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Fireworks display at Quedgeley this Saturday

November 9, 2012, 4:46 am
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Fireworks at an annual Quedgeley display will be let off at 7pm on Saturday.
Gates open at 5.30pm at Dimore II playing fields and free car parking is available at Severn Vale School.
There will be a fun fair and stalls.
Tickets are £3 for adults, £2 for kids and under 5s go free.
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Gloucester are denied opening LV=Cup win at the death

November 9, 2012, 4:48 am
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OSPREYS 33 GLOUCESTER 27 GLOUCESTER thought they had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat before the Ospreys stole an opening LV=Cup victory at the Liberty Stadium. After falling 13 points behind with 14 minutes left, two late tries in the final seconds earned the Cherry and Whites a slender one-point advantage with no time left. But referee David Rose found plenty more minutes for the home side to steal over and deny the visitors after the Welsh region had used the battering rain the most effectively. Home fly-half Matthew Morgan had the first chance to open the scoring but dragged his 40metre kick wide on three minutes before opposite number Billy Burns showed him how it was done six minutes later. Almost immediately from the restart the home side won another chance to get on the board which Morgan did not waste to level it up. However, the Gloucester front row were putting the pressure on in the scrum and from the set-piece the Ospreys could not take it and Burns kicked his team into a 6-3 lead on 17. Ospreys came back straight away with their forwards taking it to the visitors in their own 22 and that pressure brought a penalty which Morgan ignored to knock through a drop goal on 20. Then came the first try of the game when Burns ignored the points on offer with a penalty inside Ospreys' 22 and booted to touch. The maul was engaged and Ospreys lock James King could not resist coming into the ruck from an offside position and received ten minutes in the bin on 25 minutes. Burns sent another one to touch with the catch and drive seeing Italian hooker Tommaso D'Apice peeling off and breaking through to metres out before popping to Yann Thomas to dot down. Despite the home crowd's whistles, Burns kept his composure to slot the kick and lead 13-6 but two minutes later Morgan ignored his penalty advantage again to knock through another drop goal. The Welsh ten then squirted a drop goal wide on half an hour with more advantage in hand before making amends to pull within one with the penalty. King returned and with seconds left Nigel Davies' men looked to run the clock down with Burns' goal-line touch clearance. With ten seconds of the half remaining, the Welsh region went for the catch and drive and Gloucester's Dario Chistolini got on the wrong side of the maul and Morgan put his side two up at the break, 15-13. The home side made the best of the conditions at the start of the second period with effective up and unders causing chaos in the Gloucester ranks and putting them on the front foot. That pressure from the forwards saw Morgan given a sight of goal on 43 but he kicked wide. His pack then pounded Gloucester's line and they thought they had scored when they scraped the post padding but the third match official said it was knocked on. Gloucester did not learn from that warning as they struggled to clear their lines and Morgan knocked through another kick on 59 to lead 18-13. Gloucester boss Davies then saw his son Sam enter the action for the Ospreys and he was straight into the thick of the action slotting a penalty on 62 to go eight ahead. The Ospreys forwards then surged forward and sucked defenders in before spinning the ball wide for winger Tom Grabham to score wide but Davies could not convert. At 13 points down and 14 minutes to go, Gloucester staged what they thought was a match-winning comeback. Wing Shane Monahan injected some pace when he caught an up and under and shot 40 metres up field before winning a penalty which went to touch but the maul came to nothing. The backs tried to pierce the defensive line up the middle and with a penalty in hand replacement Dan Murphy picked up and dived over with Dan Robson quickly drop-goal converting. With six points left and seven minutes to go, the Gloucester scrum won another penalty which Robson sent to the corner before the catch and drive was dragged down. The referee went under the posts and Robson happily converted with the stadium clock showing no time left. Gloucester thought they had won it when replacement Dave Lewis booted to touch in his own half but from the lineout Ospreys surged forward and number eight Morgan Allen broke through to score. It was ironic that Davies junior had the last word by converting and getting one over his dad to seal the win leaving Gloucester with a road losing-bonus point. OSPREYS: R Jones; T Grabham (Edwards, 69), B John, J Sprat, W Price; M Morgan (Davies, 60), R Webb (Habberfield, 60); M Thomas, M Dwyer, J Rees (Thomas, 67); L Peers (Hughes, 70), J King; G Stowers, S Lewis (captain), M Allen. Replacements: S Otten, N Smith, N Thomas, R Hughes, A Ellis, T Habberfield, S Davies, N Edwards. GLOUCESTER: M Thomas, S Monahan, D Locke, T Molenaar, I Clark; B Burns (Lewis, 52), D Robson; Y Thomas (Murphy, 44), T D'Apice (Britton, 59), D Chistolini (Heard, 68); E Stooke, W Graulich; R Moriarty, M Cox, P Buxton. Replacements: K Britton, D Murphy, T Heard, E King, B Sparks, D Lewis, G Boulton, S Reynolds.

