Danielle Hunt

A 22-year-old man, William Keeling, has been charged with wounding, possession of a bladed article and common assault after an early morning stabbing in a Cheltenham car park. The victim, a man in his 20s from Gloucester, remains in serious but stable condition. Keeling is scheduled to appear at Cheltenham Magistrates' Court, with Gloucestershire Police confirming details of the incident.

An AI-powered WhatsApp tool called Ask Grace has been introduced by Gloucestershire County Council to help unpaid carers quickly access local information and support. Developed with carers and designed to be simple and safe to use, the system draws on trusted sources and avoids collecting personal data. Officials emphasise its role in improving access to support services, while advisers highlight that the tool should complement, not replace, human interaction. The project is funded through a government grant and aims to reduce isolation and improve confidence among carers.

Gloucestershire County Council introduced Ask Grace, an AI-powered WhatsApp messaging tool designed to help unpaid carers quickly access local support and reliable information. Officials highlighted that the service was developed with carers, prioritizing ease of use, safety and trusted sources. Funded by a government grant, the tool aims to reduce time spent searching for help, though experts note it should complement rather than replace human support.

Extensive sewer cleansing has been completed in Gloucester’s Kingsholm area after years of complaints about a persistent stench. Severn Trent Water carried out months of investigations and cleaning, while Gloucestershire County Council identified defects in the highways drainage system and plans repairs. Residents reported the smell affecting several streets, and both organisations acknowledged public concerns while outlining steps taken to resolve the issue.

A $500m US investment to expand military infrastructure at RAF Fairford prompted calls from South Cotswolds MP Roz Savage for greater government transparency on the long‑term implications. She argued the scale of the planned hangar complex suggests extended US operations linked to defensive missions against Iran, which have already increased noise and disruption for nearby residents. The UK Ministry of Defence said US investment decisions reflect American defence requirements and do not necessarily signal a change in the base’s role. Residents have reported worsening disturbances, while the cancellation of the air tattoo has caused local economic losses.

Firefighters extinguished a fire at an unregistered waste site in Over, Gloucester, after responding on Thursday morning. The blaze covered about 60 square metres and was put out within an hour. Neighbouring farmer Rob Chamberlayne reported that smouldering seen the day before had intensified, creating acrid smoke. He described the long-standing waste dump as a large environmental problem. Fire crews left the area shortly after 10:10 BST.

A survey of 11- to 18-year-old girls in Cheltenham revealed widespread experiences of harassment and a lack of confidence in authorities, with only a small minority feeling heard and nearly a third reporting unsolicited explicit images. Local officials described the findings as disturbing and initiated a sub-committee to develop an action plan, while noting early steps taken to improve safety and youth spaces. Authorities highlighted concerns about feeling unsafe after dark and during race week, and Cheltenham Racecourse reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on antisocial behaviour.

A collection of autographs from notable British historical figures, including Winston Churchill, Emmeline Pankhurst and King Edward VII, sold for £9,000 at Wotton Auction Rooms in Gloucestershire. The Churchill-related items accounted for £2,050, while a Women's Social and Political Union document signed by Pankhurst sold for £1,100, and four lots featuring King Edward VII’s signature fetched £890. The archive, assembled by Foreign Office official Thomas Benjamin Ford, was praised by the auctioneer as a unique record of key figures from the Edwardian era and the First World War.

Police arrested a man in his 50s after an elderly man died from suspected stab wounds in Gloucester. The victim, in his 80s, was taken to hospital and later died. Authorities say there is no wider threat to the public, and officers are conducting reassurance patrols and house-to-house inquiries. Witnesses are urged to contact Gloucestershire Police.

A training salon named in memory of murdered hairdresser Hollie Gazzard will open in Gloucester to teach both hairdressing and awareness of abusive relationships. Created by the Hollie Gazzard Trust in partnership with Bridge Training, the project aims to equip young people and salon trainees with skills to recognise signs of abuse and support clients. Hollie’s family and trust leaders hope the initiative turns a devastating loss into positive community impact while highlighting ongoing concerns about violence against women.

A blue plaque has been installed in Cheltenham to honour Mary Margery Body, a once‑unrecognised codebreaker who worked at Bletchley Park during World War Two and later at GCHQ, including assignments in Australia and Washington DC. The Cheltenham Civic Society unveiled the plaque on her former home, highlighting her vital but confidential contributions to breaking German Enigma codes and supporting wartime intelligence operations. Local officials praised her legacy and the broader historical ties between Cheltenham, Bletchley Park and GCHQ.