Could the tall ships never return to Gloucester?

Plus an update on the Cheltenham pub that could be transformed into flats

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What I aim to achieve is a weekly update of news for Gloucestershire coupled with my own pieces. Independent journalism attached with thought is what I strive to do and my next featured piece is coming soon, so for now it’s time for your weekly news roundup from across the county.

One story I’d like to share first is an update on my first-ever Substack story about the Cheltenham pub that could be turned into flats. 👇

A decision on the pub by the planning committee is due soon but more than 370 people have now backed calls to save the Bell Inn on Bath Road.

Elsewhere, could the Tall Ships Festival actually arrive at Gloucester Docks without any tall ships? Fewer may come in the future as a report on the event said the cost of getting the ships into the docks is "hard to justify" given their "limited cultural outcomes" AND in other important news this week, Gloucestershire Police announced staff cuts due to “financial challenges.”

Below is a full roundup of news, including positive stories…

🍺PUBS: Customers were welcomed back to the Rose and Crown Inn at Nympsfield as part of ongoing efforts to save the venue. IN OTHER PUB NEWS: The Mousetrap Inn at Bourton-on-the-Water has decided to go cashless after thieves broke in and stole a safe which contained several thousand pounds of cash.

💷 CHELTENHAM: There are concerns businesses will be footing the bill for staff redundancies at the town’s Business Improvement District as new bosses plan to restructure the organisation.

🐝 BEES: Newent beekeepers have planted a tree to mark the 150th anniversary of the hobby’s national association.

🗳️ GLOUCESTER: The City Council is set to launch an ambitious pilot project aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour in the city centre. The two-year initiative, which was approved by city leaders will see two engagement officers appointed to provide a visible presence on the city’s streets. IN OTHER CITY COUNCIL NEWS, there are concerns over plans to hike fees such as parking and cemetery charges along with council tax in Gloucester again from April this year.

🎵 MUSIC: A Stroud record store has been named as one of the best in the world by the Financial Times.

Could the Tall Ships Festival be no more for Gloucester?

🗳️ ELECTIONS OR NO ELECTIONS: Will Gloucestershire voters get a chance to have their say at any local elections this year? District council leaders have called on the Government to reject a bid to delay this year’s county elections amid a “lack of meaningful discussions over devolution”.

🖌️ CREATIVE: A bus shelter which was in 'desperate need of brightening up' has been transformed by school students. Chalford parish council says it is delighted to add another bus shelter transformation to the parish, with a new mural created by art students at Thomas Keble School.

🚓 CRIME: A man has been jailed after admitting breaching two separate restraining orders AND a man from Gloucester has been served with a civil injunction order following incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence which took place at his home address.

🌍 ENVIRONMENT: A sustainability "festival" in Gloucestershire that gives homeowners advice on retrofitting their homes to save both energy and cash is to take place again next month. The Future Fit Homes event in Cheltenham will bring together experts and installers on measures such as solar panels, insulation, heat pumps, rainwater collection and double glazing.

🏠 HOUSING: Plans to build 140 homes in Coleford have been postponed until March. IN OTHER FOREST OF DEAN PLANNING NEWS, a Newent football club’s ambitions to expand have been given the go-ahead.

🖋️ COTSWOLD VILLAGE: Tewkesbury Borough Council is set to begin a period of consultation about additional protections being considered for the architectural beauty of Snowshill.

🍴 FOOD: Thai street food operators Kinn Kinn are the newest independent eatery to join Gloucester Food Dock.

🤡 EVENTS: Giffords Circus will celebrate its 25th anniversary year with a spectacular new show. IN OTHER EVENTS NEWS, British astronaut, Tim Peake, is coming to Gloucestershire in 2025 as part of a new national tour celebrating space exploration.

🙌 WELL DONE: Thousands of pounds have been raised for national healthcare and bereavement charity Sue Ryder thanks to Gloucestershire communities supporting the charity’s Christmas Treecycling scheme.