POLITICAl jostling is under way following last Thursday's election which saw the Conservatives lose overall control of Gloucestershire County Council.

UKIP made a strong showing, with three councillors elected, and Labour made gains.

The county's 53 seats are made up of 23 Conservative, 14 Liberal Democrat, nine Labour, three UKIP, one Green and one People Against Democracy members and two independents.

In the Stroud area, Labour gained a seat with Steve Lydon elected in Dursley.

Newcomers UKIP made a strong show across the district, polling several hundred votes in each division.

While three UKIP councillors were elected in the Forest of Dean, none won in Stroud.

The Five Valleys and Severn Vale are now represented by five Conservative councillors, three Labour, one Green and one Liberal Democrat.

Labour's Brian Oosthuysen retained Rodborough with a 750 majority, up from just three votes in 2009. But UKIP's Richard Williams was the runner-up with 549 votes, pushing the Tories into third.

Conservative Stan Waddington was re-elected to the council in the new Minchinhampton division, which includes Chalford and Bussage.

He was "pleased and relieved" and said: "It's been a month of hard work, tramping the streets, and it's all been in a new patch."

UKIP's Adrian Blake polled 743 in Minchinhampton. Coun Waddington admitted UKIP had "taken a big slice of the vote".

He said: "It's due to general disillusionment with the Government. But UKIP is presenting something it can't deliver – getting out of Europe. It's scare tactics."

Mr Blake said: "People want change and are fed up with the main parties."

Labour increased its representation in Stroud with the election of Coun Lydon in the new Dursley division.

"There are lots of issues and lots of worries for people, including jobs and what's happening with the economy," he said.

Labour group leader Lesley Williams retained her Stonehouse seat with a solid 700 majority.

She said: "The big issue the council now faces is the perpetual reduction in finances.

"We will work to make sure that the most vulnerable members of society are being looked after. That has to be the priority."

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Britain takes a lot of beating as a holiday destination. If you are thinking about a staycation, take a look at our great ideas for trips and breaks.

The majesty of the Scottish Highlands and Islands, for example. Enjoy the very best of Scotland on this three centre, seven day touring holiday that includes stays in the heart of the Highlands, on the legendary Isle of Skye and in scenic Ayrshire.

Highlights include a circular tour of the beautiful Isle of Arran, visits to Inverness and delightful Portree on the Isle of Skye. On the trip to Loch Ness you might spot something unexpected rising from the waters.

They say that if you can remember the 1960s you weren't there. Well, whether you can or not, our trip to the Beatles' home city of Liverpool cannot fail to recall those heady days when the mop-topped Fab Four conquered the world of popular music.

On this weekend break you will visit the homes and schools of the legendary band, discover the places that inspired some of their most memorable songs and explore the sights and sites of vibrant Liverpool.

On a more sedate note, our trip to Torquay, Eden and Heligan takes in the home town of Agatha Christie, along with two of the most exciting horticultural adventures Cornwall has to offer.

Or you might be tempted by the three-day coach trip to Lindisfarne and the Alnwick Garden.

The Alnwick Garden is one Britain's most exciting contemporary gardens. See how it has been transformed from a derelict site into a world-class attraction through the Duchess of Northumberland's bold vision on this great-value break, which also includes visits to historic Durham and the fabled island of Lindisfarne.

INSTALLING a new irrigation system at Kingsholm will help Nigel Davies push Gloucester's brand of rugby forward next season, believes Stephen Vaughan.

Managing director Vaughan said Gloucester had to speculate to accumulate to produce one of the best pitches in the Premiership next term.

Vaughan hopes a fast track will equal fast, flowing rugby next year.

And to that end he said the Cherry and Whites had little hesitation tearing up the Kingsholm pitch – to help rugby director Davies' squad produce an exciting and decisive approach.

Vaughan explained: "It was a bit of a no-brainer really, groundsman Dave Balmer and his guys have done an incredible job on the pitch this season.

