Councils team up on plans to reopen line dismantled during Beeching cuts

Calls for a new rail link between Gloucester and Hereford to help cope with tens of thousands of new homes have been welcomed in Gloucestershire.

The Hereford, Ross and Gloucester Railway was closed to passengers in November 1964 before being dismantled during The Beeching cuts.

But now County Councillors in Herefordshire are calling for a study to be undertaken to explore the possibility of linking Hereford, Ross and Gloucester by rail once again.

Herefordshire Council agreed on March 6 to enter early discussions with Gloucestershire County Council on the possibility of a joint feasibility study and to enquire to transport ministers about funding for it.

The proposal, which also seeks in parallel to test the market for any private finance interest in backing a feasibility study, has been welcomed by council leaders in Gloucester and the Forest of Dean.

And sustainable transport cabinet member Roger Whyborn (LD, Benhall and Up Hatherley) said Gloucestershire County Council would be happy to discuss the issue with Herefordshire Council but they do not currently have a view on the proposals.

He said: “When they write to us we will form a view.

“At the moment we have no view on the subject.”

However, he also said Shire Hall is already currently backing the idea of a new station on the line between Gloucester and Lydney which could be near Churcham.

This is the area where Forest of Dean District Council is developing plans for a new garden town of around 2,500 homes with thousands more potentially being built near Highnam in Tewkesbury Borough over the next 20 years.

The calls for a new rail link come at a time when the Forest of Dean District Council is having redraw its local plan to accommodate 13,200 new homes over the next 20 years. While neighbouring Herefordshire has a housing target of more than 27,200.

Forest of Dean District Council climate emergency cabinet member Chris McFarling (G, Tidenham) said he would welcome a new rail line.

“The whole idea behind putting a new settlement in Churcham was to fix the transport problem and reduce the emissions,” he said.

“First of all by building settlements where people didn’t need to use a car in the first place and have enough footfall that would generate enough developer contributions to help build a new railway station.

“It does make sense because the railway goes through where the housing allocation would be in Churcham.

“A transport hub would be built and it would take cars off the road.

“If everybody is going into Gloucester by train then happy days.”

Cllr McFarling welcomed the benefits a new rail link would bring.

“We are underinvested in the railway network,” he said.

“It would take cars off the road and you could transport goods as well which would take heavy goods vehicles off the motorways.”

Councillor Louis Stark (LD, Ross West), who put forward the motion in Hereford last week, said proper infrastructure planning is needed to accommodate the housing growth expected on both sides of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire border.

“It’s a big issue for us locally, with plans for 3,600 houses on the A40 by the M50 which would rely on the road network,” he said.

“That is not a sustainable future. People go on about building all these houses but if you don’t have infrastructure improvements these sort of plans creep up on you.

“Ross would have grown by 60 per cent which is a huge change in the dynamic of the town.

“We have to consider now, 20 years in advance, what the options are.

“One option is to think about whether rail could provide a wider set of transport options for people getting around.

“We shouldn’t let change happen to us as a community.

“We need to stand up and shape that change which is coming our way.”

Cllr Stark also said the new line would not necessarily follow the old route as parts of it have been developed.

And he would be open for the new route to be built in phases with the first part being between Gloucester and Ross.

Gloucester City Council Jeremy Hilton (LD, Kingsholm and Wotton) welcomed the possibility of new rail link and spoke of the impact of the Beeching cuts had on the railway network.

“I’m very keen on the railways,” he said. “If it is possible to reconnect Gloucester, Ross and Hereford with a railway that would be something to support.

“The issue is we would need to do a feasibility study and, of course, I don’t think either of the authorities have the resources to build it.

“It would need to be something that is supported by the Government.

“The Churcham area, if they were to build all those houses, would need another stop on the railway.

“It’s certainly worth having a serious investigation and consideration to see if a rail link is possible.”

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

Fragrance Group plans to redevelop the old Inn on the Green site

People in Paignton have taken their first look at plans to transform a derelict seafront pub into a new conference and events centre.

