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Open air performance will attract more visitors to Gloucester on completion of the new Orchard Square development in Gloucester Docks. That is the dream of planners who hope to transform the area currently used as a car park for shoppers and visitors to the Quays. A masterplan of regeneration by Peel, owners of Gloucester Quays, was unveiled to the public last week. Computer generated images of how the new square could look show steps and a canopy to create an amphitheatre where people can watch live events. It is hoped the development will take place in the coming months, redeveloping the existing car park. The wall running along Llanthony Road will be removed and replaced with Spanish steps leading down into the piazza which is likely to be used as a 'fanzone' when the Rugby World Cup comes to Gloucester in September 2015. Proposals to enhance the car park into a 'classy piazza' will cost £1 million and transform the site into a focal point for the Docks. Last week, it emerged family restaurant TGI Friday is due to open up in a unit beneath the Gloucester Antiques Centre. It will be one of biggest restaurants in the Quays and will front the new piazza. Coal Grill and Bar is also on course to open in July and will takeover the Pillar and Lucy Warehouse. The square could provide a hub for visiting rugby fans during the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Talks are under way between Gloucester City Council, Marketing Gloucester and England Rugby to plan how the FanZone will run. The city council has identified 17 days when the key games will be shown.Mike Moore, from Linden, said: "It is a brilliant idea, just what that area needs. It is far better than just using that space for a car park." Roger Badham, from Tuffley said: "It would be a good spot to watch historical pageants, jazz concerts or live sport on a big screen." Martin Badham, from Longlevens: "It is very positive for the Quays and Gloucester needs somewhere to watch big events from."

Orchard Square to become a £1m hub for dock-side open air performance

THE family of a teenager killed in a drink-drive crash has backed a campaign to urge passengers to speak out if they suspect a driver is over the limit. Aaron Howard and Andrew Mudway were both 17 when they got in to Jim Carney's Vauxhall Cavalier SRi almost nine years ago. Just a few minutes later on May 7, 2005 Andrew was dead along with Carney, who was twice over the drink-drive limit. Aaron died the next day in hospital. Horrific incidents like that could be stopped. Transport Minister Robert Goodwill has urged car passengers to speak out against drink drivers after one in four admitted to being too self-conscious to say anything about a suspected drink driver. "If I saw anything that led me to believe someone had been drinking and they were going to drive, or were driving, I would report them straightaway," said Andrew's mum Lesley. Andrew was a front-seat passenger in Carney's car, which slammed in to a stone shed in Sling near Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Carney was seen driving at up to 80mph in a 30mph zone shortly before the crash. The Gloucestershire coroner recorded unlawful killing verdicts for Aaron and Andrew, and of death by misadventure on Carney, 22, from Coleford. He already had a conviction for drink driving, and the coroner said his "reprehensible" driving would have seen him prosecuted had he lived. Earlier this month, Dursley teenager Molly Zoglowek, 19, was jailed for two years for causing the crash which left Dursley Rugby Club player Rob Camm, 20, tetraplegic. Her Mitsubishi Shogun Pinin was designed for four people, but she was carrying five passengers – and was over the drink-drive limit. She pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and drink driving. But research for the THINK! Easter drink-drive campaign showed that a quarter of respondents admitted they had been in a car where the driver has been over the alcohol limit but said nothing because they were too embarrassed. The campaign was launched on Thursday April 17 ahead of the Easter bank holiday weekend where people may drink more. "Everyone knows that drinking and driving is not only against the law, it's extremely dangerous," said Mr Goodwill. "It may well be the responsibility of drivers to ensure they don't do it, but passengers can also discourage drinking and driving by speaking out. Clearly the majority of passengers feel confident enough to say something, but it is worrying that a significant proportion feel too shy to pipe up. "I would urge anyone who sees someone attempting to drive after drinking to speak out confidently, take away their keys and call them a taxi. You could be helping them avoid a heavy fine, a driving ban or even a prison sentence. You could even be saving their life and the lives of others." The research was commissioned in the lead-up to the 50th anniversary of the hard-hitting drink-drive campaigns, the first of which was launched in 1964. The research shows that the public attitude to drink driving has changed significantly in the past few decades, leading to a dramatic fall in the number of deaths due to drink driving on Britain's roads. There were 240 deaths from drinking and driving in 2011, six times lower than in 1979, when detailed reporting of road accidents began and 1,640 people lost their lives as a result of drink driving. But the research also showed that some young people would not be concerned about someone who drove after drinking with a meal.

