Despite providing funding for 14 new initiatives across the town, Council Tax payers in Stroud will see a standstill in the part of their bills set by the Town Council next year.

Meeting on Monday January 11th councillors agreed a budget of £556,390 for the next financial year (2010/11). For the second year running, this will mean our cost to the taxpayer is frozen. 

Our priorities

Two of the new projects reflect the priorities set by local residents following last year’s town survey. The Town Council has just completed a major consultation with bus users at Merrywalks. The budget contains £17,500 over three years to improve facilities in that area, plus new seating for passengers at Rowcroft.

To meet the other public priority – the continued enhancement of Stroud’s public greenspaces - a total of £51,000 over three years will enable projects to take place at The Long Ground, Summer Street allotments, Park Gardens, Bank Gardens and some tree planting at Uplands Playing Field. A further £19,000 has been set aside for a new play area at Summer Crescent.

The bulk of the council’s budget is spent on routine costs such as looking after 24 open spaces in the town. The largest new budget figure is the £101,000 needed to purchase The Space as a public building in Lansdown.

'A Good example'

Stroud Town Council will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Dave Cockcroft (left), who chairs the council’s finance committee said: ‘Although the Town Council precept only makes up a small percentage of the overall Council Tax bill, in the current economic climate it is only right that we set a good example and place no extra demands on household budgets.’

Deputy Mayor John Marjoram added: ‘It was clear from our town survey that local people have certain things they want improved in the town. We hope our plans for the next two years will continue to tackle these.’

Other new projects include replacements for the town’s Christmas lights, initiatives to promote Stroud’s tourism potential and work needed to become Britain’s first Bee Guardian Town.

There will also be continued funding for voluntary groups including The Door, Marah Trust, Homestart, Stroud Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Stroud FM, Stroud in Bloom and The Goodwill Evening, as well as support for The Fringe, The Walking and Food and Drink Festivals and The International Textile Festival.

Additional funding has been set aside towards the running of Uplands Post Office, Stroud’s Neighbourhood Warden and a feasibility study for a new cemetery.

Articled added online: Tuesday December 8th 2009 - updated January 12th 2010