"And honestly speaking, towards the end of the year it's probably been the best surface that I've seen, with the exception of Saracens for obvious reasons.

"You could argue that it didn't need to be done just yet.

"But it's like a carpet, if you trample on it and spill enough red wine on it, eventually you're going to need to change it.

"And with the Rugby World Cup in the back of our minds, it pushed us over the edge to decide we needed to invest.

"So we're installing a completely new irrigation and sprinkler system, to ensure that we've got a fantastic surface for the style of rugby that Nigel and his backroom staff want to play next season and beyond."

Expecting another set of solid club accounts, Vaughan said long-term planning and investment are vital to keep Gloucester robust in both balance sheets and league standings.

He added: "It's certainly a little bit more expensive than replacing your carpet!

"But our financial numbers should be finalised again in the next few months, and we find ourselves in rude health once more.

"We're carrying on from the good work of previous years, and that's allowing us to pay to the full salary cap which is so important."

A STREET art festival in Gloucester could be part funded by the city council, says its leader Paul James.

And he has backed calls for a legal wall to be opened where artists can practice.

The Conservative leader says money for the festival could come from the £133,057 High Street Renewal grant awarded to Gloucester last week.

It comes after street artist GT called for a graffiti wall to be opened in Gloucester and more support to be given to the creative pastime.

He said: "Times have changed and street art is nowhere as near as taboo as it once was with the public.

"But the lack of support for a creative pastime like this that also generates interest in the city needs to be addressed."

He has been 'spraying' in the city centre for about eight years and said Beastie's new pieces that have popped up recently have 'injected life' into areas such as the 'eyesore' Greyfriars hoardings.

Images of a deer, lambs and a basketball player are among the recent additions.

He helped open the graffiti wall at GL1 at few years ago and said: "I feel Gloucester needs to become more open to things like this again and the council could consider a legal wall where people could not only practice without the risk of breaking the law, but one that could be in a place where more people would see it than at the skate park."

He said there had been talk of holding an event similar to Bristol's 'See No Evil' graffiti festival but it would need the backing of the council.

Mr James said: "We could support a street art festival subject to financial and resource constraints.

"The renewal fund does have some flexibility, so we could consider using a small part of it for this purpose."

He said he has enjoyed seeing the new street art appear and added: "I agree that it would be much better if there was a legal place for this to be done, rather than happening without permission when not all property owners might appreciate it.

"The Gloscat hoardings are a possibility and we can certainly talk to Linden Homes about it."

FOR Amanda Westlake, returning to normality after cancer treatment was one of the hardest steps in her recovery.

Now the 38-year-old from Brockworth is preparing to take part in Cancer Research UK's Race for Life in Gloucester - dressed as a horse.

Amanda was diagnosed with breast cancer in July last year after she discovered a painful lump when rolling over in bed.

When she finished months of gruelling treatment for, she thought she had been through the worst.

But walking out of the hospital after her final session of radiotherapy turned out to be the start of another scary experience.

She said: "My life was no longer ruled by appointments and I had to get used to getting back to normal.

"But I now know that someone who has had cancer has to think about getting back to a 'new' normal."

She added: "I will be walking the 5k and I expect taking part as a survivor will be very emotional.

"I want people to know cancer does not have to knock your life for six."

It is hoped 1,500 women will take part in the event on Sunday June 23 and help to raise £80,000.

To enter Race for Life visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0845 600 6050.

GANG members of OPM – Other People's Money – beat up and imprisoned a man who had been 'disrespectful' to their leader and then posted video of him on the internet, it has been alleged.

The purpose of the video was to send out the message "This is what happens if you say bad things about us", Gloucester Crown Court was told yesterday.

In the dock were five alleged gang members, including leader Freeston Horsford, known as PO, who are accused of conspiring to commit grievous bodily harm and false imprisonment between 26 and 28 April.