Investors the Fragrance Group plan to knock down the old Inn on the Green and replace it with the new Paignton Pavilion – a year-round venue for conferences, exhibitions and various other events.

Given a smooth ride through the planning process, the new centre could be open for business in Spring 2028.

Locals examined the preliminary plans during an open event at the next-door Ibis Styles Hotel, which was also built by Fragrance along with the Mercure Hotel alongside.

Fragrance has also just completed the Hotel Indigo at Corbyn Head. The company originally planned to flatten the Inn on the Green to create a car park, but reconsidered the proposal after a public outcry.

Some people at the exhibition had reservations about the design and wondered if the 65 car park spaces shown on the plans would be enough. Others said the bold design was just what the town needed and other local businesses would benefit from the people coming to town to use the Pavilion.

Architect Chris Kenny of Torquay firm Kay Elliott said the new building was part of a bright future for Paignton.

“It is directly opposite the pier, which is one of the main destinations in this area,” he said. “So providing a flexible, functional event space that can cater for locals and tourists alike really helps the council achieve its dreams of creating a vibrant and prosperous town.

“People have been coming in and saying it would be the perfect place to host weddings, or a jazz festival or rock choirs. All these people are coming out with ideas about how they could use the space.

“That gives us a lot of positive encouragement for its future.”

The design for the new building incorporates parts of the old Inn on the Green, which was once one of the town’s most popular pubs. Sandstone walls and art deco lights will be retained, as will the site’s iconic palm trees.

“People are telling us to tear the building down as soon as possible and get on with it,” said Mr Kenny.

Paignton Pier owners Shaw and Jolene Wallis were among the first people through the doors to look at the plans. “I think it looks good,” said Mr Wallis. “It will definitely benefit Paignton and the wider community.

“It’s not going to please everybody, but they’re going to have to do something with the site. This is something different for Paignton. Give it a go and let’s see what happens.”

Another early visitor said the plans were ‘radical’, but some people had concerns over parking and the likely benefits for other local businesses.

“Rubbish,” said guest house owner Victoria Smith when asked about the plans. “I don’t like them at all. They’re too big, they’re too square and they’re out of place.”

And fellow guest house proprietor Margaret Green said she thought the only businesses to benefit from the Pavilion would be the hotels next door.

“It’s not going to be open to the general public at all, so nobody in Paignton will be able to go in there and use the facilities,” she said. “It would be for the hotels, and that’s it.

“We need something to bring people into the place. There’s nothing here apart from the play park. If it’s raining there’s nothing, nothing here at all.”

Designers say they have been inspired by the heritage of the site and the designs of traditional British seaside ballrooms and pavilions.

Their presentation said: “Paignton from the 1920s leaned into being an accessible, fun, and modern resort town. The evolution of seaside ballrooms and pavilions echoes this development and consequently reflects the cultural and architectural trends of their time.

“Whilst it is not viable to keep the existing building, our ambition is to preserve and enhance the historic boundary treatments and create a building that will lead to future economic and social benefit.”

To find all the planning applications, traffic diversions, road layout changes, alcohol licence applications and more in your community, visit the Public Notices Portal.

“I would say unlikely, but we are focused on the military operation and ​solving a problem,” Wright told CNN when asked if prices would reach $200 a ​barrel – a level prices could hit if the war continues to escalate, an Iranian official said on Wednesday.

“Get ready for the oil ​barrel to be at $200 because the oil price ⁠depends on ‌the regional security which you have destabilized,” Ebrahim ​Zolfaqari, the ​spokesperson for Tehran’s Khatam al-Anbiya military command headquarters, ⁠said on Wednesday.

Oil prices jumped 6% to nearly $100 on Thursday ​as two tankers blazed in an Iraqi port ​after a hit by suspected Iranian explosive-laden boats.

