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AN MP has told of a meeting he had with Syrian President Bashar al Assad seven years ago which provided him with an insight into the dictator's mindset. Laurence Robertson, the Conservative MP for Tewkesbury, met Assad for an hour in Damascus when he visited Syria as part of a parliamentary delegation. Mr Robertson described the meeting as "curious" with the President telling him: "Some people say that I'm a brutal dictator, while others say that I'm too weak to control my country." The disclosure comes as Parliament has been recalled to vote on how the UK should respond to a chemical weapons attack on civilians last Wednesday, allegedly committed by the Assad regime. David Cameron has said MPs will be given a vote on a "clear motion" tomorrow after Downing Street confirmed contingency plans for military intervention were being drawn up. Mr Robertson said he has been thinking about what Assad said more and more as the crisis in Syria has deepened, asking himself if Assad is indeed "an evil dictator or too weak to control his country". "Based on my experience of meeting him, I tend towards the latter, believing that perhaps others are the most responsible for waging the war on his behalf," he said. "This, though, doesn't make the decision on what to do about the situation any easier." He went on to say that decisions to intervene in the affairs of another country are "not easy ones to take", adding that it is an "almost impossible decision to take with any great confidence". The Echo asked Mr Robertson if he believes Assad to be the "butcher" he has been portrayed as. He said: "I am not convinced that is the case but that is not to say he is a nice guy," he said. "I would be surprised if he was that kind of person." He also said he is unsure where the power lies in the Assad regime. When asked if he thought Assad is in overall control of the decisions being made he said: "I don't know but I think there is more to it than that. "I think there is probably more power behind him than his power." Reports have suggested that more than 300 people died after the chemical attack which happened close to Damascus. Rebel forces claim the Assad government is responsible. The government said rebels had "fabricated" the video footage of the attack. Martin Horwood, Cheltenham's Liberal Democrat MP, said he is cutting short his holiday to attend the debate and take part in Thursday's vote. He said: "I need to read the substantive motion, but it seems to me that there is a very strong legal and humanitarian case for intervention after the apparent use of chemical weapons on an unarmed civilian population. "I am very sympathetic to intervention but I want to hear the full argument and the evidence from the weapons inspectors." The office of Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, the Conservative MP for the Cotswolds, said he was unavailable to comment as he was in the process of making his way back to the UK to attend Parliament.

Gloucestershire MP's 'curious' meeting with Syria chief Basha al Assad

JAMIE Oliver has claimed all of his restaurants would be forced to close if they did not employ European immigrants who are willing to work long hours in hot conditions. The TV chef compared young British people with their peers from the continent, telling Good Housekeeping magazine that Brits are "wet" in comparison to "tougher" Europeans. Oliver, who runs more than 30 branches of Jamie's Italian restaurants across the UK, including one in Cheltenham, outlined his belief that "our European immigrant friends" are better suited to hard work. He said: "If we didn't have any [European immigrants], all of my restaurants would close tomorrow. There wouldn't be any Brits to replace them." Oliver was criticised yesterday after making remarks about the diets of people on lower incomes who buy big televisions instead of healthy food.

Jamie Oliver: European immigrants more suited to hard work than young Brits

SKATEBOARDERS are finding their favourite hobby is getting so popular that skate parks in Cheltenham can't keep up with demand. Users of the ramps in Montpellier Gardens yesterday were enjoying the sunshine, but expressed a desire for bigger and better facilities. James Henley, 14, who lives in Badgeworth, uses the park most days in the holidays. "It's probably the best one in Cheltenham, and I really like it. But it would be great if it could be expanded a bit, going out to the sides," he said. Comparing the facilities to the skate park in Churchdown, which was opened last year, he said: "That's so brilliant, there's nothing I don't like about it. It would be amazing if we could have something like that here as well." His pal Daniel Barry, 15, who lives in Cheltenham, added: "Sometimes you get small children who want to climb on the ramps and you really don't want to crash into them, so it can be difficult." As more youngsters arrived to use the quarter pipe, ramp and grinder box, a couple of boys on BMX bikes joined in. Sam Boyle, 14, said: "If this could be bigger then we could carry on coming here, because it's a great place because it's so central. We would like a space by the side so we can do our things but still hang out with the skaters. I really like coming here." Improved facilities got the thumbs up from James Henley's mum, Nikki Morgan, 34. She said: "There's no trouble, no swearing, he's out doing something active all day. I sometimes think they get a rough ride because people think they're different, but they're not." Adam Reynolds, green space development manager, at Cheltenham Borough Council said: "There are a number of skate parks which we have designed with the users' input. Our main skate parks are in Pittville Park and Montpellier Gardens which are very popular and are continually upgraded. "We get very positive feedback from the users of these facilities, particularly Pittville Park which has undergone numerous upgrades over recent years by popular demand."