No pleas were entered at the preliminary hearing and they were all remanded in custody until Friday May 16.

Horsford, 28, of Cophall Street, Tipton, Staffs, is jointly accused with Mica McLeary, 19, of Spa Road, Gloucester; Ashley Walker, 26, of Sissons Road, Gloucester; Nathan McCrae, 27, of Hazel Field, Drybrook, and Lucresia Maguire, 19, of Oakhanger Lane, Kingsway.

Prosecutor Julian Kesner said he believed the Crown had "powerful photographic and text message evidence".

"[The case] can be prosecuted on the basis of video clips and text messages and the interpretation of those," he said.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC said: "The Crown allege that a group of people going by the name OPM – Other People's Money – conspired to beat up and to lock up a person not unknown to this court and did so and they filmed themselves doing it."

Mr Kesner said: "The reason was that he was disrespectful to PO, which is the street name of Freeston Horsford, and he was also disrespectful to OPM and that is what it is all about.

"They posted on the internet a video clip with a message which said this is what happens if you say bad things about us."

Claire Malvern, for Maguire, said she would be making a bail application later for her client.

There were no bail applications for any of the other defendants.

CUDDLY mascots will show their tougher side on Saturday.

The Eastgate Shopping Centre will be hosting an 'Ultimate Mascot' competition.

It has been organised to introduce shoppers to the Eastgate Elephant.

The as-yet-unnamed mascot will welcome some furry friends including Roary the Tiger from Gloucester City AFC, The Beechwood Bear from the Beechwood Shopping Centre, The Gloucester Yeti and Whaddney the Robin from Cheltenham Town FC. They will go head to massive head from noon in a school sports day style event in the centre's forum.

The name of the Eastgate Elephant will also be revealed.

Centre manager Jason Robinson said: "We're all very excited for the Mascot Day here."

THEY might be more than 130 miles from Old Trafford, but county Manchester United fans are among those mourning the loss of manager Sir Alex Ferguson after he announced his retirement.

Ashley Powell, 35, secretary of the 300-strong county branch of the Manchester United Supporters' Club said he was "gutted" at the news.

He added that Sir Alex had transformed Man Utd into a global phenomenon since he took the helm in 1986.

"He brought a structure to the club and very strong club discipline," he said.

"He built up the youth side, that brought us David Beckham, the Neville brothers and Paul Scholes.

"He's recognised the importance of investing in the future and has done that since he started."

England World Cup legend Sir Geoff Hurst, who lives in Cheltenham, took to Twitter to respond to the news.

He said: "David Moyes will probably be the one to have to fill those very big shoes!"

Manager at Gloucester Sports, Steve Milward, said: "I'm gutted for the simple reason that I'm an Everton fan and I'm worried about David Moyes going to replace him."

A GREY-HAIRED armed robber made off with £200 after pointing a weapon at a building society teller.

The man, in his 50s, demanded cash from 'shaken' workers at Leeds Building Society, in Northgate Street on Tuesday at 4pm.

The lone thief, who sported a flat cap and was about 5ft 9ins, told staff: "Hand it over and put it in there."

His weapon was said to be what looked like a "large pole" in a carrier bag.

But his daring raid bagged him just £200 cash.

A shop worker, from Evans clothes store, which is next door, said: "It wasn't exactly a big haul.

"The first we knew was when loads of police turned up outside and they came to tell us what had happened."

Ten police officers descended on the building society but the man had gone and a search of the area proved fruitless.

Gary Brooks, a spokesman for Leeds Building Society, said: "Our first concern is the safety and welfare of our colleagues and we are supporting them at this time. They are shaken but unhurt.

"Thankfully, no customers were in the branch at the time of the incident.

"The police have a very good description of the offender and have taken photographic and video evidence.

"A very small quantity of money was taken."

Police have said the man was 'very aggressive'.

He was wearing a zip-up lightweight jacket, dark trousers and a flat cap.

