County Councillor Report – Tetbury Division
Councillor: Ian Watson Reporting Period: May 2026
1. Introduction
This report provides an overview of Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) activity during May 2026, together with updates and issues affecting the Tetbury Division. It reflects ongoing work across highways, transport, education, social care, and local community matters.
2. County Council Highlights (May 2026)
Following the delivery activity seen in April, May has focused on forward planning and continued service delivery across GCC priorities.
Transport and Strategic Planning
• GCC launched early engagement on a new Local Transport Plan, which will guide transport policy and investment across Gloucestershire for the next 15+ years.
• The plan aims to address challenges such as congestion, rural connectivity, and carbon reduction, while improving access to jobs, education, and services.
Community Services and Public Engagement
• Ongoing engagement exercises across the county are encouraging residents to input into future transport and infrastructure priorities.
• GCC remains focused on maintaining key community services, including libraries, registration services, and fire and rescue provision following policy developments in April.
Education and Families
• Work continues to expand SEND capacity and improve support for children and young people, building on the investment programmes already underway earlier this year.
Support for Residents
• The recently introduced Crisis and Resilience Fund continues to support vulnerable households facing financial pressures, particularly in the context of ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
3. Highways, Transport and Infrastructure
Highways and transport remain key priorities for residents and the County Council.• Development of the Local Transport Plan will shape future decisions on roads, buses, walking, and cycling infrastructure across Gloucestershire.
• Ongoing investment programmes continue to focus on:
o Road maintenance and resurfacing
o Road safety improvements, including 20mph schemes
o Bus and public transport provision through national funding programmes
For rural areas such as Tetbury, accessibility and road safety continue to be consistently raised concerns.
4. Economy and Environment
• The wider Cotswold area continues to experience economic pressures affecting local businesses and town centres, alongside ongoing uncertainty around costs and investment.
• Environmental protection remains a strong focus locally, particularly in the context of planning proposals affecting sensitive landscapes.
5. Local Issues – Tetbury Division
Planning and Development
• The proposed development of land near Highgrove (up to 135 homes) remains a significant local issue following initial reporting in April.
• Concerns continue to be raised regarding:
o Impact on the Cotswold National Landscape
o Infrastructure capacity (roads, healthcare, parking)
o The cumulative effect of recent housing growth in Tetbury
This is expected to remain a key issue in the coming months as proposals develop.
Transport and Parking
• Ongoing concerns persist around:
o Town centre parking pressures
o Traffic levels and speeding in residential areas
• These issues align with GCC’s wider work on road safety and transport planning, and resident engagement will be important as future strategies are developed.
Community and Events
• Tetbury continues to benefit from a strong programme of community activity, including:
o Local cultural and community events
o Environmental and voluntary sector initiatives• Events such as the Westonbirt 10K (29 April) and other spring activities have supported local engagement and visitor activity into May.
Local Governance
• A vacancy on Tetbury Town Council was confirmed at the end of April, with co-option arrangements progressing into May.
6. Engagement and Casework
During May I have:
• Continued to respond to casework relating to highways, parking, and local services
• Engaged with GCC officers regarding road maintenance and transport concerns
• Worked with parish and town councils on local priorities
• Monitored planning proposals affecting the Tetbury area
Resident contact remains an important part of identifying and addressing local issues.
7. Looking Ahead (June–July 2026)
Key areas of focus over the coming months include:
• Resident engagement on the Local Transport Plan consultation
• Continued delivery of highways maintenance and road safety schemes
• Progression of local planning matters affecting Tetbury
• Ongoing support for vulnerable residents through GCC funding programmes
8. Conclusion
May 2026 has been focused on forward planning, particularly in relation to transport and infrastructure. Locally, planning pressures and transport concerns remain key issues for Tetbury residents.
I will continue to work with GCC colleagues, local councils, and residents to ensure that the needs of the division are represented and addressed.
Cllr Ian Watson Gloucestershire County Council – Tetbury Division