Stroud District Council leader's diary

It’s been a long time coming but we finally saw some sunshine this week and over the bank holiday weekend although by the time you read this it may have all changed.

One of the services provided by our environmental health team is an animal welfare service, which is often referred to as the dog warden service. At this time of year they are keen to remind dog owners to close gates and doors to stop their pets escaping and to ensure that they wear their collars with tags.

It is also a good idea to have them microchipped. Stray dogs are a big problem at this time of year as the weather warms up after winter – a particularly prolonged one this year. For advice on microchipping you can call our animal welfare officers on 01453 754478.

Tuesday, May 7 – Jobs and growth

One of a series of internal meetings between senior officers from across all areas of the council and current executive councillors to focus us on what we do and, more importantly what we can do in the future to promote economic activity in the district.

The latest meeting covered the work of the council’s planning, development control and environmental health services. Population growth and its increasingly aging profile, employment land and land for housing are all major considerations for these teams to deliver strategic plans for the long-term benefit of the economy, as is ensuring standards and safety for businesses and the public.

Whilst controversial planning applications will always hit the headlines, the work that goes on behind the scenes to create foundations for strong economic activity from these teams often goes unnoticed.

Thursday, May 16 – Council AGM, 7pm

I mentioned this meeting last week and how it will introduce a new committee system of decision making with the aim to engage more councillors from all parties in decision making. This meeting will iron out a revised constitution for the council and elect members to the appropriate committees.

Additionally, this shake-up to how we do things will also have a positive side-effect in that the changes will lead to significant financial savings as responsibilities, and consequently councillor’s allowances, are spread more evenly across the 51 elected councillors.

You can watch the meeting live online at www.stroud.gov.uk/webcast

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