'Speak out against drink-drivers', passengers urged in new campaign

Prime Minister David Cameron, writing for Church Times "Some people feel that in this ever more secular age we shouldn't talk about these things (Christianity). I completely disagree. "I believe we should be more confident about our status as a Christian country, more ambitious about expanding the role of faith-based organisations, and, frankly, more evangelical about a faith that compels us to get out there and make a difference to people's lives. "First, being more confident about our status as a Christian country does not somehow involve doing down other faiths or passing judgement on those with no faith at all. "Many people tell me it is easier to be Jewish or Muslim in Britain than in a secular country precisely because the tolerance that Christianity demands of our society provides greater space for other religious faiths, too. "Crucially, the Christian values of responsibility, hard work, charity, compassion, humility, and love are shared by people of every faith and none – and we should be confident in standing up to defend them. "People who, instead, advocate some sort of secular neutrality fail to grasp the consequences of that neutrality, or the role that faith can play in helping people to have a moral code. "Of course, faith is neither necessary nor sufficient for morality. "Many atheists and agnostics live by a moral code – and there are Christians who don't. But for people who do have a faith, that faith can be a guide or a helpful prod in the right direction – and, whether inspired by faith or not, that direction or moral code matters."Andrew Copson is chief executive of the British Humanist Association "The vast majority of British people – who are not believing practising Christians – will deeply regret the comments of their Prime Minister. He is wrong when he says that Britain is a Christian country: most of us aren't Christian in our beliefs and our society has been shaped for the better by many pre-Christian, non-Christian, and post-Christian forces. "He is equally misguided in wanting to increase the role of religious organisations in our society. "This divisive activity is unpopular and undemocratic and has negative consequences for the rights and freedoms of many in Britain. "More generally, people certainly don't want religion to have more influence in government – in a 2006 Ipsos MORI poll, "religious groups and leaders" actually topped the list of domestic groups that people said had too much influence on government." In response to the Prime Minister's comments on the persecution of Christians around the world, Mr Copson continued: "There is a consensus in modern Britain that everyone should have freedom of thought and belief and that persecution of anyone for their beliefs is wrong and should be stopped. "It's right that our country should take a lead in speaking out for oppressed minorities wherever and whoever they are. "What is regrettable is that our Prime Minister should try to exceptionalise Christians in this way – Jews, non-religious people, Muslims, Buddhists and others are equally at risk in a range of ways that deserve our urgent attention."

Do we live in a Christian country? Prime Minister's remarks spark debate

RUNNERS of all ages pulled on their trainers for the annual Tredworth Road Race. Today's (April 21)race, now in its 68th year, saw 24 runners complete the 4.3 mile course, which ran in four laps around Conduit Street and Hatherley Road. Harry Bishop, 18, finished first with a time of 23 mins 17 seconds, with Oliver Starkey coming second. There were also children's races and an Easter bonnet parade. Terry Haines, organiser of the race, said: "We've had great community support and we're very pleased with how the race went. It brings character to the area and we're determined to keep it going." Winner Harry, who came second in the race two years ago, said: "The atmosphere of the race definitely makes you run faster. It's a great race to run in." Councillor Said Hansdot, Sheriff of Barton and Tredworth, said: "The race is really important for bringing the community together and promoting sport and healthy lifestyles." For more on the race see Thursday's athletics pages.

The latest survey on the condition of Gloucester's 'built heritage' is now available on the City Council's website.

There are more than 650 individually listed buildings and monuments and the survey – carried out as part of a pilot project with English Heritage – records the physical condition of each one.

The project was aimed at deciding whether Grade II listed buildings should be included on English Heritage 'Risk Register.' They are already included on Gloucester's Buildings at Risk Register

The results of the survey showed when it was first carried out in the city in 2001 there were 50 properties identified as being at risk. Since then a total of 30 buildings have been removed due to their futures having been secured through reuse.

Heritage Officers have identified a further 26 buildings which have been added to the"At Risk" list and 17 more identified as being vulnerable.

Council staff work with building owners to encourage them to get repairs and improvements carried out and with letting agents to find viable uses for each of the properties.