Gloucester are denied opening LV=Cup win at the death

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Gloucestershire asked to help reach Christmas shoebox target

November 9, 2012, 5:17 am
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Gloucestershire residents are being urged to help Operation Christmas Child reach targets of 100 million shoeboxes.
Shoe Zone and Stead & Simpson will be helping the charity event reach the goal by acting as drop off points for the shoeboxes, which are filled with Christmas gifts for children in need.
Over the past 22 years, the Samaritan's Purse charitable project has seen 94 million shoeboxes to more than 100 different countries.
Owner of the shoe stores, Charles Smith, said: "Each year over the past four years we've helped collect at least 40,000 shoeboxes at our outlets across the country.
"This year we're delighted to say that our stores will be helping Operation Christmas Child reach this amazing achievement to help impact 100 million lives." Full details of drop-off points and instructions on how to complete a shoebox, before November 18 deadline, visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk.
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Cheltenham Hotel on the Park for sale for a cool £2.6m

November 9, 2012, 5:28 am
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The Hotel on the Park in Cheltenham is on the market for a cool £2.6m freehold via Colliers International. The Hotel, an impressive town house property on Evesham Road in the Pittville area of Cheltenham has a dozen bedrooms and has recently undergone a major refurbishment. Colliers International Hotels director Peter Brunt said the Grade II listed town house hotel dated back to the 1830s and retained many original features. "But it has also undergone a complete refurbishment bringing all the facilities very much up to date." Perhaps the most striking feature is the variety of luxury bathrooms that include not just whirlpools, but aromatherapy/chromotherapy baths and an amazing infinity pool, where the water is allowed to cascade over the sides. "If you feel the need to indulge yourself there can be few locations in the town where you can expect to be pampered as you would be at The Hotel. "It's a luxurious oasis of calm right in the centre of Cheltenham with numerous opportunities for exploring the legendary shops or further afield in the Cotswolds." Sumptuously appointed throughout, facilities at The Hotel include a stylish and contemporary bar and the elegant Parkers Brasserie which seats around 42. The Caramel Lounge is a cosy residents' relaxation area with marble surround fireplace and doors to the garden at the back of the hotel. It can also be used as a private dining room. The 12 letting bedrooms are either doubles or twins and furnished and decorated in different styles. All have flat screen TV, CD player and DVD player. WiFi is available throughout the hotel. There is a flat on the lower ground floor consisting of large bedroom, kitchen/living room and office. For further information please contact Peter Brunt on 0117 917 2000.

Cheltenham Hotel on the Park for sale for a cool £2.6m

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Cheltenham Town v Burton Albion: Chat and updates

November 9, 2012, 5:39 am
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Cheltenham Town v Burton Albion Join Jon Palmer from 1.45pm on Saturday for chat, debate, team news, updates and reaction:

Cheltenham Town v Burton Albion: Chat and updates

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Man charged in connection with death of "the best welder in Gloucester"

November 9, 2012, 6:03 am
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Police have charged a man in connection with the death of "the best welder in Gloucester".
Graham Ade Godwin, 36, of Winnycroft Lane, Matson, has been charged with causing death while riding a motorcycle when disqualified, and causing death while riding with no insurance. He has also been charged with making a false statement to insurers and possession of a class B drug, cannabis.
Paul Stock, 53, died at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol, seven days after he was involved in a collision with a motorcycle in Tredworth Road in March. Mr Godwin will appear before Cheltenham Magistrates' Court in January.
Mr Stock ran S.A.S. Bodyshop, in St James Street, and was known to many as the "best welder in Gloucester."

