SDC Councillors' Report - September 2026
August 31, 2026•1,167 words
Wotton-under-Edge, North Nibley & Stinchcombe
August is one of the quieter months of the civic year. But residents' casework still needs attention and training meetings are constant either on Teams or at Ebley Mill. Cllrs Kitchen, Braun & Cohen also attended the council meeting at Wotton-under-Edge.
Council meetings
No public SDC meetings were held in August. The Development Control Committee scheduled for the 25th was cancelled.
Other news
District Council by-election
An election will be held for Kingswood Ward (covering Kingswood, Alderley and Hillesley & Tresham parishes) on Wednesday 2 September, following the resignation of Cllr Holly Simkiss, for personal reasons. During the election period, councillors are not featured in council press releases or other publicity, in line with pre-election guidance.
Community fundraising workshops
Since the Stroud Funding project across Stroud district launched in 2024, more than £588,000 has been raised for community projects, thanks to over 3,500 local backers which have helped fund 30 successful projects so far. Projects have supported youth services, community growing work, arts initiatives, support networks and wider community benefits.
Ahead of the fourth round of Stroud Funding, two free workshops are planned for any community groups, charities or local organisations which would like to find out more about how the funding programme works, what support is available and how to give an application the best chance of success. Register here for the in person or online workshop:
9 September, 6pm to 7.30pm - at the Museum in the Park, Stratford Park, Stroud.
10 September, Online, 6pm to 7pm.
There's still time to support many Round 3 projects, including the project to fundraise for new play equipment for North Nibley Play Area:
New tourism film showcases Stroud district
A new promotional film celebrating Stroud district's unique mix of adventure, relaxation, nature, food and culture has been launched as part of a campaign to attract more visitors and support local businesses. Created by Stroud District Council, the film showcases the district as a destination where visitors can enjoy both excitement and tranquillity, highlighting spectacular landscapes, vibrant market towns, independent businesses and sustainable travel opportunities. Filmed over five days in June, the project featured local actors and showcased the places and experiences that make Stroud district unique. The crew visited 31 locations and covering 537 miles during filming.
The campaign is aimed primarily at 18 to 35-year-olds looking for a short break and supports the growing trend of micro-tourism - inspiring residents to explore destinations closer to home. A shorter version of the film is being used as a digital advert at rail stations along the Stonehouse to London train route. From 24 August, the advert will appear at Bristol Temple Meads, Swindon, Reading and London Paddington stations, helping to reach thousands of potential visitors while promoting sustainable travel by rail. Additional social media versions of the film will be released in spring 2027. The council worked closely with Visit Stroud which is hosting the film on a dedicated landing page where viewers can find further inspiration and practical information for planning a visit:
Opportunity for elections work in a polling station
Anyone interested in working in a polling station ahead of the Gloucestershire Council elections on 6 May 2027 is invited to visit Stroud District Council's mock polling station at Ebley Mill on Tuesday 22 September from 4pm to 6pm. The drop-in information event will give participants the opportunity to experience first-hand what polling station staff do on election day, such as issuing a ballot paper, reviewing photo ID, and asking questions of elections officers. It is suitable for people who have never worked in a polling station before, as well as experienced polling station staff looking to refresh their knowledge.
Stroud District Council sets up 105 polling stations during elections, serving more than 97,000 voters. To support this, the council typically recruits around 435 temporary polling station staff. In 2026, fees were £215.20 for a Poll Clerk and £304.20 for a Presiding Officer. These rates are agreed across Gloucestershire and are subject to change for the May 2027 elections. Training will be provided for all successful applicants before the election. For more information about polling station roles and to apply to become a Poll Clerk or Presiding Officer, visit the Elections staffing page on the Stroud District Council website:
Cotswolds Canals restoration project
After six years of planning, design and preparation, construction has officially begun on the Missing Mile Project – a landmark stage in reconnecting the historic Cotswold Canals to the national inland waterway network, passing underneath the M5 motorway. This will be one of the final missing links between the restored Stroudwater Navigation and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Once complete, it will bring the vision of a fully navigable canal another significant step closer.
Since securing planning permission in June 2024, the Project Team have worked extensively with National Highways, the Environment Agency, Natural England and local landowners to secure the wide range of permissions, licenses and land agreements required to deliver this nationally significant restoration project. The project is jointly led by Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust and is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Stratford Park Lido
The Lido reopened on Saturday 15th August, following extensive work on the 55 yard long pool tank which has been relined at each end and repainted throughout,refurbishment of the pool pump, and repointing of walls and paving. Book a swim online:
Community Governance Review
A Phase 1 Consultation continues until 9 September for a community governance review for the Parish and Town Council areas of Brimscombe and Thrupp, Chalford, Frampton on Severn, Great Oldbury, Minchinhampton, Standish, Upton St Leonards.
De-paving campaign
Stroud DC is supporting Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's de-paving campaign. This involves removing hard surfaces, like tarmac or paving slabs, and exchanging them for natural surfaces that rainwater can drain into. This allows water to filter into the soil, slowing the flow of water going into drains which reduces the pressure on them during storms and heavy rainfall. It also means water can recharge the groundwater supply, create areas of habitat for wildlife, removing pollutants from the water as they get trapped in the soil. Soil and gravel also allows wildlife to thrive. A pilot scheme has been running to support collection of paving in parts of Stroud. There's further information and guidance full guidance on how to depave at home online:
Council jobs
Numerous jobs being recruited for related to housing, community safety, museums, people management, trees, food, or helping residents access vital support:
Council email newsletter
If you'd like to keep up to date with council news, events, service updates and other local information for Stroud district, please sign up for the weekly email bulletin: Sign up here.
Prepared by Cllr Gareth Kitchen (Green) & Cllr Catherine Braun (Green) based on councillor activity in August with updates from Cllr Linda Cohen (Lib Dem).