Hucclecote RFC reassures parents that rugby will continue despite new homes plans

June 11, 2014, 11:03 am

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RUGBY will continue at the site of the former Hucclecote Secondary School after it is demolished to make way for new homes. A complex of 53 houses and public open space at the site of the derelict Hucclecote Centre in Churchdown Lane was approved by Gloucester City Council's planning committee earlier this month. Hucclecote RFC has used a piece of grass belonging to the former Hucclecote Secondary School for playing mini rugby for the last 10 years. Now, the club is reassuring parents that training and games will continue while building work takes place and after. "We received numerous phone calls and emails from members of the public and parents who were under the impression that junior rugby would stop," said Ray Davis, junior coordinator. "It is a very important part of our club with many of our first team and second team men's sides starting out with us. "We manage to retain a lot of players." Mini rugby will continue on the men's pitch while building takes place and when the work is complete a smaller piece of grass will be left as part of the public open space on the site for four mini pitches. "It will be a difficult season next year while building work takes place but we will manage," said Mr Davis. "There is nothing we can do about it so we just have to get on with it. "We have also lost a car park which will cause parking problems on busy home games." Hucclecote Secondary School closed in 1990 and its subsequent use as an adult learning centre ceased in 2011. The new development, by Barratt Homes, comprises of a complex of terraced, semi-detached and detached houses, including affordable homes, as well as estate roads and public open space at the site of the derelict Hucclecote Centre in Churchdown Lane. Hucclecote RFC is recruiting members for next season for its under 6s team through to under 16s. The club is particularly looking for players for the under 8s side, under 14s side and under 16s side. For more information about training and the club see the www.pitchero.com/clubs/hucclecoterfc. The club can be contacted via the website's contact page.

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Hardworking volunteers donate 3,000 hours to supporting Gloucester families

June 11, 2014, 11:26 am

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HARDWORKING volunteers have been praised for donating more than 3,000 hours of their own time to supporting families in Gloucester. Children's charity Barnardo's arranged a special event to thank all of the volunteers who help at its centres in Matson, Coney Hill, Linden and Tuffley. They were invited to an afternoon tea at The Link Children's Centre, in Matson Lane, where they were presented with certificates of appreciation. Barnardo's local volunteer coordinator Carrie-Anne Panting said: "We have a fantastic team who play a very important part in the service we offer to local families, so we were delighted to recognise their contribution. "We have students who are looking to gain work experience, as well as people preparing to return to work or who have simply retired, but they all share the same desire - to give children the best possible start in life." Last year the volunteers provided more than 3,140 hours of free support. "Some assist with administrative tasks while others prefer direct work with families such as helping in the crèche or supporting play sessions and other groups," said Carrie-Anne. "We provide a full induction and ongoing mentoring but we also encourage them to learn new skills and gain new qualifications to help them in their search for paid employment if needed. "Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends." Barnardo's Gloucester South includes the Link Children's Centre in Matson, the Compass Children's Centre in Coney Hill, the Lighthouse Children's Centre in Linden and the Oaks Children's Centre in Tuffley, which also works in Kingsway and Quedgeley. Managed on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council, the centres provide a wide range of support to local parents and carers of under 5s. Activities include parenting programmes, breast feeding peer support, healthy eating, cookery courses, first aid training, baby massage and play sessions. For further information on volunteering with Barnardo's call Carrie-Anne on 07887 624167.

New school for Hunts Grove to open by September 2015

June 12, 2014, 4:28 am

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EDUCATION bosses will open the new Hunts Grove primary school in a temporary building in a bid to get the first cohort of pupils through the doors in September 2015. The rapidly-expanding family population on the estate, which will boast 1,750 homes, means that primary school places are needed urgently. A new school will be built and the pupils will transfer from the temporary building in September 2016. County councillor Paul McLain, cabinet member for children and young people said: "We want to get the school open as soon as possible for the children who move into the development in its early stages. "To make sure those early arrivals don't lose out, we expect to open the school in temporary accommodation on an alternative local site. "Children on the new school's roll will then transfer to the new school building when it's ready. "The exact dates will depend on the progress of the housing development but we expect the school to open initially in its temporary location in September 2015, and then move to its new buildings in September 2016." The legal agreement accompanying the planning permission does not specify a date by which the school should be in place but the developer is anticipating that 350 homes will be occupied by mid 2015. This target is the trigger that releases the funding to build the new school. The local authority, however, hopes to open the school sooner to provide places for the children moving into the development in its early stages, by opening the school in temporary accommodation on an alternative local site. Councillor David Mossman, Stroud district councillor for Hardwicke, said: "Opening the new school cannot come soon enough for residents. Thankfully September 2015 is not that far away. It is the result we were aiming for and it is good that we have had confirmation now. "The estate is growing rapidly. Areas that were once green fields have quickly become the site of new houses and there is a demand for these school places." Attentions are now turning to the fight for a new health centre. Mr Mossman said that talks were going well and that he hoped there would be a further announcement about the plans in the coming months.

