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A mysterious plant caused a stir, on the day that Stroud in Bloom judges were due in town. A reader contacted Stroud Life, concerned that a King Street planter was home to a cannabis plant. However Stroud Town Council's ground staff, who tend the planters confirmed that the mystery flower was in fact a Cleome Odyssey, a half-hardy annual which is a popular bedding plant producing fast growing spider flowers and numerous flower stems.

Stroud 'weed' mystery solved

FOR any player at any level pre-season is a time of dread but for Gloucester conditioning coach Paddy Anson it is truly his time to shine. The Cherry and Whites have been sowing the seeds for success during their second week of preparations for the upcoming campaign with fitness guru Anson at the helm. It is the time to separate the wheat from the chaff, a time of blood, sweat and tears and it comes as no surprise if a player is not talking to the former Royal Marine at the end of the day. With no director of rugby or head coach currently in situ there is certainly a different feel within the camp but by no means is it rudderless. Anson (inset) is determined to ensure the likes of John Afoa, Richard Hibbard and Tom Palmer are in prime condition when the full squad and coaching staff come together on July 21. He said: "The plans were implemented towards the end of last season and David Humphreys has been in contact since I found out about his appointment. "He's been making sure there's direction, that the players know what the standards are and Laurie Fisher has also been in touch. "We know when we come together as a coaching group on July 21st that everything will be in place to concentrate on rugby. "They've been happy with the sessions and have overseen them. They talk to myself Alex Brown or Trevor Woodman on a daily basis so they have a good handle on what's going on and they see the videos at the end of each day." Anson has been impressed by the new faces at Hartpury but he insists no player has stood out across the board and he will now strive to ensure the balance of pace, power, strength and fitness is right. And there has been an increased emphasis on strength to ensure Gloucester are suitably equipped to tackle an increasingly ferocious breakdown. He said: "It's difficult for the new guys to know the standards, they can see it on paper but when you put it all together the problems starts. Some are particularly strong or particularly fit but it's about getting that balance and that's the same with the players already here. "They have all been impressive and come with their own strengths in certain areas. We still have a lot of work to do and I make no bones about that. "We have to make sure we are in the right state come August and that Friday night against Northampton Saints. "The only slight shift is to increase the strength of the players. The contact area and breakdown gets more and more physical each year. "Having that fitness base is all right but teams are being dominated there in the first 30 minutes and if you are waiting for your fitness to kick in sometimes it is almost too late because you've already been outmuscled. "A few teams in the Premiership are finding that, even at the top, so we have to make sure the players are as physically prepared as possible and that the technique is spot on." Anson addresses the issue with a weekly 'combat toughness session' but it was a less confrontational lung-busting session that the players began with at Sandford Park Lido on Tuesday. He added: "It's a different stimulus, they do this twice a week, I believe it helps them to recover ahead of the next session and the work has a cardiovascular carry over in terms of their fitness and well-being. "They're a good bunch of guys, they're working really hard and the last two weeks have been a real success. I'm really happy with the way they have trained, the way they've prioritised their training and recovery. "On a Wednesday we do a session with a lot of close-quarter combat work, wrestling, grappling mixed with bulldog sleds, prowlers and gassers where players have to get off the floor and think quickly. It's all reaction and once they have done that, they play a game of rugby. You overload their cardiovascular system and also physically."

Paddy Anson pleased with pre-season progress at Gloucester

A GROUP of ladies told former journalist turned Labour MP Gloria De Piero what women actually want over a cup of tea in Gloucester today. As a part of her role as shadow minister for women and equalities, Ms De Piero is meeting women from across the country to talk about some of the issues that matter most to them. The former political editor for GMTV joined Labour candidate for Gloucester Sophy Gardner to meet with a group of ladies at the Guildhall as part of her "What Women Want" tour. Zero-hour contracts, the so-called bedroom tax, sex and relationship education, domestic violence and tuition fees were just some of the topics raised. Speaking to the Citizen, Ms De Piero said: "The only way to keep in touch with voters is to get out and listen to them. "Women feel disillusioned and disconnected from politics. "I don't think it is extreme to say that politics is broken. We have to do something to fix it and we have to do something about the dwindling number of people who vote. "When I knock on doors it is more likely that a woman will say they are not going to vote. "I think that is because of the way we do our politics. "We need to stop talking in a language that only politicians understand and start making promises that we can keep. "These informal discussions are so fulfilling and they teach me so much." High School for Girls student Molly Lane, 18, was among those who met with Ms De Piero. She said: "Politics seems inaccessible to me because of my age and because I am female. "No one in my family votes. They feel so disillusioned with politics. But it was empowering to vote for the first time in the EU elections." Khushbu Hussain, 21, said she found it difficult to trust politicians. "I lost faith in the system after Nick Clegg made that massive u-turn on tuition fees," she said. "I am hoping to study a second degree but I am scared of the debt and not being able to pay it off." Heather Tucker, a representative from a local domestic violence charity, raised the issue of role models for teenagers. She said: "Relationships and respect should be taught from a young age and then schools need to reiterate the message. "Role models are important but getting a beautiful celebrity to tell children it doesn't matter what you look like is not the way forward." Meanwhile Kay Mills raised the issue of the Government closures of Sure Start children's centres. Ms De Piero is expected to present her findings to Ed Miliband in March. Sophy Gardner said: "I am delighted that Gloria has come here to visit us. "It is great to have conversations with people discussing a variety of issues and I am pleased about some of the issues that have come up."

