⏩ The Gloucester Start: Friday December 13th
620 new homes | Stalker driving instructor | Weekend what's on
Happy Friday! We’ve got the usual round-up of news affecting Gloucester and an overview of some of the great events you can take a look at this weekend. There’s loads going on, from Christmas markets to wrestling matches. If you’re enjoying the Gloucester Start, please give us a share.
🏠 More than 600 extra homes could be added to an extension of the Hunts Grove development at Hardwicke. Developer Crest Nicholson has applied to Stroud District Council with the plans, which include a new primary school. - Punchline Gloucester
↪️ The Labour government’s increased housing targets mean Gloucester is expected to deliver 732 new homes per year as part of a national effort to add 1.5million properties in the next five years. - MailOnline (interactive map)
🚗 More protection should be available to learner drivers, says a woman stalked by her Abbeymead driving instructor. Ashley Watson, 61, was given a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, at Swindon Crown Court and a restraining order. - BBC
🚑 A man has died after an incident in the city centre yesterday afternoon. Emergency services were called to Shire Hall in Westgate Street at 3.25pm to reports of someone with serious injuries. No-one else is believed to have been involved. - Gloucestershire Live
💔 A body has been found in the search for missing ex-Gloucester Rugby player Tom Voyce. Northumbria Police’s Marine Unit made the discovery yesterday after Tom failed to return home on Sunday after a night with friends. - BBC
☁️ Today’s weather: Grey skies all day with a slightly higher chance of rain through the middle of the day. Temperatures at 7C most of the day.
🛍️ Several big name brands have committed to staying at Gloucester Quays as the outlet shopping centre announced 11 lease renewals. - Punchline Gloucester
📉 People struggling the most will continue to be eligible for up to a 100% discount on their council tax bill. Gloucester City Council has renewed its commitment to supporting those most in need. - Gloucester News Centre, via the Local Democracy Reporting Service
🩲 Gloucester City Mission’s ‘Undies the Christmas Tree’ campaign is asking for donations of new underwear to go to rough sleepers. It’s the one item of clothing that can’t be given second-hand and the charity spends about £6,000 annually on new items. There’s a donation cabinet outside Revive Coffee in the Eastgate Shopping Centre. - Punchline Gloucester
📅 Weekend what’s on
🛍️ It’s the final weekend of the Gloucester Quays Christmas Market, with dozens of stalls set up to help you find that perfect gift. - Gloucester Quays
❄️ A giant inflatable snow globe is at the Eastgate Shopping Centre tomorrow, from 10.30am-2.30pm, for anyone to step inside. - Eastgate Shopping Centre
👶 There’s a pre-loved baby sale and swap at Quedgeley Community Centre, Saturday from 1.30pm-3.30pm. - Quedgeley Community Centre
🎅 Hundreds of Father Christmases will pound the streets in the annual Santa Fun Run, which kicks off in King’s Square on Saturday from about 10am. - Rotary Club of Gloucester
🤼 Wrestlers will go toe-to-toe in a Christmas clash at Morelands Trading Estate on Saturday from 7pm. It’s been relocated from Gloucester Prison, and is adults only. - Evolution Wrestling
🚜 Festive tractors in convoy will roll into St Oswald’s from about 7pm on Sunday in the culmination of the annual Gloucester Road Run. - When Farmers Do Christmas
🧝 Post-weekend, Santa’s workshop opens in The Heritage, next to Kingsholm Stadium, giving families the opportunity to immerse themselves in festive fun. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 4.30pm-6.30pm, free booking advisable. - Gloucester Rugby