Give waste the 'Red Card'

June 12, 2014, 5:06 am

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The much anticipated Football World Cup kicks off this weekend with environmental champions in Gloucester urging fans to 'give waste the red card.'

It's anticipated that social events, parties and barbecues – centred around the televised matches – will generate significant amounts of waste which could unnecessarily end up in landfill at a cost to the taxpayer.

Glass and plastic bottles, jars and cans along with food waste are all expected to increase as many people stay home to enjoy the games.

New  Gloucester City Council cabinet member for the Environment, Councillor Jim Porter, commented: " People are getting really fired up for the competition as the kick off approaches. We want everyone to have a fabulous time and of course we hope that England do well, but without doubt there will be an increase in domestic waste and we urge everyone to recycle as much as they can to help us reduce the amount of waste that is going to landfill.

"It is amazing what recycled material can be turned into. "Plastic drinks bottles can be turned into fleece jackets, park benches and for this World Cup, both the England national team's home and away strips are made up from an average of 18 recycled bottles each!  As for glass, recycled bottles can end up as new bottles and can be recycled again and again and be as good as new each time!"

And he added: " This World Cup let's make recycling our goal."

Recycling tips:

·       Recycle empty cans, bottles and food waste by using the kerbside collection service  - reducing unnecessary landfill

 

·       Place leftover food from world cup parties and BBQs in the brown food waste caddy

 

·       All paper can be recycled so whether it is catching up on team news or the long shopping list put it in the green recycling box

 

·       Many people will enjoy a drink or two so place  cans, glass bottles and plastics into the green recycling box

 

·       For more information on your waste & recycling collection service please go to Gloucester City Council's website www.gloucester.gov.uk and use the 'My Gloucester' option

                                                         

'Mini coppers' at Moat Primary School tackle rogue drivers

June 12, 2014, 5:11 am

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ILLEGAL parking around Moat Primary School has been targeted by young wannabe police officers. A team of trusty youngsters from the Matson school joined PCSO Chris Jenkinson to check out the cars that illegally park near the school. PC Jenkinson is often seen at the school working with the children on road safety projects. He is also a governor at the primary school. Headteacher Kirsti Ashman said: "Children are enjoying building community links becoming 'mini coppers', working alongside the local community police to highlight road safety in the school locality. "The response we have had has been very positive and the impact of the 'mini copper' campaign has already seen a reduction in cars parking on the double yellow and zigzag lines at the start and end of the school day."

Tributes paid after death of David Wisdom, volunteer at The Family Haven

June 12, 2014, 5:16 am

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TRIBUTES have been paid to The Family Haven volunteer David Wisdom after his recent death. Mr Wisdom had volunteered in the kitchen at the Spa Road charity since June 2007. The Family Haven provides practical help and support to deprived and vulnerable families with pre-school children in Gloucestershire. Fundraiser Debbie Nevin said: "All at The Family Haven wish to pay tribute to our volunteer David who passed away recently. "He started as a volunteer in the kitchen in 2007, mainly helping when our cook Janet was on holiday. "Staff and the families who attend remember him fondly as a great character – he always made us laugh. He was also famous for his large portions and spicy curries." Nursery manager Helen Jackson said: "Dave didn't do puddings, so when he was due in I would make sure I'd already prepared a blancmange or angel delight for the children. "The Family Haven provides a hot nutritious, midday meal to the families who attend our day centre and so the support David gave was much needed as well as much appreciated." Mr Wisdom's daughter Kali Masure has set up an online donation page in memory of her father. She said: "Dad volunteered at The Family Haven until he became too unwell and I would like anyone who wishes to remember Dave to make a donation to this charity. "The Family Haven is a small local charity and it would be great to raise some money for them." She has set herself a £250 fundraising target. One donation has already come in, with the anonymous donor saying: "You will be greatly missed." The Family Haven was founded in 1988 and relies heavily on the support of volunteers like Mr Wisdom. Nick Bury, chairman of the trustees, said: "The Family Haven thrives through the hard work and dedication of a great number of very different people. Generous donors, experienced and skilled office staff, good cooks, caring nursery staff, dedicated volunteers and fund-raisers, parents and children, trustees and treasurers, so it is good that all sorts of different people have contributed recipes to our cookbook." To donate to Kali Masure's fundraising campaign, visit https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/davidjohnwisdom

