A new video message has been released by the Liberal Democrat leader of Gloucester City Council.
Cllr Jeremy Hilton is urging all residents of Gloucester and its surrounding parishes to make their voices heard in the government’s Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) consultation before the deadline on March 26.
He has posted a video message on Facebook highlighting the critical importance of the Greater Gloucester proposal.
“This proposal seeks to establish a unitary authority that would unite Gloucester with its 21 neighbouring parishes, replacing the current city and county council structure,” he said.
“For more than five centuries, Gloucester has enjoyed its own council, a tradition that may be at risk if new unitary councils are introduced without strong support for our city’s unique identity.
“Backing the Greater Gloucester unitary option means safeguarding Gloucester’s historic independence while ensuring local decision-making is swift, effective, and better tailored to our community’s needs.
“By bringing together the city and its parishes under one council, we can deliver improved services, respond rapidly to local priorities, and strengthen our sense of identity.
“This is a unique chance to put Gloucester first and build a council that truly reflects our growing and vibrant community.
“The rest of the county would be served by a single unitary council that could focus on the rural and market towns with Cheltenham as the largest population.
“The Government’s consultation closes on March 26.
“I urge every resident to take this opportunity to have your say and support the Greater Gloucester unitary option. Your input is vital to the future of our city and its surrounding areas.”
Councillor Jeremy Hilton said there were strong cultural, geographic, economic and historic reasons to keep Gloucester and the surrounding communities together
Councillor Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said key housing and regeneration schemes were progressing in the city and needed time to be completed.
A petition has been launched against plans to rob Gloucester of its own council and replace it with a huge unitary authority.
Two thousand years of history should be protected if the Government pushes ahead with plans to reorganise local government in Gloucester, according to the Liberal Democrats.