June 21 - The Queen’s Speech

In last week’s diary I mentioned that the council will be relying on retaining income from business rates to offset the reduction in government grants.

It was worrying therefore, to hear in the Queen’s Speech that the government appears to have shelved the Local Government Finance Bill which was making its way through parliament before the general election.

It’s vital that the government confirms its intentions on this issue and provide certainty around the future of local government funding.

Thursday, June 29 - environment committee, Ebley Mill, 7pm

The environment committee has a packed agenda, including a report on the Stroud District Cycling and Walking Plan.

The council has already committed £300,000 towards this and we’re in an enviable position having the canal and its towpaths running through the district which are already popular with cyclists who use them for both leisure and commuting to work.

To watch a recording of this, or any council meeting, visit stroud.gov.uk/webcasts.

Stratford Park lido survey

During last week’s heat wave the outdoor lido at Stratford Park was the natural choice for many people to spend their time.

It was a fitting time to launch a survey which gives local residents the chance to shape the future of Stroud’s iconic outdoor pool.

One of the suggestions given is to heat the pool which starts each day at a bracing 15 degrees.

I was intrigued to learn that the pool was originally heated when it was built in the 1930’s, however the metal heating pipes were dismantled and sent off as part of Stroud’s war effort.

A group of volunteers are behind the survey, together with the district council and Stroud Town Council, and the results will form part of a funding bid to help ensure the future of the pool for future generations.

To take part in the survey and be in with a chance to win a three-month membership to Stratford Park leisure centre visit stroud.gov.uk/lido.

Summer activities for 5-12 year olds

Bookings are open for our summer events programme for children.

Although district councils don’t run schools, as part of our commitment to health and well-being we do provide summer activities for schoolchildren over the holidays.

Parents who want their children to enjoy supervised, creative and active days can do so via our Kapers play scheme.

Whilst there is a charge, it is a fraction of the cost of childcare and the days promise to engage and entertain children with activities such as arts and crafts, games, competitions, drama, music, sports and activities.

The scheme runs at Maidenhill School in Stonehouse for two weeks from July 31 – August 11 and Thomas Keble School in Eastcombe for two weeks from August 14-25.

Visit kapers.org.uk or call 01453 754508 for more information.