Ian Cockbain leads fightback to earn draw for Gloucestershire against Surrey

June 12, 2014, 5:50 am

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AN unbeaten 151 by Ian Cockbain helped Gloucestershire secure an unlikely draw against Surrey today. Beginning the day on 274 for five, Cockbain and Tom Smith took the score beyond 400 before they were parted. They came together just before the close last night with the score on 257. At that stage it looked certain that Surrey would wrap up LV= County Championship Division Two victory in three-and-a-half days after Gloucestershire had begun their second innings trailing by 514. Gloucestershire were shot out for 112 on day one after winning the toss and Surrey replied with a mammonth 626 for six declared. Cockbain completed his century - his first since 2012 - just after lunch while Smith fell just before tea for a career-best 80. After the departure of Smith, Cockbain found another ally in Will Gidman who was unbeaten on 46 at the close. Cockbain put on 177 in 71 overs with Smith and his innings lasted for eight hours 45 minutes. He faced 421 balls. Gloucestershire ended on 506 for six.

Appeal to trace missing Gloucester teenager John Snee

June 12, 2014, 6:01 am

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POLICE are appealing for information to help trace a missing teenager from Gloucester. John Snee, 17, was last seen leaving his home in Hucclecote Road around 5pm yesterday (Wednesday). He was due to return home by 9.30pm last night but did not turn up. John is described as white, of slim build, 5ft 9 ins tall, and with straight, ginger hair. When he was last seen he was wearing blue jeans and a grey top. Officers are urging John or anyone who knows of his whereabouts to make contact with police on 101 straight away and quote incident 519 of June 11.

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Hardwicke Rangers footballer charged with assaulting rival players

June 12, 2014, 6:29 am

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A TEENAGE footballer has appeared in court charged with assaulting rival players as the World Cup kicks off. Ashley Witts, centre forward for Hardwicke Rangers U18s, is accused of attacking two rival players during a Gloucestershire match. The 18-year-old is yet to enter pleas to allegations he assaulted Avonvale United U18s goalkeeper, Jack Johnson, causing him actual bodily harm. Witts, of Kaskelot Way in Hempsted, is also accused of common assault on another 17-year-old player during a game at Sir William Romney School in Tetbury on September 29, last year. Prosecutor Julian Kesner said it was an incident alleged to have happened on the ball and one of the victims suffered a broken nose. Judge Jamie Tabor QC commented that he appeared on Thursday on the day the World Cup in Brazil started. The case was adjourned and he will appear back before the court on July 7.

Police appeal for witnesses to Gloucester mobile phone thefts

June 12, 2014, 6:39 am

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MOBILE phones have been stolen from unwitting good Samaritans by thieves in Gloucester who claim they need to make emergency calls. One victim passed a phone to a man who said he needed to call an ambulance for his wife who was in labour on Bedford Street at around 6pm on Saturday, June 7. Another person was approached by a man who claimed he needed to contact a midwife on Midland Road at around 3pm on Friday, June 6. The thieves made off with the phones in both cases. Police suspect the crimes to be linked and are appealing for witnesses to come forward. Police Sergeant Jon Testar said: "The offenders here have taken advantage of their victims with the underhand way in which they stole the devices. "You do run the risk of being taken in by the offender due to the reason given and it is human nature that members of the public may want to assist. "But we would ask people to be very careful about handing over their phone when asked for it in such a situation. Quite apart from the high value of handsets, there is personal information and material stored on them which owners would not want to lose, for example photographs, texts or emails." The offender in the Midland Road incident is said to be in his late twenties, white, about 5ft 8ins tall, with a brown beard. He was wearing a long brown jacket and a grey beany hat with a pink stripe. The thief in the Bedford Street incident is described as having short, dark brown hair and brown eyes. He wore a blue hooded top under a black jacket, jeans and trainers. Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 285 or 6/6/14.

