This month I’ve been working to get the message out to eligible pensioners to apply for Pension Credit. You have to have applied by 21st December in order to get the Winter Fuel Payment. Apply at https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim. A cross party group of councillors has produced an information sheet which I’ve been distributing in the ward. A big thank you to the various Prestbury groups who have agreed to make it available, and to Cheltenham U3A for putting the information out in their newsletter.
Highways and flooding continue to be areas of major concern in the ward. I recently had a meeting with County Councillor Stephan Fifield to make sure he is aware of these issues.
The Swindon Road Recycling Centre is going to close for an indefinite period on 10th January. There are concerns about the impact of this locally, so please report any fly-tipping to 01242 262626 or use the form at https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/55/street_care_and_cleaning/365/fly-tipping_and_bins_on_the_highway.
Members of the public can now sponsor a native oak tree at the cemetery, to be planted near the new chapels, which will bring ecological and environmental benefits to the cemetery. If you are interested visit https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/tree-sponsorship.
Don’t forget that some refuse collection dates will change over the holiday period. You can check at
https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/5/bins_and_recycling/941/bank_holiday_waste_and_recycling_collections. The good news is that revised collections taking place on Wednesday 8, Thursday 9 and Friday 10 January will accept extra refuse and recycling. Refuse should be tied up in black bags beside your bin and extra
recycling should be sorted in the same way as in the boxes.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Jan Foster, Green Party Councillor for Prestbury Ward, Cheltenham.