SDC Leader's blog - w/c 20 October 2025
"Full council this Thursday, and a busy agenda. We’ll be reviewing our Licencing Policy, agreeing the broad principles of our budget strategy for 2026/7, considering the county’s strategy for tackling domestic abuse, looking at some proposed changes to the council’s constitution, and debating a motion around the provision of financial information to members. I’ll be joined by Emilia, a local sixth form student, and I’m looking forward to hearing her views on the papers.
Last week, it was lovely to mark the transfer of the historic Grade II* Listed Brunel Goods Shed to Stroud Valleys Artspace, something long in the planning. SVA have fantastic plans for the building, including improved access, energy efficiency and audience comfort, and the expansion of their exciting arts and community work. For the Council, the transfer is a significant step in the wider regeneration of the Stroud Station Quarter. We are working in partnership with Gloucestershire County Council, Stroud Town Council, Great Western Railway, Network Rail and London and Continental Railways to deliver a shared vision for the area, which serves as a vital gateway to the town and a future connection between the canal and the high street.
As part of our commitment to make it as easy as possible to move around our district without a car, did you know we have funded and installed over 200 bike stands over the past couple of years, in partnership with the charity Life Cycle? We still have some funding, so if your small business or community organisation would like up to five ‘Sheffield’ stands installed at your premises, let us know: https://www.lifecycle.org.uk/for-employers/take-a-stand#stroud
We have the Stroud Half Marathon and 10k coming up this Sunday morning (26th October), so be aware that there will be road closures from 9am. Very good luck to all those running!"
Cllr Chloe Turner, Leader