Forest hit by temporary road and footpath closures

A wave of essential infrastructure works is set to bring short-term disruption across the Forest of Dean in late January and February, as Gloucestershire County Council announces a string of temporary road and footpath closures.

Electricity cabling work by National Grid has already prompted the closure of a 50‑metre stretch of the C40 Dean Road in Littledean, running from Mill Cottage to Rose Cottage. until January 30. Nearby, fencing works will shut part of the route between Upper Soudley and Blackpool Bridge Junction today (Wednesday), with restrictions in place from 8am to 3.30pm and a full no‑waiting rule throughout.

In Drybrook, Baptist Way will close for Severn Trent Water works from January 29-30, while in Awre, two separate schemes will affect the Awre Road. A 50‑metre section outside No. 6 is closed from this week until to February 6, and a further 200‑metre stretch between Branches Road and Moorhen Lane will shut for ditching works on February 9-10, again with strict stopping and waiting restrictions.

Mitcheldean will also see a short closure on Walwyn Close on February 12-13, and Aylburton residents should expect disruption near Upper Old Bargains Wood, closing for fence repairs from February 9-10. A one‑day closure on February 13 will affect The Ruffit (400119) in Littledean for Gigaclear digging works.

Two long‑term footpath closures have also been extended by the Secretary of State. Public Footpath FSB 36 in St Briavels will now remain closed until February 9, 2027 due to surface damage, while a dangerous bridge keeps Footpath GDY 41 in Dymock shut until October 17, 2027.

Alternative routes for all closures are signposted on site, with pedestrian and emergency access maintained wherever possible.

Transport Firm Seeks New Operating Base in Coleford

Cetro Transport Service Ltd has applied for permission to establish a new operating centre at New Dunn Business Park, Coleford, Gloucestershire. The company, currently based at Unit A2c, Block A, Britannia Enterprise Centre, Pengam, Blackwood, is seeking authorisation to run one goods vehicle and two trailers from the Coleford site.

Residents or landowners living near the proposed operating centre who believe their property use or enjoyment may be affected are invited to submit written objections to the Traffic Commissioner. Representations must be sent to: Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF.

Objectors are also required to send a copy of their submission to the applicant at its Blackwood address.