Petition set up to 'save' county from being split

Councillor Richard Stanley is calling for more funding for borough councils

Hundreds of people have backed a campaign to save Gloucestershire from being split into two councils.

Five of Gloucestershire's seven MPs have backed a vision for the county to be split into east and west.

They suggest West Gloucestershire would combine the district councils in the Forest of Dean, Gloucester and Stroud; while an East Gloucestershire authority would include Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the Cotswolds.

However, a petition has been set up by Tewkesbury Borough Council's Lib Dem leader Richard Stanley, who believes splitting the county would be "disastrous".

'Stand together'

The proposals for a split council are part of sweeping reforms announced by the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner last month.

Under them district councils in Gloucestershire would be abolished, and one powerful council would instead run all the county's services.

The proposal for a split authority would see two councils take over the county's services, rather than one.

However, the petition set up by Stanley has called for more investment on improving existing services and in creating strong parish, town and city councils.

"Our county is rich in history, culture, and shared values, and it is our belief that splitting Gloucestershire would undermine our collective strength, identity, and future," Stanley said in the petition.

"We stand together to ensure that Gloucestershire remains united, with a single voice to represent our communities, businesses, and future generations."

So far, the petition has been signed by more than 220 residents.