The Cheltenham Green Party is calling on the Liberal Democrat-led Cheltenham Borough Council, and specifically Councillor Paul Baker, to make a clear and unequivocal declaration to protect the town’s allotments and other community green spaces. This urgent demand follows a local survey revealing widespread public anxiety over the perceived threat to these vital assets, exacerbated by recent national policy signals from Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and the council’s history of disposing of community resources.

In Cheltenham, these national concerns are amplified by the Liberal Democrat council’s track record of selling off community assets. Notable examples include:

• The controversial sale of Idsall Drive car park in Prestbury in 2024, despite a petition signed by over 1,000 residents opposing the move. The site was sold for £282,500 and is now back on the market for more than double the price with planning permission for housing.
• The ongoing sale of the Grade II-listed Municipal Offices, marketed since September 2024, with a buyer expected to be announced soon.
• The joint sale of Gloucestershire Airport in 2025 for over £25 million to Horizon Aero Group Ltd, as the councils sought to offload the asset requiring significant investment.
• The closure of the Swindon Road household recycling centre, which requires £1 million in upgrades and faces an uncertain future amid county council proposals.

To gauge local sentiment, the Cheltenham Green Party conducted a survey of Cheltenham residents, posted across various local social media  groups. The results, gathered from dozens of responses, paint a clear picture of alarm:

• A majority of respondents expressed being “very worried” about the threat to allotments, citing fears that the council will target community assets to raise funds amid financial pressures.
• Key concerns included the council’s past actions, with many referencing sales like Idsall Drive car park as evidence of a pattern.
• Respondents highlighted the multifaceted value of allotments, including benefits for mental health and wellbeing, food security through growing fresh produce, community connections, biodiversity, and access to green spaces for those without gardens.
• There was strong willingness to take action, with most indicating they would sign petitions, contact local councillors, attend council meetings, join peaceful demonstrations, share campaign messages on social media, and volunteer for protection efforts.

In comments to the survey when posted to local social media groups Councillor Paul Baker, the Lib Dem cabinet member responsible for allotments, commented:

“Such twoddle (sic),, as the Cabinet Member responsible for our allotments I have NO intention of selling off allotments, in fact we are investing in them and working hard to make unused plots available to our waiting list. More scaremongering from the author I’m afraid.”

Cllr Ashleigh Davies, Green Party Council Group Leader, said:

“These assurances fall short of the firm commitment residents are seeking. Councils act as custodians of community assets—they do not own them outright, and vague statements about current intentions do not guarantee long-term protection.

The council is already scaling back the community benefits promised for the Golden Valley Development, amid massive losses from other speculative ventures, notably the Minster Square Exchange, which incurred a £4.7 million overspend.”

Cllr Dr Ian Cameron, Green Party County Councillor, said:

“Our survey shows that Cheltenham residents are deeply concerned about losing these irreplaceable green spaces, which provide essential benefits for health, community, and the environment. The Liberal Democrats must go beyond saying ‘no plans yet’ and declare unequivocally that they will protect our allotments and green spaces from development. 

They can go further and commit to open up unused land such as Cakebridge Place for community food growing and that new housing projects such as Elm’s Park will have green spaces for recreation, wildlife, and allotments. 

After another extremely hot and dry summer, we must anticipate the changes of the climate emergency and start to create a cool green oasis for every community to enjoy.

I call on Councillor Paul Baker and the council to make this commitment now, reassuring the public that community assets will be safeguarded for future generations—not sold off when budgets tighten.”

For further media inquiries, please contact gary.clarke@cheltenham.greenparty.org.uk

The post Cheltenham Green Party Calls For Council Protection Commitment for Allotments appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

The Cheltenham Green Party today welcomed the decision by Cheltenham Borough Council to officially list Hardwick Green as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This landmark decision follows a dedicated campaign by the St Paul’s Road Area Residents Association (SPRA) and highlights the profound importance of local green spaces to the community.

The designation means that Hardwick Green is formally recognised for its social value to the St Paul’s community, providing an additional layer of protection against potential development and granting the community a formal opportunity to bid for the land should it come up for sale.

Councillor Ashleigh Davies, Green Party Council leader and borough councillor for St Pauls in Cheltenham, commented on the decision: “I’m thrilled to see the decision to make Hardwick Green an Asset of Community Value. This has been a real labour of love from a number of residents within St Pauls who have worked so hard to pull all of this information together. The people of St Pauls have made it clear that this green space is really important to them, and they will fight any effort to develop Hardwick Green.”

