The ongoing reorganisation of local government in Gloucestershire has plunged the Gloucester suburb of Coopers Edge into a chaotic jurisdictional dilemma, sparking concerns among residents and local officials alike. As talks continue on replacing the current county and district councils with one or two unitary authorities, Coopers Edge residents fear their community could become further fractured.
Currently, Coopers Edge straddles the border between Tewkesbury Borough and Stroud District councils, despite its proximity to Gloucester city. This odd division results in neighbors living mere steps apart dealing with different bin collection schedules and accessing services like GPs under varying administrative rules. In some cases, the boundary even slices through individual homes, with kitchens falling under one authority and living rooms in another. Notably, the area’s Tesco Express on Lobleys Drive is split between the two districts.
Adding to the complexity, Coopers Edge falls within three parish councils — Brockworth, Hucclecote, and Upton St Leonards — each of which has backed the creation of a single unitary authority for Gloucestershire. Residents and councillors argue that the alternative plan to split Gloucestershire into East and West councils would cement existing divisions and worsen the situation.
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Hucclecote Parish Councillor Chas Townley emphasizes the need for Coopers Edge to be officially recognised as a unified community under one authority, noting, “It would be disastrous if the West/East two unitary proposal goes ahead — the boundary would literally run through the middle of our community, leaving neighbors in the same terrace under separate authorities.”
Brockworth councillor Ben Evans echoes these sentiments, labeling the split proposal as “bonkers” and “half-baked.” He stresses that dividing communities like Coopers Edge disrupts access to vital services such as schools and public transport, and lacks democratic support from residents.
A final decision on the restructuring is expected mid-2024, with shadow elections for the new councils anticipated in May 2025. The current county and district councils are slated for abolition by 2028, leaving Coopers Edge residents hoping for a solution that unites rather than divides their community.