Bigger and better skateboarding facilities needed

CAR dealers in Gloucestershire are hoping to see sales figures accelerate in September. Sunday sees the start of the 63 registration plate, and the motor trade is looking forward to bumper sales of new cars – but also of used vehicles. Cheltenham Volkswagen sales executive Dave Middleton, said the introduction of the new plates would be a big couple of days for the Tewkesbury Road showroom. He added: "For the last four months, and sometimes even longer, people have been putting in orders for new cars to pick them up on Sunday and Monday. "We're open every Sunday but this weekend we're making sure we have the full team in, so people can drive away with their new registration cars." The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said it was expecting 2.2 million new cars to be sold between Sunday and the end of the year – the highest sales since 2008, and an increase of 8.4 per cent on 2012. Mr Middleton said he was expecting a good end to the year. "There are lots of good deals available that didn't used to be there, like finance deals and deposit contributions, which does encourage people to look at a new car. "September and March are always good months for sales." A bumper year's end for new car sales could also see a hike in used car sales, as more people trade in their previous vehicles. Philip Nicholls a director of PJ Nicholls Ford in Tewkesbury said: "We have seen an increase in sales of both new and used cars since the start of the year, and we expect the trend to continue. "This has been across cars and commercial vehicles, so it looks like there's a sound business recovery as well." Mr Nicholls added: "Manufacturers are offering good deals on new sales and that does tend to lead used car sales, as people feel more confident in making purchasing decisions. "We are looking forward to the rest of the year." Search for a new or used motor in Gloucestershire

Motor sales to accelerate with new 63 plate in Gloucestershire

BILLY Twelvetrees wants to commit his long-term future to the Cherry and Whites.

Gloucester's new vice-captain admitted he was always eyeing a lengthy Cherry and Whites career – from the moment he joined last summer.

The 24-year-old playmaker's current Gloucester contract will expire at the end of the season.

Top clubs across the Premiership and beyond will be monitoring the England and British Lions centre's situation with more than passing interest.

League regulations forbid rival clubs making contract offers until players have six months or less to run on their existing deals.

January 1 has become something of a contract D-Day then, with clubs keen to tie up as many of their top stars as possible before that cut-off point.

Gloucester have 24 first-team players out of contract at the end of the forthcoming term.

But rugby director Davies and the Kingsholm board have already kick-started their strategy to retain all their prized assets.

Twelvetrees will be crucial among them, given his commanding midfield presence and his rare mix of physicality and finesse.

The former Leicester Tiger has moved to allay any real fears about his future though, revealing that as long as Gloucester continue to thrive and want to keep him then he will want to stay.

Twelvetrees explained: "I never really came here for the short term.

"I came to this club because it's an established, traditional rugby club that has great core values, great supporters and it's a great team that plays fantastic rugby.

"I wanted to go to a place that would help me develop and establish myself as a player, and play good rugby.

"I've loved every minute of being here and I'd love to stay for the foreseeable future.

"It's been great for me so far, and as long as I keep playing well and everyone wants me, the team's doing well and everything's in place that has been, then I want to be here.

"If all of that stays the same, then it would hopefully be good for everyone at the club and good for me too, to continue to be here.

"There's a huge amount of trust that goes with being vice-captain, and I am ready to live up to that and repay the faith.

"It's not something I dwell on though. The important thing is to get the head down and get on with playing well for the team.

"I won't change in that sense.

"Most of the time it's just about performing well for the team at the weekend and gearing all our preparations around it."

Twelvetrees' remarkable rise started with his Gloucester switch last summer and ended with a call-up to the British Lions as injury cover a year on.

