Parish Council News

Cycleway

The proposed works are due to take place from early November for approximately 14 weeks, during which time a single lane closure will be in place. Access will be maintained for landowners to the adjacent fields within the works area and one lane will remain open to allow continued traffic flow. Delays could be expected during this time so please plan your journey ahead. Please note that section 2.1 of the cycleway scheme is due to commence in January 2025. Please refer to the website A435 Improvement Schemes | Highways (gloucestershire.gov.uk) for information on both schemes.

Road closures at the various arms of the Racecourse Roundabout.

There works are scheduled to commence on 24-28 June 2024, from 7:30pm-6am.

A signed diversion route will be in place to safely direct road users around the closure, which is in place to enable a safe execution of the work. Local access will remain for emergency services.

For further details and diversion plan please visit: Construction information and road closures | Highways (gloucestershire.gov.uk)

Noverton Lane Closure

Gloucestershire County Council, as traffic authority, has made an Order under the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close and restrict part of the U40738 Noverton Lane from its junction with ‘Cockcroft Lane’ to outside the property known as ‘No. 58 Noverton Lane’ for a distance of approximately 30 metres. The reason for the closure is for works by Severn Trent Water The said road is expected to be closed from 08:00hrs on 10th June 2024 until 17:00hrs on 12th June 2024 only or until the works are complete. For further information, please contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk Alternative Route – as signed on site Emergency and Pedestrian access to adjacent properties will be maintained

Cycleway

Public share event

There will be a public share event focused on Section 2 Phase 2 (Racecourse Roundabout to GWSR Bridge) on Thursday 23 May 2024.

The public share event will provide an opportunity for people to view scheme plans and details of Section 2 Phase 2 (Racecourse Roundabout to GWSR Bridge) and meet the project team to discuss the project.

Where: Cheltenham Tigers Rugby Club, Southam Lane, Southam GL52 3PE

When: Thursday 23 May 2024 from 10am-7pm

lease do look at the plans for Section 2 Phase 2 (Racecourse Roundabout to GWSR Bridge) and further information and FAQs via the link below and if you wish to make any comments, please respond by no later than Thursday 20 June 2024.

www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/a435cycleway

The Parish Council has responded as follows:

We would not support the narrowing of the carriageway on the A435 or reduction below 40mph. This measure is likely to push traffic from Bishops Cleeve and North of Bishops Cleeve to making more use of New Road in Southam.

New Road has seen 3 accidents in the last year, 2 cars overturned at the side of the road and one head on collision at the junction with Two Hedges Road was witnessed by our clerk but not as far as we are aware reported to police by the drivers. Another accident involving a wedding party crashing into a parked car junction of Britannia Way and Two Hedges Road indicates that traffic is speeding where there is a 30mph limit. This was prior to a recent incident:

Police were called to a report of vehicle that had been stolen from an address in Cheltenham at around 10.20pm yesterday, Monday 6 May.The vehicle, a blue BMW X5 Sport, was seen by officers but failed to stop. It was then involved in a collision in Southam Road, resulting in it flipping on to its roof. Two men from Cheltenham, aged 25 and 38, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and motoring related offences. They were taken to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where one was treated for minor injuries. The other man is currently awaiting further tests. Southam Road remains closed this morning while investigations continue. Motorists are advised to find alternative routes.

From a local perspective traffic moves more slowly on the A435 than on the residential through roads of Woodmancote and Southam where there are existing 30mph limits which are not enforced. This seems to occur due to the width of the road and lack of significant signage or traffic calming. We would point you to traffic data on our website which shows traffic volumes and speeding issues in Southam Road Safety | southamtoday

Whereas new developments seem to achieve significant investment in traffic calming, existing residential roads are being neglected with a lack of traffic calming – we would point to the chicanes provided on Gotherington Lane which are badly needed prior to junctions in Woodmancote and Southam to make it clear that these are built up areas and not race tracks.

It is becoming increasingly difficult for pedestrians to cross the road safely or to feel secure on the pavement. We have many roads which have no pavement or pedestrian safe harbour.

