M5 Northbound Closed After Serious Crash Near Tewkesbury
The M5 in Gloucestershire has been closed northbound between junction 11 (Cheltenham) and junction 9 (Tewkesbury) following a serious two-vehicle collision this afternoon (Wednesday, May 6). Gloucestershire Police were called to the scene at around 12.20pm, and emergency services remain at the scene. The closure is expected to remain in place for a "number of hours," officials said.
National Highways has put in place a diversion route, directing drivers to leave the M5 at J11, take the A40 west towards Gloucester, then head north on the A417 to the M50 junction. Motorists should then take the M50 eastbound to rejoin the M5 at J8. Drivers are advised to plan their routes in advance and avoid the area if possible. Miles of congestion have already built up leading to the closure.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
Anyone who witnessed the collision but has not yet spoken to police is asked to submit information via the force's online form, quoting incident 227 of 6 May 2026.
Key Travel Disruptions Across the County
The M5 closure adds to a week of significant travel disruption in Gloucestershire. In Cheltenham, Highland Road will be closed for five days from Friday, May 8, for resurfacing works. The closure, in place between 9.30am and 3.30pm on weekdays, will also affect parts of Parkland Road, Littledown Road and Southfield Approach. Residents who normally park on the affected streets will need to find alternative locations during working hours. Pedestrian access will be maintained.
These incidents come at a time when local transport infrastructure is already under strain. The diversion routes for the M5 closure will push traffic onto local roads, potentially causing knock-on delays across Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Gloucester Councillor Charged with Harassment
Elsewhere in local news, Gloucester City Council group leader Alastair Chambers has been charged with harassment under the Public Order Act. The 45-year-old Community Independent councillor, who represents Matson, Robinswood and White City, is accused of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress during an incident in October 2025. He is due before Cheltenham Magistrates' Court on May 7. Chambers told Gloucestershire Live that he will deny the allegation.
Rough Sleeping Crisis Deepens in Gloucester
Meanwhile, concerns over rough sleeping in Gloucester are intensifying. Tents have been spotted in shopping centres, car parks, churchyards and parks across the city. Councillor Rebecca Trimnell, cabinet member for community engagement, acknowledged that cases are "often complex in nature." Some rough sleepers feel safer in public view, she said, but added that a more joined-up approach between support organisations is needed.
The city council approved a crackdown on unruly rough sleeping earlier this year after complaints about anti-social behaviour in King's Walk car park. However, the number of visible tents has not abated, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing the needs of vulnerable people with those of the wider community.
Broader Implications for Gloucestershire
This convergence of events—road closures, political controversy, and a homelessness crisis—paints a picture of a county grappling with multiple pressures simultaneously. The M5 crash disruption is a stark reminder of how suddenly transport networks can be affected, while the charges against a city leader raise questions about conduct in public office. Meanwhile, the persistence of rough sleeping underscores the need for sustainable housing and support services. As the week progresses, these issues will continue to demand attention from both officials and residents alike.
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