CCTV cameras to be placed in Barton and Tredworth to catch troublemakers in action

April 11, 2014, 9:07 am

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CCTV cameras will be placed around Barton to tackle fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour. They will be placed at a number of hotspots in the coming weeks to catch troublemakers in action. Ward councillor Saj Patel hopes the cameras will work as a deterrent. He said: "I have managed to negotiate the use of CCTV cameras from the police, which the council will use at a number of fly-tipping hotspots and other areas that attract anti-social issues in Barton and other parts of the city too. "The purpose of the cameras will not only act as a deterrent, but also to gather evidence and where necessary, take robust action by prosecuting any offenders. "I want to send out a clear message to those selfish and inconsiderate people responsible for fly-tipping that enough is enough, we will be watching them very closely and will not hesitate to prosecute them. "The community asked me to do something about this, and that's exactly what Gloucester City Council and I are doing. If the camera's work we will look at purchasing our own. "Most people are law abiding, but we want to catch the small amount of people who commit these crimes. We have found that a lot of rubbish dumped is household items rather than bulky items. "Placing the cameras is not just about using it as a deterrent but about educating people too and encouraging people to recycle. "We want to try the cameras out in places such as Podsmead and Westgate too." In the coming weeks, the camera will be placed at popular locations for fly tipping and anti-social spots including Barton Street and the alleyway at Blenheim Road in Tredworth. Gloucester City Councillor Usman Bhaimia (L, Barton and Tredworth) said: "I have been fighting for cameras to be place for a while now but I was told it was too expensive. "The cameras will tackle four main problems in Barton and Tredworth, including, anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping, prostitution and speeding. I think when people notice the cameras it will stop them. Barton and Tredworth is a constant eyesore and the cameras are a good thing for the area."

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Dad convicted of sexually assaulting woman in Gloucester alleyway

April 11, 2014, 9:07 am

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A dad-of-five lured a woman down a Gloucester alleyway and sexually assaulted her before being found drunk in a photographic booth of a supermarket with her blood on him. Jerome Morris was found guilty to attacking the woman he met on Valentine's Day, last year in The Regal pub. The 37-year-old engineer was working and staying in the city and offered to walk the gay woman, he had met that night home. But instead he took her down the dark path, just off London Road and near the railway bridge and attacked her. A jury clear Morris of raping the woman on Friday, but found him guilty of sexually assaulting her. During the trial, prosecutor Kerry Barker, told Gloucester Crown Court: ""He grabbed her by the wrist, then grabbed her by the throat, slapped her and pulled her trousers down and sexually assaulted her," he said. "She kept trying to push him off. She wanted to get away from him and eventually she did and she made her way back to where she was living. "She went to see her friend and told her she had been attacked. She did not want to call the police, but her friend insisted and dialled 999. "She is a lesbian. She was not looking to have sex with a man that night, and not this man." On that evening security guards in Asda became aware of Morris, who seemed intoxicated and went into the photographic booth. Staff asked him to leave and noticed he was acting suspiciously when police arrived for another matter and had blood on his hands, trousers and trainers. On his arrest, Morris told police he had met the woman and they had a "kiss and a fondle" that night. Morris of Strathaven, South Lanarkshire, Scotland told the jury he "absolutely" did not rape or sexually assault the woman. After the allegations came to light, Morris said his partner had left him, telling the jury: "I make her feel sick so she despises me." After being found guilty Judge Jamie Tabor QC remanded him in custody awaiting sentence. Following their verdict, the jury found out Morris had been sending some sexual messages with a woman called 'Sarah' that night, who has not been identified, which got progressively more explicit during that night. Judge Tabor said: "He exhibited some very odd behaviour. He wanders round town, from what I can see, looking thoroughly guilty about what he had done, and not drunk, that night." He ordered a psychiatric nurse visit Morris in prison while a pre-sentence report was put together before he is sentenced on May 2.

Are we learning to love clothes from Marks and Spencer again?

