News

Fight continues to save city tree

The future of a prominent conifer tree in Gloucester remains uncertain as a former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate fights to keep it standing.

'Stop the needless cutting down of trees,' says Rebecca Trimnell  

Gloucester City Council has temporarily stopped the felling of a tree on open land at St Mary's Street - as local resident Rebecca Trimnell stood in the way of contractors who had already cut down one. The contractors have gone away for the day, but could be back on Friday. Rebecca Trimnell has spoken to Councillor Paul Toleman and contact has now been made with the open spaces manager asking him for reassurance that the tree will not be cut down. Dr Rebecca Trimnell, who was a Lib Dem candidate at the local elections and former parliamentary candidate for Gloucester, said: "I am absolutely appalled to come back to find one tree already cut down and another one to be destroyed too. "It is astonishing that the powers that be are all talking about climate change and the pending COP26 summit, but yet here we are in Gloucester with the city council needlessly cutting down healthy trees. It is a farce and needs to stop." Dr Trimnell added: "I want a reassessment of the conifer tree that has been scheduled for fell

Lib Dems welcome £20m leveling up grant 

Liberal Democrat councillors on Gloucester City Council have welcomed the news the city is to receive £20 million from the Government's Leveling Up Fund. The decision was announced in the Chancellor's Budget statement on Wednesday. Councillor Jeremy Hilton, Lib Dem group leader, said: "The three group leaders met ahead of the local elections to agree on the three projects the council would bid for and tasked officers to prepare the bid document. "The bid went in shortly after the elections and was sent in with all party approval. I was happy to endorse it for the Lib Dem group and I am delighted that the council has secured £20 million towards three important regeneration projects. "At long last we may see the restoration of the historic Fleece Hotel. The £9.5 million towards the new university campus in the old Debenhams building will drive this project forward and the £4 million for the digital innovation centre will bring in much needed high tech jobs." The three projects are: - Debenhams (£9.5 million) a

Yellow lines or not?

Lib Dems welcome return of the Festival of Light

The return of the Festival of Light to Gloucester has been welcomed by the Liberal Democrats. Gloucester City Council announced the return of the festival, which will run from November until February next year, and will see the light installations bring colour to the city as the nights draw in over winter. Among the highlights will be Shadowing that will turn three ordinary lampposts in the city centre into magical illuminated stages where visitors can dance and play with their shadows. Designed by award-winning digital artists Chomko and Rosier, it will see the lights record and play back the shadows of those who pass under them. The installation launches on October 29 in Berkley Street, Southgate Street and St Mary De Crypt corner, as well as at Blackfriars Priory when the street lights turn on after dark. Another highlight will be Breathing Room by Anna Berry, which is a walk-in kinetic light installation creating a unique sensory experience. Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester Liberal Democrats

Council must stop advertising artificial grass on its refuse vehicles, say Lib Dems

Gloucester City Council must stop advertising artificial grass on its refuse vehicles, according to thee Liberal Democrats.

Longlevens by-election to cost £10,000

A by-election to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of the Sheriff of Gloucester will cost taxpayers at least £10,000. Conservative Councillor Clive Walford resigned in September just five months after being re-elected in May to represent Longlevens. City councillors had also unanimously appointed him Sheriff - an important civic post in Gloucester supporting the work of the Mayor. Councillor Walford's surprise resignation has triggered a by-election on November 4 which will now cost at least £10,000 to hold, according to city council officials. In May's all-up election, Councillor Walford won the third seat in Longlevens - pipping Liberal Democrat Sarah Sawyer by 62 votes. Sarah Sawyer is now standing in the by-election for the Lib Dems. Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester Liberal Democrats, said: "This by-election is unnecessary and Longlevens residents will rightly feel angry they have to go to the polls again just six months after electing their councillors. "Local families are facing tax

Future of Paygrove Lane site hangs in the balance

The future of a piece of land in Longlevens remains uncertain with fears housing could still be built on it.

Housing stock survey to protect Kingsholm's family homes is delayed by council red-tape

A promised housing stock survey in Kingsholm has been delayed yet again by council red tape.

Sarah Sawyer to challenge Conservatives in Longlevens by-election

Gloucester Liberal Democrats have announced their candidate for the forthcoming by-election in Longlevens. Community campaigner and Longlevens resident Sarah Sawyer will be the challenger to the Conservatives. The by-election, which will be held on November 4, has been caused by the sudden resignation of Conservative councillor and Sheriff of Gloucester Clive Walford - just five months after he was re-elected. Sarah, who is well known in the Longlevens community, stood for the Liberal Democrats in May's local elections and was just 62 votes from being elected. Three councillors - including Liberal Democrat Linda Castle - were elected to represent the area on the city council with Sarah finishing fourth. The married mother of three has a strong record of community activism. Sarah set up the Friends of Elmbridge group and raised £60,000 to build a children's play area in Armscroft Park. During the pandemic, Sarah raised £1,000 to feed local school children and received an award from the Mayor of Gloucester to t

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