The rise came despite more than 30 countries in the International Energy Agency announcing a day earlier the biggest-ever coordinated drawdown of global oil reserves of 400 million barrels, about 40% of which will come from ‌the U.S., the world’s largest oil producer.

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The war has forced Middle East Gulf countries to cut total oil production by at least 10 million ⁠barrels per day, about 10% of world demand. The IEA said on Thursday that is the biggest oil supply disruption in the history of the global market.
Wright also told CNBC on Thursday that the U.S. Navy cannot escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz now but it was “quite likely” that could happen by the end of the month.

A cadre of current and former Ultimate Fighting Championship stars will descend on the FBI’s Special Agent Academy in Quantico this weekend for a groundbreaking training seminar, marking the first formal collaboration between the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion and the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency.

The two-day event, scheduled for March 14 and 15, 2026, will see UFC athletes lead exclusive sessions for new academy recruits and senior FBI personnel from across the globe. UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard joins the fighters to share insights into elite-level training regimens, demonstrate combat techniques, and offer tactical perspectives that could enhance agents’ preparedness for high-risk field operations.

The partnership, announced March 11 by the UFC and FBI Director Kash Patel, emphasizes advanced hand-to-hand combat, close-quarters self-defense, and mental resilience under pressure—skills honed in the octagon that translate to real-world confrontations. Patel hailed the initiative as a “historic opportunity” and “tremendous” chance for agents to train alongside “some of the greatest athletes on earth,” ultimately strengthening the bureau’s ability to protect the American people.

“Our UFC fighters are some of the baddest men and women on the planet and they are heading to Quantico to train the best FBI agents in mixed martial arts,” the UFC stated in its release. Patel echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the fighters’ “shared love of our nation” and commitment to bolstering national security.

The instructor lineup features a mix of active contenders and decorated veterans: interim UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who is set to headline an upcoming UFC event at the White House later this year; former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler; top flyweight contender Manel Kape; inaugural “Baddest Motherf***er” (BMF) champion Jorge Masvidal; former middleweight champion Chris Weidman; former strawweight title challenger Claudia Gadelha; and Brazilian jiu-jitsu pioneer Renzo Gracie.

The diverse group brings expertise across disciplines—striking from Gaethje and Chandler, grappling from Gracie and Weidman, and well-rounded MMA from Masvidal and others—providing FBI trainees with a comprehensive view of modern combat sports applications.

The seminar arrives amid broader discussions about enhancing law enforcement training in an era of evolving threats. FBI agents already receive defensive tactics instruction, including control holds, takedowns, and weapon retention, but incorporating elite MMA techniques could add layers of realism and effectiveness, particularly in unarmed or low-lethality encounters. Observers note parallels to how military special operations units have long integrated MMA principles into close-quarters battle curricula.

The timing also ties into high-profile UFC events. Gaethje’s inclusion aligns with his scheduled headlining role in a planned UFC Fight Night at the White House this summer, part of celebrations for the nation’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s birthday. The White House card underscores growing ties between the promotion and federal entities under the current administration.

Dana White, UFC president, has championed the collaboration, describing it as a way to give back and showcase the discipline, toughness, and patriotism embodied by UFC athletes. The event follows earlier hints from Patel about exploring partnerships with combat sports organizations to invigorate FBI training programs.

Reactions have been largely positive in MMA circles, with fans and analysts praising the cross-pollination of skills. Some online commentary, including on platforms like Reddit, adopted a satirical tone—joking about fighters teaching “sucker punches” or “eye pokes”—but the official framing focuses on legitimate defensive applications and mutual respect.

For the FBI, the seminar represents an innovative approach to professional development at a time when the bureau faces scrutiny over operational readiness and resource allocation. Patel, who assumed directorship in early 2025, has prioritized modernizing training to address contemporary challenges, from active shooter scenarios to counterterrorism operations.

The Quantico academy, located at Marine Corps Base Quantico, serves as the primary training hub for new special agents, hosting a rigorous 20-week program that includes firearms, tactics, law, and physical fitness. Adding UFC-led sessions injects cutting-edge expertise into the curriculum without replacing existing protocols.