April 11, 2014, 9:15 am

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CLOTHING sales at one of Gloucestershire's top retailers have begun to recover. Marks and Spencer, which has stores in Gloucester and Cheltenham, said it was showing signs of encouraging improvement in clothing, with like-for-like sales up by 0.6 per cent. The figures count sales at stores that have been open for more than a year and strip out sales at stores that have only recently opened in order to give a more accurate comparison. The changes follow the hiring of Belinda Earl as head of style in 2012. The former chief executive of Debenhams and Jaeger was charged with regenerating M&S's reputation among its core, female fashion customers. The 130-year-old chain launched a new autumn and winter women's fashion range, backed by a large advertising campaign to boost its flagging clothing sales which was showcased at the Gloucester store in Eastgate Street. Shopper Hillary Smith, who regularly shops at the Gloucester store, said: "I visit this store more than any other store. I buy food and clothes from here, as do my family." Chief executive Marc Bolland, left, said: "We delivered another quarter of improvement in general merchandise. "Clothing sales were up 1.3 per cent in total, up 0.6 per cent on a like-for-like basis. "We are encouraged by womenswear, which is showing clear signs of improvement and performed ahead of clothing. "Our food business had another great quarter, especially considering the later timing of Easter. "This marks our 18th consecutive quarter of growth. We continued to outperform the market with record sales around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day." Most analysts still expect pre-tax profits to fall six per cent to £623m when annual results are published on May 20.

VIDEO: Brawl breaks out at The Regal, in King's Square

April 11, 2014, 9:20 am

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Diners and drinkers at The Regal, in King's Square, watched on as a brawl broke out in the bar. The argument, which was caught on camera on Thursday evening, was between a woman and two men. As the woman bawled, two men pushed and shoved each other on the staircase leading from the entrance. A manager was forced to ask some of the people to leave. Police officers attended shortly after and spoke to elderly diners nearby. One diner said: "We were just having our dinner when all hell broke out. The woman was screaming at a man at the top of her voice and the whole bar could hear it. "Then the men started pushing each other. It could quite easily have turned nasty."VIDEO: A brawl breaks out in The Regal

No more jumpers for goalposts in the Clock Tower estate

April 11, 2014, 9:24 am

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JUMPERS for goalposts are a thing of the past at one Barnwood park after a group of enterprising mums netted sparkling new equipment. The play area at fields in the Clock Tower estate was built a year ago and parents have since been determined to get proper goals fitted so their future Lionel Messis can practice banging in 25-yard screamers – and scuffed one-yard tap-ins for that matter. The goals have finally been installed after their campagin, led by mum Lindsey Meek. She said: "Apparently the council sent out a letter to everyone a year ago asking if they wanted the goalposts put in, but the majority of us didn't see this letter. "I decided to set up a petition to get them fitted. I sent letters to 200 houses and 120 responded to me, supporting the idea. There is nothing for children to do around here. My son Dillano, seven, had nothing to do but he has now. "Some of the families here are on low income and can not always afford day trips and holidays. This will keep them busy now. This will promote our area and put us on the map now." City councillor Phil McLellan (LD, Barnwood) said: "I suggested to Lindsey that she survey residents to see if they supported the installation of goalposts. She galvanised some friends and between them they spoke to most people living on the estate and came back with over 100 letters of support. This is a brilliant example of community action."

Let us spray - young artists show off skills

April 11, 2014, 9:29 am

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GRAFFITI expert Flava joined forces with youngsters in Podsmead for a day of spray painting. The event, at the former Jet and Whittle pub on Wednesday, saw the Gloucester star show off his skills. Throughout the day Flava also helped the youngsters paint a mural on the hoardings, based on the theme of The Future of Podsmead, as part of a community project led by Podsmead Big Local and GreenSquare. Matthew Atkins, 4Ward2Work co-ordinator at GreenSquare, said: "The hoardings at the site are simply wooden panels and they aren't a particularly attractive site. However, we thought they would provide a fantastic blank canvas for some budding local artists to show their spray-painting skills."

