Road Works Bulletin Ruspidge & Soudley. 23 March to 2 April 2023.

Please follow the link below to Highways Gloucestershire road works web page.

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/roads/roadworks/

Play Ranger At Ruspidge This Easter.

Tuesdays 4th & 11th April, 10am - 4pm.

Ruspidge Recreation Ground.

Road Works Bulletin Ruspidge & Soudley. 20th March 2023.

Please follow the link below to Highways Gloucestershire road works web page.

https://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/highways/roads/roadworks/

Update Regarding Bus Service Withdrawal From Ruspidge & Soudley

As all residents of Ruspidge & Soudley will be aware, in November 2022 Stagecoach unilaterally took the decision to remove the number 24 bus route from the villages of Ruspidge & Soudley. This was one of a raft of changes and service withdrawals across the county and the removal of the service from our Parish was done without consultation with any of our district or county councillors (or indeed any of our residents).

Understandably, the removal of this vital service has left residents very angry as many relied on this to go to doctors appointments, to work and for shopping in addition to enabling them to connect with other services for longer journeys, leaving many (particularly elderly) residents with no form of public transport at all.

The Parish Council is working alongside FoDCC and Glos CC Councillors and several local residents who are actively campaigning to have this service (or an alternative) reinstated. We will continue to support all efforts to this end.

The Parish Council has written to our MP, Mr Mark Harper (who is now Minister for Transport). It is regrettable that his reply, once received, simply parrotted the County Council’s position on the issue in stating that the cuts were ‘unexpected’ but concentrating on the 350,000 journeys which have been saved. News which is of little comfort to those Parishioners in Ruspidge & Soudley who are now left without a bus at all.

The introduction of the ‘Robin’ service which launched at the same time as the withdrawal of the No 24 bus service was co-incidental and had been planned for some time. This service was never designed to replace our rural bus service but to complement it and we are hearing from Parishioners that their experiences with the service are less than satisfactory.

If you are experiencing any issues with using or booking the Robin, please do let us know so that this can be followed up.

Currently we are aware that Councillors Bernie O’Neill (District Councillor for Ruspidge) and Graham Morgan (County Councillor for Ruspidge & Buckshaft) are actively working and campaigning on behalf of Ruspidge & Soudley to have this service reinstated, either by Stagecoach or by another provider and are in the process of meeting with the relevant Cabinet members at County Hall to attempt to move the issue forwards.

We have attempted, on several occasions, to have the relevant Officers from County Hall attend a public or Parish Council meeting on this subject. To date however, they have declined (for various reasons) and have, most recently, agreed to attend provided a representative from Stagecoach is also in attendance. Unfortunately this is proving difficult as Stagecoach will not reply to our correspondence at all.

Whilst we are aware that Stagecoach have taken this decision on a purely business basis, this is of little comfort to those in our community who are now isolated as a result of the removal of this essential service.

If you would like to be put in touch with the members of the Parish in Ruspidge or Soudley who are spearheading the public campaign, please contact the office and we will pass your details to them.

In the meantime, we continue to advocate on your behalf and urge you to write to your County Councillor and MP to add your voice to this issue.

Removal of Recycling Facilities at Soudley Village Hall

A few weeks ago it became necessary to remove the recycling facilities located in the carpark of Soudley Village Hall. We understand that some Parishioners have taken issue with this and that this continues to be an issue of contention.

Unfortunately, the removal of the recycling centre was unavoidable for several reasons;

Lower Road Bridge: The underlying structural integrity of the bridge is sound and will last for many years to come, the same cannot be said for the decking however, which is being damaged by the weight of the lorries driving over it to collect the recycling. This type of traffic was not envisaged when the bridge was built in the early 1970’s.

The deck and handrails now need to be replaced and upgraded at a substantial cost. The funds for these works are currently being raised. The removal of the large recycling lorries from using the bridge will help to extend the life of the decking for the immediate future until funds are secured for its replacement.

