Local governance: One new councillor as March election is cancelled

Residents of Moreton-in-Marsh will not need to head to the polls for the Town Council election originally scheduled for March 12. Although there were four vacant councillor seats, the upcoming election has been declared uncontested by the Gloucestershire County Council.

By the February 13 nomination deadline, only one candidate had stepped forward. As the number of candidates was fewer than the number of available seats, Lily Hennigan, running as an Independent Resident, was elected unopposed. While Ms. Hennigan takes her seat, three positions on the council remain vacant. A new election date to fill these remaining roles will be announced within 35 working days of March 12. The finalized 2026/27 town budget, with a precept of £346,860.73, will now be managed by the newly seated council.

Major roadwork alert: Overnight A429 closures scheduled

Major traffic disruption is anticipated on the A429 Fosseway beginning next week. Gloucestershire County Council Highways has confirmed essential overnight carriageway resurfacing works, which will be executed in two distinct phases to minimize daytime impact.

Drivers should prepare for complete road closures from 20:00 to 07:00 (8:00 PM to 7:00 AM) on weekdays.

• Phase 1 (March 12 – March 19): Resurfacing will close the A429 between Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold, impacting the area near the Broadwell and Donnington junctions for six weekday nights.
• Phase 2 (March 20 – March 30): Work moves directly into Moreton-in-Marsh on the A429 Stow Road. The closure will extend from the A44 mini-roundabout to just past the Fosseway Garden Centre, affecting the Longborough junction for approximately seven weekday nights.

While emergency vehicle access will be maintained, all non-essential through-traffic will be diverted via signposted routes.

Community and culture: Future-proofing and volunteers needed

Beyond local governance and road delays, several key community events and deadlines are approaching.

• Moreton Show (Sep 5): early bird tickets open! The wait is over for anyone planning to attend the historic Moreton Show. Following the conclusion of the Super Saver tier, the official “Early Bird” ticket tier opens today, March 3. Securing tickets early offers the best value for this massive agricultural and community event.
• Energy efficiency demonstration (Mar 10) The Redesdale Hall will host a “Future-Proof Home Roadshow” on March 10, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This is a free, drop-in event providing practical demonstrations of energy efficiency solutions and heat pump technology.
• Restore Jubilee Gardens (Mar 14 & Mar 28) Volunteers are urgently needed to help revitalize Jubilee Gardens. Work parties are scheduled for March 14 and March 28 to clear invasive ivy and restore the gardens. The goal is to return the space to its peak condition in preparation for celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Festival of Britain later this year.