Sophie Ladd

Dowty Sports and Social Club in Staverton, Gloucestershire, is being forced to liquidate after its landowner, Ashville Group, reportedly failed to communicate its plans for the site or whether the club's lease would be extended. Ashville intends to redevelop the 16-acre site as a business park, while Tewkesbury Borough Council requires like-for-like replacement sports facilities before demolition can proceed. Local sports and community groups are concerned that replacement facilities may not be delivered, may be inadequate or may become unaffordable. Archaeological work has already left most football pitches unplayable, with users accusing Ashville of failing to restore them properly.

Water charities are urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take stronger action against sewage pollution in rivers. Rivers Trust data indicates at least 3,470 hours of sewage spillages in North Cotswolds rivers over the past year, with campaigners blaming Thames Water and arguing that many discharges occur during normal weather. Thames Water says storm overflows discharge only after heavy rain and that the sewage is heavily diluted. River Action is calling for tougher regulation, stronger Environment Agency enforcement and possible special administration for Thames Water, which is about £20bn in debt. The government says the company remains financially stable but that it is prepared to intervene if necessary.

Tony Robinson will headline the expanded Gloucester History Festival, which will feature 150 speakers and 200 events from 5–20 September. Curator Sarah Smyth highlighted new features including a historic walking trail and a doubled free‑event programme, despite the recent closure of Blackfriars Priory to the public, with English Heritage assisting in keeping the venue available. Tudor historian Nicola Tallis will speak about Lady Jane Grey’s connections to Gloucestershire, and several events will be free for attendees under 25. Booking opens on 24 July.

Horse riders in Gloucestershire report increasing safety concerns following an incident in which a rider jumped a wall to avoid a lorry on a narrow lane. Riders describe frequent near‑misses, insufficient passing space and poorly maintained bridleways that force them onto roads. The British Horse Society notes dozens of incidents in the county and stresses the need for drivers to follow Highway Code guidance. Gloucestershire County Council says a new Rights of Way Improvement Plan is in development and urges riders to report issues and participate in the process.

A treehouse built in Burrow's Field in Leckhampton to help a nine-year-old boy manage anxiety was demolished after neither Cheltenham Borough Council nor the parish council could secure public liability insurance. Council representatives cited safety responsibilities and the poor health of the supporting tree, while the family expressed frustration, saying alternatives were not explored. The council said only low-level, temporary wooden structures are allowed in the park.

A treehouse built by a father and son in Burrow's Field, Cheltenham, is set to be removed after both Cheltenham Borough Council and Leckhampton with Warden Parish Council were unable to secure public-liability insurance for the structure and cited the poor health of the host tree. The family, who built the treehouse to help nine‑year‑old Cooper cope with anxiety and autism, expressed sadness and asked the councils to consider alternatives. Several local teenagers who helped with construction also voiced disappointment. Council officials acknowledged the treehouse’s sentimental value but maintained that safety and insurance requirements leave no viable option other than removal.

Twenty drivers who used the M5 hard shoulder to bypass traffic near Junction 12 in Gloucestershire were fined after blocking emergency crews responding to an overturned motorhome. The obstruction delayed ambulance access to injured occupants. Police described the behaviour as reckless and emphasised that the hard shoulder must not be used to overtake or avoid congestion, warning of penalties including fines, points and prosecution.

A Gloucestershire motorcycling group, Toffs and Totties, will hold its 10th and final charity ride in support of Scoo-B-Doo, the charity aiding Gloucestershire Royal Hospital’s neonatal unit. Led by founder Mark Merrett, the group has raised over £20,000 since starting in 2016 after Merrett’s niece and nephew received care at the unit. Up to 200 riders are expected to join the anniversary event, which aims to maximize fundraising before winding down. The route will begin in Gloucester and pass through several Cotswolds towns, with hospital and charity representatives expressing gratitude for a decade of support.