Cllr Gill Moseley

11/02/2026

LOCAL GOVERNMENT RE-ORGANISATION - your views?

The Government has decided to abolish all county and district councils in England and replace them with unitary authorities. This means that all services currently provided by Gloucestershire County Council and the six district/borough/city councils including Forest of Dean District Council, will be provided instead by one unitary council. The government wants to know which of three options Gloucestershire residents prefer:

1. One countywide council or

2. Two councils splitting the county East-West (Cheltenham/Tewkesbury/Cotswold and Stroud/Gloucester/Forest of Dean) or

3 Two councils comprising Greater Gloucester. and the rest of the county.

Follow the link below to give your views. The consultation is open until March 26th. Background information is available on the website and you can respond in three ways - by filling in the online questionnaire, by email or by letter.

There are many strong views about whether this should happen at all but if Local Government Re-organisation goes ahead, I believe we should prepare for it rather than have it done to us.

In various parts of the county, some think that a split of some sort would be of more benefit. The County Council, together with Tewkesbury, Stroud and Cotswold councils all support the one unitary model, as I do. Cheltenham is vying with Gloucester and wants to be leading the East model (Option 2). Gloucester would prefer to avoid splitting itself in two with an East-West model (it straddles two district boundaries at the moment) and is very reluctant to lose an element of its historic City authority status, so has prepared its own plan (Option 3).. The Forest of Dean District Council stuck its head in the sand and declared that it wanted none of the above. In my experience, the one unitary model (Option 1) is the preferred choice of most of those parish councils and individuals to whom I have listened. That chance to reflect those views was lost in what can best be described as a protest vote. at FoDDC. The government will ultimately decide, but wished to hear from residents in this consultation exercise as well as from the various councils who were asked first of all.

There is little mention of the next stage of Local Government Re-organisation and Devolution. This is about joinng a strategic mayoral authority of which every unitary authority will have to be a part eventually. That is not an elected authority but a combination of unitaries. However, the mayor of that larger strategic/combined authority is elected (like Manchester, Birmingham or the West of England Combined Authority (WECA)}. The government intends to deliver major funding through these mayoral authorities - that's what the Devolution bit is about but that's a story for another time.

By the way, this consultation is happening at more or less exactly the same time as the public consultation for the revised Forest of Dean draft Local Plan. You are forgiven if there is any confusion! I shall be posting about that next.

I am happy to talk through any aspects of this consultation. Just give me a ring on 01531 820826. Leave a message if I'm out and I'll get back to you asap.

Information has been circulated in a previous Focus newsletter throughout my Newent County Council Division already when residents views were being sought by all councils on what was important about where you live and travel as well as how well you tbought the services were being delivered.

So I urge you to take a few minutes to read more about the options and then respond in whatever way you find best. Maybe sit down with someone else and discuss the options and questions and get yourself a cup of tea or coffee to keep you going!

https://futuregloucestershire.org.uk/ (information and link)

Welcome to Gloucestershire. On the 'Your Gloucestershire' pages, you can find out all relevant details about the district you live in from council tax to local activities to emergency services.

31/01/2026

WATERY LANE - Temporary traffic lights.

Just to let you know that this work is connected with the non-functioning street lights - all eight of them near the Recreation Ground.

Thanks to all who reported them on FixMySteet either through the website or the App. As nothing appeared to have been done, and at least a week had passed, I rang the Highways emergency line to ask for immediate action as the lack of light made it dangerous for any pedestrians after dark.

I was told shortly afterwards that Highwsys were waiting for Western Power to fix the electrical fault that was the cause of the problem and their deadlines were not in the same 'urgent' category. They turned up as promised last Wednesday. I stopped to speak to the three workers but they were having difficulty finding the fault. They now think they have the location and are waiting for a spare part....

Meanwhile, they have installed temporary traffic lights to maintain safe working and driving. Well done to the two cars parked right in front of the traffic lights coming from town on Saturday afternoon!! Presumably rugby supporters.

Our town clerk has also been chasing these repairs so thanks to him as well as to those members of the public who took time to report the problem in the first place.

So please go to FixMyStreet online or download the app to report any faults on the Highways. The more people do this, the greater the pressure on the teams who need to fix the faults.

Before comments come streaming in about other problems, please know that the new Cabinet Member for Highways Maintenance is livid about the levels of shoddy workmanship, repeated failure of pothole repairs and much more. His wants to properly resurface as many roads as possible within the very limited budget rather than keep repairing potholes, restructure and simplify the Highways department and give monitoring of the work a much higher priority. This will take time but changes are coming for the better.

14/12/2025

Yes - it was a Nutcracker moment to go with the other well-known festive music in the first half of our Newent Orchestra's Christmas Concert at St Mary's Church yesterday. Lovely concert and well-attended.

In the interval came mince pies and mulled wine (and a generous raffle of course) followed by Schumann's 1st Symphony in Bb. This proved to be a deep dive into the orchestral colour, dynamics and tempo that go to make up a four-movement traditional symphony. Expertly conducted and led by Toby Lazenby and Jane Osbeldiston respectively. Thank you so much!!

14/12/2025

We all want a thriving high street for our market towns and it has rarely been more difficult for owners of small shops to survive.

So please support our local shops in Newent.

It's been calculated that if every adult in the Forest of Dean spent just £5 a week in local shops instead of online or at large supermarkets, it would add over £9 million to our local economy. That’s money that supports jobs, keeps our towns vibrant, and helps create a stronger, more sustainable community.