POLICE investigating alleged sex offences at a care home have arrested a 31-year-old city man. He was questioned and released on bail last week, Gloucestershire Constabulary confirmed. The force said it had received allegations about incidents at a Gloucestershire care home and was investigating them further. Industry regulator, the Care Quality Commission is working with the force. A Gloucestershire Constabulary spokesman issued a statement which read: "Following allegations received by police about incidents at a care home in Gloucestershire a 31-year-old Gloucester man was arrested last week on suspicion of sexual assault. "He has been bailed to attend Gloucester police station on August 14, pending further inquiries." Gloucestershire County Council is unable to comment on the matter. The manager of the home concerned declined to comment.

Gloucester man arrested over care home sex abuse allegations

As many health trusts brace themselves for a 2015 financial crisis, the latest accounts for Gloucestershire Hospitals show it has saved more than £3million from the last financial year. It is feared a budget freeze following next year's General Election could leave many hospitals in the red. Two-thirds of NHS finance directors in England and Wales claim their hospitals will go into deficit, putting patient safety at risk. But bean counters within the Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have bucked the trend, achieving a £3.2million surplus for 2013-14. A trust spokesman said: "The NHS is experiencing considerable financial pressures and it's an absolute credit to our staff who have worked so tirelessly to ensure the trust has not only balanced its books in the last financial year, but has been able to achieve a £3.2million surplus. "By carrying forward this surplus it ensures that we can continue to invest in our rolling capital programme which includes making further improvements to our estates which will greatly benefit patients." Vascular surgery has been centralised at Cheltenham General as part of the reconfiguration strategy that includes a £2.4million interventional Radiology theatre. Nursing has also seen a £900,000 investment across both hospitals with 17 new nurses and 11 health care assistants caring for frail and elderly patients. A survey of NHS trust finance directors said the NHS will struggle to meet its target of delivering £20bn in efficiency savings by 2015. The latest quarterly monitoring report, conducted by the King's Fund, a health think-tank, suggests more than one in five hospitals are set to be in deficit by the end of this financial year. Britain's ageing population, the need for new technology, and the rising cost of medicine has all contributed to rising running costs. The NHS in England has in effect had no real rise in spending since 2010 and there are already 65 trusts in deficit. The Health Service's budget will rise by only 0.1 per cent in 2014-15. Richard Murray, the King's Fund's director of policy and former economic adviser at the Department of Health, said: "The Health Service now is a very large proportion of overall spending because it's been protected while other areas of public spending have been cut back." Despite financial pressures, the fund's analysis shows no immediate lapse in NHS performance. Over the quarter ending in December 2013, the proportion of patients waiting more than four hours in A&E was within the government's target range of five per cent. Although one in four hospitals breached the target, the data suggest most hospitals have so far managed to cope with the difficult winter period. On average, county hospitals hit the 95 per cent national standard between August and December 2013. Cheltenham General Hospital exceeded all targets from August to the end of the year, hitting a 97.57 per cent target in December. But Gloucestershire Royal Hospital slipped below with only 93.81 per cent of patients seen within four hours in December.

Gloucestershire hospitals finance in good health, as trusts elsewhere braced for cuts

THE aftermath of illegal raves can pose health risks to both tourists and residents in the Forest of Dean, officials have warned. Contaminated syringes and broken glass are often left scattered across the woodland after revellers descend on secluded locations to party until the early hours. The Forestry Commission have vowed to report suspected vandalism and drug use to police after officers closed down an event involving 100 people near Soudley on Easter Sunday. Ian Harvey, from the Forestry Commission, said: "They don't tend to clear up after themselves when it is all over. That leaves us with a job and a cost associated with that. "Sometimes drugs are involved and some of what needs clearing up are syringes and needles and not what you would want lying around the forest. "It needs to be cleared up and suitable precautions need to be taken to do that. "If illegal substances are being used or any damage is occurring, then we will look to the police to take appropriate action." Mr Harvey said the commission does what it can to restrict access to certain areas of the forest by keeping gates and barriers locked and secure. Police received reports of loud music coming from woodland between Blackpool Bridge and Soudley at 12.55am on Sunday. When officers turned up, 100 people were found partying but turned down the music at their request. A cyclist, who did not give her name, said she noticed old wooden pallets, the smouldering remains of a fire, cushions from a sofa and other debris from the party on Monday morning. It is believed revellers arranged the party through social networking websites. Councillor Graham Morgan, who lives in Cinderford, said: "We have had a few over the years and it is not a new phenomenon. They get set up on social media and then people turn up. "They cut down trees, start fires and they leave a terrible mess behind for the Forestry Commission to clear up. If they didn't do that, it would not be so bad. "We have had them in old mining buildings before and that is obviously dangerous." Police said the revellers were "reasonable and amicable" after being told to turn down their music and no more complaints were made after 2.20am. A police spokesman said: "In this situation officers thought the best course of action would be to let it wind down, which is what happened. "The party-goers complied with everything we asked and there were no issues."

