Workers forced to leave after furious protestors spring into action

A group of around 15 disgruntled residents gathered outside the former the White Lion Inn in Gloucester Street, Cirencester last Wednesday morning, May 1 to stop Connect Kerb workers from installing electric charging points in front of the Grade II listed building.

This meant that the workers were unable to carry out the job so they eventually left the scene.

This work is part of Gloucestershire County Council's rollout of EV charge points across the county - however when it first proposed the Gloucester Street site last year there were some objections.

Yvonne and Mike Verdi-Cotts, who live in the former pub, said they were shocked when workers turned up with trucks and diggers as they didn't realise the plan was going ahead.

Connect Kerb workers ready to start the installation on Wednesday morning, May 1 (Image: UGC)

Those involved in the protest said they support the EV scheme but strongly believe that Gloucester Street is the wrong place for it as it is very narrow and already has longstanding parking issues.

The site is directly opposite Powell's Primary School and some residents are concerned that it will encourage more drivers to an area which is already chaotic during school pick up times.

In addition, the group are worried that the charging points would take away much-needed on-street car parking spaces.

Furthermore, congestion on the street has caused delays for emergency services in the past, say residents, who point out that fire crews had to get to the scene of an incident on foot in January.

Gloucester Street, Cirencester (Image: Camilla Foster)

Mrs Verdi-Cotts said: "Cirencester is a beautiful town with a lovely community spirit but this situation has made me feel very distressed, I feel like I can't leave my house.

"EV charging points would deface our beautiful historic street and would be an invitation for more parking chaos.

"We are all determined to find new avenues to fight this installation from going ahead."

Neighbour Clare Hannah is angry that they were given no notice about the installation and has filed a planning complaint to Cotswold District Council.

She said: "This whole situation highlights how we are vulnerable to the whims of people who don't live here and are making decisions on our behalf without thinking about the implications it will have on our lives.

"This is a historic street and if we want to change anything about our houses we have to go through a long, expensive planning process, however GCC thinks it can do what it wants.

"This shows a clear double standard and a complete disrespect for residents."

County councillor for the area Rebecca Halifax said the installation will go ahead despite the concerns.

Gloucester Street sign (Image: Camilla Foster)

Cllr Halifax said: “GCC undertook a public consultation a year ago and there was a mixed response to having EV points installed in Gloucester Street, with the balance being in favour.

"I’m sorry that some residents were upset by the decision taken by GCC highways.

"While EV points are welcome, a full on-street parking review (which would include assessing how many EV points are needed) would be more welcome still.”

A spokesperson for GCC said: "The rollout of public EV charge points aims to support residents who do not have access to off street parking, making it easier for people to switch to electric vehicles.

"Cirencester, with a population of more than 20,000, currently has no on street EV charge points and there are many properties near this particular location with no off street parking.

“We carried out engagement with residents last year and adopted a phased approach to mitigate concerns raised.

"We plan to mark out two bays in this street for EV drivers and will leave two bays unmarked.

"We will monitor demand for EV charging and will only mark out these extra bays when demand increase."