Success – Keep Clear markings in Tuffley Avenue/Newark Road

I am pleased that after urging the county council to implement ‘Keep Clear’ markings at the entrance to Newark Road from Tuffley Avenue, they have done so ahead of schedule.

I have been liaising with the local highways manager over the Tuffley Avenue traffic calming scheme since its implementation, and residents will know that I have long been skeptical about the process and the implementation of the scheme. I continue to monitor it and have recently reported the instances of smaller cars nipping between the speed bumps, which is obviously dangerous. The highways manager is aware of this and the scheme is being observed.
Do let me know if you have any questions or concerns over the continuing operation of the scheme:

How to contact me

Potholes to be filled in some Podsmead roads

I reported potholes in Byron Avenue and Shakespeare Avenue to the county council for filling, and I’m pleased to say they are due to be filled. Much more funding, though, needs to be allocated by the Conservative administration at Shire Hall towards fixing Gloucester’s roads. I will keep pressing for more money to go on fixing the roads and pavements in our area.

If you spot a pothole or pavement that needs fixing, or any other problem in our area, please let me know:

How to contact me

Planning Appeal lodged for 5G mast on Tuffley Avenue

Residents will remember the application for installation of a 5G mast on Tuffley Avenue, that was rejected last year. The applicants have now lodged an appeal. If residents wish to make new or additional comments they should send them using the instructions on the letter attached. If anyone has difficulty with this process let me know. Applications can be viewed on the council website here.
My original comments are also attached, as well as the site plans. I initially had concerns over the lack of consultation on the original application, as well as the impact on the street scene along Tuffley Avenue. Whilst we need 5G masts, I do not feel this is the right location for one.

Trees uprooted in Podsmead

A very happy new year to all Podsmead residents. I hope you all had a nice Christmas break.

One of the first things I’m dealing with is the damage to local trees caused by the recent windy weather.

I have reported the uprooted or damaged trees on Scott Avenue open space, Tuffley Park and in Newark Road to the council for action. I hope they all can be replaced.

If you know of any more uprooted or damaged trees in our area, please let me know:

How to contact me

Carol singing with the Podsmead community

It was great to be out carol singing in Podsmead on Wednesday 20th December.

Working with the local PCSOs from Gloucestershire Constabulary and the Blackbridge Charitable Community Benefit Society, we were able once again to hold an event in Earls Park, and then later on in Scott Avenue.

For the first event we had The Salvation Army Gloucester band, and many thanks to Phil Webb and his colleagues for leading the music.

For choirs we had members of the Ecclesiastical Insurance Gloucester staff choir, which my wife Vicki runs, and the City of Gloucester Community Choir which we co-run, and the community sang along heartily. There was a brilliant turn out at both events and at Earls Park we had some lovely singing from young and old. We also had appearances from Santa 🎅

Ecclesiastical have generously offered to double any donations made on the night to the Salvation Army, which is fantastic news.

There were refreshments and more singing at Scott Avenue and my thanks go to Debbie, Debbie, Jim and Kelly-Marie for all they did to organise the events.

Truly the community spirit in Podsmead is alive and well.

Thanks to everyone working over Christmas and New Year

Whilst most of us will be enjoying the Festive break, many people will be working over Christmas and New Year to keep the rest of us safe, secure and comfortable.

So thank you:

  • Council roads staff
  • Council emergency staff
  • Social workers
  • Carers
  • Health workers
  • Police officers and civilians staff
  • Ambulance service staff
  • Fire service staff
  • RNLI and mountain rescue volunteers
  • Those serving in the armed forces
  • Coastguards
  • Energy supply staff, especially those ready to go out and restore power lost in storms
  • Call centre workers for gas, electricity, water and phone services
  • Hospitality, hotel and catering staff
  • Those giving meals to homeless and vulnerable people

My apologies to anyone else I have missed from this list.