Poised to cement himself as an England mainstay along with fly-half Freddie Burns, the West Sussex-raised midfielder admitted he relished his Lions whirlwind.

Twelvetrees now hopes he can exploit his Australia tour experience to help Gloucester in their quest to crack into the Premiership play-offs in Nigel Davies' second season at the Kingsholm helm.

He continued: "To be coached by new coaches, work with players at that level, it was great to be exposed to new angles and methods I'd never seen before.

"It was just about getting advice and asking questions from as many people as possible.

"You might never have that captive audience of so many quality players and coaches again.

"So I've taken as much as I can from that, and hopefully I can take it back here and help that experience improve me and improve Gloucester too.

"You speak to any player that is exposed to higher levels – the more involvements you have, the more you want.

"You just want to train harder and get better from your experiences.

"As soon as I got home from Australia I knew I needed a holiday, but I was itching to get back to Gloucester and get stuck in as soon as possible.

"It's a huge honour to play for Gloucester. I've loved every minute so far and I just want to kick on now."

Gloucester Rugby: Billy Twelvetrees eyes long stay at Kingsholm

MARKSMEN have taken the first shots in the West Country badger cull, which is expected to spill over into Gloucestershire this week. The first badger cull operations are under way in Somerset and police have launched Operation Themis to help keep the peace during Gloucestershire's pilot scheme. The cull aims to stem the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in English cattle and has been backed by the Government. Protesters campaigning to prevent the onslaught of 100,000 badgers are already scouting Sarn Hill Woods, near Tewkesbury, for signs of food bait being put down. David Williams, chairman of the Badger Trust, said: "The trust is determined to fight on wherever possible as we have in the past through all legal avenues. Members will scrutinise everything that happens and the trust will continue to take the best legal and scientific advice. "We urge people living in the pilot culling areas of West Gloucestershire and West Somerset to listen for shooting, look out for wounded badgers and report all locations as accurately as possible. However, on no account must anyone enter private land or attempt to interfere with the shooters and staff." Officers in a police helicopter and three cars arrested Stop The Cull protester Jay Tiernan, 42, for allegedly trying to break into the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs site near Stroud. He has been bailed until November. As the shooting begins, National Farmers Union president Peter Kendall has written an open letter to the farming community. He said: "I know that many of you reading this will have suffered the misery of dealing with TB on farms – some of you for decades – and I hope now you will feel that something is finally being done to stem the cycle of infection between cattle and badgers. "Badger control remains a controversial subject and we understand that some people will never agree with controlling badgers in this way. I am confident however that through the combined efforts of farmers, the NFU and government over the last year to illustrate the impact TB has on farms, and the scientific basis for badger control, more people than ever recognise the need to address the disease in badgers." Operation Themis aims to deal with any incidents of crime and public disorder and facilitating people's rights to protest. A spokesman for the Forestry Commission added: "Where Forestry Commission land falls on pilot cull areas, we will work with Natural England, Defra, and landowners to implement the Government's policies."

Badger cull marksmen hold fire in Gloucestershire

Police are appealing for information following a serious sexual assault in Stroud. The incident happened in Stratford Park in the town between 8pm and 9pm on Monday August 26. The victim, a 25-year-old local woman, was walking through the park when she was approached by a man who sexually assaulted her. The offender is described as Asian, possibly Pakistani, about 30 years of age and around 5ft7in to 5ft 8in tall. He was wearing blue jeans, brown shoes and a yellow shirt. Officers are particularly keen to speak to a man sat on a bench by the boating lake at the time. He spoke to the victim just after the incident. The man is described as white and between 40 and 50 years old. He had grey hair. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 101, quoting incident 487 of August 26.

Serious sex assault in Stratford Park, Stroud

IT'S a cracking sculpture, lad. Wood sculptor Patrick Brown took a chainsaw to an old treestump at Westonbirt Arboretum at the weekend, and from the chippings and sawdust emerged beloved animation character Gromit. The exhibition of woodworking was the centrepiece of the National Arboretum's 19th annual Treefest. The carving, which was made from a 3sqm block of wood will remain at the arboretum for two weeks as part of the Gromit Unleashed arts trail, raising money for Bristol Children's Hospital's Grand Appeal. It joins 'Eldoradog' another of 80 massive Gromits displayed in and around Bristol. Both Westonbirt Gromits will be auctioned for the appeal.

