A councillor’s repeated warnings about the safety of key Gloucester buildings have been labeled ‘incorrect’ and ‘scaremongering’ by Gloucester City Council, sparking a tense debate over public safety standards.
Alastair Chambers, Community Independent councillor for Matson, Robinswood, and White City, has publicly raised health and safety alarms concerning the Longsmith Street Car Park, Eastgate Shopping Centre, and Kings Walk since 2022. These facilities fall under the council’s management.
Chambers says he has continuously alerted the council to a range of issues but feels that only the Longsmith Street Car Park has seen remedial action—and only after sustained pressure. “Large sections of concrete were falling from Longsmith, creating immediate safety hazards. Yet, years later, parts remain cordoned off without a clear plan for repair," he stated.
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Regarding Eastgate and Kings Walk, Chambers shared detailed reports highlighting structural and fire safety faults, even leading council officers on site inspections. The councillor described a particularly dangerous incident when a lift broke down during a heatwave, trapping occupants—a situation he claimed was “entirely predictable.”
He criticized the council’s slow response, labeling the ongoing issues “systemic breaches of public safety responsibilities.” Chambers emphasized, “Public safety cannot be optional. Immediate action is crucial before any more harm occurs.”
In response, Gloucester City Council firmly rejected Chambers’ allegations. A spokesperson called the statements “incorrect” and suggested they could be viewed as scaremongering. The council highlighted recent external inspections showing safety compliance scores of 99% for Kings Walk and 100% for Eastgate.
“The council maintains rigorous, audited safety processes and uses a compliance system to ensure all legislative checks are completed,” the spokesperson added, reassuring the public about the safety of these popular locations.
The controversy underscores a gap between elected representatives and the council’s official stance, raising ongoing questions about the management and maintenance of public buildings in Gloucester.