LOOKING back on some of the stories the Gazette has reported through the years...

May 1997

TAX dodgers in South Gloucestershire owed the district council almost £3.3million in unpaid debts as of 1997. 

Despite the hefty debts, the district council claimed its collection record was good compared with other authorities, as more than 91 per cent of dodgers paid up once pressed.

A YOUTH pretending to be looking for a lost dog walked into an elderly couple’s house in Stoke Lodge and stole a purse.

The pensioners, both 82, were sitting in their Dyrham Parade back garden when the youth casually walked in.

He told them he was searching for his lost dog and that he needed to check inside their house.

Once inside, he swiped a purse containing cash from a chair and made off.

Police at the time were searching for witnesses to help with their investigations.

May 2007

RESIDENTS were urged to stay vigilant after a spate of bogus callers targeted Dursley and Frampton-on-Severn in May 2007.

Around £70 in cash was taken from one property, while another was targeted by three white males who claimed they needed access to check sewerage.

Acting Sgt John Testar warned the public to be cautious of strangers.

He said: “On no account should you let people in unless it’s someone you trust or a business caller who has made a pre-arranged appointment.”

A POPULAR clerk at Dodington Parish Council retired following 11 years of service.

Ken Manyard joined the council after applying for an advert that had mistakenly been placed in the lonely hearts section of the newspaper.

A PENSIONER was knocked over by a car reversing in Roseberry Road, Dursley. 

The 86-year-old was taken to hospital but was not seriously hurt in the incident, which happened at around 10.40am in the morning.