Author: Admin

There are serious concerns about what is beginning to look like the “finished state” of the landscaped areas at Twigworth Green… particularly the new tree saplings that were planted, many of which are now dead, dying, damaged or missing.

There has been an on-going dialogue with Vistry about this since 2023, however, as the development is nearing completion, it is important that residents raise their concerns about this, please update us if you know of any areas not covered in the video presentation attached.

Contact Email: cllrredfern.twigworthpc@gmail.com

The condition which relates to landscaping is covered within the original outline application, 15/01149/OUT and states:

“…If within a period of five years from the date of the planting of any tree that tree, or any tree planted in replacement for it, is removed, uprooted or destroyed or dies, or becomes, in the opinion of the local planning authority, seriously damaged or defective, another tree of the same species and size as that originally planted shall be planted in accordance with details to be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority.”

Apologies, this is a resend of the post as the naughty Elves have began work too early!

Please click on the image below to expand the Newsletter

The most magical time of the year is fast-approaching, and for those looking for genuine festive spirit, Tewkesbury Borough is the place to be. From spectacular light trails and steam trains to medieval markets and a modern panto, the area is brimming with seasonal cheer.

Tewkesbury Borough Council is encouraging residents and visitors to explore the rich mix of heritage and contemporary events on offer this winter. Here are 12 fantastic festive activities and events to discover:

Tewkesbury Christmas Market and Lights Switch-on Sunday, 23 November, from 12pm.

Get into the festive spirit on the historic streets of Tewkesbury. Enjoy over 80 stalls selling unique gifts and crafts, children’s fairground rides, street food, and live entertainment. Father Christmas is rumoured to be visiting, and the town will sparkle at 5pm with the lights switch-on, featuring the cast of The Roses Theatre’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. tewkesburychristmaslights.com

Bishops Cleeve Christmas Light Switch-on and Market: Saturday, 22 November, from 5.30pm.

A popular, free community event with festive activities, games, entertainment, food stalls, and a market for browsing gifts.

Winchcombe Christmas Festival: Friday, 28 November (5pm – 8pm) and Saturday, 29 November 10am – 5pm.

The picturesque town of Winchcombe hosts its Christmas festival and market with over 40 stalls, carol singing, Morris dancing, and live music. experiencewinchcombe.co.uk

Jack and the Beanstalk pantomime at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury: Saturday, 29 November –  Saturday, 3 January.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without panto! Join the giant-sized family adventure at The Roses Theatre. Tickets (from £20) and Family Panto details Special Adult-Only Performances (£30) are also available. rosestheatre.org/events/jack-and-the-beanstalk

Tewkesbury Abbey Christmas Fair: Saturday, 29 November, 10am – 4pm.

One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the region, held within the breathtaking 900-year-old Tewkesbury Abbey. Browse artisan stalls, enjoy festive food and drink, and soak up the joyful atmosphere. tewkesburyabbey.org.uk/whats-on/

Spectacle of Light at Sudeley Castle & Gardens, Winchcombe: Friday, 21 November – Tuesday, 30 December.

Return to Sudeley Castle for one of the UK’s most magical winter light trails. This year’s theme, King Arthur, promises a glittering wonderland of colour, iconic installations, and awe-inspiring projections against the backdrop of the historic castle. sudeleycastle.co.uk/events/spectacle-of-light-2025

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway Santa Express family train rides: Saturday, 22 November – Tuesday, 23 December.

Departing from Cheltenham Racecourse Station, this beloved experience includes refreshments, a goody bag, festive photo opportunities, and a visit with Santa (including a gift). gwsr.com/events/santa-express-2025

A Medieval Christmas: Living history, Tewkesbury: Saturday, 22 and Sunday, 23 November and Saturday, 6 and 7 December 10.30am-4pm.

Step back in time at The Merchant’s House (part of the John Moore Museum) to discover medieval festive traditions, food, and entertainment. Free entry. johnmooremuseum.org

Christmas Wreath Workshop, Tewkesbury: Friday, 28 November 10.30am – 1pm.

Get creative with Dovecote Willow at the Old Baptist Chapel. Craft a stunning, unique wreath using sustainably harvested materials. (£40pp, includes materials and refreshments). johnmooremuseum.org

‘Fresh!’ Exhibition and mini craft market at Nature in Art, Twigworth: Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 December 10am – 4.30pm.

Visit the world’s first museum dedicated to art inspired by nature. Browse the ‘Fresh!’ exhibition and a mini craft market featuring up to 12 local crafters selling unique, handmade gifts. natureinart.org.uk

Christmas Candlelight Concert at Tewkesbury Abbey: Monday, 8 December.

A magical evening featuring a live band and talented singers performing festive classics by candlelight in the magnificent Abbey. tewkesburyabbey.org.uk

Nadia Eide presents Winter Light at Tewkesbury Abbey: Monday, 15 December.