Man charged in connection with death of “the best welder in Gloucester”

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Drugs seized in Tewkesbury police raid

November 9, 2012, 6:30 am
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DRUGS worth £15,000 were seized and two people arrested in the Prior's Park area of Tewkesbury.
Police searched a home in Crouch Court and one in Belfry Drive at 8am today.
They found what they believed to be amphetamine and cannabis with an estimated street value of £15,000, during the two searches.
A 23-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, both from Tewkesbury, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B drug.
They remain in police custody.
PC Jill Bundock, of Gloucestershire police, said: "We hope today's action is further reassurance to the community that we remain committed to dealing with all those involved in criminal activity in the area.
"One of the ways that members of the public can help keep Gloucestershire safe is by reporting the use or supply of illegal drugs to police by dialling 101. Any information received is taken very seriously and will be acted on where appropriate."
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Prout murder - family remembers Kate on anniversary

November 9, 2012, 6:30 am
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RELATIVES of a murdered farmer's wife have finally had chance to remember her publicly on the fifth anniversary of her killing.
Kate Prout's husband Adrian strangled her at their Redmarley farm on November 5, 2007.
But it wasn't until he failed a lie detector test and led police to the spot where he'd buried her in woodland on November 19 last year that they were able to dig and recover her body for a proper burial.
Mrs Prout's brother Richard Wakefield told The Citizen:  "It's been another sad date for the family. Kate is always in our thoughts but even more so on the 5th of November, which will never be forgotten.
"She is greatly missed but at least she was brought back to us and laid to rest. We are very grateful for that."
An in memoriam notice placed in The Citizen on the anniversary of her death said: "Kate (Prout) greatly missed, deeply loved, never forgotten."
The Citizen revealed last year that Adrian Prout, who was jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years in February 2010, failed a lie detector test which his then-fiance Debbie Garlick pressed for because she believed he was innocent.
But when he failed the test she told Gloucestershire Constabulary, who took him to woodland next to his Redhill Farm, Redmarley property.
After a dig lasting four days, Kate Prout's remains were found.
Prout, who maintained his innocence throughout his trial at Bristol, admitted to police that he'd strangled her in a argument over how their £1.3million farm would be split up in their divorce.
He waited five days before reporting her missing, five years ago tomorrow(November 10), and it sparked a massive search involving around 100 officers who combed fields, woodland, buildings and lakes.
He was convicted of murder despite no evidence of her being found, dead or alive.
A police statement from Prout read at the inquest in to her death revealed he "snapped" during an argument because Kate threatened to humiliate him amidst an acrimonious divorce.
He strangled her with his right hand and killed her, then poured himself a glass of whisky, wrapped Kate's body in a curtain, put it in the back of his Land Rover and went to the pub. On returning, he drove to a pheasant pen in Cobhill Rough, dug a hole with a shovel and buried her body. It lay undetected for just over four years.
An unlawful killing verdict was recorded.

Prout murder - family remembers Kate on anniversary

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Forest of Dean burglar walks off with expensive Swiss watch

November 9, 2012, 8:37 am
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A WALK-IN burglar stole an expensive Swiss watch from a house in the Forest-of-Dean to renew warnings from police to tighten home security.
The offender walked through an unlocked back door at a home in Aylburton High Street before helping himself to a TagHeur wristwatch worth thousands of pounds.
The incident took place sometime between 9.30am and noon on Friday, November 2.
The homeowner was in, but upstairs at the time the burglary is believed to have taken place.
Described as having a slight imperfection on the strap, the watch also has a dent on the bezel.
Anyone who has been offered the watch for sale is being urged to contact police.
Officers are also urging homeowners to keep their property safe by locking doors during the day.
Crime reduction advice is available at www.gloucestershire.police.uk.
Anyone with information about this burglary should call 101, quoting incident 478 of November 5.
Alternatively information can also be given anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. In some cases Crimestoppers offer rewards of up to £1000 where information leads to a conviction.

Forest of Dean burglar walks off with expensive Swiss watch

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Martin Kirby Column; Burning Issues, Altar-ations and a King's Night Out

November 9, 2012, 1:51 pm
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A BURNING ISSUE
Considering that I'm supposed to be chief Luddite in these parts, it's rather ironic that I find it hard to understand the level of opposition to waste incineration. People have been protesting against the proposed burner at Javelin Park for some time now and of course they have every right to do so. Whether their decision to hold a 'Children's Rights Respecting' demonstration was a sensible one is for them to decide, given that most of the children involved probably don't know what an incinerator is.
Still, credit where it's due. Holding a children's protest was a clever publicity stunt, as the sight of worried little faces conjures-up visions of Victorian factory chimneys belching-out thick smoke, and urchins being sent up domestic chimneys to clean them. But modern incinerators are nothing like that.
We have a great opportunity to stop dumping most of our rubbish in landfill sites where harmful gases escape as it decomposes, and start burning it cleanly, while at the same time producing energy.
Anyone concerned about pollution from an incinerator should visit Tuffley, where bonfire night has become an all-year-round event. Nobody seems to bother about pollution when it's coming from a back garden. But I digress.
Denmark, for example, burns 54% of its waste in heat and power stations. Using the system has not only reduced the country's energy costs and reliance on oil and gas, but it's said that the plants run so cleanly that many times more dioxin is now released from home fireplaces and barbecues than from incineration.
What we need is a clear undertaking from Urbaser Balfour Beatty, the waste management group behind the scheme, that the plant will use the very latest technology and toughest safety measures to ensure there is minimal impact on the community with maximum benefit.
In short, Gloucestershire County Council needs to be all over UBB like a rash to make sure we are getting what was promised and what we are paying for.