Hairdressers from Gloucester through to national final

April 11, 2014, 9:31 am

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Hairdressing salons from Gloucester will take part in a regional competition at Cheltenham Racecourse this Sunday. The Men's Groom and Ashley Paul have got through to two categories of the L'Oreal Colour Trophy. They are the only two salons in Gloucester up for The Colour trophy and The Men's Image award. During the competition the salon will produce a style and finish on a male and a female model which compliments a current fashion trend. Award winners will get perks including photoshoots in London and a professional training day.

Gloucester parents: 'We felt like suspects after our daughter's third degree burns at nursery'

April 11, 2014, 9:46 am

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DEVASTATED parents say they felt like suspects after their toddler suffered third degree burns at her nursery in Quedgeley. Detectives are making inquiries following 18-month-old Freya Brooker's injury at Teddy Bears Picnic in Bristol Road. Parents Connie, 31, and Terry Brooker, 33, from Quedgeley, said they have now pulled her out of the nursery. Following the injury, they took her to be checked out by A & E staff at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital where child protection services were notified. Connie, a nursery nurse in Bristol, said it has been a stressful time for the whole family. "I picked Freya up from nursery and she had two injuries on her hand," she said. "We didn't know they were burns at the time. "I showed my husband and we took her straight away to see the nurse at the Quedgeley medical centre. "The nurse said to wait 24 hours as it could have been a skin infection. We left it until morning and then I phoned the nursery to ask what had happened to my baby." Connie said she left it 24 hours, but took Freya to A&E when her hand got worse, she said nurses there told her she had suffered third degree burns The couple said it was then they had to face 'terrifying' questions over their parental care. "Nurses asked us how it happened," Connie added. "When we said we didn't know, it became a child protection issue. As parents, that was terrifying. "The hospital staff said they couldn't let us go until they found out what had happened. "We were being questioned as parents, that was deeply worrying and we felt like we were treated as suspects for harming our daughter." Freya was transferred to a specialist burns unit at Frenchay Hospital, near Bristol, where her wound was 'scrubbed' clean and bandaged. But the Brookers said that Teddy Bears Picnic Nursery has still not explained what happened, and the parents are unsure of any long term consequences the injury may have. The privately owned day nursery offers full day care and sessional day care. A spokesman for Teddy Bears Picnic said: "We are working with all relevant authorities in respect of the investigation. "As the proceedings are ongoing, we are unable to comment further." A spokesman for Gloucestershire police said its protection bureau is currently investigating the cause of an injury to a child at a nursery in Quedgeley. "No arrests have been made in connection with the case and as inquiries are ongoing it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time," he said. A Gloucestershire County Council spokesman said it was working closely with Ofsted and regular nursery inspections are taking place. He said it would not be appropriate to comment in detail on this specific allegation as the police investigation is going. A Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: "When a child arrives at our emergency department with injuries, we answer a series of set questions on the front of that child's patient records. These look at whether there has been a delay in seeking treatment, if there are unusual or multiple injuries, a history of injury or confusion about the injury. If unclear, then the assessing doctor or practitioner will ask further questions and may seek assistance from a senior colleague or on occasion, to social care colleagues. It is important to emphasise this is no reflection on parents or responsible adults."

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Fire crew called to a blaze on the M5, Gloucester motorway

April 11, 2014, 9:49 am

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FIRE crew were called to a lorry which was on fire on the M5 motorway, between junction 11 and 12 in the early hours of the morning. Appliances from both Gloucester fire stations and one from Cheltenham East fire station were mobilised with a total of 15 fire-fighters to deal with the incident at 3.40am. Crews located the lorry fire on the southbound carriageway approximately half a mile north of Junction 12. The initial message from the incident confirmed that the trailer of the lorry was well alight. Fire-fighters remained on scene for over an hour and used on hose reel and two breathing apparatus. Nobody was hurt and the cause of the fire was not suspicious, however the trailer was severely damaged as a result.

