Leader's blog - w/c 30 March 2026

The Government’s consultation on local government reorganisation for Gloucestershire has now ended – thanks to all those who participated. We expect to hear the decision in the Summer – one council for the county, an east-west split, or the proposed “donut” of a Greater Gloucester.

There are no council meetings this week and next, but the following week sees Strategy and Resources Committee on Thursday, April 16, and there’s an opportunity to submit questions to the committee by noon on Thursday, April 9.

Stratford Park Lido is on the agenda – we have significant work underway to re-examine the costs and other barriers to reopening the pool in the short term, and to understand whether there is any scope for reconsideration of its closure. We are also commissioning a full reassessment of the pool’s condition and the investment needed to secure its sustainable future. Our ongoing conversations with the Friends of Stratford Park Lido and the Save Our Lido Stroud campaign group are helping to shape the next steps, and we are also working with Stroud’s MP, Dr Simon Opher.

In other news, a plea to be alert to Direct Debit fraud, after a local person recently lost over £3,000 to the growing scam.  Stay safe by never sharing bank details with unexpected contacts, and keeping an eye out for unusual transactions. If anything doesn’t look right, contact your bank as soon as possible.

Finally, a very Happy Easter to everyone celebrating, and for most of us, enjoy a break over the extended weekend.

Waste and recycling collections will continue as normal - don’t forget to recycle your Easter egg packaging.

For inspiration over the Easter break, take a look at our list of low cost and free family activities across the district: Easter Holiday: Family Activities and Events Across the Stroud District