The Parish Council have been advised by Vistry, that the long overdue Bus Shelter for Twigworth Green, Ironbridge Road is planned to be installed on 5th November.
This will be welcome news for the long suffering bus passengers, who may well celebrate with some fireworks after!
Flood Awareness Week, also known as Flood Action Week in the UK, is an annual campaign that encourages people to take steps to prepare for flooding by checking their risk, signing up for flood warnings, and creating a plan,
The 2025 UK Flood Action Week is scheduled for October 13-19 and emphasizes that flooding can happen anywhere, and preparation is key to reducing risk and damage.
Flooding damages lives as well as property. This impact can be due to losing cherished household items and being forced to leave your home. As well as this, there is the mental and emotional impact of shock at what has happened.
With the climate crisis, flooding is only going to get worse.
So, don’t just be house proud. Be Flood Smart and protect the heart of your home with PFR measures. It couldn’t be easier.
#BeFloodSmart and find out about protecting your home from flooding, click here for more information: https://www.floodre.co.uk/be-flood-smart/
This is a link to the Gov.UK website, find out more by clicking on image below.
There is more information about flooding on this website, please click here for here the link to the page.
Press release
16 October 2025
A new phase of engagement for the Strategic and Local Plan (SLP) begins on Monday, 20 October 2025.
The SLP is the shared development plan that will set out the most effective way to manage growth and house building for Cheltenham Borough, Gloucester City and Tewkesbury Borough over the next 20 years.
Drawing on the insights and feedback gathered during the initial engagement in 2024, this is another important opportunity for residents, businesses, and partners to have their say on the future of our area.
Alistair Cunningham, Chief Executive of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Senior Responsible Officer for the SLP, said: “The Strategic and Local Plan will set out where new housing should go, what kind of homes are needed, what jobs and growth we’re aiming for, and the infrastructure required to support it all, whilst protecting the natural and historic environment. “That includes things like community facilities, flood mitigation, roads and cycle paths, green spaces, sewerage – everything that makes growth sustainable and works for the people who live here. That’s why your input really matters. We want this to be shaped by the community, not just imposed on it.”
People can explore topic papers and evidence studies, and sign up for notifications about the new papers as they are released, at strategiclocalplan.org.
The topic and evidence papers will cover subjects including: the future role of the city and the towns in the area, how many new homes are needed, and how to support economic growth and jobs for people alongside infrastructure needs.
Some of the topic papers and key evidence papers are for information and awareness, and some will invite people to provide feedback on their content. Each paper will be open for a six-week period.
Workshops will also be held to gather views from groups such as town and parish councils, and local business leaders in housing and economic development.
The programme of online engagement will include short films from leading industry experts who will introduce new subjects.
Engagement runs until June 2026, with pre-submission of the plan to government in July 2026, and the final submission in October/November 2026.
Press release
14 October 2025
Tewkesbury Borough is bustling with activities to keep families entertained this October half term.
There are a wide range of events available for children and adults to enjoy together.
The events calendar is packed with everything from spooky seasonal activities and historical workshops to spectacular firework displays that will light up the autumn nights.
Prepare for an unforgettable half-term filled with family fun and illuminations galore
Kids’ activities for half term
For a good dose of family fun mixed with history and some spooky encounters, the John Moore Museum is holding events at both its locations at the Old Baptist Chapel and The Merchants House.
On Saturday, 25 October you can ‘Discover Bats’ with a special day of three sessions to choose from at the Old Baptist Chapel. For a more hands-on experience, Flying Bats craft workshops will be held on Wednesday, 29 October and Thursday, 30 October with a drop-in option between 10am and 12pm.
Additionally, on Friday, 31 October on Halloween itself, The Merchants Housewill have All Hallow’s Eve Spooky Tales storytelling events at different times throughout the day.
Over at Cleeve Common, on Friday, 31 October there’s a family fun Friday Halloween special, from 12.30pm to 3pm, which includes a Halloween trail and pumpkin carving.
Museum of the moon events at Tewkesbury Abbey
Tewkesbury Abbey is hosting the Museum of the Moon installation by artist Luke Jerram from 16 October to 4 November. A spectacular giant moon complete with space-themed soundscape will transform the Nave of the Abbey. As part of the exhibit, there are specific events for kids during the half term.
From Monday, 27 October to Friday, 31 October a children’s Space Trail is available daily, and Storytime under the Moon will take place from 3pm to 3.45pm.
Families can enjoy morning activities on the Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 12pm Zoom to the Moon, kids mornings interactive workshops will give kids the chance to make and take space themed crafts.