Martin Kirby Column; Same Old Story, Not Coming Home and Taking Off

April 11, 2014, 1:26 pm

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DOWN BUT NOT YET OUT
Not being a resident of the Grange area of Tuffley, I won't have to decide whether or not to – as Nigel Hanman puts it – 'vote for the person, not the party'.What I can say for sure is that Nigel is a top bloke and must have done a good job in the past; otherwise he wouldn't have represented that area on the city council for the past 12 years. The news that he has been shoved to one side comes as no surprise because as long ago as last September, at the Gloucester Day parade, Nigel told me he was 'having problems' and felt disillusioned. Nigel is convinced he's been dumped by the party in favour of Sinead Kennedy because she is younger. I'm sure he's right. We often hear of women in TV jobs – especially at the BBC - fearing they will be ousted for the heinous crime of looking older than when they started in the job, but obviously blokes are not immune to the same fate. Nigel says he will now stand as an Independent in next month's elections. I wish him well.
IT CAME HOME TO ME
Speaking of ageism - every now and then, the Grim Reaper sends an advance party to remind me just how old I am and thoughts of the onset of my dotage come crashing in like a ram-raider. For example; you'll probably have seen pictures of actor and comedian Bill Bailey officially opening a new 'bird hospital' at Newent's International Centre for Birds of Prey. Some younger colleagues were talking about the event and on hearing Bill Bailey's name, I thought I was being quick-witted when I spun around and said; "It's no good asking – he won't come home".The silence and pitying looks were enough for me to realise they were too young to have heard the song 'Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey?', made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald. Ah well, back to work.
A FLYING START
Having overcome massive financial problems to rise like a phoenix from the ashes, the Jet Age Museum at Staverton is still going strong. The unique collection of aircraft and memorabilia relating to Gloucester's involvement in developing the jet engine is open to all comers between now and Easter, where memories of the GAC (Gloster Aircraft Company) are invoked. My granddad worked there for around 25 years, so I know how important the GAC was to this city. It is certainly worth more of a tribute than it is paid by that dopey statue in Northgate Street!According to a 'flyer' (no pun intended) that I was given; the museum is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Tuesday to Sunday and Easter Monday, between now and 21 April. Don't miss this opportunity to see some local history.
NEW GOLDEN ERA FOR THE FLEECE?
I hope nobody will look down their nose at the latest scheme to resurrect the Fleece Hotel in Westgate Street. The superb building dates back 500 years and I well remember downing a pint or three in its Monk's Retreat bar.Returning The Fleece to its former glory as an hotel with the addition of boutique shops and a cafe-bar is a great idea. When it opened in 1497 to cater for pilgrims who came to Gloucester to visit the tomb of King Edward II, I'm sure that local merchants and street vendors would have competed for trade in its courtyard, so why not do the same in the 21st century? This is exactly the sort of scheme that we need to revive Gloucester's haggard-looking city centre. Why are we waiting?

Tributes to Luke Stephens after body found in Forest of Dean

April 12, 2014, 1:17 am

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TRIBUTES have been paid to Luke Stephens after a body was found in woodland at Redbrook. Although formal identification is yet to take place, Luke's family have been informed of the police's discovery on Thursday. Luke, 20, went missing from his home in Redbrook in the Forest of Dean at 8am that morning. Tracker dogs and the police helicopter were used in the search as well as members of the community. The body was later discovered in Forge Wood. The circumstances of the death are not being treated as suspicious. Manager Nick Hill, of The Bell Inn in Redbrook, said: "It is terrible news that a body has been found, it is shocking. "Luke used to come into the pub from time to time, it is very sad news." A police spokesman said officers would like to thank all those who helped with the search for Luke. Ward councillor Terry Hale said: "Luke used to be part of our youth council, he will be greatly missed. He was well known. My thoughts and sympathy goes out to the family." Tributes were also left on Facebook. Sarah Morgan said: "Lost for words... Thoughts go out to all the family xxx." Beccy Browett said: "Very sad news. Condolences to family and loved ones." Siobhain Barnes said:" Very sad RIP young man x."

