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

Local elections have now been confirmed for May 6 and it will be the role of district council officers to oversee all aspects of the elections and ensure they can go ahead safely.

There will be elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner, County Council and District Council, and in some wards there may also be Town or Parish Council elections and Neighbourhood Planning Referendums.

This is your chance to have your say, so if you are eligible to vote, make sure you are registered at gov.uk/registertovote by 19 April.

Polling stations will be set up along covid-safe guidelines, but if you’d prefer to vote early and vote safely, it is easy to apply for a postal vote, applications must be in by 20 April.

For further information visit stroud.gov.uk/elections or call 01453 766321.

The annual Stroud District Council news will be sent out to all households in the district from next week, with information on all the services the council provides as well as an update on some of the council’s priorities. I mentioned last week how SDC stepped in to help unblock the Littlecombe brownfield site in Dursley, and we’re leading on another major regeneration site on the other side of the district at Brimscombe Port. Did you know that Brimscombe Port was once the country’s largest inland port linking trade right across the heart of the country.

Bringing the port back into use is a long process, but a significant milestone has been reached with planning permission for the necessary infrastructure works being sought next week. You can read more here: stroud.gov.uk/environment/brimscombe-port

Finally here are a few covid safe ideas to inspire you: stroud.gov.uk/news-archive/eight-fun-activities-to-keep-children-entertained-during-half-term