Cleeve Common– the only large recreation site for the locality - is accessed via layby parking where speeding traffic hinders pedestrian access yet Gloucestershire County Council does nothing to make this safer.

We are making our case here to ensure that Gloucestershire County Council sits up and takes notice of the wider issues associated with traffic speed and liaises effectively with the police to take it under control, but also makes capital investment in traffic calming measures to roads outside the scope of the cycle path funding. Pedestrians in our villages matter too.

We have been told that the money is not coming from GCC but it is still public money and should be more wisely spent.

Holiday Activities for 5-11 year olds

Activities may be booked from the 11th March:. Holiday activities and food programme (HAF) | Gloucestershire County Council

Driving Safely for Longer

This popular series of FREE zoom webinars returns at 10am on Saturday 24 February

Spring has come early in Gloucestershire, and with the longer daylight hours and warmer weather more pedestrians and cyclists are out and about. .

The recent tragic death of an 82-year-old pedestrian in Cheltenham was a powerful reminder of the duty of care drivers have to other vulnerable road users.

Over a five-year period in Gloucestershire, pedestrians and cyclists are over-represented in road casualties accounting for 25% of all casualties, and 23% of all fatalities. To register e-mail odfglos@gmail.com for joining instructions.

Road Closure

Please be aware that A435 Evesham Road between Wellington Road and Albemarle Gate will be closed from 12th-16th February 2024 from 9.30am-3.30pm.

For further details of the extent of the closure area and diversion route please visit:

Construction information and road closures | Highways (gloucestershire.gov.uk)

Strategic and Local Plan consultation
Cheltenham Borough Council, Gloucester City Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council have created a new online consultation system for you to engage in the consultation. Through this system you can provide feedback and sign up for events.
Full details are available on the SLP website. This is also available electronically through local libraries.
Sites suitable for development in Southam, Noverton and neighbouring Woodmancote have been identified and no doubt developers will be doing their utmost to present these as deliverable options.
The consultation runs for eight weeks from Tuesday 16th January until Tuesday 12th March 2024. Responses should be received by midnight on 12th March 2024.

National Grid - going underground

Information events will be taking place at the following locations, dates and times:

· Stanton Hall, Charlton Kings, GL53 8AR Thursday 25 January, 3:00pm-7:30pm

· Abbey Fields Community Centre, Winchcombe, GL54 5QJ Saturday 27 January, 10:00am-3:00pm

· Whittington Village Hall, Whittington, GL54 4HD Tuesday 30 January 3:00pm – 7:30pm

An online webinar will also be held on Thursday 1 February at 6.00pm where anyone unable to attend the drop-in sessions can hear about these important updates and ask any questions.

You can find out more about the project on www.nationalgrid.com/cotswoldsvip

If you have any questions about the project in the meantime, please contact Community Relations team at visualimpact@nationalgrid.com

Christmas Refuse Collection

This year, collections scheduled for Monday, 25 December will take place two days early - on Saturday, 23 December.

From Tuesday, 26 December until Friday, 5 January, residents will need to put their bins out one day later than normal.

Residents can check their collection dates by entering their postcode at tewkesbury.gov.uk/recycling.

Garden waste collections will pause on Friday, 22 December 2023 and start again on Monday, 8 January 2024.

In Neighbourhood Watch December edition:

Reach out to your neighbour this Christmas - small ways you can make a big difference to your neighbours and community during the festive season.
SimpliSafe share their tips for protecting your home this Christmas.
You can support Neighbourhood Watch for free while shopping, with EasyFundraising.
Remember to check your smoke alarms this Christmas - the Home Office shares their message on fire safety.
Avast gives us Five Golden Tips to shop online safely.
Nominations are open until 17th December for the Movement for Good's charity awards - you could help us win!

READ THE DECEMBER NEWSLETTER HERE.

