The Podsmead Clearance team are available to do private gardens in addition to their contracted work.

See above for an example of the great work they can do.

Email PCTHelp@outlook.com for more info.

The Not So Secret Book Clubs, which run every week throughout the summer, at different locations in Gloucestershire, have already been a great hit, providing children of all ages with new books to read free of charge.

We urgently need donations of second hand children’s books ? and art ? materials .

If you can help please get in touch.

Email linda@readwithme.org.uk or seb4podsmead@gmail.com or message me on Facebook.

The road surface at Lower Tuffley Lane is poor in a number of places, so I reported the defects to Highways.

They have filled the worst potholes, such as this one, but I believe more needs to be done. There are still lots of potholes etc along this key business route.

The process is what’s called ‘data-led’ – so the council respond to reports of specific problems at specific locations. Normally this is fine to get individual potholes reported and filled, but in this case the road needs a full resurface.

I’ll keep pressing the Conservative-run county council for more action on Podsmead’s roads.

The news this week that a quarter of the UK’s mammals are under threat of extinction should fill us all with concern.

You can view the news story here.

I have written to Prof Fiona Mathews, chair of the Mammal Society, to see what councillors can do to help.

Find out more about the Mammal Society or donate to their work on their website.

We had a great first meeting of the Not So Secret Book Club this week at The Club at Tuffley Park. We had many happy visitors who were able to take away books, craft materials and have a snack.

The events are running every Tuesday in August from 10am-12 noon and are FREE.

See www.readwithme.org.uk for more info on our projects.

This pothole in Chaucer Close was filled recently at my request.

Another successful outcome for this area.

If you have a Highways or any other issue you would like my help with please get in touch.

From today it is mandatory to wear a face mask in shops and supermarkets.

This is in addition to public transport where it is already compulsory.

Some people can be exempt from wearing a mask according to the guidelines.

Do have a look at the government guidelines here:

I reckon I’m going to ? very stylish in mine!

I asked Gloucestershire Roads to inspect this patch on Shakespeare Avenue as the fill was a bit shallow and uneven.

They have now refilled the pothole and made it safer for motorists.

There was good news this week as a cat missing from the Earls Park estate was found safe and well within 24 hours of going missing.

The posts on social media got lots of shares, and the community rallied round to help, which is really heartening.

I’m a big fan of the TrolleyWise app. It allows you to take photos and send reports of abandoned supermarket trolleys, with a location.

It’s good for the environment and it keeps costs down at the supermarket.

I reported this trolley using the app after Lisa Jevins alerted me to it, and it was cleared very promptly.

Do download the app and get finding those trolleys!