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tewksgreenparty.bsky.social
Tewkesbury Green Party
@tewksgreenparty.bsky.social
320 followers 580 following 220 posts

For a fairer, greener Borough

Join us here https://join.greenparty.org.uk

Promoted by Sally Marsden on behalf of Tewkesbury Green Party, both at 22 Barton Street, Tewkesbury, GL20 5PR
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AI is thirsty, but there's a way out.

The worry: training GPT-3 drank 700,000 litres of water, and AI could use 6.6bn cubic metres a year by 2027.

The Green fix: clean power (over half of AI's water is the power station, not the server), smart siting, closed-loop cooling.

Tech, joined up.
An infographic on a dark blue background with a water droplet icon at the top. The heading reads "Did you know AI is Thirsty?! It is, but there is a way out." Below, the content is split into two columns. The left column, headed "THE WORRY" in red, lists four points: training GPT-3 alone drank 700,000 litres of fresh water; AI could push global water use from 1.1 to 6.6 billion cubic metres by 2027, over half the UK's total annual use; fresh water demand is set to outstrip supply by 40% by the end of this decade; most data centres sit in river basins at high risk of pollution. The right column, headed "THE GREEN WAY OUT" in green, lists three points. Clean Power: over half of AI's water footprint comes from power stations, and because solar and wind need no cooling water, a renewable grid cuts AI's thirst at the source. Smart Siting: build where there's no water stress, using closed-loop cooling that fills once and recycles. Transparency: mandatory water reporting, so we can manage what we measure. Across the bottom, over a photo of ripples spreading on water, white italic text reads "The real fix: clean energy and responsible siting. Not a clever press release. A joined-up plan."
October 8, 2026 at 1:58 PM
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Urgent:

public feedback on proposed speed limit changes in Tewkesbury, Northway, Wheatpieces and Ashchurch Rural closes this Sunday, 11 October.

Have your say on safer roads: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/gcc-news/new...

#Tewkesbury #RoadSafety
Town and borough councillor Hilarie Bowman, shown here with short blonde hair and glasses, wearing a green shirt, sits at a table and looks over her shoulder at the camera. In front of her is a laptop showing a map with coloured markers. Behind her are tall blue Gloucestershire County Council banners titled Safer Roads and Community 20s, including one headed Benefits of Lower Speeds.
October 8, 2026 at 1:58 PM
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Great British WaterBlitz:

Tewkesbury Green Party members tested the Swilgate at Tewkesbury Nature Reserve on 19 September.

Nitrate and phosphate readings were both worryingly high. #WaterBlitz
October 6, 2026 at 9:38 PM
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UPDATE!!

Floating pennywort on our rivers.

We asked the Environment Agency what's being done. Landowners are generally responsible, and the EA helps where resources allow.

Avon Navigation Trust plans to clear the Mill Avon in the coming weeks.

Spotted it? Report it: innsmapper.org 🌿
A bright, sunny view across a river in Tewkesbury, with a thick carpet of bright green floating pennywort covering much of the water. Dark, calm water in the foreground reflects the blue sky and white clouds. A line of black cylindrical floats runs across the far side of the river, with moored boats beyond, including a blue narrowboat and white motor cruisers. On the right are black-and-white timber-framed cottages with red brick chimneys, and reeds and trees line the left bank. Email slide 1 of 2. White background with a green header reading The Environment Agency's reply. The text reads: I am writing in response to your request for information, received 2 October 2026, regarding Floating Pennywort removal - River Avon, Tewkesbury. We respond to requests for information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI) and Environmental Information Regulations 2004 (EIR). Worcestershire Middle Severn Catchment - River Avon. Floating pennywort is listed under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the Invasive Alien Species Regulations 2015, making it an offence to plant it or allow it to spread in the wild. Responsibility for managing the plant generally rests with the landowner whose property borders the river. Whilst the Environment Agency does not have a legal obligation to remove or treat floating pennywort unless it is present on land we own or manage, we do have discretionary powers and, where resources allow, work with local partners to support management and control efforts. Email slide 2 of 2. White background with a green header reading The Environment Agency's reply. The text reads: Following guidance from the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat's floating pennywort strategy [link], we set up the River Avon Catchment Action Group in 2024 to bring together organisations, landowners, volunteers and community representatives to coordinate management across the wider catchment. Since then, the group has met regularly to share information and coordinate activity, including a successful volunteer removal event in 2025. We had hoped to organise a further event during summer/ June 2026. Unfortunately, pressures arising from incident response work, including drought-related activity, meant that we were unable to do so this year. However, we are in regular contact with Avon Navigation Trust who have advised us that they plan on carrying out clearance works across the Mill Avon section in the coming weeks. We encourage you to continue to report this invasive non-native species by recording it using INNS Mapper. Link here - INNS Mapper [link].
October 5, 2026 at 6:14 PM
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Some of our Tewkesbury Green Party members took on the paddle, plod, pedal challenge for St Richard's Hospice: 39 miles along the Avon and Severn.