Labour MP Gloria De Piero finds out what women want in Gloucester

MIKE Teague has hailed Gloucester's new regime as the Cherry and Whites enter the David Humphreys era. Following a bitterly disappointing season the club have undertaken a major overhaul of the back room staff. Former Ireland and Ulster great Humphreys was installed as Nigel Davies' successor and a star-studded coaching team has been brought in beneath him. Laurie Fisher will head up on field matters with John Muggleton (defence), Nick Walshe (backs/attack) and Trevor Woodman (scrum) assisting. And Gloucester great Teague (inset), who made 301 appearances for the club, has applauded the board for backing up their ambitions with top-class appointments. He said: "You have to feel for Nigel because he did not have that level of support and investment. But it seems the problems with the coaching staff have been addressed. "It is a new dawn and new era of rugby at Gloucester and you have to applaud the guys making those decisions. They have been brave and forthright. "It's a really positive move by the club to bring in all these exciting new coaches and it will be really beneficial for the players. They will have confidence in what has been done and that they are getting the very best coaching. "Humphreys has been very successful at Ulster and knows what it takes to make a group of players successful. "I'm particularly pleased for Trevor Woodman, I have championed his cause in the past and it's great that Gloucester have kept him involved. He understands the mentality, culture, heritage and history of the club." Teague, who was brought in to present Gloucester jerseys last season, reckons the club have got the blend of youth and experience in their backroom staff right. But he knows it is vital that any egos are put aside and the hugely successful coaches bond as a cohesive unit. He said: "It will be interesting to see how they all gel together as they have all been successful in their own right but hopefully they can put Gloucester where they should be. "There's no substitute for experience and that will rub off on the players but you also need young coaches who are a bit closer to the players. I think Gloucester have that mix and got the balance right. "They have young, exciting talent and older more experienced, traditional coaches, it is all very exciting. "John Muggleton has won the World Cup as a coach and Woodman has won it as a player so they know what success at the top takes." Teague is cautiously optimistic about the Cherry and Whites' upcoming campaign and he reckons qualification for the European Rugby Champions Cup and even a top four Premiership finish is a realistic target. That would be leaps and bounds ahead of the lowly ninth-place finish last season but he reckons the club have made major strides across the board. He added: "There's no doubt that this squad is stronger than the one we had last year. The whole structure has moved on and it will be exciting to see how it pays off. "We come back to the old adage 'always the bridesmaid never the bride' with Gloucester but now it's exciting times and the club can move forward. "The way the game is moving forward we need to be in the top tier of European competition. Getting back there has to be the target. "Finishing in the top four of the Premiership would also be great but I think it's a bit too soon to be talking of finishing right at the top. "There has been a big investment and we all want to see a return."

Gloucester legend Mike Teague excited for new Cherry and White era

Banksy has supposedly weighed into the debate over a piece of his art set to be removed - by joining Twitter. The anonymous street artist is thought to have joined the social media site under the handle @CheltersBanksy, to put his point across about 'Spy Booth' in Cheltenham. The Twitter profile does not yet have the 'blue tick' used to verify famous people on the site. The famous artist, who confirmed the piece was his earlier this month, tweeted: "Won't be here long. Just long enough to put my views over about what people are trying to do with my artwork. "The point of the piece is #GCHQ and my contempt for their attempts to listen in on all aspects of our daily lives. #CheltenhamBanksy "As a result, this idea of turning the admittedly run-down house into a museum about spying is totally alien to the piece. #CheltenhamBanksy "Also want to say if I wish I'd known more about the owner of the house. Might have found another phone box. #CheltenhamBanksy "I don't mind the right people benefiting from selling my pieces but better it benefits community (as in Bristol). #CheltenhamBanksy "In an ideal world, it would stay in situ. Understand desire to sell, just wish recipient more community minded. #CheltenhamBanksy "I may have more to say tomorrow. Meantime, I am seriously pissed off at the Tories trying to use it for electioneering. #CheltenhamBanksy "I wouldn't want any political group using it for such a purpose but don't try and pretend you're doing it for 'the people'." The piece of art on the side of a house in Hewlett Road has been at the centre of a row since Q Scaffolding turned up over a week ago, with residents thinking they were set to remove and sell the artwork. Since then residents have clubbed together behind local business woman Angela De Souza to raise #1 million to stop the sell. They have currently raised #110,000 towards stopping the sale, but have been allowed more time after the council issued a stop notice on the Grade II listed building. While the debate continues, the Secretary of Culture, Media and Sport, Sajid Jahvid, is set to visit the Banksy on Thursday to show his support for the local campaign.