New Gromit unleashed at Westonbirt Arboretum

ARMED police took over a quiet residential street yesterday evening after receiving reports of a man carrying a gun. Officers arrived at the scene in Shelley Road just before 7pm following a 999 call which reported that a man was holding what looked like a gun as he was walking out of the area. Police quickly arrested a 68-year-old man in nearby Shakespeare Road. He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm/imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He has since been bailed to return to the police station on September 12. Police recovered a weapon and it is believed to be a cap gun. No one was injured in the incident. Witnesses who have not yet spoken to the police are being encouraged to call Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting incident number 395 of August 27.

Armed police respond to 'gunman' in Cheltenham street

Let's get ready to rumble as Wrestling Rampage returns to GL1 leisure centre in Gloucester. A Clash of the Champions will take place in the city venue on Saturday October 12 - and it promises to be a must see event for wrestling fans. The night features a line up of some of the hottest names in wrestling from the UK and America including WCW Superstar PN NEWS and a special guest appearance by the ITV World Of Sport Legend, England's Number 1 former World Mid-Heavyweight Champion,The Lancashire Lion, Marty Jones. Some sizzling clashes are on the cards when the team of PN NEWS, Dirty Danny Collins and The Indestructible Skull Murphy and Drew Macdonald, team up to take on the Famous Fighting Family from Norwich, as seen on Channel Four, the Brothers Roy and Zac Knight, combining with from the USA WWE star Luke Hawx and Liverpool Lad Frankie Sloan. There is also an extra special main event - a showdown between Gloucestershire's Pride Matt 'The English Bulldog' Jarrett, and The Canadian Rebel Starbuck, who was trained by the famous Hart family. The man with the biggest Ego in the grappling world, Mr Vain Pete Collins, will lock up with the Fearless Flatliner. Young Wrestler of the Year, Jimmy Meadows, gets a shot at the 'master of 1000 holds' ,Mr Smooth Johnny Kidd, for The European Middleweight Championship and belt. Joey Osbourne will face rotten to the core Hardcore Keith Myatt. Also in action will be high flying ace Justin Starr who takes on the Rugged Rule-bending former Royal Marine from Essex, Filthy Phil Powers. A spokesman for Wrestling Rampage said: "Without doubt, this is professional wrestling at it's best." Tickets are available directly from GL1 or by calling the box office on 0845 643 4203. Prices are £15 for adults £15 and £10 for children. Doors Open 7.00pm Wrestling Starts 7.30pm

Wrestling Rampage brings Clash of Champions to GL1 in Gloucester

Former Gloucester rugby captain, Adam Balding has been selected to be the City's co-ordinator for its preparations for Rugby World Cup 2015.

Adam, who ended his playing career last year, was a firm favourite with Gloucester fans and skippered the club for two seasons.

He was appointed to the role by the City Council following a tough selection process.

His job will be to help raise awareness of the competition and the City's role, co-ordinate events and ensure community and business involvement.

He said: "I loved playing for Gloucester and enjoyed my time here thoroughly. It is an honour to be chosen to perform this role and I will bring the same commitment to doing it as I gave on the rugby field.

"It is important that this is an event which is inclusive for everyone. It is about the competition and the games, but we must also involve people who don't necessarily enjoy sport or rugby. So it will also be about the cultural and community events that we will be staging and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to find a way to be involved in this exciting venture."

Council Leader, Paul James, commented: "Having someone like Adam on our team is a real coup for the City. He was a favourite of the fans as a player for Gloucester and we know he will bring that drive and determination he had on the field to his role.

"Being a Host City for one of the World's premier sporting international events is a fantastic opportunity. We need to ensure that we capitalise on that. We have a role to play in ensuring that the competition matches played here are successful and that visitors have a fantastic time.

"Beyond that we want the local economy to benefit and for there to be a community legacy that will live on beyond the competition. This is a big job and we believe that Adam is the man to do it."

Environmental Health officials at Gloucester City Council are investigating a rather fruity smell prevading Gloucester this afternoon. Two people have contacted the council to complain about the smell. Social media has been buzzing with messages about the scent which began wafting through the city this morning. A spokesman for Gloucester City Council said: "We are investigating but we suspect it may be farming related."