Over £12k raised in all.

Sounds fun? Stick it in your diary for next year, it's a very worthy cause! 🛶💚

#Tewkesbury #StRichardsHospice
Low evening sun shining over a calm river, seen from a wide boat. Paddlers in red and orange life jackets and waterproof jackets sit along both sides facing forward, with tree-lined banks on either side and soft cloud overhead.
October 2, 2026 at 12:02 PM
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The Bristol Avon has just had a river rights charter signed by nine councils.

So where do our rivers stand?

Tewkesbury's Severn and Avon have no charter yet, as far as we can find, but campaigns are growing upstream. Would you like to see one here? 🌊

📷 Zonnie Burton
#RightsOfRivers
The Mill Avon in Tewkesbury on an overcast day. Dark, still water fills the foreground, with a few ducks swimming on the left and lily pads at the bottom edge. A pale blue metal footbridge crosses the river in the background, with a person standing on the far bank beneath it. A large weeping willow hangs over the water on the right, and green bushes and reeds line the near bank. Photo credit: Zonnie Burton.
October 1, 2026 at 2:21 PM
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1/3
650 homes proposed at White House Farm, partly in Tewkesbury Borough and partly in Stroud District.

Two ways to have your say. Neighbourhood Plan for the Hill: comment in writing by 28 Oct at tewkesbury.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning #Tewkesbury
Image 1: Graphic with a bright green background from Tewkesbury Green Party. An orange block at the top reads '650 homes at White House Farm'. A white panel says comments close 2 Oct, that the link is in the comments and you need to log in to comment, with three steps: open the portal link, log in or register if you have no login, then click 'Comments' to read others' comments and add your own. A dark strip lists concerns raised: landscape impact, Green Belt, archaeology, bats, flooding and traffic. Image 2: Graphic with a bright green background from Tewkesbury Green Party. An orange block at the top reads 'Neighbourhood Plan for the Hill'. A white panel says comments close 28 Oct, in writing, and explains that Churchdown and Hucclecote parish councils want a joint plan covering all of the Hill to help protect the lower slopes from development. A dark strip gives the email address neighbourhoodplanning@tewkesbury.gov.uk and the web address tewkesbury.gov.uk/neighbourhood-planning.
September 30, 2026 at 1:36 PM
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Two months of Who's Responsible for What wrapped up!

August covered the basics; September answered questions raised in August.

Now it's back to you: ask us anything we've missed, and we'll find out the answer.
Green infographic titled Ask us anything, two months of explainers and answers, now ask us anything we've missed. Roads and parking: potholes, car park ownership, verge cutting, ask away. Councils and councillors: not sure what your MP, County, Borough or Town councillor actually does, we'll find out. Environment and planning: flooding, tree work, planning applications, we'll ask. Literally anything local: if it's about Tewkesbury and you've been wondering who to ask, drop it below. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 25, 2026 at 10:11 PM
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We were asked: why does Tewkesbury Leisure Centre cost ~£40/month when it's council-owned?

The council owns the building, but Places Leisure runs it commercially - and it now earns the council ~£170k/year vs the old centre costing £270k/year. Concessions exist - ask directly.
Green infographic titled Why does the leisure centre cost so much, and why do we still book for swimming, a question from Martin. Who owns it: Tewkesbury Borough Council funded and owns the building, but doesn't run it day to day. Who runs it: Places for People Leisure Ltd, under a 10-year management contract, standard practice across most UK councils. Why that affects pricing: council-run Cascades cost the council around £270k a year, the Places Leisure contract now brings in around £170k a year instead, it's run commercially, not subsidised. Cheaper options exist: concessionary rates for low income, disability, over-60s and students, worth asking the centre directly. Why you still book swimming: standard industry practice since COVID, for lifeguard ratios and separating lane swim, family swim and lessons, not a Tewkesbury quirk. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 23, 2026 at 6:38 PM
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What was Matt up to in August? Here's a snapshot of his month as your Borough Councillor.