The Police Community Engagement vehicle will be at the Village Hall on 5th December

Cheltenham to Cleeve Cycleway

The latest traffic management updates can be found in the following location:

Construction information and road closures | Highways (gloucestershire.gov.uk) (our contact details are also on this page)

Further information can be found on the main page A435 Cheltenham to Bishop's Cleeve Cycleway | Highways (gloucestershire.gov.uk)

Southam Lane Road Closure 9th Jan

The road will be closed between the Kayte Lane junction and Kayte Farm for repair of a manhole cover

Disposal of your real Xmas Tree

Following this year's festivities your tree can be recycled at Webbs Garden Centre Bishops Cleeve, or Gotherington Garden Centre

Unlock a warmer and greener home

Householders in Tewkesbury Borough are being encouraged to register for free advice and technical support to help make their homes more energy efficient. This autumn and winter, energy efficiency advisors will be providing homeowners with bespoke professional guidance as part of the Low Carbon Community Project. Experts will be giving advice on upgrading heating systems, insulation, windows, lighting and other measures to reduce energy bills and keeps costs down. The project, which is being delivered by Severn Wye Energy Agency on behalf of Tewkesbury Borough Council and Stroud District Council, also provides residents with options for lowering their home’s carbon footprint. Places on the Low Carbon Community Project are limited, so residents are advised to apply as soon as possible.

Selected households will receive an energy survey of their home and a bespoke energy efficiency report and action plan. Follow-up support and help to assess installer quotes will also be provided.

To register for the project, complete the questionnaire at: ‘Helping Us to Help You’ online survey! - Tewkesbury Borough Council
For more information, contact: climatechange@tewkesbury.gov.uk

Warning - Increase in Crime -October 2023

Houses and outbuildings in the Cleeve and Southam areas are being targeted by burglars at any time of day. Please keep an eye out for any unusual activity around your premises and that of your neighbours and report anything suspicious to the police.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE U40727 COCKCROFT LANE, SOUTHAM Gloucestershire County Council intends to make an order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close part of the U40727 Cockcroft Lane, Southam from its junction with Mill Lane to its junction with Noverton Lane for a total distance of approximately 400 metres. The reason for the closure is for Severn Trent pipe works to be undertaken within the carriageway. The road is expected to be closed from 7th November 2023 until 9th November 2023 only or until the works have been completed whichever is later. For further information, please contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk. Alternative Route – as signed on site. Pedestrian and emergency access to adjacent properties will be maintained

Borough Council Press Release on Housing Chaos resulting from their Local Plan and JCS

Tewkesbury Borough Council's Executive Committee is set to urgently review the council's housing position following a new development being approved at appeal. Planning permission was granted on 11 September for 45 dwellings at Truman's Farm in Manor Lane, Gotherington, despite the proposal conflicting with the council's adopted local planning policies on where new housing developments should be built. The decision followed an appeal by Lioncourt Strategic Land Ltd to the Planning Inspectorate. In coming to his decision, the Inspector reported that the council could not demonstrate a sufficient existing reserve of housing sites to provide a minimum of five years' worth of housing – a requirement under national planning policies.

A five-year housing land supply requires councils to continuously identify land sufficient to deliver at least five years' worth of new housing needed in its area. In practice, this usually means maintaining a register of sites where planning permission has already been granted and housing would be delivered within five years. In cases where there is a shortage of available housing land, planning permission is likely to be granted for proposals that may not otherwise have been approved unless any associated harm from the new development would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

Lead member for built environment Cllr Mary Jordan said: "As the council's new administration, we are working hard to ensure that fewer appeals are lost having inherited a position where too many applications are being decided by the Planning Inspectorate. "Unfortunately, a lack of five-year housing land supply is by no means unique to Tewkesbury Borough. Local planning authorities are working in a dysfunctional and broken system that penalises areas like ours, despite us having delivered rapid growth over many years. "A complete reform of the planning system must be a priority for the next Government – we need sustainable and high-quality homes built in the right places with local councils being given the powers to properly manage this process".

As an immediate priority, the council is producing an interim Housing Position Statement.

