Leader's blog - w/c 27 April 2026

“This Thursday, Full Council meets with a full agenda. Following decisions at Strategy & Resources earlier this month, the lido will not be discussed, as budgets have already been agreed and officers are authorised to act if a safe and affordable way to open the outdoor pool this season can be found. Urgent work is underway on a costed plan to achieve this. The working group considering longer-term options for the outdoor pool also meets this week, and we’ll share the latest on both in our first fortnightly update on Thursday.

What Council will consider is options for wider investment at Stratford Park Leisure Centre, informed by extensive recent engagement with current and potential users. However, since this work was commissioned, the Council’s medium-term financial position has worsened significantly, due to the latest government settlement and the need to plan for local government reorganisation. As a result, options are more limited, but where possible we still want to respond to clear community demand. The recommendation is to invest existing budget in refreshing the busy gym, while continuing to identify further refurbishment opportunities where finances allow.

Also on the agenda is a request to proceed with the canal restoration under the M5 motorway — a major milestone for this important project. As ever, thanks go to the incredible host of volunteers supporting the Council, the Cotswold Canals Trust and our partner organisations in restoring the “Missing Mile” and the benefits for local heritage, wildlife, our communities and local economy.

With the bank holiday approaching, there’s plenty happening locally, from May Day festivals at Hawkwood and Woodchester Park, to the Amberley Cow Hunt, local beer festivals, the return of bands to Stratford Park bandstand, and a new wildlife photography exhibition at the Museum in the Park. I hope you have a lovely long weekend.”

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council