Over the past week, we received a large number of emails, phone calls, direct messages and social media comments regarding rumours that the glass canopy and other architectural features of Cobbler’s Corner at 204 High Street are to be removed.
Many of these messages included comments such as “something must be done” or “the Civic Society should do something.”
It’s good to know that so many people recognise the important role Cheltenham Civic Society plays in helping to protect the town’s heritage. And we are equally encouraged that there is such strong public concern for Cheltenham’s historic buildings.
However, before anyone “does something”, it is important to establish the facts.
We can confirm that there is no basis to these rumours. Cheltenham Borough Council has not received any pre-application or formal proposals relating to this building and the last planning application affecting the site was submitted in 2023.
We are therefore urging people to stop sharing unverified stories and to be cautious about believing everything they read on social media and neighbourhood forums such as Nextdoor. We would be grateful if you could pass that on.
Cheltenham Civic Society doesn’t need to be told to defend the town’s heritage. That is exactly what our volunteers do every single day. We monitor planning applications, engage with developers and local authorities, campaign on heritage issues and challenge proposals where necessary.
If you talk to people who are genuinely concerned about Cheltenham’s historic environment, please tell them that saying “something should be done” from the sidelines does not work. Instead, please suggest that they join us. Becoming part of an organisation that is already doing something makes us stronger.
Heritage is best protected by informed, constructive action rather than rumours, speculation and keyboard commentary. Join us.