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CONEY Hill are running out of time to save their season, as the rugby season reaches its climax. Fresh from a 22-17 win over title contenders St Austell last week, they travel away from home to fourth-placed Chard RFC feeling confident. But anything less than a win would raise more fears about relegation. Coney Hill's form has been well under par this season, having only won three matches. Desperate Dursley will be seeking a crucial win at mid-table Tewkesbury RFC, as the Gloucester Premier reaches its conclusion. The side are currently trailing at the bottom of the table with a four point cushion between them and last place Southmead. Fifth placed Stroud host top four west country rivals Frampton Cotterell with just one point separating the two teams. In the Southern Counties North, Stow-on the World host Drifters in their closing match of the season. Cirencester will be chasing their eighth win of the season in the Tribute West Counties North when opponents Midsomer Norton visit tomorrow. Finally, in Midlands 3 West South, Cheltenham North travel to ninth place Upton on Severn on Saturday seeking to push into the top four.

JAMES Hudson insists Gloucester must come out firing on Saturday to give The Shed something to shout about. The second-row is no stranger to West Country derbies having pulled on both the cherry and white of Gloucester and the blue, black and white of Bath. He still remembers the hostile welcome he received on his first visit to Kingsholm and he insists Gloucester must harness that energy and unleash it upon the old enemy. Hudson said: "It's the biggest rivalry that remains in rugby, there's Leicester-Northampton but in the West Country this is certainly the big one. "During my first handful of games for Bath I remember going to Kingsholm in a game we won. "I had never played in anything close to that, it was a massive, passionate atmosphere. "I remember warming up right in front of the Shed and but it was just brilliant and added to the energy. "It was hugely intimidating and one of the best things about being here now is you have The Shed cheering for you and not against you. "You have to feed off that and we know we need to perform well to get the crowd into the game. "We owe the supporters every single time we go out to play just because the passion and support they give us. "The commitment they show us every single week is just massive, the sheer energy and noise at Kingsholm is amazing. "There's that extra impetus because it is a West Country derby, I know what that means and we have to perform." Hudson is braced for a fierce forward battle and reckons it will be the toughest test they have faced since solidifying the set-piece. But he is confident the pack has what it takes to suppress Bath's formidable power as the Cherry and Whites aim for magic number seven, and the potential European play-off that comes with it, in the Premiership. He added: "We can definitely do it. The frustrating thing is while our average performance hasn't been good enough, we are capable of it, it's the drop offs that are unacceptable. "We have the confidence in our ability and it's making sure we execute. We have to stick to our guns and play the way we want. "We've made some progress there, our lineout has been good all season, our driving game has been of a higher standard and our scrum has definitely improved in the last six weeks. "People might say our season is pretty much done but we still have a huge opportunity and we want top-tier European rugby. " We set ourselves the target of getting seventh, we're capable of doing it and have started this block of Premiership games with two wins. "We know this is the biggest challenge since we started making strides – it's a great test for us."

Gloucester Rugby: James Hudson - We must get Kingsholm crowd on our side

BADGER culls are not working and effective measures must be put in place to protect farmers' livelihoods, a senior MP said on her visit to Gloucestershire. Labour's Maria Eagle, shadow secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs, said the number of animals killed across the county fell short of pilot targets which she says proves culling is ineffective in tackling bovine TB. The cull in Gloucestershire ended three weeks early after marksmen failed to even meet reduced targets brought in midway through the pilot. Mrs Eagle, during her visit to the county yesterday, said: "It seems very clear the culls have not been a success. "An independent expert panel said they did not manage to cull requisite numbers of badgers, so it was ineffective because of that. "And it has been inhumane. About 23 per cent suffered needlessly by being alive for more than five minutes after they have been shot. "But bovine TB needs to be cracked down on as it destroys farmers' livelihoods and their herds which costs the Government a lot in compensation. We shouldn't be pursuing ineffective policies; we must do something that works." The controversial cull ended in December. It was initially scheduled to last six weeks, aimed at reducing badger populations by 70 per cent to reduce the spread of tuberculosis to cattle. During that period 30 per cent of badgers were killed, leading to an eight-week extension and a lowering of the target to 58 per cent. Mrs Eagle also met Hands Off Our Forest campaigners at Beechenhurst. Concerned that future Governments will pursue plans to sell off public forests, HOOF's aims are to secure a guaranteed £22million from the Treasury each year for the English forests and to follow in full the independent panel for forestry's recommendation of a board of 'guardians' with its members balanced between community, conservation and business representatives. HOOF spokesman Rich Daniels said at the moment, the guardians "lack teeth" as they do not have statutory powers to make policy changes over the way the forests are managed.

