SDC Leader's blog - w/c 15 December 2025

“It’s been lovely to see towns across our district lit up with twinkling Christmas displays, many of them supported by the council’s Market Town Vitality Fund, and to see our high streets, pubs and restaurants busy. Shopping locally has a multiplier effect that brings prosperity to our wider local community, and spending your pounds at independent shops and hospitality businesses does this best of all. Giving memberships to our local arts, sports, nature and heritage organisations is another great way to boost our local community.

One way to ease the pressure on household budgets is to make vintage stores and charity shops your first port of call for presents. Buying some gifts second-hand is good for your wallet, and helps reduce waste, keeping valuable resources in circulation. If you’re in Stroud, check out the new Stroud Vintage Shopping Trail on the Visit Stroud website.

Our Ubico crews are gearing up for their busiest time, so please be patient if your collection takes a little longer than usual. Waste & recycling volumes rise significantly over Christmas, especially packaging and food waste - nearly 200,000 tonnes of food are wasted across the UK in the festive period alone. For tips on to save money and reduce food waste this Christmas visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com, and check out the Waste Wizard for alternative ways to dispose of household items and keep them out of the incinerator.

Some waste and recycling dates are changing over the festive period. If your collection would fall on Christmas Day, it will be collected early, on Monday 22nd. If your collection would fall on Boxing Day, it will be collected the following Monday, 29th December. And if your collection would fall on New Year’s Day, it will be collected on Monday 5 January. All other collection days remain the same. 

Wishing you all a peaceful festive break.”

Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council