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Twigworth Green – Traffic Order

Gloucestershire County Council shall be introducing an On-Street Parking Order 2017 “No Waiting at Any Time (Double Yellow Line) Restrictions” on various roads within the Twigworth Green Phase 1a development. 

The proposals are in association with the ongoing development at Twigworth Green to the south-east of the A38 Tewkesbury Road (planning ref – 19/00935/APP). 

The measures are primarily proposed to improve the navigability of these roads and to improve road safety generally for vehicles (including cyclists) and pedestrians. 

This will be achieved by preventing inappropriate parking close to junctions, or where it causes obstruction for passing vehicles (including emergency service vehicles), congestion and obscures visibility for pedestrians attempting to cross the various roads. 

The proposals would also supplement Rule 243 of the Highway Code (i.e., no parking within 10 metres of a junction). 

The restrictions to be introduced … No Waiting at Any Time (Double Yellow Lines) on the following roads:

  • Ironbridge Road (82319) – Along sections on both sides of its carriageway between its junctions with Tewkesbury Road and Ironbridge Road (72667)
  • Apley Road (82310) – Along sections on both sides of its carriageway north-east of its junction with Ironbridge Road (82319)
  • Barley Drive (82308) – Along a section on both sides of its carriageway north-east of its junction with Ironbridge Road (82319) 
  • Leighton Close (82320) – Along a section on both sides of its carriageway at its junction with Ironbridge Road (82319) – Along a section on both sides of its carriageway at its internal loop road junction. 
  • Carrington Road (82322) – Along a section on both sides of its carriageway at its junction with Ironbridge Road (82319) 

The lengths of roads fall within the Parish of Twigworth in the Tewkesbury Borough within the County of Gloucestershire. 

More information on this Traffic Order can be found on the Gloucestershire County Council Highways webpage: https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/tros/tewkesbury-traffic-regulation-orders-tro-and-traffic-schemes/waiting-restrictions-various-roads-in-the-twigworth-green-phase-1a-development-twigworth/

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Cabinet set to approve ambitious budget for 2025/26

Gloucestershire County Council’s Cabinet is set to approve an ambitious £650 million budget for 2025/26 following a period of public consultation.

The council is in a good financial position meaning it is able to continue support for existing services as well as make significant investments across the county.

The draft budget for the coming financial year will be discussed at a meeting of Cabinet on Wednesday, 29 January.

The proposed spending plans for 2025/26 will see spending rise by more than £32.7 million on 2024/25 levels, to almost £650 million.

The £649.6 million proposed budget includes significant investment into the council’s priority areas of Highways, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Adult Services, Infrastructure, and the Environment.

·         A further £10 million is proposed to be put towards delivering on the council’s £100 million four-year commitment to go on improving Gloucestershire roads, with a greater focus in 2025/26 on tackling rural roads.

·         A total of £12.8 million is set to go towards a new £16.5 million 200 place special school.

·         Young people with SEND and their families would be supported with an extra £2.1 million.

·         £7.5 million towards the future construction of three new adult care homes is being set aside, with further investment planned in future years.

·         The council plans to increase capacity and improve school buildings and facilities of other schools across the county with a £12.4 million investment.

·         Household Waste Recycling Centres in the county will see improvements with a £1.3 million injection.

The Cabinet meeting follows a public consultation which ran from 5 December until 10 January.

This consultation saw 65 per cent of respondents either agree or strongly agree with the council’s priorities for the year ahead.

As well as this, 74 per cent of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the funding the council are proposing to allocate to Adults Services, Public Health and Communities, and to Children and Families, with 75 per cent agreeing with the money the council plans to spend on Community Safety.

In addition, 61 per cent agreed or strongly agreed with the council’s funding proposals for the Economy, Environment and Infrastructure. The responses saw a mix of views on whether there should be more or less investment into the county’s roads and cycling infrastructure.

The budget proposes raising £16.5 million to help fund services through a council tax increase of 2.99 per cent. The proposals would also see £7.8 million raised specifically to support work with the most vulnerable adults in the county through a further 2 per cent increase in the adult social care precept.

Despite this increase the council still expects to have one of the lowest council tax levels of any county council. Based on a band D property, residents would pay an additional £6.65 each month.

The council continues to challenge itself to work more effectively and as a result has identified £24.5 million in savings, additional income and efficiencies for next year.

Cllr Stephen Davies, Leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: “I would like to thank residents from across our county for giving their views in the recent consultation, which gives valuable insight into where people want money to be spend.

“I am pleased that we are in a position to both support existing services and invest in our priorities.

“Unlike many of our neighbours who are making cuts, Gloucestershire County Council’s budget sees us able to invest in critical areas.

