n The Newent Initiative has been successful in providing 13 out of a planned 15 kissing gates for rural walks in the area.

Now the plan is to publish two walking guides for Newent, to go on sale in local shops this summer.

The total cost of the guides is likely to be £7,000, with £5,000 coming from the Countryside Agency and the remainder from other sources, including Newent Town Council.

n With the installation of new play equipment on Newent Recreation Ground, the old swings could go to Clifford's Mesne. Newent Town Council was informed of the village's interest by Coun Peter Street, who lives there. Members raised no objection to the proposal, on the understanding that the council would hold no future responsibility for their condition or safety.

n The annual meeting of the Newent Beekeepers Association will take place tomorrow (Saturday) from 7.30pm, in Newent Library, Broad Street. The next meeting after that will take place on April 1, also at the library from 7.30pm. Expert Mike Hunt will give a talk on queen bee rearing theory.

n Newent Town Council has raised no objection to a planning application for a new agricultural building to house grain drying equipment and grain at The Moat, Anthony's Cross.

n A representative from the pension Service will be available in Newent Post Office, every Monday from 9am to noon, to answer all queries concerning pensions.