Stroud Town Council

07/09/2026

From the Mayor's blog... 🗣️👇🏼

It's not too early to talk about Christmas, because last week Stroud Town Council brought together some of the many people and organisations who help make Stroud Goodwill the success it is year after year. Before anyone gets too hot under the collar, the festive season is now just 13 weeks away!

What was clear from the meeting is that Stroud Goodwill doesn't happen through Christmas magic alone. It is made possible by an extraordinary network of volunteers, artists, performers, schools, community groups, traders, market organisers, venues and local organisations who give their time, energy and expertise to create something special for the whole town.

The discussions were overwhelmingly positive. Stakeholders reflected on what has worked well in previous years, shared ideas for new activities, and explored how to make the event even more accessible, welcoming and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. There was particular enthusiasm for increasing community involvement and strengthening connections between different parts of the town.

In challenging times, events like Stroud Goodwill are more important than ever. They bring people together, support local businesses, create opportunities for community groups, and provide moments of joy and connection for people of all ages. From the Lantern Parade and Christmas Tree Festival to the markets, performers and, of course, Santa, Goodwill helps showcase the very best of Stroud.

Planning is now well underway, and there is a shared ambition to make this year's celebration the best yet. So make sure Friday 4 December 2026 is in your diary and join us for a town-wide free festive spectacular illuminated by lights, creativity and community spirit.

Most of all, thank you to everyone who volunteers, organises, performs and contributes behind the scenes. Stroud Goodwill belongs to the whole community, and it simply wouldn't happen without you.

03/09/2026

Looking to break into the environmental sector but can’t afford to volunteer? 🌿

The Cotswolds National Landscape is offering another paid placement week for young people aged 18–25.

Participants will learn a range of hands-on skills while earning £13.45 per hour plus subsidised travel and outdoor workwear. 🌱

📅 Monday 19 October – Friday 23 October 2026
📍 Cirencester
⏰ 10am – 4pm

This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to build confidence, gain transferable skills, and explore a future environmental career pathway.

Places are limited so apply soon!

Click the link in the comments to learn more and download an application form. 👇🏼🔗

01/09/2026

Stroud Town Council meetings in September 📅👇🏼

Everyone is welcome and they are a chance to hear updates, ask questions, and learn more about the council’s work across different areas. 💬

We publish meeting papers on our website a week in advance, and notes (minutes) are shared after each meeting so you can catch up on what’s been discussed. All STC documents can be found in the ‘documents’ section of our website. 🔍

📌Communities
Monday 7 September, 7:30pm
Council Chamber

📌Consultations
Monday 14 September, 7:30pm
Council Chamber

📌Finance, Policy & Programme
Tuesday 15 September, 7:30pm
Council Chamber

📌Full Council
Monday 28 September, 7:30pm
Council Chamber

If you’d like to get involved, please come along. If you have any questions or any access or support needs which will help you to take part, please get in touch.

📞01453 762817
📩[email protected]

26/08/2026

📣 UPDATE: GCC has confirmed that the correct closure information:
From Tesco Petrol Station to Stratford Court Stables (just before the roundabout), 7am to 6pm on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September

Road closure notice 🚧

We've been advised that Stratford Road (A4171) will be partially closed from the roundabout by Tesco Petrol Station to its junction with Jack Russell Close.

📅 7am to 6pm on Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th September.

If we hear of any updates we will let you know. Please visit Gloucestershire Roads for up to date information on road closures.

26/08/2026

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝘄 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲? 🌟

Trinity Rooms Community Hub is looking for volunteers to help run its Friday Youth Club from 4 September.

📅 Fridays
⏰ 4pm to 6pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm

The sessions provide a safe, welcoming space for young people aged 11 to 17, with activities, support and somewhere to connect with others. It's a great opportunity to get involved in the community and make a real difference to the lives of local young people.

No previous experience is needed, but all volunteers will need to undergo safeguarding checks. ✅

Whether you can help every week or just occasionally, they'd love to hear from you.

📧 Email [email protected] to find out more.

18/08/2026

𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 / 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱! 📣

Update: We've made some changes to the project requirements to help ensure the best outcome for the community. Please take a look at the updated Terms of Reference (in the comments below) and note that the deadline has been extended.

We're looking for a landscape architect or designer to transform a green space in Paganhill into a welcoming, practical and attractive place for local people. 🌿

The project will be shaped by local residents through a programme of community engagement. We're looking for someone who can take the ideas, needs and ambitions identified by the community and turn them into an achievable design that supports biodiversity and celebrates what makes Paganhill special. 🌟

📌 New application deadline: 12pm (midday) on Friday 4th September 2026
📌 Full project brief and application details on our website – link in comments 👇🏼

Please share this opportunity with anyone who might be interested!

17/08/2026

🎉 The wait is over. Stratford Park Lido is open!