Fly tipping: The Village Hall Committee has received many complaints from residents of Lower Road regarding vehicles using the car park late into the night for the purpose of fly tipping rubbish and business waste. These vehicles are from outside of the immediate Soudley area and are causing a nuisance to the residents of the area. The mess being left has to be dealt with and this is often being done by the village hall committee members themselves.

Kerbside recycling collection: When the recycling centre was installed, there was no kerbside collection of domestic recycling. All items which were recyclable at the carpark are able to be recycled at the kerbside for collection by Forest of Dean District Council operatives. If you need new or additional bins, bags or boxes for your recycling, please request these at:

https://www.fdean.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/request-bins-and-recycling-boxes/

It is the responsibility of Forest of Dean District Council to ensure the availability of recycling services. If your recycling is not being collected at the kerbside, or you have any other comments regarding the provision of recycling services in Soudley, please contact FoDCC at:

https://www.fdean.gov.uk/contact-us/

Notice of Election - Parish/Town Councillors.

Please refer to the PDF download.

Notice of Election - District Councillors

Please refer to PDF download.

Voter ID: A summary

On Thursday 4 May 2023, local elections are taking place across 230 councils in England.

At these elections, you will need to bring photo ID to be able to vote at a polling station. A wide range of photo ID will be accepted, including passports, driving licences and cards with a PASS Mark.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, call 0800 328 0280.

Please download the PDF Voter ID Resource Voter Booklet, link bellow.

In support of our residents regarding the recent cuts to bus services in the parish.

The Parish Council recently contacted our MP and Secretary of state for transport, the RT Hon Mark Harper, The response we received back from Mark Harpers office is now available to view in PDF format, please follow the link bellow.

We are also awaiting a response from Cllr. Philip Robinson, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills, and Bus Transport.

In light of the recent cuts to bus services in the district and in support of our parishoners, we sent the following letter to Cllr. Philip Robinson, cabinet member for education, skills and transport, requresting he attends a public meeting to be held within the parish. Also the same letter was sent to Mr Mark Harper, MP for the Forest Of Dean requesting his assistance with this matter. We are currently awaiting a reply.

Dear Cllr. Philip Robinson,

I am writing to you regarding the recent cuts to bus services in the Forest of Dean District, in particular residents living in the parish of Ruspidge & Soudley.

At our December parish council meeting, several residents of the parish were in attendance to express their concerns regarding the issues they are now faced with due to the cuts in service and to demand action be taken to remedy this situation. Our clerk has also spoken to several residents of the parish who have expressed their frustration in the face of these cuts.

The most vulnerable residents of our parish are now being particularly isolated and disadvantaged, an example being, the case of an elderly resident in their 80’s now feeling she must walk from Lower Ruspidge into Cinderford and back to get her shopping or to attend health care appointments.

The cut in services is affecting parishioners of all ages and backgrounds, how difficult it is for parishioners who relied on the former service to get into their place of work and back home again and for those who are currently seeking work to attend interviews. The bus services are not only essential to make appointments but for many parishioners’ general wellbeing.

Parishioners are aware of the ‘Robin’ service that has been provided to alleviate the cuts in service, but most of the parishioners spoken to do not believe this service to be satisfactory, nor sufficient.

One of the complaints repeatedly raised by our parishioners, the fact that they were never at any point consulted and the potential impact the cuts would have on their lives ever considered. Our residents have requested a public meeting be called to discuss this issue further and find a potential resolution, ideally the reinstating of the cancelled routes. We would therefore like to enquire as to your availability to attend a public meeting that Ruspidge & Soudley Parish Council will arrange.

Your quick response on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Regards

Cllr. Anthony Matthews.

Chairman of the Council.

Ruspidge & Soudley Parish Council Speed Watch.

^{VAS Report for the period October - December 2022}

Report download bellow in .PDF format.

County council saves 350,000 bus journeys

Following an exercise to find new providers for bus routes cut by Stagecoach Gloucestershire County Council have today announced the results.