Det Insp Alastair Graham said: "Understandably the man's actions and manner caused considerable distress and left the employee badly shaken.

"We're making a number of inquiries and are determined to trace the offender."

Anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident 322 of May 7.

A MAN who starved his girlfriend, made her sleep in a cupboard, and tied her up before suffocating her until she passed out has been jailed.

Louis Dixon, 32, of Bedford Street, Gloucester, also hit her around the head so hard that he burst her eardrum. Gloucester Crown Court heard that Dixon, who has Asperger's syndrome, inflicted physical and emotional harm to his girlfriend for three years.

It only ended in 2012 when she confided in her doctor.

He admitted five counts of grievous bodily harm and one count of criminal damage at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday.

A judge heard Dixon met Victoria Collier in 2002, but their relationship turned sour in 2009 when she began regular visits to accident and emergency with injuries.

Prosecuting Ian Fenny, said these trips came after he punched her in the head, which burst her ear drum, and broke her nose so badly she needed surgery. Mr Fenny said: "Louis showed sympathy, empathy and support towards Victoria, who soon became dependent on him."

He said that one occasion Dixon made her stand in the hallway and he starved her.

Later on the same day he tied her up on the bed, forced nuts into her mouth and pressed her neck until she lost consciousness. He then rang her mother Lois, said Mr Fenny.

Mrs Collier rushed to the house, but was not allowed to untie her daughter for two hours.

On November 4, 2011 Dixon smashed up Mrs Collier's house, breaking ornaments and throwing her crockery and 'in the process damaged her leg'.

Victoria's torture came to an end when she confided in a doctor that she was suffering from abuse.

In defence, the judge heard Dixon had changed and better understood how to keep his temper under control.

Judge Jamie Tabor QC told Dixon he had taken into account his tough childhood and his mental health in sentencing him.

But he said: "You have hit her so hard on the nose that she had to have three months of treatment.

"I have to take into account that you made her sleep in a cupboard and that you are a danger to a section of the public."

Dixon was sentenced to five and half years in prison and will be on licence for four and half years after he is released.

A YOUNG man has died in a fire at his home.

James Mustoe, 25, was pronounced dead at his home, in Sherborne, near Northleach.

He lived in Haycroft Road in the village with his mother Jackie and sister Emma.

His mother paid tribute to her "great" son.

She said: "James was a lovely son and a great brother, whose life was tragically cut short. He had a heart of gold and we loved him very much.

"What happened was tragic and we are very sad with the loss, but James was a good son and a great person."

She added that he had battled with "personal issues" for a number of years.

"He was always kind to everyone around him," Jackie added. "James will be remembered, loved and missed by us all, and we hope he has now found peace."

Firefighters rushed to the since at 6am on Tuesday.

They were faced with a fire raging in a brick extension of the home.

The 25-year-old man was trapped inside.

The crews from Northleach were soon joined by extra support from Stow-on-the-Wold and, together, 12 firefighters battled against the flames in an attempt to rescue the man.

South West Ambulance Service arrived at the scene minutes later.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said there was nothing they could do for James.

He was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.32am.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said:: "We heard the sirens from a fire engine, but could not make out what it was.

"This is the first I have heard of it, and it is certainly very sad.

"They are a really nice family, and my thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

Police officers said they were not treating the death as suspicious.

A spokesman from Gloucestershire police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

He added: "Officers arrived at the scene to find the building well alight, where a 25-year-old man was trapped inside.

"Emergency services attempted to rescue the victim from the building, but sadly the man died. Police are not treating the man's death as suspicious."

HAVING a zebra in your bedroom might not be everyone's idea of fun, but little Daisie Veal is delighted with it.

The three-year-old has been given an original zebra print wardrobe that even neighs when it opens.

The original piece of furniture was given to her by her grandmother Viv Veal.

Viv and her partner Dave Temple have been running DV Interiors from Maida Vale Business Centre in Naunton Park for more than three years.

