Leader's blog w/c 22 June 2026

At the Strategy & Resources Committee last week, there was a good turnout by Stonehouse residents and councillors to hear a discussion on transferring council land at the former Ship Inn site in Stonehouse to the Town Council. Over the past four years, a tremendous amount of work has been done by community members, the District and Town Council officers and in particular, the Ship Inn Community Enterprise (SpICE) group to develop the vision for this key green space along the canal and A419.

There’s now an exciting programme of family-friendly and fun events hosted there on the first Sunday of each month. At the meeting, we reviewed the recommendations and I was pleased to see unanimous support for transfer of the site to the community in Stonehouse. 

The next big event at the Ship Inn Community Space, on 5 July, will be part of the Stonehouse Canal Festival from 12-4 pm, which is well worth a visit. 

Given the latest heatwave, do take a look at the Water Safety Code, which we have been promoting as part of Drowning Prevention Week, working with the Royal Life Saving Society, to encourage everyone to think about staying safe round water.

At the Active Lifestyles centres in Dursley and Stroud, the Summer Passport will soon be available again for children, teens and students.  Costing £37 for six weeks, the Passport provides a discount on activities, including unlimited swimming, inflatable fun, fitness classes, gym sessions and activities for children.  

Repair works are progressing well at the Lido in Stratford Park, with updates provided fortnightly on the council’s website and Facebook.  

Finally, I was delighted to see Meningitis Now named as the council Charity of the Year.  Based in Stroud, Meningitis Now does vital work for people affected by meningitis and funds life-saving research.  

Drowning Prevention Week https://www.facebook.com/strouddistrictcouncil/posts/pfbid0hAUU1N91NLVXp4Z2Avnn6absJE9ffckqcd1V1VUaDcZKu2x1ddLJh5tR5zE4pF7Gl

Stonehouse Canal Festival: https://www.visitstroud.uk/events/stonehouse-canal-festival-2026)

Councillor Catherine Braun, SDC Deputy Leader