The county council acted quickly to try and ensure that no one would be left isolated. The success of our efforts has protected around 350,000 of the journeys that the Stagecoach cuts would have lost, had the county council not acted so decisively.

However, not all the routes could be replaced, and in those cases alternative ways of getting around are being promoted. This includes making use of more innovative modes of transport such as dial-a-ride, community transport and ‘The Robin’ which has recently been launched in the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds. In addition, personal transport planners will be on hand to talk to anyone who needs extra help.

Notably, a provider has been found for the route that serves the Arle Court Park and Ride, which is having a £20m upgrade to encourage sustainable transport and reduce congestion.

Cllr Philip Robinson, Cabinet member for Education, Skills and Transport, said: “I promised communities across Gloucestershire that we would work tirelessly to avoid people being left isolated when these routes were cut by Stagecoach. In an extremely challenging context, the team have been able to save 350,000, about 70%, of these journeys. Where no bus provider could be found, we are promoting alternative transport solutions such as dial-a-ride, community transport and the new ‘Robin’ service.

“Stagecoach have left many communities across the county high and dry. This is unacceptable to the county council and it’s one of the reasons why I reported Stagecoach to the Traffic Commissioner. We are not prepared to let Stagecoach get away with treating communities this way. The people of Gloucestershire deserve better, and I will remain steadfast in my commitment to them and my efforts in delivering public transport that works.”

What next?

A full list of the service changes is here November bus service changes - Gloucestershire County Council. Personal transport planners are also on hand by calling 0871 200 22 33

Having your say

As part of the process the county council asked residents to provide their feedback on the proposals made by Stagecoach. The county council appreciate residents taking the time to do this. We have reviewed the feedback which was made by hundreds of residents. We have used the comments submitted as part of our FAQs page, which will be regularly updated.

Keep up to date:

• E-mail:to keep up to date this issue sign up for e-mail alerts below https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKGLOUCESTERSHIRE/subscriber/new?topic_id=UKGLOUCESTERSHIRE_372

Frequently asked questions

Why are these services being withdrawn?

Stagecoach say they have taken the decision to withdraw these services due to a lack of drivers. They plan to take the drivers from the cut services and reallocate them to the rest of their network. This decision has led to the disproportionate cutting of rural infrequent services in favour of protecting urban services which threatened to leave the most isolated without alternative means to get to hospital, doctors, education or just everyday activities like going shopping.

Does the council support this?

No. The county council vehemently disagrees with this approach as it disadvantages the communities served by these routes. We have made this very clear to Stagecoach and we worked tirelessly to try and get this decision reversed. Unfortunately, our efforts to convince Stagecoach to explore a different solution, one that did not leave communities isolated and cut off from vital services, education, and employment, were unsuccessful.

Can the county council stop this?

The county council does not have authority to prevent these withdrawals from taking place. Stagecoach have fulfilled their obligation to inform the Office of the Traffic Commissioner of these withdrawals, and now they are free to implement them. Councils do not have regulatory authority over the bus network.

How is the county council holding Stagecoach to account?

In addition to our numerous communications that detail our opposition to this approach, we have also written to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner to highlight both our concern over the poor reliability of current services, and of the negative impact these November service changes will have on many Gloucestershire communities.

Are the council trying to replace these lost services?

Yes, we are doing everything we can to secure replacements for as many of these lost services as possible and have already secured replacements for 70% of the affected journeys. However, due to the driver shortage and increasing cost of delivering bus services, it is a very difficult time to procure bus services. Replacement in full of the lost Stagecoach services will not be possible, however, alternatives have been put in place and long-term solutions will be continued to look for.

ENDS

A Flood Alert has been issued by the Environment Agency.

Flood Alert in force: Rivers in the Forest of Dean.
Flooding is possible for: River Lyd and Cinderford Brook.
Be prepared.

WORKS TO COMMENCE ON CULLIMORE BRIDGE RAILWAY ROAD RUSPIDGE

Ruspidge & Soudley Parish Council would like to inform you and make you aware of works taking place at Cullimore Bridge on Railway Road Ruspidge.