What is this #smell in #Gloucester? The whole city stinks of cheese...
— kate mundy (@katemundy23) August 28, 2013

There's a god awful smell around Gloucester at the moment
— Vict ♋ (@Conor_Palmer_) August 28, 2013

A woman accused of smashing a glass into a bride-to-be's face today said her actions were 'just stupid.' Gloucester Crown Court heard Lucy Steers, 28, was scarred for life after taunting childminder Jennifer Eckley for being on the Jeremy Kyle show. Eckley, 27, of Foley Road, denies wounding Miss Steers with intent and causing her grievous bodily harm. Today Eckley took the stand at court to give evidence about the incident at The George Hotel in Newent on December 1 last year. The court previously heard an hour before the alleged glassing Eckley grabbed party guest, Nicola Taylor's hair, and banged her head against the wall, after realising she was the former partner of her then boyfriend. Eckley pleaded guilty to assaulting her, but denied punching Nicola's sister, Kate, when she tried to intervene. Eckley told the jury she had been out on a hen party on the evening of the alleged attack and that she had been on anti-depressants since appearing on the ITV Jeremy Kyle show two years ago with her former boyfriend. She said she got into the scuffle with Nicola Taylor as she confronted her about money she owed her ex-boyfriend, Mark Beacham, who Eckley was then dating, but said she did not punch her sister. Eckley told the court when she spoke to Lucy at the bar she mentioned the television appearance. She said: "I said 'I'm glad you find my pain funny'. I said 'you don't know what I have been through' and I started to get cross." The pair exchanged expletives, the court heard, before Lucy's father, Geoffrey stepped in. As Eckley was led away by the landlord she said she didn't remember having a glass in her hand, but said she was upset and had been drinking. She told the jury: "Then I heard her shouting about the Jeremy Kyle show again and I could not see her, but I could hear. I stormed around the corner and she was laughing at me – grinning and laughing in my face. "Her friends were there and they were surrounding me, calling me names, they were cackling. "We both stepped forward and both flew our arms in the air and the next thing I knew Rod was dragging me off around the corner. "I remember people screaming, I was thinking why are they screaming, what is going on? Why is it so dramatic?." Eckley said a couple of men then told her she had glassed someone. She has admitted causing her grievous bodily harm, but denies doing it with intent. She added: "I promise on my life that I never ever meant for that to happen. I would never do that. Glassing someone for just shouting Jeremy Kyle show is just stupid." The court earlier heard George Hotel landlord Rod Yeandle, had been trying to calm down Eckley moments before she hit her. He told the court he had taken Eckley, who he has known since she was aged 12, outside to try to calm her down after the women had an altercation at the bar. He said: "I was trying to persuade her going home would be the best way. "I remember the conversation was about the Jeremy Kyle incident and how she regretted going on it and she was being tormented about it. "Lucy came out into the courtyard and was making comments about Jenny and the Jeremy Kyle show. "I don't think Lucy was aware that Jenny was in ear shot. It agitated her. "I don't think there was any more conversation, she just moved then." Mr Yeandle said in his statement there was a glass in her hand while the pair were talking just moments before the attack. He said: "I just didn't expect what occurred to happen. I just could not believe what was happening. I wouldn't have thought 'I best take this glass off her she is going to use it on somebody'." The landlord then walked Eckley home and stayed with her until police arrived. Margaret Prince, a guest at Lucy's engagement party, told the court she saw the glassing. She said: "She followed her around the corner and said 'you might be a pretty b***ch now, but you won't be for long. "A few seconds later I noticed a glass in her hand. She jumped in the air and threw it in Lucy's face. It smashed in her face." Mr Yeandle described that incident as a scrum, but said he thought Eckley had calmed down enough to remain in the hotel. Miss Steers, who has since split up with her fiancée, is still awaiting surgery on her scarred nose. Amid tears she said: "I remember having blood on my face and then going to hospital and having stitches. I can't remember anything. I've got no memory of it at all." Defending Jason Coulter said to her: "You made reference to her appearing live on the Jeremy Kyle show and it was when you mentioned that things became heated between you." The trial continues.