A HEAVENLY IDEA  
I've never been a regular visitor to the house of God but I have a great deal of affection for Gloucester Cathedral. The idea that people could build something so vast and intricate without any form of electrical tools, modern cranes and scaffolding, or designers using laptop computers, is mind-boggling. But now we have such equipment, it can be used on 'Project Pilgrim', a £5million rejuvenation scheme planned for the Cathedral. The building we see today was begun in 923 years ago and if it's to last another nine centuries, it has to move with the times but without altering the building's historic fabric. It's a challenge for everyone involved and I wish them luck with raising the money.

FIT FOR A KING
Most Gloucester people know where Barton Street is, but surprising few have even heard of King's Barton Street, let alone know where to find it. The street was laid out in 1864 for working-class housing by Joseph Lovegrove, who also contributed to the growth of other parts of Gloucester and was a prominent local solicitor. It is also home to one of the city's only theatres and has been home to good amateur productions since the early 1950s.
Now if this bit of local trivia looks like just an excuse to plug the Phoenix players' latest production in their 54th season, it is.
"The Decorator", by Donald Churchill, will be performed at The Kings Theatre from 20 to 24 November and looks set to be good fun. For more information, call 01452 522795.
 
EU MUST BE JOKING
The latest gem from the EU is a proposal to slap 20% VAT on new-build houses in the UK. Just one more benefit of being in this wonderful organisation.

Martin Kirby Column; Burning Issues, Altar-ations and a King's Night Out

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Davies admits LV=Cup defeat was fair result for sloppy Gloucester Rugby

November 9, 2012, 2:45 pm
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SLOPPY Gloucester did not deserve to steal LV=Cup victory at the Ospreys, admits rugby director Nigel Davies. The Cherry and Whites stormed back from a 26-13 second-half deficit at the Liberty Stadium, to lead 27-26 with just three minutes remaining. But no sooner had Gloucester pilfered the lead than the home side whipped it back, through number eight Morgan Allen's match-winning try. The Welsh hosts wound up with the 33-27 victory then – and Gloucester boss Davies conceded it was the right result. Fly-half Billy Burns headed to hospital for scans on his shoulder injury, flanked by older brother Freddie. Davies said the Gloucester medics will keep tabs on Burns Junior's progress over the weekend – but he did not look too clever when he left the field in Swansea just shy of the hour-mark. Lamenting his side's inability to clear their lines with purpose and accuracy, Davies said the rain-soaked night ended in a damp squib because of loose basics. Davies explained: "We just didn't manage the game and the conditions well enough. "The Ospreys handled that far better. "We failed to exit well at all and put a lot of pressure on ourselves for a large amount of the time. "They had a better kicking game than us: we had no length and no accuracy with that. "That was the deciding factor, we need to play the game in the right areas and we just couldn't do that. "If I'm honest it's a fair result, I don't think we could have expected much more." Gloucester handled the first half-hour stronger than the hosts, Yann Thomas' driving-maul try edging the visitors into a 13-6 lead. But Matthew Morgan's accurate boot – with three penalties and two drop-goals – ensured the Ospreys turned around 15-13 ahead. Nigel Davies' son Sam's first meaningful contribution for the Ospreys was to extend their lead to 21-13 after the turnaround. And then Tom Grabham slid gleefully into the left corner to set up that 26-13 lead. Gloucester's trademark has been resilience this term though, and the Kingsholm men then powered back from the brink. Replacement prop Dan Murphy capped a fine drive for the first try – and then a lineout catch-and-drive forced a penalty score. It should have been enough for Davies' men – but the hosts had other ideas. Another loose Gloucester clearance – and one lineout tail peel later, number eight Allen bulldozed home. Frustrated Gloucester could not hold on at the death after fighting back, Davies continued: "It was sloppy in the end to leak that try, having worked so hard to get back in front. "We probably didn't deserve the lead but because of our resilience that's what comes with it. "But again it was fantastic to see the way the boys fought back. "And we should have nailed it and finished it off right there. "But that's the nature of the game, and if you show resilience you can stay in games, and you can pinch wins sometimes. "We've got a point and a point away from home can be important. "It's often hard to know how the pools will pan out and if we can win the next three, then a bonus point away might just be enough."
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Light switch-off for Monday

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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THE long-awaited trial switch-off of traffic signals at junctions to St Margaret's Road begins on Monday.