“In our budget proposals, we have tried hard to balance the financial strain we are all already feeling against the need to keep investing in services for the most vulnerable and to support a strong future for the county.”

If the draft budget is approved by Cabinet, it will be put to Full Council at a meeting in February.

Further information on the budget and the outcomes of the consultation can be found here.

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Tewkesbury Borough Council approves new hedgerow, tree and woodland management policies

Tewkesbury Borough Council is pleased to announce the approval of two new policies: the Hedgerow Management Policy and the Tree and Woodland Management Policy. These policies were approved during a full Council meeting on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, marking a significant step in the council’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability as outlined in the 2024-2030 Council Plan.

The new Hedgerow Management Policy aligns with Tewkesbury Borough Council’s priority to care for the environment and addresses the climate and ecological emergencies declared by the council. This policy provides a structured approach to managing the extensive network of hedgerows on council land, ensuring they are maintained to minimise risks to people and property while enhancing the natural environment.

Hedgerows are crucial for combating climate change, aiding flood mitigation, absorbing noise and particulate pollution, serving as wildlife corridors, creating diverse habitats for wildflowers, insects, birds, and mammals and also for improving the aesthetic of our borough.

The new Tree and Woodland Management Policy, developed with the support of the Woodland Trust, incorporates Tewkesbury Borough Council’s existing ‘Tree Safety Management Policy’ which recognises that public safety around trees and woodlands is a priority, while ensuring that new and existing trees and woodlands are being managed in the most nature-friendly way possible.

Our trees and woodlands face challenges across the UK, and this new policy is a positive step forward in affirming Tewkesbury Borough Council’s commitment to prioritise the environment. This policy sets some ambitious targets for the council, which will strive to deliver continued growth of its tree and woodland stock, to reach the goal to increase tree canopy cover across the borough to 17.5%; echoing the Government’s national target.

Trees are more than just charming features of our landscape; they will help us reduce flooding events, soak up carbon, clean our water, reduce noise and chemical pollution, and provide valuable habitat for birds, insects, mammals and other plants.

Tewkesbury Borough Council declared a climate emergency in October 2019, which was expanded in May 2023 to include a nature and ecological emergency.

Cllr Cate Cody, Lead Member for Climate and Ecology, said: “This new Hedgerow Management Policy and Tree and Woodland Management Policy are significant achievements in our ongoing mission to protect and enhance the borough’s natural environment. Hedgerows and trees are not just beautiful features of our landscape; they are essential for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the well-being of our communities.

“By adopting these policies, we are taking decisive action to combat climate change, support wildlife, and ensure a greener future for generations to come. We are proud to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship.”

The policies are part of a broader action plan that includes significant carbon reduction across the council, improved climate change communications, development of strategies to support climate and ecological emergency actions, participation in partnerships tackling climate change as well as the continued delivery of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, the updating of the Tree Safety Management Policy, and increasing tree canopy coverage.

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Local Flooding – 6 Jan 2025

Again we have suffered another unprecedented rainfall event in a very short period of time, together with the already saturated ground from the pre-xmas storm events… most parts of the country has suffered some flooding event, some more serious than others, our parishes are located close to the flood meadows, (which have flooded, doing their job) we have several brooks which are tributaries of the Severn, there are many other tributaries that feed the Severn on its 200 mile journey before reaching Gloucester… including: The Vyrnwy, Tern, Teme, Avon and Stour…

This part of Frogfurlong Lane (photo 06/01/25), is where the Hatherley Brook passes under the lane…. and it looks like the stream of water is coming from the left hand side (upstream), which makes sense… this location is some way from the housing developments at Twigworth and its SUDs system… which appeared to be doing their job yesterday…. Hatherley Brook and Coxs Brook had breached their banks and flooded adjacent flood meadows…

Photo credit: Helen Ford

There was no major local flooding at Twigworth Green yesterday… only minor flooding of some footpaths and new sports field.

Down Hatherley and Frogfurlong Lane were both flooded…. yet irresponsible drivers still thought they could drive through the floodwater… perhaps we need some flood signs like Sandhurst Lane

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE THROUGH FLOOD WATERS!

According to one local resident, on Sunday night we had a rainfall of 40mm; that is one quarter of the whole month of July 2007, the worst month in recent history!

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A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency. 

Flood Alert in force: River Severn in Gloucestershire.

Flooding is possible for: River Severn from Tewkesbury to Gloucester.

Be prepared.

River levels remain high at the Gloucester River gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of property, roads and farmland is expected.   

We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads on both sides of the river from Tewkesbury to Quedgeley, Gloucester. Locations that may be affected include Apperley and Maisemore. Severn Ham, Tewkesbury starts to fill. 

