Column by the leader of Stroud District Council, Doina Cornell.

I’m sure a lot of local businesses were pleased to be able to open their doors to customers again this week as the restrictions eased for non-essential retail, and I would like to pay tribute to all those who have worked so hard to get preparations in place to make this happen as safely as it can.

Our district officers have been liaising with the county council and town councils as between us we share responsibility for public spaces. It is only a small step, and I know many of us are still restricted due to being shielded, but at least it is a start.

It is tough to read the news about how our local economies are likely to suffer long term as a result of this crisis, so we all need to do our best to spend local and keep our high streets going.

Some practical steps we’ve taken as a council are to help include – reopening the public toilets in Stroud town centre and Stratford Park, Dursley, Nailsworth and Stonehouse, and disabled toilets in Wotton-under-Edge.

We’ve also drawn up a useful guide on how to work safely, for employers, employees and the self-employed: stroud.gov.uk/workingsafely.

Stroud Chamber of Trade has produced some great resources for traders to help them too and are sharing these with other towns in the district: stroudchamber.org.uk/coronavirus

A reminder also to apply online by midnight 21st June 2020 if you might be eligible for the Business Discretionary Grant Fund: stroud.gov.uk/business/business-rates