The Liberal Democrats have launched their city council election manifesto with a pledge that Gloucester deserves better after 17 years of Conservative rule.

The Conservative administration is tired and has run out of ideas and it is time for change in Gloucester in the local elections on May 6.

The Liberal Democrats have the ideas, energy, enthusiasm and the plan to rebuild the council and help Gloucester prosper as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

The iconic Debenhams building in the centre of Gloucester has been bought by the University of Gloucestershire.

The 1930s art deco building will be restored and turned into a five-storey campus in the heart of the city centre.

The university is also considering ways of turning the ground floor of the building into dual use - allowing access to services by the public.

One of Gloucester's most important monuments has received a Government grant to help with ongoing maintenance.

St Oswald's Priory has been awarded £25,000 from the Culture Recovery Fund to pay towards the cost of conservation work.

Among the projects is placing a turf layer onto the top of the walls, which helps reduce the deterioration of the stones.

The Liberal Democrats have welcomed the decision to appoint a new city council waste contractor.

Ubico will provide Gloucester with waste and recycling services, street and toilet cleaning, grounds and tree maintenance from April next year - replacing Amey.

As the company is co-owned by the other district council's in Gloucestershire and West Oxfordshire it should mean it is easier to improve waste services.

The Liberal Democrats are challenging the Conservative city council administration over its dreadful record on emptying the bins and clearing litter in Gloucester.

At next week's full council meeting, the Lib Dems will propose a motion calling for a root and branch review of litter bin provision and the emptying regime in the city.

Gloucester City Council's budget has been branded "dull" as financially-stretched residents face paying more for services.

The ruling Conservatives saw their budget for the 2021/2022 financial year approved by a majority of councillors.

Gloucester City Council's share of the council tax bill will rise 2.4% next year.

The Conservatives have been accused of complacency over the state of roads and pavements in Gloucester.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton said there was an £80 million backlog of repairs for highways across Gloucestershire.

And he criticised the Conservative cabinet member for complacency over the state of the roads - highlighting several in the city that need fixing.

A local Liberal Democrat who works in the social care sector is supporting calls for the Government to give carers a break by providing emergency funding to local authorities for respite care.

More than 12,000 people in Gloucester are looking after elderly, disabled or vulnerable people during the Covid pandemic, according to figures from the 2011 Census.