News

Gloucestershire County Council has unveiled plans to upgrade and expand its network of safety enforcement cameras, to improve road safety by managing vehicle speeds.

Enforcement is an essential means of improving driver behaviour to reduce the number of people killed and seriously injured on our roads.

The council is planning to introduce new speed enforcement cameras where collision data indicates they are needed most. It also plans to review its current network of existing roadside safety cameras. These play a vital role in encouraging safer driving, as well as reducing speeding and breaches of traffic offences, such as ignoring red lights. However, the current system does not use up-to-date technology and needs to be reviewed so that the right cameras are used at the right locations, to maximise the positive impact on road safety.

A report was presented to cabinet at a meeting on Wednesday 23 July and the proposals were unanimously approved.

It will allow the introduction of new safety cameras and the upgrading of the existing network of safety camera sites. The aim is to reduce the number of people who are killed and seriously injured on our roads by reducing speeding and improving compliance with traffic laws, making roads safer for all road users. The council will work with the police to implement safety enforcement camera systems.

The proposals support the Road Safety Policy goals of reducing collisions by 50 per cent between 2022 and 2032 and the wider transport strategy, which aims to encourage active travel, reduce carbon emissions, and make streets more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists.

Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “This is about putting safety first. We want to make sure our roads are safer for everyone. By investing in better enforcement tools, we can help prevent accidents and save lives. It’s a step towards a more responsible driving culture and a more secure environment for all who use our roads.”

The new contract is set to be awarded later this summer, with implementation planned for early next year.

You can read the full cabinet report here

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National government has announced its intention to reform the structure of local councils in Gloucestershire. Currently the county is served by one county council and six district councils.

The proposed changes aim to replace these with unitary councils. Three options are being developed for the new council structure:

• One council covering the whole county
• Two councils with an east (Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Cotswold) and west (Gloucester, Forest of Dean, and Stroud) split
• Two councils, with one being an enlarged Gloucester city (referred to as ‘GreaterGloucester’) and the other covering the remainder of the county

Public opinions on these specific options is not being sought at this time. Instead, all seven councils are working together focused on gathering feedback on how local services can best meet the needs of residents both now and in the future. This information is crucial for planning, regardless of the eventual council structure.

Residents, community groups and parish/town councils are invited to share their views from 1 July until to 9 August 2025.

Resident and stakeholder opinions will play a vital role in shaping the final proposals before they are submitted to the government in the autumn.

To take part in the survey, please click on the links below:

County-wide local government reorganisation survey | Have Your Say Gloucestershire

Future Gloucestershire: https://futuregloucestershire.org.uk/

Home

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Tewkesbury Borough Council Planning Committee considered reserved matters for the St Modwen Homes Ltd’s development at Brook Lane, Down Hatherley, at their Planning Committee meeting yesterday, 15th July.

The Planning Committee voted to grant delegated permission.

The proposals are designed to provide 104 open market houses and 56 affordable homes.

The scheme has been strongly opposed by local residents, with the Parish Councils of Down Hatherley, Twigworth and Innsworth all objecting, raising concerns over the right of access across Brook Lane and the continuing risks of serious flooding events due to the poor state of the sewage infrastructure.

There have been countless instances of sewage backing up and spewing into residents toilets, showers and gardens in Ash Lane, the pumping station is antiquated and struggles to cope.

Twigworth Parish Council echoed the concerns over flooding, sewage and that residents of Twigworth Green will experience a significant increase in traffic (construction and residential) due to the single access to/from the site along Ironbridge Road, Apley Road, Sorrell Street and Brook Lane from A38.

TBC Planning Officers informed the meeting that a condition on the planning application would prevent any works on the site starting until they have approval for the works crossing Brook Lane.

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Press release 
15 July 2025

On 11 July 2025, Mr Bryn Howells of Ebley, Stroud, was found guilty of committing fraud against Tewkesbury Borough Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and Publica Group Ltd – a Teckal company providing services on behalf of Cotswold District Council, West Oxfordshire District Council, and Forest of Dean District Council. 

The prosecution took place at Cirencester Courthouse, sitting on behalf of Gloucester Crown Court. Between February 2022 and June 2023, Mr Howells was simultaneously employed by the three organisations in the following roles: 

• Strategic Housing and Enabling Officer at Tewkesbury Borough Council 
• Senior Development Surveyor at South Gloucestershire Council 
• Valuer and Estates Surveyor at Publica Group.

