News

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.


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.


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.”

Tewkesbury Borough Council’s name change moved to March 2025

Tewkesbury Borough Council is rescheduling the launch of its name change to North Gloucestershire Borough Council until March 2025, so that it can consider any impact from the anticipated government white paper on devolution.

The white paper, which was announced in the budget in October, was expected by the end of November, but it has still not been issued – meaning the council is unclear of any potential implications.

Click on the logo or here for more information

Twigworth Green – Damaged Saplings

Following the winter storms, there has been much damage to the saplings around Twigworth Green, those in photos have been reported both to Vistry and Gateway Management.

It is fair to say that some of these saplings have been dead or damaged for sometime, even before the winter storms and before Gateway Management took over the estate maintenance… we have records of when these saplings were first reported.

Please let us know if there are any that we have missed… 

Enabling remote attendance and proxy voting at local authority meetings

This short consultation seeks views on the detail and practical implications of allowing remote and hybrid attendance and proxy voting at local authority meetings in England.

Government is consulting on introducing powers for local authority members to apply to the relevant authority for a dispensation to attend formal council meetings remotely and vote by proxy in certain circumstances.

This consultation will last for 8 weeks from 24 October 2024.

Please click here for more information

For any enquiries about the consultation please contact: remoteattendanceconsultation@communities.gov.uk


Council wants your views on ambitious 2025/26 budget

Gloucestershire County Council wants the views of the public on ambitious proposals for its 2025/26 budget.

The council’s Cabinet approved the proposed budget along with plans to launch a public consultation at its meeting on Wednesday, 4 December.

A public consultation will run from 5 December 2024 until 5pm on 10 January 2025 and will allow residents to have their say on the proposed spending plans.

For more information and to take part in the consultation, visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/budget2025-26