The trial, which is being managed by Cheltenham Development Taskforce, Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham Borough Council, will last for three weeks and aims to assess junction efficiency.

It was due to be carried out last month, but was postponed while Severn Trent Water carried out emergency sewer works in Bath Road.

While the trial takes place, temporary islands and extra signs will be introduced to ensure road users are aware of the new layout.

Cheltenham Development Taskforce managing director Jeremy Williamson said: "While the postponement was disappointing, Gloucestershire Highways made the right decision in light of the disruption caused by the Bath Road works."

Severn Trent opened Bath Road to traffic last night, but said investigations into the cause of the problem would continue.

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Woodland a big hit with new pupils

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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HAVING a new woodland area at Leckhampton Primary School has gone down well with its new arrivals.

Sixty pupils have joined the Cheltenham school, with 30 each going into its two reception classes.

And headteacher Samantha Porter said the creation this summer of a new woodland area had been given the thumbs up by the children.

They told staff that using the area, and particularly its bridge, had been one of the things they had enjoyed most at the school.

Every effort had been made to make the pupils settle in and Miss Porter added: "As part of welcoming them and their families, we held our reception welcome service at St Peter's Church when representatives from all parts of school life shared their hopes and wishes for the children and their time here at Leckhampton."

Woodland a big hit with new pupils

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Joy as young Sherlocks crack their first big case

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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SUPER sleuths at a Cheltenham primary school followed their noses to solve the Mystery of the Missing Trophy.

Youngsters at Glenfall Primary School in Charlton Kings took part in a CSI-style inquiry after the shiny silver cup was snatched from its plinth in the main hall.

In its place, a gloating message was left by the culprit, along with a number of clues.

Using fingerprint technology, DNA recognition techniques and clothes fibre analysis, the young detectives donned scenes of crimes outfits and gathered evidence to put together a rock solid case.

The pretend crime was organised by the police to teach the young detectives how police used science to solve real life crimes.

Beatrice Cook, 10, said: "I really enjoyed it. The evidence pointed to one person but we had to be sure."

Tamara Beeson, 10, said: "It made me want to be a detective one day and solve crimes."

Young Thomas Light, 10, added that it was great to see a real police car in the school car park.

Following exhaustive investigations, which included measuring footprints and checking fingerprints under the microscope, the finger of suspicion fell on teaching assistant Miss McNeil.

She was hauled in for an interrogation by the young crime fighters, before being cuffed and led away by police. She was later brought back so pupils knew she was not really under lock and key.

Tracey Uppal, science teacher at the school, said: "The day has been a roaring success. It was a great way to demonstrate links between science and the real world."

PCSO Steve Benbow, who organised the day, added: "I'm sure they got a lot out of it.

"And you never know – some of these youngsters could be police officers of the future."

Joy as young Sherlocks crack their first big case

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Two arrests in drugs raid

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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TWO people have been arrested following drugs raids in Tewkesbury.

Officers from Gloucestershire Constabulary believe they found amphetamine and cannabis with a street value of £15,000 following the searches.

Police raided homes in Crouch Court and Belfry Drive at around 8am yesterday.

A 23-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman, both from Tewkesbury were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B drugs.

They remained in police custody yesterday.

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They're exposed to all weathers

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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ON the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month in 1918 the end of the First World War was declared.

Tomorrow we will gather around our local war memorials. They were all erected in the early 1920s and funded by donations from the local community. The casualties in the First World War were so horrendous that every community was affected.

Some of the memorials are now looking rather tired – they've been exposed to all weathers for 100 years.

There is the temptation to give them a good clean but in fact this can be disastrous as they are often very delicate. Willing volunteers can unintentionally damage the stone and cause crumbling and loss of the names. Repairs are expensive. So you wish to assist, the first step is to contact the custodian of the memorial who will be the local city, town or parish council, for permission. If in a church yard then the church authorities.