The statement will explain how the council will work proactively to address the shortfall in housing land supply, detailing the council's overarching approach to future residential development proposals. The interim Housing Position Statement will be considered at an Executive Committee for endorsement in Autumn 2023. Cllr Mary Jordan added: "Whilst we focus on our approach to deliver a five-year housing land supply; we also remain committed to ensuring that future developments align with our community's needs and sustainability goals. "We will, of course, continue to give careful consideration to matters such as green belt protection, landscape importance and highway safety.

Cockcroft Lane, Southam

The road above will be closed from 08.00 07/11/23 to 17.00 09/11/23.

This road closure is required by Severn Trent Water to carry out a communication pipe disconnection in this location. Emergency and Pedestrian access will be maintained.

If you require any further information regarding this closure, please contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514.

Going underground in the Cotswolds – Extra event added
National Grid is giving the local community an extra chance to hear about progress on its once-in-a-generation plans that are set to transform the landscape on the Cotswolds Plateau.
If approved, the exciting proposals will see around 7 kilometres of overhead electricity line and approximately 18 pylons replaced with cables buried underground from Postlip Mill near Winchcombe to the edge of the Cotswold Plateau north of Dowdeswell Wood.
Thanks to the Cleeve Common Trustees and Cleeve Common Golf Club, we will now be hosting an extra pop-up event at Cleeve Hill Golf Club on Saturday 23 September (10:00-14:00).
Local people are encouraged to come along to find out more, speak to members of the team and share their feedback.
Expect updates on how we will build the project, our ongoing ecological and archaeological survey work and the emerging preferred underground cable route.
To find out more about the Cotswolds VIP project, get in touch via:
• Website: nationalgrid.com/cotswoldsvip
• Email: visualimpact@nationalgrid.com
• Phone: 0330 134 0051

Dog Fouling

The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) related to dog control for Tewkesbury Borough Council is now in effect. You are required to carry poo bags whenever you are out with your dog and ensure you pick up after it with disposal into an appropriate waste bin. Fines will apply.

Fireworks at Ellenborough - 31st July 10PM

Please note that there will be a display at this time

Parking at the Golf Club

Cotswold Hub Ltd and Cleeve Common Trust have just released a press statement announcing the introduction of car parking charges with effect from 24 July. You can find the full text and a link to the FAQs on the News section of website: https://www.cleevecommon.org.uk/noticeboard

Please be advised of the following temporary road closure:

B4632 Cheltenham Road, Winchcombe

The road above will be closed adjacent to Langley from 10/07/23 to 14/07/23 (09.30 – 15.30 daily).

This road closure is required by GCC to carry out safety critical Ash Dieback tree surgery works in this location. Emergency and Pedestrian access will be maintained.

If you require any further information regarding this closure, please contact the Ash Dieback team via 08000 514 514/ Ashdieback@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Parish Councillors

As from today 22/6/23 Borough Councillors Cheryl Agg and Nigel Adcock have been co-opted by the Borough Council onto the Parish Council until a quorum of representation from the parish can be achieved. The next Parish Council meeting will take place on the 14th July at 7.30pm in the village hall. We are inviting applications for co-option to be received by the Parish Clerk on the 7th July, clerk@southamtoday.org.uk. To be co-opted please write stating how long you have lived in the parish and give a brief outline of your skills and experience which might assist you in your work as councillor.

Tewkesbury Borough Council are reviewing the street trading licensing policy and are consulting for 12 weeks to gather views on the proposed changes. Please visit here to view changes, the draft document and to make comments: Street Trading Policy Consultation — Tewkesbury Borough Council

National Grid

We will give an update on how we will access the location during construction, ongoing survey work, the emerging preferred underground cable route and locations of the new sealing end compounds, which will need to be constructed where the new underground cables reconnect to the existing overhead line.