BOWLERS in Barnwood have secured £48,000 to sort out a modern new clubhouse. The Sport England cash will enable the bowling club there to replace its existing clubhouse extension and provide a new one that will house a separate dedicated ladies changing room, plus a new and modern men's, ladies and disabled toilets. The bowling club is setting out to attract new bowlers of all ages and abilities, following the £70,000 revamp. Chairman Clive Worrall said: "We are delighted to have secured this investment, which means we can upgrade the quality of our premises to match the quality of our club and green. "It will be a new chapter in the history of Barnwood Bowling Club made possible by the 2012 Olympics' legacy." The club recently opened its new season following a winter break. Clive added: "We have young bowlers who enjoy the sport too." Women members who attend the club on a regular basis have to use the small space in the current ladies' toilet to get changed, but the new development will see a separate space for them. The club, which was established in 1919, entertains touring sides every season, and its green as been described as the best in Gloucestershire and beyond. The grounds were bought in 1922, and the first pavilion, minus the dressing rooms, were two army huts purchased from the War Office which, during the First World War, were used as hospital wards. The present building was built in 1977 after the council loaned the club £4,500 towards the £9,100 cost. To celebrate the award, people in Gloucester have been invited to a free taster session once the project is completed. Sport England's chairman, Nick Bitel, said: "A year on from the Olympics, this National Lottery investment is helping us deliver a lasting sporting legacy in Gloucester. "With investment now on offer from our Inspired Facilities Fund until 2017, we look forward to supporting many more sports clubs in the South West who play such a vital role in grassroots sport." Sport England revealed that more than 1,300 local sports projects across the country received National Lottery funding through Inspired Facilities, part of its Olympic and Paralympic legacy programme.

Bowled over by clubhouse revamp grant in Barnwood

Police are appealing for information after a woman was sexually assaulted on a canal towpath in Gloucester. The incident happened on the path by Sainsbury's on St Ann's Way at around 8.25pm on Saturday, April 19. The victim, a 28-year-old woman from Hempsted was jogging along the canal path when she was approached by four men. One of the men made a comment to the victim, to which the victim then replied. Two of the offenders then grabbed the victim by the hair, pulling her to the ground and sexually assaulting her. The victim then screamed and the four men ran away. The first offender is described as white, around 6ft 3ins tall and aged between 17 and 18-years old. He is of slim, skinny build with messy brown hair and was wearing a red football shirt, black knee-length shorts and black trainers. The second offender is described as white, male around 17-years old and around 5ft 5ins tall. He had messy brown or blonde hair, and was wearing a Nike top, dark in colour with white writing, dark knee-length shorts and white trainers. Anyone who may have information on this incident is asked to call Gloucestershire Police on 101, quoting incident 419 of April 19.

Police appeal after sexual assault on Gloucester canal towpath

STANDING with an umbrella over Dan Cooper on the grid moments before the start of his race I couldn't help but feel nervous. Because the reality is that motorcyle racing is a dangerous sport – in 2007 Dan's close friend Ollie Bridewell died during a British Superbike Championship race. I spent the day with Dan on Bank Holiday Monday and followed him during the build-up to his race, witnessing the highs and lows of the sport. Arriving at Brands Hatch in Kent I was not expecting such an amazing atmosphere. Thousands of spectators filled the stands or sat on picnic blankets on the hillside to witness an exciting day of racing. There were also dozens of stalls selling everything for bike fanatics as well as food stalls, fairground ride and bars. Dan had been at Brands Hatch all weekend for the qualifying races. He showed me the Tsing Tao Racing hospitality area and took me to the tent where his team, including his loyal dad, were doing some last minute work on his Kawasaki ZX6R bike. Later in the day he signed autographs for hundreds of fans during a pit walk before having lunch back at his caravan.

