Tewkesbury Borough Council extends consultation over name change
The consultation will now run until Wednesday, 31st July
Last updated 8th Jul 2024
Tewkesbury Borough Council is extending a consultation on its intention to change its name to North Gloucestershire Borough Council, giving people until the end of July to respond.
Due to restrictions placed on the council in the run-up to the parliamentary election, the council was prevented from actively consulting as it normally would. As a result, the feedback period has been extended, and the consultation will now run until Wednesday, 31 July.
Exploring an alternative name for the council originated during feedback from councillors, community groups and local businesses, which indicated the name ‘Tewkesbury Borough’ and the council’s current logo weren’t considered representative of the entire borough.
Tewkesbury Borough covers a large geographic area and encompasses many towns and villages including Bishop’s Cleeve, Churchdown, Highnam and Brockworth.
Tewkesbury parish accounts for under 3% of the borough’s geographical area and around 10% of its population.
At a meeting of Council in May 2024, Tewkesbury Borough councillors were ‘minded to’ change the council’s name, subject to a consultation so that stakeholders can provide feedback and raise any suggestions, as well as share views on logo options. Members of the public, local businesses, town and parish councils, and other partners and interested parties are welcome to share their views.
Following the consultation, a final decision will be made at an extraordinary Council meeting that will require a resolution to be passed by a majority of at least two thirds of the councillors who attend.
For those unable to access the consultation online, hard copies remain available at Tewkesbury’s Public Services Centre, the council’s advice and information centres in Churchdown and Winchcombe, and at Tewkesbury Leisure Centre.
Anyone who needs assistance completing the form can call the council's customer services team.
Tewkesbury Borough Council’s Leader, Cllr Richard Stanley, said: “The extension of the consultation period provides an opportunity for everyone in our community to share their views on the name change. We want to ensure that the name of our borough accurately represents the entire area, and the feedback we’ve received so far suggests that many feel the current name does not.
“Our goal is to adopt a name that reflects the diverse and vibrant communities we serve, from Twyning to Brockworth, Highnam to Snowshill. The proposed name, North Gloucestershire Borough Council, would provide a clearer geographic context and help us promote our borough more effectively on a regional and national level.
“We are committed to a cost-conscious and phased implementation of this change, ensuring minimal financial impact while achieving a more inclusive identity for our council.
“I’d like to stress that no decision has been made on changing the name, and I encourage everyone, including residents, businesses, and local councils, to participate in the consultation and help shape the future identity of our borough.”