During the week starting Monday 14th, through to Friday 16th of November, Cullimore bridge sited on Railway Road and Crossing Cinderford Brook will be being replaced with a new bridge.

This will undoubtedly cause some obstruction to Railway Road from the Ruspidge Road entrance through the dates noted above.

In particular, Monday 14th of November as two heavy vehicles carrying the new bridge and for the removal of the old bridge will require access during the day.

We request any vehicles that regularly park adjacent to Cullimore bridge make alternative parking arrangements throughout this period, heavy work vehicles will require access.

Ruspidge & Soudley Parish Council would like to apologies for any inconvenience caused to residents during this time.

For further information, please feel free to contact the clerk of Ruspidge & Soudley parish Council.

Rheola House, Belle Vue Centre, Cinderford. GL14 2AB

email: info@clerkrspc.co.uk

Tel: 01594 825 343

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF VARIOUS FOOTPATHS FOR
WYEDEAN STAGES MOTOR RALLY 2022
(CINDERFORD TOWN AND VARIOUS PARISHES) FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT

NOTICE is hereby given that Gloucestershire County Council intend to make an

Order to close temporarily under Sections 14, 15 and 16 of the Road Traffic

Regulation Act, 1984 (as amended) part of the footpaths as described in the

schedule below.

Help if you’re struggling with living costs

Many residents are currently struggling with rising living costs. That’s why it’s important to know what help and support is available now – that could benefit you, a relative, friend or neighbour.

Here are some practical actions that could help you or someone you know.

Please refer to the PDF bellow.

PARISH OF Ruspidge & Soudley

West WARD

CASUAL VACANCY

Notice is hereby given that due to Resignation of Cllr. Bernadette Wood

A vacancy exists in the office of Parish Councillor for the Parish of

Ruspidge & Soudley (West)

The vacancy will be filled by election if any ten registered local government electors for the said parish ward submit a written request to that effect in the manner prescribed below.

Any request for an election to be held to fill the vacancy must be in writing and must reach the Returning Officer, Forest of Dean District Council, High Street Coleford Glos GL16 8HG within fourteen days following the date of this notice.

If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.

Dated 19th August 2022

TEMPORARY CLOSURE 40100 BUCKSHAFT ROAD (CINDERFORD TOWN) FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT

Gloucestershire County Council has made an order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close part of 40100 Buckshaft Road from its junction with St Whites Road for a distance of approximately 30 metres back from the said junction.

The reason for the closure is to carry out surfacing works.

The road is expected to be closed from the 15th August 2022 until the 26th August 2022 only or until the works have been completed. For further information, please contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk.

Alternative Route – as signed on site.

Emergency and pedestrian access to adjacent properties will be maintained.

TEMPORARY CLOSURES VARIOUS ROADS FOR GIGACLEAR WORKS (VARIOUS TOWNS AND PARISHES) FOREST OF DEAN DISTRICT Gloucestershire County Council intend to make an order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) to temporarily close and restrict part of the roads as detailed in the Schedule avaliable to download.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 01594 825 343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 01594 825 343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge:The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley:Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge: The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Material for inclusion in the newsletter (at the editor's discretion) should be forwarded to the editor.viewpoint@gmail.com.

The deadline date for the forthcoming issue is stated on the back page of the current Viewpoint.

Small bundles of Viewpoints will be deposited at local establishments for those individuals who do not have internet access. These can be collected from:

Ruspidge:The Old Ruspidge Post Office (Daphne's), St. White's Road. The Rising Sun Fish and Chip Shop, Ruspidge Road. Steve's Hairdressers, Ruspidge Road.

Soudley: Soudley Village Hall - market days and other events. Dean Heritage Museum Café.

Readers who are unable to use either of these options should contact the Clerk on 825343. If there is no answer please leave a message and your telephone number and you will be contacted as soon as possible.