Just before the race I changed into my lycra trousers, heels and branded top with my fellow paddock girl Leah Cooke and we made our way to the pits. Surrounded by glamorous grid girls in far little clothing than us – including girls from Spearmint Rhino Gentleman's Club – I was slightly intimidated. But we grabbed our brollies and took our places on the grid. A brief five minutes shading Dan from the sun and our job was done so we walked back to the pits to watch the race. Dan was visibly disappointed when he returned from the race. He knew he was capable of more and that was hard to watch. But it was a fantastic day and I can truly say that I have the racing bug. I am hoping to go to the next meeting and won't be surprised if I pull on the lycra again.

My day as a British Supersport Championship grid girl for Dan Cooper at Brands Hatch

RACING a superbike at over 150mph is not for the faint hearted. Rapidly rising road race star Dan Cooper, from Stroud, returned to the circuit at Brands Hatch over the Bank Holiday Weekend for this year's British Supersport Championship. He has spent the past four years concentrating on road racing, including the world famous Isle of Man TT. "Nothing compares to the adrenaline and the atmosphere at race meetings," said the 26-year-old former Cirencester Kingshill School student. "I do get nervous and things do go through my head because I could come off the bike, it is dangerous." Dan was injured in a crash at Brands Hatch in 2011. He was unable to avoid his team mates' bike crashing at 100mph and badly damaged his shoulder and wrist. "On the grid I question myself and think why on earth am I actually doing this," said Dan, who competes for Tsing Tao WK Racing. "But as soon as I get going the worry goes and I remember that it is the best feeling in the world."

Former British 125GP champion Dan, who works for his dad's construction company, finished in 14th position on Bank Holiday Monday after qualifying in 10th position the previous day. "I only decided that I was going to do this race six weeks ago so we are behind with testing and developing the bike," said Dan, who has been racing since he was just seven years old. "The bike was only built two weeks ago while some riders have had the whole winter to get their bike sorted. "To be where we are, finishing in the top 15, is really good but I want to be higher. "Road racing is my thing really." Dan started riding mini-moto before moving to 125cc bikes when he was a teenager. In 2007 he made his debut in the Championship with Centurion Racing and achieved his highest place in 2008, finishing in fifth. Dan took part in the Isle of Man TT for the first time in 2010. "At the end of the day it is all about money because I am funding all of this myself," said Dan. "The guys at the top are spending £150,000 each race and I am only spending £3,000. "The bike is holding me back and I know there is still lots to come from the bike. "If we had more money we could get better bits which would improve my performance without a doubt." Dan's next race is at Oulton Park, in Cheshire next weekend followed by the North West 200 road race. He will compete in this year's Isle of Man TT which takes place from May 16 to June 7. Dan is always looking for local sponsorship and can be contacted by email on ferret_68@hotmail.com

Danger won’t deter Stroud race star Dan Cooper from life in the fast lane

Chosen Hill FP 8 Drybrook 67 DRYBROOK wrapped up the Western Counties North title with a handsome bonus-point victory. Given first use of the slope Drybrook quickly gained the upper hand and went into the lead with their first attack of the game. The ball went through several pairs of hands before Mitch Baldwin was put clear in the corner. The home side hit back and subjected the Drybrook line to plentty of pressure but eventually the visitors broke clear to record another score through Tom Treherne. Drybrook then lost both Ashley Howells and Ben Large to the sin-bin in quick succession and Chosen Hill quickly reduced the arrears with a penalty. Although Ollie Clements replied with a penalty for Drybrook, the sheer weight of numbers eventually told and the home side added a simple try down the blindside of a maul. Back up to full strength, Drybrook soon regained the initiative and both Mitch Renton and Craig Clarke went close to scoring before Baldwin scored his second try after cutting a good angle off his wing. Baldwin then completed his hat-trick with Drybrook's bonus-point try when the Chosen Hill defence were sucked in giving him a simple run in at the corner. Clements converted and right from the restart Drybrook had the confidence to run from deep and skipper Simon Rugman was put clear on the overlap just inside his own half, where he outpaced the cover to score midway out. Clements converted to give Drybrook a 32-8 half-time lead. Drybrook could afford to relax in the second half but they still managed some cracking tries. The first came when Chosen Hill's defence dithered over an awkwardly bouncing ball and wing Harry Gooderham snatched it from the defender's grasp to score under the posts. Clements converted and soon added the extras to another try, when tremendous pressure led to prop Nick Ovens crossing near the posts. Baldwin then added his fourth try when he took an inside pass from a Clements break from a move which started deep inside Drybrook's half. The classy stand-off made no mistake with the conversion and added another successful kick when Danny Price rounded off yet another powerful Drybrook attack. Drybrook ended their league campaign with some champagne rugby when centre Ben Large grabbed the last try after cruising through a tired defence for a try under the posts which Clements converted with ease. DRYBROOK: Kristian Taft; Mitch Baldwin, Simon Rugman (capt), Ben Large, Harry Gooderham; Ollie Clements, Tom Treherne; Craig Clarke, Ashley Howells, Nick Ovens; Glenn Nott, Neil Morgan; Danny Price, Mitch Bourne, Mitch Renton. Replacements: Jun Sing Lee, Marcus Cowles, Sam Peaper.