Senior MP calls for alternative plans to curb bovine TB after condemning pilot culls

RADICAL plans to redevelop a key area of Gloucester have been revealed in Parliament and include hopes for a new five-star hotel. Speaking today, Richard Graham MP, outlined a vision for Greater Blackfriars, including 2,000 new city centre homes, offices for 1,500 people, a new civic centre, magistrates and crown courts and five star hotel. The land ripe for redevelopment includes the former prison, the former Barbican car park, the police station, magistrates' court and the 1970s part of Shire Hall. "This is a unique opportunity for a masterplan of regeneration," Mr Graham told a handful of MPs yesterday. He added: "This would radically transform the impression of what Gloucester is all about. It will be the link from the Quays, through the Docks, one of our country's masterpieces." Paul James, leader of Gloucester City Council, said it could become a reality because much of the land is in public ownership. He added: "It is a huge chunk of the city centre and it has been dormant for a long time. I wouldn't go as far as saying it is definitely going to happen but there is an achievable scheme here." He warned that it would take "several years to achieve" and that while housing the two councils together would be considered, it would have to be "cost neutral". Mr Graham revealed that the prison site is almost ready to be sold. Speculation has been mounting in recent days that a buyer has been found for Gloucester Prison after Mr James confirmed there had been "genuine interest" in the 222-year-old site. On the market since February and believed to be worth between £1.5million and £3million, it was previously revealed that there were 30 serious expressions of interest. "What we have been told by the agents is that there is genuine interest," said Mr James. "What we do not want is to see a buyer from an off-shore fund purchasing the site and sitting on it for a decade. We want someone who will develop something that can be a catalyst for the rest of the area." The deadline for offers has been extended to April 30.

New five-star hotel could check-in for Gloucester

THE wheels on a plan to give Gloucester a new bus station are well and truly rolling. The city has moved a step closer to getting the bus station it deserves after a £2.2million bid for funding from the Local Transport Board was given the go-ahead. The decision, made on Wednesday, means that plans for a new station are being drawn up – with work planned to start in 2015. The government money will not pay for the whole station and Gloucester City Council and King's Quarter developers Stanhope are now waiting on a further bid to the Local Enterprise Partnership of £3.3million. A decision is expected later this month. Bus station planners will also go back to the Local Transport Board on July 1 to outline how they will spend the cash. The bus station will cost £5million to build. Some of the £2.2million windfall will also be shared with a plan to create a new bus corridor on Metz Way. A further £1.1million of funding has been allocated to improving Cheltenham railway station. City council leader Paul James said: "For too long Gloucester bus station has been an eyesore and gives a poor first impression of our city. So a new 21st century facility, which provides a better experience for passengers, is highly desirable in itself. "But it can also be a catalyst for the wider Kings Quarter regeneration scheme. "It's great news that Gloucestershire's Local Transport Board has allocated funding to a new bus station for Gloucester. "Between the bus station and Metz Way bus priority measures, the funding – which comes from the Government – totals £2.2 million. "The new bus station will cost around £5 million, so we have also applied to the Local Enterprise Partnership for another slice of government funding to plug the gap and will know the outcome by the end of this month." The announcement come just a week after the existing bus station was wrapped in advertising for the Rugby World Cup, which will come to Gloucester in 2015. It is aimed at making the station more attractive for tourists as the new station is unlikely to be complete in time for the four international games that will be played in the city. It will take around nine months to build the station. County councillor Vernon Smith, who is chairman of the Local Transport Board, said: "The schemes awarded funding are outstanding projects which will make a real difference to Gloucestershire, reducing journey times and improving local transport, helping to support and protect local jobs."

£2.2m windfall to fund new Gloucester bus station

New paving in King's Square and cladding for ugly shops have been announced in what is the first major step in delivering the King's Quarter redevelopment. One half of the square will not be developed on, while the other half will become shops and a small cinema. The half that will not be developed – outside the row of shops such as Subway and Jane's Pantry and in front of Costa and Iceland – will be re-paved. Meanwhile, discussions are taking place with Aviva, who own the lower King's Square units, to re-clad the eyesore building to give it a fresh new look in keeping with the rest of the planned redevelopment. A £20,000 pot of money has been set aside by Gloucester City Council to carry out the improvement works. New seating, painted walls and the resurfacing of the square are all part of a fresh new look. Council leader Paul James said: "We're now making real progress. The Golden Egg has now gone, with the hoardings now removed from site and more improvements to King's Square are planned. "We are actively negotiating with landowners in the area to acquire the land we need for the scheme. "Archeological test trenches will be dug shortly in King's Square and the bus station ahead of the redevelopment. "Assuming all of this goes to plan, Stanhope can move ahead with signing up tenants and have pledged to submit a planning application before the end of the year. "The King's Quarter scheme has been a long time coming and people are understandably sceptical. But this latest news is another significant step forward and real momentum is building behind it." Anthony Hodge, head of the city's regeneration, said: "Works are scheduled to commence following the completion of the archaeological excavations."MULTI-COLOURED VISIONS Mmulti-coloured resin could be put down on the ground in King's Square to make the area look more attractive and modern. New paving will be installed in front of shops such as Subway and Jane's Pantry, up to River Island, and across in front of Costa and Iceland. But more central parts of the square could be decorated with multi-coloured squares. The idea is still up in the air because council leader Paul James does not want to 'waste money' on the resin if the area in question is later dug up to make way for new buildings as part of the King's Square redevelopment. But he said: "We have lots of different ideas of what we could do in the short term. "However, we need to think about what is going to be dug up and where this might go. "We have had resin in the square before but this has worn off over time through successive changes. "One idea is that it could be multi-coloured and I have seen some designs, but we have certainly not made any decisions yet." Multi-coloured resin was used at the Olympics site in London in front of the main stadium.CAROL'S VIEW Flower power has kept Carol West running her stall in King's Square for 38 years through good times and bad. Now she's looking forward to seeing King's Square redeveloped for the future. One of the first steps on the road to making it happen is for Gloucester City Council and developers Stanhope to acquire all the land that they need from private owners. Aviva is the principle landowner in the area and it was in the last year that Gloucester City Council purchased Carol's flower hut and her neighbouring cafe from the firm. She said: "We much prefer being with the city council. It gives us more security and they have been very good to us." Her husband Mike, who has run the business with her for the best part of four decades, is pleased to see the back of the Golden Egg. "It's remarkable actually. We noticed for the first time that we can see a reflection of the square in the shop window opposite us," he said." The council is pushing ahead with more land purchases in the coming year. It must do that before Stanhope can submit a planning application for the redevelopment. It has already had success with some small landowners, but negotiations with Aviva have traditionally been a slow process. It took months before they agreed the sale of the Golden Egg site.

