Winchcombe Town Council

News

POST OFFICE TO OPEN BRANCH AT COOP
Post Office services returning to Winchcombe with new branch opening in early 2025
Mid Counties Coop have shared a press release about their new post office opening in Winchcombe
  • To read the article, publised on the “Gloucestershirte Live” website, please click here
GLOUCESTERSHIRE FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE: COMMUNITY RISK PROFILE ENGAGEMENT
Have your say on risks faced by communities

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) is asking for your views on the risks it faces in the county.

FRS regularly assesses its own data and risks to the community and wants to hear the views of residents too.

Feedback from the public will be combined with the service's own data and the team's knowledge and experience, to build a balanced picture of the risks they face as a Fire and Rescue Service.

The engagement was launched on Monday 21 October and lasts for six weeks, ending on Sunday 1st December 2024. To take part, please go to:

The information will help to assess the potential impact and likelihood of the risks, and where they are most likely to occur.

The feedback will help form the Community Risk Profile (CRP) for Gloucestershire. This vital document informs the strategic Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP), the publication of which is a regulatory requirement. The CRMP is an assessment of risks and how we effectively use resources to address those risks.

Residents and businesses are being asked to share their views about the risks faced within our county, both now and in the future, to make sure the new CRMP from 2026 onwards reflects your views.

You can find the current CRMP here:

HAVE YOUR SAY ON FUTURE OF FORMER SCHOOL SITE
Gloucestershire County Council wants to hear views on future of Winchcombe Old Boys School

IThe building in Gretton Road has been empty for some time but the county council is now looking to shape proposals for its future. All options are under consideration, including bringing it back into use or disposing of the site.
To start the process, interested parties are being invited to a drop-in event at the Old Boys School on Wednesday 13th November from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, where staff from the county council will be on hand to answer questions.
Information about the property will be on display at the event, including its relationship with other buildings on the wider site such as the sports centre.
No decisions on the future of the building have yet been made and there are no plans at any stage of development. The event will be used to engage with anyone who has an interest in the site, to help inform future decisions.
A webpage providing further information will be available from 14th November.
The county council has declared the site surplus to its own service requirements, so these matters will not be up for discussion on the day.
The session is a drop-in, but those who can’t attend can set up a call with officers by registering their interest at building.helpdesk@gloucestershire.gov.uk

Councillor Lynden Stowe, cabinet member for finance and property, said:

“We want to hear the views of the community on the future use of Winchcombe Old Boys School. It has been empty for some time and is surplus to our requirements, so we would like residents and other interested parties to share your thoughts on its future. All options are up for consideration so I would encourage anyone with an interest in the site to attend the drop-in event, where you can find out more and contribute ideas.”

Councillor David Gray, local county councillor for Winchcombe, said:

“The Old Boys School occupies a prominent site in Winchcombe, but has been out of use for a number of years. The building is complicated and in poor condition; anyone taking it on will need to resolve a number of logistical and commercial questions, including how to share access and facilities with the popular sports centre to the rear of the site. Hopefully interested members of the public can come along to our engagement event to learn more about the site and help us to identify practical ideas for the future of this building.”

CAPITAL GRANT FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR RURAL BUSINESSES IN TEWKESBURY BOROUGH
Businesses across rural areas of Tewkesbury Borough invited to apply for round three of business grant scheme

Over £70k worth of funding is available from the Rural England Prosperity Fund to improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities. This grant scheme is capital funding only

Tewkesbury Borough Council will consider applications from eligible rural businesses for grants from £3,000 up to £24,999.

Applications will need to focus on small scale investment in micro and small enterprises in rural areas. This includes capital funding for net zero infrastructure for rural businesses, and diversification of farm businesses outside of agriculture.

Applications close at 9am on Monday 18th November 2024

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said:

“Capital funding provides an opportunity for businesses to improve their productivity through innovation, energy efficient and low carbon technologies, and to create and safeguard jobs
This is the final round of the Rural England Prosperity Fund grant scheme, so I encourage more businesses to submit applications while this funding is available.”

For further information about eligibility for the capital funding and how to apply visit Rural England Prosperity Fund - Business Grant Scheme - Tewkesbury Borough Council

The scheme is administered for the council by GRCC (Gloucestershire Rural Community Council).

All communication relating to the scheme and grant applications should be directed to GRCC via 01452 528491 or by email louisef@grcc.org.uk.

CRIME AND POLICING SURVEY
Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner wants to hear your views

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner would like to hear your views about your perceptions of crime in Gloucestershire. This feedback will be used to inform the OPCC’s work to make Gloucestershire safer. The survey is open until 3rd November 2024.
Please go to the website at

THRIVING COMMUNITIES IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Grants of up to £7,500 now available

This fund is managed by Gloucestershire County Council and applicable to projects within the county of Gloucestershire.