Hillsborough remembered as Gloucestershire's clubs prepare for 3.07pm kick-off

April 12, 2014, 1:30 am

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Gloucester City and Cheltenham Town are among hundreds of clubs preparing for a solemn start to today's football fixtures. Every match in the Premier League, Football League, Football Conference and FA Cup this weekend will get under way seven minutes later than normal to remember the 96 people who lost their lives in the Hillsborough disaster. Next Tuesday is the 25th anniversary of that devastating day. On April 15 1989 the FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Sheffield Wednesday's ground was ended six minutes after kick-off, at 3.06pm. That time, plus a one minute silence, is being marked at stadia the length and breadth of the country. Gloucester City's home match with Vauxhall Motors and Cheltenham's trip to Exeter City are among them. It will be a particularly poignant day for Terry Gornell, the former Cheltenham striker. He may have been born eight months after the Hillsborough disaster, but he said this afternoon's match at Exeter will be an emotionally-charged occasion. Liverpool-born Gornell said countless friends and members of his family were affected by the disaster, which united the city and the fight for justice has continued until the present day. "Nobody in Liverpool will ever forget what happened and anything that can be done to make sure those who lost their lives are remembered has to be welcomed," Gornell said. "It should never have happened and it must never be allowed to happen again. "Things have improved in the last few years with the things that have been brought to light by the investigations and great strides have been made. "In Liverpool it's a big part of our history, whether you support Liverpool or Everton, and it will be passed down through generations, but the more awareness there is worldwide the better." Gornell was just months old the last time Liverpool won the old Division One title and he said if Brendan Rodgers' side could take the crowd this season if would be a poignant moment for the club. "Liverpool are having a great season whether they win the Premier League or not, but if they were to win it with it being the 25th anniversary, it would be something so special for the city, and Everton fans would agree with that too," he said.

Gloucester v Bath: Cherry and Whites crash to late loss in chaotic West Country derby

April 12, 2014, 1:49 am

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GLOUCESTER 17 BATH 18 GLOUCESTER crashed to a last-gasp defeat as an ill-tempered West Country derby descended into chaos with a penalty try, TWO red cards and FIVE yellow cards. It look as though the Cherry and Whites would pull off a remarkable win after Henry Trinder crossed following Sila Puafisi's dismissal. The tight-head prop had been on for less than ten minutes when Tim Wigglesworth displayed red for a recklessly high-tackle on Nick Abendanon. There was plenty more drama to come in an unbelievable local derby as Trinder dummied his way over for a try. But with Bath battling back, Gloucester lost both Mike Tindall and Huia Edmonds to the sin-bin – reducing them to 12-MEN. Mike Ford's men eventually took full advantage as they rumbled towards a painfully inevitable score before referee Tim Wigglesworth award a penalty try. That cut Gloucester's lead to a point but before Ford could even line-up his conversion a mass brawl kicked-off. Tavis Knoyle was sent off following replays and Ford slotted the conversion to hand the visitors the most unbelievable of wins. Davies made four changes to the side stung by London Wasps in the Amlin Challenge Cup with Tindall overcoming a calf complaint to start against his former club. Elsewhere Martyn Thomas was preferred to Rob Cook and Gareth Evans and Will James were handed starting jerseys in the pack. The Cherry and Whites made a commanding start in front of a electric Shed and a succession of penalties from Tim Wigglesworth allowed Twelvetrees to boot his side into the lead. Gloucester, still seething from their European exit, demonstrated a real willingness to attack from anywhere but Bath held firm. After soaking up the early onslaught, they earned a penalty, which was kicked to the corner. Their juggernaut pack threatened to trundle towards the line before the ball was lost when spread wide but they forced another penalty from the ensuing scrum and George Ford opened the visitors' account. They continued to turn the tide and it looked as though Ford had unlocked the Gloucester defence to send Horacio Agulla over the whitewash but the effort was ruled out for crossing. And Gloucester soon went back in front as Twelvetrees slotted a penalty on 24 minutes. The England centre, playing at fly-half in the absence of Ryan Mills, kept the scoreboard ticking after a clever lineout saw Carl Fearns sin-binned for playing the ball on the floor before Ford hit-back. Yet again Bath were penalised for infringements at the breakdown and Ross Batty was fortunate not to see yellow but both he and Bath escaped unpunished as Twelvetrees hit the left upright. But they were once again on the wrong side of the law as Matt Garvey was shown yellow for a high tackle on Gareth Evans at the death. Evans failed to return for the second-half but Tindall was cleared to continue after leaving the pitch for a concussion assessment following a heavy tackle just before the break. Ford had the opportunity to cut the deficit just four minutes into the second period but he got under the ball and it fell short, and moments later he hit the posts with a drop-goal. But the game was turned on its head when Puafisi was given his marching orders for dangerously high tackle on Abendanon. The Tongan prop has been guilty of indiscipline on several occasions this season and could have no complaints over his dismissal. It took Bath just three minutes to take advantage of their numerical supremacy as they kicked to the corner. They flexed their muscle with a succession of driving lineouts before Hooper rumbled over. But the Cherry and Whites continued to battle with Rob Cook injecting pace and urgency. A sensational break by the replacement full-back laid the foundations for a Gloucester penalty and Twelvetrees fired his side into the lead. Bath were dealt a major blow when Dave Atwood was sent to the sin-bin and it sparked a remarkable final quarter. The Cherry and Whites took a major stride to victory when turnover ball was spread to the right and Tindall released Trinder. The centre had support outside him but he dummied his way past the defence to score what should have been a match-winning try. But the encounter spiralled out of control in calamitous fashion as Bath fought back. Both Tindall and Huia Edmonds were sent to the sin-bin as the old enemy turned the screw and while Gloucester initially survived a score was inevitable. Bath once again went to the corner and following a rolling maul Wigglesworth awarded a penalty try that sparked a mass brawl. Tavis Knoyle was sent off before Ford slotted the match-winning conversion. Follow all the action from 2.15pm as Gloucester take on fierce rivals Bath at a sold out Kingsholm