Work to start on new-look King's Square

Better get the tissues ready because The Boy in Striped Pyjamas - the harrowing story of life in a Nazi extermination camp seen through the eyes of two eight-year-old boys – hits TV screens tonight. Airing on BBC2 at 9pm, the film follows the story of little boy Bruno who is relocated with his family to Poland after his father is promoted to oversee the running of a concentration camp. The ensuing story, which is based on John Boyne's book by the same name, is undeniably tragic and won the film much critical acclaim and a British Independent Film Award for actress Vera Farmiga.

TV PICK: The Boy in Striped Pyjamas on BBC2 at 9pm

The sickening story of serial killer Fred West will be replayed on TV screens tonight in a Channel 5 documentary using the actual police recordings of his police interrogations. In the new documentary, which airs at 9pm, West's voice will be heard on television for the first time. Nine of the killer's victims were found at his home in Cromwell Street, Gloucester, with five of them beheaded or dismembered. In the recordings, West is heard telling police how he kept parts of his victims as souvenirs. The killer escaped sentencing by commiting suicide in 1995, but his partner Rose West was jailed for life, having been found guilty of 10 counts of murder.

TV PICK: The Unseen Fred West Confessions, Channel 5, 9pm

THE RUGBY Champions Cup has been given the green light after a European peace deal was finally struck today. Heads of agreement were signed by all nine parties involved in discussions on Thursday to bring an end to a bitter two-year dispute. There will be three new cross boarder competitions, the European Rugby Champions Cup, the European Rugby Challenge Cup and the Qualifying Competition, run by a new association based in Switzerland. Twenty clubs will make up the top-tier tournament with the top six from the Aviva Premiership and Top 14 joining the top seven, including at least one team from each country, from the Pro12. The final place will go to the winner of a play-off between the seventh clubs in the Premiership and Top 14, taking place in May. As it stands Gloucester would qualify for the second-tier tournament but Nigel Davies has made no secret of his target of finishing seventh or higher. You can read full details below:Overview Three new cross-border club competitions will be created, to be called the European Rugby Champions Cup, the European Rugby Challenge Cup and the Qualifying Competition An association will be established in Switzerland called 'European Professional Club Rugby' (EPCR). This body will be responsible for organising and managing the Cup Competitions.European Rugby Champions Cup qualification Twenty clubs qualify through the finishing positions in their leagues from the preceding season. This includes the top six from Top 14, the top six from Premiership Rugby, the top seven from Pro 12, with at least one club from each country participating in the league. In the first season, the 20th place will be taken by the winner of a play off between the seventh-highest finishing club from Top 14 and the seventh-highest finishing club from Premiership Rugby. This play off will be played in May 2014, either as one match (in which case, there will be a draw for home advantage) or home and away over two legs. For subsequent seasons this will be between the seventh-highest finishing club from Top 14, the seventh-highest finishing club from Premiership Rugby and the eighth- and ninth-highest finishing clubs from Pro 12 (or the two highest-finishing which have not already qualified automatically). From the 2015 season, if the previous season's European Rugby Challenge Cup winner has not already qualified through its finishing position in its league, it will participate in the play off by taking a place given to its league. The play off will take place over two dates, firstly seeing the seventh-placed club in theTop 14 versus eighth or ninth from Pro 12 and the seventh club of Premiership Rugby versus eighth or ninth from Pro12. The matches will be played at the home venues of the Top 14 and Premiership Rugby clubs. The second date sees the two winners from the first matches play each other, the venue will be selected by a draw. Finally, the quarter-final winners will play the semi-finals and the semi-final winners will play the final.European Rugby Challenge Cup qualification Twenty clubs qualify including 18 clubs from Top 14, Premiership Rugby and Pro 12. The two other clubs will come from the qualifying competition organised with FIRA-AER (Fédération Internationale de Rugby Amateur-Association Européenne de Rugby) Format of both competitions The competition will take place over nine weekends. The Pool phase will be through five Pools of four teams which will play each other home and away (six matches). The five Pool winners and the 3 best runners-up will qualify for the quarter-finals. The quarter-finals will be played at the home venues of the four best Pool winners. Calendar of both competitions The Pool phase will be played in three blocks of two weekends and will be completed by the end of January. The final will take place latest the first weekend of May.EPCR EPCR will be managed through a Board of Directors representing all parties and an Executive committee in charge of commercial matters and assisting with preparations of Board meetings. The EPCR Board shall have an Independent Chairman. The EPCR Executive will comprise the Independent Chairman, Director-General, and t hree voting representatives, one from each of the leagues – namely the Top 14, Premiership Rugby and Pro 12. The Director-General shall manage the day to day operations of EPCR. Competitions will be under the aegis of the IRB and run according to the IRB Laws Relating to the Game and IRB Regulations. The parties have also agreed to form a working party to discuss and propose the principles of an integration of European competitions within an all-encompassing European rugby framework. There is a minimum eight-year agreement.The Qualifying Competition This will comprise of between eight and 12 teams from Tier 2 countries and Italian clubs as agreed by EPCR & FIRA-AER.Distribution of funds This will be equal, i.e a third to Top 14 teams, a third to Premiership Rugby teams and a third to Pro 12 teams, with a guaranteed minimum distribution for the clubs from the Pro12 in years 1-5.Broadcasters BT and Sky have reached an agreement in principle concerning arrangements for the European Rugby Champions Cup and the European Rugby Challenge Cup competitions, both of which would be broadcast jointly by BT Sport and Sky Sports. The pool matches would be shared equally, both will show two quarter-finals each, one semi-final each and the final would be broadcast by both live. The four-year agreement is subject to contract.*The nine stakeholders are: Federation Francaise de Rugby (FFR), Federazione Italiana Rugby (FIR), The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), Ligue Nationale De Rugby (LNR), Premiership Rugby Ltd (PRL), Regional Rugby Wales Ltd (RRW), The Rugby Football Union (RFU), Scottish Rugby Union PLC (SRU) and The Welsh Rugby Union Ltd (WRU).