TEACHERS across the county could walk out of class again after the National Union of Teachers voted for strikes that could close schools in Gloucestershire in the week beginning June 23. The action is part of a long-running campaign over teachers' pay and workloads. The union, at its conference in Brighton, also decided to consult teachers on further action in the autumn term. There were chants of 'Gove must go' from members of the NUT at their annual conference. They overwhelmingly voted on Monday for a motion calling for a national campaign on pay and working conditions. Schools in Gloucester said they were undecided on whether to walk out. Lynfa Jenkins, headteacher of Innsworth Junior School, said: "We did not take part in the last strike because we have just been so busy in school and we have not discussed the one in June yet. "I can appreciate why some schools will take part but my main focus is the SATS exams coming up. We are very busy preparing pupils for their exams." Carol Baron, headteacher from St. Peter's Catholic Primary School in Gloucester, said: "It is a bit early to decide yet, but I will ask staff nearer the time." The other biggest classroom teachers' union, the NASUWT, has also threatened to take industrial action in the run-up to next year's General Election. Jane Lloyd-Davies, head of education performance and intervention at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "It is up to individual schools to ask their staff how they intend to react to instructions from their union. "Schools then need to make a decision about whether they can cover classes and stay open or whether they need to close on the day of any planned strike. "Schools are asked to inform us as soon as possible if they intend to close on any date so that this information can be put on the schools emergency closure webpage at gloucestershire.gov.uk/closedschools, and parents can be given as much notice as possible."

Strike on timetable as teachers back walkout

Matson 74 Old Bristolians 20 MATSON required a bonus-point win in their final game of the regular season to ensure their position as runners-up in Western Counties North and duly obliged with an 11-try demolition of their mid-table rivals to book their place in the play-off. The first 30 minutes produced a relatively even contest with the home side leading 15-10 through an unconverted Aaron Tonks try, a Joe Payne converted try and a Ryan Woodhouse penalty. It was, however, becoming evident the visitors were finding it difficult to contain Matson's forwards, and the surging runs of the backs. Matson were in complete control for the next 10 minutes, going further ahead with two tries from skipper John Hennessey and a blistering run from Aaron Morefield who crossed for a try, all of which were converted by Woodhouse to put the home side 36-10 up at the break. The second half saw continued Matson dominance with the forwards producing a solid platform from which they could show their powerful running rugby from all parts of the field. It resulted in the home side crossing the line for five converted tries, and one unconverted try. Nick Rhodes, Jevan Brown, Tonks, Woodhouse and two from Hennessey, taking his tally to four, were the scorers. Four were converted by Woodhouse and the other by Vincenzo Lanciano. The visitors replied with two unconverted tries.

TREDWORTH have not played in a Kingsholm final for almost 30 years – but all that could change over the next couple of days. They host Coney Hill in a semi-final of the North Gloucester Combination Junior Cup tomorrow night and travel to play Chosen Hill for a place in the final of the Minor Cup on Thursday night. The last time that Tredworth played in a rugby cup final at Kingsholm was on April 9, 1985, when they were beaten 21-3 by Matson in the Junior Cup. Reg Daldry, the club's coach and manager who will also start at scrum-half tomorrow night, believes the long wait may soon be over. "We're the underdogs in both games but that's the way we like it," he said. "We've got a never-say-die spirit and we're very determined from one to 15." Tredworth have won promotion to Gloucester Two this season after finishing runners-up in Gloucester Three but hey will be without second row and captain Ronnie Locke, who Daldry credits with a key role in Tredworth's recent rise. He has a shoulder injury but should his team win tomorrow night he will be fit for the final on May 11.

