News from the Shire - Wednesday 7th May
Latest roundup of news away from Gloucester and Cheltenham
Dear readers - the local elections are now behind me as I look to write more pieces on Gloucestershire.
Any local democracy pieces will be shared via my weekly roundups but now is the time to focus on other entries for my blog/newsletter. If you have not seen already, my piece on having a love of walking was shared on Sunday. Call me Will does involve my personal interests so I am glad to have made a start sharing pieces on an activity I enjoy doing.
This week is also poignant because of the 80th anniversary of VE Day. 1945 is arguably one of the most important dates in Britain’s national story. The end of World War Two did not come to its conclusion on May 8th 1945 as the war in the Pacific still rumbled on, but in Europe it was a fight for peace.
The legacy of this moment in history still has an impact on us today and in Gloucestershire there have been street parties already in Minchinhampton to commemorate the anniversary. Thankfully the weather recently has been dry with plenty of sunshine and it looks set to continue as more VE Day events take place across the county.
Below is this week’s News from the Shire.
Tewkesbury
Tewkesbury Borough Council is expected to give its backing to the overall direction of the first garden communities in the borough. The North Ashchurch Garden Communities Framework Masterplan Document of the North Ashchurch Consortium (NAC) sets out the principles for the first phase of development. It marks a major milestone in the overall garden communities programme and its vision for sustainable growth. Sarah Wood, Punchline
A plan for self-build homes in Teddington has been submitted to the council. The four bespoke self-build homes in Tewkesbury are now with Tewkesbury Borough Council. The planning application, from award winning self-build company, Livedin, proposes creating a small group of self-build homes on an unused strip of scrubland on Teddington's western edge. Kirstie McCrum, Gloucestershire Live
Rooftop Housing Group and Aqua Construction have completed their latest Bishop's Cleeve regeneration project featuring 28 affordable and energy-efficient homes for local people. This marks the second successful collaboration between the Evesham-based housing association and Aqua in the area, following the redevelopment of Bishops Drive, known as Pember Close. David Wood, Punchline
Stroud
A leading county councillor is urging Gloucestershire County Council to take “ownership” concerning ongoing roadworks fiasco in Nailsworth. George Street was due to reopen this morning, Wednesday (May 7) after nearly a month of disruption, but contractors for Gloucestershire Highways were forced to down tools last night after concrete laid by Wales & West Utilities started to crack. Ash Loveridge, Stroud Times
Two dog owners have been sentenced for animal welfare offences after animals were found in poor, filthy and cramped conditions. Following information from naturewatch.org regarding concerns of animal welfare and breeding dogs without a licence at a premises in Arlingham, a warrant was executed in June 2023. Seven dogs and a litter of puppies were seized and an independent vet had concerns for their health following an inspection. James Felton, Stroud News & Journal
A popular community trail returned over the Bank Holiday weekend, raising thousands for a village school. The Amberley Cow Hunt on Saturday and Sunday saw dozens of families search for amusing bovine creations across Minchinhampton Common. Alice Knight & Simon Pizzey, Stroud News & Journal
A charity which aims to make boating accessible to all has received a £25,600 donation. Cotswold Boatmobility, which operates on the Stroudwater Canal received the donation from Omaze. The money will be used to buy six bespoke twin-hulled canoes, paddles, flotation devices and a new landing stage. Matty Airey, Stroud News & Journal
There has been a mixed reaction over ambitious plans to breathe new life into a ‘dangerous’ and ‘ugly’ eyesore in Dursley. Proposals have been submitted to turn the old Dursley Garage showroom in Kingshill Road into a three-storey college with accommodation. Alice Knight, Wilts & Glos Standard
Stroud Rotary Club has collected around 125,000 pairs of spectacles for those in need in Sri Lanka. The initiative was started by Stroud Rotary Club's international chairman, Lakshman Gallage, after he donated an old pair of glasses to a friend in Sri Lanka. Matty Airey, Stroud News & Journal
Cotswolds
The community in Bourton-on-the-Water are devasted following the tragic death of two beloved geese, George and Mildred, who were killed in a road accident. A Go Fund Me Page has been set up in honour of the pair, who had become local icons, with hopes to install a bench or statue in their memory. Kim Horton, Gloucestershire Live
Almost 50 trees have been removed along a key Cotswold route after the road was completely blocked during a storm. Storm Darragh felled 70 trees alongside the A436 in Bourton-on-the-Water on 7 December 2024, which led to the road being closed between Notgrove and the A429 at Whiteshoots Hill for more than two weeks. Maisie Lilywhite, BBC Gloucestershire
Plans to install 37 pole mounted CCTV security cameras at a Cotswold solar farm have been given the go-ahead. Aura Power Developments Ltd with the Bathurst Estate have been granted permission to go ahead with the installation at their planned Kemble Solar Farm. Carmelo Garcia, Local Democracy Reporter
Forest of Dean
Police are investigating after a man assaulted a woman and then stole items from a post office in the village of Newnham-on-Severn last week. The incident happened on High Street shortly before 6.30pm on Monday 28 April when two men entered the Shop at the Ship. The Forester
People in Coleford are being asked how they think the town should develop over the next 16 years. A review of the Coleford Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) – which is taken into account when planning applications are decided – is underway. The views of local people about how the town should be shaped is a key element, say the steering group leading the process. Mark Elson, The Forester
The Forest of Dean Hedgehog Rescue announced it is looking for volunteers to help out in areas including fundraising, rescue and transport. Volunteers must be 18 or over to apply and must be able to commit to regular-set days. Applicants should also have transport, as the location, just outside of Newent, is not on a bus route. Tomos Evans, The Forester