RESIDENTS in a leafy suburb of Gloucester say the development of homes on green open space will "rip the heart out of their community." Land to the east of Hemptsted Lane which is owned by Christian charity the Sylvanus Lysons Trust has been earmarked for the potential development of 60 houses. The trust wants to sell the land in order to raise more money for its charitable aims which has so far included a £45,000 donation to The Rock, a centre which offers activities to young people in Cheltenham. Residents posed a number of questions to planning officials and trust representatives at a meeting chaired by city MP Richard Graham at the village hall tonight. "It seems to me that we feel that selling the land for development is ripping the heart of our community," said one man, who did not give his name. "I would like to know from the Sylvanus Trust if this is the only solution to make ends meet or are you considering other options? "I am just interested to know why you are living beyond your means and what have you done to make up the shortfall?" Chairman of the trust Bernard Day disputed this and said: "We have a responsibility to increase our income for the purposes of the trust and it has not changed its fundamental purpose. "We never live beyond our means and only give grants in a financial capacity. "Half of the land will become public recreation space and only half will be used to build houses." An outline application for a maximum of 60 houses has been submitted to Gloucester City Council. Many residents have campaigned against development in the village, claiming it has already reached its peak and that greenfield space to the east of Hampsted Lane should be preserved. Dozens of residents attended a meeting with Anthony Hodge, head of regeneration at the city council, Bernard Day, Tim Partridge, the trust's planning agent and Phil Staddon, an independent planning consultant. Residents heard that a total of six sites in Hemptsted have been listed for the potential development of housing and employment space in the city plan, which may become part of the strategic development requirements of the county until 2013. Mr Staddon told residents that he has been involved in 20,000 planning decisions in England and Wales and that he was at the meeting to give advice on how to make representations to council planners – whether for or against. He said: "The application is in the public domain and you should be able to look at that on the council's website. "Don't fire off letters straight away. Look at the planning policy, look at the documents and reflect on it before putting pen to paper. "The key thing I would advise people to do is stick to the planning issues, and they are very wide."