 

Psychic pig Star predicts Gloucester will send Bath packing at Kingsholm

April 12, 2014, 2:48 am

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FOR one of the biggest games of the season, it is always welcome to have a bit of good fortune on your side. And the Cherry and Whites will certainly be hoping that is the case when it comes to the psychic pig Star's prediction of a home win against rivals Bath today. Fortunately, when it comes to food, the porker is rarely proven wrong, nailing two-thirds of her predictions this season. And news of the forecast is certain to please boss Nigel Davies – who issued a rallying call to his wounded side ahead of what he called their "biggest" game of the season. Gloucester are still seething following their quarter-final defeat to London Wasps in the Amlin Challenge Cup and the West Country derby is usually a heated affair, with tensions boiling over on the pitch. But fans will be hoping Star's prediction of a home win is proved correct, ending Bath's three-game winning streak in the clash.

Gloucester MP Richard Graham joins Parliamentary Police Scheme with Gloucestershire Constabulary

April 12, 2014, 3:34 am

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GLOUCESTER MP Richard Graham will start his service with the Parliamentary Police Scheme at the Gloucestershire Constabulary Waterwells HQ on Monday. The scheme, which will involve Richard spending about 20 days alongside various units in the constabulary over the 2014-2015 year, is designed to provide MPs with a real understanding and first-hand experience of the work of our police service. The aim is to ensure MPs are well informed to participate in local and national policing debates. Mr Graham will spend his first day seeing units based in Waterwells in more detail than on his many usual visits on specific issues. Later on he will be attached to various teams combating different aspects of crime including human trafficking and drugs, seeing at first hand training and recruitment, and going out with teams on community involvement and operations. Mr Graham said: "Maintaining real progress against serious crime and anti-social behaviour in our city and county is a major goal. Through this scheme I'm much looking forward to understanding more how the important work of the police is done. "Over the last four years I've learnt a huge amount from being part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and in the last year of this parliament I wanted to understand more about how modern policing works and the challenges our Gloucestershire Constabulary face today." Police and crime commissioner Martin Surl said: "The more our MPs and Parliamentarians know about the reality of policing the better. "I hope Mr Graham will find the experience useful and that it will lead to an even more productive and professional relationship between myself and our six MPs."