These events will take place at the following locations, dates and times:

On Cleeve Hill Common, close to car park by the radio masts, Southam, GL52 3NF: Saturday 1 July, 10:00-14:00
Stanton Hall, Church St, Charlton Kings GL53 8AR: Thursday 6 July, 15:00-19:30
Winchcombe Museum, High St, Winchcombe, GL54 5LJ: Saturday 8 July, 10:00-14:00
Whittington Village Hall, Whittington, GL54 4HD: Thursday 13 July, 15:00-19:30

Encampment - Kayte Lane

For progress updates on planning enforcement please visit the Tewkesbury Borough Facebook page.

Temporary Traffic Order to close the road for essential Ash Dieback tree work.

Where: B4632 Cleeve Hill (see overleaf for details of the exact location) When: 10th – 14th July 2023 inclusive (excluding weekends) from 09.30 to 15.30 daily. ***During this period, 10th – 14th July 2023 inclusive, there will be NO through access from Prestbury to Winchcombe.

Public Information Event

Following the planning deferral in June 2022, Gloucestershire County Council has been working with the design team to review the initial plans for Greenacres Primary Academy and to include a drop-off area for cars.

Gloucestershire County Council invites you to view the proposed plans for the new primary school in Bishop’s Cleeve, Greenacres Primary Academy at a public information event.

Location: School Hall at Bishop’s Cleeve Primary Academy, Tobyfield Rd, Bishop’s Cleeve, Cheltenham, GL52 8NN

Date/Time: 4pm – 7pm on Thursday 29 June 2023

If you are unable to attend the event, you will be able to view the proposals and also find a feedback form, along with frequently on the webpage from 29th June 2023.

A435 between the railway bridge and Hyde Lane

The Road is expected to be restricted to 30mph from the 3rd July 2023 until the 21st July 2023 or until the works have been completed. For further information, please contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk.

STATEMENT OF PERSONS NOMINATED

Tewkesbury Borough Council Election of Parish Councillors

The following is a statement of the persons nominated for election as Parish Councillors for Southam

Name of Candidate Home Address Description (if any) Name of Proposer Reason why no longer nominated*

No nominations were received for this election

Under Section 91 of the Local Government Act 1972 an order will be made appointing additional persons as temporary councillors to ensure the Parish Council is quorate

Bank Hol Bin Collection

Green Bin - Friday 5th May

Blue Bin - Saturday 13th May

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE U40738 NOVERTON LANE (SOUTHAM PARISH) TEWKESBURY BOROUGH Gloucestershire County Council has made an order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close part of the U40738 Noverton Lane from outside No.58 Noverton Lane to its junction with Corkcroft Lane for a total distance of approximately 25 metres. The reason for the closure is for a new water connection. The road is expected to be closed between 08:00 on 3 rd May 2023 until 18:00 on the 5 th May 2023 only or until the works have been completed. For further information, please contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk. Alternative Route – as signed on site. Pedestrian and emergency access to adjacent properties will be maintained.

Borough and Parish Elections 4th May 2023 (updated)

Tewkesbury Borough Council Elections office on online from https://www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/elections-2023

Following nominations on the 4th April 2 places were filled on the Parish Council by Cllr Lennon and Cllr Prince. A further election will be

called at a date to be advised to make up a quorum of the Council.

Footpath Closures due to Tree Works

Public Footpath AWB 62 (Part of the Cotswold Way National Trail) from its junction with AWB 21 at Ordnance Survey Grid Reference (OSGR) SP 00877 26229 in a generally southerly direction for approximately 742 metres to its junction with Public Footpath AWB 70 at OSGR SP 00716 25544 Public Footpath AWB 70 (Part of the Cotswold National Trail) from its junction with Public Footpath AWB 62 at OSGR SP 00716 25544 in a generally south and south easterly direction for approximately 908 metres to its junction with ASU 25 and ASM 65 at OSGR SP 01126 25002. Public Footpath ASM 77 from its junction with Public Footpath AWB 62 at OSGR SP 00716 25544 in a generally south westerly direction for approximately 550 metres to its junction OSGR SP 00434 2528

Older Drivers Forum

DRIVING SAFELY, IN SPRING
free zoom webinar returns at 10am on Saturday 29 April.
The webinar includes advice on:

Safer driving strategies to address the springtime challenges as more vulnerable road users - such as pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders - take to the road.