Radical plans were yesterday revealed for the Greater Blackfriars site. For years vast swathes of city centre land has stood dormant. The closure of the HMP Gloucester prison site last year was the final nail in the coffin. But now attentions are turning to redeveloping the whole area. Gloucester MP Richard Graham used a speech in Parliament on Thursday to reveal a vision for a five-star hotel, 2,000 new homes, office space, a civic centre incorporating the city council and county council, and a justice centre combing the crown and magistrate courts. Mr Graham said: "This is a unique opportunity for a masterplan of regeneration. It would radically transform the impression of what Gloucester is all about." But how might the project work? And what do people think about the idea? Public affairs reporter Mike Wilkinson explores the site.FIVE-STAR HOTEL With the 2015 Rugby World Cup heading to Gloucester and neighbouring cities such as Cardiff, the city is being marketed as a destination for thousands of tourists. But where will they all stay? It will be impossible to build a five-star hotel before the World Cup in September next year but it does pose the question – do we have enough accommodation in the city? Gloucester Prison has been touted as the place for a five-star hotel, perhaps similar to the exquisite boutique Malmaison hotel housed in the old Oxford gaol. The site is on the market for between £1.5million and £3million and it is thought that a sale might be close. Property agents Jones Lang LaSalle's Bristol office is handing the sale Paul Baker, director at JLL's Bristol office, refused to be drawn on a possible buyer but did say he had been "encouraged by the interest". "We have extended the deadline for offers to April 30 to allow further information to be made available from the relevant local authorities that will provide more guidance to potential buyers on the future regeneration of the site," said Mr Baker. The prison site is steeped in history – King Henry III, together with Queen Eleanor and Prince Edward, lived there during his reign in the 13th Century. From 1792 to 1939, a total of 123 prisoners were executed at Gloucester Prison, but not all are buried there it is believed. However, some inmates who died within the prison but were not executed may also have been buried there.CIVIC CENTRE Local authorities have shrunk dramatically in recent years as public money evaporates and Gloucester City Council has been no different. After a shrinking of the workforce, city council offices at North Warehouse have been turned into a business hub run by Regus. But council leader Paul James admits there is scope to join forces with Gloucestershire County Council in a shared building. He said: "I would like to see the 1970s Shire Hall extension removed from the skyline but it has to be done in a way that is cost neutral. The idea certainly presents challenges in that sense. "Having said that we are happy to look at the idea of a shared building."NEW HOMES Welcoming 2,000 new families to live in the city centre will be one of the biggest economic drivers for the city. That's the view of Barry Leach, chairman of the Gloucester City Centre Community Partnership. He said: "Getting people living in the city centre has always been a priority for us. That would drive the economy as much as anything else. "At the moment Richard Graham's vision is aspirational but it could all be possible and the housing could be a driver for developing the prison. "The city centre would be the corner shop for these 2,000 extra families. They would spend their money there." Any housing development would follow in the footsteps of Linden Homes who are in the middle of creating the Greyfriars Quarter, which is a mixture of townhouses and apartments set around new community facilities such as a cafe-bar and a medical facility. That project will be completed in 18 months.NEW OFFICE SPACE The city centre is 'desperate' for new office space, Adrian Rowley, a partner at Alder King, commercial property experts has said. Mr Rowley said: "The city centre is in desperate need of new Grade A office space and whilst there are a number of buildings that can offer this standard of space, supply of available stock is at a very low level. "Generally demand for office space is improving. The total take up of office space in Gloucester increased to approximately 120,000 sq ft in 2013 up from 95,000 sq ft the previous year. The majority of the take up in recent years however has been in out of centre locations. "Typical office occupier's requirements have changed significantly over the last 10 years. In many instances these changes often make older or converted space unsuitable, irrespective of how competitive the occupational terms are. In these situations conversion from office to alternative use is a possible solution. "Ensuring a supply of good quality office space is vital not only to attract new business to the city centre but also to retain its existing occupiers."JUSTICE CENTRE With Gloucestershire Police pushing ahead with plans to develop a new station in Eastern Avenue, on the site of the former fire station, a huge 1970s building at the heart of the Blackfriars site will become vacant. It presents a unique opportunity to remove an eyesore building from the Gloucester skyline – and replace it with a state-of-the-art justice centre, taking with it the adjacent magistrates court, which is equally oppressive. The courts have long been said to be lacking the facilities that modern day versions enjoy. A new justice centre could combine both the magistrate and crown courts. Martin Surl, police and crime commissioner, said: "I am meeting Richard Graham on Monday to discuss a range of issues and no doubt this will be one of them."

Radical Blackfriars plan: We analyse what it really means for Gloucester

TRADERS have welcomed plans to rejuvenate King's Square now that the Golden Egg is fast becoming a distant memory. A £20,000 pot of money unveiled by Gloucester City Council will see paving outside the shops in the square replaced later this year. Aviva, the owner of the shop units, is also considering re-cladding the tired-looking building to give it a fresh new look. Removing the Golden Egg earlier this year was a major milestone. Jamie Stewart, manager at Costa, said: "We have sunshine beaming into the coffee shop for the first time. Our customers are saying just how bright it is. "Before you couldn't actually see us from much of the square but now it has opened the whole place up. I am of course delighted. "At the moment we don't have any external seating but I'd love to be able to put tables and chairs out there so people can enjoy their coffee outdoors on a nice day." Panna Visani, owner of the World of Stationery, said: "It is brilliant that the Golden Egg is gone. It is a whole lot brighter now. "Re-paving outside the shops would be really good because I have seen a number of people fall outside here. My only concern is that it could cause a lot of disruption to my customers while the work is being carried out." Mrs Visani also carried a warning to Aviva that she could not afford a rent rise if the building was made to look more attractive. She said: "Trade isn't what it used to be and while we are just about surviving now, we could not face a rent rise – we would have to relocate. But an improvement to the building would be good." Tracey Wynn, a shop assistant at Woody's Fruit and Veg, said: "I am pleased to see the back of the Golden Egg. It was an absolute eyesore. "New paving outside would be good. I too have seen lots of people falling over on the broken paving. "Any improvements have got to be a good thing." The work is likely to begin after archaeological digs have been completed in the square. They are expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Traders welcome King's Square refresh plans