The Voice UK 2021 finalist brings her Christmas concert tour, featuring her impressive vocal range, festive favourites, and a special guest choir. tewkesburyabbey.org.uk

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Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Development said: “We are delighted to share this fantastic line-up of festive activities, which showcases the vibrant community spirit across Tewkesbury Borough. From our bustling Christmas Market and Lights Switch-on to the magical Spectacle of Light and the laughs at The Roses Theatre panto, there is something seasonal for everyone to enjoy.

“We want to thank all our amazing attractions and retailers for putting on and supporting such a wonderful programme of events and we encourage all residents and visitors to support our local businesses and attractions this winter, helping to make the festive season memorable for families while supporting our local businesses.”

Free parking

To help our small businesses and retailers during their important sales period, Tewkesbury Borough Council has previously announced free parking at council owned car parks in Tewkesbury and Winchcombe on specific dates, beginning Sunday, 23 November for the Tewkesbury Christmas Market and Lights Switch-on.

With a spectacular range of events spanning light trails, traditional markets, heritage celebrations, and festive theatre, Tewkesbury Borough is adding extra festive sparkle to the season this winter. It’s time to consult the calendar and make time for events and activities and support the local businesses that make these events possible and create lasting memories this festive season. To plan your perfect winter day out, or to find more information on all the events listed, please visit visittewkesbury.info.

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Tewkesbury Borough Council has voted to support the creation of a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire, following a meeting of Council held on Tuesday, 18 November.

While the final decision rests with central government, this marks the next step in the Gloucestershire’s journey towards Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and devolution – a government-led national initiative that aims to simplify local government structures and bring decision-making closer to communities.

The endorsed proposal would replace the current two-tier system – comprising Gloucestershire County Council and six district councils – with a single, unified authority responsible for delivering all local services across the county, including waste collection, planning, fire and rescue, social care, education, and more.

This decision, alongside those of the other six Gloucestershire councils, will be part of the county’s final submission to central government, due by 28 November 2025. The proposal will then be assessed against key criteria such as population size, service efficiency, financial sustainability, and local identity, ahead of a public consultation expected in early 2026.

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “Local Government Reorganisation has been mandated by central government, and it has forced a reconsideration of how local government functions in Gloucestershire.

“Unitaries aren’t new – most of the country operates using a unitary model – and as part of our transition, we will want to ensure services are designed in a way that are more efficient and quicker to respond, but that still feel local to the people who use them.

“For Tewkesbury Borough, it’s important that the option we support offers the best opportunities for our communities and businesses. Of the three proposals, a single unitary authority is the one that provides the scale and coherence needed to harness the county’s strengths, while ensuring local identify and community are protected through strong neighbourhood working.”

A single unitary authority can deliver significant financial savings – estimated at £164 million over ten years – with a payback period of just two years. The new structure would come into effect no earlier than April 2028, following a transitional period of planning and implementation.

For more information on Local Government Reorganisation and devolution in Gloucestershire, including updates on which of the unitary options each of the councils will be supporting, visit futuregloucestershire.org.uk

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Press release 
17 November 2025

Tewkesbury Borough Council is pleased to announce a series of free parking days across its town centre car parks to support small businesses and retailers during the busy shopping period.

This initiative aims to encourage residents and visitors to shop locally and enjoy the festive atmosphere while easing the cost of parking.

Free parking will be available on the following dates:

Sunday, 23 November – All council-owned car parks in Tewkesbury, in celebration of the Tewkesbury Christmas Market and Lights Switch-on.

Saturday, 6 December – All council-owned car parks in Tewkesbury and Winchcombe, marking Small Business Saturday, a national campaign celebrating independent retailers.

Saturday, 13 December – Free parking at both council-owned car parks in Winchcombe.

Saturday, 20 December – Free parking at all council-owned car parks in Tewkesbury and Winchcombe.

Councillor Stewart Dove, Lead Member for Finance and Asset Management said: “We’re delighted to offer these free parking dates to support our local businesses and communities by making it easier for people to shop and celebrate locally this season.”

For more information, visit the parking webpages on the council website: tewkesbury.gov.uk/parking

To plan your perfect winter day out, or to find more information on all the events listed in Tewkesbury Borough, please visit: visittewkesbury.info

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14 November 2025

A woman from Twigworth in Tewkesbury Borough has been issued an antisocial behaviour injunction, on 6 November, by Gloucester and Cheltenham County Court.

The injunction was secured against Nicole Newton, age 31, of 13 Halfpenny Close, Twigworth, by Tewkesbury Borough Council Officers who work within the Solace partnership collaborated with Ms Newton’s landlord, Bromford Flagship Housing.

The injunction, which is now live, was served to Miss Newton on Tuesday, 11 November, following reports of ongoing issues.

The court has imposed strict conditions, including a ban on:
Conduct causing nuisance or annoyance to anyone living, visiting, or working within Halfpenny Close, Twigworth, and the surrounding area
Use or threats of violence towards any person in the area
Shouting, swearing, abusive language, or insulting gestures
Noise audible outside the property between 11pm and 7am
Direct or indirect contact with named individuals.