Frocester Cricket Club look to leg-spinner Olly Jones for some magic

June 12, 2014, 7:26 am

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LEG-SPINNER Olly Jones will add a new dimension to Frocester's attack when they host Ashcott and Shapwick in Premier One on Saturday. Seeking a fourth straight win to stay in touch with leaders Bath, long-serving Pounds Close skipper Nick Trainor has a wider pool of resources to pick from than most of his counterparts in the division. And batsman Tom Wand can only see his side getting stronger in the coming weeks, with improving weather and key players hitting peak form. Wand said: "It's hard to say what our strongest XI is because we have such a good squad, but the team for Ashcott is certainly well balanced. "Olly Jones could be a really big player with his leg-spin. He is our only full-time specialist for that role and is very hard to get away as a batsman. "He has a skiddy action and can be unplayable if he gets going, so drier pitches will be good news for us and for him." Frocester defeated Downend by 35 runs last time out, Trainor and former Gloucestershire all-rounder Paul Muchall pulling off a restorative mission after their side had slipped to 67 for five. The duo piled on 110 runs for the sixth wicket to help the visitors to 226 for six, after which Muchall proved his prowess with the ball by bagging four for 28. "Paul has played first-class cricket for a reason and it was good to see him show what he can do with the bat and ball," said Wand. "Both he and Nick had to dig in for a while, batting time rather than scoring quickly, but they assessed the situation perfectly and that's the value of their experience. "We don't win at Downend too often and the weather forecast had been terrible, so the day panned out a lot better than we expected." Saturday's visitors sit one place off the foot of the table and were heavily beaten by Bath in their last league assignment. Wand added: "Ashcott have got a good seam attack, so we will need to be wary of that and not let them get on top. "But batting isn't their strongest suit and we've got the likes of Muchall, Josh Dunning and Richie Cave all bowling well, so if we perform like we can we should get the job done." Frocester: U. Qureshi, L. O'Doherty, M. Beard, N. Trainor (capt), T. Wand, S. Bracey (wkt), J. Dunning, P. Muchall, O. Jones, R. Cave, T. Morris.

West Country could become an angling destination to rival Florida says UKIP leader Nigel Farage

June 12, 2014, 7:28 am

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE could become an angling destination to rival Florida, Nigel Farage has claimed. The UKIP leader outlined his vision for British tourism with provisions for anglers taking top billing. In an interview with travel industry magazine TTG, Mr Farage - himself a keen fisherman - suggested that the West Country could become an angling destination to rival Florida. "I think the UK is missing a trick in a huge way," he said. "Angling is the biggest participant sport in Britain apart from football. "We should be doing the same as Florida - three miles off the shore, we should place some old car tyres and concrete bits on the sea bed and we would have a whole eco-system thing with lots of fish. "We could do it in the West Country and South Wales - it would be the most incredible boost to tourism." Stroud Angling club has more than 200 members. Established in 1948, the club has the lease for the fishing rights on Stratford Park lake and all of the Stroudwater Canal from The Ship at Brimscombe corner to Ebley Mill. Chairman Mike Casey said: "I would have to agree with Mr Farage. "Anything that increases fishing is a good thing in my eyes. "It is a very popular sport and there are numerous clubs around the area. "More could be done to support the sport and an eco-system off shore is a good idea." Treasurer Barrie Mole said: "The Gloucester Canal is 15 miles long and it is the biggest in land port in the UK making it great for fishing. "And once the Stroudwater Canal is refurbished it will be a haven for local anglers." Barrie, who also works at Lobbys Tackle in Stonehouse, added: "We have a huge customer base at the shop which shows how popular the sport is." Gloucester Angling Club was founded in 1914 to cater for both coarse and game enthusiasts. The club currently holds the rights to over five miles of fishing on the River Leadon, a small tributary of the Severn. Chairman George Gawler said: "I would hardly say it would rival Florida but it is popular in the area. "There are some great fishing spots in the county and around the Cotswolds. "I would agree with Nigel Farage about the sea fishing point of view. "I have been going fishing for years in Weymouth and it used to be very good. "Now we go 22 miles off shore and still don't end up getting to the fish." Kevin Kear, chairman of the Royal Forest of Dean Angling Club, said people come from all over the country and as far as America to fish the River Wye. "It is a great spot and one of the best in the country for course fishing and we have people coming from Scotland, Yorkshire and even the States," he said. "The Royal Forest of Dean Angling Club has more than 400 members which shows how popular the sport is. "But more could be done to support anglers in the UK. It is very low down the list of priorities at the moment."