'Glassing someone for shouting Jeremy Kyle show is just stupid'

TRAFFIC chaos is feared for businesses and residents as major roadworks start in Longford next week. A £2million project to install sewer pipes starts on Monday and will see part of Tewkesbury Road dug up. Work on Longford Lane will also begin on October 1 and temporary traffic lights will be in place for up to one month. Embattled motorists and residents are met representatives from Severn Trent Water earlier this week to find out just how bad the roadworks could be. But there are fears that the roadworks could also impact on businesses in the area. Gloucester City councillor Jim Porter (C, Longlevens) said: "This is certainly going to have an impact on local residents and businesses. We would prefer this not to happen but the nature of the work means that it has to be done. All one can do is try to minimise the inevitable disruption. "From my experience of these things, the first couple of days are chaos but after that motorists start to by-pass the affected area as they become aware of the problem. One just has to try and work around it." The work will see 2,700 metres of new sewer pipes installed along with a treatment facility. Residents say that keeping people informed about the planned works will be the key to minimising disruption. Dave Bennett, who lives off Innsworth Lane, said: "I understand you can't have gain without pain, but it is vital that people are kept informed over this." Businesses in the area are also worried about the effect it will have on them. The Longford Inn and Premier Inn have warned customers there could be disruption. Deanne Bester, who works at Premier Inn in Tewkesbury Road, Longford, said: "We have heard it is going to be a one-way system while the road work is carried out. We are joined with Longford Inn and we are worried about the congestion it is going to cause as we are right outside to where the work is going to take place. Our manager has notified customers before they book about the road works." Jens Eberhardt, of the Longford Guest House, said: "We are not that worried as the traffic will not be all day." Kevin Bowen, Severn Trent Water's project engineer, said: "We're investing almost £2million to make sure that the sewerage system has the capacity to cope with the new development off Longford Lane. "The majority of our improvements will be carried out in fields and smaller roads in Longford. "However, part of the work needs to be carried out on Tewkesbury Road, between the A40 and Estcourt Road roundabouts. "As part of our plans we've done our best to minimise disruption."

Traffic chaos for Gloucester drivers as Longford roadworks get under way

RUGBY clubs should be ready to cash in on the legacy of the World Cup, the Olympics and Sports Minister has said as Gloucester gears up for the 2015 tournament. Hugh Robertson said all Gloucestershire's rugby clubs should be braced for an upsurge in interest in the game – and there is cash available for some. The tournament will see the city host sides including Scotland, Tonga and Argentina over four matches and Mr Robertson was impressed with plans by Gloucester Rugby and Gloucester City Council to capitalise on the fans' presence. But he said the opportunity is also there now for clubs to benefit from how the tournament impresses the local rugby audience. "The 2012 Olympics showed what an impact each sport can have on the interest in it," said Mr Robertson. "After the women's team won hockey bronze, a club expecting 100 or 200 children coming to the club had 700 – the interest could be huge. "Sports that have done well from the legacy of the games have been ready for that and it's important now to make sure everything is in place to achieve that." He said the Sport England Inspired Facilities Fund awards grants of up to £50,000 for clubs who need to upgrade their buildings and pitches, and so far, 1,400 grants have been made. The minister heard of plans for the logistics and organisation for the tournament and building the rugby legacy, before heading to Gloucester's new athletics track and the city's rowing club which are capitalising on the London 2012 legacy. Gloucester Rowing Club gave a presentation on fund raising for the £1.5million boathouse – building should start in January and with £500,000 raised so far and fingers are crossed for a similar sum from Sport England. "Although rugby is the jewel in Gloucester's sporting crown and we will be celebrating its legacy, there is a lot more going on which can benefit the city and the county," said city MP Richard Graham. "It's important plans are made now to make the most of that." Former Gloucester Rugby captain Adam Balding has been selected to be the city's co-ordinator for its preparations for Rugby World Cup 2015. Adam, who ended his playing career last year, was a firm favourite with Gloucester fans and skippered the club for two seasons. He was appointed to the role by the city council.