Sudeley Castle Halloween and half term events
Enjoy some autumnal enchantment at Sudeley Castle, where families are invited to spot the pumpkins and seasonal surprises dotted around the grounds from Saturday, 25 October to Sunday, 2 November. Those who complete the trail are rewarded with a Halloween treat. On Friday, 31 October, journey back in time with Tudor All Hallows’ Eve, a hauntingly immersive experience within the castle’s ancient walls, where you can learn about the eerie customs of the past and encounter spirits who share spine-chilling tales. This atmospheric event promises thrills and a touch of Tudor mischief.
Firework displays in Tewkesbury Borough
When dusk falls and the air turns crisp, Tewkesbury Borough offers a variety of fantastic firework displays to light up the night.
On Halloween night, Friday, 31October, a brand-new event, Phantoms and Fireworks, will be held at Sudeley Castle. The event will feature spooky thrills, walkabout characters, dancing, and a haunted trail. The evening culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.
Clavell and Hinds Brewery will host a Halloween Party Night on Friday, 31 October and a separate Fireworks Night on Saturday, 8 November.
For those looking for a more traditional celebration, the Tewkesbury Fireworks and Bonfire will light up The Vineyards, located behind Tewkesbury Abbey, on Sunday, 2 November. Gates open at 5pm.
Additionally, Croft Farm will hold a Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, 7 November, with gates opening at 6pm.
Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway is putting on extra evening services to take people to the big fireworks display show at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Lead Member for Economy said: “This October half term in Tewkesbury Borough is a time of magic and discovery. We are thrilled that so many of our businesses offer a fantastic programme of events that showcase the best of our borough, from historical tours and museum workshops to the spectacular fireworks. We encourage everyone to come and experience the rich heritage and vibrant community spirit that makes our borough a place for all to enjoy.”
With such a variety of events on offer, Tewkesbury Borough is the perfect destination for families this October half term. From spooky adventures at historic sites to dazzling firework displays, there’s something to captivate every member of the family. Find out more at visittewkesbury.info
3 October 2025
Tewkesbury Borough Council has approved a new approach to grass cutting across the borough.
At a Council meeting on Tuesday, 30 September, councillors agreed to support parish councils in finding the best approach to cutting grass on county-owned land.
The announcement of a review to the borough’s approach to grass cutting was made in the summer. Previously, Tewkesbury Borough Council maintained certain areas on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council, and topped up the county’s standard two cuts a year to between eight and 12 cuts a year. However, earlier this year, both councils agreed to stop subsidising the additional cuts, and the responsibility for maintaining these areas returned to the county council on their standard schedule.
This decision was welcomed by many people as a positive move for biodiversity, but it also led to some dissatisfaction for the reduced number of cuts, with inconsistencies in maintenance across different areas.
With Local Government Reorganisation set to introduce changes for Gloucestershire – in which district councils merge to form part of a new unitary structure – borough councillors voted to work more closely with parish councils to develop localised grass-cutting plans. Parishes will be encouraged to take on the responsibility for any grass cutting above and beyond what the other councils already provide.
Cllr Murray Stewart, Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environmental Services, said: “Thank you to everyone who took time to share their feedback when the county council took back the responsibility for grass cutting in the borough. We considered the options available, taking into consideration the concerns about amenity, appearance and safety, as well as comments and praise for the approach to biodiversity during the summer.
“We will now contact parish councils, supporting them to identify grass-cutting requirements in their areas and form bespoke plans for long-term maintenance.”
A press release issued following the 2025/26 budget previously suggested the budget was approved without any reduction to service delivery. However, the borough council’s discretionary ‘top up’ of cuts had been removed.
Gloucestershire County Council is holding two public information events for the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme, following the project being granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport in June.
The public information events are intended to give local residents, businesses and other stakeholders an opportunity to learn more about the scheme. Attendees will be able to meet the project team, find out what’s planned and ask questions.
The drop-in events will take place on Wednesday 15 October from 11am – 2pm and Thursday 16 October from 4pm – 7pm at Cheltenham West Community Fire and Rescue Station in Uckington, Cheltenham.
Cllr Julian Tooke, Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, said: “The scheme is vital for enabling the delivery of planned housing and employment sites, as well as improving traffic flow and safety.
“However, it’s important to be clear that the scheme currently faces a significant funding shortfall. We are actively lobbying government for an additional £70 million to close this gap — without it, the delivery of the scheme is at risk.
“I encourage residents and businesses who support the scheme to contact their local MP and make their views known — their voices can help ensure this vital infrastructure project goes ahead.”