Gloucestershire seamer Graeme McCarter fired up for Essex T20 challenge

June 12, 2014, 7:33 am

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IN-FORM paceman Graeme McCarter hopes momentum can help propel Gloucestershire to another win in the NatWest T20 Blast at Essex tomorrow night (7pm). Irishman McCarter claimed his first five-for in the competition at Sussex last week, including three wickets in a nervy final over which saw the hosts come within four runs of victory. The County followed up that impressive performance with a dominant batting display against Glamorgan, racking up 207 for three before rain forced a cruel abandonment. McCarter only made his debut in the shortest form of the domestic game last month but will be a key man at Chelmsford, a ground which always generates a crackling atmosphere beneath the floodlights. "Twenty20 is all about handling pressure in front of some big crowds, and I thought we did that well down at Hove," McCarter said. "I enjoy the pressure of bowling at the death and I have to thank Dan Housego for taking three catches in that final over. "Our plan was to force the batsmen to play down the ground because there was a very short boundary on the leg side. "I managed to execute my yorkers pretty well and it was great to get my first five-for and, more importantly, get us a win. "Our last two T20 performances have been good and we're on a bit of a roll now, so we need to keep that going and get some more wins on the board. "I hear we're going to get a bit of stick (from the crowd) at Chelmsford but it's all good fun and we're looking forward to it." McCarter, 21, has made just one Championship appearance this summer after returning from a spell playing grade cricket in Australia. Hailing from Londonderry, he first joined the Gloucestershire academy in 2008 and won Northern Ireland's Young Sports Person award the following year. He made his first-class debut for Ireland against Namibia in September 2011 but is still to establish himself as a red-ball cricketer – a situation he hopes to rectify soon. McCarter said: "I've been in and around the four-day squad this season and I'm determined to try to be a regular soon – that's the next big aim. "I've had a taste of first-class cricket for Ireland and Gloucestershire and every young cricketer wants to play every form of the game, so I'm working hard on red-ball skills and hopefully I'll get my rewards. "I'm also looking to get myself in the one-day Irish set-up for the next World Cup so it's a big year for me." Tomorrow evening's hosts, whose ranks include big-hitting T20 specialists Jesse Ryder and Ryan ten Doeschate, beat Kent by six runs on Wednesday night to move level on points with South Group leaders Hampshire.

Serious house fire in Worrall Hill

June 12, 2014, 7:33 am

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FIRE crew were called to a house fire in Worrall Hill, Lydbrook this afternoon. The fire service was called to the incident at 1.40pm. Police have put road closures in place. Two properties have been severely affected. Nobody was injured and police are not treating the incident as suspicious.