Mr Howells failed to disclose his multiple employments to each organisation when taking up new roles. He submitted false timesheets, misrepresenting the hours worked for each employer, and provided inaccurate information on declaration forms regarding secondary employment. Through these actions, he received salaries and other benefits totaling approximately £236,000.In addition, Mr Howells held a fourth role with another council via an agency during this period, earning further income. However, this employment was not included in the prosecution case. The fraud was uncovered through a review of payroll data by the council’s Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU), as part of the Cabinet Office’s National Fraud Initiative (NFI). At the time the data match was identified, Mr Howells was still employed by Tewkesbury Borough Council and Publica Group, having recently resigned from South Gloucestershire Council. A disciplinary investigation was launched alongside a criminal investigation by the CFEU. Mr Howells was suspended by both remaining employers and later resigned before disciplinary hearings could take place. These hearings proceeded in his absence and resulted in dismissal on the grounds of gross misconduct. Mr Howells told the court that he did not set out to deceive or act with dishonest intent. He said he was not motivated by greed or money, but a strong desire to work as many hours as possible to support local authorities when skilled staff were in short supply.   Mr Howells continued to say that any failure to declare his employment to each council was an ‘unintentional oversight’, and the hours declared on his timesheets were in his mind hours that he was ‘available’. The councils’ barrister put to Mr Howells that his actions were nothing short of dishonest. Had he declared his employment to each council, or disclosed that he planned to retain full-time employment elsewhere, he would not have been employed by them. The barrister went on to say that he was aware of this fact and so dishonestly obtained employment, salary and other benefits. Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Executive Director of Resources, Simon Dix, said: “We are deeply disappointed by Mr Howells’ actions, which fell far short of the standards expected of public servants. As soon as concerns were raised, we acted swiftly, and the matter was investigated by the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit. “By receiving four publicly funded salaries and benefits, Mr Howells’ conduct was wholly dishonest and represents a serious breach of trust and misuse of public funds. “Although Mr Howells is no longer employed by the council, we recognise the importance of maintaining public trust. We have a zero-tolerance approach to fraud and take matters of integrity extremely seriously. We have reviewed our internal procedures to help prevent similar incidents in the future.” 

Mr Howells is due to be sentenced on 28 August 2025.

The councils are looking to recover salary, pension contributions and national insurance contributions from Mr Howells earned as a result of his dishonesty.

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Press release 

11 July 2025 

Tewkesbury Borough Council has received £12,500 through Active Gloucestershire’s ‘We Can Move’ programme.

This is to support selected communities in the borough to increase physical activity.

Community organisations across eligible areas of Tewkesbury borough – including town and parish councils, village halls, sports clubs, and faith groups – are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £2,500.

 The funding has been awarded to support increased physical activity in local communities identified by Gloucestershire’s Integrated Locality Partnership (ILP).

Using insights from a broad range of local organisations, the ILP have highlighted areas where residents are likely to benefit most from moving more – helping to improve overall health and wellbeing.Cllr Alex Hegenbarth, Lead Member for Communities and Housing said: “Whether it’s walking clubs, fitness sessions, or inclusive sports days, this is a chance to turn fresh ideas into action – and help people live healthier, more active lives.

We encourage community organisations to step forward with their ideas.”This programme will prioritise the following areas:

• Wellbeing in Northway
• Wellbeing of older adults East of Borough (focusing on Winchcombe and the surrounding area)
• Wellbeing in Priors Park
• Mental wellbeing of children and young people in Brockworth.

Potential applicants are invited to view the additional information on Tewkesbury Borough Council website tewkesbury.gov.uk and contact the Community Funding team communityfunding@tewkesbury.gov.uk for further information. 

ENDS

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Congratulations to Cllr Graham Bocking on his election victory!

The candidate Graham John Bocking, Reform UK has been elected as the Borough Councillor for the Northway ward with 374 votes.

Graham is also a Parish Councillor for Twigworth, Longford, Churchdown and Innsworth.

The result is published in full on our website: https://orlo.uk/zKQWV

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The latest edition of our monthly newsletter is here.

July is a busy month for crime prevention and community news. 

Kicking off with antisocial behaviour awareness week, there’s an update on the summer safety crackdown on ASB which was launched last week by the Home Secretary, and details on the ninja knife amnesty happening this month. 

As always, this issue also has a host local news and special offers too. 

Enjoy reading! 

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The Parish Council has agreed its policy to support/ resolve such issues (minuted).

The Parish Council will

a) encourage those affected by ASB to contact the Parish Council via the Clerk so a central specific database can be established

b) with the permission of the residents, forward ASB issues to the relevant agencies

c) will keep statistical data to support future actions

d) engage with safer communities teams including Police liaison

e) review and agree further actions at its council meetings

It may be that different agencies are already involved in which case it would be useful if the Parish Council was aware so we can work together and not duplicate efforts

Parish Council (draft) minutes 3rd July 2025

Public engagement invited on local services

National government has announced its intention to reform the structure of local councils in Gloucestershire.

Currently the county is served by one county council and six district councils.

The proposed changes aim to replace these with unitary councils, which would streamline services under fewer, larger authorities.

Three options are being developed for the new council structure:

• One council covering the whole county.

• Two councils with an east (Cheltenham, Tewkesbury, and Cotswold) and west(Gloucester, Forest of Dean, and Stroud) split.

• Two councils, with one being an enlarged Gloucester city (referred to as ‘GreaterGloucester’) and the other covering the remainder of the county.

Public opinions on these specific options is not being sought at this time. Instead, all seven councils are working together focused on gathering feedback on how local services can best meet the needs of residents both now and in the future.

This information is crucial for planning, regardless of the eventual council structure.

Residents are invited to share their views from 1 July until to 9 August 2025.

Resident and stakeholder opinions will play a vital role in shaping the final proposals before they are submitted to the government in the autumn.

County-wide local government reorganisation survey | Have Your Say Gloucestershire

Future Gloucestershire: https://futuregloucestershire.org.uk/ 

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