A NEW dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Gloucester city centre will start in May. The order, which was agreed with Gloucester City Council, will run from Thursday May 1 to Saturday November 1 2014. It allows police or Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) to direct any groups of two or more to leave an area for 24 hours when they believe the behaviour of the group is likely to result in members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed. The order covers the area within the boundaries of; The Quay, Royal Oak Road, Severn Road, Llanthony Road, Southgate Street, Trier Way, Park Road, Brunswick Road, Eastgate Street, Clarence Street, Market Parade, Bruton Way, Blackdog Way, Gouda Way, Priory Road and St Oswald's Road. Notices and maps of the dispersal area have now been put up across the city to notify residents, businesses and visitors who come to the area. PC Steve Crown said: "We have been experiencing problems of anti-social behaviour in the city centre caused by groups of youths who have taken to congregating in a number of well-known locations to intimidate and harass both businesses and members of the public alike. "This type of behaviour will not be tolerated and those identified as being responsible may find themselves being banned from large areas of the city when the newly formed partnership of Gloucester City Safe goes live in May. "This order covers quite a large area and provides a vital tool which will allow Officers to remove those causing anti-social behaviour out of the area completely, this in turn will allow members of the public to enjoy their time visiting the city." Martin Shields, corporate director for services and neighbourhoods, Gloucester City Council added:"The city council is supportive of this action as it will ensure residents and visitors will be able to enjoy the packed summer festivities without having to worry about anti-social-behaviour. "These orders give the Police the powers to disperse the minority of those who are out to be anti-social, so the majority who are out to enjoy themselves can do just that."

Dispersal order to tackle anti-social behaviour in Gloucester city centre starts in May

TWO parcels containing jewellery which went missing in the post proved that Painswick postmistress Karen Judd was a thief, a jury was told yesterday. An investigation was launched by Royal Mail after the parcels posted by retired jeweller Graham Nash on December 12 and 17 2012 did not arrive, Gloucester Crown Court heard. The probe led to six other parcel thefts being uncovered – and all were the responsibility of Judd, alleged prosecutor Richard Cole. He said she committed the total of eight thefts over a six month period when she was in debt and seeking revenge against Royal Mail after being suspended in a separate investigation into a cash deficiency at the post office. Judd, 42, of New Street, Painswick, actually admitted some of the thefts to investigators, he said – but she now denies them all. She has pleaded not guilty to theft of packets and special delivery packets containing clothing, jewellery, a Samsung mobile phone, a carriage clock, a Blackberry phone, 65 Canadian dollars, 25 Euros and an iPod Nano as well the two items of jewellery sent by Mr Nash. All the alleged offences are said to have been committed between September 24 2012 and March 6 2013. On December 12 Mr Nash posted a brooch as special delivery at Painswick Post Office and asked for £500 insurance on it. Judd dealt with the transaction and did so again on December 17 when Mr Nash posted two rings in the same manner, the prosecutor said. Both items were of significant sentimental value to their owners, he said. They never arrived at their destinations. When Mr Nash discovered they had gone missing he complained to Royal Mail and an investigator looked into it. The investigator immediately suspected Judd. He did a check on all other losses of parcels which went through Painswick Post Office and found that none occurred on Fridays when Judd was not working. During August 2012 when she was suspended over another matter there had been only one parcel go missing. As a result of her suspension she had been ordered to repay a deficiency of £4,500 in six months – and it was in that repayment period that all the parcels were taken, Mr Cole said. The investigator looking into the thefts posted a parcel at Judd's Post Office to test her honesty, he said. It contained a greetings card, iPod Nano, and 25 Euros. All the items had been secretly marked. When the package was not delivered she was arrested. The iPod Nano was found in a drawer behind her counter and the 25 marked Euros in another drawer. She claimed someone had found the iPod in the street and handed it in. Other property including a carriage clock, Galaxy phone and a Blackberry phone were also found – all allegedly stolen from parcels she had dealt with, Mr Cole said,. The trial continues.