And the zebra wardrobe is by far the most unusual item of bespoke furniture they have created.

Viv said: "We wanted to try something completely new as well as giving Daisie a present, so it seemed like a great idea.

"We had the vinyl black and white print wardrobe and just wanted to try something new.

"That's when my partner, Dave Temple, came up with the idea of making it neigh.

"We make furniture to order and this is our fourth year of running the business and I think it must be the strangest thing we have made yet. We have done very traditional furniture, like big oak dressers, to more modern and funky things and so it was fun to create something this new."

With help from engineering friends, Dave managed to create the battery-powered sound on a similar fitting to a fridge light.

Although zebras make a high pitched-laughing like "ehh ehh ehh ehh" noise, the couple thought they would go for the more traditional sounds of a horse neighing.

A sounded Old MacDonald's Farm book helped create the noise, which has left Daisie from Crambray Place in astonishment.

Viv said: "She just loves it and laughs every time it opens up.

"It is a child-size double wardrobe and the good thing about our furniture is it is bespoke so you can have as many shelves and rails to fit.

"Animal print is really fashionable and Daisie really has something completely unique and individual.

"It did surprise her the first time she opened it up, but others we have spoken to seem to think it is a great idea."

She added that parents looking for a solution to their children dumping clothes on the floor instead of hanging them in a wardrobe could be interested in getting their own musical version.

Mum of two teenage boys, Sarah Green, from Benhall added: "Anything that would encourage my sons to open their wardrobe and put their clothes in it sounds like a great idea to me.

"I guess the novelty could wear off after a while though and their clothes would end up on the floor again.

"It is a great idea for little ones though. I can see why she loves it."

A FEW nerves and the odd concern were understandable during last summer.

At the end of last season, plenty of people couldn't help but think what exactly lay ahead for this term.

The way things finished last year, that was hardly surprising.

The ship has been well and truly steadied, and that's a huge plus for us all.

The challenge now as a whole group is not to get carried away with what's happened this year.

It's a decent start but it's still not what we want.

We will lose several hugely influential and experienced players this summer, like Pete Buxton and Jim Hamilton.

As one of the more experienced squad members I know I'll have to help offset that next year, and hopefully add a bit of stability.

And some of the younger guys stepping into their second year in the first team, they will need to kick on again too.

I'm holding back from the term 'young guns', because technically they are still young but they are gaining experience all the time.

I think they can all move forward pretty rapidly now.

Freddie Burns has grown massively this season as opposed to previous years.

If he and others in similar brackets can step on again, then it's going to be extremely exciting.

Taking bonus points out of tight matches and winning a fair few, that's definite progress and learning.

But losing the so-called 'lesser' games like Irish at home and Sale away, that's cost us.

And that's what's just holding us back from that top-four slot.

RESIDENTS have reacted with sadness that a Gloucestershire landmark might change for generations to come.

May Hill's famous clump of trees is facing the axe because it has been hit with a killer disease, as The Citizen revealed yesterday.

Although Red Band Blight acts slowly, Longhope Parish Council has been recommended to take down the mainly Corsican Pines, most of which were planted in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee.

May Hill Brewery boss and Longhope Parish Council member Tony Davis said the trees are not likely to face the axe soon – but they will have to be replaced. The brewery uses the trees for its logo. But they are being slowly killed by the blight, which affects its photosynthesis.

"We are not happy about it but there are some things we can do to slow the process down," he said. "Thinning will help get the wind through, because we're told the blight does well in damp conditions."

Council clerk Andrew Maliphant is a member of the Lassington Oak Morris side which, with other groups, welcomes in the summer at dawn on May Hill on May 1.

"Apparently Scots Pine is more resistant to this disease [than Corsican Pine]," he said. "There are some Scots Pine there already and we're hoping they can stay."

Former May Hill resident Jenni Silver, who grew up in Yartleton Lane on May Hill said the trees were an important part of many people's lives – and deaths.