Has Banksy joined Twitter? Artist posts to defend Cheltenham 'spies' piece

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of former Hartpury College student Alex Peguero Sosa. Lee Dent from East Portlemouth appeared before Torbay magistrates to face a charge he murdered Alex who died after an incident near a taxi rank at Kingsbridge at the weekend. Dent, 42, of Cross Lane, East Portlemouth appeared in the dock wearing a navy blue T-shirt and spoke only to confirm his name age and address. He was not required to enter any pleas. He was remanded in custody to the next hearing at Plymouth Crown on July 10. Alex was a youth player with Plymouth Argyle. A vigil is to be held on Plymouth Hoe tomorrow organised by his father. A preliminary hearing has been listed for July 28 and a plea and case management hearing for October 28.

Lee Dent appears in court charged with murder of former Hartpury College student Alex Peguero Sosa

THRILLSEEKERS who have paid to fight zombie armies could be left out of pocket after party business ZombieXperience announced it has ceased trading. The company has told customers that all forthcoming events have been cancelled and that refunds are unable to be dealt with. It comes after business owner Dan Hatton, 33, from Gloucester, was jailed for 12 months on Monday as the ringleader of a stolen bicycle gang generating thousands of pounds in an eBay scam. In a statement on Facebook, ZombieXperience said: "ZombieXperience will cease to trade with immediate effect. Any forthcoming events are cancelled. "The owner of the business is in prison. He is the only one who knows how to control payments and refunds. Sending messages regarding these issues cannot be dealt with right now. "All we can do is apologise and try to deal with it as we go." When his venture launched in October, Hatton told the Citizen he was leaving his previous business "repairing bikes" behind to become the biggest name in his new field. But it has now been revealed that he was part of a sophisticated con in which members of his gang stole top-end bikes and delivered them to his home, where he swapped parts around to conceal their identities He then sold them on eBay. Hundreds of customers have taken to Facebook to voice their concerns. John Bayliss said: "We only booked two weeks ago. We were really looking forward to it." Scott Hutchinson said: "Not bothered about how to get my zombie fix, I'm bothered about when and if I'm going to get my £280 back." A spokesman for Gloucestershire Trading Standards said: "If consumers have paid money to the individual and he is not going to honour the ZombieXperience then this is a breach of contract and they should be entitled to get a full refund. "To enforce this, they would need to go through the small claims court. If the individual has no money and is not around to respond to their claim then unfortunately they are unlikely to get any money back. "If consumers paid by credit card and the total amount of the contract is over £100 then they would have a claim with respect to the credit card provider under the Consumer Credit Act 1974." For further advice consumers can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 03454 040506. ZombieXperience's Facebook page appeared to have been taken down on Tuesday. No-one from the company was available to comment.

Confusion over refunds after ZombieXperience ceases trading

Motorists are being told to expect delays on some routes into the city centre tonight (Tuesday) after a road traffic collision near the Barnwood roundabout. Delays into the centre of Gloucester and Eastern Avenue are the worst affected routes. The A38 eastbound is clear but traffic is backing up heading west.

