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

The diversity of Stroud District’s people, their views and beliefs, are reflected in the fact our Council is a ‘no overall control’ council where no one political party has a majority. Throughout the pandemic all four political group leaders have met regularly to get updates on the council’s work in relation to the pandemic response, and work together to ensure resources go where most needed.

With most of us stuck at home, much of the council’s work isn’t so visible, but for example, Environmental Health Officers and Community Protection Officers have visited over 100 supermarkets and retail outlets recently, as well as dealing with complaints about non-compliance. Most local businesses have really stepped up and compliance with Covid safety measures has been high. A reminder that anyone who has concerns about compliance can contact our Environmental Health team by emailing environmental.health@stroud.gov.uk or by calling 01453 766321,

Our neighbourhood wardens will follow up concerns for example recently at the numbers of people who are driving to the beauty spots resulting in parking problems.

The council is undertaking a review of leisure and wellbeing across the whole district and to help get this right we want to know how and where people use leisure facilities as we make plans for provision over the next 20 years. You can take part in the Leisure and Wellbeing survey which runs until 12 February. Access to the survey is via this link: tinyurl.com/stroudcommunity

Housing and Environment Committees both had meetings this week with important items on the agenda including the programmes of decarbonisation of council homes and sheltered housing modernisation, an updated waste collection policy, and extending the contract with Ubico.