Funding for the scheme has been secured from a range of sources. So far, contributions have been secured from: UK Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, administered by Homes England; district council Community Infrastructure Levy funding; Gloucestershire County Council; and S106 contributions from developers whose sites will directly benefit from the scheme. Other funding is being actively pursued to complete the overall package. Any request would need to follow standard government processes and, while efforts are ongoing, there is currently no certainty of a successful outcome.
Completion of the scheme will:
· Create around 12,000 skilled jobs for local people
· Enable delivery of up to 15,000 new homes — including 5,250 that are affordable
· Support the Golden Valley development and the National Cyber Innovation Centre and technology cluster
· Build on the successful delivery of the £33 million Arle Court Transport Hub
Gloucestershire County Council is leading delivery of the scheme in collaboration with National Highways and other partners. Weather-dependant preparation works start this autumn, to avoid rising costs and keep the project on track. These early site works will be carried out by appointed contractor Galliford Try.
All the latest information on the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme can be found on the scheme webpage at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/J10, where you can also sign up to receive updates as the project progresses.
Press release
22 September 2025
A new Digital Strategy for 2025 to 2028 has been approved by Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Executive Committee.
Building on the council’s award-winning digital transformation work, the strategy sets out the council’s ambition to deliver online services that are so good, residents, businesses and communities choose to use them – and importantly makes it clear that for those people that would rather phone or visit the council, then the same high-quality services will be available.
Customer experience is at the heart of the strategy – with a commitment to making interactions with the council simpler, faster, and more personal for residents, businesses, and communities – whether it’s finding out the status of a planning application, ordering a bulky waste service or applying for a taxi license – and much more. It also sets out how technology and digital tools will be used to ensure the organisation becomes more efficient and effective, with a focus on being prepared for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).
Councillor Mike Sztymiak, Lead Member for Transformation, said: “I was delighted to present this strategy to our Executive Committee. It promises to bring our residents and businesses better customer experiences, with a smarter use of data and strong cyber-security, as well as being environmentally friendly.”
Joe Cole, Associate Director: IT, Cyber and Digital, said: “This strategy is all about delivering digital services that work for everyone. “Our aim is to make our digital services so simple and effective that people choose to use them, whilst also keeping our traditional options available for those who would prefer to use them. This approach guarantees that every resident will have access to our services regardless of their internet access, skills, or personal circumstances, especially in complex or sensitive situations.”
The strategy includes a clear roadmap and practical tools – from automating manual tasks to using greener technology, with clear outcomes being delivered:
Better customer experiences: Residents will see faster responses, clearer updates, and more choice in how they interact with the council.
A digitally confident workforce: Staff will have access to the tools and training needed to meet customers’ expectations.
Financial sustainability: By automating routine tasks and making services more efficient, we’re freeing up resources to save or reinvest to support the delivery of council outcomes.
Strong cyber and technology foundations: Ensuring we have robust and secure systems that keep data protected and services running smoothly, including the use of new and emerging technology.
Smarter use of data: The council will use data to anticipate needs and improve services, while keeping information safe and secure.
Ready for future changes: Our strategy will help to ensure the council is as prepared as possible for the changes required through Local Government Reorganisation.
Environmentally friendly service delivery: Less paper, fewer car journeys, and responsible recycling of old technology.
The strategy supports the council’s corporate vision of ‘supporting people,strengthening communities’, and will be regularly reviewed to ensure progress and transparency. The council’s environmental goals are also supported–reducing paper use, cutting down on business travel, and recycling old technology responsibly.
Security is also a key part of the plan. As services become more digital, the council is committed to keeping them safe and secure,with flexible solutions that protect both data and users. This strategy marks a major step in Tewkesbury Borough Council’s journey to deliver modern, inclusive, and sustainable services – making life easier for residents and helping the borough stay resilient in a fast-moving digital world.
Progress will be regularly reviewed by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Executive Committee has also approved the AI policy, which will now go to Council on Tuesday, 30 September for final approval.
The AI policy provides essential rules and processes to ensure that the use of AI is ethical and properly approved.
Press release
25 September 2025
Today (Thursday, 25 September 2025), at a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Joint Committee, councillors from Cheltenham Borough, Tewkesbury Borough, and Gloucester City councils, agreed to ringfence up to an extra £20 million from the CIL fund, to support Gloucestershire County Council in delivering the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme.
For more information see the report to the CIL Joint Committee Meeting on 25 September 2025.
Twigworth Parish Council Gloucestershire 