Expect delays during rush hour into Gloucester city after collision

Perry orchards and a circular walk with new footpaths are some of the stand out ideas put up by the community to help shape the future of Churchdown and Innsworth. The area has a rich fruit heritage, with Parton and Purton Road named after variety of pears. That heritage could become a key part of the neighbourhood plan currently being thrashed out by the community. Other ideas put forward for the new neighbourhood plan include compulsory solar panels on all new houses, the protection of historic trees and the development of wildlife areas to help protect species of birds such as yellow hammer, swift and skylarks. Ideas have been offered by all areas of the Churchdown and Innsworth communities after an appeal was put out by parish councils to help form a blueprint for future development. Pat Austin, chairman of Innsworth Parish Council, said: "There have been lots of good ideas to have been put forward so far, but we need more, especially from young people. "Some think development decisions for this area are a done deal, but that isn't the case. "The idea of a pub to replace the old Bullfinch is a good one. We have also spoken with around 30 people who live in a three bedroom house on their own but would rather live in a bungalow and stay in Innsworth, but they are just not available. "An older persons complex would be very popular, as would a football and cricket pitch. "I have lived here all my life and this area is changing. We need a bigger burial ground and a multi-faith place of prayer would also be good for the soldiers at Innsworth." Residents and businesses first met at GL3 Community Hub in February to have their say on how they would like to see development progress in the area over the next two years. Since then, steering groups have been formed so early ideas can be taken on to the next level of discussion and implementation. A keen emphasis was placed on preserving wildlife in the parish. Nesting boxes, bat boxes and the importance of suitable vegetation nearby in wildlife corridors were also suggested as part of a regional survey. Ruth Warne, Churchdown Parish Council clerk, said: "The results showed an emphasis on retaining existing character and historic features in the area. "This area used to be famous for its perry pear orchards. To have a focus on recreating some of these could be an interesting and distinctive feature of the plan. "There used to be many ponds which were once important to the local economy. Creation of new ponds and orchards would be of great benefit in terms of biodiversity. "There has been an interesting proposal for a circular walk and we also talked about creating a forage trail and forage trail map." Residents have filled out questionnaires online, with two major plans being prepared to influence new housing and development as part of the county's Joint Core Strategy. Planners will visit shops, schools, and community centres to help encourage public involvement with finalised plan expected to be in place by 2015.

New church, pub and perry orchards latest ideas for Innsworth neighbourhood plan

Survivors of organ transplant surgery have been re-living their emotional experiences to encourage more people in Gloucestershire to sign up as donors. In Gloucestershire, 34 residents have died due to the shortage of organs in the last five years and there are currently 115 people in the county waiting for a transplant. NHS Blood and Transplant is highlighting the figures to encourage people to spell out their decision to be an organ donor during National Transplant Week that runs until Sunday, July 13. The aim of this year's campaign is to increase awareness that the decision to donate a loved one's organs falls to the family if you die in circumstances where you can donate. If you've already talked about it, your family won't have the burden of having to guess what you would have wanted at an incredibly difficult time and they are more likely to support your decision to donate. One inspirational story of selfless sacrifice told this week has been of Lily Gidley and her husband Geoff who suffered irreversible kidney failure two years ago. The Highnam couple faced an anxious wait on the transplant list as Geoff waited for a donor. But after a year, Lily decided to offer one of her own healthy kidneys to help revitalise her husband. The operation was a success and both have since made a full recovery. They piled their weight behind a campaign from Lloyds Pharmacy at the Eastgate Shopping Centre this week on behalf of Kidney Research UK to encourage people to become donors. Geoff, 66.said: "My wife said she was happy to be considered as a donor but I had no idea whether it would be a good enough match or whether she would be fit enough. "It was a very stressful time. There was a lot of uncertainty and ups and downs, hopes raised and hopes dashed. "We found out it was a good enough match. I was immensely grateful and concerned. It's a major operation and in some ways it's a bigger operation for her than me. I didn't have a lot of choice in the matter. I was ill and was going to get worse." The operation went ahead in Southmead Hospital in Bristol in May, with pharmacist Mrs Gidley, 62, having keyhole surgery. Retired Geoff, who worked for Gloucestershire County Council as an employment co-ordinator, said: "It was marvellous. When we came round we looked pretty rough but were alive and kicking and able to get out of bed in 24 hours." The transplant proved to make a dramatic difference to his health. Lily said: "I thought it seemed the best way to go to see if I could donate my kidney. You don't really think about it completely until you are about to go under the anaesthetic." "We now look forward to doing things because we have got our lives back." Sally Johnson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant said: "Last year 43 people living in Gloucestershire benefited from a life-saving organ transplant thanks to families making the decision to donate when a loved one died, a decision that we know makes them incredibly proud. "We know that families are much less likely to allow organ donation to go ahead if they don't know it's what their loved one wanted. "To help more people we need everyone, even if you're one of the 322,050 people on the NHS Organ Donor Register in Gloucestershire, to tell those closest to you that you want to donate your organs. Please have the conversation and spell it out." To add your name to the donor register, sign up in secondshere