Rugby clubs 'should be ready to cash in on World Cup legacy'

RUMOURS are rife that the badger cull will start in Gloucestershire next week. About 5,000 badgers are expected to be killed in controlled shootings over six weeks in Somerset and Gloucestershire. Supporters say the cull is necessary to tackle bovine TB, which can be spread from infected badgers, but opponents say it is inhumane and ineffective. The first shots have already been fired in Somerset, but it is believed the cull will start in Gloucestershire next week. Charles Mann, NFU county chairman, refused to confirm or deny those rumours. He said: "As much as we would much rather not do all this, it is a necessity for the cattle and for the badgers. Don't forget that the badgers are infected as well and are dying slow, painful deaths. "To sort this out, we need to make sure the wildlife is clean." Liz Gaffer, spokeswoman for Gloucestershire Against Badger Shooting, said: "I have heard that shooting is starting next week, but there are lots of rumours flying around. "We have badger patrols out every night at the moment. I think we have between 100 and 200 volunteers. "These are not animal rights extremists, they are just normal people who are concerned about how humane this cull is." Environment secretary Owen Paterson said: "We know that despite the strict controls we already have in place, we won't get on top of this terrible disease until we start dealing with the infection in badgers as well as in cattle. "That is why these pilot culls are so important. We have to use every tool in the box because TB is so difficult to eradicate and it is spreading rapidly. If we had a workable vaccine we would use it. "We are working on new badger and cattle vaccines, but they are years away from being ready and we cannot afford to wait while TB gets worse." The pilot badger cull in both Somerset and Gloucestershire is managed by Natural England under licence from Defra. In Gloucestershire, the cull will be undertaken by a private operating company, which will determine where and when it starts.

Badger cull 'to start in county next week'

A ONE-WOMAN campaign is under way to stop a council order blocking off an alleyway notorious for criminal activity near Eastgate Street. Organs Alley is the subject of a gating order that would restrict access there at night. But Kay Powell, a nearby resident, is determined to stop the move going ahead. Businesses in the area have said drug deals, urinating drunks and anti-social behaviour are common there. Some have said it has also been an escape route for burglars exiting nearby student accommodation. A Freedom of Information request shows from January 1 to June 12 this year, there were 158 police incidents around Eastgate Street, with 69 crimes recorded. Kay insists the alleyway is well used by cyclists and CCTV cameras would be a better option than gates. "Police intelligence suggests the alley has been used for drug dealing since 2008," she said. "If drug dealing is rife, and there are plain clothed police operations in the city, why has there been only one arrest there? Both the city council and the police imply the problems in Organs Alley is somehow worse than anywhere else, and the official figures don't paint the whole picture. Gating one alley will simply move the problems elsewhere." Lighting has been improved, but other areas are seen as higher priority for CCTV. Justin Hudson, who manages adjacent Butlers Bar, said the alleyway has become a nightmare for neighbours. He said: "I have offered Kay the chance to come and experience what we have to go through at night because of Organs Alley, but she declined. It has got to the stage where we are policing it ourselves. We have to run the gauntlet and I've been out there at all hours in my slippers with an umbrella. Some incidents there are disgusting and we have been left with no choice but to apply for this gating order." Justin is willing to cover the £5,000 costs. A police spokesman said: "We're grateful to everyone who has expressed their views on the proposed gating order and believe the majority of residents in the area would like to see it happen." The city council will decide on the order later this year.

Campaigner says blocking alley 'won't stop crime'

Stroud protesters took to the streets at 8am today to send a message to world leaders considering military intervention in Syria. Hastily-drawn placards covered the front of the old Curry's store in the High Street, which also publicise a protest there on Saturday at 11am. As the UK Government appears to be holding back from military action now, protesters said a chemical weapons attack in Syria should not be the tipping point for the USA and others to intervene militarily. "Evidence has proved from Iraq and Afghanistan that going in to a Middle East country in this way does not solve problems at all," said Stroud District Council member John Marjoram. "Is this a way of getting at Iran? We just cannot operate like a moral policeman around the world." He and fellow protester James Beecher agreed that the chemical attack last week was "terrible" but said there are many more avenues to pursue before military action is even considered. "There is no side in this war that we can support," said James. "What we should be doing is a difficuilt question - at least if we wait for the United Nations weapons inspectors' report and at least wait for a UN security council vote, and it points to chemical weapons, there are still other actions that can be taken."

Anti-war demonstration over Syria in Stroud

MATCH-SCENARIO scrummaging sessions – complete with referee and outside opposition – are helping Gloucester prepare for the new set-piece laws.