Seen an issue near you? Email him using the address on the final slide and he'll do what he can to help.

This is a snapshot rather than a full list of everything he's done this month.
September 23, 2026 at 5:28 AM
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We were asked: who stops cars parking on grass, turning it to mud?

Roadside verges aren't automatically illegal to park on unless a TRO, byelaw or obstruction applies - GCC can fine where restrictions exist.

Council parks: Tewkesbury BC via park byelaws. Otherwise, little anyone can do.
Green infographic titled Who stops cars parking on grass, turning green areas to mud, a question from Diana P. Roadside verges: not automatically illegal, only enforceable if there's a Traffic Regulation Order (yellow lines), a specific byelaw, or it's causing an obstruction. Where a restriction exists: Gloucestershire County Council can issue a Penalty Charge Notice, parking@gloucestershire.gov.uk or 01452 425610. Council-owned parks: Tewkesbury Borough Council can act via park byelaws banning driving or parking on their own grass. The catch: unless a specific order or byelaw actually covers that patch, there's very little anyone can do, a nationwide frustration, not just local. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 22, 2026 at 5:23 PM
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Join us for Tewkesbury's Big Autumn Clean! 🍂

Volunteers are needed to help tidy the streets and alleys of the town centre from 2 to 5pm on Sunday 27 September. Meet at Eagles Alley.

Get in touch at [email protected]

#TewkesburyBigClean #Tewkesbury #Litterpick #Volunteer
Poster for Tewkesbury's Big Autumn Clean, a volunteer litter pick. Logos for Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Project Alleycat and Friends of the Earth Tewkesbury & District sit along the top. The headline reads "Tewkesbury's Big Autumn Clean: Volunteers Needed". An orange banner says to join the volunteer team to clean the streets and alleys in Tewkesbury town centre, 2 to 5pm on Sunday 27 September 2026, meeting at Eagles Alley behind the National Star Charity Shop. Everyone is welcome, including uniform groups, youth groups, councillors and community members. Litter picking kits, hi-vis vests, gloves and bag hoops are supplied, but people can bring their own, plus brooms, dustpans, hoes, weeding tools and secateurs. If you can't make it, the poster suggests "Sweep from Home" by cleaning your own street with friends and neighbours. Contact tewkesburybigclean@gmail.com or Tewkesbury Friends of the Earth on Facebook. Illustrations show rubbish, four people sweeping and picking litter, and autumn leaves along the bottom.
September 21, 2026 at 5:28 PM
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Follow-up to our street trees post: can you get a tree planted opposite your own house?

Yes - Trees for Streets lets individual residents nominate a spot online.

A tree officer checks pipes, cables, sightlines and verge width first - not every spot works, but worth a try.
Green infographic titled Can I get a tree planted opposite my house, following up on Q8, a question from Diana P. Yes, you can ask directly: Trees for Streets lets individual residents nominate a spot, not just groups, pin the exact location on the online map. What gets checked: a GCC tree officer assesses the spot, underground pipes and cables, overhead wires, sightlines, verge width and drainage. When it isn't possible: too narrow a verge, blocking visibility at a junction or driveway, or sitting above utilities are the most common reasons a spot gets declined. What it involves: your sponsorship covers planting and upkeep, if approved it goes in the following winter planting season. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 21, 2026 at 12:28 PM
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Rachael asked: how do we get more street trees planted, replacing those cut down or died?

GCC Trees for Streets scheme lets you nominate a spot online. Woodland Trust also gives away free tree packs to groups - applications open 2 Sept. GCC pledges 2 trees per ash lost to dieback.
Green infographic titled What enforcement action has been taken against Severn Trent. Nationally: the Environment Agency has secured over £151m in fines from water companies since 2015 (63 prosecutions). Right on our doorstep: Feb 2026, Severn Trent paid £2.28m for two Gloucestershire incidents, including a breach at Cheltenham's treatment works. Undertaking vs prosecution: the company admits the offence and pays environmental charities instead of going to court, prosecution is kept for the most serious cases. Who actually pays: Ofwat requires fines to be paid by the company and shareholders, never customer bills, confirmed on every major case including Thames Water's £122.7m. Bonuses and dividends: Ofwat can now block exec bonuses at failing companies (6 banned in 2025) and fined Thames Water £18.2m for undeserved dividends, a first. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 21, 2026 at 12:01 AM
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69 MPs packed into yesterday's water public ownership debate.

