COLUMN by Stroud District Council leader Catherine Braun. 

The proposed closure of the ticket office at Stroud railway station is a real concern for many people, and there are still a few more days to have your say on the consultation, which closed on 1st September.

I’m worried about the impact that the ticket office closure would have on people travelling from Stroud, particularly those who prefer to buy a ticket in person rather than online, and everyone who relies on the excellent service provided by staff at the station ticket office.

At a local level, it’s important that the council continues to be responsive to views and feedback, through consultations and surveys, and I’m pleased to see that there are three surveys currently open, on canals, public spaces (on the council’s website www.stroud.gov.uk), and on children’s holiday activities (on the council’s social media channels).

First, the canal survey asks for your experience of the two linked Cotswold canals: the Stroudwater Canal (from Saul Junction to Wallbridge in Stroud) and Thames & Severn Canal (from Wallbridge to Brimscombe) - whether or not you’ve ever used or visited them, to help track awareness and attitudes towards the canals.

Another consultation asks for views to help the council decide whether to further extend the current Public Spaces Protection Orders, which aim to reduce anti-social behaviour in Stroud and Dursley, by stopping people drinking alcohol in public spaces.

Finally, as we approach the end of the school holidays, we’d welcome feedback from young people and parents about the summer activity programme, organised through the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Scheme. Please do have your say!