A power of arrest applies to the first three conditions. Any breach of the order will require a witness statement and could lead to further enforcement action, including the housing provider seeking possession of the property.

Any breaches of the injunction can be reported to the Police, Tewkesbury Borough Council or Bromford Flagship Housing.

Councillor Alex Hegenbarth, Lead Member for Community and Housing, said: “Residents have the right to feel safe and secure in their homes. This injunction sends a clear message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
“We will continue to work closely with our partners and the individual involved to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.”

For more information on the council’s work to tackle antisocial behaviour, visit: tewkesbury.gov.uk//anti-social-behaviour-asb.

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Published

13.11.2025

A vote taken at yesterday’s meeting of the county council marks a major step towards the biggest change in local government for more than 50 years.

County Councillors debated two proposals for the future structure of local government in the county that have been developed collaboratively by all seven councils:

• A single unitary council for the whole of Gloucestershire
• Two unitary councils: one covering the east (Cheltenham, Cotswold, Tewkesbury) and one covering the west (Gloucester, Forest of Dean, Stroud)

At the end of the debate, councillors were asked to indicate their preferred proposal. The result was:

• One unitary council – 38 votes
• Two unitary councils – 4 votes
• Abstentions – 10 votes

This is a significant milestone, but not the final decision. Today’s non-binding vote will be considered by Cabinet next Wednesday, when it will agree which proposal to formally submit to Government by 28 November.

Lisa Spivey, leader of the Council said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a structure that works for residents and communities across Gloucestershire. The outcome will represent the biggest change to local government in around 50 years, shaping how services are delivered for decades to come. Whilst change of this scale can feel unsettling, we remain focused on delivering the services residents rely on whilst and preparing for the future.”

The ‘Greater Gloucester’ proposal, developed by Gloucester City Council, was not debated today because its business case was published too late to allow the same level of review and due diligence as had been carried out on the other two proposals.

The Government will consult early next year on all submitted proposals that meet its criteria and is expected to make a final decision in the summer.

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Flood alert in force: River Severn in Gloucestershire 

Flooding is possible for: River Severn from Tewkesbury to Gloucester 

Forecast rising river levels tomorrow may lead to flooding. 

Flooding is possible on 14 November 2025. 

Flooding may affect low lying land and roads adjacent the River Severn from Tewkesbury to Gloucester. Locations that may be affected include Apperley, Maisemore, Hempstead, Minsterworth Ham and Quedgley. Severn Ham, Tewkesbury starts to fill. This alert has been issued based on uncertain forecast heavy rainfall that may have significant impact within the community. As the rain has not yet fallen and been observed, we are unable to provide any real time peak information. As the situation evolves we will be able to provide more details. 

We are closely monitoring the situation and liaising with emergency services and local authorities 

Take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 

This message will be updated by 10:00AM on 14 November 2025 or as the situation changes. 

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Yellow warning

Storm Claudia is expected to bring heavy rain during Friday into early Saturday that may lead to some flooding and disruption 06:00 hrsFriday 14th November – 06:00 hrs Saturday 15th November – please check out these websites for further information – stay safe.

Click here for the Met Office reports

For local Environment Agency flood alerts and other information, please click here

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Message received from Cllr Sarah Hands this afternoon (13 November 25)

I’m fully aware of the problems that the amount of roadworks in the area are causing.

Gloucestershire County Council are responsible for facilitating circa 17,000 road work orders every year. Sometimes it feels like all of those are happening at the same time!

I’ve spoken to highways managers and have the following information about the Longford/Twigworth/Down Hatherley area.

🚦LONGFORD. A38 Wales and West utitilites work. This has been a huge project and is finally at the last stage. Work is scheduled to finish on 5th December.

⛔️DOWN HATHERLEY. Many people including myself have been confused as to what is happening on Down Hatherley Lane this week. I can confirm that the road will be CLOSED just past Frogfurling Lane from Monday 17th. The work will be paused for two weeks over Christmas when the road will be open. It will commence after Xmas. This is the reason for work now stretching to March. This cannot be postponed as it is a legal requirement for work to start 28 days after it has been applied for.

• Access to Down Hatherley Village Hall will be available at all times.
• Frogfurling Lane will be open at all times.

🚧NORTON A38. Contractors have confirmed that work in this area will be WEDS 19th – FRI 21st only as opposed to the full week.
There will be two way traffic lights which will be manually controlled at morning and evening peaks with minimal distance between light heads to ease delays.

I absolutely understand the frustration these works cause. Please remember I am also a resident who uses these roads daily. I live in Innsworth and have to drop my daughter at school in Churchdown before going to work so am also sat in traffic on Innsworth lane with you all. I do what I can to make sure residents have all the information about the works. Information is key to being able to plan journeys.