetation growth. The bespoke policy can be found here https://www.gloucester.gov.uk/media/5177/herbicide-policy-april-2021.pdf“

Any residents who have further concerns would be welcome to get in touch with me via Sebastian.Field@Gloucester.Gov.uk

The traffic calming measures for Tuffley Avenue that have been previously proposed are now advertised publicly. There are notices and posters on the route with details of how to make any comment you would like to make.

All of the details can be found on the county council website at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/tros – look in the Gloucester section. The details can also be found at www.gloucester.gov.uk.

The officer managing this project has let councillors and respondents to the previous consolation call-outs that “there has been an amendment made to the original proposal, which is to remove the proposed traffic island at the top of Tuffley Avenue, as this would conflict with school bus movements and introduce two pairs of speed cushions instead between Calton Road and Stroud Road.

We reviewed the up to date collision data which showed an ongoing issue in this section and a design review showed that the most suitable options for reducing loss of control collisions and in keeping with the rest of the scheme were two additional pairs of speed cushions to ensure a consistent approach.’’

Residents can make comments as above or send directly to me, Sebastian.Field@gloucester.gov.uk, or to David Wilson, david.wilson@gloucestershire.gov.uk.

 

The return of the Festival of Light to Gloucester has been welcomed by the Liberal Democrats.

GLoucester City Council announced the return of the festival, which will run from November until February next year, and will see the light installations bring colour to the city as the nights draw in over winter.

Among the highlights will be Shadowing that will turn three ordinary lampposts in the city centre into magical illuminated stages where visitors can dance and play with their shadows. 

Designed by award-winning digital artists Chomko and Rosier, it will see the lights record and play back the shadows of those who pass under them.

The installation launches on October 29 in Berkley Street, Southgate Street and St Mary De Crypt corner, as well as at Blackfriars Priory when the street lights turn on after dark. 

Another highlight will be Breathing Room by Anna Berry, which is a walk-in kinetic light installation creating a unique sensory experience. 

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester Liberal Democrats, said: “It is good to see some art installations coming to Gloucester and they look imaginative. 

“I hope this will draw people into the city. Every council needs a decent programme of cultural events and art installations.”

Councillor Sebastian Field, Lib Dem culture spokesman, added: “It looks like a good programme and I hope it will be a success. 

“My only criticism would be that it doesn’t look as if we are using any local artists. 

“In a time of post-Covid recovery it would be good practice to involve some Gloucester or Gloucestershire-based artists as this would put more money back into the local economy. 

“But we are supportive on the whole.”

For further information please contact Cllr Jeremy Hilton 07771 794407 or Cllr Sebastian Field 07708 345857.

From the Sherbourne Cinema in Kingsholm to the ‘Ghost Sign’ in Barton, to Llanthony Lock in Hempsted – what makes your city special? Gloucester City Council is asking local residents to nominate buildings, unique landmarks, parks and other heritage assets to be included onto Gloucester’s local list.

The local list provides a record of assets that have special local architectural and historic interest, as well as contribute to Gloucester’s character. 

The list also highlights heritage assets that are most at risk through neglect, decay or other threats; therefore helping to preserve Gloucester’s history for future generations.

Once nominations have been received a panel involving members of the local community, local heritage bodies, and the city council will decide whether a nominated asset should be included onto Gloucester’s local list. The panel will then make their recommendations, and Cabinet will provide final approval.  

If you would like to get involved in researching and surveying sites, or to nominate a local asset please contact Nana Pierre at nanapie@gloucester.gov.uk.

For more information visit the locally listed sites webpage.