Local governance: budget approved and boundary review deadline

A reminder has been issued that the deadline to respond to the Cotswold District Council’s Community Governance Review is 30 January.

The Town Council has specifically requested a review of the boundary between Batsford and Moreton-in-Marsh. This proactive measure aims to ensure that, should any future development occur, associated funding can be directly utilised to support the town’s infrastructure and services.

Following a lack of candidate nominations for the town election originally scheduled for 22 January, a new election date to fill the vacant seats will be announced shortly.

Community initiatives: allotments, wood chippings, and Jubilee Gardens

For residents with green fingers, there are currently varying sizes of allotment plots available on both the University and Croft sites, all competitively priced at £34per plot.

Furthermore, a large amount of free wood chippings and tree stumps are currently available for collection at Queen Victoria Gardens on Batsford Road until 15 February.

Looking ahead, the town is preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Festival of Britain later this year. To ensure Jubilee Gardens looks its absolute best for the occasion, the council is seeking quotes to refurbish the gates and clean the commemorative plaque.

They are also actively calling for community volunteers to join half-day weekend sessions in March to help clear invasive ivy from the walls.

Infrastructure: advance warning for spring roadworks

Although it is still a few months away, Gloucestershire County Council Highways has issued an advance notice regarding upcoming overnight carriageway resurfacing works.

Essential works are scheduled for the A429 Fosseway and Stow Road, beginning in mid-March and continuing in phases until the end of the month. Drivers should anticipate complete overnight closures from 20:00 to 07:00 and plan alternative routes accordingly.

Local events: beating the winter blues

The community calendar is active this month, starting with a ‘A New Orleans New Year’ jazz night at St. David’s Centre on 8 January, featuring live music to help locals shake off the post-holiday slump.

The Town Council also hosted a quarterly Town Forum at the Redesdale Hall on 25 January, allowing residents to engage in one-to-one discussions with councillors.