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

As restrictions continue to affect us all, I hope I can speak for many to say a big thank you to everyone who continues to follow the guidelines, the caution we apply now is going to help us all in the long term return to normality.

As vaccinations start to be given this week, it feels as if there is more hope ahead, and we can all be especially proud of the fact this medical discovery that has saved millions of lives came about thanks to Edward Jenner from Berkeley.

If you want to find out more about him, do check out the Jenner Museum at jennermuseum.com or follow their virtual advent calendar on Twitter @DrJennersHouse

With such amazing heritage in our district, no wonder pride in where we live remains so high, which came across once again in the SDC annual residents and businesses survey results that have just been released this week.

500 local people and 200 businesses chosen at random from across the district were asked for their views.

94% of people felt satisfied with where they live, and it was also good to see that 81% were satisfied with how SDC runs things, which is our highest rating in the last few years.

There is always room for improvement, and responding to those areas where local people are telling us we could do better is essential.

The other important result was that this year people’s top priority is making sure our local economy and communities are thriving and healthy.

On Thursday at full council, we are being asked to support a motion on food justice, and work with partners to set up a food partnership to address the causes of food poverty in our district. It is a sad reflection of our times that people still go hungry, and I know many organisations are working hard to make sure no one is left out over Christmas.