It was wonderful to see so many people celebrating the reopening of this much-loved community space. With a brand new mural, a new outdoor cafe area, and the water a balmy 21°C, it was great way to open the gates. 🍦

A huge well done to everyone who helped make it happen, and to all those who came along over the weekend. 👏🏼

Fancy a swim? Check Active Lifestyles Stroud for opening hours and booking information. They reserve 20% of sessions for walk-ins, so you can still pop along and take the plunge on the day. 🏊‍♀️☀️

17/08/2026

From the Mayor's blog... 🗣️

As discussed in previous columns, elections for Gloucestershire's new ‘’unitary authority’’ will take place next May. By May 2028, that council will have replaced both Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud District Council, bringing the biggest change to local government in a generation.

Where similar reorganisations have happened elsewhere, town councils have often found themselves taking on services and assets previously managed by larger councils. That's why Stroud Town Council is already preparing, looking at how we can help protect the parks, leisure facilities, public toilets and other services that matter most to our community.
Last week, members of our staff team visited Yeovil Town Council in Somerset, which went through the same process three years ago. We are extremely grateful for the time their staff spent sharing their experiences and giving us advice as we begin our journey.

Following Somerset's reorganisation in 2023, Yeovil Town Council was given the opportunity to take on a wide range of local assets, including the beautiful Yeovil Country Park, which covers 157 acres; Yeovil Recreation Centre, with its golf course, Olympic-sized athletics arena, football pitches, tennis courts and amazing play area; and Westlands Entertainment Centre, including full-sized theatre, bar/café and meeting rooms. Their unitary was under severe financial pressure and the town council had only a limited time to decide what they wanted to rescue before some services faced closure or mothballing.

Community involvement was key, and Yeovil now works with around 90 volunteers across its expanded range of services and assets. Without this support, Yeovil’s highly-valued local facilities would simply not be the thriving successes they are today.

Yeovil’s experience also highlighted the importance of having a balanced mix of assets. Income from facilities such as cafés, bars and cultural venues can help fund important community services that do not generate much income, such as community centres, parks and leisure facilities. Yeovil Town Council increased council tax to take on assets and services, but income from these assets helped keep the increase low. Residents supported the decision because they recognised the value of keeping these assets under local ownership. Of course, as in Stroud, those most economically vulnerable are exempt from council tax and therefore were not expected to contribute towards the increase.

For Stroud, the message from Yeovil is encouraging. The reorganisation of our councils will undoubtedly mean challenges, difficult choices and a great deal of work. But it also creates opportunities to bring decisions closer to local people and strengthen local control over the places and services we value.

Last year, Stroud Town Council made a formal commitment to working closely with our community. As plans for our reorganisation develop, we'll be asking you what matters most to you in Stroud, and your guidance will help us prioritise.

If there was one piece of advice from Yeovil that summed everything up, it was this: be brave, be prepared, and help shape the future you want, rather than waiting for someone else to shape it for you.

14/08/2026

Stratford Park Lido opens this weekend! See the new mural, hear live music at the opening ceremony, and make a big splash! 💦

Book online at Active Lifestyles Stroud or turn up on the day - they are reserving 20% for walk-ins.

Well done to everyone involved in making this happen! 🤩

💙YES ! Opening day is TOMORROW!💙

Stratford Park Lido reopens THIS WEEKEND — and we can’t wait! ☀️🙌🏊

🤩Saturday 15 August — Official opening ceremony 10:30am on the for-court, mural reveal and live music with Moonlighting Band to welcome you!🎵🏊🎤

🎶 Sunday 16 August — Poolside with Los Domingos ❤️

Who are you bringing—and what are you most excited about: the first swim, the mural or the music? Tell us below! 👇💙🏊

*Book your swim from 9am Sat - 10am Sunday 👉 My Active Lifestyles online / app or pick up the phone 📞01453 766771 - Click on the link ! 👇
Active Lifestyles Stroud

*There’s plenty of availability throughout the weekend now capacity has been increased! Why not also start your day with poolside yoga at 7am Saturday 🧘‍♀️

*Also 20% walk-ins too if you’re not sure about your plans - Do join us ! 💙🏊💙



Moonlighting band

14/08/2026

🔥 If you've noticed the smell of smoke in the air today, please don't be alarmed.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that reports of smoke being seen and smelled across the county are linked to a significant fire in South Wales, with the wind carrying smoke into Stroud.

Most people won't experience any problems, but if you have asthma, COPD, or another respiratory condition, you may find the smoke irritating. If possible, keep windows and doors closed and limit time outdoors if the smoke is affecting you.

With the current dry weather, please take extra care. If you see or suspect a fire, call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service. 🚒

We have been receiving reports from residents across Gloucestershire that they are seeing and smelling smoke.

After carrying out investigations, we believe this is due to the significant fire in South Wales, with prevailing winds carrying smoke across the county.

If it is particularly noticeable in your area, you may wish to minimise the opening of windows and doors as a precaution.

With the current very dry conditions, we urge residents to remain vigilant and take extra care to help prevent fires. If you see or suspect a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service.