Transplant survivors call for more organ donors in Gloucestershire

THE MOTHER of a young girl with severe disabilities has spoken about how a local hospice for children has changed the lives of her family for the better. Julie Birukova and her husband Nick Birukov have three children 12-year old twins Anna and Nadya and 14-year-old Katya. Katya was born with a condition lissencephaly which has severely hampered her development. Julie said: "The surface of Katya's brain is smooth unlike most brains which are full of folds. "It means she is very prone to seizures which can happen at any time, it's realty uncontrollable epilepsy. "And her development has been very affected – she's like an eight month old baby - she can't speak she can communicate in sounds and gestures if we ask if she wants a drink but she's like a baby. "Her life is limited and she needs 24-hours care." When Julie and Nick moved to Brockworth from London seven years ago they were not aware of the service provided by Acorns Children's' hospice which serves families in the Midlands and Gloucestershire. Julie said: "It's been absolutely life-changing. Katya goes to Acorns every three to four months normally for four days at a time. It can be very hard looking after Katya, if she's having seizures all night Nick and I are up with her and that can frighten her sisters. "And they've always known not that Katya comes first but that her needs are so severe that she must be looked after. This year for the first time ever we're able to take them for a holiday abroad." But it's not just the time off for the family and the care Katya receives that means Julie praises Acorns. She said: "Anna and Nadya can go to the siblings group – with other people who are siblings of someone whose life is limited. They don't have to explain themselves, the people in the group just know and understand. "WE have a family liaison worker, Sandra. It's a whole package of care that Acorns give. We can talk to Sandra id Katya is unwell. "And there's family accommodation at the hospice. We were able to stay there the first couple of times Katya stayed there. If you think that she could have a seizure and possibly die at any time, leaving her was terrifying. But the staff know her now, there's always someone she knows there. And we know the care she gets there is amazing. "The help Acorns has given us in incredible." Susan Hayward, Head of Care at Acorns for the three counties area said: "The aim of the hospice is to provide a home-from-home for children and young people with life threatening and life limiting conditions, and their families. "We provide a range of support services tailored to meet the needs of each individual family member." It costs £7,500 a day to run Acorns hospice. A charity dog walk has been arranged for Sunday at Painswick Beacon by Acorns Gloucester support group. People can choose between a four o4 eight kilometre walk. There is a £5 registration fee for each dog, and all money raised will go towards providing care for life limited and life threatened children, and their families, in the Three Counties. Registration is at 12 noon at the Walkers Car Park. For further details please telephone organisers Mike Pezet on 01451860915 or Pat Chase on 01452813196. To make donations or help by donating unwanted clothing and household items to Acorns shops. For further details visit www.acorns.org.uk/charity-donation

Acorns Hospice care 'life-changing' for Brockworth family

Radical methods to help ease pressure on Gloucester healthcare by building a new community hospital in the city are due to be discussed on the political floor. The Liberal Democrats of Gloucester City Council have put forward a motion to be heard to drum up support for a satellite hospital to open in the city, specialising in elderly care. It is hoped the facility would help relieve mounting pressure on the overstretched A&E department at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The county hospitals trust has seen a spike in attendances as a result of many patients struggling to secure GP appointments and turning to A&E instead, health chiefs claimed. Simon Stevens, the new chief executive of the NHS has said smaller community hospitals should play a bigger role, especially in the care of older patients. Gloucestershire currently has seven community hospitals, mainly in more rural areas. They are managed by Gloucestershire Care Services Trust, with an average inpatient age of 83. Councillor Phil McLellan, who has proposed the motion at the city council, said "There is no community hospital in Gloucester, the closest being Tewkesbury, and patients from Gloucester are spread around the county.. "They are often far from their loved ones and friends, many of whom will inevitably be of the same generation. "We believe it is time for a new community hospital in Gloucester and this belief has been heightened by recent comments from the new chief executive of the NHS." A new £10 million Tewkesbury Community Hospital opened in October, nine weeks after the scheduled date because of problems with electrical and mechanical equipment. Further investment of around £3.9 million last year saw new integrated community nursing teams to support more people with long-term health conditions. Councillors are now calling for more investment in facilities to help fulfil increased demand from a growing, ageing population. Duncan Jordan, Chief Operating Officer at Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust said: "We are committed to providing high quality health and social care for the people of Gloucestershire, whether it is in one of our seven community hospitals, or through our integrated community teams who provide care in people's homes." "These new strengthened teams include a rapid response and high intensity service, in order to provide local people with urgent care in their own homes within an hour, and help prevent unnecessary hospital admissions. "Following the success of this pilot in Gloucester, this has now been introduced in Cheltenham and will be rolled out to other parts of the county later this year." The Better Care Fund announced for 2015/16 by the Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group is helping bridge the gap between hospital and home. Chair of Gloucester City locality executive at the CCG, Dr Mike Roberts said steps had already been taken to help with the burden of community care arriving at over-stretched hospitals. "We are fortunate in Gloucester to have a district general hospital on the door step," he said. "Our focus in the city has been on improving rehabilitation care and strengthening our Integrated Community Teams. "This development is helping us meet the challenge of caring for a growing older population, supporting people with long term health conditions, and in many cases, providing high quality care at home rather than in hospital."