Painswick Post Office worker 'stole parcels as revenge against Royal Mail' trial hears

Rising Gloucester potter Michael Wasley is taking the snooker world by storm. With world number two Ding Junhui left trailing in his wake after his shock Crucible win, Michael's former coaches are now backing him to go all the way and win the world title. Michael, who spends hours on the green baize at the South West Snooker Academy in Quedgeley, shocked the watching world with a 10-9 win against the Chinese star late on Monday. President of the Gloucester Billiards and Snooker League, Derek Ayland, coached a seven-year-old Michael at Westgate Snooker and reckons his win is one of snooker's biggest upsets. He said: "I coached Michael until he was 15, I couldn't watch all of his match with Ding as I was so tensed up I had to go to bed. "Michael was an outstanding player at the club. He was one of many kids I would get off the street to get playing snooker. Michael won almost every trophy going in the Gloucester leagues. When he turned professional, I didn't think he would go as far as he has. But he has been very calm under pressure and played without any emotion. "With the money involved and the worldwide audience, around 200 million in China alone, he was so calm with that pressure. "There is no reason why he can't win it. To beat Ding like he did proves he can beat anyone now." Ding held a 6-3 overnight lead at the Crucible Theatre but world number 75 Michael fought back to earn a match against either 13th seed Mark Davis or Dominic Dale. Michael is managed by Paul Mount and his son David has watched his meteoric rise from the sidelines. David, who is up in Sheffield watching the snooker, said: "It has been said that Michael's win was the biggest upset in snooker history, it was remarkable. Ding has won five ranking events this year. For Michael to be so calm was amazing, the whole match was incredible. He is a very level headed guy, he wouldn't have been thinking about the huge Chinese audience watching his every move. "He had the whole Crucible audience watching him, that is something he isn't used to so he has coped very well. "We were not worried about the pressure, we knew he would handle it. "Michael works very hard and his coach Terry Griffiths said he is a great student. "There is no bigger stage to show what he can do, he can win more matches here. His confidence is very high now, who knows how far he can go?"

Former coach backs Gloucester's rising snooker star Michael Wasley to go all the way to Crucible world title

BILLY Twelvetrees admits Gloucester must target a perfect 10 points from their final league fixtures to have any chance of qualifying for a European play-off. Saturday's defeat to London Wasps at Twickenham put a major dent in the Cherry and Whites' hopes of finishing seventh, which would result in a Rugby Champions Cup play-off. They now trail Wasps by seven points and Twelvetrees knows his side must take a maximum points haul against London Irish and Worcester Warriors. Twelvetrees said: "We have to approach it (the final two games) in exactly the same way. We will go at it 100 per cent. There's possibly 10 points from the next two games and we will give it our absolute all." The England centre was left bitterly disappointed as Gloucester slumped to their third defeat in as many matches as they were stung at Twickenham. Gloucester had plenty of chances against the High Wycombe outfit but were let down by poor decision-making and a dismal defensive display saw Wasps run riot. And Twelvetrees admits his side must wise-up and learn the lessons that are being handed out on an all too often basis. He said: "The boys are bitterly disappointed, we really backed ourselves to get a result, the conditions suited us and we showed a lot of ambition but execution let us down which seems to be the story of our season. "We can take a lot of positives from it in terms of our ambition and the way we want to play but we have to be harder on ourselves in terms of execution and leaking tries from poor decisions or missed tackles which is not acceptable. We have to be smarter as players and react better, if we make a mistake we have to come back with a positive and back it up. "We're leaning the other way in terms of our mistakes at the moment and you can't do that against good opposition. To be within eight points at the end, in a game where we have done so much wrong, is a positive but it's also gutting." In total the Cherry and Whites missed 24 tackles with Nathan Hughes and Ashley Johnson rampaging at will. But Twelvetrees insists there are no excuses. He added: "We should be stopping them, we know what they were going to bring, we dealt with their drive well but our lineout didn't function as well as it could and we missed too many first up tackles. When you are playing good opposition week in week out you need to be on the front foot and making good decisions and execution has to be perfect."

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Painswick Post Office worker 'stole parcels as revenge against Royal Mail' trial hears

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