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Sean Wozencroft from Gloucester set to wow Britain's got Talent judges tonight with his onion act

April 12, 2014, 3:51 am

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Britain's got Talent is set to begin its eight series tonight with acts ranging from a roller skating Wonder Woman to Sean Wozencroft from Gloucester speed eating a raw onion. Viewers will also see the impressive five-piece boyband Collabro, whose version of Stars from Les Miserables left judge Amanda Holden wiping away tears to tell them they were "bloody brilliant". However Ladbrokes believe a dance group or solo singer will win this year's show. As the new series of BGT starts the bookies make it a 2/1 shot that the winning act will be a solo singer or a dance troupe, or it's a 7/1 shot the show sees its first ever comedy act land the prize. It's 10/1 a boy band or girl band are victorious, whilst there's 14/1 on offer for a ventriloquist to go the whole way. But unfortunately for Simon Cowell the odds suggest he might get over ruled should a strip tease act make the final as a 100/1 rank outsider for glory. Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: "According to the odds It looks like Britain's running out of talent outside of singing and dancing, and punters are inclined to agree after heavily backing the dance group genre for success." Winning genre of Britain's Got Talent 2014 2/1 Dance Group 2/1 Solo Singer 7/1 Comedian / Impersonator 10/1 Drag Artist 10/1 Boy/Girl Band 14/1 Solo Dancer 14/1 Ventriloquist 14/1 Magician 14/1 Animal Act 16/1 Instrumental Musician (non singing) 20/1 Aerobic / Acrobatic 33/1 Flame Eater / Knife Thrower 33/1 Escapologist 66/1 Mime Artist 100/1 Strip Tease Act Others on request

Eye on the prize for London Marathon runner Emma Denton from Gloucestershire

April 12, 2014, 3:51 am

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ENTRANTS in tomorrow's London Marathon will be joined by a Gloucestershire mum running in an eyeball costume to try to break a world record for charity. Emma Denton, from Cam, who is running for RP Fighting Blindness, will try to beat the Guinness World Record for the fastest woman to run the marathon dressed as an organ. Her son Charlie, seven, has a rare genetic condition called Usher's syndrome. He went profoundly deaf at three years of age and doctors have said he will lose most of his sight by age 10. She has so far raised £2,800 for her chosen charity. Emma, who has been running for five years since becoming a mum, said: "I'm really looking forward to the run, but it's going to be really hot in my eyeball suit. "My son was so embarrassed when I first picked him up from school wearing the costume." RP Fighting Blindness is a charity which supports medical research to find cures and treatments for retinitis pigmentosa and related conditions. Emma said: "When we first found out about Charlie's condition we were told that there was no cure and no treatment, and that he would inevitably lose his sight. "But in the last few years RP Fighting Blindness has told us about a number of really exciting developments which can help other children, which is so encouraging even if they can't help Charlie." The London Marathon, sponsored by Virgin Money, follows the River Thames and is 26 miles and 385 yards long. The current world record for the fastest marathon dressed as an organ was set at four hours 28 minutes last year in London by a woman in a brain costume. Emma's eye costume was made by her mother with white Lycra and teddy bear stuffing. Emma, who ran in last years' London Marathon as well as courses in Nottinghamshire and Copenhagen, said: "When I ran last year I found it difficult to raise lots of money, so I realised I needed to do something slightly different." She says she is confident of beating the world record, as her personal best in training has been three hours, 26 minutes. "As I'm running for charity I've been trying to be responsible and not push myself too far so I can avoid getting injured," she said. "If I see anyone dressed as a brain running past me I'll try to speed up."

