News

Six of Gloucestershire’s seven councils have written jointly to Government, outlining a shared ambition for the county to join the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) as part of its long-term devolution pathway.

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In the letter – sent to Ministers Matthew Pennycook MP and Miatta Fahnbulleh MP – leaders set out that the first essential step is the creation of a single countywide Foundation Strategic Authority (FSA) by May 2027.

This would provide Gloucestershire with the strategic capacity, devolved powers and evidence base required to progress towards WECA membership in the years ahead.

The letter is co‑signed by the leaders of:

• Gloucestershire County Council
• Gloucester City Council
• Cotswold District Council
• Cheltenham Borough Council
• Stroud District Council
• Forest of Dean District Council

Tewkesbury Borough Council will confirm its position at a Council meeting next month.

Why WECA? A natural economic fit

WECA was set up in 2017 to make decisions and investments that benefit people living and working in the West of England. Its aim is to deliver economic growth for the region and address some of the region’s challenges, such as productivity and skills, housing and transport.

Council leaders state that Gloucestershire’s economic strengths already align closely with that region, comprising Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

High-growth sectors such as cyber and secure tech, green energy, digital, aerospace, agri-tech and advanced manufacturing show stronger links with WECA than with alternative regional geographies. Labour market flows, commuting patterns and shared infrastructure investments further reinforce this southwest orientation.

Joining WECA would, leaders argue, bring:

• deeper strategic and analytical capacity
• stronger regional collaboration
• more direct access to investment
• a governance model naturally aligned to Gloucestershire’s economic identity

Separate from council reorganisation

The proposed devolution pathway runs alongside the ongoing programme to reorganise local government in Gloucestershire. Government is currently considering three proposals for moving from the existing county/district model to one or two unitary councils, with a decision expected this summer.

Leaders are clear that the preference for a single countywide FSA would apply regardless of whether the county ultimately becomes one or two unitary authorities.

Countywide Spatial Development Strategy underway

The councils have also confirmed their commitment to developing a Gloucestershire Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) – a strategic planning framework guiding sustainable growth, infrastructure and land use. Preparatory work has already been coordinated through the Gloucestershire City Region Board, including shared evidence, a Local Growth Plan, the Strategic and Local Plan, and a Local Nature Recovery Strategy.

Next steps

Leaders have invited Ministers to early discussions to ensure Gloucestershire can move at pace and secure a devolution arrangement suited to the county’s history, economy and ambitions.

Further detail on Gloucestershire’s proposed devolution pathway will be submitted in an Expression of Interest to Government later this year.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, speaking on behalf of the six council leaders who signed the letter, said: “Gloucestershire’s council leaders agree this is the right way forward for the county. Our economy and our communities already work closely with the West of England, so this approach would see our area join a combined authority that truly reflects who we are and where we most naturally align.

“By setting out our position now, we are aiming to unlock the benefits of devolution sooner, ensuring our residents feel the difference in their day‑to‑day lives.”

• To see a copy of the letter, go to: ministerial-letter-final.pdf

Gloucestershire County Council is starting work on an important update to its Rights of Way Improvement Plan (ROWIP) – the long term strategy that guides how the county looks after and improves its network of public footpaths, bridleways, byways and access routes.

Public Rights of Way play a vital role in everyday life across Gloucestershire. They help people travel locally, explore the countryside, stay active, enjoy nature and connect with communities. The council wants to make sure this network continues to meet the needs of residents, visitors and land managers now and into the future. 

The current ROWIP was published in 2011 and is now due for review. Since then, a lot has changed – including how people travel, the condition and use of the network, expectations around accessibility, health and wellbeing priorities, and the digital tools people use to plan journeys and explore outdoor spaces. 

To help shape a new Rights of Way Improvement Plan for 2027–2037, the council is inviting people from across the county to share their views and experiences. 

Whether you regularly walk, cycle or ride, use mobility aids, manage land, live locally, visit occasionally, or simply value access to the countryside – and even if you don’t currently use public paths – the council wants to hear from you. 

Feedback will help the council understand: 

• how well the current network meets the needs of different users
• what barriers people face, such as poor surfaces, missing links, accessibility challenges or unclear signage 
• where improvements are most needed 
• what would make the network more enjoyable, inclusive, safe and better connected 
• how Public Rights of Way can support wider goals, including sustainable travel, community health, climate resilience and countryside enjoyment 

The information gathered will play a key role in shaping a practical and ambitious 10-year plan. It will help guide future priorities, decision making and investment, ensuring improvements are focused where they matter most. 

This is a chance for residents, communities and countryside users to have a real say in the future of Gloucestershire’s access network –  helping us to manage our paths and routes to work better for everyone, now and for generations to come. 

Cllr Joe Harris, Cabinet Member for Highways at Gloucestershire County Council, said: 
“Gloucestershire’s public rights of way are a huge asset for our county – supporting everyday journeys, access to the countryside, physical and mental wellbeing, and sustainable travel. Our current plan is over a decade old, and it’s important that the next one reflects how people live, travel and enjoy our county today. 

