DURING August, the traditional lull in council proceedings,  I took the opportunity to comprehensively walk around Lydney and Aylburton meeting and talking to countless people, including many visitors to the area.

Consistently Bathurst Park, the landscaping improvements around Lydney Lake, increased floral displays in and around the town, Dean Forest Railway, Taurus Crafts and overwhelmingly and unsurprisingly the outdoor pool were all positively complimented.

A special thank you to Bob Berryman and his team at Bathurst Pool who provide an affordable and immaculate facility which takes up the slack predominantly during the school holidays.

Positivity must always triumph and never be allowed to be outweighed by the negative irrational assumptions that a minority predominantly with personal agendas strive to promote.

– Cllr Alan Preest (Con), Gloucestershire County Council, Lydney.