Annabelle Martin

People priced out of Bristol are increasingly moving to the Forest of Dean for cheaper homes, more space and easier access to the countryside. Residents who made the move describe substantial savings and a quieter lifestyle, while estate agents say the area is gaining a reputation as a more affordable alternative to the Cotswolds. The trend has been encouraged by factors including the removal of Severn Bridge tolls and post-pandemic changes in attitudes to work and commuting. However, researchers warn that an influx of newcomers can raise local house prices, increase car dependency and put pressure on housing, transport, employment and public services.

An AI-powered WhatsApp messaging tool called Ask Grace has been launched by Gloucestershire County Council to help unpaid carers access reliable local information and support more quickly. Developed with input from carers and local partners, the service is designed to be simple, safe and available at all times, drawing from around 60 trusted websites. Officials highlight its role in easing the burden on carers, while advisers note that although the tool can aid confidence and reduce isolation, it should complement rather than replace human support. The project is funded through a government grant and is expected to cost £28,000 over two years.

A treehouse built by a father and son in Cheltenham to help the boy cope with autism and anxiety is set for demolition after local councils were unable to obtain public liability insurance. Cheltenham Borough Council and Leckhampton with Warden Parish Council said safety concerns and the poor health of the supporting tree left them no alternative. The family and local teenagers who helped build the structure expressed disappointment and urged the councils to consider alternatives, but officials said insurers declined coverage, preventing the treehouse from remaining.