CHANGES to make elections simpler in the Stroud district are on the way. From 2016 Stroud District Council will hold an all out election, instead of one every three years followed by a county council election, and boundaries and councillor numbers are likely to change too. The move to a four yearly cycle, which avoids an extra cost of around £300,000 over four years, was approved by full council on Thursday evening. This year and next however, one third of the 51 seats will be up for election each time - and six members have said they definitely won't be standing again on May 22. It was the last meeting at the council's Ebley Mill headquarters for members Dennis Andrewartha (Liberal Democrat, Cam West), former council leader Frances Roden (Conservative, Painswick), planning committee chairman Graham Littleton (C, Hardwicke), Daniel Le Fleming (C, Bisley), Philip Booth (Green and Independent, Randwick, Whiteshill and Ruscombe), while Andy Read (Green and Independent, Central) stood down with a year to go earlier this month. Liberal Democrat Alan O'Connor (Wotton-under-Edge) was dismissed from the council before Christmas because he failed to turn up for meeting in six months, but his seat is up for re-election this year anyway. It means 18 seats are up for grabs on May 22, with Labour aiming to increase the 17 seats that it uses to share power with the Liberal Democrat group and Green and Independent groups, which have five seats each. The 21-strong Conservatives would need to win five extra seats to take control of the council. At Thursday's meeting, retiring members were thanked for their commitment. "You have controlled us in an appropriate manner without upsetting too many people," leader Councillor Geoff Wheeler (Labour, Dursley) told Coun Andrewartha, who joined the council in 2000. Conservative group leader Coun Keith Pearson echoed his good wishes and paid tribute to Coun LeFleming, who did two terms over 12 years, Coun Littleton who has served 14 years, and Coun Roden who was elected in 2006. Coun John Marjoram (Green and Independent, Trinity) said Mr Booth, who served two terms, was 'a very quick witted kind sort of man, not like me - a bit aggressive at times'. "He worked hard all through that time and was a very diligent ward councillor and we will miss him here," he said. Not all political differences were put aside, as a motion of no confidence in the administration was put to the council by the Conservative group. The Tories believe the re-introduction of the committee system by the ruling alliance means some decisions are being taken out of the public arena. The motion was voted down. The council approved the four year cycle of elections from 2016 and new wards are likely to be drawn up as well. A Local Government Boundary Commission for England review triggered by the increase in population in Coopers Edge development and future growth projections means the council will consider the number of members it needs from 2016. It will consider this in June, followed by public consultation. Final recommendations will be published in June 2015. European Parliament, and parish and town council elections are also set for May 22. Anyone wishing to vote in all three elections must be on the electoral register by Tuesday, May 6. Registration forms for those who are not on it, are available by calling 01453 754

Election changes on the way in Stroud

GLOUCESTER chief executive Stephen Vaughan reckons the European peace deal struck on Thursday is a major step forward for the game but insists now is not the time for gloating. Following a bitter two-year dispute the future of cross-border competition was resolved with the heads of agreement signed for three new competitions, to be run by European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR). The agreement was a major success for the English clubs, who had served notice that they would not continue in an ERC-run competition, and virtually all of their demands adhered to. Vaughan said: "It's a big relief for ourselves as a club but probably more for our supporters. It's a highlight of the year to go overseas and see the team. "It's brilliant for everybody, the commercial partners, the clubs that we can get on with it now knowing fundamentally that we have the cream of Europe all in one competition in a positive fashion. "We were looking for meritocracy, a different governance structure and a fairer distribution of revenues. I would be lying if I said we weren't happy because all the things we wanted have come to fruition. "It's a really good day for the club game in England. It's not a time for gloating." With the new EPCR located in Switzerland , Vaughan insists there will be no question of conflicts as may have unfairly been the case with the Dublin-based ERC. And he believes the minimum eight-year agreement gives teams across Europe, long-term stability following years of political warfare and uncertainty. He said: "It's neutral in every way. One of the challenges ERC always faced, perhaps unfairly, is that being based in Dublin people could quickly point fingers to how closely aligned they were to the Pro12 or Irish clubs. "There's no ambiguity now, it's in a totally neutral country with no rugby allegiance and we're all very pleased that it's the right outcome. "We've got a long-term deal which gives stability, it was always going to be tough with a lot of moving parts but everyone has got around the table negotiated for the good of the game, just about in time, and thought more about the game than their particular interests." The announcement confirmed that the seventh placed Aviva Premiership team will face their counterpart from France's Top 14 for the final place in the Rugby Champions Cup. The exact details have not been finalised but a two-leg play-off on the weekends of May 17 and May 31 remain most likely and Vaughan admits Gloucester will be going all out for luck number seven. "Seventh is all we're thinking about, there's been a lot of talk about next season but we have a lot to go for this year.