Cleaning of the actual memorial should be left to qualified contractors or stone masons. An example is the newly cleaned and re-lettered memorial in Gloucester at The Park, funded by the city council. The most practical way to assist is in removing undergrowth and cutting grass.

The War Memorial Trust gives advice on all aspects of Memorials and has a programme to encourage school pupils to become involved – this can be downloaded by teachers from the web site. Please contact me on michael.bennett@tiscali.co.uk

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Respect for the fallen soldiers

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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PUPILS at Gloucester Academy remembered the fallen. yesterday. Headteacher John Reilly said: "We were delighted with the way in which our pupils took part and respected the remembrance service. It is now an important part of our school ethos and culture."

Above; Sapphire Lloyd, 11, makes poppies. Below; pupils during their remembrance service.

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Army at the heart of Longlevens woman's family life

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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VICKY Northwood has lived her life surrounded by men in green.

Her father, Frederick, was wounded in France during the First World War with the 5th Royal Tank Regiment and since then her life has been linked with the Army.

Vicky's husband Roger was serving in the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment when they married.

Their son, Sven, 40, was with the Royal Logistic Corps in the Falklands, and later in Iraq. He will have been in the armed forces for 22 years in April.

Roger died aged 70, last year, after losing his battle with liver disease. Doctors had given him two weeks to live, but he battled on for seven years.

They were helped through his illness by the British Legion and on the eve of Remembrance Sunday she has spoken of the support they received.

Vicky, 67, from Longlevens, said: "I think the Royal British Legion is a invaluable organisation.

"The soldiers do need support when they come out of service, and many people don't realise how difficult it is or can be."

Despite Roger leaving the service decades ago, the legion sent the couple to Weston-super-Mare on a Poppy Break in November 2010.

Roger spent his life connected with the Army, spending more than 20 years in around the tanks.

Vicky added: "The Army and the military was always there. Dad, Roger and now my son have all served their country."

His passion rubbed off, on Sven. She said: "He absolutely loved firearms and the guns and all that. Roger used to shoot at Bisley, and he was absolutely Army barmy."

Army at the heart of Longlevens woman's family life

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Commodore welcomed

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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PUPILS and staff at The King's School welcomed a special guest for their remembrance service.

They gathered at the Cathedral yesterday and were joined by guest speaker Commodore Adrian Nance, who served on HMS Sheffield during the Falklands Conflict.

King's headteacher Alistair Macnaughton said: "Our memorial service is a very special event."

Commodore welcomed

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£1.6million on road repairs between Bishop's Cleeve and Cheltenham

November 9, 2012, 10:00 pm
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HIGHWAYS bosses have earmarked more than £1 million for Cheltenham repairs.

The cash, which would come from developers, could also pay for improvements to cycle routes and public transport between Bishop's Cleeve and the centre of Cheltenham.

Around £1.6 million would be stumped up under a Section 106 agreement as part of the controversial Homelands 2 and Cleevelands schemes.

It means the plan would fall down if proposals for the housing estates are thrown out by the High Court next year.

Developers Comparo and Welbeck Strategic Land offered the cash as part of their plan to build 1,000 new homes in Bishop's Cleeve. The applications were passed on appeal after initially being thrown out by Tewkesbury Borough Council.

But the authority has now taken the case to the High Court, with judges due to hear the case in February.

Although it has cast doubts on whether the money will ever surface, it has already been earmarked by Gloucestershire County Council for the work along the A435.

Plans being looked at by Highways bosses for the Evesham Road and Bishop's Cleeve by-pass include improving junctions along the route and creating a cycle path.

Buses will also be given priority at the roundabout outside Prestbury Racecourse.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire County Council said: "As with any significant planned housing developments, we have negotiated developer contributions for necessary highways infrastructure and public transport improvements.

Cycling

"These contributions will fund improvements at key junctions along Evesham Road to reduce congestion, improvements for cycling and walking and priority for buses approaching the racecourse roundabout."

Section 106 agreements are obligations made by planning authorities on developers.

The additional money will help pay for improvements to the infrastructure of an area where large amounts of building work is set to take place.

The first Homelands scheme brought in extra money for Bishop's Cleeve.

"It included £220,000 for community facilities, £10,000 for allotments, £50,000 for a play area, £52,000 towards school travel plans as well as contributions to education, libraries and bus provision.

Concerns were raised by parish councillors in September that not enough had been set aside for spending in Bishop's Cleeve as part of the Section 106 agreements.

OPINION, P8

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