Two of our Green MPs went - 40% of the party 😉
Lib Dems 23%
Labour 11%
Tories 3%
Reform's 8 MPs? Zero

For Tewkesbury: less sewage, mended leaks, profits reinvested, not paid out 💧
Photo of Tewkesbury weir on the River Severn, taken on a sunny day. Clear water flows in a wide white cascade over the weir into the river below, with green trees lining both banks and a row of houses visible on the far bank. Blue sky with light cloud above.
September 16, 2026 at 8:01 PM
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We were asked what enforcement action has been taken against Severn Trent.

EA has secured £151m+ in fines since 2015. Locally: Severn Trent paid £2.28m in Feb 2026 for two Gloucestershire incidents, incl. Cheltenham's treatment works. 1/2
Green infographic titled What enforcement action has been taken against Severn Trent. Nationally: the Environment Agency has secured over £151m in fines from water companies since 2015 (63 prosecutions). Right on our doorstep: Feb 2026, Severn Trent paid £2.28m for two Gloucestershire incidents, including a breach at Cheltenham's treatment works. Undertaking vs prosecution: the company admits the offence and pays environmental charities instead of going to court, prosecution is kept for the most serious cases. Who actually pays: Ofwat requires fines to be paid by the company and shareholders, never customer bills, confirmed on every major case including Thames Water's £122.7m. Bonuses and dividends: Ofwat can now block exec bonuses at failing companies (6 banned in 2025) and fined Thames Water £18.2m for undeserved dividends, a first. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 15, 2026 at 5:26 PM
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What does a county councillor do?

Represents a much bigger 'electoral division' than a borough/town ward.

Full Council meets 6x/year; real work happens in committees.

Leader + 9 Cabinet members set policy; most councillors are backbench.

Allowances: ~£12k up to ~£49.5k for the Leader.
Green infographic titled What does a county councillor do, the county-level version, a question from Sally. Representing you: elected to represent an electoral division, a much larger area than a borough or town ward. Meetings: Full Council meets six times a year, the detailed work happens in committees like Planning, Audit and Governance, and scrutiny. Cabinet or backbench: the Leader plus 9 Cabinet members set policy, most councillors are backbench, holding them to account via scrutiny. Allowances: a basic allowance around £12,000 a year, more for Cabinet roles around £21,000, and more again for the Leader around £49,500 total. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 13, 2026 at 5:21 PM
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What does a borough councillor actually do?

One of 38, each representing a ward. Sits on Full Council + committees (Planning decides applications monthly, Licensing covers pubs/clubs).

Some hold an Executive portfolio; most do Overview & Scrutiny instead. Published allowance + resident casework.
Green infographic titled What does a borough councillor do, the full version, not just the summary, a question from Sally. Representing you: one of 38 Tewkesbury Borough councillors, each representing a ward. Committees: Full Council plus appointed committees, Planning decides applications monthly, Licensing handles pubs and clubs. Cabinet or backbench: some hold a portfolio in the Executive, most sit on Overview and Scrutiny, holding the Executive to account. Allowances and casework: a published annual allowance, plus extra for special responsibilities, alongside handling resident casework. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 11, 2026 at 9:21 PM
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What does a town councillor actually do?

Elected to represent their ward, unpaid. Attends full council + committees (Planning meets fortnightly).

Comments on planning applications as a consultee - Borough Council decides.

Does casework for residents and attends civic events.
Green infographic titled What does a town councillor do, the individual role, not just the council, a question from Sally. Representing you: elected to represent their ward or the parish, unpaid, though may claim limited expenses. Meetings: full council plus committees, Tewkesbury's Planning Committee meets fortnightly. A voice on planning: comments on planning applications as a consultee, the Borough Council makes the actual decision. Casework: listens to residents, raises concerns with the borough or county on their behalf, attends civic events. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 10, 2026 at 2:40 PM
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Tim asked: who cuts the grass around Tewkesbury?