Up to pound;7,500 is now available for projects that meet at least one of the below criteria:

  • Helping adults to stay well and supporting them to live independently
  • Developing community connections/social networks and building resilience
  • Promoting inclusive independence and wellbeing in adults
  • Providing place-based activities (activities in residential communities) e.g. community hubs

That are conducted by one of the following types of organisation:

  • Parish and town councils
  • Community or voluntary groups
  • Registered charities
  • Community Interest Companies (CICs)
  • Art, music, performance, nature-based and sports groups

The grant cannot be used for:

  • Building and planning works
  • Consultancy costs
  • Activities that focus on children and young people
  • Schools and academies
  • Activities outside of Gloucestershire

What to know more?
The Thriving Communities team will be running some online webinars via MS teams for organisations to hear more about the scheme and ask any questions:

  • Wednesday 11 September 12:00-13:00
  • Tuesday 17 September 16:00-17:00
  • Tuesday 1 October 12.30-13:30

Please email thrivingcommunities@gloucestershire.gov.uk for an MS Teams invitation for your preferred session.
Deadline for applications: 13th October

  • Click here to find out more and to apply
  • Click here to see grants awarded in 2024
TEWKESBURY BOOROUGH COUNCIL VOTES TO BECOME NORTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Rename follows consultation with residents, businesses, town and parish councils, and other partners

The decision, made during an Extraordinary Council meeting required a two-thirds majority of those voting for it to pass. Tonight, Tuesday, 3 September, saw councillors voting (26 for and eight against) to reflect their constituents' views, and marks a significant step in enhancing the borough's identity and ensuring greater representation for all communities in the area.
The name change is set to be implemented from December 2024, aligning with a broader strategy to create a stronger geographic identity that better reflects the entire borough, which covers 160 square miles and encompasses many towns and villages including Bishop's Cleeve, Churchdown, Highnam and Brockworth. Tewkesbury parish accounts for under 3% of the borough's geographical area and around 10% of its population.

Rationale behind the change

The decision to explore a name change originated from discussions on the new Council Plan, where concerns were raised about the outdated nature of the current logo and the confusion between Tewkesbury Town and the wider borough. The name "North Gloucestershire Borough Council" was chosen as it more accurately represents the borough's geographic location and its many communities, and it avoids prioritising Tewkesbury Town over other areas.

Cllr Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said:

“This name change is about ensuring that all communities within our borough feel represented and included, something that many felt was not the case with the name 'Tewkesbury Borough Council'.
"The name North Gloucestershire Borough Council will help us to raise our profile both regionally and nationally, promoting economic development and attracting investment, while maintaining our unique identity as a borough. It will demonstrate our support for the entire borough, and show every resident that we are their council.
"In case there is any doubt, Tewkesbury town will retain its name and its position as a historically rich and culturally significant location.
"I'm proud to say that we will be keeping costs to an absolute minimum and making the introduction of our new name as smooth as possible for our residents and businesses.”

Public consultation and feedback

At a meeting of Council in May 2024, councillors were 'minded to' change the council's name, subject to a public consultation so that stakeholders could provide feedback and raise any suggestions, as well as share views on logo options. Members of the public, local businesses, town and parish councils, and other partners and interested parties submitted feedback to share their views.
The 10-week consultation, held from 17 May to 31 July 2024, gathered 1,608 responses - one of the most extensive consultation the council has ever conducted. The results showed that more than 86.26% of respondents understood the rationale behind the proposed name change, and 58.64% expressed their support for the change.

Next steps

With the name change approved, the council will begin a phased rollout starting in December 2024. Initial steps include:

  • Informing the Secretary of State and other relevant authorities of the name change.
  • Updating digital assets, including the council's website and email addresses.
  • Informing residents and businesses about the change and its benefits.
  • Gradually updating physical assets, such as signage and bins, during their normal maintenance schedules.

A new logo, chosen during the public consultation, will also be introduced as part of the rebranding.

NOTICE OF CONCLUSION OF AUDIT
Annual Governance & Accountablity Retrun for the year ended 31st March 2024

Sections 20(2) and 25 of the Loca Authority Audit and Accountability Act 2014
Accounta and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015 / 234)

The audit of accounts for Winchcombe Town Council for the year ended 31st March 2024 has been completed and the accounts have been published.

NOTICE OF CO-OPTION
Vacancy for Town Councillor
Following a recent retirement the Town Council has one vacancy to be filled by Co-Option.

Applications are invited from interested and qualified members of the public.

A Co-Option Application Form and Eligibility Criteria can be obtained from the Clerk, Winchcombe Town Council Office, Abbey Fields Community Centre, Back Lane, Winchcombe, GL54 5QH or by emailing clerk@winchcombetowncouncil.co.uk

Applications will be considered by the Council at its meeting on Wednesday 2nd October 2024.

Applications to be considered at this meeting must be received by 12noon Monday 16th September 2024.
NEW MP FOR TEWKESBURY CONSTITUANCY
Acting Returning Officer declares result

The count has been completed and Acting Returning Officer Alistair Cunningham has declared Cameron Thomas the Member of Parliament (Liberal Dememocrat), for the Tewkesbury Constituency, with 20,730 of 48,689 votes.

Councillor Richard Stanley, Leader of Tewkesbury Borough Council, said:

“Congratulations to our newly elected MP, Cameron Thomas. We look forward to working with him to ensure our ambitions and the council's new vision - ‘supporting people and strengthening communities’ - are realised.
We will meet with Cameron at the earliest opportunity. We're determined to address the important issues our communities face and are committed to the delivery of our new Council Plan. This includes delivery of infrastructure, attracting investment and jobs, making the borough carbon neutral by 2030 and improving outcomes for our communities.”

  • To download a PDF copy of the formal declaration of results, please click here