No specific curriculum details have been released beyond general descriptions of technique demonstrations and training insights. Sessions are expected to emphasize practical, scenario-based drills that simulate field conditions, helping agents build confidence in physical confrontations while adhering to use-of-force guidelines.

The collaboration could pave the way for future joint initiatives, potentially including ongoing workshops or reciprocal exposure—such as agents training fighters in tactical awareness. For now, the March 14-15 seminar stands as a novel experiment in blending professional combat sports with federal law enforcement preparation.

As fighters prepare to step onto the academy mats, the event highlights an unexpected intersection of entertainment, athletics, and national security. In an era of hybrid threats and unpredictable encounters, the UFC-FBI partnership aims to equip agents with every tool possible to safeguard the public.

Moving home or relocating a business can be one of the most stressful experiences people face. Whether you’re moving from a small flat, relocating an entire office, or transporting a few pieces of furniture, finding the best man with a van or removal company in Glasgow can make the entire process far easier.

In 2026, Glasgow offers a wide range of removal companies, man and van services, and professional moving experts that help customers move safely, quickly, and affordably. From house removals and flat moves to office relocations and furniture collection, these companies provide a full range of moving services designed to suit different budgets and move sizes.

This guide explores the best removal companies in Glasgow, how man with a van services compare to traditional movers, and how to find the right team for your move.

Why Choosing the Right Removal Company Matters

A professional removal company does far more than simply provide a vehicle. Experienced movers handle the entire moving process, including packing, loading, safe transport, and unloading items at your new home or office.

Many customers searching for Glasgow removals want a stress free moving experience where their furniture and belongings are handled carefully by experienced movers.

A professional moving company may provide services such as:

• Packing and unpacking assistance
• Furniture dismantling and reassembly
• Secure transport for high value items
• Long distance moves across the UK
• Office removals and office moves
• Storage services for temporary storage needs

For larger house relocations, a full house removal service may be the best practical option. However, many people moving within Glasgow prefer man and van services, which can often save money compared with larger removal firms.

Top 5 Removal Companies in Glasgow (2026 Comparison)

If you’re searching for the best man with a van or removal company in Glasgow, it helps to compare the most popular providers based on reliability, price, services offered, and customer reviews. Below is a comparison of five well-known moving companies and man and van services operating across Glasgow and surrounding areas.

These companies provide a range of van services, furniture transport, house removals, office moves, and relocation services for customers moving locally or across the UK.

1. Glasgow Man With A Van — Best Overall Local Moving Service

Glasgow Man With A Van

ranks as one of the best man and van services in Glasgow in 2026, thanks to its flexible pricing, reliable local drivers, and wide coverage across the city and nearby areas such as Paisley, Clydebank, Kirkintilloch, Barrhead, and Dumbarton.

This local man with a van Glasgow service specialises in small moves, furniture collection, and house removals. The company offers affordable van prices and a fast booking process, making it a practical option for customers who need a stress free move without the high cost of traditional removal firms.

Key services include:

• Man and van services Glasgow
• Furniture removal and sofa removal
• Flat moves and small removals
• House removals and relocation services
• Office removals and office moves
• Furniture collection and delivery
• Moving packing services
• Moving boxes and packing support
• Short notice bookings and flexible move dates

Customers can request a van quote through an online form or book online, making the process simple and convenient.

Why it ranks #1

• Reliable local drivers who know Glasgow well
• Competitive van prices compared with large removal companies
• Suitable van sizes for small flats or larger house moves
• Friendly moving experts who assist with loading and unloading
• Coverage across Glasgow and surrounding popular locations

For anyone looking for a local man with a van service that offers great value, Glasgow Man With A Van is widely considered the top choice for van removals in the city.

2. AnyVan — National Moving Platform

AnyVan is a well-known UK moving company platform that connects customers with independent van drivers and removal companies.

