A campaign is gaining traction to keep Gloucestershire united against plans to split it into two councils, with many residents voicing their concerns.
Tewkesbury: A lot of folks are rallying to keep Gloucestershire whole. They’re not happy about the idea of splitting the county into two councils. Recently, the Government shared plans that could shake things up for local governance in England.
Ministers are pushing for more local powers, but their plan could merge district councils with the County Council. Right now, Gloucestershire has a two-tier system, and some leaders want to change that. Five out of seven MPs in the county have signed a letter suggesting a split into east and west councils.
The proposal includes creating two unitary authorities. West Gloucestershire would cover areas like the Forest of Dean and Gloucester, while East Gloucestershire would include Cheltenham and Tewkesbury. But not everyone is on board with this idea.
Opposition is coming from Tewkesbury’s Lib Dem MP and a Conservative MP from North Cotswolds. Richard Stanley, the Lib Dem leader in Tewkesbury, has started a petition against the split. He believes it would be a disaster for the county.
Instead of dividing, Stanley wants more investment in existing services and stronger local councils. He’s laid out 12 reasons why splitting the county is a bad idea. These reasons touch on everything from the county’s identity to the potential costs for taxpayers.
Stanley argues that Gloucestershire has a rich history and culture that would be undermined by a split. He believes a united county has a stronger voice and can better advocate for its needs.
He’s also concerned about how dividing the county could disrupt public services. Right now, services like education and health are integrated, and a split could lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Environmental issues are another big concern. Many projects cross county lines, and splitting Gloucestershire could make it harder to protect the beautiful landscapes and wildlife.
Stanley emphasizes that no one voted for this division. The petition has already gathered over 220 signatures, showing strong community support for keeping Gloucestershire united.