The Cherry and Whites have called in top-class referees to oversee live scrum sessions against other clubs at their Hartpury training base.

The IRB have approved a global trial of the calling sequence 'crouch, bind, set' this season, aimed at reducing the 'hit' impact by 25 per cent when two teams pack down.

The world's governing body want to reduce the number of front-row casualties, at the same time as improving the scrummage as a contest.

The referee will call crouch and bind, when props will bind with their outside arms, before the 'set' command will see the two front-rows engage.

When the referee is happy the scrum is square, he will call 'yes nine' and the scrum-half can put the ball in.

Officials have been asked to accept no feeding into the scrum whatsoever, meaning hookers will actually have to perform their primary function for the first time in years.

Gloucester's coaches have been working tirelessly in a bid to avoid any confusion or inconsistency when the new Premiership season starts.

By the time the Cherry and Whites host Sale Sharks at Kingsholm on Saturday, September 7, rugby director Davies wants to have cut out as many grey areas as possible.

Gloucester's scrum coach Tony Windo has met with Ed Morrison, the RFU's head of professional referee development.

New forwards coach Andrew Stanley has also met with former Premiership referee Chris White, who now heads up the RFU's national referee academy.

Admitting the Kingsholm club are wary of the impact of the scrum changes, Davies explained: "I think it will take several months for the new rules to settle down.

"In the meantime we've just been seeking clarity on the exact interpretation that the referees will employ.

"Tony Windo has spoken to Ed Morrison about that and we're just trying to gain as much information as we can. It will take some time to settle down and the most important thing is being able to make the new rules work to your advantage of course.

"So we've been careful to prepare our players accordingly – the front-row have had an entirely new and separate conditioning programme.

"We expect more of a strength element and technical contest, and it will be interesting to see how it pans out."

Gloucester Rugby are ready for scrum-thing completely different this year

LONG-MOOTED plans to scrap borough councils and replace them with one authority for Gloucestershire will get a public airing next week. Labour members of the county council want an all-party task group set up to investigate the possibility of making the move to a single all-powerful authority. They say the current state of affairs, with services split between the county and its districts – such as Cheltenham Borough Council – is "confusing" and that shifting to a unitary system would save a significant amount of money. Councillors will vote on the issue next Wednesday morning at Shire Hall. If the Labour motion is agreed, the task group would talk to businesses, voluntary groups and district, city, borough and parish councils, as well as neighbouring authorities, to ask if they are in favour of the idea. The group would also provide an estimate of the costs and benefits which could arise from making the change. Councillor Steve Lydon (Lab, Dursley) described the current two-tier system of local government in Gloucestershire as a "disorganised mess". He said any money saved from "scrapping" district councils could be invested into "front-line services". "This has been a long-term Labour Party policy to look at the issue of moving to unitary councils," he said. "We believe they are more efficient and more effective and that they allow people to have a better say in how things are run." He added: "We believe a unitary authority would save money – for example, we have five or six council chief executives in the county at the moment. We also think it would enhance democracy." Mike Dawson, chief executive of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: "There are advantages to unitary councils, however our current local government structure allows our residents to influence and easily access services within their local area." Councillor Steve Jordan, leader of Cheltenham Borough Council, said it was not the right time for proposing a change in the system. He said: "Debating a unitary authority now would be a diversion from the major challenges we currently face and as such we can't see any advantage of pursuing this option." Councillor Steve Lydon (L, Dursley) described the current two-tier system of local government in Gloucestershire as a "disorganised mess" which is in desperate need of a fix. He also said any money saved from "scrapping" district councils could be invested into "frontline services". "This has been a long term Labour Party policy to look at the issue of moving to unitary councils," he said. "We believe they are more efficient and more effective and that they allow people to have a better say in how things are run. "Frankly, it is pretty confusing for people at the moment. "What we are looking to do is to have the right structure to make decisions at the right level while maintaining democracy. "It is not a question of having a big monster. It would be built on the work of parish and town councils. We believe a unitary authority would save money and it would enhance democracy." Paul James (C, Longlevens), leader of Gloucester City Council, said: "We will look with interest at the evidence and conclusions the working group come up with. "In the meantime we are working closely with neighbouring district authorities to share services and save money."

Is it time for a single local authority in Gloucestershire?