Stuart Lancaster reckons Billy Twelvetrees can help fire England to glory

June 12, 2014, 7:42 am

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STUART Lancaster reckons Billy Twelvetrees's return can help inspire England to their first away win over New Zealand since 2003. The Gloucester centre missed out on the slender first Test defeat to the All Blacks due to the ankle injury he picked up against London Irish in May. But he has recovered sufficiently to pull on the Red Rose again as Lancaster turns to his tried and tested Six Nations stars. Lancaster has made five changes in total and has recalled two key combinations in the Twelvetrees and Luther Burrell midfield axis and Owen Farrell and Danny Care at half-back. The three-quarter changes see Manu Tuilagi move to the wing and Lancaster reckons his backs have the perfect blend of brains and brawn to topple the world champions. Lancaster said: "Playing Manu on the wing is something we have wanted to look at for a while, we have quality players in the back line and he gives us a different strike option from the wing in terms of start-up plays, kick returns and counter attacks. "He's gone back to the position he played as a youngster, it's a step up but he has looked brilliant in training and we're all looking forward to Saturday's match. "Manu's done a few high balls in training, but the way we defend our wingers will be up and the back field will be covered by number eight, 15, 10. "He's more than happy catching the high ball, there's no doubt about it. I'm sure some will come his way. "With Luther Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees playing so well in the Six Nations the back-line has the right balance to win this Test match. It has pace, power and footballers in there. "They're looking very cohesive coming back from club games and into the international team. "It's very tough on the players that played last week because there were some excellent individual performances. "But overall with these guys back together, you can see their understanding and cohesion and that's part of winning the big games. "They're tried and tested, they have not played together for a long time but they have trained well and hopefully they will bring that cohesion to the game." With Twelvetrees and Burrell returning to centre-stage and Tuilagi starting on the wing there is no place for Gloucester wing Jonny May. Chris Ashton has been named as the wide cover on the bench but Ben Morgan has seen off the challenge of Billy Vunipola. The All Blacks edged the first Test 20-15 thanks to a Conrad Smith try at the death. England expect the hosts to be much improved at the Forsyth Barr Stadium but Chris Robshaw has demanded his side take the series to a third Test decider. And he insists they have to come flying out of the blocks and get stuck into New Zealand in Dunedin. Robshaw said: "This game us massive. We want to go out there and win a series and that means we must win on Saturday so we're in a position to take the series into a decider. "We're a confident squad, but it's one thing being confident, another going out there and doing the job successfully. "Despite the result in the first Test, how we performed last weekend has given us even more belief. "We have come here determined to impose our game plan. You can't come to New Zealand and play second fiddle. "We experienced that at Twickenham when we stood back early on and found ourselves 17 points down in 15 minutes. "If (we) stand back and look at them play, they are an extremely dangerous team. "We want to get stuck in from the start and really prove ourselves." New Zealand: B Smith; C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, J Savea; A Cruden, A Smith; T Woodcock, D Coles, O Franks, B Retallick, S Whitelock, L Messam, R McCaw (capt), J Kaino. Replacements: K Mealamu, W Crockett, C Faumuina, P Tuipulotu, V Vito, TJ Perenara, B Barrett, M Fekitoa. England: M Brown; M Tuilagi, L Burrell, B Twelvetrees, M Yarde; O Farrell, D Care; J Marler, R Webber, D Wilson, J Launchbury, G Parling, T Wood, C Robshaw, B Morgan. Replacements: D Hartley, M Mullan, K Brookes, C Lawes, B Vunipola, B Youngs, F Burns, C Ashton

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Lancaster expects explosive encounter between Manu Tuilagi and Julian Savea

June 12, 2014, 7:50 am

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ENGLAND are braced for an explosive collision between powerhouse wings Manu Tuilagi and Julian Savea in Saturday's clash with the All Blacks. Stuart Lancaster has gambled by selecting Tuilagi unfamiliarly out-wide and he will go head-to-head with red-hot Savea, The All Blacks ace has bagged a phenomenal 19 tries in 20 Test matches and Lancaster is expecting fireworks as the Samoan descendants face off. He said: "I'm sure there will be occasions when Manu and Julian come across each other. Both teams will use Manu or Savea off the wing. "Savea will definitely pose a threat through the midfield, as will Manu. He's a huge attacking threat for them. If you look back at the game in November against us, his threat was clear because he scored two tries. "He's a key man for them. I'm sure he'll enhance their attacking options. There will be times when Manu and Savea meet one to one and it will be a fascinating confrontation." But while Hansen has recalled Savea following his knee injury he has resisted the urge to bring in Kieran Read despite the 2013 IRB player of the year having fully recovered from his concussion issues. The All Blacks coach signaled earlier in the week he was likely to keep his star number eight on ice for another week to get his match fitness up after seven weeks on the sidelines. It means New Zealand's forward pack is retained and will get a chance to prove last weekend's underwhelming effort in Auckland - where they were outplayed at the breakdown and in the scrums - was just a one-off. Hansen said: "We are expecting another big contest this weekend and, with England sure to make improvements in their game, we will have to improve massively ourselves. "We have worked hard on our skill-sets, attitude and the detail in our game, which wasn't up to All Blacks standard last week. "Our mindset has been all about improvement, taking ownership and responsibility for our individual roles with the aim of delivering a performance to be proud of."