*2022 changes to the Highway Code designed to encourage more active travel.

email for a link to the seminar odfglos@gmail.com

Electoral Boundary Review

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England is asking for your views on our electoral review of Gloucestershire. The review will agree new division boundaries across the council. • Do you have suggestions about where your division boundaries should be? • Where do people in your area go to access local facilities, such as shops and leisure activities? • Which areas do you identify as your local community? http://www.consultation.lgbce.org.uk/

Energy Saving Tips:

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/hub/quick-tips-to-save-energy

https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/draught-proofing

https://www.cse.org.uk/advice/advice-and-support/diy-draught-proofing

https://www.uswitch.com/energy-efficiency/free-energy-saving-tips

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/energy-saving-tips/

https://www.wonderbagworld.com A modern hay box cooker that doesn’t use any energy

Neighbourhood Watch Association Event

Saturday 28th January 2023 10am start – 1pm refreshments

Gloucestershire Constabulary Headquarters

No1 Waterwells, Waterwells Drive, Quedgeley Glos. GL2 2AN

Parking is available on site.

All your local Neighbourhood Watch Officers will be available on this morning.

Please order your FREE ticket here:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/neighbourhood-watch-association-event-tickets-476328710997

Dog Fouling

The Borough Council are consulting on new policy https://www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/forms/public-spaces-protection-order

20MPH Survey

The results of our recent parish survey can be found here

Parish Councillor Vacancies

There are currently 2 vacancies to be filled by co-option. If you have an interest in the village environment and wellbeing of its inhabitants you may be able to make a difference. Councillors receive training and gain a wealth of knowledge. For details on how to become a councillor please make enquiries to the Clerk via clerk@southamtoday.org.uk

Ash Tree Die Back Works

Gloucestershire County Council intend to make an order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to temporarily close and restrict the parts of the B4632 which runs from Prestbury to Winchcombe. The reason for the closures and restrictions is to fell infected Ash trees that are within falling distance of the carriageway. Full details of all the roads affected can be found using the link below; roads of particular interest to residents of Southam are highlighted in yellow.

Temporary Road Closures and Restrictions

20 mph Survey.

At the meeting of the Parish Council on 10th May 2022, Councillors resolved to support Gloucestershire County Council's Motion 876 which seeks to introduce the wider use of 20mph speed limits especially in areas where vehicles and pedestrians/cycles are both present. This does not mean that 20mph limits will be introduced in the parish, but it provides the Council with an opportunity to be involved with and aware of developments as GCC progresses this initiative. GCC has just published a draft Road Safety Policy - including a policy for the wider use of 20mph limits. In order to accurately represent the views of residents when responding to the consultation the Parish Council is carrying out a survey which will run from 1st - 14th August to find out residents' views on reducing 30mph limits to 20mph. The survey will be included in the August/September newsletter and will also be available on this website.

Public Rights of Way.

Gloucestershire County Council is monitoring the reinstatement of two footpaths on land adjacent to Ratcliff Lawns following the ploughing of the field.

New Noticeboard.

The noticeboard on School Lane has now been replaced. The display boards are now lockable and anyone wishing to display notices on the noticeboards may email them to clerk@southamtoday.org.uk or post them through the letterbox of Genoa House, Southam Lane.

Social Media.

The Council's Facebook page acts as a digital noticeboard to complement the existing methods of communication. If you use Facebook please like the page - Southam Parish Council - to receive news from the other tiers of local government, Gloucestershire County Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council, and from around the parish.

Report a Problem.
Tewkesbury Borough Council are responsible for fly tipping, waste collection, noise and much more.
Gloucestershire County Council are responsible for potholes, blocked drains and other highway hazards.

Please report these issues through their websites.

Both Councils can be accessed via https://www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/do-it-online (scroll down to the "Report It" sections)

News from the Parish Council and from around Southam is also published in the newsletter which is delivered free of charge to all households every 2 months.