Gloucester Rugby: Stephen Vaughan reflects on European peace deal

JONNY May is determined to unleash his frustrations on Bath in today's West Country derby. Gloucester are still seething following their Amlin Challenge Cup exit which has been slammed as unacceptable by Nigel Davies. May, who scored a try in the defeat, admits he is still haunted by the lifeless performance at Adams Park but he insists a showdown with Bath is the perfect opportunity for the Cherry and Whites to exorcise their ghosts. He said: "It was really disappointing. If we had given it everything and lost we could have accepted a defeat but we didn't and that was the toughest thing coming off the pitch knowing that. "It was a great opportunity for us but it's done now and all we can do is make sure we go out there and get the mental side right against Bath. "Even though we have had a short turnaround it was one of those where you want to get back on the pitch the very next day and there's no better way to get back out there against our local rivals at a sold out Kingsholm. "Everyone, the players, coaches, supporters are owed a performance and we just want to get out there." Gloucester remain in the hunt for a place in next season's European Rugby Champions Cup but must finish seventh to qualify for a play-off. They are currently three points adrift of their European conquerors London Wasps who sit in the all-important play-off position. May remains confident the Cherry and Whites can salvage something from their season but he insists they must come out firing at a capacity Kingsholm to down their West Country rivals. He added: "They always seem to be tight games but they're that little bit special and different. "The supporters love it so there will certainly be a good atmosphere. "For everyone involved it's important that we get off to a good start but even more importantly we have to produce a performance throughout the game. "It's been a tough season for us and we only have ourselves to blame but I'm sure we can put a different perspective on our season if we win our next four games. "If we beat Bath at home it will definitely give us something to be proud of." Nigel Davies has made four changes to the side that lost to Wasps with Mike Tindall recovering from a calf injury to take his place in the midfield. Martyn Thomas is also preferred to Rob Cook at full-back, while Will James and Gareth Evans come in for James Hudson and Ben Morgan respectively in the pack. Bath have not triumphed at Kingsholm in a league encounter since 2006 but will be aiming to cement their place in the top four. They have made five changes with Kyle Eastmond ousting Matt Banahan at centre and Paul James, David Wilson, Stuart Hooper and Leroy Houston all returning to the pack. May, who bagged two tries at the Rec last season will go head to head with free scoring Fijian Semesa Rokoduguni and he is relishing the challenge. May added: "He's a big, powerful bloke but I play good wings every week and will relish the challenge. "But they have very good players and have threats all over the pitch so we will have to be at our best."

Gloucester Rugby: Jonny May aiming to unleash frustrations on Bath

A woman who abused the 999 call system has been given a criminal anti-social behaviour order (CRASBO) banning her from using any telephone kiosk in England for two years. Christine Cornish was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison in March for persistently making use of the public communication network to cause annoyance or inconvenience. The CRASBO, granted at Gloucester Magistrates' Court today, means that she will be arrested if found in a kiosk, where she has previously made a number of the nuisance calls. PC Steve Crown said: "This was a good outcome and means we have an extra tool to deal with Ms Cornish's behaviour. "At its worst Ms Cornish was calling us two or three times a day. "Initially the calls were silent but then they became abusive and full of obscenities. "Clearly that was unacceptable and a waste of the valuable time of the blue light services , potentially putting people involved in emergencies at risk. "We hope now that she will get the help she needs to tackle this problem."

Gloucester 999 pest hit with CRASBO and two year phone box ban

MIKE Tindall is no stranger to West Country derbies. During a career that has spanned 17 years the former England centre has sat on both sides of the fence – first for Gloucester's great rivals Bath and since 2005 in the famous cherry and white. There's little doubt the age old rivalry has changed since the sides first met but Tindall, who is poised for his 21st appearance in the local derby, the passion remains unchanged. He said: "It's not just a special one for me – obviously I have sat on both sides of it which makes it a bit unique. "But it's special for all the boys. The great thing about rugby is local rivalry. "It pre-dates professionalism, it's something special for fans and it's something they have endured since the amateur era where you wouldn't speak to Bath fans or players. "I guarantee the first thing 90 per cent of season ticket holders will look at on the fixture list is when Bath come to here. That's the one game we simply have to win. "No disrespect to Worcester but Bath and Gloucester have always been at the top historically, it's always been a battle and it's the one game that matters most. "It's always been a massive game, it's always noisy, it's always going to be a sold out crowd and you know that weeks in advance. "There's always an email that goes round two months before Bath that we're going to be sold-out and if you want tickets let us know. "When I first started we were just coming out of the amateur era and professionalism hadn't really changed the game. Back then with those derbies a lot of local lads still played for the teams and it was great. "Unfortunately with professionalism you get a lot of people moving around, you get transfers between clubs which you didn't have in those amateur days. "It's more accepted now because of the way that professional sport is, but when you turn up on a Saturday that all goes out the window and it's all about bottle." By the time Tindall crossed the great divide the stigma of joining the enemy had largely diminished thanks to the likes of Rob Fidler. The centre has always thrived in hostile environments and he fondly remembers his first visit to an intimidating Kingsholm caldron. Bath will undoubtedly be aiming to silence the Cherry and Whites' supporters, but Tindall knows Gloucester must harness the energy and pile the pressure on their old foes. He said: "I loved going to Kingsholm as a Bath player. Whether that's my mentality or competitive edge I don't know but I just love going to environments like that. "When I played for Bath I would always run in front of the Shed, just to get a taste for it. "It's always good banter and I've been very lucky that they've taken me in as a Gloucester player. "But I like going to grounds where you know if you outplay them you can silence their crowd and that's what Bath will want to do. "The Shed wants the opposition to play poorly, which is great for us and we've got to use what they give us as extra motivation to keep them happy and in the game." Gloucester are sure to come under immense forward pressure today, with Bath's success this season built largely upon a powerful, dominant pack. But Tindall is well aware that Gloucester cannot afford to underestimate a Bath back line studded with some of the brightest emerging stars in the game. He added: "They have quality right through their back line and it will be a challenge for us. "You look at George Ford and what he has done this year and then their whole back line with the likes of Kyle Eastmond, Ollie Devoto, Anthony Watson, Nick Abendanon, who has been outstanding for five years. "You really can't underestimate their backs. They have so many individuals who can finish things off, but so have we. "They will also be worrying about us. We have quality as well and we should see that as a personal battle between us." And it is safe to say that today will not be the last West Country battle that Tindall enters. The 35-year-old's contract as a player/coach expires in the summer but he fully expects to remain at Kingsholm. The finer details of a new deal are currently being ironed out, and it is just a question of whether the World Cup winner goes to war on the battlefield or commands Gloucester's assaults from the stands. One thing that is sure is that evergreen Tindall's thirst for blood and thunder remains unquenchable.