The platform allows customers to compare man and van quotes online, making it easy to find moving services across the UK.

Services include:

• House removals
• Long distance moves
• Furniture transport
• Moving company services
• Large relocation moves

While AnyVan can provide competitive pricing, availability often depends on the availability of drivers and companies in the area.

Best for:
Customers moving long distances or wanting to compare man and van providers across the UK.

3. Pickfords — Large Traditional Removal Company

Pickfords is one of the most established removal companies in the UK, offering large-scale relocation services.

The company specialises in full house removals, office relocations, and international moves.

Services include:

• House removal and home removals
• Office removals and office moves
• International relocation services
• Storage services and warehouse storage

Pickfords is ideal for large moves, though pricing can be significantly higher than local man and van services.

Best for:
Large relocations, international moves, and customers requiring long-term storage services.

4. The Pro Move — Glasgow Removal Specialists

The Pro Move is a Glasgow-based moving company offering house removals and packing services across the city.

They provide both full removal services and smaller relocation support.

Services include:

• Home removals
• Office relocation services
• Furniture transport
• Packing services and moving boxes
• Secure storage options

Their services are suited for larger home moves where a full team and multiple vans may be required.

Best for:
Medium to large house removals requiring full packing and moving support.

5. Green Move Removals — Eco-Friendly Removal Service

Green Move Removals is a Glasgow removal company focusing on environmentally friendly moving practices.

They provide a full range of moving services with sustainable packing materials and recycling initiatives.

Services include:

• House removals
• Furniture collection and transport
• Packing services
• Storage services
• Office relocation services

Their approach is ideal for customers looking for a removal company with a sustainability focus.

Best for:
Customers who prioritise environmentally responsible moving services.

Quick Comparison of Glasgow Removal Companies

Choosing the right man and van or removal company depends on the size of your move, your budget, and the services you require. For small moves, furniture delivery, or flexible van hire with driver, many customers find that local man and van services like Glasgow Man With A Van provide the best combination of price, reliability, and convenience.

Man and Van Services: A Popular Moving Option in Glasgow

Over the past few years, man and van services have become one of the most popular ways to move furniture or belongings in Glasgow.

A man with a van service typically includes a professional van driver, loading assistance, and safe transport to your destination. These services are particularly useful for:

• Small moves
• Flat moves
• Furniture collection
• Deliver furniture purchased online
• Student moves
• Short notice relocations

Many people search online for man and van Glasgow, man with a van Paisley, or man with a van Clydebank when they need reliable local drivers who know the city well.

A local man with a van service offers flexible scheduling and competitive van prices, making it ideal for quick relocations.

Because these services are efficient and affordable, they are often considered the best man with a van option for small or medium moves.

Areas Covered by Glasgow Removal Companies

Most man with a van and removal services cover a wide range of popular locations around Glasgow, including nearby towns and suburbs.

Common service areas include:

• Man with a van Glasgow
• Man with a van Kirkintilloch
• Man with a van Barrhead
• Man with a van Clydebank
• Man with a van Paisley
• Man with a van Springburn
• Man with a van Dumbarton
• Man with a van Anniesland

Local movers are familiar with the area’s roads, parking restrictions, and access issues, making them more efficient than national moving firms.

Many Glasgow companies also offer long distance moves across the UK, including relocation to cities such as London or other parts of Scotland.

Types of Moving Services Available

The best removal companies in Glasgow provide a full range of services designed to handle different types of moves.

These typically include:

House Removals

A full house removal service helps families relocate all furniture and belongings safely. This often includes packing, loading, transport, and unloading at the new home.

Flat Moves

Many people moving between apartments or small flats use man and van services because they are a practical option for smaller moves.

Office Removals

Businesses relocating offices often need professional office removals or office moves to minimise downtime. Removal companies can assist with transporting desks, equipment, and documents safely.

Furniture Collection

If you’ve purchased furniture online or from a local seller, man and van drivers can deliver furniture directly to your home.

