Mayor's Column

This week started with our Full Council meeting and a key part of that meeting included discussing the plans to develop the Cheapside Car Park and surrounding areas into housing.

I believe there is no question we need more housing in this country and current government policy refers to the benefits of building on car parks. In this case there are risks, considerations, and the opportunity for a major... Read More »

The week started with our Consultations & Highways Committee; a major item of discussion was the redevelopment of the former tax office on Merrywalks. It's likely that you've seen the increasing state of dilapidation and decay of this building that was bought by Ecotricity some years ago. It's a key gateway into the town and the opportunity to redevelop it and stop its deterioration is indeed welcome,... Read More »

Like any good business, a Town or Parish Council needs to keep a close eye on its duty to its employees and visitors, something that formed part of the Finance and Policy Committee meeting this week. This Committee only meets 4 times a year, but plays a leading role in not only scrutinising finances but the governance and compliance of the Council. We reviewed policies such as our Health & Safety... Read More »

Our recent Regeneration Working Group meeting was an opportunity to catch up on projects underway and plans for the future.

Progress on improving the Merrywalks Bus Hub covered steps and progress, with new bus shelters planned, Real Time Passenger Information and visual improvements. Regrettably, the County Council is not supporting improved toilet facilities that were a theme within their consultation's... Read More »

Guest Blog from Pete Bradshaw, Green Spaces Manager

As the Mayor's away this week, I've been asked to give a bit of an update on what we've been doing at the Council's Green Spaces Team. Over the last six years, the Green Spaces Team has been based at a builders' yard at the bottom end of Libby's Drive, a small lane just off the Slad Road. In January this year, we relocated to the recently purchased... Read More »

Firstly, I was delighted to be given the opportunity to open the new The Range store on the site of the former Homebase. This move has helped secure and create jobs and is not too far from the town centre that it cannot easily be reached on foot. They are certainly using the space well and it fills a void in the town offering from the collapse of Wilko and the exit of Halfords (to a degree) too. I... Read More »

Firstly, I'd like to thank Community Solidarity Stroud District who organised the Holocaust Memorial Day event on Sunday, and for inviting me to speak. It was very focusing to listen to the speeches from groups and members of our community, across multiple faiths and from different experiences. It was standing-room only in Lansdown Hall with a common view – we must learn from the past and be... Read More »

On Holocaust Memorial Day we mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. These anniversaries remind us of the darkest depths of human cruelty, but also of the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit.

As we remember the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, we honour the memory of the millions who perished and the survivors... Read More »

With the break well and truly behind us, it has been a busy week this week.

First, I was delighted to officially open Anjola's in Threadneedle Street on Saturday. This is their second shop (the first being in Gloucester) where their African supermarket sells Afro-Caribbean food, clothing, homewares, cosmetics and more. Stroud has an amazing diversity of shops and Anjola's is a welcome addition to this... Read More »

Our meetings restart next week, so this week my thoughts have been with those who may be struggling post-Christmas. With the current cold snap, checking on neighbours to ensure they're well and offering help if they're struck down with the latest, nasty flu bug that seems to be doing the rounds at the moment.

The weather has certainly made a turn towards the very cold, with some flurries of snow on... Read More »