News from the Shire - Wednesday 19th March

The latest roundup of news away from Gloucester and Cheltenham…

Dear readers - I will keep this week’s News from the Shire short and let you know that next week I’m on a break, which means there won’t be a weekly Wednesday or Saturday update of news. I do have some pieces already scheduled but of course we all need some time off!

First, local elections for the county council are due to be held on May 1st. I hope to cover as much as I can on the council, which covers services such as education, environment, highways and much more. If you could ask your local party or independent candidate a question, what would you like to ask? Do email me: callmewillsubstack@gmail.com or contact me on 07704728243

Second - Do check out my latest piece which focused on grassroots rugby in Gloucestershire. The piece below was specific to Newent RFC.

Tewkesbury

🏗️ There are plans afoot to redevelop the former Borough Flour Mills in Tewkesbury, also known as Healing’s Flour Mills. Located on Quay Street by the River Avon, the building has fallen into disrepair in recent years. Carmelo Garcia, Local Democracy Reporter

🚲 The next stage of the A435 Cheltenham to Bishop's Cleeve Cycleway is set to begin in May and will see a key part of the road closed in both directions for three months The project aims to bring about substantial improvements for cyclists and pedestrians along the A435 Evesham Road. Phil Norris, Gloucestershire Live

Healings Mill in Tewkesbury (Image credit: Will Luker)

Stroud

🍺 Uley Brewery, a business at the heart of the community, is celebrating 40 years of brewing this year. The brewery remains at the heart of Uley, employing and serving local people. To celebrate the brewery will be showcasing 10 special beers this year. Ken Lush the head brewer, has been making beer for Uley Brewery for more than 35 years, including local favourites Old Spot and Pig’s Ear. Matt Bigwood, Stroud Times

🏗️ Plans to transform an empty shop unit in Stroud High Street have been given the green light. Three flats could soon be built above the old Clarks store - which shut down in June last year. Alice Knight, Stroud News & Journal

🅿️ Political leaders have united against plans to build new homes in an overflow car park intended for Cam and Dursley railway station. The leaders of Stroud District Council’s political groups have come together to voice opposition to an appeal lodged by Wain Homes. Alice Knight, Gloucestershire Gazette

Cotswolds

➡️ Plans to turn a former Tesco site in Cirencester into retirement apartments have been slammed as incompatible with the surrounding area. Cirencester Town Council said it ‘strongly objects’ to an application submitted to Cotswold District Council for the 69 apartments at Farrell Close near the Brewery car park along with communal facilities, commercial space, parking and landscaping. Kate Jones, Cotswold Journal

🐧 A 40-year-old king penguin who starred in Batman Returns is seeking the title of 'world's favourite flightless bird.' Seth, the world's oldest known king penguin, has resided at Birdland in Bourton since hatching as an egg in 1985. Nathan Russell, Cotswold Journal

Forest of Dean

🎵 EMF have announced they will headline a free festival in the Forest of Dean this summer as a blue plaque was unveiled in their honour in their home town of Cinderford. The alternative rock band, which came to prominence in the 1990s, is best known for its hit single Unbelievable which reached number three on the UK singles chart and was a number one hit in the US. Carmelo Garcia, Local Democracy Reporter

⚒️ Gloucestershire County Council has pledged to protect the ancient rights of freeminers to burn and mine coal despite concerns over climate change. The Forest of Dean tradition was first established in Gloucestershire in 1296 by King Edward the First, and it was later enshrined into law in 1838. Carmelo Garcia, Local Democracy Reporter

🐈 Martin Clunes praised veterinary nurses as he opened a university training centre that will focus on practical learning. The Men Behaving Badly actor, celebrating the completion of Hartpury University's Veterinary Nursing and Technical Skills Centre, said the profession was special because it was "pure care". Edward Rowe, BBC Gloucestershire

🙌 A Coleford venue which runs as a coffee shop during the day transforms into a sophisticated, live music and entertainment venue in the evening is gaining a growing fan base for its unique dual life. ‘The Art of Coffee’ which has been open for three years in the heart of Coleford is well known as a place to relax and enjoy a great coffee and for many of its customers has become a “home away from home.” Grace Price, The Forester