Gloucester Rugby: Holm Truths with Mike Tindall

CBEEBIES' favourite Mr Bloom is heading to the city next week and there may be another reason why he is the first demonstration to sell out at the Gloucester Quays Garden Party. The TV gardener has amassed a crop of admirers after becoming an unlikely sex symbol with mums. Mr Bloom's Nursery is aimed at toddlers and yet something about the bubbly allotment owner, played by Ben Faulks, has seen online chat rooms such as netmums.com full of comments about the ecologically sound Mr Bloom. "I must admit he does do it for me, not entirely sure why though," one mum said. "I think it's the hat and checked shirt." Another said: "I think Mr Bloom is lush. What else are we going to do but find gorgeous blokes to ogle while sitting through hours of kiddies' TV?" In his show Mr Bloom teaches some important life lessons through the wonders of gardening with the help of a group of lively young vegetable puppets. The Gloucester Quays Garden Party returns this year celebrating all things about homes, interior design, DIY and gardening. It takes place from Friday, April 19, to Monday, April 21, and will host more than 100 market stalls showcasing a wide variety of home, fashion, and garden-themed products. There will be food and drink stalls with local producers and farmers showcasing their specialities. The free four-day festival will also features live music including brass bands, singer songwriters and classical performers, playing across the weekend. Other experts hosting demonstrations include Gardeners' World presenter and Gardeners' Question Time regular Carol Klein. Youngsters are invited to the Mad Hatter's Tea Party in the Garden Wonderland where they can meet Alice, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and of course the Mad Hatter himself. For details and tickets, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk

Sex symbol with mums? CBeebies' Mr Bloom sells out at Gloucester Quays Garden Party

SUPERMARKET Aldi may have been given the go ahead to build a new store in Gloucester but residents and traders in Linden are not giving up their fight. Proposals to build the new store on a vacant site at the junction of Bristol Road and Clifton Road were approved by Gloucester city councillors on April 1. But those living in the area believe it could have an effect on small independent shops and traffic. Lyn Ackroyd, chairman of the Linden Resident's Association, is leading calls for a rethink on the scheme. She said: "Following the planning meeting and the approval of the new Aldi store, small business owners in the surrounding area are most upset and disappointed with the possible threat to their trade and livelihood and I do not blame them. "Traffic is also a concern at this junction. I think there needs to be some sort of crossing to make it easier for pedestrians too." Some 577 people signed a petition calling on the plans to be refused because of fears that it may impact on trade at the nearby Griffin's Friendly Corner Shop. Lisa Bayes, who owns the corner shop, said: "By approving the application this will have irreversible impacts on the community, such as loss of trade, job loss and closures for existing retail provision. "Griffins Friendly Corner Shop is going to continue serving the community as best as we can, offering variety of product choice, good value and offers and a friendly personal shopping experience. We are grateful and thankful to all the community who have supported us in this planning application and hope to continue to do so when the store has been built." Aldi, recently voted the UK's best supermarket by Which?, also has another store just three miles away in Bristol Road, Quedgeley. Commenting on Facebook, Hannah Louise Brain said: "Ridiculous! There is already an Aldi a few miles down the road in Quedgeley, not to mention Tesco, Lidl, Sainsbury's and Morrisons." But Snezana Manojlovic Bosnic backed the plan, saying: "No, it's where car sales used to be, and yes having another Aldi is great news." Aldi did not want to comment after being approached by The Citizen.

Residents vow not to give up their fight, after Aldi is given the green light in Gloucester

NEW courses for people recovering from mental illness will run this summer. The Severn and Wye Recovery College is a partnership between 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Adult Education in Gloucestershire, Artshape, Family Lives, Mind Herefordshire and Herefordshire Council. It was set up in 2013 through a grant awarded by an independent charity called the Health Foundation, and is now able to run further courses this summer thanks to a grant from 2gether's own charitable funds committee. Courses will be held in Gloucester, Hereford, Tewkesbury and Stroud from May onwards, and taster days are being held from next week to enable prospective students to find out more. "The Recovery College was a new initiative in our area last year and our first courses were a great success," said Jo Denney, project leader from 2gether NHS Foundation Trust. "Our courses offer a different approach to recovering from mental illness. It's about teaching people the skills to manage their own condition and stay well, as well as gain the confidence, life skills and knowledge to live their lives to the full. "Some of our first students have used it as a springboard onto other things – some are now in employment or have signed up for other educational courses. Many of our first students said it helped them to transform their lives." Taster days are being held in Gloucester on Tuesday, April 15, and Cheltenham on Tuesday, April 22. Full details are available at www.swrecovery.org.uk or by ringing 01452 894269.

Mental health recovery courses start in Gloucestershire this summer

Time is running out for struggling Coney Hill