Depends who owns it but generally:

Borough Council: parks/play areas, 8-12 cuts/year.

County Council: verges/roundabouts, just 2 cuts/year.

Some town/parish councils fund extra cuts themselves.

Report overgrown verges via FixMyStreet.
Green infographic titled Who cuts the grass, it depends where, a question from Tim B. Borough Council: land they own, parks, play areas, housing estate green patches, 8-12 cuts a year via contractor Ubico. County Council: roadside verges and roundabouts, just 2 cuts a year, June and October. Town and parish councils: some fund extra top-up cuts themselves where verges get too overgrown. Report it: overgrown highway verges via GCC FixMyStreet. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 9, 2026 at 8:56 PM
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Gill asked: are car parks a council job? Not exactly. Borough Council runs most of them (Spring Gardens, Rails Meadow, The Vineyards + more). Abbey Car Park belongs to the Abbey Lawn Trust. Morrisons manages their own. On-street bays are County Council inc Back of Avon.
Green infographic titled Are car parks a council job, not exactly, a question from Gill B. Borough Council: Spring Gardens, Rails Meadow, The Vineyards, Bishops Walk, Station Road, Gloucester Road, Oldbury Road by Tesco. Abbey Lawn Trust: Abbey Car Park, by the gates. Private operators: Morrisons. County Council: on-street public parking bays, including Back of Avon. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 6, 2026 at 11:38 AM
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Derek asked: who looks after the cycle track between Morrisons and Newtown? Gloucestershire County Council - report defects via FixMyStreet, or call 08000 514514 for dangerous hazards. Sustrans designs the routes but never maintains them - that's always the landowner's job.
Green infographic titled Who looks after the cycle track, between Morrisons and Newtown, a question from Derek W. Whose job is it: Gloucestershire County Council, the statutory Local Highways Authority. How to report it: GCC FixMyStreet, pin the location and add a photo. Urgent hazards: call the emergency highways line 08000 514514. Good to know: Sustrans designs National Cycle Network routes but doesn't maintain them, that always falls to the landowner. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 5, 2026 at 8:00 PM
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August was 'Who Does What?'

September is 'Your Questions Answered'.

One question, one answer, every 2-3 days - the first three will be: cycle track between Morrisons and Newtown, car park ownership, and who cuts the grass. Got a question? Drop it below.
Green infographic titled Who does what, your questions answered, a new series - your questions from August, answered throughout September. Who looks after the cycle track between Morrisons and Newtown - one of the first questions sent in. Are car parks a council job - ownership is split more ways than you'd think. Who cuts the grass - a headache for pretty much every resident in Tewkesbury. Got a question of your own - drop it below and we'll add it to the list. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
September 2, 2026 at 4:49 PM
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🌊 "Go with the flow..."

Rivers Event - Sat 5 Sept, 12-4pm, Gloucester Heritage Hub.

Live talks, river art, archive exhibitions, water activities for all ages + local heritage groups. Family history centre open 10am. Booking essential - link in bio!
Black and white archive photograph of a flood rescue in a residential street. Several people are being ferried across floodwater in an inflatable dinghy, guided by a police officer wading alongside. Terraced houses and a metal railing fence line the flooded street behind them. White bands top and bottom square the image for posting.
September 1, 2026 at 7:08 PM
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BONUS post (not one of the original 12, too important to mix with the rest):

When it's 999 or A&E. Life-threatening only - chest pain, can't breathe, stroke signs (face/arm/speech), severe bleeding, unconscious, severe allergic reaction. Nearest 24hr A&E: Gloucestershire Royal, Gloucester. 1/2
Green infographic, bonus post 1 of 2, titled In an emergency, when it's 999 or A&E, not 111. Call 999: life-threatening - chest pain, can't breathe, stroke signs (face, arm, speech), severe bleeding, unconscious, severe allergic reaction. Nearest A&E: Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, 24 hour; Cheltenham General has A&E 8am-8pm, nurse-led overnight only. How it's prioritised: ambulance calls are triaged by severity. Remember: unnecessary 999 calls delay help for someone who's genuinely dying, but never hesitate if these signs are present. Tewkesbury Green Party logo top right.
August 30, 2026 at 12:15 PM