“We want to hear from as many people as possible, including those who don’t currently use public paths, so we can understand what’s working well, what isn’t, and where improvements will make the biggest difference. The feedback we receive will help shape a practical, ambitious plan for the next 10 years and ensure our rights of way network works better for everyone.” 

Tewkesbury Borough has a variety of family activities this Easter, with events running from Saturday, 28 March through Sunday, 12 April 2026. From royal egg hunts and vintage steam travel to hands-on art workshops and the magic of theatre, the borough is full of opportunities for families to enjoy together.

Historic quests and outdoor trails

From Saturday, 28 March until Sunday, 12 April, Sudeley Castle is encouraging visitors to join in with Hunt the Queen’s Hare. Follow a trail of giant golden eggs to find the hidden hare and earn a sweet reward. Over Easter weekend, Queen Elizabeth I and her court will host a special live show full of Tudor mischief.

On Friday, 3 April, Cleeve Common has a circular one-mile spring trail offering families the chance to solve clues across the common to win a chocolate prize.

On Saturday, 28 March, Agnes the Tudor Housewife will be leading living history tours at The Merchants House, which is part of the John Moore Museum, transporting visitors back to the year 1580 and divulging the secrets of medieval life.

Steam, bricks, and engineering

For those who love locomotives and modelling, the borough’s transport heritage takes centre stage at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway. From Friday, 3 April to Monday, 6 April, the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway hosts a special Bricks weekend. The event features massive brick-built displays at Winchcombe and interactive building zones at Toddington Station, and even better – kids get to see the displays for free.

For a truly nostalgic experience, the railway is holding its annual Vintage Weekend on Saturday, 11 April and Sunday, 12 April, celebrating the golden age of transport with vintage cars, motorbikes, and heritage buses alongside steam services.

At the Jet Age Museum near Churchdown, on Saturday, 28 March and Sunday, 29 March, the Air, Land and Water Model Group will showcase a display of highly crafted radio-controlled models.

Creative workshops and stage sensations

Creativity comes alive across the borough with workshops for all ages and abilities – a chance to learn new skills or simply enjoy the wonder of live theatre.

The Roses Theatre hosts the special Mother Goose Easter Pantomime on Thursday, 2 April and Friday, 3 April. For older children and adults, a K-Pop Party takes place on Wednesday, 8 April, followed by a free Stop Motion Animation workshop for teens on Saturday, 11 April.

Nature in Art in Twigworth is pulling out all the stops and putting on a different activity every day. The program of workshops runs from Tuesday, 31 March to Friday, 10 April, and features activities such as yoga and friendship bracelets, tie-dye bunting, and Scandinavian flower doodles.

The Old Baptist Chapel part of the John Moore Musuem in Tewkesbury will host rabbit hand-puppet and Easter wreath-making sessions on Wednesday, 1 April and Wednesday, 8 April. Additionally. The Spotty Dog Place in Tewkesbury will offer glass-fusing and clay-bunny workshops throughout the holidays.

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader and Lead Member for Economic Development said: “This Easter, we are delighted to see so many fantastic businesses in our borough provide a vibrant array of activities. Easter is a wonderful opportunity for families and communities to come together and enjoy those memory-making moments. Whether you explore the places where history happened, enjoy the outdoors or try something new – I’d encourage everyone to take part in the great events that are on offer across Tewkesbury Borough.”

To discover more events and further details at visittewkesbury.co.uk.

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Join us this Thursday 26th March 2026 from 18:00 onwards for a special Locals’ Night at the hotel!

This is a great opportunity to meet our management team, get to know the faces behind the scenes, and enjoy a relaxed evening with your local community.

Complimentary Prosecco on arrival

A selection of delicious canapés & finger food

Whether you’re curious about what we do, have feedback to share, or just fancy a friendly evening out, we’d love to welcome you.

All locals welcome – feel free to bring friends and neighbours!

We look forward to seeing you there

The Oakwood Hotel,

Tewkesbury Road, Twigworth,

GL2 9PG

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UPDATE: 22 March 2026

Further to our previous reports 4 and 25, 28 February 2026, regarding the recent “incident” with the local sewage network, (started 29 Jan 2026), for over a week now, Vistry sub-contractors have stopped pumping sewage from the Twigworth Green main sewer, which would suggest that Severn Trent Water have resolved their problems in their Longford Pumping Station – at least for now!

Despite all attempts to understand what this incident was all about, the Twigworth Parish Council are none the wiser, after raising this with Vistry, Severn Trent Water, Environment Agency and Tewkesbury Borough Council – it remains a mystery!

This incident was affecting Innsworth and Longford too – however, we do not believe that any Twigworth residents were impacted by this incident within their own homes.

As a result of dealing with this incident, there has though been lots of damage caused to existing footpaths and grass verges from the tankers and other vehicles accessing site, as can be seen in the photos, this has been reported to Vistry for their attention.

Please note that there has been some email address changes with the Clerk and some Parish Councillors.