Predicted peaks:- Mythe 3.7 to 4.3m, Haw Bridge 4.7 to 5.1m, Sandhurst 3.5 to 3.9m, Gloucester 2.8 to 3.2m on Thursday evening 09/01/2025. 

 
Further rainfall is expected over the next 48 hours. We expect river levels to remain high over the next few days. We are closely monitoring the situation. Our incident response staff are liaising with emergency services and or Local Authorities. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses.    

This message will be updated by 11am on Monday, 06/01/25, or as the situation changes.  

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Dog on the loose!

Once again we have received reports that there has been a dog running loose around Twigworth, this dog (Labrador type), is well known for running wild around Twigworth Green, it’s been captured on cctv and doorbell video quite a lot, it has also been seen around the Nature in Art Lane.

We also believe that this dog is responsible for a lot of the dog poo issues around the area. 

We call on the owners to take responsibility please before it is too late… it is only a matter of time before this dog will get hurt or lead someone else being hurt in a car collision.

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A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency. 

Flood Alert in force: River Severn in Gloucestershire.

Flooding is possible for: River Severn from Tewkesbury to Gloucester.

Be prepared.

 River levels have risen at the Tewkesbury, Upper Pound river gauge as a result of heavy rainfall. Consequently, flooding of roads and farmland is possible. We expect flooding to affect low lying land and roads adjacent the River Severn from Tewkesbury to Gloucester. Locations that may be affected include Apperley and Maisemore. Severn Ham, Tewkesbury starts to fill. 

Predicted peaks:- Mythe 3.4m to 3.9m Friday evening 20/12/2024, Tewkesbury Upper Pound 3.7m to 4.1m Friday afternoon 20/12/2024, Haw Bridge 4.2m to 4.6m Friday evening 20/12/2024, Sandhurst 3.1m to 3.5m Friday evening 20/12/2024 

Further rainfall is forecast over the next few days and we expect river levels to remain high. We are closely monitoring the situation. Please avoid using low lying footpaths near local watercourses and plan driving routes to avoid low lying roads near rivers, which may be flooded.  

This message will be updated by 09:00 on Friday 20/12/24, or as the situation changes. 

To check the latest information for your area
——————————————————-

* Visit the GOV.UK website to see the current flood warnings, view river and sea levels or check the 5-day flood risk forecast: https://check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk/target-area/031WAF214

* Or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 using quickdial code: 209024.

* Follow @EnvAgency and #floodaware on Twitter.

* Tune into weather, news and travel bulletins on local television and radio.

What you should consider doing now
———————————————

* Monitor local water levels and weather conditions.  

* Get ready to act on your flood plan if you have one.

* Move your car or other vehicles to higher ground, if it is safe to do so.

* Prepare a flood kit of essential items including a torch with spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, insurance documents, water, food, first aid kit and any prescription medicines or baby care items you may need.

* Businesses should inform staff and customers about the situation.

* Check that you know how to turn off your gas, electricity and water mains supplies.

* In rural locations, farmers should consider moving livestock and equipment away from areas likely to flood.

* Avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water. 30 cm of fast-flowing water can move a car and 6 inches can knock an adult off their feet. 

* Flood water is dangerous and may be polluted. Wash your hands thoroughly if you’ve been in contact with it.

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Tewkesbury Borough Council Leader’s statement on the English Devolution White Paper

On Monday, 16 December 2024 the Government published the English Devolution White Paper and the following statement has been issued in response:

Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council said: “The Government has made devolution and local government reorganisation a priority.

“What matters most to our communities is an efficient local government that provides strong public services in a cost-effective way. In practical terms, this means ensuring our most vulnerable people are protected, offering accessible health services, tackling crime, resourcing schools, providing reliable bin collections and repairing our roads quickly. We recognise that a unitary council model has the capacity to deliver efficiencies in the current financial environment and we accept the challenge to deliver it.

“I know Gloucestershire has the potential to deliver increased funding for local investment in infrastructure, housing and public transport, and for protecting our natural environment and creating significant numbers of high-skilled, well-paid jobs – all of which are much needed for our rural and urban areas across the county.

“The publication of the white paper sets out a new local government structure. The deputy prime minister has assured us that she will be writing to all council leaders with the criteria for unitary councils that are the right size to run more efficiently and remain financially resilient. It is vital to the maintaining of smooth running of our services – and for our officers’ and service providers’ morale – that we provide certainty and a clear timeframe for change.

“As a forward-thinking council, we are committed to effective collaboration with neighbouring councils, and we will carefully consider the needs and priorities of our area to ensure that they are represented and addressed.”