Daisy Bodkin

A burst water main in Cheltenham left some residents without water, with low pressure or discoloured supplies in the GL50 area. Severn Trent said repairs were taking longer than expected and was moving water around the network while work continued. Flooding caused the closure of part of the A40 London Road, and residents reported severe surface water, including a threat of flooding to nearby homes and flats.

A rare copy of Röyksopp’s 2001 album Melody A.M., whose cover was hand-stencilled and spray-painted by Banksy in 2002, sold for £3,720 through Wessex Auction Rooms. Only 100 such covers were made, and the buyer was a local street-art collector rather than a vinyl enthusiast. The record’s value came primarily from its Banksy artwork, while the album itself reached number nine on the UK chart.

One of only 100 album covers hand-painted by Banksy is due to be auctioned at Wessex Auction Rooms in Chippenham. The cover, created for Röyksopp’s 2001 album Melody A.M., could sell for up to £4,000, although another copy fetched more than £8,000 on Discogs in 2019. Auctioneer Martin Hughes said the item has attracted interest from both modern-art and vinyl collectors, including potential buyers in the United States.

Charities in Gloucestershire, including the Salvation Army and YMCA Cheltenham, are increasing food support for families during the six‑week school holiday as demand rises. The Salvation Army has launched a Frozen Food Appeal to provide long‑lasting items to local families, while YMCA Cheltenham is offering free meals and children’s activities on selected dates. Representatives report that factors such as reduced disposable income and lack of school meals make summer an especially challenging period for families.

A community choir project in west Cheltenham helped bereaved resident Rod Gay find companionship while supporting broader access to creative activities in deprived neighbourhoods. Led by KAM Performing Arts Academy with local partners and council funding, the 10‑week programme aimed to remove barriers to arts participation and foster inclusion. Participants described the initiative as valuable for building confidence, strengthening community ties, and ensuring the arts remain accessible to all, culminating in a final performance at a local community café.