Discussions planned for new community hospital in Gloucester

Brazil 1 Germany 7 No Neymar, no Silva, no hope. Brazil's World Cup dream was shattered in 30 crushing first-half minutes in front of their disbelieving fans tonight. The World Cup hosts were humiliated by a ruthless German side who booked their place in the final for the first time for 12 years. The game lasted as a contest for 11 minutes. That was how long it took Thomas Muller to expose Brazil's defensive frailties and put the Germans ahead. Eleven minutes later it was 2-0 as Miroslav Klose took advantage of more slack defending to score his 16th World Cup finals goal, putting him out in front as the competition's record goalscorer. Brazil were shellshocked but no one could have predicted what was to happen in the next seven minutes. Toni Kroos made it three in the 24th minute, then four in the 26th minute before Sami Khedira made it five three minutes later. Yes, the Germans were good, very good, but Brazil were truly shocking. There was no leadership in the absence of the suspended Thiago Silva with stand-in skipper David Luiz proving a very poor substitute. Luiz, with his penchant for charging forward from central defence, was the architect of many of Brazil's problems. Left-back Marcelo was no better but no Brazilian player emerged from this game with any credit. There was no structure to Brazil, no organisation and they were ruthlessly exposed by efficient opponents who were too strong, played as a team and always picked out a team-mate if they were better placed in front of goal. Further forward the injured Neymar was always going to be a huge miss for Brazil but even their most optimistic fans would be hard-pressed to make a case for a different result had their talisman played. Brazil were booed off by their supporters at half-time - they would have expected little else - and coach Phil Scolari made a couple of changes with Paulinho and Ramires going on for Fernandinho and Hulk at the start of the second half. Oscar and Paulinho tested German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer early on but normal service was soon resumed as strong-running substitute Andre Schurrle made it six in the 69th minute. Ten minutes later the Chelsea wide man - as much a Jose Mourinho type player as Luiz is not - made it seven with a rasping shot which went in off the bar. Mezut Ozil should have scored an eighth but shot wide with only Julio Cesar to beat before Oscar grabbed a consolation goal just before the final whistle. Germany await the winners of tomorrow's semi-final between Argentina and the Netherlands and few would now bet against them being crowned champions on Sunday.

Police have now opened an investigation into the conduct of the headteacher of Field Court CofE Infant School in Quedgeley. Karen Hart stepped down from her role last month amid allegations of financial irregularities involving school funds. The board of governors at the academy are currently carrying out their own inquiry ahead of a final hearing with Mrs Hart on Wednesday July 16. Assistant headteacher Zoe Carciero has taken over day leadership of the school. Adele Saunders, chairman of Field Court Infants Academy board of governors, said: "We can't provide any more details until the investigation is complete. "Myself, the board of governors and all of the school staff remain committed to making sure every child gets the best quality teaching and learning in every class, every day."

Police investigating Field Court CofE Infant school headteacher Karen Hart

Businessman Adrian Elvy is celebrating moral victory over British Gas after it hounded him over bills he had already paid. He was embroiled in a bitter row with the company after it accused him of failing to pay a £1,600 combined gas and electricity bill at a building he moved out of in 2009. Mr Elvy said his "nightmare" ended when British Gas refunded his four-figure legal bill after he said he was forced to call in a solicitor to settle the dispute. "It was the sheer arrogance of them as they went through a number of different debt collection companies and followed me around the country but I fought them tooth and nail and finally won, so I am chuffed to bits," said Mr Elvy, who runs Stock Wizards at Strawberry Hill business park in Newent. British Gas said Mr Elvy was not billed for electricity and gas used between July 2007 and April 2009 at Wellesley Road, Cheltenham, until 2011 and 2012 respectively. But Mr Elvy said payments were made but not allocated to his account. He said it was not until he involved his solicitor and the energy ombudsman that British Gas decided to "close the complaint". Mr Elvy said the dispute caused a decline in his credit rating and the collapse of a property purchase. Ombudsman Debra Vaughan-Massey reviewed the dispute and instructed British Gas to send a written apology for their "shortfalls in service" and award Mr Elvy compensation and £400 as a gesture of goodwill. But he has recently received a cheque for £1,763 from the company which covers his legal fees and a £400 "goodwill gesture". He said: "It has been a massive nightmare – I have a file as thick as an encyclopaedia full of letters. I do have a bit of an axe to grind but If there are people in a similar situation who feel they can justify a claim against British Gas they should jump on the bandwagon. I feel I have a moral victory but I wish it had never started." Catrin Millar, a spokesman for British Gas, said: "I would like to apologise unreservedly to Mr Elvy for the stress and inconvenience caused. There were unacceptable delays and we should have done much more to resolve the situation, including making Mr Elvy aware of the ombudsman, which is free and impartial. "We have now cleared the outstanding balance, paid Mr Elvy's solicitors fees and offered him a goodwill gesture for the delays and inconvenience caused."