Today I popped into our post office to get my Christmas stamps and some loose veg. The new owner is adamant that he wants customers to be able to buy small quantities of unpackaged fruit and veg and so sought the right franchise for the former Spa shop. A new shop sign is on its way in case you wondered!

If this is your first Christmas in Newent, and we have a number of new residents across the town, do come and find out what the local shops have to offer. You may be surprised to find that certain staple items are no more expensive than in the larger chains and there may be offers and bargains at the end of the day. Try out the excellent cafés and coffee shops, and many other independent businesses who depend on local customers.

And if you are looking for Christmas presents on a budget, why not try the Charity shops. There are some fabulous bargains to be found that won't break the bank. Then it's giving twice.

Happy Christmas shopping in Newent!

26/11/2025

LOCAL CONSULTATION ON NOW - PROPOSAL FOR 280 HOUSES ON LAND AT CONIGREE COURT, ROSS ROAD.
Have you seen this leaflet which the applicant states is being delivered in the area of Newent between Culver Street and Ross Road?
The consultation is TODAY - Wednesday 26th November from 3pm - 7pm at The Community Centre by Ross Road traffic lights. Parking at the rear.
Come and make your views known and find out more about this substantial proposal for additional housing and employment in Newent.

If you can't make the consultation event, you can still find out about it and respond at: https://www.blackboxplanning.co.uk/land-at-conigree-court/

25/11/2025

PROPOSAL FOR 280 HOUSES ON LAND AT CONIGREE COURT, ROSS ROAD.

Have you seen this leaflet which the applicant states is being delivered in the area of Newent between Culver Street and Ross Road?

The consultation is tomorrow - Wednesday 26th November from 3pm - 7pm at The Community Centre by Ross Road traffic lights. Parking at the rear.

Come and make your views known and find out more about this substantial proposal for additional housing and employment in Newent.

09/11/2025

Very proud to have had the honour of taking part in the very well-attended Newent Remembrance Ceremony this morning and of laying a wreath on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council.

There were many others representing organisations and businesses in the community including our Town Mayor. Our MP was also present as were many young people from our local cadet and scout groups who added greatly to the occasion, particularly as standard bearers. Thanks to members of the British Legion, the Town Council and St Mary's clergy for all their preparation and to everyone who attended either in an official capacity or as individuals.

It was, as ever, a moving and heartfelt tribute to all those from this area who laid down their lives in the service of their country.

"We will remember them"

29/09/2025

DO YOU HAVE CARE EQUIPMENT ON LOAN YOU NO LONGER NEED?

If it was borrowed from Gloucestershire County Council's equipment hire service, it's easy to return when you no longer need it. What's more, it will save money and help more people to be able to borrow what they need.

Here is the link to more information and a video from our new Cabinet member for Adult Services, Cllr Dr Kate Usmar.

These new more environmentally friendly vehicles will help the council to meet its net zero targets and make cost savings at the same time.

01/09/2025

Some COUNCIL TAX and BUSINESS RATES payments due at the end of August/beginning of September have been taken twice. Duplicated payments will be refunded on September 2nd. Please see advice on the FoDDC website.

The Forest of Dean District Council website includes local news, provides support and advice for resident and visitors to the area, along with information for planning, housing, Council Tax, business rates, benefits, waste and recycling, consultations, councillors, parking and more.

31/08/2025

Out delivering my Focus newsletter. come rain.or shine ... and it's doing both at the moment! More volunteers always welcome. Deliveries can be tailored as far as length and place are concerned. Come and join the team!

30/08/2025

Somebody had to call this out!

Exclusive: Ed Davey says Starmer should engage with US president but they should not close their eyes to crisis

28/08/2025

Next week sees the reduction in public opening hours of Newent's Freedom Leisure Centre, situated within the grounds and between the buildings of Newent Community School. The Leisure Centre will not be open to the public until 3.30pm on school days.

Below is a copy of the press release explaining the closure as well as some FAQs. Safeguarding the students who attend the school has become a high priority in recent years, especially since the Manchester Arena bombings, Martyn's Law became enshrined in legislation earlier this year and enhanced security measures are being taken in schools throughout the country. Newent Community School is no exception.

There are many residents of Newent and the surrounding areas who are extremely disappointed about the reduction in access. This decision was not taken lightly and steps have been taken to offer alternative access in various other locations using venues run by Freedom Leisure.

The swimming pool seems to be the facility that will be most missed by weekly daytime users. If changing to a later time (after 3.30pm) is not appropriate, there are also other swimming pools at Ross-on-Wye, Ledbury and Riverside Leisure Centre in Gloucester. However, these centres are run independently of Freedom Leisure and will have their own admission systems and fees. The Daffodil line bus service now runs hourly which may help those without cars.

A small market town like Newent is fortunate to have a Leisure Centre with a swimming pool. The town will certainly expand substantially in the next decade or two, opening up the possibility of alternative leisure centres or gyms. But in the meantime, the public can continue to use the centre outside school opening hours until 9.30pm weekdays and until 1pm at weekends.

For those of you who are not so familiar with Newent Lake, opportunities exist there in the form of the outdoor gym and circuits around the lake at no cost but rather dependent on the weather! Exercise, fitness, yoga and Pilates classes as well as walking groups are also available locally.