The University of Gloucestershire, the previous owner of the Hardwick Campus which includes Hardwick Green, recently completed its sale of the site to a developer. While pre-application discussions have indicated potential residential development, the ACV status ensures that the community’s interests are a material consideration in any future planning applications.

Councillor Davies further emphasised the broader significance of the decision: “The designation of Hardwick Green as an Asset of Community Value underscores its critical role. In an increasingly urbanised area like St. Paul’s, these precious green spaces are essential for everything from flood mitigation and supporting local wildlife to providing vital recreational and health benefits for residents. We must ensure local voices are central to decisions about our cherished community assets, especially when faced with significant land disposals.”

The Cheltenham Green Party applauds the tireless efforts of SPRA and all residents who contributed to this successful nomination. Their dedication demonstrates the power of community action in safeguarding invaluable local amenities. The Green Party remains committed to working with residents to protect and enhance Cheltenham’s green spaces for current and future generations.

The post Cheltenham Green Party Celebrates Hardwick Green’s Designation as an Asset of Community Value – A Victory for Community and Environment appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

Finally, we have launched the Prestbury and Swindon Village Community Speedwatch Group! It’s taken a while, with training, meetings and far more paperwork than I ever imagined! I’ve suggested that Swindon Village come in with us, which will hopefully increase the pool of available volunteers. We found that the sight of people in hi-viz jackets with a speed gun has an immediate effect on speeding drivers, but also the data we send to the police will back up our campaign to have a longer slower approach to the village down Southam Road and to reduce speeding generally. This would result in safer cycling, walking and horse-riding, better air quality, fewer accidents and less noise.

Noise is at the heart of another Prestbury problem, the volume of Wychwood festival. Last year many residents had their weekend spoiled by the noise and vibration from the festival so there is going to be a licence review and I have made a representation supporting the review. None of the complainants want to stop the festival happening, but they would like to be able to carry on with their usual activities while it is happening. Having attended a drop-in session with the organisers I am confident that there is goodwill on both sides and that a compromise will be reached.

A reminder – surgeries at the library take place from 10.00 till 12.00 on the third Saturday of the month!

Upcoming Prestbury People Planet Event!

On Saturday 5th April, Prestbury People Planet are putting on an event at Prestbury Parish Hall (opposite the school) called Waste Not Want Not. Apparently, I’ll be sharing a platform with Karen Watson from Ubico and Cate Cody (Green District Councillor and PPC for Tewkesbury) and speaking- (briefly! – on avoiding waste within the home. Any tips would be welcome.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION!

There is currently a public review of taxi and private-hire licensing policy on the council website which closes on 13th April. Please have your say!

The post Prestbury Ward News – March ’25 appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

Belated New Year greetings and Good Wishes to everyone celebrating a festival this month!

The last few weeks have brought foul weather and associated problems of mud. I reported mud around the mini roundabouts at the bottom of Blacksmiths Lane, which was subsequently cleaned up, but sadly not the cycleway and areas of the pavement. I strongly believe that pedestrians and cyclists have as much right to mud-free passage as motorists so, after further communication, there is agreement to clean the pavement, despite strained resources. I shall keep checking until it’s done!

I am continuing regularly to contact the County Council about other Highways issues in Prestbury such as flooding and speeding. The police Road Safety and Traffic Management Officer has agreed to meet me and look at the situation. If anyone has anything they would like me to take forward, please do get in touch.

Some residents of Prestbury have been in touch about Tetrapak/carton recycling. There is a ‘Waste Wizard’ tucked away on the council website which tells us where we can take them (often a long drive) so wouldn’t it be better to have Tetrapak/cartons collected at the kerbside? Your Green Councillors are asking for this to be funded in the forthcoming budget. In the meantime, the link to the Waste Wizard is below.

https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/5/bins_and_recycling/1781/waste_wizard

The big political news in December was that Gloucester County Council (GCC) wrote to parliament to request that the County Council elections in May be postponed. This is because a major shake-up of local government is planned. GCC drafted the letter without any consultation with other local councils and the Cheltenham Green councillors do not support postponing the elections.

Please note, my next surgery at the library will be on 8th February, NOT 15th as previously advertised.
Please continue to contact me with your concerns and comments!