PLANS have been revealed for an academy for students with behavioural difficulties in Brockworth. The proposal, subject to planning permission being granted, is for the school to be built opposite Millbrook Academy, in Mill Lane, where the football and rugby pitches are currently located. Greenfield Academy would cater for 50 students aged between 11 and 16 with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties and the venture has been jointly developed by Academies Enterprise Trust and Gloucestershire County Council. A letter was circulated to residents in Brockworth this week. Malcolm Reeve, executive director at Academies Enterprise Trust, said: "The designs have been carefully developed to avoid any loss of sports pitches and include some work to improve the drainage of these pitches to permit their use all year round. "The proposed site offers convenient access for pupils from Cheltenham and Gloucester and will mean that most of them can be closer to their local communities and their friends. "The new building will offer a modern, much improved teaching and learning environment, with easy access to a wide range of facilities at the adjacent Millbrook Academy." Greenfield Academy is currently based at The Peak Academy in Dursley - a special school for young people with behavioural, emotional and social difficulties also sponsored by AET - until a new building is built. The Academies Enterprise Trust, the nation's largest academy school sponsor, runs ten schools in the West, including several in Gloucestershire, Swindon and Bristol, among its 80 nationwide. Greenfield Academy would become the AET's third school in Brockworth as it already sponsors Millbrook Academy and Brockworth Primary Academy. Mr Reeve said that when the buildings for Greenfield Academy are open, there will be good opportunities for the schools to work together. There will be an opportunity for members of the public to view the design proposals between 5pm and 7pm on Tuesday, July 22, in the main hall at Brockworth Community Centre.

Plans revealed for academy school for students with behavioural difficulties in Brockworth

HEARTLESS thieves have stolen a playhouse treasured by children at a Kingsway pre-school group. Staff at Flutterbugs nursery discovered that their much-loved cottage had been stolen when they arrived at work on Monday morning. The large playhouse was paid for by the group, which meets at Kingsway Community Centre, through a series of fundraising events. Manager Lucy Brown said: "We are devastated. It is the childrens' favourite resource and they are really upset. "They keep asking where their cottage is. "It is so sad that people steal from a community group offering care and support to local families depriving the children of a much-loved and played with house." The playhouse had not long been in use when it was stolen. It was purchased two months ago for £200 and has become a feature of the nursery. No other damage was done to the property and nothing else was taking during the incident. "It is a big playhouse and it is heavy so there must have been more than one person and I am guessing it was premeditated," said Lucy. "We just hope the culprits might feel really bad that they have stolen it and return it to us." Kingsway Residents' Association has offered to help pay towards a replacement. This summer Flutterbugs is moving premises to a building near Kingsway Primary School. Staff are appealing for help from people in the community to help them with their removal efforts. "We are trying to maintain a structured and nice environment for the children before we break up for summer as we are going through a big move," said Lucy. "So to have the playhouse stolen is the last thing we needed. It is just more upset." Anyone who is able to provide transport or lend a hand to Flutterbugs during their move should contact Lucy at flutterbugs@live.co.uk