"The May Hill trees are like a homing beacon," she said. "Losing even a few of the historic trees will radically alter the skyline of the county and neighbouring counties without the trees it is just another hill, not a landmark. I know people who have married at the summit and others who have scattered the ashes of loved ones beneath the trees. Removing the trees will scar Gloucestershire forever."

NIGEL Davies has not ruled out new Gloucester deals for hooker Tommaso d'Apice or full-back Martyn Thomas.

Gloucester boss Davies has admitted d'Apice and Thomas could yet secure new Kingsholm contracts for next season.

Both rugby director Davies and the two players are thought to be equally unsure at this point about the potential of a Kingsholm future next term.

But the former Wales centre said there is no reason to close the door to new deals.

Davies presented seven Cherry and Whites players with framed Gloucester shirts, signed by this year's squad, at Wednesday night's end-of-season awards dinner.

This was a welcome move, driven by Davies.

Not every player's situation is resolved by the time of the end-of-season awards night.

In the past Gloucester have been reticent to discuss individual situations, for fear of wishing someone farewell prematurely.

An unfortunate by-product of that has been that at times several players have left without fitting acclaim or fanfare.

Davies was keen to ensure all those who could be leaving were rightly respected for their Cherry and Whites graft.

And by leaving the door open for new deals, he has neither jumped the gun nor undervalued several important contributions.

Captain Jim Hamilton, scrum-half Dave Lewis, tighthead Dario Chistolini and stalwart back-rower Pete Buxton are all definitely heading elsewhere this summer.

Centre Drew Locke received his shirt, and is also expected to depart after a season at Kingsholm.

Davies hailed Montpellier-bound skipper Hamilton's vast Gloucester influence this term, labelling the totemic lock a 'natural leader of men'.

He said: "Jim was the first person I met when I arrived at the club, and he helped me shape my plans, he was extremely honest and forthright about where he felt we needed to go as a club."

Sione Kalamafoni won the player of the season award, with Freddie Burns voted as young player by the staff at award sponsors Renishaw.

Scrum-half Dan Robson was honoured as community player of the season, while Henry Trinder claiming the try of the campaign award – for his score in Gloucester's 29-23 victory over Worcester at Kingsholm on Friday, February 22.

Exeter Chiefs recruit Lewis and Zebre capture Chistolini were hailed for their strong service.

But the toast of the night was rightly reserved for flanker Buxton, who will head to Bristol this summer after 11 years at Kingsholm.

The bruising back-rower has racked up 274 Gloucester appearances in a career of unstinting commitment and no little quality.

Backing the Cheltenham-born loose-forward to thrive at Bristol next year, Davies admitted he felt slightly out of place in praising Buxton this week.

He explained: "I almost felt embarrassed, if I'm honest, in praising and congratulating Pete on his 11 years at the club in his player review this week.

"I have only been at the club ten months and he's been here more than ten years.

"But congratulate him I did, because of his fantastic service record. I know he has not played as often as he would have like this season, but he captained the A team, helping to develop the younger players involved there.

"And in the last two games of the season he has shown that he exudes all the exact qualities that it takes to excel as a Gloucester player."

Accepting his shirt amid a standing ovation, unassuming fans' favourite Bucko kept his speech typically brief.

After hailing Gloucester's 'proper' rugby club spirit, Buxton offered a quick thankyou.

And with that he was back to his table, never one to seek acclaim.

Try as he might, he could not avoid the limelight.

One lengthy salute from appreciative fans, team-mates and colleagues is the least he deserves.

A FIRE tore through a Barnwood home on Wednesday as the owners sat in the garden.

Yesterday a man at the Barnwood Road house, who did not want to be named, said: "It has ruined the house."

Some 28 firefighters spent the night tackling the major blaze from around 8pm.

The house, opposite Budgens convenience store and Total petrol station, was 50 per cent destroyed.