The post Prestbury Ward News – January ’25 appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

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.

The post Prestbury Ward News – December ’24 appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

First of all, I must apologise for last month’s misinformation about Post Office facilities in Prestbury. I received an email from the Post Office on 12th September asking me to spread the word. Unfortunately I didn’t receive a follow up to say it wasn’t happening! I hope no-one was inconvenienced.

Prestbury this month has been dominated by roadworks. With the roadworks on the A435, it seems as if many drivers are not following the designated diversion on A roads, but cutting across Southam Lane and down the hill to the Noverton Lane roundabout. Half-term week was particularly bad as there were temporary traffic lights in the High Street and severe congestion. I spoke to an officer from the Highways department but apparently they don’t have the authority either to impose a lower speed limit on the hill or to restrict access.

On the subject of roads, I know that many Prestbury residents are concerned by speeding, particularly in Mill Lane. Would a 20 mph limit be the answer? Please let me have your views.

Heavy rain in October inconvenienced many, as Lake Street and Blacksmiths Lane again became ponds with inadequate drainage. Please, keep reporting problems on https://www.fixmystreet.com/ and I will keep badgering the County Council and Highways Department on your behalf.

Cheltenham residents have until 21st November to express their views on a Public spaces protection order (PSPO) consultation – Town Centre East car park. The link is at https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/21/consultations.

The next Green Councillor Surgery is at the library on November 16th. In the meantime if you want to contact me the email is cllr.jan.foster@cheltenham.gov.uk or phone 07858865821.

The post Prestbury Ward News – October ’24 appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

Compared with towns of a similar size, Cheltenham has a good range of sports and recreation facilities. We have plenty of green spaces within the town and the Cotswold hills are on our doorstep. We also have several sports fields and tennis courts dotted across the town, as well as the amazing Lido.

For over 40 years, we have also benefited from the Leisure Centre and the Prince of Wales Stadium. These were some of the best facilities in the country when they opened. For instance, very few leisure centres around the country have a diving pool and even fewer towns have a dedicated athletics stadium. Sadly, both are now in urgent need of significant investment.

The running track is no longer up to the required standard and until it is resurfaced it will not be able to host some athletic meets. The state of the leisure centre building means it is increasingly blighted with closures due to emergency structural work. Compared with towns of a similar size, Cheltenham has a good range of sports and recreation facilities. We have plenty of green spaces within the town and the Cotswold hills are on our doorstep.

The Cheltenham Trust does an amazing job to operate both aging facilities but without the right level of investment coming from the council, I do worry for the future of our sport and leisure in our town. The council needs to start explaining to the people of Cheltenham what they intend to do and how they will find the money needed.

Extreme weather needs to be treated like Covid

The leisure centre wasn’t the only building to suffer as a result of the almost biblical rains we have had in recent weeks. Much of Cheltenham was affected with roads flooded, roofs leaking, trains cancelled and schools closed.

Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common. One report from the UN has estimated they has quadrupled in the last 50 years.

The world, led by governments such as our own, needs to treat this with the same seriousness as it did for Covid. Many of the key issues the world is facing today such as immigration, wars and famine are directly or indirectly due to climate change. The world came together to find a solution to Covid and it has to do the same when it comes to dealing with the climate emergency.

Natalie Bennett coming to Cheltenham

Former Green Party leader, Baroness Bennett, will be coming to Cheltenham on the 29th October.

The event will be held at the Steam and Whistle pub near the train station and will start at 7.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now https://allevents.in/cheltenham/300040073712

The post The Future of Sport and Leisure Facilities in Cheltenham appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

Post Office:- Great news – Prestbury is to have a ‘light’ Post Office Service on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays at ‘Dearly Pre-Loved’ on the High Street, for parcels, bill payments and phone top-ups. See here for more info: Consultation Hub – Prestbury High St Drop & Collect GL52 3AR. Spread the word!

Idsall Drive and The Bank:- A planning application has been submitted for Idsall Drive car park site, Ref No: 24/01353/FUL, for one dwelling. People are already concerned about access to The Bank and Idsall Drive being restricted by builders’ lorries if permission is granted. The parking management team have been informed of these fears and residents should contact the police if the builders break highway laws.

Trees:- Sadly we’ve lost a couple of mature trees in the village recently. The Borough Council have adopted an updated Tree Inspection Protocol which includes an Ash Die-back Management Plan to help look after all the trees for which they are responsible.