Heartless thieves steal treasured playhouse from Kingsway nursery

RICHARD Hibbard is counting down the days until he is unleashed on the Premiership and insists he will put his body on the line at all costs. The Welsh wrecking ball has been out of action since injuring his shoulder during the Six Nations. By the second encounter of the Championship the hooker struggled to lift his arms and following the culmination of the tournament he went under the knife. It has been a frustrating spell on the side-lines, particularly missing Wales' summer tour of South Africa, but Hibbard is ready to do it all again as he bids to bring success to Gloucester. Hibbard: "It was frustrating and it's difficult being injured but the only time you really get a rest is when you're injured. I'm gutted I missed the tour but I'm also glad I've had time to rest up. "The shoulder was gradually getting worse and worse. Coming back from the Lions, I had a short break, played some rugby with the Ospreys, had some hard autumn internationals and it started taking its toll by Christmas. "By the second game of the Six Nations I could hardly lift my arm up so I knew it was just a matter of time before I was broken but it's all good now. "I can't wait to get on the pitch, it will be like the first day of school and you want to impress the teachers. "The fans can expect nothing less than what I always do. The day I stop doing that is the day I have to stop, I won't change my game no matter who I am playing for or how old I am, I have to be leading from the front." Hibbard made the most difficult decision of his playing career after buying into Nigel Davies' vision for the future but it is a very different Gloucester that the 30-year-old finds himself in now. But despite the initial disappointment of seeing the axe fall on his fellow Welshman, he has been enthused by the appointments made since and reckons the Cherry and Whites can challenge on all fronts. Hibbard said: "I'm disappointed he's gone, I was looking forward to working with him again but that's sport for you, everything changes very fast and you have to adapt. "The recruitment they have done since, on the field with the players and off the field, is so impressive. The club have really showed their intent on the field and I'm looking forward to working with all these new people. "It was one of the most difficult rugby decisions of my life, I was in my 10th season at the Ospreys and if I was going to move that was the time. "I spoke to a lot of people that had moved on and they said it was the best thing they had done, just to broaden your horizons, meet new people and gain new experiences. "When you start working with new people you start learning new tricks and different things that help you as a player, it doesn't matter if you are 18 and starting out or finishing at 33. "If you look at the Premiership final it almost exceeded the Heineken Cup such was the quality and whenever we have come up against them there have always been quality teams. "From the top to the bottom they are good, organised teams, being part of that will improve my game. There are big teams and big men in this league and you really have to knock them down. "I would like to be in the top tier of Europe but with the group we have we can really push on and there's a guaranteed seed if we win it. We have to go for everything, with the squad size and quality we have we should be challenging for everything." The question on every supporter's lips this summer has been will Hibbard fall victim to the traditional shaven head for new arrivals or face the eight-pint milk challenge. But the British and Irish Lions Test star insists there is no chance he will be losing his golden locks. He added: "I'd like to see the guy that shaves my hair. They keep trying to wind me up but I will go down fighting. "I think there's a milk challenge which is possible and there must be an age limit I'm over 30 now so they can't touch me."

Richard Hibbard raring to go ahead of new season

Cinderford RFC have completed their coaching line-up with the appointment of Geraint Davies as backs coach and Richard Planchant as United coach. Davies also coaches at Gloucester Rugby Academy and is a regional trainer experienced in skills and conditioning. Former Chosen Hill Former Pupils RFC Planchant comes to Dockham Road to work alongside United team manager Paul Morris after a successful season for the second string last term. Davies and Planchant join Andy Deacon, who has been reappointed as professional rugby manager, new head coach Neil Loader and assistant coach Saul Nelson. Loader said: "While we finished well in 11th place, we are looking to cement our position even higher in National One. "It's my job to build a stronger team, and secure our position in playing rugby at the highest level. "I am really excited to welcome both Saul and Geraint; they represent a significant addition to the backroom staff. "Both have vast talent in coaching at a high level and are well respected in the southwest. "I have terrific support in Andy Deacon and also Paul Morris who provide that important bridge between the good things we have achieved to date and where we are going with our new set up. "We met with the majority of players last week and I am pleased with the huge player retention we have in the squad from last year, which gives us a great platform to build on. "With change and new blood comes many exciting opportunities and I know the guys are totally positive and upbeat to embrace this change and improve their performance individually and as a collective. We will be looking at all aspects of the game, individual skills, game/player analysis and coaching, working at new levels of performance. "We are in the process of finalising some new signings, of course, and the new coaches are hard at work building and shaping the squad and back room staff for pre-season training. "We are also look to continue the flow of new young talent from grassroots and feed them into Cinderford."

Cinderford complete coaching line-up with Geraint Davies and Richard Planchant

AFTER months of poor broadband service, Andy Clarke has channelled his frustrations towards music and written an "Ode to Sky" Andy, of Pound Lane, in Hardwicke, has posted the four minute song, in the style of Richard Stilgo, on YouTube describing the painstaking efforts of getting his internet sorted out. The former BT engineer, who knows the infrastructure in the area, says his line speed has halved since he changed to Sky fibre broadband in June. "I have spent over 10 hours of my own time proving faults and supporting both Sky and BT Openreach in proving where the faults lie," said Andy, who now works as a mobile network consultant and also runs internet radio station Severn FM. "I am very disappointed with Sky and feel the service I have received has been very poor." Over the weekend Andy decided to share his story with a comical tune. "I have never written a song in my life but I managed to do this in two hours," said Andy. "Sky resell the BT Openreach wholesale product however it's clear the two companies are not capable of managing this product when there is a problem. "I have identified a number of faults, reported them to Sky only to be told that it's with BT Openreach and that they have to wait for them to respond. This is a real cop out in my opinion and more work needs to be done when backing off someone else's product as your own." The poor line speed and instability has lasted for over a month and went completely dead on two occasions. Andy has had many visits from engineers over the past month. BT Openreach has provided a temporary fix until it has replaced 180 metres of cable. A Sky spokesman said: "We were sorry to learn of the difficulties Mr Clarke has encountered. We will be contacting Mr Clarke to offer a gesture of goodwill for the inconvenience caused."

Ode to Sky: Hardwicke customer pens a song to voice his frustrations over poor service