Leader's blog - w/c 13 April 2026

"Strategy & Resources Committee meets this Thursday, 16 April, the next opportunity to discuss the future of Stratford Park lido. The council is focussed on whether and how we could get the pool open this season, alongside action to maintain it for future seasons. There’s lots of work underway to identify exactly what’s needed to address the most pressing safety concerns, and SDC has commissioned a health and safety report which is expected to be considered by the committee. It’s been valuable to have local experts - including those within the Save Our Stroud Lido campaign group - to add to the process. We’re still mindful of the need for a secure long-term future for the pool, which may involve a transition to community ownership, as with many outdoor pools around the country. Having volunteered with Wotton-under-Edge Outdoor Pool in the past, I’ve seen first-hand how a committed community group can transform a municipal asset over time, so that it has a thriving future. But as I say, our first priority is to get the pool back open and to keep it that way.

Stroud’s Museum in the Park is well worth a visit between now and Sunday 26 April, while it hosts Gloucestershire Printmaking Coop’s ‘Print in the Park’ exhibition: pieces responding to the Museum’s grounds and collections. The exhibition will be accompanied by a Spring Print Fair on 18 & 19 April.

Finally, with bird nesting season well underway, a request of dog walkers on our Stroud commons: please keep your dog on a short lead between now and 31 July, to protect ground-nesting birds like our precious skylarks. A short lead also minimises damage to wildflowers in this key period prior to seeding. Not long now until the cows return, and I’m looking forward to celebrating the traditional Marking Day with the National Trust on Saturday 16 May – more details to follow."

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council