Crash the Albino ferret draws a crowd on a stroll through Gloucester

June 12, 2014, 8:08 am

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It's not everyday you see an Irish, Albino, vegetarian ferret being walked down Southgate Street on a lead by a beautiful Bulgarian. But that was the sight for many shoppers today as Crash the two-year-old ferret was given his daily exercise in the Gloucester sunshine. Marieta Popova was visiting the city from Birmingham with her musician boyfriend Paul Judd, and drew a few second looks because of her furry friend. And where Marieta goes, Crash is never far behind. It was thirsty work as the temperatures topped 23C, so Crash had to stop for a quick slurp from a bottle of water before carrying on his tour of Gloucester. "He is a very well travelled ferret," said Marieta. "We have taken him to Bulgaria on a plane and he has been all over England. His favourite foods are Jaffa Cakes, and he thinks he is a dog. "He came to us from a rescue centre in Dublin as he was not being taken care of properly. He has a good home now and gets lots of attentions when we take him out. Gloucester is a beautiful city and he is having a great time exploring." The pair are likely to have a long term friendship, as ferret's can live for around 17 years. Paul said he has a battle on his hands to compete for his girlfriend's affections. "I hardly get a look in when Crash is about," he said. "He is very protective of Marieta and sees her as his girlfriend, he can get quite jealous. "We let him run around the house and the garden, but he is very well behaved. The only thing he has chewed is my guitar stand, but I'm not bothered."

Lucky escape for cat found doused in diesel in Highnam

June 12, 2014, 9:01 am

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Malicous intent to set fire to a cat in Highnam has not been ruled out by its owner who found her beloved pet dripping in diesel fuel. Cathy Lucas was so worried about the state of her cat Tiggy, she put an advert in the village post office appealing for witnesses to help fill in the blanks as to what happened. The moggy wandered off as usual at around 6am, but failed to return in time for breakfast. She was eventually found a few hours later soaked in fuel. Cathy said: "We tried to get it off with shampoo but it was soaked in, so took Tiggy to the vet in Ledbury who sedated her. "The poor car was terrified and had clearly had a bad experience. "She is only two, very small and was ill treated as a kitten. "We picked her up from a rescue centre. "The vet said it couldn't have been from her being sat under a car as her head was completely dry and it was as if she had been deliberately covered. "If Tiggy had not made it home it would have burnt her skin if left untreated and she could have got pneumonia and suffered a painful death. "If it was done deliberately, that is horrendous. I can not understand the mind of a monster who would do something like that. "You hear of gangs of lads doing things like that in a city, but not around here." Cathy has owned cats for ten years and said nothing like this has happened before. She is baffled as to what happened. There are no industrial buildings nearby, or garages, that could have had an open fuel container for a cat to accidentally fall into. Sarah Jones, a vet at The Leadon Vale Veterinary Centre in Ledbury where Tiggy was treated, said her condition could have been more serious had she not received swift help. "When she came in Tiggy was very distressed," she said. "Fuel was all over her apart from her head. It can be quite toxic to cats and there was a risk of damage to her respiratory system had she inhaled it for a period of time. "Like her owner, we have found it hard to understand how it could have happened. It could have been an accident, or it could have been malicious. It was certainly unusual. Thankfully, she should make a full recovery."