Neighbour Vince Hawkins said: "The kids were just having a bath when we heard this loud crackling noise.

"When we looked outside there was thick black smoke billowing from the roof.

"Lots of people came out of their homes and stood on the other side of the road to watch what was happening.

"The kids wanted to see what was going on. They thought it was all very exciting because it's not often you see something like this down here."

Two fire engines initially attended the incident from Gloucester North and Gloucester South stations.

When they arrived, they requested the aerial ladder platform from Cheltenham East station to come and help them tackle the flames.

Minutes later, they had to request a further two fire engines which were sent from Cheltenham. Firefighters had to smash their way into the immediate neighbour's house as they feared the man was at home – but he was not in the house at the time.

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Investigations are still due to take place to find the cause of the fire, however at present fire crews do not believe this is arson related."

Traffic delays were felt throughout the area as police cordoned off the road.

Motorist Dave Bennett, from Longlevens, said: "It was bedlam. There were a lot of fire engines down there and the whole road was closed off."

A spokeswoman for South West Ambulance Service said they had paramedics on scene but they were not needed.

TOP local authority earners whose packages totalled more than £100,000 a year have been compiled in a controversial report.

The TaxPayers' Alliance (TPA) has drawn up the "rich list" of council bosses whose total annual remuneration including employer pension contributions reaches six figures.

But it's sparked a war of words between the TPA and councils.

Gloucestershire County Council's boss Peter Bungard earned £161,235 in 2011/12 plus £36,923 in pension contributions, which meant his package went up by just over £1,000 on the year before.

The TPA said the council was employing three more whose total package came to more than £100,000 than the previous year – up from eight to 11 – but the council disagreed.

Dilys Wynn, director of people services, said: "These figures are wrong. We have not increased the number of senior posts since 2010/11 when we put in place a new management structure with 30 per cent less senior posts, saving the council around £800,000 per year."

He added that there had been a senior management pay freeze since 2008 and this will continue.

But the TPA stood by its figures as outlined in its report, however.

"£198,369 for the chief executive is high, even compared to the huge pay we see in local government," said a TPA spokesman. "It's far more than the Prime Minister, the top general in the British Army, the head of MI5 or a US Senator earns."

The TPA figures showed Cheltenham Borough Council paid one more director more than £100,000 than it did the year before – up from four in 2010/11 to five in 2011/12. Its chief executive Andrew North's total package was worth £128,914, down by around £9,000 on the year before. It also employed a programme manager who jointly worked for Cotswold, West Oxfordshire, Central Bedfordshire and Forest of Dean councils in 2010/11, whose total remuneration including employer pension contribution was £103,897.

A CBC spokeswoman said the chief executive was the only officer who earned more than £100,000 in salary alone.

She said: "If the pension contributions are included for these employees, then there are four posts for Cheltenham. However, pension contributions are not paid as salary but are paid to the pension fund.

"In reality it is actually three posts which are the chief executive and two executive directors."

Tewkesbury's boss Mike Dawson earned £107,500 last year and with employers pension contributions it came to £120,302, up from £120,435 the previous year.

Forest of Dean District Council has no employees on more than £100,000, though had two the year before.

Gloucester City Council boss Julian Wain's 2011/12 salary was £116,185, which rose to £133,809 with employer pension contributions. That was a raise of just over £1,400 over the previous year's total package.

Stroud District Council boss David Hagg got a total remuneration of £133,399.33p in 2010/11. The next year he earned £110,569.96p, plus £19,223.78p in employer pension contributions.

Cotswold District Council boss David Neudegg got a total package worth £100,988 in 2010/11 and earned £75,813 last year, plus pension and other contributions which took his total to £91,618 – but he is a joint chief executive, with West Oxfordshire District Council and the cost is split.

"Our chief executive is shared with West Oxfordshire and we believe by doing that we are giving good value for money to our council tax payers," said a council spokesman.