Small Removals

A small removals service is perfect for transporting single items, moving boxes, or helping with a small flat relocation.

Understanding Van Sizes and Moving Equipment

When hiring a van service, it is important to choose the right van size for your move.

Most man and van companies offer different types of vans suitable for transporting various loads.

Typical van options include:

• Small transit vans for single items
• Medium vans for small flat moves
• Long wheelbase vans for house removals
• Large vans suitable for heavy furniture

Professional removal companies also provide moving equipment such as:

• Moving boxes
• Protective blankets
• Furniture straps
• Trolleys for heavy loads

Choosing a van suitable for your move ensures that items can be transported safely without multiple trips.

Van Prices and Removal Costs in Glasgow

One of the most common questions people ask when planning a move is about van prices and removal costs.

The price of a man and van service in Glasgow depends on several factors, including:

• Distance travelled
• Van size required
• Number of movers
• Amount of furniture
• Packing requirements
• Time required for loading and unloading

Typical man with a van prices in Glasgow range between:

• £40 – £60 per hour for a single driver and van
• £60 – £90 per hour for two movers and a van
• Higher rates for large house moves or long distance relocation

Some removal companies offer an online form where customers can request a van quote by providing the move date, pickup location, destination, and item list.

Many companies now allow customers to book online, making the booking process faster and easier.

Packing Services and Storage Solutions

Packing is often the most time-consuming part of moving. Many removal companies offer professional packing services to assist customers during the moving process.

These services may include:

• Supplying moving boxes
• Wrapping fragile items
• Labelling boxes
• Protecting furniture

Some companies also offer storage services for customers who need temporary space before moving into their new home.

Secure storage facilities are particularly useful when:

• Move dates change
• Renovations delay moving plans
• Customers need space between moves

These storage options help ensure a smooth relocation process even when plans change.

Modern Moving Technology and Video Surveys

Many modern removal companies now offer video survey services, allowing customers to show their furniture and belongings through a video call.

This helps movers assess:

• The amount of furniture
• The best van size
• Packing requirements
• Access points at the property

Using a video survey allows removal companies to provide a more accurate quote before the moving day.

When to Choose a Man and Van Service

While large removal firms are ideal for full house relocations, many people moving within Glasgow prefer man and van services because they are faster and more affordable.

A man and van service is the right option when:

• Moving a small flat
• Transporting single items
• Delivering furniture
• Relocating short distances
• Moving on short notice

Local van drivers and moving experts are experienced at handling furniture safely and navigating Glasgow’s busy streets.

Tips for Choosing the Best Removal Company in Glasgow

With so many removal companies and man and van services available, it’s important to compare options carefully before booking.

Here are a few tips to help you choose the right service.

Check Reviews

Look for companies with positive feedback from customers. Reviews often reveal how reliable and professional a moving team is.

Compare Prices

Request multiple quotes to compare van prices and removal costs.

Ask About Insurance

Professional movers should provide protection for high value items during transport.

Choose Local Drivers

Hiring reliable local drivers ensures faster service and better knowledge of Glasgow’s roads and parking restrictions.

The Future of Moving Services in Glasgow

The moving industry continues to evolve with improved booking systems and better logistics.

Many companies now offer:

• Instant online booking
• Digital quotes
• Video surveys
• Flexible scheduling during weekends and bank holidays

As demand grows for flexible moving solutions, man and van services remain one of the most popular ways to move furniture and belongings across Glasgow and the wider UK.

Final Thoughts

Finding the best removal company in Glasgow in 2026 depends on the size and type of move you’re planning.

Full removal firms are ideal for large house relocations, while man with a van services are often the best option for smaller moves, furniture delivery, and quick relocations.

Whether you need office removals, furniture transport, van hire, or a reliable man with a van, Glasgow has many professional movers ready to help.

By comparing prices, checking reviews, and choosing experienced moving experts, you can ensure your move is efficient, affordable, and stress free.