Painter and decorator chased and stabbed 'old enemy' in Tredworth Co-op

June 12, 2014, 10:19 am

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Shoppers and staff in the Tredworth Co-op were terrified when a 43-year-old man chased an old enemy down the aisles and stabbed him, Gloucester crown court has been told. Minutes after the attack, dad of three Gersham Downer pursued and knifed his wounded victim again - this time outside the store, the court heard. Defence lawyer Lloyd Jenkins described it as "like something you watch on a Hollywood blockbuster," Painter and decorator Downer, formerly of Gloucester but now of Delia Street, Wandsworth, London, was jailed for five years after he admitted wounding Philip Durrant with intent to do him grievous bodily harm on August 30 last year. Mr Durrant was left with injuries to his eyebrow, arm and stomach although luckily none of them were life-changing, said prosecutor Julian Kesner. Jailing Downer, Judge Euan Ambrose told him "There was an intention to cause more serious harm than you actually caused. "It was in a public place, just inside and outside a supermarket and in the presence of both young and old customers. One of the customers was there with his child. "Your victim has continuing flashbacks and some weakness in his left forearm as a result of his injuries. "It has prevented him carrying on work he had been doing for an agency prior to the offence." Mr Kesner told the court that on August 30, Mr Durrant, who lives near the Co-op, went to use the cashpoint at the store and saw Downer in his Mercedes car outside. "In the past there had been issues between the two men but precisely what those were is not clear," Mr Kesner said. "It may be that four months earlier when playing football in Gloucester Park, Mr Durrant's ball struck the defendant and there was an exchange of words between them." Mr Kesner said Mr Durrant went into the Co-op and armed himself with some bottles, which he threw at Downer. "He says he did so because he saw the defendant was armed with a knife," said Mr Kesner. The prosecutor showed the court CCTV images of Downer following Mr Durrant into the shop and stabbing him in the abdomen. Downer left but Mr Durrant followed and threw more bottles - one of which smashed Downer's car window. Downer then chased after Mr Durrant and stabbed him again. Mr Kesner said Downer aimed the knife at Mr Durrant's face. Luckily Mr Durrant put his arm up to ward off the blow. Downer had five previous court convictions but none for violence. Mr Jenkins, defending, said "There is some background history between these two men which I shall not broadcast in open court. The defendant says when the victim threw bottles at him he lost his temper and entered the store with the bladed weapon. "It would have been terrifying for anybody present. There were other people in the store and this was like something you watch on a Hollywood blockbuster" During the confrontation in the store Downer had the tip of his wedding ring finger bitten off and was bleeding profusely when he left and returned to his car," Mr Jenkins said. "The victim came out and threw more bottles with such force that one smashed my client's driver's side window and went right through and broke the other window. This provoked the more serious of the two incidents." "He left his vehicle, pursued the victim and again struck him with the knife."

Forest of Dean District Council claims objections made against northern quarter plan are 'unfounded'

June 12, 2014, 12:49 pm

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COUNCIL bosses have dismissed "unfounded objections" by a group they claim is determined to block any development at a former Cinderford mine. Forest of Dean District Council has proposed a 'land swap' deal with the Forestry Commission to dispose of the Linear Park site to make way for the £100million northern quarter regeneration project. Cabinet members consulted the public in April and out of a total of 164 comments made about the deal, 140 were in objection and only 24 were in support. The council said the objections were largely orchestrated by the Dean Natural Alliance. Councillor Patrick Molyneux, leader of the council, said at a cabinet meeting today: "Although there have been a number of objections to the proposed land disposal, these objections are not well founded and have been organised by a single body determined to block any built development in the Cinderford Northern Quarter." Among the objections listed in a report presented to the council included claims "scattered pieces of land separated from Linear Park will be no compensation for the loss of habitat and public access". The council says it will provide nearly eleven acres of land to replace what will be developed. Designs of how the northern quarter could take shape over the next 10 years have already been drawn up. The regeneration programme will include a £15million, 1,200 student Gloucestershire College campus, 195 new homes, a new hotel, up to 18,800sqm of employment space while creating more than 1,000 new jobs. The alliance held a public meeting in Drybrook last night which included presentations by local experts about the importance of the area for wildlife, the problems arising from developing what it sees as a 'high risk' mining area and the loss of unrestricted public open space. Simon Glover, chairman of the alliance, said: "We believe this site should never have come forward for development. "There are alternative solutions which would support employment and the regeneration of Cinderford. Derelict employment sites are lying empty around Cinderford which can be brought forward by the council for employment use. "If successful, the proposed major development will set a precedent enabling the Forest of Dean and our national public forests to be used as cheap building land for urban development in the future." High-profile environmentalist Jonathan Porritt has already warned that a 200ft deep mine is not an appropriate site for development which he fears will result in the destruction of a wildlife habitat of European importance. Forest of Dean District Council has commissioned a lengthy 'biodiversity strategy technical guidance' document which assesses the wildlife value of the site, key issues and impacts, habitats and species, and how they can be protected. Councillor Molyneux added: "This is an excellent piece of work. "This is a real statement about what we have always said about the development that actually the natural habitat is one of the key selling points and we must do what we can to make sure that is maintained."