Your guide to Easter fun in Gloucestershire

April 12, 2014, 4:30 am

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WITH Easter only a few days away, there is plenty for families to do in Gloucestershire. Slimbridge Wetland Centre is celebrating the arrival of spring, by offering free entry for kids throughout the Easter holidays. Visitors can enjoy a special Easter trail with a chocolaty reward at the end. There will be an opportunity for everyone to get close to nature as they spot newly hatched ducklings, listen out for birdsong and fill their day with lots of fun activities inside and out at Slimbridge. There will be otter talks taking place at the Back to the Brink mammal attraction, the opportunity to handle slimy amphibians including newts and salamanders at Toad Hall, and plenty of outdoor play and splashing fun to be had at the River Life playground and Welly Boot Land. Creative fun can be had at Gloucester Waterways Museum, where Easter bunnies, chickens, and small goats can be found. On Wednesday miniature pygmy goats will be joining the other animals, offering another opportunity for little ones to meet their favourite farmyard friends. There's will be a packed programme of drop-in art workshops lined up at the museum too, including Easter card, hats and fluffy sheep-making, not to mention egg decorating with papier-mâché and feathers. On Tuesday and Friday, Robinswood Hill is holding an Easter Eggstravaganza, where visitors can join in on a number of Easter activities. There will also be the chance to make your own Easter bonnet and Easter treasure hunts. This will start at 11am to 3pm on both days. Elsewhere Go Ape in the Forest of Dean will see visitors having hours of including flying down zip wires and leaping off swings. The third annual Gloucester Quays Garden Party will be hosted over the Easter weekend. It will feature live demos from Joe Swift, Carol Klein, Dale Pinnock and children's favourite, Mr Bloom. There will be more than 80 stalls selling goodies, live music, and family fun and there will be a chance to sample the finest regional food and drink. The event will start at 11am on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. Over in Berkeley, children will get the chance to meet Dora the Explorer and Disney's swashbuckling pirate Jake, at the Cattle Country Adventure Park. There's will also be the chance to embark on their own adventure in the play barns, jump for joy on the trampolines, and explore the castle.

Common People by Pulp beats Blur and Oasis anthems to be named best Britpop track

April 12, 2014, 4:52 am

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The Pulp track Common People has been voted the best of Britpop in a poll held to mark 20 years since the musical movement's heyday. The 1995 number two hit - which was kept off the top spot by Robson and Jerome's Unchained Melody - has inspired a ballet and several cover versions, including one by Star Trek actor William Shatner. It saw off competition from other memorable hits including Blur's Parklife and Wonderwall by Oasis to top the poll after more than 30,000 fans voted. Steve Lamacq, who ran the poll on his 6 Music show as part of the Britpop at the BBC season, said: "I'm really pleased Common People has won 6 Music's Favourite Britpop Anthem vote."What's your all-time favourite Britpop song? Leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Bob Newby column: The Four Gates? The Fork Handles more like

April 12, 2014, 5:00 am

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Bob Newby, 65, moved to Gloucester 35 years ago after a career in the music business. The one-time bar owner, now of the Forest of Dean, is outspoken and proud of it. A bunch of Gripes. Get it? A Bunch of Grapes wordplay? Oh, never mind then… Four Gates? Surely the council can find a better way to throw money away. Fork Handles would have more impact. Why bother? 2018 for the redevelopment of King's Square? You are joking – we'll all have forgotten where the square is by then! 2028 for the Air Balloon bottleneck solution? That's 14 years! Dear God, the 36-mile Manchester Ship Canal was dug by hand in seven years! Just import a few Irish navvies; they'll spit into their hands and have the job done in a weekend. Moving Eastgate Market? If the idea looks like a dead donkey, smells like a dead donkey and doesn't bray, it's a dead donkey. So stop kicking it and tell TK-Maxx to look somewhere else. Bus troublemakers? Give 'em a free trip. Take them to Dartmoor, drop them off and forget to pick them up again. Selling the city? What I want to know is whether the number of firms "queuing up" to come to the city equals the number of shops closing their doors? City parking charges? Give up moaning about it, the council will never see common sense in this issue. Don't confuse them with logic when their minds are already made up. City planners? I guess they are the men in grey suits with degrees who pedestrianized the City Centre and then licenced Pork Roll vans and market stalls to clutter the place up again. I wonder if they are the same intelligentsia who approved a building with 100-plus apartments for the elderly and one lift? Bin rummagers? What's all the fuss about? They are recycling, not dumping and the bin owners can get more rubbish in the bins afterwards. Sounds like a win/win to me. River dredging? At last the Environment Agency has conceded they were wrong to stop it. So come on, when is dredging the Severn going to start again then? Oh, and some compensation for the misery and costs caused to thousands of local households by their negligence wouldn't go amiss either!