updated 14 February 2003

Unresolved Sewage Problems

 Fairford Peace Demo

Unrest over plans for
St Mary's Church
The heavy rain at the start of the year once again meant that some Fairford residents, especially at the eastern end of the town,  faced the problem of sewage coming up in their toilets. They were unable to bath, shower or wash as if they did the sewers would be overloaded even more.

The problem is caused by a rising main which takes sewage uphill and needs upgrading. A new pump was installed at the pumping station a few years ago, but it cannot be used to its full capacity until the rising sewer is improved.

Over the past few years there have been residential developments such as Lygon Court and Orchard Close retirement homes which have quite simply overloaded the system.

Residents have had enough. The Cotswold Liberal Democrats have sponsored a meeting with Thames Water, the Environment Agency and Cotswold District Council on Wednesday 19th February at 7.30 p.m. at the Fairford Centre.

To Burning Issues December 2002

 

Following the successful Demonstration for Peace on 14th December last year (see photos) attended by 500 concerned individuals, the 26th January saw nearly 2000 people descend peacefully on Fairford to show their concern that America could use the Fairford air base to attack Iraq and undoubtedly kill innocent people.

Led by the Gloucestershire Weapons Inspectors and the Stroud Peace Group, the protestors walked to the base via the Market Place, A417 and Horcott.  On arrival, all the protestors took on the role of Civilian Weapons Inspectors and asked to be let in to inspect America's Weapons of Mass Destruction. To no avail, although several protesters did gain entry to the base later.  More photos to follow.

 St Mary's Parochial Church Council are planning to modernise the 15th Century Church by removing some pews in the centre of the church so that a mobile altar can be situated there to enable more modern services to take place.

It is part of a scheme to adapt to the challenges facing churches in the 21st Century.  A new sound system, improvements to the lighting and more storage space are included in the plans which could cost up to £200,000.

Many parishioners are up in arms at the proposals and see the changes as a waste of money and damaging to the rich heritage of the church which is famous for its medieval stained glass windows.

More consultation is taking place.

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