I’m pleased to see this sign that was leaning in Newark Road has finally been fixed.

I was in touch with the county council about this issue during the by-election and again in November of last year. Persistence has paid off here.

Clearly, in recent months Highways have had some other priorities but I am grateful to them for carrying out the work.

It’s great that the parks are open again and people are enjoying them. ?

You can get a hot drink ☕️ , ice cream ? , milkshake or cold drink ? at The Club at Tuffley Park whilst you are at Tuffley Park, and there is a sensible barrier and queue system.

But PLEASE take your rubbish home with you!

The photo shows one of the bins at the park, after the foxes ? ? have had a go!

I’ve asked the council to increase the frequency of collection and they have agreed to this, and did attend on the day I reported this to empty the bins again.

We can look at getting extra bins installed, but the council will not increase the total number of bins ? ? in the city, so it would have to be an underused bin or bins from elsewhere in the city.

The easiest solution is for people to take responsibility for their own litter – the rubbish shown did not all come from the Club. We all have a part to play in the current circumstances when services are stretched. So please keep Britain tidy, and recycle ♻️ where possible.

Both the street signs for Podsmead Road by the Epney Road/Podsmead Road junction have been damaged – I have asked for them to be repaired and already one has been done.

It does look as though the paint has been slightly damaged when it was bent back into shape, though, so I’ve asked if this can be touched up.

I was pleased to see that, at long last, the pavement on Tuffley Crescent that was closed due to works to a property, has been fixed and reopened

I have been in touch with Highways several times over this issue so I am pleased that it has now been done.

I’ve called for this vegetation on the Podsmead side of Cole Avenue to be cut back a little, and Highways have agreed to do it.

This will make it easier for pedestrians to use the path.

Podsmead business Into Cleaning have prepared this handy guide to cleaning your property or premises during Covid-19.

For advice about cleaning methods and products do visit their website, call 0800 0337470, or email sales@intocleaning.co.uk

Coronavirus – A Cleaning Guide

Prior To Opening And Resuming Services – Has a risk assessment been carried out?

• Are the most current HSE guidelines being followed?

• Were fridges left for prolonged periods and have these been cleaned out and expired contents disposed of?

• Has any stagnant/still water been disposed of? Areas of concern will be water fountains/dispensers, tea kettles and urns, showers etc.

• Were all feminine hygiene bins serviced and waste bins emptied and cleaned if necessary?

• Are hand dryers still operational? Guidelines would suggest where possible to replace hand dryers with disposable paper towels. If this is done, provisions must be made in the form of a closed bin for disposal.

• Is there a need for extra signage to ensure staff and visitors are mindful of social distancing measures and extra hygiene requirements?

• Are cleaning services adequate for the site or are extra services required? Have provisions been made for areas/equipment to be cleaned while contract cleaners are not on site?

• Is there a supply of hand sanitiser and an anti-bacterial hand soap available?

• Are there any requirements for equipment handled by multiple members of staff to be cleaned?

• Has the use of a virisidal detergent for use by cleaning operatives and site staff been provided?

Safe Working Conditions

Are any changes implemented to help combat Covid19 easy to understand and follow?

• Are there clear guidelines and signs to encourage social distancing and awareness?

• Are work areas free of clutter to aid cleaning?

• Have provisions been made for extra attention in the form of using a virisidal detergent to be made to any touch points to help prevent the spread of infection?

• Have any unnecessary cloths/rags/sponges/mops that can harbour bacteria been disposed of and has cleaning using disposable cloths and industrial blue roll been considered?

• Are common areas/canteens big enough to accommodate staff and are adequate cleaning provisions in place?

• Is there enough stock available in the form of paper supplies (toilet rolls / handtowels / industrial blue roll for cleaning) hand soap and sanitiser on site?

Confirmed Case

Have you made provisions with a specialist contract cleaner in the event of a confirmed cased of Covid19?

Useful Links

https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/assets/docs/working-safely-guide.pdf

https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/assets/docs/talking-with-your-workers.pdf

On May 31st 1900, 120 years ago, Gloucester Library on Brunswick Road was formally opened. According to the ‘Gloucester Book of Days’:

‘The library was opened by Lord Avebury, who said in his speech that, now there was a place in the city holding so many treasures, ‘no-one in Gloucester need ever be dull again’. This assertion was greeted by loud applause’. (‘Gloucester Book of Days’ page 154).

Gloucester’s libraries are missed by many at the moment, and we know that they are working hard to reopen when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, there are many resources available for free from the library website.

You can buy the ‘Gloucester Book of Days’ as an ebook here.

It’s good to hear that some local businesses are reopening after Covid-19.

Idun Spirit will reopen from June 1st in their superb new premises on Westgate Street. Do pay them a visit and restock your supplies of incense, crystals, vegan body lotion or wash, essential oils or any of the other great products they carry.

They will be operating under stringent social distancing measures to keep customers safe.

Find out more about opening hours and their Coronavirus policy on their website here.

We wish them lots of luck in their new location!

With leaflet delivery still not possible due to the pandemic, I have been producing these photo Spotlight newsletters instead.

They show a small selection of the work I am doing for Podsmead.

Recently I cycled to the three Podsmead play areas – Scott Avenue, Milton Avenue and Tuffley Park.

I had received reports that the play areas were still being used and wanted to check that there were signs up. I was able to confirm that there are signs up at all three areas.

I have, though, asked the council to put some more up as there are only a few in some areas, particularly the Milton Avenue area. I also asked why there weren’t signs up on the Scott Avenue basketball court and was told that following the latest government advice, basketball courts can be used by family groups plus one other person as long as they socially distance.

Official guidance remains that parks are open but the play equipment is not. Covid-19 can remain on surfaces, particularly metal, for several days, so it is a risk to use the play equipment.

As Gloucester City Council manages over 200 play areas it is virtually impossible to police them adequately.

We have to rely on the public using their common sense, and sharing the message that the parks can be used but not the play areas.

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