Leader's blog w/c 25 May 2026

"Councillors will shortly make a decision on additional investment in Stratford Park Lido, as we work to reopen it safely this summer. As the detailed costings for works to the 90-year-old pool look set to exceed £200,000, we need to go back to councillors – as we said we would – to obtain their support for extra revenue spend.

Given the urgency, an extraordinary meeting of the Strategy and Resources Committee to do this will take place on 3 June, with papers published on 26 May. Officers and the engineering working group continue to focus on getting the site operational as quickly and safely as possible, while a larger group of community stakeholders has now met twice to take forward discussions about the outdoor pool’s longer term future. Our fortnightly updates continue as promised, with the next due on 28 May.

Nearby at Archway School, we’re making more investment in local facilities: the new 3G pitch opened last week, and I was delighted to join the celebrations. This brilliant project has been delivered through partnership working between the school, the Football Foundation, Stroud District Council (which contributed £150,000 of Community Infrastructure Funding in support) and other key stakeholders. The high-quality, all-weather facility is much needed for both the school and the wider district community.

Also last week, we held our Annual Council meeting, where councillors confirmed key appointments for the year ahead including committee roles and civic positions. I was honoured to be reappointed as Leader for a second term, alongside Deputy Leader Catherine Braun, and we look forward to working together for you for another year.

Finally, with half term upon us, do check the council’s website and social media channels for our list of free and low-cost activities for families across the district. I hope everyone taking time off this week has a restful break."

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council