Press release 
12 March 2026  

 Tewkesbury Borough Council has announced that car parking fees will be updated from Friday, 1 May 2026, marking the first change to charges in more than a decade. The previous adjustment was introduced in 2015.  

The council is inviting residents, businesses, and visitors to share their experiences of using local car parks as part of a wider review aimed at ensuring the parking system continues to meet the needs of the borough.  

This review will help the council maintain a high standard of service. Feedback will inform future decisions on maintenance, accessibility, payment options, lighting, capacity, and the overall user experience.  

Cllr Stewart Dove, Lead Member for Assets, said “This is a valuable moment to hear from our community about what works well in our car parks and where further improvements could help.   

“We know increases are never easy, but keeping our parking prices fair, accessible, and ready for the future helps us to respond to rising costs. Our car park charges haven’t changed since 2015, and with inflation up by around 40% across this time the costs of maintaining and managing our car parks have risen sharply.   

“Updating our charges with a fair and flexible approach helps us continue to provide a good quality service and supports the long-term sustainability of our car parks.”  

As part of the survey, an interactive map allows people to drop a pin on locations where they feel parking could be improved, along with a short description of their experience. This will help build a clearer picture of how car parks are used across the borough.  

The survey will run throughout the coming weeks until Monday, 6 April 2026.  

To view more information about our car parks, including locations, permits, parking for coaches, enforcement and more, visit tewkesbury.gov.uk/parking.   

 

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Press Statement: 10 March 2026

Gloucestershire County Council is set to begin introducing community-backed 20mph speed limits and other road safety measures as part of a major new road safety programme.

At its cabinet meeting on 18 March, councillors will be asked to approve the Safer Roads and Community 20s programme. This sets out how lower speed limits will be introduced in towns, villages and neighbourhoods where there is local support, alongside targeted reductions on higher-risk rural roads.

The programme aims to reduce deaths and serious injuries, make streets safer for residents and support healthier, more active communities.

Lower speeds are proven to reduce both the likelihood and severity of collisions. In residential areas they also make it easier and safer for people to walk, wheel and cycle, helping children get to school safely, older residents stay active, and communities feel more connected.

The county council has already secured almost £2.8 million of funding to begin delivery, with the first schemes expected in 2026/27. A phased four-year approach will prioritise areas with the greatest road safety need.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Keeping people safe on our roads is one of our biggest priorities. This programme will allow us to introduce 20mph limits in communities that want them and where they will make the biggest difference to safety. 

“This is a practical, evidence-led approach that focuses on reducing serious injuries and deaths while working closely with local communities.”

More than 150 parish councils and unparished areas in Gloucester and Cheltenham have already expressed interest in joining the programme. 

Each community will be engaged directly, with information shared about local traffic speeds and collision data before any formal consultation takes place. 

Alongside community 20mph limits, the council will continue delivering safety schemes at locations where collision records show people are most at risk. These may include speed reductions or physical changes to road layouts. 

Although casualty numbers have fallen since the council set a target to halve deaths and serious injuries from 2022 to 2032, 1,125 people were involved in road traffic collisions in Gloucestershire last year, highlighting the need for continued action.

Cabinet approval will allow officers to finalise the first year’s programme and begin detailed engagement with communities. 

• To see a video about the scheme, go to: Cllr Lisa Spivey provides an update on 20mph speed limits across the county 🚗

Extra information:

1. The Safer Roads and Community 20s programme sets out how Gloucestershire County Council will introduce 20mph speed limits in residential areas where there is clear local support, alongside targeted reductions on higher-risk rural roads.
2. Gloucestershire County Council has secured almost £2.8 million of funding to begin delivery of the programme, with the first schemes expected to be implemented from 2026/27.
3. More than 150 parish councils, along with the unparished areas of Gloucester and Cheltenham, have expressed interest in participating in the programme.
4. Each area will go through a structured engagement process, including sharing local traffic speed data and collision information with communities before formal consultation begins.
5. The programme will be delivered over four years, prioritising areas with the greatest road safety and public health need.
6. Alongside Community 20s schemes, the council will continue delivering targeted safety improvements at locations with a history of serious collisions. These may include speed reductions, changes to road layouts or other engineering measures.
7. Gloucestershire County Council has set a target to halve the number of people killed or seriously injured on the county’s roads by 2032.
8. In the most recent reporting year, 1,125 people were involved in road traffic collisions on Gloucestershire’s roads.

Initial programme phasing

Phase 1 – 2026/27

Pre-planned schemes on individual A and B roads and early community 20mph schemes including Tuffley, Dursley and Cheltenham Central.

Phase 2 – 2027/28

Initial engagement beginning with:

• Cirencester and surrounding areas
• Cheltenham (parished and unparished areas)
• Stroud and Cainscross
• Tewkesbury, Ashchurch and Wheatpieces
• Cinderford, Ruspidge, Soudley and Littledean

Phase 3 – 2027/28–2028/29

Engagement beginning in Gloucester and further towns and parishes.

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Note. Twigworth Parish Council have already expressed interest in joining the programme. 

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