We have been successful in getting through to the second round of the competition again – and judging took place in June. Thank you to all our residents who do such a wonderful job keeping their private gardens in wonderful condition.

We were contacted by the District Council who suggested siting some community recycling containers next to the Castle. We have replied and suggested they look at alternative sites, and requested more information on what type of recycling they are proposing, how often it would be emptied etc. We would welcome any comments from residents on this proposal.

The Parish Council have received a request for a donation from the Assembly Rooms towards their refurbishment works. This request has been referred to our Finance Committee to look into the details of the project, and at our available funds in line with our donation policy and to make a recommendation to the Parish Council.

Thank you to everyone who completed their survey form and returned them. We now have a much clearer idea of residents thoughts on a range of issues. The full survey report will be published on the website soon – click on Council Information and then select Policies. If anyone would like a printed copy, please contact Michelle. Arising from the survey, we will be contacting the District Council to request enhanced kerbside collection services, the Post Office to let them know of a high level of support for a mobile post office service in the village, and we will be contacting all the people who put forward their names to be involved in trying to create some more opportunities for our young people to see about moving forward.

We are delighted to report that St Briavels Parish Council has successfully achieved Quality Council Status.  Look out for further details in the local press, and we hope to have an official presentation some time in the summer.  We are one of only a handful of parish councils in Gloucestershire to have achieved this level, which demonstrates that the Parish Council is representative, in touch with our community, competent and capable of taking on an enhanced role.  It has taken us five years to reach this benchmark, and the process included producing our Parish Plan, the Clerk obtaining a nationally recognised qualification and ensuring that all our procedures follow best practice.  Particular thanks are due to our two previous chairmen – Clare Dow and Derek Marshall who were commitmed to achieving Quality Council Status  and pushed forward our development.