Highways:- I know that some of Prestbury’s pavements and roads are in a bad state. I have reported pavement potholes on Fix My Street and I regularly badger our County Councillor about the state of our roads. I am assured that something will be done about them, eventually.

Consultation: – the Borough Council are currently having a public consultation on the Council Tax Support Scheme 2025-2026, at https://www.cheltenham.gov.uk/info/21/consultations. This is a chance for Cheltenham residents to give their views, whether or not they are claiming the benefit. The consultation closes on 4th October so don’t delay!

Surgeries:- My next surgery is on Saturday September 21st, 10.00 -12.00 at the library. It’s always nice to meet people and hear what’s on your minds. You can also contact me by email at cllr.jan.foster@cheltenham.gov.uk.

Kind regards,
Jan Foster,
Green Councillor for Prestbury.

The post Prestbury Ward News — September ‘24 appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

The Budget at the end of October will set the course for the rest of this parliament. Green MPs do not accept the need for public spending cuts. On the 4th July, the public didn’t vote for things to get worse.

We want a bold budget for investment in our broken public services and the green economy of the future. By increasing taxes on the wealthiest and reforming the entire system, we can avoid slashing public spending or cuts to winter fuel allowance. This fairer approach will also deliver something that is in short supply in Labour’s plans – real hope.

The Green Party wants tax changes to generate the funds needed to increase public health budgets to 2015/16 levels and boost GP funding; enable the government to restore social care charging reforms; restore and increase funding for nature-friendly farming and embark on a major programme of home insulation.

We need to invest in defending public services and protecting our environment – and we can do so with some changes to the tax system to ask the wealthiest in society to pay a little more. These tax changes are modest by the standards of many other European countries who recognise that having high quality public services and a greener economy needs investment.

This government risks pushing more people into poverty. They have removed winter fuel payments for pensioners and won’t budge on the cruel two-child benefit cap. Meanwhile, our NHS is severely overstretched, and this government has reduced funding for nature-friendly farming, just as this crucial scheme was starting to take off.

We can tackle poverty and inequality, improve wellbeing and protect our environment. These are political choices.

There are several vital proposals that Green MPs are calling for in the October budge, including:

• Introduce a wealth tax on multi-millionaires and billionaires
• Reform Capital Gains Tax so it aligns with income tax rates 
• Align tax rates on investment income with National Insurance rates on employment income  
• Remove the Upper Earnings Limit on National Insurance – stopping the tax break for higher earners. 
• Reform inheritance tax, ensuring that intergenerational transfers of wealth are taxed more fairly 
• Close the loopholes in the fossil windfall tax 
• Raise fuel duty to speed up the move to electric vehicles and generate funds to invest in public transport, active travel and fixing our potholed roads

The post The Country Voted for Change and Hope. When Does it Begin? appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.

This is a man without morals, who presided over a shambolic administration. The Conservatives have been voted out locally both at borough Council level, where they no longer have any councillors; and at Westminster, having lost their MP in July’s election.

You are not welcome here. Go and promote your book elsewhere Mr Johnson.

Protect Hardwick Green

The University of Gloucestershire’s Hardwick campus, situated in Cheltenham’s St Paul’s area, has been put up for sale. The field on the campus, Hardwick Green, is publicly accessible for now, but will be lost if the sale goes ahead and the planning is approved for 12 houses to be built on the Green.

Whilst we do not object to the sale of the site and the re-development of new housing on the space which is already built upon, we do object to any loss of the Green. It is the only green space within the boundaries of St Paul’s. It provides flood mitigation, urban cooling and an important recreational space for local residents.

Planners must also consider the impact the new housing will have on traffic and parking. Swindon Road is already one of the busiest cut-through roads in the town and the lack of parking in around Marsh Lane which borders the Green is already creating issues for locals. The St Paul’s Green Party councillors will be doing all they can to protect the area.

Where Are All The Insects?

The lack of insects this summer should be concern to us all. The UK ranks among the the bottom 10% of countries globally for biodiversity, with over 40% of all UK species experiencing significant population decline. One estimate puts insect numbers as being down 90-95% compared with a century ago. This matters. Insects support plant and crop pollination and are vital food source for many mammals. I have heard little on biodiversity from the Labour government so far. This must change.

The post Cheltenham Doesn’t Need Nor Want a Visit from Boris Johnson appeared first on Cheltenham Green Party.