The law has been temporarily changed to allow parish council meetings to be conducted by audio or video link with participants not in the same physical location. NALC guidance has been issued.

The government has published some very useful advice about maintaining physical, mental and emotional wellbeing during the present difficulties. There is also a shorter booklet-style version.

The government is asking everyone not to drive unless absolutely necessary. People can no longer use the car parks at the park. Pedestrians (and their dogs) are welcome to exercise.

Under the latest government rules the vast majority of us should now be staying at home unless we are food shopping or doing necessary work. Gloucestershire County Council and Cheltenham Borough Council are now working together with Parish Councils and others to support vulnerable residents. A Community Hub has been established.

With regret we have reached the decision to suspend the paper copies of our Village News for the time being. We feel that collection and distribution represents an unacceptable risk to both households and distributors in the present situation. We know that many folk enjoy the Village News and it would have been nice to continue the service, particularly for those who aren't into the Internet. We would like to say thank you to Karen and Hugh and also to Stuart who has assisted with the editing.

I am told that there were several burglaries overnight in Prestbury, due to people leaving their windows open overnight.

Gloucestershire County Council has been awarded £219m to upgrade junction 10 on the M5 to four ways.

The litter pick that I organised on behalf of Swindon Parish Council is POSTPONED.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup race meeting takes place from 10th to 13th March.